Observations…

About a week and a half ago, I had my 36 week midwifery appointment.  This one was the home visit, where my midwifery team comes to our house to see the set up/layout of things, etc.  And to talk about the birth as well as answer any questions that our family that will be there might have as well.  I was very excited for this appointment… I had all of the supplies gathered, etc. and I was excited for my mom and everyone to meet Julie and Jen. 

Henry goes with us every week to our appointments with “Miss Julie.”  Recently, when I asked if Henry wanted to feel the baby moving, he pressed his hands all over my stomach turning them this way and that, feeling all over.  When I asked what he was doing, he said, “Just like Julie.”  It took me a couple of seconds to make the connection.  He had been observing how Jen and Julie pressed on my abdomen to feel the baby’s position each week.  That was the first time he even said Julie’s name… I was so shocked about how much he observes and absorbs!

Since then, he went with me to a chiropractic appointment (the first I’ve had in about six months).  Usually he just cries while I get adjusted, but this time, he followed Dr. J around and around the table, imitating all the things the doc was doing.  Dr. J checked my feet, then Henry checked my feet.  Dr. J rubbed a spot on my leg, Henry rubbed my leg too.  It was too funny. 

Henry was excited to listen to my heart beat at my 36 week appointment, and Jen helped him check my blood pressure.  Then at my last appointment (back in Julie’s office), while Julie and Jen were measuring me and feeling the baby’s position, Henry went and found the feto-scope, and was already standing on the stool with it in his ears (correctly), and the scope end on my belly to hear the baby’s heart.  None of us even saw him grab the feto-scope.  Now we’re all wondering if Henry will become a midwife or maybe a chiropractor.  I wouldn’t be sad to have either in the family. 

Henry’s not the only one who’s been making observations lately though.  For the first seven or so months of my pregnancy, I’ve been saying I wanted to have the baby later than my due date… like around the 14th of July or so.  Mostly I just don’t want the baby to be born on the 4thof July, or anywhere near that weekend.  Not that there’s anything wrong with it, except I keep thinking of birthday parties when they’re growing up and friends not being able to come because they’ll be barbecueing or camping with their families instead.  I’d like his/her birthdays to be special each year, and of course, I’m personally sensitive to being born near a holiday. 

But in the last month or two, I’ve decided I’d rather the baby come early than late.  Like next week would be ideal.  This is for a couple of reasons… one is that it’s not too close to the 4th.  And two is because the weather has been so nice… cool, rainy, breezy.  I really don’t want to be in the sweltering July heat while in labor (especially with no a/c)! 

So for about the last four weeks I’ve been telling Julie and Jen that I think the baby will come around week 38 (next week).  They and Rick kept laughing at me, and telling me not to get my hopes up.  I know that most women make it at least until their due dates.  But this week at my appointment (37 weeks and 3 days), Julie opened the door and observed that I “look done.” 

Ok… I don’t know exactly what “looking done” means.  If you’ve ever seen American Outlaws, I’m hoping it’s not like “big and older.”  Because the next line in the movie is: “Big and older?”  …Next time just try “Fat and haggard!”    

Now I don’t *think* that’s what Julie meant by “done.”  But either way, she seemed to think I might be right about going in labor a bit early.  Of course, it is anybody’s guess, and if I don’t, I don’t.  But I wouldn’t be sad to have this baby next week.  My prediction is Tuesday or Wednesday, but that really doesn’t mean much.  We all know that baby’s don’t always follow their mother’s instructions, and any kid of mine is liable to be independent enough to keep us waiting.  But here’s to hoping!

And as long as “looking done” doesn’t mean “fat and haggard,” I’m alright with it… I’ll keep you updated on baby news, and hopefully, I’ll be able to meet the expectations of demanding readers with baby pictures by the end of next week.