To all of you who have left comments or sent emails wishing me a safe and beautiful birth - thank you. It means so much to receive such sweet gestures from across the lands and over the oceans. The past few days have probably been the most challenging of this pregnancy. On Saturday I came down with a cold and spent the next few days in bed. In retrospect I was doing just a little too much nesting and my body didn't like it. So I've been staying in and resting up, keeping warm (it's been oh so icy) and cuddling with Che. The challenge hasn't been at all physical. In fact, I still feel energised and not overly big, although getting out of bed is a sight to behold.
It's the mental journey a woman embarks on as she gets oh so close to birthing that's confronting and challenging. Last night I lay in bed thinking about the fact that I'm about to become a Muma to two. And that Che won't be my only child. There's a sadness embedded deep within the reality, that these next few days will be the last before we start a new beginning. While he is rearing to embrace his new role as big brother, his cuddles, copious 'i love yous' and need to be close to me subtly tells me that he's holding on too - to being the only one.
I suppose we all need to let go of something.
I keep experiencing moments of fear about birthing, looking after a newborn, imminent change. And then they pass and I'm ok again.
This morning I got a pedicure so I have pretty toes to look at while I labour. And then I went and did what was probably my third 'last shop.' And I bought more toilet paper and more tissues and more maternity pads. Because you can't have enough of those.
A packet of 0000 white singlets made their way into the trolley too. They are already in the washing machine. Softening for baby.
I feel like I've got another good week in me. I am definitely not fed-up. Which I'm grateful for.
The house is clean, the washing is done. The grandmas are close to their phones at all times.
And we wait.
Photos by Tim, of course.
oh this is just lovely - all the best wishes for you in the coming days and coming weeks .writing that I am reminded of the iron & wine song 'each coming night' -look it up if you like. hope the cold goes away and stays away. x
ReplyDeleteps. i'm hosting a little giveaway at my blog, i'd love for you to stop by if you like.
That was a lovely post. And I can totally relate to it, x4. I think all your emotions are natural ones.
ReplyDeleteKia kaha to you. (Big strength) for the birth. It is truly the greatest honour and privelege in the world isn't it? (birth)
Once again another beautiful post. You capture pre-birth anticipation so perfectly. I am sending you love and strength for the next stage of this wonderful journey you and your sweet family are embarking on.
ReplyDeleteElise xx
I'd never really thought about how it must feel to look at your first baby and know they won't be your only child anymore. It's so beautiful that you're recording all of these amazing emotions because they'll probably all be forgotten fairly soon. And it'll just be the love! Good luck for the next week or so ... Kellie xx
ReplyDeletefeeling ever so slightly emotional reading this. all the changes- all good, but still changes. Che is one lucky boy to have his mumma on bed rest, maybe it just what you both needed.
ReplyDeletexo em
love, light and stength to you,
ReplyDeleteRhi xx
I had my third beautiful child early last year. Even though I had been through two births I can assure you, Jodi, that I too was anxious about the thought of another labour. The usual fears: how will this one be; slow or quick? Will I cope with the pain without an epidural again? Will we be SAFE? You know what's coming next don't you Jodi? That birth was (again) the BEST day of my life. The medical professionals (here in France) were wonderful, and, of course, my body knew exactly what to do.
ReplyDeleteThe joy of another child entering your life is beyond words. I still look back eighteen months later with huge joy peppered with nostalgia at those first days after my little one's arrival.
You are not alone. Many are holding your hand during the next few days. Savour and surrender.
Hug to Che.
ps Thank you for bringing back the memory of trying to get out of bed in the final days; I had forgotten how funny that was.
This is the point when I used to make calls like "so, how's it going?". Because I was afraid to ask "is that baby here yet???".
ReplyDeleteI hope the last bit goes well for you. Two isn't so hard :)
Enjoy this time of cocooning it's a beautiful place to be, waiting, resting and enjoying everything before it changes. And then enjoy the beautiful change when your baby decides it is time to arrive.
ReplyDeleteYou write so beautifully Jodi. Rest up and enjoy those cuddles in bed. As a result of your amazing photo shoot with Tim, he is flying over to Adelaide this Saturday for a shoot with us! Jade x
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered your blog through Tim Coulson.
ReplyDeleteIt's just beautiful, as is your little family.
I wish you all the best for this upcoming next chapter. Sounds like you have the perfect attitude. xx
a cold right at the end is a very sure sign (although not at all researched!) that baby is on it's way. jodi, your birth will be wonderful. you have the right headspace for it. and we all get a bit scared at times...about birth and how we will cope afterwards... it's totally normal and natural. i suppose it's in doing it that we realise how capable we really are.
ReplyDeletex
Beautifully written as always. I had a lump in my throat reading this, and I could just picture the Grandmothers waiting by the phone.
ReplyDeleteOur love and thoughts are added to all those already surrounding you both.
xx
Good luck! Soon enough you will be holding your new little baby and it will be like they've always been around.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the new little one.
Rach x
gosh jodi, you write beautifully. can i have some of your serenity please! best of luck with the birth. i can't wait to see the pics and read the words.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this special time..it really brought back sweet memories of the time just before my daughter's birth..when my eldest son was enjoying his last few days of being an only child too.
ReplyDeleteAll our love and best wishes to the three of you as you become four! Lots of love as always xx
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best for the birth and your new little life :) I remember feeling sad and anxious about Sam not being the only child anymore and I was so relieved when it all turned out ok. He wasn't jealous at all and wanted to help with everything. Still does after 20 months. Looking forward to hearing your news soon, but in the meantime keep your feet up! xo
ReplyDeleteEverything's done, the beds are made, the clothes are washed, the toes look perfect, oh the waiting... Good luck! Thinking of you.
ReplyDeletexoxox
What a sweet, honest post. I can only imagine how that adage- a first time mother fears the unknown, a second time mother fears the known would resonate so close to the birth. You sound so ready and I am sure your little man will be an amazing big brother xx
ReplyDeleteSending you all the peaceful, positive vibes I Have x
ReplyDeleteWhat more can i say, it all seems to have been said so eloquently and heartfelt.
ReplyDeleteSweet little Che, big brother.
xxx
j
Those photos of the two of you are so precious Jodi. I can feel your anticipation and all of those feelings that come with being a mother to another precious person. Take care enjoy all of these last special moments. Thinking of you. Hugs. xo
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely thinking of you all the way down here on the south coast. I hope your cold is improving by the minute. Thanks for all your words of support and all my best wishes travel with you for the next few weeks. Go well Jodi! xx
ReplyDeleteAh lovely, you will be wonderful, you ARE wonderful. I'm excited for you, enjoy these last few hours/days/weeks or nesting, with just the 3 of you. xxx
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts constantly beautiful lady. I don't even know you in real life but I feel like an old friend is about to have her bubba... and I wait.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're resting and cuddling Che - the most important pre-labour tasks!
xx
How lovely to be looking forward to another little one, hope the next week or so goes well. Thanks for stopping by my blog, i was up your way today- fish & chips at Woy Woy!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Jodi. Memories of my pregnancy with Rufus came flooding back. Holding onto those last days of mama of one with just Charlie. Looking Che he has very similar hair to Charlie at that time... pic here:
ReplyDeletehttp://littlegreenshed.blogspot.com/2010/10/loves-leaves-acorns.html
Good luck with everything hun... relax you are a natural! Lou xx
Jodi, you have been lending your strength to other soon to be Mummas so successfully for so long, it's time to save it all up for yourself. I'm still marvelling in my second birth experience a whole 14 months later, made wonderful with your help in preperation. Much love to all four of you xx
ReplyDeleteHi Jodi. This is my first ever comment but I couldn't resist wishing you all the best for the exciting times ahead. I too had a bad cold/sinus at 39 weeks my with little girl and was nervous about going into labour not feeling 100%. I should've known my body would never let me down. I returned to health a few days later, walked my son to kindy for the first time in almost a week and bam! My contractions began on our little walk. Enjoy your last days as a family of 3 and best wishes for the birthing of bub and beyond. x
ReplyDeleteOh you sound like you're doing so well Jodi, good on you :o)
ReplyDeleteI definitely grieved the change of 1 to 2 children. My eldest was 2.5 years when our second was born and we were super close (and still are for that matter). I used to worry how I could love another babe as much... but I do!
Take care and enjoy these last few days before the big change xo
Reading posts like these are the most ispiring thing for a first time Mama to be. Better than any book or website. Cherish the last few days Jodi, and hold on tight for this amazing journey, as a Muma to two, to begin xx
ReplyDeleteThis morning when I woke for some reason I thought of you. I wondered if you´d had the baby yet. Good luck and have fun!! birthing really was the best time I´ve had!!
ReplyDeletethis is beautiful writing, i wish you all the best during this time. i hope you experience a lot of calmness :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful post jodi. thinking of you and your family.
ReplyDeletethinking of you!!! sending lots of powerful birthing vibes your way- i am so excited to hear your joyous news! xo m.
ReplyDeletewhat a pair of sweet stunning photos! and what an exciting time :) what could be better than the birth of a beautiful new baby to love?! sending wishes for a wonderful birth.
ReplyDeleteGot your lovely message and popped over to your blog to have a wander around! Wow - I love it here! And all te best for the next few days and bringing the new little bub into the world. Can't wait to hear all about it! ps. your photos are heaven xx
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written Jody, your words have captured what many mums feel leading up to birth.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the very best for the coming days :)
x
What a beautiful post and so happy you found the time to stop by today when you have so much ahead of you. You have a beautiful blog and a beautiful boy. Your photography is incredible. Wishing you the best for a safe birth and I look forward to following your new beginning.
ReplyDeleteOh how I remember those last few weeks before I became a mother of 2 gorgeous children... I was certain that I could never love another as much as my number 1 and boy I was scared that my special little number 1 was going to be neglected by the arrival of my precious number 2. But now nearly 3 years down the track my 2 girls are both number 1 and share such special bonds with me as I'm sure your 2 special ones will too...
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your upcoming birth - you're in my thoughts...
Hugs - Jodie :)
I remember having many of these thought going on...you will be amazing, dont worry!!
ReplyDeleteWith all your knowledge and strength you have and the unconditional love for Che you will all manage so well. You 3 are beautiful and soon it will be 4, enjoy these final days of pregnancy.
I used to say "2's company, 3's a crowd and 4's bliss".
Thinking of you daily. Love and big hugs to you 3.xxx
Beautifully written Jodi. Cherish these last moments...
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you.
xxx
A beautiful post to read. I recall feeling exactly the same way, looking at my first born and feeling a sense of sadness and 'loss' for no longer it just being the 'three of us.' The biggest challenge once baby was born was indeed my struggle with not having the time I would normally have for my first born. But it gets easier, and it's good for them to share the love and attention :-)
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your labour...oh will it be a boy or a girl?? Don't you love the surprise!?
such true sentiments that i absolutely relate to in regards to preparing for motherhood of 2! i felt much more emotional imagining Little A's experience rather than my own. during the birth i called out "is Arlo here?" - that put a big smile on his face as he was right by side. it's so special Jodi!! so so special. the love really does just get bigger. not only will your baby melt you but your 2 little ones will have just standing back in utter awe and bliss. i'm so excited for you all.
ReplyDeleteyou and my sister are right along side each other...she's hoping for longer than the week and i'm guessing sooner. all in sweet baby time! xoxoxo. thinking so much of you.
hope you can soak up all the love and light coming from the women you have guided through their births, jodi, including me. when the time comes, jump in that river and flow with it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Jodi. Takes me right back to those last days of each pregnancy. It is a huge transition from one child to two (and two to three for that matter) but oh so worth it. Your little family will be stronger than ever with the new baby's arrival and you will find your way with ease and grace, I am certain.
ReplyDeleteThe full moon has been out... thinking of you and wishing you the very best and safest of birthing journeys.
x
You write beautifully. Good luck. x
ReplyDeleteYou brought tears to my eyes when you spoke of new beginnings and Che holding close to being the only one. I often think about what Lily will feel like when we do decide to have another baby.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the luck!
Thinking of you.
ReplyDeletex
Thanks for finding my blog and leading me to yours. Loved this post as it bought back memories of my pregnancy, my little man is 1 next weeks so this time last year was doing the exact same as you. Good luck with the last bit of pregnancy and looking forward to seeing pics of the new arrival :o) Scarlett x
ReplyDeletethinking of you tonight it is a full moon. x.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I hope the waning moon has brought a beautiful new soul safely into your arms.
ReplyDeleteWhen there is only one it is hard to imagine you could love another the same way... but be ready to be amazed. It only takes a few moments before your heart doubles in size.
ReplyDeletex Tania
you've been quiet for a while - cant wait to hear the news! thinking of you and your little family x
ReplyDeleteYou make me want a baby so bad! Good luck. Thinking of you definitely. *s*
ReplyDeleteI remember all of these feelings. And you will also be blessed beyond your imagining with adding a baby to your family, which you know. And you will do great! :)
ReplyDelete