Savoring My Final 2 Weeks

I can't believe when I turned the page on my pregnancy calendar today that it said I have 14 days till my due date.

14 days? How could that be? 14 days!

I feel like it was just yesterday that I woke up in a slightly drunken state and peed on the stick that would reveal my life forever changed, and yet, though I've had 8 1/2 months to get used to the idea that I'm bringing a new life into this world, and a huge belly as proof, it doesn't seem like it's time. It's all come so fast!

In thinking about it, it seems that being pregnant for the first time is kind of like wedding planning. For the better part of a year, you spend most of your waking hours talking about, thinking about and doing things in preparation for this momentous event.

You get all worked up. You plan and plan, reading all the right books, going on special diets, and getting professional council. You even find yourself subscribing to magazines and surfing websites you didn't even know existed before that ring was on your finger or before you had that first ultrasound.

But in the end, you're thrown into action for about 5 or 6 hours (let's hope my labor lasts only as long as my wedding) and it's all over.

I made the mistake of being too stressed during much of my engagement to enjoy it. I loaded myself down with to-do lists, and spent countless hours planning every last detail. And I've found myself, at times, doing the same thing during this pregnancy.

And now that it's all coming to a rapid close in 14 days (14 days!), I decided to put together a little list of advice for all of my belly buddies out there who are stressing themselves out and needlessly worrying about babies, nurseries, registries and so forth.

Moms-to-be, let's not put so much pressure on ourselves and try and do some of these things on my Top 10 List so we can enjoy and relish this special time! You'll see that 9months goes by in a blink of an eye!

So here goes.
Remember, these are just my own opinions. Feel free to agree or disagree as you wish.

1) Bask in the attention.

Some of it may be unwanted and accompanied by a stranger's hand on your belly, but there's just something about seeing a pregnant woman that typically brings about a smile. Maybe it's the hope and excitement of a new little person joining the world, or maybe for some it brings back happy memories of a similar time. Just enjoy being doted upon during your pregnancy. Once baby comes, everyone's attention will be on the little face in the stroller, not Mom.

2) Eat what you want, when you want.

If you satisfy that craving for chocolate with a trip to ColdStone, that's much better than resisting. My philosophy is that if you resist and try eating other things to relieve your aching sweet tooth, chances are you'll end up still smacking your lips having consumed more calories than if you'd just eaten the freakin' ice cream in the first place.

3) Save money for a post-baby vacay and borrow maternity clothes from friends.

The thought of buying a whole new wardrobe that I'm only going to need for a short period of time isn't so fun. I'd much rather spend that money on a vacation or something fun post-baby. My advice is to accept clothes from willing friends of all sizes. Don't underestimate the power of elastic--you'll likely find a couple pieces in anyone's maternity wardrobe that will fit during some stage of your pregnancy. Plus, husbands like it when you put on a "new" outfit and it didn't cost a penny! Only rule here is that you must loan out your maternity clothes to pregnant friends when you're back in your skinny jeans. Pay it forward.

4) Double your expected waiting time for all orders--manage your expectations.

Maybe it's just my bad luck but I would double whatever estimated delivery time any company gives you for furniture, pack n plays, whatever. Better to set the bar low and be pleasantly surprised when all your gear arrives before you're even in your 3rd trimester. You don't need the added stress of worrying who will when the race--baby or crib.

5) Don't listen to that crazy lady in the grocery store.

This kind of goes with #1. Everyone who has had a baby suddenly feels like they can come up to you and share their own stories of labor, childbirth and becoming a parent. (And I do realize I may be accused of this myself since I'm writing this list of advice). But I'm talking about the people who tell you about the random, 1-in-a-million situations that freak you out.
Like yesterday, this woman held me hostage in the produce aisle telling me about her son who was born with some terrible disease where he aged rapidly, and when he died at 6months, he was really the equivalent of a 72-year old man.
No one wants to hear that, least of all someone who is about to give birth! These people aren't intentionally trying to psych you out, they just don't know how to shut up. So, ignore them and their stories. Concentrate on what your doctor tells you. That's all that matters.

6) Milk it.

Something I realize I did not do enough of now that it's coming to a close. This is a chance for you to get your husbands to pitch in some extra effort whether it be simply carrying the laundry basket upstairs, giving you a back rub or unloading and putting away the groceries. Go ahead and ask for help or for a little extra TLC. Hopefully, by routinely taking on these new duties, the husbands just might get accustomed to doing them even after baby.

7) Have sex... a lot

I know you're tired, you feel fat and you've spent a good part of the day throwing up or suffering from terrible heartburn. But it's important to turn on the red light special for you and your baby daddy every now and again. Especially towards the end cuz Doc puts you on lockdown for at least 6 weeks after baby. Plus, from what I hear, having a newborn doesn't exactly do anything for your mojo. So, get it while you can.

8) It's okay to take naps

I think my nickname during this last month should be "Nap-a-saurus Rex." At first, I felt guilty taking a break in my day to sleep, but then I reminded myself that my body has been busy making a whole other person! It's not easy making livers and spleens all day long! It's okay to be tired.

9) Pamper yourself

Now's the time to truly take care of you. You're taking the vitamins, you're eating extra fiber and you've given up alcohol. So complete the package and get a weekly pedi or a mani, and try a prenatal yoga class. It will make you feel better about your expanding self and could lead to more of #7. And more of #7 means more of #6.

10) Be alone.

Once this baby is on the scene, that's it. From what I'm told, showering isn't even done alone--you've got the bouncy seat in the bathroom with you so you can keep one eye on junior while trying not to blind yourself with shampoo. So take the time now to read an Us Weekly at a coffee shop alone, or go for a walk, even without the dog.

You should all know that I am taking my own advice to heart. During these last 14 days, I've committed to having dessert every night, I've made lunch dates with several girlfriends and have an appointment for one last prenatal massage. Those of you who have more than 14 days, make them count! Enjoy your bump!