That Winter day in June which seemed so far away in early October when we found out we were pregnant…is today.
The 19th of June – always my ‘estimated due date’, never changing throughout my pregnancy (I’m very sure of our dates) is here, but obviously only a small percentage of babies decide to arrive on their due date. Imagine that, what an organised, considerate little human! There have been numerous jokes over the past six months about our baby being characteristically late, as the child of Matt, but I was never in any doubt that I would be birthing a 40+ week bambino. I am a very comfortable home after all.
(I had the forethought to take a photo with our Manchurian pear tree which we are quite fond of and planted at Brindabella before we were married in 2011. I’d like to take a photo throughout the seasons with our baby as the tree buds, blooms, leaves turn and limbs grow. Not the best shot to get all of me + the bare Wintery tree into shot but done nonetheless!)
Another pregnant friend put on Facebook the other day ‘it’s an estimated due date, not an expiration date’. Ha! Amen to that. My eldest niece called me last night, as she had in her diary clearly marked ‘Aunty Emma having her baby’. Poor love, had to explain it might still be a little while yet! Luckily my brain space has always been that I would at least go to 41 weeks, so as not to be hugely disappointed at this point I suppose. In any case, I’m happy to wait a little while longer, or just as happy to go into labour any time really. It’s a good place to be in.
Someone recently commented to me ‘don’t worry, it will be over soon’. I was so confused as to how to take that?! Firstly, as I’ve said before, I’ve loved being pregnant, I know this isn’t the case for everyone but let me bask in my glow damn it! I might not feel this way for subsequent pregnancies, I’ll try and enjoy it thank-you very much. The idea of ‘it’ being ‘over’ made me so sad. Secondly, surely this isn’t an ending, it’s just merely the beginning?! What a funny thing to say. I walked away somewhat taken aback and not quite sure what to make of it all… I haven’t had any inappropriate comments thrown my way whilst pregnant (well, other than the Aldi checkout chick who exclaimed to the whole store how HUGE I was) and I’m sure this person didn’t in the slightest think it was inappropriate, and maybe it wasn’t, but it definitely threw me. Huh…
Just like that, I’m 40 weeks pregnant. Well, probably not ‘just like that’ – I am truly appreciating that it takes a whole 9 months to grow a little life within yourself. It seems like just the right amount of time to mentally, physically and emotionally prepare yourself. Or so I hope. I may be popping back in to She Sows Seeds before we meet our little lad or lady, or perhaps not, who knows. One of life’s great mysteries.
So, we wait.
Shari says
Looking awesome! I went into labour the night before I was going to be induced at the full 42 weeks – being pregnant didn’t bother me, I loved it (but it bothered everyone else that I was ‘still pregnant’). My mum was over due with all three of us and if I’m over due with baby number two that’s okay too! Good luck – labour is amazing xox
Reen says
My first born was two days past his due date, my second was right on time! It’s so exciting knowing that very soon you will meet your little bambino, enjoy the wait in the meantime xx
Flick says
My son was born on the 19th June 8 years ago now! He was 6 weeks premmie – so nowhere near his due date!!! Best of wishes on meeting your new little one – it will be the best day you’ve ever had, Flick x
Kylie says
you look amazing, best of luck for the next week or so.
i know exactly what you mean about the “it’ll be over soon” comment – im 35wks pregnant and am getting that comment regularly – but im loving being pregnant, and i Love talking to my baby like he/she is just coming along for the ride with me everywhere!! im going to miss it when its over – but i will still have my baby, just in my arms not my tummy. 🙂
relax and enjoy every minute!!! xx
Reannon says
You look great. You sound calm & relaxed. Everything will happen when it’s supposed to. Enjoy these last days of pregnancy & the first days with your babe xx
Catherine says
I think it’s lovely to hear how much you are enjoying your pregnancy, it is such a special time. Sometimes people assume it has not been pleasant to experience the changes of pregnancy but it really is such a blessing. My first girl arrived on her due date, which was a surprise but Miss 10 was much more content to wait a while either way it didn’t matter. I think the only reason to want it to be over is to finally meet your little one, oh the excitement I loved that time. Your idea of having photos in front of the same tree with your little one is very sweet, you are always thinking creatively Emma. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy days. xxx
Sharyn says
All the very best Em, enjoy those new born snuggles when he/she does finally arrive in this big world…can’t wait to see a ‘first’ photo, oh how exciting!!! xx
Kathy says
Don’t take any comments like that to heart….nothing is meant by it…..my due date came and after 9 months having this date in mind, on the actual day it seemed like somewhat of an anti climax…..here we are and it was the day but nothing. I think we went to a movie instead. I was induced a week later but nothing happened so ended up having a c-section. When you are that big (or should I say, when Mummy’s to be are at term) you really look like you are bursting and they are just natural comments. Wit your first pregnancy it is relatively easy as you are just looking after you throughout the 9 months however with baby number 2 (in my case when my 2nd was born there was 2 years and 3 months apart) you are on the run with a little toddler so there is not a lot of down time with baby number 2 but it’s (in my opinion) easier when baby 2 comes along because you’ve done your life changing apprenticeship with baby #1. Books are books……….it’s the real practice of your first year that you’ll learn from. Either way it is life changing and totally exhausting at the same time and so precious. All the best look forward to seeing the beautiful baby photos when he/she arrives. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane
Anne@Grit and Giggles says
I am so glad you are happy to wait a little longer, babies do love to come when they want rather than when anyone else wants. Enjoy this time of expectant waiting and I hope you get to meet your little one very soon, but at just the right time. Good luck and I will be waiting on my end to hear how it all pans out. I love your plan for photos by the way and you are looking very pregnant but very lovely.
tash says
I don’t think ‘it’ll be over soon’ is right.. It’s all about to just begin.. which is such a wonderful and lovely thing!
All the best Emma x
Prue says
You look so cute! If you photo-shopped out the tummy, you’d just look like a normal person!
I can’t speak from experience, but I expect the “it’ll be over soon” is just the start of the mummy martyring you’ll be expected to participate in. As someone who would give anything to get pregnant, frankly it’s refreshing to see a pregnant woman who relishes the experience, rather than moans about it. Thanks for sharing the journey with us all – I’m vicariously excited for the next chapter!
Greer says
My due date was June 19 too! She turned out to be a July baby! Best wishes xxx