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Week 31 ~ August 22, 2004
~ Smiles from Strangers
I had another midwife appointment last week, and asked the nurse to take some of my blood again to test for iron. It came back just as it did two weeks ago, slightly low. My midwife said not to worry, that it wasn't terribly low and that it takes some time to get the iron stores in the body back up again. So I'll try to hang tight and keep eating iron-rich chili (which tastes good on these cooler fall-like days.)
Charon had a great time at the appointment. She is a little expert now, knowing our routine for these meetings with the midwife. When we arrive at the clinic, she has a drink of water from the jug in the waiting room. Then she gets out crayons and coloring books, and tells me about the things she's coloring. We pick out some picture books to bring into the check-up room with us, and we read books together while we wait. When the midwife comes in, Charon lets her know she is there to help out. She gets excited about listening to Penguin's heartbeat, and stands on a chair next to my belly so that she can do the work of finding it with the midwife. Everyone at the clinic is so kind to her, and that makes her feel confident and happy there.
I've noticed strangers are smiling at me now. I get glowing looks from both men and women. At first, this confused me; I thought, "Am I smiling at them funny or something? What's making them look at me almost like they know me?" And then I remembered this big, lovely belly I have. It is quite obvious now that I am expecting, and seeing a pregnant woman must bring out these warm, gentle feelings in people. I can see in their eyes that they are remembering the new babies that have come into their lives. It really is a magical thing.
I'm getting some things done and putting checkmarks on my to-do list. I went for my yearly eye doctor appointment and ordered new contacts. I've started reading Birthing from Within. I'm scheduling some times to see friends before this baby comes.
Tomorrow, Charon and I will drive out to see my friend who is due with her third baby this coming week. She lives about an hour away from us. She has already been to the hospital twice with regular contractions that slowed down and stopped once they arrived. She said the first time it happened was horribly depressing; the second time was laughable. "I should know by now when I am in labor! It's not like this is the first time I've done this." I reminded her that our bodies were not made with that trip to the hospital in mind. Her body is working hard right now, getting ready to have this baby, and doing it in stages rather than all at once. I am so excited for her.
I wonder when this little one inside me will decide to come out. Although the mystery of its appearance date makes life less plan-able, I like that I don't know. I want this baby to choose its birthday, and surprise me sweetly with its presence. I am trying to be ready for it to happen in the next couple of months, trying to look at my to-do list as a wish list instead. After baby comes, I remind myself, that list won't be important anymore. I know I'll forget all about it; my brain will paint over those numbered items with pictures of my beautiful, tiny, newborn babe.
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