40 weeks and counting

Tomorrow marks four days past our little son's due date. Priscilla was born four days past her due date, and Abraham was born four days past his due date, so I have kind of expected that tomorrow would be the day for this little one as well. But my dates are less accurate this time, so really I am thinking that it could easily be another week. And I think I'm okay with that.

Our children have both been sick this week. I don't think Rilla has ever been so sick in her life, actually. Abraham just picked it up as well and so we have been dealing with fevers and vomit and diarrhea and tremendous amounts of needing-Mama-ness. An hour ago found me rocking and snuggling both children... with an unborn one in between them... and singing one to sleep while comforting the other. (Actually, that's been a typical scene for this whole pregnancy, but now every time finds me wondering how I am possibly going to hold three at once.) Now they are each tucked into their beds, at least for a while, and I am wondering again when our baby will come. It's really not possible to have the house clean while also caring for two sick little ones, so I guess that's going to make for an interesting home birth. Maybe I can just ask my birth attendants to clean up the house for me during early labor... yep, I think that's a good plan.

I don't know, I just don't have much to say. I'm tired. Keith has been rescuing me every day, having taken on the kitchen as his own personal territory and thus making a few of our day's meals and taking care of the dishes and everything. It's been amazing. But I'm behind on laundry and the floor needs vacuuming and there are lots of other things that I had hoped to get done and/or would still like to get done before our new son arrives. But I'm gradually learning that it's just not possible to get things done and have them stay done in a household of four. Dishes just won't stay clean, and neither will the laundry or cloth diapers or the floor or even the car or yard. And I kind of just don't really care right now. The tub is ready for a water birth and our room is ready for the baby and that really seems like enough right now.

I'm in the "Is this it?" phase now. My face is flushed... is this early labor? I suddenly have lots of energy... is this early labor? I'm totally exhausted... oh no, what if I go into labor right now? I feel nauseous... I'd better eat something before I go into labor! What if my water breaks right now as I'm walking to the mailbox? Or while I'm rocking this little one? Or while I'm picking up these toys? It makes every moment interesting. And exhausting.

Pray for me. Birth hurts, as I recall. But it will be really, really amazing to meet this little boy!