New Babies Coming

Having babies. I have a couple friends right now that are due to have babies soonish. I say the ish because they could still be pregnant for a month or babies could be here any day. I have another friend due in November. When you are so close to that sweet baby arriving there is so much going on. You are trying to figure out or remember what exactly you need packed in the bag for if you are going to the hospital or if you are going to be home. You may be setting up an amazing nursery or just trying to find the play pen to tuck in a corner somewhere. You are washing little pieces of clothing, buying diapers and a going home outfit and at least one comfy nursing bra, you are trying to imagine how the birth may go or trying to not think about it at all. You have more regular appointments with your doctor or midwife and the reality that this baby is going to be here finally is settling in. Nine months is a good long time, especially if you have been sick the entire time. Having the flue for almost a year or having to take insulin is the pits. Its time for that to be over!!! There are so many fears that can creep in. You try to square your shoulders and pray for the best, hoping and believing all will go well. Hoping and praying for strength if things don't.
Some organized (or more energetic) ones will make some meals for after the baby comes and do some baking to freeze. Some people do the paper work for maternity or paternity leave. Sleep is usually elusive and you have to get up over and over in the night because the baby is so low your bladder does its best but it just cant keep up. Veins are usually at their peak capacity and I know for me I felt so done and so emotional. Some woman have had such a hard hard time and have just suffered through every day. Some woman have not had a moment of trouble.
Also no matter if you know if its a girl or boy, and if you have names picked out, you can never be QUITE sure who will come out. No matter how much you DO know you still don't know the cute features or the sound of his/her voice and all the little crooks and crannies. You don't know personality or eye color or how their toes will be shaped, and there is so much mystery surrounding this new little miracle entering the world. It is so incredibly exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Are you up for this? The nursing hours, the possibility of not a lot of sleep for a long time, the total and complete sacrifice? Are you up for the emotional breakdowns, the unstoppable crying? Are you ready for the beauty of your heart bursting at the seams with new and astonishing love in all its glory? Are you ready for a whole life together with this little new one? It is so massive this accomplishment of yours. It is so intense ~ this change that is coming. Just remember that through it all when the going gets to be a lot ~ don't let yourself feel alone. Reach out. Also you were made for this so you can do this :) And...congratulations I am so excited for you!!!!