Today I am 36 weeks pregnant, which also marks my first day off work in preparation for baby boy's arrival (thank you, state of California, for providing pregnant women short-term disability coverage up to four weeks before the due date!).
When I was pregnant with Sofia, the beginning of this time off felt like a thrilling gift of freedom. I’d felt physically good at that point, and my first days and weeks were quickly filled with trips to Target and appointments to get a pedicure, a haircut, and all the other little tasks I knew would become more difficult as the mother of a newborn. Kevin and I went out to dinners, made homemade peach ice cream, watched many episodes of Downton Abbey and leisurely awaited the arrival of our baby girl.
This time around, I was expecting (and hoping for) the same. And as the mother of a now toddler, I have a new appreciation for those weeks of alone time prior to our newest little one’s arrival. With Sofia in preschool and our nanny coming in the afternoons, I made big plans to deep clean the house, do some meal prep, and even tackle a minor bathroom renovation.
But all those plans came to an abrupt halt this past week as what started as mild sciatic nerve pain due to pregnancy quickly progressed into a painful full-back strain that has left me virtually knocked out and unable to even walk without inducing more muscle spasms. Instead of making Target runs and freezing batches of lasagna, I’m finding myself making emergency chiropractic appointments and apologizing to my husband for leaving him to chase after Sofia by himself.
This weekend I had planned a two-night stay in Healdsburg as our last getaway as a family of three. Our trip had many beautiful family moments but was also clouded by me hobbling across the square to get to dinner and not being able to pick up and hold our crying & sick daughter as she struggled to sleep in a new environment away from home. And in those rough moments, I panicked thinking about our son coming home soon and not being able to care for him in all the ways I imagined. I also worried for Kevin, chasing around Sofia and helping with baby boy without me in full capacity for the occasion (or in as good of shape as possible with sleep deprivation + birth recovery ha).
So, I’ve decided to listen to the signs. My body is signaling pain and flashing its hazard lights for a reason and it’s time to pay attention and slow down. We came home a day early from Healdsburg yesterday and after helping get Sofia down for the night, Kevin set me up with mound of pillows and an ice pack on our bed. This morning we called in our nanny for last-minute help throughout the day so that I can keep resting while Kevin works. The house will not be deep cleaned in the near future and baby boy’s bassinet is not yet set up. But I’m hopeful that by the time he arrives, his mama will be able to walk while carrying him and chase around his big sister while he naps.
Here’s to rest!
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