Why I should be put on bed rest

Because clearly, that's the only way I'll actually take it easy. If someone orders me to do it, and by someone I mean a doctor-type someone.

We had a busy week, no doubt about it. It seems like every single day was filled with something, or had an appointment, or an errand. Which is typical for us, but physically, I'm just not able to keep up any more. And by keep up I mean do all that needs doing without swelling, contractions, or sciatic pain. I know I need to slow down, I know I need to rely on others more, and I know that I need to listen very carefully to my body. But it's hard. I want so much to be there for everyone, and so often feel as though I just can't do it.

Quickie updates:

M- will now take a few steps toward you, holding on to your hands. So now it's a race to see which happens first, her walking or #4 being born. Still a massive eater, and still having some constipation issues. Is allergic to pineapple, as we discovered this week.

P - was doing this weird thing with her left eye, where she closes it and points to things. We thought that maybe she had something wrong with her eye, but as it turns out it's just a weird thing. The optometrist said her eyes are fine. She's struggling a bit with feeling a bit left out I think, what with big sister starting kindergarten, little sister hitting all these milestones, and wondering where does that leave her? She seems to be waging an all-out war for attention, with food and toileting being her artillery of choice. We're working on it, especially by making a big fuss over her starting preschool next year. I'm going to take her shopping for all new preschool things in a couple of weeks, which will be lots of fun.

C- had her surgery, and I can see such a difference in her. Her speech, which was pretty good, is now extremely clear. She also talks a lot more, and I wouldn't have thought it possible! Her sentences are much more complex, and she is much more descriptive in her speech. It's almost as if before, she couldn't stay with a train of thought long enough, so she'd self-edit and paraphrase, to get to the point quicker. Now, she takes her time, and says the most incredible things! I'm so thankful for such a great preschool, because I would never have picked up on anything being wrong at all, and now she's had it fixed in time for starting kindergarten.

Baby Boy - lying sideways, and according to the ultrasound technician, average size. Oh, and he's got hair! I am so excited to meet this little guy, I have to say. He also kicks and punches really hard. I mean painfully so.

Me: Swelling, contractions, sciatica, carpal tunnel, varicose veins, and one insane nesting instinct. Still up in the air about delivery. On one hand, there's a c-section. I'd be keen to avoid it, only because of recovery. If recovery time was the same, and pain was the same, I'd do it in a minute. But if I could be guaranteed of a delivery like P's, which was perfect and magical, I'd rather do that. What I'm most fearful of is that I'll have a long and protracted labour, and end up in theatre anyway. It really all depends on the size of the baby. I can honestly say that I do have some plan this time, as far as being a bit more proactive in decision-making goes. The unknown factors though, could throw it all out the window. So we'll wait, think, pray, and then pray some more for wisdom in knowing what to do when push comes to shove (pun fully intended!).

L: Finally worked out a post-baby work schedule. He'll start work at 9, so he can do the preschool run, then pick up from preschool at 3 and drop her at home before going back to work. We had a good chat today about how he can best help me, and how I will (oh, how I hate this phrase!!!) cope with things as a mum of 4.

I think we'll be fine, to be honest - I need to be allowed to work out for myself what works best, and given time to find the right routine for us. And then next year it all changes again. But that's how life goes, isn't it? If it always stayed the same, we'd never learn anything.