Interim feels like a good word for today. We’re somewhere between Winter and Spring, and the weather can’t seem to decide. And I’m somewhere between pregnant and VERY pregnant, and five and half weeks sounds short but feels long in me head. I can no longer bend at the waist, which is both comical and uncomfortable. I operate in a squat when I need to reach something low to the ground, or I wait for help to arrive before deciding I absolutely need said item. Mastering the backwards, lower-myself-to-the-couch technique has also been fun, although I cannot apply the same technique to our super high mattress. This requires more of a hoisting sort of action, and will in a matter of days simply demand a step stool. I feel funny, and I’m certain that when caught in just the right moment, I look funny, too.

I’ve decided that the last 6-8 weeks of pregnancy draw you nearer your spouse or partner more than ever before, because they require both parties to be humble and servant-hearted and understanding in new ways. Under normal circumstances, there isn’t a chance I would try to get away with half of the things I’ve asked Jason to take care of over the past few weeks. He works very, very hard during the week, and I respect that. Besides, I’m an independent kind of gal who likes to be able to get everything done on her own (ok, most things). Admittedly, I take joy in having things taken care of around the house before Jason has to worry about them…but not as of late. These days, I take joy in resting and finding a comfortable place to sit. I’m afraid I may get very good at it over the weeks ahead.

Opposite of resting, I’m trying to check off all of the many things I’d still like to accomplish before baby gets here. Now, I just require a partner in crime more often than I did before. Tonight, Jason and I lined baby’s dresser drawers with drawer paper and have been rearranging nursery items and making lists. In other phases of life, neither one of us would be so excited about this, but let’s face it–we rest better when detail-ish things are checked off. And, thanks to my little countdown here, we also feel a sense of “Ok, it’s now or….maybe 8 months from now.” Perhaps that’s partly what interims are for.

Other interims I’ve noticed as of late? The space between ready and almost ready, the brown-green of everything that grows–buds appearing but not opening yet, and the difference between becoming parents and actually, suddenly being parents in real life. I like to think we can learn from these pockets of time and make the best of them. And while I’m not all too sure how I’ll maneuver the belly in the next 39 or so days, I’m certain that the “interim” will give me plenty of time to practice. In the meantime, I glanced around the bump at my toes today and noticed a very sad looking, lingering indication of my recently impeded mobility. Since I can’t reach them now and won’t be able to for some time yet…pedicure, anyone?!

filling up the interim with nursery things and naps and nail polish,

mm