Waiting and Waddling

39 weeks this week. It truly is the final countdown. It could happen any day theoretically, but my midwife expressed confidence she'd still see me at this week's appointment (Friday), mostly because I haven't really been feeling any Braxton Hicks, or false labor contractions, yet. There are some herbs and natural things I could do/take to bring on labor, but I'm in no hurry, I just don't want to go overdue and be induced. I won't worry about it for another week or so, and then I'll start sipping my black and blue cohosh (sounds delish, no?) steeped in raspberry leaf tea. I prefer to look on the positive side and assume that since I'm not FEELING the Braxton Hicks (because apparently they do occur anyway) this is a good sign for the real contractions and I won't feel them as much either!!

Meanwhile, the very long list of to-do's has been mostly crossed off and we're ready for Monkey to make his grand entrance into this world.

Someone asked what I am most looking forward to about having a baby. My answer in that setting was 'a naked baby!' but of course there are a number of things I am looking forward to as we enter into parenthood:

I am looking forward to Eric being on paternity leave, and getting to spend that first week at home, just the three of us, learning how to read the baby's cues, and cuddling, and supporting each other through some potential crying fests, and nursing and diaper mishaps. Those first couple of weeks feel like such a sacred and special time for us as a new family and I know we will cherish being in a little cocoon all our own. (Of course we will also welcome anyone dropping by briefly with a meal - that's always helpful!)

I'm looking forward to Monkey's first smiles and coos, and looking into his eyes and feeling like Eric and I are his whole wide world.

To walks around the neighborhood and down by the lake, little man in tow.

To snuggling in bed or in the big green chair, reading books from his already rather extensive library.

To watching and listening to Eric read to his son, and take him for walks, and go off hand in hand to their first baseball game together, little legs going double time to keep up with his daddy. If Eric is half as good at being a father as he is at being a husband, he'll be amazing.

To traveling with our baby boy - Eric has a grand vision of visiting Argentina next year with Monkey - who knows, maybe we'll do it! We can still have adventures with a baby!

To praying with him and teaching him about faith and Jesus.

To introducing the first grandson to Robyn and Al and Patti, and the first great-grandson to Eric's grandparents. And our trip home to South Africa over Christmas when he'll meet all the Beylevelds and our friends there.

I know Eric is looking forward to all these things too, and more.

So Monks - whenever you're ready, we're waiting with open arms.

Chicago GalPals Shower

My lovely friend Dana hosted a fun and elegant baby shower for a few girlfriends here in Chicago on June 21st. The theme was "Pregatini", and she had whipped up a smorgasbord of delicious non-alcoholic cocktails - including the Cosmo-Not-Tini, the Hibiscus Cooler, and the South African Breezer (with a rooibos tea base). Dana knows I've missed being able to sip a margarita or fruity martini during the pregnancy, so this was just the ticket.

We played a couple of fun baby shower games, including "pin the binkie on the baby", and it was great hanging out with the girls and feeling all their love and support!

Thanks Dana!!

37 weeks and full term!

I am 37 weeks pregnant today (if we're going with the July 29th due date), and full term. That means that the baby's lungs are fully mature and able to adapt outside the womb with no problems. So if he decides he wants to show up right about now, that would be okay. But gosh I hope he holds out a little longer in there - I still have to pack the hospital bag! I am also hoping to feel well rested and energetic when the time comes, so that I can make it for the duration - however, this may pose a problem considering I don't get more than 2,5 hours sleep in a row, and 'energetic' is about the last thing you could use to describe me right now.


Things still on the to-do list that are pretty important before d-day:

Deep clean the house (I keep procrastinating - I might just need to get someone in to do this!)

Pack the hospital bag

Continue reading positive birth stories for encouragement and empowerment


...And a couple of other things but perhaps for the most part we're ready...


We're getting progressively more excited to see this little man. We're dying to know what he looks like - whether he'll be blonde or dark haired, or haired at all (!), and if he has the Beyleveld brown eyes or Eric's huge blue ones. And of course, considering my weird dreams, we need to count that he has all ten fingers and toes, and be relieved to know that he is whole and healthy.


Will it ever stop being surreal that we are about to become parents - and meet the brand new human being whom we'll love and cherish and fret over and laugh with over the next... lifetime?