When he's good and ready

Yes, I’ve been feeling anxious about Espen's arrival. I think a lot of it has to do with the notion of a “due date.” It’s hard for me to remember that I’m not technically overdue yet—and I won’t be overdue for a few more weeks! A true overdue pregnancy is one that goes beyond a full 42 weeks. My EDD (which stands for estimated due date) really is just an estimate, and the fact that I'm still nursing Eowyn (which can effect ovulation) means the EDD can be especially hard to pinpoint.

Still, I’m asked frequently by well-meaning, caring friends and family why the baby isn’t here yet. I ask myself that, too--especially since Eowyn came a week early! The fact that Meredith had her baby on Monday causes me to wonder even more.

This time around, I’m not that uncomfortable, and I know that babies are a lot easier to care for while they’re still inside your body. My main concern is for Espen’s health, but I also know that the risk of complications from a true overdue pregnancy is actually very low, and the chance of me going truly overdue is very low as well. I still feel Espen move plenty, and all the other vitals check out fine at my office visits.

Mostly, it’s that I’ve got to combat this expectation that he should have been here by now. You can pray that I trust the Lord for Espen, and that I will take this extra time as a gift. I’m also thankful that I’m seeing a midwife, who doesn’t pressure me at all about induction.

I need to cultivate patience in myself.