The End of a Pregnancy

Yesterday was the due date. We are still pregnant. I say "we" because Chris has been going above and beyond lately with his parental and household duties at the same time as working extra hard to ensure that he can take a full week off of work when this little one decides to show up. It's nice to have that support when I am feeling so worn out. For example, today Chris has:

1. Taken Austin and the dogs to the park.
2. Done the clothes laundry (wash/fold/put away)
3. Done the bedding laundry
4. Done the diaper laundry (wash/fold/put away)
5. Vacuumed the entire downstairs
6. Cleaned up after the breakfast (I did make that)
7. Taken out trash/recyclables
8. Gone to the coffee shop with Austin and I
9. Taken Austin "rip sticking"
10. Gone to the toy store with Austin and I
11. Is now grocery shopping

Things I have accomplished are:

1. Made breakfast
2. Took a nap
3. Gone for coffee
4. Gone to the toy store

Somehow this is even in our heads (or Chris claims it is) because I'm so tired and uncomfortable. He is a good guy and deserves to be recognized for such. I think it's hard at the end of the pregnancy for everybody. We are all so excited to meet this little baby that likes to be seen and felt through the many boxing routines it completes every day, but it seems to be quite comfy where it is and wants to stay put. We pace around the house getting everything ready "just in case." All of this continuously needs to be made ready (clean sheets, bathrooms, dishes...) and it gives us someplace to direct our nervous energy and thoughts until the moment arrives when we can finally focus on the delivery.

Having Austin seems to add a new dimension to these last days as well as we always want to have a great memory of our "last family of 3" outing. I don't know how many more we will have as I grow more and more homeward bound, but at the same time know that cooping Austin up in the house with me isn't ideal either. I do think we have provided a great couple of memories, even if it is just something we can tell him about. Lately we have been having swim days with the three of us where Austin gets to run and run with all of our attention on him and his fave toy of the minute, we have enjoyed family ice cream outings, snuggle times on blankets under fireworks, park play dates, and a final play at Kangaroo Kingdom before they closed (a padded room for toddlers with TONS of climbing toys).

I know the next thing I will be thinking of are all of the outings we should do as our "first family of 4." But until I can think of that, I will continue to worry about the health of the baby, the labor and delivery, the introduction of the baby, and the new responsibilities to come with two little ones. Luckily, while I lie around and think and ponder, I have a husband who can hold down the fort and make me smile.

Hurry up little one, we want to meet you!