"When Are You Due?"

That is the four word phrase I hear every day, a dozen times per day now.  "When are you due!?" This is followed by eyes bugging out over my enormous belly.   Now I can say to people, "Less than a month.....on April 27."  Most people, including total strangers respond with, "Are you sure?  I think you could go at any moment now...."  Why thank you, thank you so much!  

Now, not all the comments are in the negative like that.  Every now and then I get a "You look great.  You're all belly, like you're carrying a basketball," from some ladies who pity me I suppose.  But it seems like most of them are just in disbelief that I'm not due today or tomorrow.   Plus, I get that same comment from the annoying lady across the hall at work who has told me for four-five months straight just how huge I am.  She of course is all skin and bones and has never had any children.  She also has no tact or personality either.

It's so funny how strangers don't talk to you in your normal body frame but you pack on an additional 30 pounds in your stomach with some sliding over in your butt and thighs and you're front and center of the daily news.  They look.  They stare.  They smile.  They probably want to pull out a fork and cut into you like a Thanksgiving turkey!

But anyway yes, I am due in less than four weeks, if I make it that long.  This is my second child after all.  Many folks say their second one comes earlier or quicker.  Not all cases but I hear this story a lot from people.  Again many from total strangers.  Maybe they just say that though so we'll have hope and hang on until the end. 

My plan for now is to just let it happen when it's supposed to happen.  I currently have no plans to be induced.  I definitely am not opting for a C-section.  I had a vaginal birth with my first daughter Vivian and it went just fine.  Now I had some drugs, mind you, and I'm sure I'll go that route again.  The epidural was heavenly and helped me relax and nap in between contractions.  No issues there.  I try to be open and flexible with a plan though.  I can tolerate some pain but feel I have nothing to prove to myself or anyone else if I go all natural or opt for some help.  But we'll see. 

My husband would LOVE for me to schedule an induction.  It's the control freak, type A personality in him.  He's worried about having to go to the hospital in the middle of the night and what do with do with our daughter, our dog, our house, etc?  We don't have family close by.  They are all 3-4 hours drive away.   A part of me is enjoying his worry though, just a little bit.  I'm like 'chill honey,' it will all work out.  We will be fine and we have friends who have offered to help us even if that does mean a middle of the night phone call to come over to look after our sleeping beauty Vivian.

So who knows what's going to happen?  Not me!  And for now, I'm okay with that.  A little bit of mystery and surprise might be good for us.  I'm such a planner at work, around the house, with my clubs/groups and volunteer activities.  I just want Lana Jane to come when she's ready.  But if she goes past due, then I might have to nudge her. 

We shall see.... stay tuned!