Anticipation

I can't believe that tomorrow, Tomorrow!, I'll get to meet sweet Calvin Walter Norvell. It's early morning, I'm sitting with a finished cup of coffee, good morning america on tv, and a day of alone time and preparation ahead of me.
The past few days have been a whirlwind. On Thursday I had a doc appt. My blood pressure had spiked, and there were other signs of my high blood pressure making me not well (I'll leave the gross details out!), so it was decided that we not wait too much longer to bring Calvin into the world. Because I wasn't showing any outward signs of preeclampysia, and because there was no stress on the baby, my doctor let me have the long holiday weekend to prepare. I had strict instructions that if I had any symptoms of preeclampysia, to go straight to labor and delivery at the hospital. While this news was a little disconcerting, it was also exciting. I had been getting more and more uncomfortable by the day, work was wearing me out physically, and my attitude was getting more sour by the day. I had given up on seeing friends or leaving the house after work. I felt like I needed a vacation from being pregnant.
And even in times when you feel like you can't go on, the Lord gives you strength, meets your needs, and answers your prayers.
With this new plan, my last day of work all of a sudden jumped up a week. I wrapped up my job on Friday, not quite as neatly as I had been anticipating, but enough to help my part time sub this summer ease in, and headed home to the anticipation of four days of rest, relaxation, and time with the hubby before Calvin came. A vacation from  being pregnant...the Lord provided it to me!
It's amazing what not having to think about work did for my attitude. It's not that I wanted to quit my job or anything, its just that having to be engaged and active in something all day, when my mind was in a million other places, and having to wear work clothes (ugh!) was exhausting. All of a sudden, knowing that I didn't have to reserve my energy or worry about not having pregnancy brain at work and forgetting things, gave me a burst of energy and enthusiasm. I've been getting rest, been seeing friends, and feeling more and more prepared for the changes that are about to happen.
Saturday was a great day. I slept in, did a little laundry, and then went and got a deluxe manicure and pedicure with a friend from church. That evening Dave and I went out for a nice dinner and saw a movie with other friends from church. Sunday, we didn't go to church, and I drove out to meet mom at North Park mall to shop for some nursing essentials. It was nice to have some time with mom alone. Afterwards, I ran a few errands on my own, relishing the time to myself. Dave cooked dinner that night and we watched a movie, again just enjoying being home with one another. We met some friends that evening for a Rita's Italian Ice treat in the evening, then went to bed early. Yesterday, after sleeping in a bit and doing a few chores, we met some friends for a great Memorial Day cookout. We finished the day just relaxing at home. Dave was a hero and mopped the floor, cleaned our master bathroom, and cleaned out the car so it is ready to bring out little guy home at the end of the week.

This evening I go into the hospital for an overnight procedure that will, fingers crossed, help my be ready for a smooth induction tomorrow. What am I doing today? Finishing up my house cleaning, putting the last few things in my hospital bag, meeting a friend for lunch, and then probably watching a girly movie while I wait for my in laws to arrive. It's been a lovely several days. I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Still a bit nervous and anxious for everything that's about to happen, but with a renewed sense of peace and comfort from the Lord.

Lord willing, my next post will have some pictures of our new family of three. I covet your thoughts and prayers over the next few days as I make this transition, as I do something physically I've been scared of since I realized how babies were born :>), and as the Lord brings Dave and I our next big adventure and challenge as a couple. Blessings to all of you who have read, commented, and supported me across this blog and in person. May the Lord allow me the opportunities to serve and support you when you need it most.