'Twas My 9th Month of Pregnancy

Yep, it's here! As daylight savings time took place, I began my ninth month of pregnancy.

As this pregnancy comes to a close, I have really been reflecting lately on how amazing it is having this living, kicking little creature inside of me.

I also acknowledge (very willingly, don't get me wrong) that this will probably be the last time in my life I feel this sensation ever again -- the little fists hitting my public bone, the little feet dancing like waves inside my belly. I am 41, and this pregnancy wasn't even planned. There's always a chance I could have more children but I really don't wish to. This was a gift of a third child that I treasure but realistically don't want or need to happen yet again. But it's somehow bittersweet. I always wanted to repeat this experience of prenancy and early motherhood one last time, to savor its magic and its essence. My children are now 6 and 5, and it seems so long ago since they each came into our lives. I am thankful for the chance to repeat the miracle.

I also got inspired to write 'Twas My 9th Month of Pregnancy (loosely modeled on 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore.)

'Twas my 9th month of pregnancy, and all through the house
There was only one creature stirring, and it wasn't my spouse.

Baby items were strewn all around without a care,
In hopes that my older kids' new bedrooms would be painted and ready, no longer bare.

My family was nestled all snug in their beds
While I kept tossing and turning, trying to position my legs and my head.

And my husband in his underwear and me with my emotional crap
Had just settled down for an early spring nap

When deep in my belly there rose such a clatter
I sat up straight to see what was the matter..

Away to the bathroom I flew like a flash
To stay alert in the dark, to avoid any toilet splash

The itching of my belly, the cramps in my legs
Simply meant it was the 9th month of pregnancy, nothing more to dread

When what wandering thoughts in my head did appear
Enthusiasm, excitement, then sleepless nights and fear

Now, Benjamin! Now, Benjamin, Now Juliana my daughter
On, Victoria! On Victoria, will the doctor break my water?

To the top of the world! To be a mother of three!
I'll love my kids equally even if I have no time to pee

As dry leaves that before the hurricane fly,
I wonder when labor will start, & if it'll make me start to cry

But I go back to my maternity pillow, my long early spring nap
And realize thinking negatively is a pointless 'ol trap

I groan and I moan 'til I get the correct position in bed,
Laying down my sleepy little head.

There's only a few weeks of this tumolt, soon my legs will be spread
On a hospital table in front of a man or woman I didn't wed.

Pretty soon this will all be behind me and I'll remember these times well
And look for a way to live normally, despite the baby's frequent kvell.