Last Dates with Late Date Pregnancy

Any day now...

Everyone tells us that having a baby slows down your travel time considerably, and this weekend we had some good practice. It took us an hour for S to waddle the nearly two miles to see Star Trek, with one pit stop at Starbucks. When we arrived, we had our pick of the seats in the empty theater. Most people were out enjoying Mother’s Day brunch, soaking in the first strong rays of sun we’ve had in a week.

A few minutes in and we’re both teary eyed over the tragic birth sequence that opens the film. Yes, that’s right. We’re so emotionally sensitive right now that even Star Trek can make us cry.*

S made her way out of the house a lot this weekend—to yoga, a lovely dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, post-movie beers with friends—despite some intense pelvic pain. The baby’s hanging very low, putting unusual pressure on her ligaments. I find her pretty damn inspiring, buckling through the discomfort. Except for some sharp breaths, and moments of quiet spacing out, she’s been her normal bubbly self. Sure, every so often she frets about labor. When that happens, I put a hand on her, and smile, and tell her I have no doubt she’s going to make it through just fine.

I have nothing but confidence in her. And mostly I feel confident about myself too. Mostly.

A few weeks ago I said I felt intellectually prepared for the labor. Ha! I’ve been doing some last minute cramming, and found that I’ve forgotten a lot of what I thought I knew. Last night I woke up around 1:30 and didn’t make it back to sleep again till sometime after three, or maybe closer to four. While I was reading, then listening to music, and finally tossing and turning trying to recapture sleep, S slumbered soundly in between her frequent trips to the bathroom. I tried to let that comfort me. If she’s feeling ok, then I should be feeling ok too, right?

It’s like we’re taking turns, one of us worrying while the other zens out. Guess that’s better than freaking out together. I tell you, it surprises me sometimes how good a team we make.

*Not the first time I’ve wept at Trek. Total geek disclosure: The end of Wrath of Khan—“I have been and always shall be your friend”—never fails to make me choke up. It was touching when the new film referenced that line. Christ, even now I have a funny catch in my throat.