Today was a typical pre-baby Saturday around here, and the fact that I can call it “typical” has its merits and faults. We’re all homebodies this summer, trying to fit in things we (mom and dad) feel we need to get done before baby arrives. The fact is, we know that most of these items won’t be touched for a long while after the baby is born, so we’re putting in the time now as best we can. I’m no good with having projects unfinished, as much as I try to be. And I think we all feel the pressure of the clock ticking down, good or bad, so while our (my) pace is slowing, there’s still always more to stare down at the end of the day.

I guess you could say the kids are getting used to this rhythm a bit…they’ve found lots of ways to keep entertained around the house (books, LEGOS, playing house, magnatiles, playing outside and generally driving each other nuts). It seems about right, but I know everyone is feeling a little worn. It’s the middle of July and finally hot outside, and I want to be facilitating other things for our crew besides errands and organization and painting another piece of furniture. I just can’t settle about baby arriving until a few more pieces of the puzzle are in place, and we’re getting close.

This little one inside has been as busy as a bee all day long. Last night was a rough night, sleep-wise, and today has been evidence that while I may not have rested, baby must have gotten to sleep just fine. It’s like having a little jumping bean in my belly. Baby’s kicks and jabs aren’t giant for the most part, but the rolling baby movements are plentiful. My stomach looks like someone is molding Playdoh from the inside, non stop. This is pretty fun for me, minus the occasional stomp on a nerve or the like. I love seeing baby so active in there. It’s affirming and good, and I feel so much more connected to our little one this way. Yesterday was quiet, but today has made up for it and then some. I wonder what our babe is up to, truly!

Besides navigating a low key-ish kind of busy Saturday, there’s not much new to report. We’re down to the home stretch in my mind, which feels great. I do keep praying that I’ll have enough time to get certain things done before the baby is ready to be here, but if life teaches me an extra lesson by way of unexpected timelines, I’ll work on embracing that, too. It just feels so good to know that this little honeybee is now developed enough to be born without major intervention, most likely…there’s a peace about that that my heart has needed to feel. I’m still battling hard thoughts sometimes, but I’m trying to set my sights on baby’s birthday and what those details will look like. To hold this little one will be 1,000+ dreams come alive.

Tomorrow is Sunday and I generally love Sundays. A day focused more on church and family than other things always feels like a needed and grace-filled part of the week. A highlight of each weekend is when baby dances in my belly during church…it’s one of the sweetest memories I have of being pregnant with each of our babies. I love that they’ve all responded to music and how they feel so peaceful in their movements when we’re singing as a congregation. It’s an added gift in this process that I will always treasure.

Rest well tonight, baby. Rest well tonight, friends.

MM