Oh would you just relax already!!

The new Kristin =

Chilled out. Huge, but not worried about labor. Not worried about tying up loose ends at work. Not worried about childcare, returning to work, or taking care of a baby. None of that worrying was actually spurring me into action to do anything about it (if even possible), so forget it, Kristin!! I need to enjoy this while I can. An excellent example of that:

I was laying on the couch tonight, and Travis walked by and patted my belly and said hi to Baby. I told him it was too bad he missed it, because about an hour earlier Baby was kicking and jumping and moving all over the place, hands and feet and everything. So he starts poking at my belly, lifting it (I was on my side) and jostling and telling Baby to wake up!!! About 10 seconds after he stopped, Baby woke up and started stretching. There's not much room to stretch in there, mind you, so it was quite uncomfortable for me, but Trav thought it was very cool because he could feel specific body parts poking out - bottom, knees, feet. And the smile on his face was so great. He's going to be such an awesome dad. :)

I visited the doctor again today, and again no change. He said that based on my size I've probably got a 7 - 7.5 pound baby in there. Now, keep in mind that Baby grows about a half a pound per week (and that I believe his estimate might be on the low side - you decide from the picture), and you'll see why I've been anxious to get this party started. But I can't do anything until my body decides to cooperate. Once it does, I got the impression that they'll be willing to schedule an induction and get it going once my due date is passed, no matter how much "in labor" I really am. So, after today's discussion, I feel a little better. I feel very confident that the hospital will take the very best care of me and my baby, and isn't that really the only thing to worry about? Even though it may take forever to get labor going, I will get what I need because even if I can't assert myself, Travis can on my behalf. As I was leaving the office, I asked the nurses for the phone number to call when I think I'm in labor, and they laughed and said if I'm not sure, then I'm not in labor! Supposedly I'll know it's time when I can't walk through a contraction, and pain is unbearable. It sounds to me like someone who's not as stubborn as I am would get help a lot sooner, so there's no point in being a good sport. And if I get panicky once the time comes, there's no glory in toughing it out. When I feel miserable, then I'm in labor, and they can help me. So CHILL OUT, KRISTIN!! I figure I'll have no trouble telling them that I am in the worst labor pain I could ever imagine. Are they going to start judging my imagination?? :)

The baby shower at my workplace was yesterday after work, and I have to say it was absolutely wonderful. There were only about 10 - 12 people there, but they were people who I really have enjoyed working with and I was so touched that they would go through all that trouble for me! They had a cake, punch, mints, gifts, and a game - the whole deal. It only lasted about an hour, and it was pretty low-key but really really fun. I was amazed at how many people had chipped in for the group gift, too - I swear they completely cleaned off my registry!!! Travis came over to the plant for it, too, which was very sweet of him. I have to say, feeling that loved and appreciated did a lot for my worried, dreading mood lately. It feels good to relax, and really feel like smiling. There is so much to be smiling about!!