Today Katy Perry asked me if I felt paper thin, like a house of cards, one blow from caving in.
Thanks for asking Katy, but no, I feel the complete antithesis of paper thin.
Round, robust, thick and sturdy are a few adjectives that come to mind.
We walked around the mall yesterday and I shocked myself every time I realized the reflection of that comically large pregnant woman was in fact, me.
Today is my “official” due date, and while I’m still on the outs with the word “due” I feel it’s better than using the word “expire” or “lapse.”
However I have decided that every day that passes by after today will be considered a month. Tomorrow? I’ll be 11 months pregnant. If I do go two weeks past? Say hello to Casey, 24 months pregnant.
I’m very happy that I make such a hospitable environment for babies, my only fear is the “I” word. Induction. It was brought up at my last appointment. As soon as he started into the “I” discussion I began to move my head back and forth in a very adamant “no” wondering when he’d figure out that my fervent head shaking meant “NO INDUCTION!” not “check out how bouncy my hair is with this new shampoo I’ve been using!”
Ah yes, then there’s all of the advice.
- Chew fresh basil! (ew.)
- Cold plain yogurt! (where?)
- Hot baths! (nightly! but, still pregnant.)
- Mini trampoline! (I have a balance ball! Bounce bounce bounce everyday. See also: still pregnant!)
- SEX! (PFFT.)
- Spicy food! (It hurts going in, staying in and coming out, no thank you.)
- Eggplant! (Delicious! But, still pregnant.)
- Red raspberry leaf tea! (Tastes like artichokes! Still pregnant.)
- Chiropractor! (Love mine, however, still pregnant.)
- Castor oil! (Sweet love almighty no.)
- Evening primrose! (I’m still not sure where people are telling me to stick them.)
- Cold stone cupcakes! (MMM! Still pregnant!)
- Pedicures! (Every two weeks! STILL PREGNANT!)
- Acupuncture! (So I’m trying this one this week.)
- Acupressure! (See: If acupuncture doesn’t work.)
- LUSH sex bomb! (I smelled good! Pregnant!)
- Walk! (SO. MUCH. PREGNANT. WALKING.)
- Pennyroyal! (Googled=TOXIC!)
All of this silliness has simply led me to realize that this kid will make its appearance when it’s darn good and ready.
But there’s still this anticipation and uncertainty which is both wonderful and stifling all at once. Let’s go see a movie tomorrow! You know, assuming I don’t birth a human. What’s for dinner? Bean soup! You know, unless I can’t make it because I’m birthing a human. What are you doing next Thursday? No idea! But I could be birthing a human!
Cody acknowledged today the whole surprise element is probably killing my spirit unicorns slowly. I just don’t do surprises well! At all! And this! ALL SURPRISE! But I am still happy. Still enjoying my daily kiwi, naps and baths. And like someone said on twitter “I’ve never seen one stay in.”
So there’s that.
SO WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS WEEK? May I live vicariously through them?
making unbreakable - formerly moosh in indy. 
Ug, waiting is the hardest part! I really believe that you are right– until that baby is good and ready, there’s no coaxing her out. So sit back and relax and look forward to your upcoming adventure!
This week? I have NO IDEA what I’m doing, beyond the normal stuff.
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But! You look so amazing! Use your breast pump. It will make you contract. (Didn’t see it on the list…)
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My plans for the week? Oh, just WORKING.
I love you dearly, my pregnant friend.
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Love that pregnant belly. But I so hope you don’t make it to “24 months”
As for this week? Normal girl juggling. Which… is something you’ll be doing very soon. It keeps you very busy trying to get 2 girls where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be.
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Cleaning my house, taking my kids to school, refinishing our dining room…assuming we don’t get the travel call to go get our sons! 😉
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Just think, by the time Mozzi is born she’ll be able to walk right on out of there and into pre-school. You can skip all the baby stuff, the diapers, the no sleep EVER, the spewing, the teething.
Maybe I’m sitting on a gem of an idea here. MAYBE pregnancies should be YEARS instead of months.
Wait. No. I take it all back.
9 months is just fine.
Hope she makes her debut soon, on her own terms. Until then I promise to stop asking if you’re STILL PREGNANT as long as you update every 10 hours or so. Deal?
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I remember those days. Such a prolonged state of suspension that feels eerily like being squashed. I hope the baby doll comes soon.
I’ll just be blogging, running around to therapy, preschool, homeworking, cleaning, dinnering, and grocering. Booooring. But, my back won’t hurt. Soon. Love that tweet.
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Surprises are overrated.
Evening primrose oil can be taken in capsule form or applied to the cervix. It’s more for ripening the cervix than inducing labor. Some midwives suggest cohosh. There are two colors and I can remember which one is for labor. Dr. Google should know.
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I swear by acupuncture. Started my contractions right up, two days later Aidan was born. Also, my midwife says evidence indicates it makes labor shorter as well. It did for me (9 hours from start to finish) so I hope it works well for you!
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Mine never would have come out with that “I” word. Walking gets old, huh? With my third child, I was all done up, with hair cut and mani/pedi.. so you will continue to look fabulous after the hard work is over.
Looking good momma! ~Heidi
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Holy pregnantness, Batman! I’m so excited this is YOU, Casey. I can’t wait to see your version of “the picture” with your little baby on your chest. *cry* (Ok, why is your pregnancy making ME hormonal?)
I have to clean my kitchen floor in a big way this week. I honestly think I’d rather birth a human.
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That’s a really good point. The mozz will come out when the mozz is ready. I was two weeks late and look how well I turned out!
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I love it…”I’ve never seen one stay in!” HA! Your little one will come when she’s good and ready…and I agree that each day you’re overdue seems like another month you’ve been housing that little bundle. Hang in there and enjoy these days…relish in feeling your baby move inside you. I miss it! Will continue to check in on you. Can’t wait to hear your good news!
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I was induced with my second one and labor was SO MUCH easier than the first one. I can’t remember if you’re an epidural kinda gal, but I knew right when I wanted that epidural with the second so I was in pain for such a short period of time. Delivering Bridget was a nightmare, but I remember after I delivered Graham thinking, “that was so EASY!”.
Regardless of the epidural situation, I’m pretty sure the second baby is always TONS easier than the first. You’ll be great!
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Now I have that song going through my head.
When I was pregnant with my first child, there was a news story about some restaurant in the L.A. area being popular with pregnant women because there was something about the salad dressing that supposedly got labor started. I lived in Chicago, so I had to do without the magic salad dressing. I ended up with labor being induced, an epidural, and an absolutely beautiful baby girl. (who now gives me no end of worry at a 17-year-old who has dropped out of school with no ambition, drive or skills, but that’s something you won’t have to add to your list of concerns for a very long time, if ever)
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@CaySedai, Two days later – that song is still going through my head. Are you still pregnant? Here’s hoping both of those states will end soon, to be replaced by a different song in my head and a healthy baby in your arms.
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You really do look amazing!
I have a couple of friends who went into labor while vaccuming. So there’s that.
I, however, was induced – and it was all good, really!
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The only things that worked for me were going to see my brand new nephew in the hospital and saying to my sis in law, “well at least I get to sleep tonight!” (probably bc I was pissy that she got induced even though I didn’t want to be, but still. I was still pregnant!”) I laid down that night. LAID DOWN. And my water broke. I didn’t sleep.
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Gah. Phones. AND finally realizing and saying to baby … You just go ahead and stay in there for a few more weeks … I have a ton of plans and meetings tomorrow. Yep. I didn’t make those meetings.
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I will be going to the zoo with my son’s pre-k class, this week. You’re welcome to dream about seeing tigers and such with us.
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I tried everything with our little guy last February. His due date was January 27 and we (doctors and I) had to help him out on February 8th…
He just didn’t want to come out!
The hardest part is all this waiting! Hugs to you and your little one will be here super soon!
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Maybe you should draw a big arrow on your belt pointing down, saying EXIT ONLY. She just needs directions, that’s all.
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Work, bike rides, etc etc.
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You look awesome!!
I will be going to IKEA, getting a new cubby unit for my yarn stash. I”m also moving in with my boyfriend.
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You look great! I went into labor at IKEA, so there’s that. Good luck with the waiting game, it’s the worst! I’m going to my niece’s 5th birthday party (chasing a toddler around Hollywood Connection (like Chuck E. Cheese) whilst prego is not fun). But there will be cake.
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All three of mine were late but worth waiting for. Love your attitude and your gorgeous photo. With son #2, I tried to think of it as a few extra days of one-on-one time with #1. Still got impatient, though. I know this is going to be one amazing little human. Love you!
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I’m shaking my head over the induction too. No no no!
Plans for the week: hopefully all of us getting over this ridiculous hacking cough. So my baby can have his surgery on Thursday. No fun. 😦
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This week we will be having our first retrieval procedure for our first round of IVF, after 5 plus years of trying for first baby. I’m happy for you in your current state, and would give anything to be there myself. Just a little perspective from this side of the fertility journey.
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@Kelly, Wishing you good luck. I’m sure Casey, having been there, knows the other side all too well. 🙂
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@Kelly, It’s true. I’ve waited so long for this moment and while I’m happy where I am, I never would have expected the excitement and anticipation to be so overwhelming in the final days. Here’s to hoping it’s the same for you.
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I know you are probably tired of advice, but when I went late with my 3rd, I ate a whole can of pineapple and promptly started contracting regularly. It was the middle of winter so no fresh stuff, but I’m sure it would be even better.
This week I all I’m doing is cleaning, because when you have three kids 3 and under, thats all you really do. That and prepare snacks.
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Well, I’m not going to be birthing a child, THAT is for sure! 😉
I’ll be making a costume for my son’s 2nd grade Fairy Tale Ball – he’s decided to be a King. I figure it will take me until Thursday to get a crown, scepter and robe made.
Of course, I’ll be fitting in working and parenting and laundry and vacuuming 98 times a day (dog is shedding), as well. ‘
In the grand scheme, I’d ALMOST rather be waiting to give birth. Almost. 🙂
You look fabulous, btw.
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Back in 1956 my sister was due on Dec. 23 – Mom had 3 kids at home and wanted to be home for Christmas so the 23rd just wouldn’t do. By Dec 30th she still hadn’t appeared so Mom started moving furniture – it worked for her.
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Oh, Casey!
I so remember being there and just wanting to HOLD that baby!!!
http://tenthousandtonone.blogspot.com/2010/10/good-grief-41-weeks.html
So excited for you! The sweet, fresh newborness will be so wonderful! EEEeeee!
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The waiting, not knowing, was the hardest part at the end. I was overdue both times, and probably would have handled it better if I knew when those babies would make their appearance.
Also, my second induction was downright dreamy. (My first suuuucked.) But the second? I would do that again today.
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This week, I’m helping my neighbor who just gave birth to twin girls. Three weeks earlier than expected. Not telling you that to rub it in, but to say, she was woefully unprepared. None of the baby clothes had even been washed! Should be a busy week!
FWIW, my go-to advice for bringing on labor is to scrub baseboards. I think the very thought of having to do that sends signals from your brain directly to the baby. 🙂
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My first we almost 3 weeks late (and I was only 18!) Induction was a BLESSING, labor was under 4 hours and now 24 years later…………
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I’m going back to work after a BLISSFUL ten! days! off! Not overly excited. Oh! I’ll also be cyber stalking Little Miss Mozzi… 😉
xoxo
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I’ll be wiping ass this week. And pretending I’m not actually going to have 4 kids soon. And eating a lot of potstickers. Cause I like them a LOT right now.
Also. Breast pump? Yeah. That’ll start some contractions.
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Try to amp up the walking! I have a friend who decided to go on a rather steep 1 mile hike. She had it in her head the whole day. Her and her husband drove to the parking lot at the trail head, she got out of the car, and started contracting. Ha. Just the thought of a steep hike did it!
And I will be sitting on my 6-months pregnant butt all night. That’s about all I’m doing.
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I’ve heard wonderful things about acupuncture! It worked for my neighbor! My water ended up breaking do to high pressure in the weather. At least that is what the admitting nurse told me, she claims it is amazing how much they see when the weather does certain things. So, check your weather! haha.
My water broke at 5 am, totally not expecting that. I was going to make these delicious chocolate chip cookies that day too, so I was bummed I didn’t get to make them. I would have had the baby not been breech until a couple days before the water breaking and me being group B pos. I would have hung out at home longer and made them and let my body do what it needed.
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I have no advice.
But I will be waiting with you. I think I check in with you here, there, and everywhere to the level of stalking at this point.
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Ways to go into labor:
1) Plan to clean your house for company who will be arriving for baby on Friday. Will go into labor Thursday night. Parents will clean your house when they come into town
2) Forgot to buy something small but important. Plan to buy it Wednesday. Will go into labor Tuesday night.
3) Schedule help to come for our other two children. Schedule induction to coordinate for when you have help. Go into labor 9 days early.
Good luck!
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You will not be wanting to live vicariously through me this week.
We just returned from a trip and have, oh!, 7-ish loads of laundry to do. The good news? We came home to a clean house. Amazing how the house stays clean when the kids aren’t home. So… just laundry-ing this week.
I think I’d rather be birthing a human really (easy for me to say since I’m not uncomfortable or dying in anticipation of when the baby will arrive), so I’ll live vicariously through you if that’s OK… for the first few days of new motherhood if that’s cool. 😉
Excited to see pics! Good luck! I’ll miss your prego pics though!
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Enjoy every second that tiny human is inside you. Because life will never be the same once Mozzi is out and about. Wink.
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We’re driving 23 hours to St George to cheer on husband/daddy in the St George Ironman! Not quite birthing a baby, but a good 10+ hours of labor for him. This is #3 for him and I’ve birthed 4 of his babies,so we’re kind of even?
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I’ll try to birth my kidney stone simultaneously with your labor. And we can have a friends moment. I’m Joey and you’re Rachel. Wait a second, being Rachel is so much prettier…
Back to you. May babies rule.
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Well she will come when she’s ready. And you keeping shaking those pretty curls at the sound of the I word, but I have heard about curb walking. One foot on the curb, one in the street. I would never do this, I’m sure it looks ridiculous. But if you do, can you record it? Thanks.
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Oh right, plans for this week! Start doubling (tripling?) up on work to prepare for my 3 week hiatus. Ah yes, working from home/for yourself sounds glam, until you realize there is no maternity leave.
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what about those famous lemon cupcakes thats been on the news?? Apparently lemon cupcakes make women go into labor 🙂
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Ugh, I remember when my sister was pregnant with her third. Very pregnant too. And a terrible pregnancy to boot. She had her membranes scraped, came home, took castor oil, a hot bath and then went jogging (yeah, not walking, jogging) and she came back in the house with contractions. The doctors were super pissed at her.
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“I’ve never seen one stay in.” BAH HAHAHAHAHAHA! In my case it was Chinese food. Everyone kept telling me to eat it and scoffed. Finally to shut them up, I ate it. In less than 10 hours, I was in labor. 🙂 Still, it will happen when it happens. May it happen soon!
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Working. Scooting paper around on my desk pretending to work, but really reading mooshinindy waiting on you to go into labor. TRUE TRUE, no baby has ever stayed in.
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