What Now?

4 days overdue.  While I've known for months that a due date is a date to hold with an open hand and not a tightly clenched fist, it's still discouraging to pass that date up and realize that you're still as large as ever.  Today is the first day of maternity leave for me.  While I could probably try to pick up more shifts at work and push the start date back a little bit longer, part of me dreads going into work and hearing "What are you doing here?" and "You're still pregnant?".  As if those thoughts don't go through my own head often enough throughout the day.  

We have tried everything to get this baby out.  Everyone has their stories of what worked for them to induce labor and they all feel free to share them with me.  Other than resorting to castor oil, I do believe we have tried it all: spicy food, LONG walks, scrubbing floors, physical labor around the house, sex, having my membranes stripped/swept by the midwife, acupressure, resting, and the list goes on.  Today I'll try the chiropractor and see if that does anything (if nothing else, it will help my poor pelvis to get realigned, as it HURTS to have a baby sitting this low for this long).  The frustrating part for me is that I've had good contractions 3 or 4 times now, but nothing that sticks around longer than a few hours.  But they're the kind of contractions that you have to breathe through, that hurt like none other, but I always hesitate to call the midwife.  The nurse on the phone today informed me that the next time I get those going, I need to call and see about coming in during those contractions and maybe having my water broken to keep things chugging along.  My body is certainly ready for this baby to come out- 4+ cm dilated, effaced, baby is REALLY low.  Even the midwives have been surprised the 2 times that I've been in that I haven't pushed this little pot roast out yet!

From an emotional standpoint, I've been ok with having these extra days to get things done and to enjoy time with friends, family, and Snugs.  It's been incredible July weather- sunny, high 70s, no humidity.  We had the chance on Sat to nearly finish our fence (photos to come eventually) and do outdoorsy projects.  We went to the rodeo on Fri evening out in Hamel- it's amazing how you don't have to go too far from home to have a small town cultural experience!  I feel pretty good and energized, so it's easy for me to keep moving.  For all of these things, I am incredibly grateful.  But I am still a hormonal, overdue lady, so I did have several breakdowns yesterday, one of which was triggered on our walk.  I saw this couple walk past us with a tiny 1-2 week old baby in an orange BOB stroller just like ours and the sight of them pushing their baby at a brisk pace while I lumbered along was enough to induce tears.  I kept thinking that it should have been us pushing along a little tyke in the orange BOB. 

For now we wait.  And do a lot of laundry to pass the time.