Of course I WILL get to the finish line of this pregnancy...and once I am there I will have what I am anticipating is the biggest physical and mental challenge of my life... labor and delivery. Strange as it sounds I am excited for that. It has been so long since I was able to train or race that I am actually craving the pain and suffering that is to come. I'm sure I'll eat my words once it starts...but for now I am just looking forward to the 'event'.
I'm also looking forward to all the things people are telling me to enjoy the absence of right now. The constant needs of a newborn, the night time feedings, the crying and lack of time for myself. I have waited a long time to become a mom and none of those things are unappealing to me. Again, I'm sure at some point I'll eat these words ;) As far as parenthood goes, we might speculate on what we think it will be like, but we really don't have a clue. All I know is we are a great team and will be able to handle the challenges as they come.
D has been the best husband through this pregnancy and I can't wait to see him as a dad. He has been so loving and nurturing to me through this all and I know he is going to be an amazing father. I can't put into words how much it means to have him tell me everyday how I'm doing a great job growing this baby, that I'm the most beautiful pregnant woman he's ever seen, and that he is proud of me.
At this point, beautiful isn't how I would describe myself. I go from pyjamas to sweats and one of a handful of oversized shirts that barely fit. I am swollen and the bags under my eyes grow deeper every week. Uninterrupted sleep is a thing of the past- and I guess the point is to get used to it! The night before last I got up a record 8 times to pee. And despite that I would rank it as a 'good' night's sleep since I didn't have to get up to eat or pace the floors for hours unable to get back to sleep.
Speaking of night eating, in almost 10 years of endurance sport training I never once had to get up in the middle of the night to quell a growling stomach. Yet through this pregnancy it has become a regular mealtime for me- ranging from 2am-4am. This is how I know I have D's son in my belly- his appetite is like his dad's already!
At our 36week growth scan we were told he is perfect and measures right on target for dates. At the time he was 6.2lbs which had him sitting at the 43 percentile. Now, 2 weeks later, he likely weighs around 7.5 pounds... another reason I am anxious to get this party started. I'm afraid of the possibility of another 2 pounds of growth!
They say lots of walking can trigger labor but I don't think it applies when you've been doing it through pregnancy. I've managed to exercise nearly every day- the last trimester only walking and swimming- so my body is actually dependant on it, rather than shocked by it. I did 5km on the treadmill and only managed two braxton hicks contractions... not impressive.
In any case, I can't force nature so I will continue to do a crappy job of waiting. At least I know what I am waiting for is worth every minute :)
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| Photo by Suzanne Sagmeister Photography |
