Preparation

We are expecting number 7 to arrive within the next month.

 

When we first found out we were pregnant with this baby, I had it set in my mind that I would stay busy with everything in my day to day so the pregnancy would pass by quickly. I wouldn't think much about it. I would get projects done, pay attention to the six babes outside my uterus, and before I knew it, I would be at the very end of my third trimester.

Then...

I had 23 weeks straight of morning sickness. Somewhere in there, I damaged my knee and developed bursitis, limiting my physical movement to practically nothing. My blood pressure shot through the roof. I began having shortness of breath and chest pains, earning myself an emergency appointment with a cardiologist. I had an EKG, echocardiogram and 48 hour Holter monitor done. We discovered I was having episodes of ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia. The cardiologist wasn't sure if my symptoms were brought on by pregnancy or if this was an underlying condition that was being exacerbated by pregnancy. Regardless, he told me, it would take an act of congress for him to start me on medication because I was already 34 weeks pregnant. Any medication he would start to help with my heart rate and blood pressure would have to be discontinued about a month before delivery. We were too close. It would affect the baby's growth now.

 

I sat in his office, completely confused. 

 

34 weeks? Wait. What?! When did that happen?

 

"Lay low and try to stay peaceful," the doctor says, "We will figure your heart issues out after delivery."

 

ok.

ok.

ok.

Deep Breath.

 

I went home and continued laying low.

Then, just three days ago, Matt asked me when we were going to take the tour of the hospital for delivery. "We are delivering at a new hospital this time and have no idea how to get there or where to park," says Matt.

And I think I said something intelligent back to him. Something like, "We have plenty of time." 

Then I checked the hospital website and discovered that we were supposed to have two tours before delivery, the first at 28 weeks...and the second at 34 weeks.

Whoops.

 

At the OBGYN's office, they had a magazine that read on the cover page

"150 MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR NEWBORN!"

150? I could only think of, like, 7.

And then, I promptly realized I had NONE of the seven things to get ready.

Whoops.

 

So, here I am, 36 weeks along, and in full-blown panic mode.

I am not ready!
What have I done?

The baby clothes are scattered throughout the house, on random baby dolls, stored in bags in closets, in dress-up bins. We have a crib somewhere, in a box, in pieces. But! I remembered! We have the bassinet pack n' play! I'll get that out!

 

 

ummmmmm.

Missing the bassinet attachments.

Whoops.

 

Ok.

ok.

ok.

Another deep breath.

 

And I walk into the kitchen. And I remember that really all the new baby needs is 1 thing.

His Family.

Ok, maybe 2 things.

He needs his great-grandmother's handmade blanket.

 

 

He needs family and his blanket.