Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The Homestretch...Again

Here we are again...in the homestretch awaiting the birth of our baby. By Sunday, we'll be in the safe zone to give birth at the birthing center again. Even though I have been overwhelmingly blessed with service for the last five months, a wonderful friend has insisted on throwing a baby shower for me and Baby Jane. I didn't want to have one since all of the service rendered our family while I've been on bed rest is more than I could ever ask for. To my unending surprise, the people around me are just so generous and continue to want to help and love us.

As we prepare for the birth of our daughter, I find myself finally starting to get a little nervous about balancing two children under age two! I know moms do it all the time and I want this!!...I'm just also a little nervous and I think that's natural. The nice thing will be that within three weeks of birth or so, I'll actually be able to get up and about, go for walks, grocery shop, take my son to the park, etc. My concerns really shouldn't be affecting me just yet as they are beyond my control and unpredictable at this point. For example, will Jasper be warm and welcoming toward Jane, or will he become needy, competitive, and rough with her? Will caring for Jane become routine more quickly for me than it was for Jasper? I mean, I've done this before, but every child is different. Will she sleep better than Jasper did so I have the energy to care for both simultaneously? I definitely won't be able to nap when she does like I did with Jasper...unless I can get them napping at the same time...am I dreaming? And even sillier...will she have as much hair as Jasper did? If so, I could start fixing her hair with clips and ponies by the time she's 7 months! If not, will she wear headbands at least?

At the heart of it, I trust the Lord and that He will help me the way He knows I need it. He's already shown me that VERY clearly with this pregnancy. The most important thing is that Jane arrives totally healthy and strong and that I keep myself healthy to assist in a quick recovery. I'm looking forward to giving birth again. I know this birth will be different, but I'm imagining it to be even better and to enjoy it more fully. While many women fear birth, I am so thankful to have a positive outlook. We just need to make it to Sunday!