Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Pregnancy Journal: The Calm Before The Storm









From 5 Minutes for Parentin

By Kelly

If all goes according to plan, I am one week away from having a baby.

Of course, I'm aware that life can change in a heartbeat. I know the simple statement above is fraught with potential for disruption.

But in the meantime, I'm going with it.

Having a plan puts my mind at ease. I've done all I can do to ensure that Baby Boy's arrival is stress-free and seamless for our family.

All that's left to do is wait and enjoy the relative peace and quiet of the now. Over the years, I've learned the last few weeks of a pregnancy are particularly sensory for me. Suddenly, the details of daily life are unbearably sweet, and I can't soak them up enough.

I readily agree to another game of Uno! with my six-year-old son, because I know the time is coming when I won't have a free hand.

I savor the moments spent with my eight-year-old daughter when she tells me about the latest Puppy Place book she's reading. When did my firstborn get to be such a beautiful and independent girl?

And my two-year-old. Oh my goodness. The baby who's about to be displaced. She is a jewel, lately, always discovering, always delighted at life. On the days when it's just her and me, I play Little People and read books and let her "hep" me with the laundry until I feel I could die from the sweetness. And then at nap time, I lay down with her in my bed and tuck my arm under her head and hold her so close I can smell the shampoo locked in her curls. She rubs my arm and hums a song and gently falls alseep on my pillow, her body curled toward mine like a sleeping newborn.

I know it's really just the calm before the storm. In seven days (or less), we will transform from a family of five to a family of six and we will celebrate the new little one who is already so treasured.

In the meantime, I will treasure this week, when life is as tangible as the belly I wear and even more precious.

Kelly is 38 weeks pregnant with her fourth and final baby. She is scheduled to be induced next Wednesday, May 12. You can read more about her family at her personal blog, Love Well.

9 comments:

  1. Good luck with your induction! I wish you a peaceful and relaxing next week with your family!

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  2. i will be praying for you and wish you a wonderful new family!

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  3. Oh, I'm practically crying. Today is our big day! And our families are quite similar, except I have a 7 yo daughter squeezed in between the 8 yo daughter and 6 yo son, and a 4 yo son before the 2 yo daughter. :) I do pray that y'all have a peaceful week filled with love and excitement and special days.

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  4. Yes! I know what you mean. That knowledge that as much as you welcome new life, life will probably never be this simple again. Nothing like that thought to give you perspective on any current chaos around the home! Good for you for consciously savoring the moment.

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  5. Sounds like you're having a perfect week. I know next week will be perfect as well.

    Best,

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  6. I totally remember those days right before Peabody was born. I hope you have a wonderful week soaking up NOW. I'm so excited to meet your new little guy and know his name and see pictures of him! Hugs and hugs and hugs! M

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  7. The day has finally come! I wish you and the family much happiness. I'm sure the kids will love the new addition to the family.

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  8. I have been having those moments too! We are scheduled for 6-8, so all those moments with #1 I think are just a little more precious, because I know the transition will be difficult for both of us, as he is VERY MUCH a Momma's boy.
    Praying that all goes well for you and your family, and the blessing that is coming!

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  9. Ohhhh - sending love and prayers!!!

    My two year old is taking my breath away too with her sweetness. Just delicious!!!

    Congratulations :)

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