It's the tail-end of Week 36, which means starting on Saturday, a healthy baby's arrival is fair game at any time! S. and I have been rushing to get things ready over the last month, just in case little Aiden decided to make an early appearance. It seemed to me that everyone else who was expecting a baby this year has had an early arrival, and I wanted to be prepared for that. We had a laundry list of things to do that we've been checking off diligently, though at times it seemed to be never-ending as we kept adding to it, too. I think we are basically at the point though where we are about as ready as we're ever going to be... let's do this! *Fist pump*
I'm super grateful to have had the option of taking four weeks off prior to my due date. This past week was the first week of my maternity leave, and I loved being able to take my own time to get things done (or not get things done). The days have passed quickly in a blur of house organizing, naps, walks, and meeting up with friends/family. Ladies, if you have the option of taking time off, you should do it. For me, it's been so, so great to finally take my mind off work and to get in some much needed rest and quiet before the baby arrives. I feel like having this time to myself has allowed me to mentally and emotionally prepare for the baby and motherhood, for me to really believe that we absolutely can handle the responsibility of being someone's parents.
Aiden's been getting stronger and stronger each day. When he wasn't so strong, it was easier just to think of him as indigestion or something that was causing my tummy to rumble, but now, it cannot be ignored - there is definitely a little human being in there, almost ready to come out and be a part of our family. It's crazy, wonderful, scary, and calming at the same time. So many emotions! The baby movements in my womb are definitely a large part of what I'll miss most about being pregnant; I love feeling so connected to him at all times. I'm pretty sure it's the last time I'll feel so connected to him without any effort at all. Once he comes out, it's back to square one in terms of determining his likes, dislikes, his personality, etc... Everything! He's a new little person that I'll have to figure out and get to know again. Hopefully, I'll get to know and love him enough that we can build an even stronger bond than what we have now.
Another aspect of the pregnancy that I've truly appreciated is how much my relationship with S. has grown. I didn't think it were possible to love him any more than when we got married, but every day since has proved me wrong. And throughout this pregnancy, I'm reminded time and again how lucky I am to have such a wonderful, supportive, loving life partner by my side, facing everything with me, every step of the way. Our love and relationship have deepened so much through the last two years since we exchanged our vows - happy early 2nd anniversary, honey! - and I can't wait to see how it will continue to grow as we tackle parenthood together. Always together. :)
Okay, that's about as much mushy as I can handle without bawling these days. This will likely be the last post before Aiden comes... Any friendly wagers on when he will make an appearance?
