Earlier this week, Heidi found out that she had already begun dialating in preparation for childbirth. This of course, started a frenzy of activity and discussion between us, a decision to request that an upcoming baby shower be slightly postponed, and increasing anticipation of the birth of our first child.
We've got our bags packed and in the front hall. We've got phone numbers of who to call if I'm at work and Heidi needs a ride to the hospital. We have a dog that is going absolutely ballistic because of all the new stuff in the house.
I have to say, I'm still excited, nervous, and feel totally unprepared for this baby (just because I don't really know what's coming), but I want it to be born more than anything.
There's really nothing left to paint in the house. We've got bales of second-hand baby clothes (Heidi is the garage sale queen) washed, Oxy-Cleaned, folded and awaiting a little body to be put in them. It pretty much comes down to waiting.
Not that the baby is actually due until June 19th or 20th, but now that the doctor says it has "begun" we've been counting the minutes as they pass. Heidi even said she "talked to the baby last night," saying, what I can only assume are words of comfort and encouragement... something like, "OK, really, it's OK if you want to be born now! Really!"
Everyone at work who has told me of their own experience with their kids has warned me to prepare for the soon-to-be-a-reality fatigue "unlike anything experienced before" from lack of sleep. I can't say that I'm looking forward to sleep deprivation, if it really does happen, but I am looking forward to picking up the baby, seeing the tiny little hands and feet, looking into his/her eyes and being filled with the joy that only comes from being a parent.
Posted by MEK at June 6, 2003 09:54 AM