April 30, 2012

  • The Waiting Game

     

    So. Day Six.
    Not before due date.
    After due date.

    I should be used to this by now.
    Third pregnancy.
    Third time being overdue.
    And it’s only Day Six.
    Not Day 11 or Day 8.

    But goodness, what a mind game!

    I think the strong contractions and having two days of being in bed three weeks pre-due date
    made me hope that perhaps this would be different.
    But it’s not so.

    “You’re a crock pot,” says Ben.
    One that only functions on warm, I add.
    There’s no “high” or “low” setting, much less the oven’s “broil” setting.
    Nope, it’s just warm.

    At least I know the most I will go is a week more.
    Two weeks over is the most that I’m allowed.
    Whew. :)

    Sooo, what does one do to pass the days,
    to try not to just live in survival mode,
    but to actually enjoy each day?

    Ann Voskamp style, there’s a list. :)

    For one,
    take one day at a time.
    Don’t look at the week I could still have the babe in incubation.

    //due date day: coffee with whip. it’s worth the splurge//

    Beach Day, 045

    // also due date day: pancakes with blueberry topping. also with whip.
    like i said, worth the splurge. :) //

    Beach Day, 046

     Two.
    Don’t get excited about contractions, unless they would continue over long periods of time.

    // due date day: helping Zoe with K-4 books, while making My Faire Lady orders.
    enjoying the chilly day, and the rare chance for a fire in the hearth in April //

    Beach Day, 035

    Three.
    Plan fun things. After  the due date. So that you’ll actually look forward to being overdue. :)

    // A Day at the Ocean! I wish I could do this daily… :) //

    i just love my little two-year old. how such a little person can have such a personality just trips me out.
    goodness, is she ever fun.

    and i love her little grammar misuses, and hope she doesn’t discover ‘he’ and ‘she’ for a long time.
    “Him left him book at our house!!” said with great drama and wide eyes, is quite a typical reaction to something quite small.

    and the way she runs with her elbows… it looks so funny, but oh so adorable.
    please stay two forever.

    and then i remember, this is also the child that picks scabs in bed and smears blood all over clean sheets…
    … that grabs a bowl from up on the counter and splatters milk all over the floor…
    … that doesn’t like to ask for help in the bathroom and then smears poo all over bed sheets…
    … that sends us on a roller-coaster of emotions, ranging from exasperation to adoration.

    umm. maybe you can grow up a liiiiiitle bit. :)

    Beach Day, 094{Nesting} 248
    Beach Day, 098Beach Day, 078

    and sweet zoe… still set on having her “jack” or “rose.”

     Beach Day, 087Beach Day, 086

    i asked a friend if she’d like to go with us, and was it ever a fun day!
    my kids had friends to play with, and I had a dear friend to talk to. ♥

    Beach Day, 092Beach Day, 058

    // to document that i indeed did go to the ocean. :)
    the day of the due date was cold and windy, so we went the day after.
    it was absolute perfection! //

    Beach Day, 120

    Beach Day, 125

    today I spontaneously planned a Picnic at the Park day with a few other moms from church.
    i’m ready for some lady friends, some out-of-the-house time,
    and conversations that consist of more than, “You’re STILL pregnant?!!?” :)

    Four.
    Thank God for the kindness and encouragement of friends
    So many people have sent me messages and notes and phone calls,
    some people have made me baked food,
    a friend from out of state sent me money for take-out!!
    and seriously, it all feels like a hug straight from God.
    Thank you, thank you…

    // delicious blueberry muffins, made and dropped off by my sweet piano student,
    whose lesson I canceled because of being overdue and uncomfortable //

    Beach Day, 133 

    Five.
    Continue with the Nesting.
    Not only will you have the cleanest house on the block, but it will also
    a] help pass the time
    b] help you not think about how desperately uncomfortable you are.

    // new slipcovers for the living room. bought with compliments of My Faire Lady.
    uglysofa is where I found them, Pottery Barn brand, in fact, for a price I could afford. //

    before & now
    not so very different, but just a little touch of brightness

     

    the neutral palate is a bit of a challenge. i think it takes more work to pull it together…
    still working on that one!

     fun little bike pillow found on clearance at Tar-jay…

    nesting 006

    aqua shams found in my linen stash from when we used to have a guest room…
    folded over and pinned in the back, they now work as couch pillows. :)

     

     Six. 
    Remember the wise and beautiful words of a sweet friend:

    nesting 013

    Sugar Words.
    How I need that reminder in these days when it’s so easy to be selfish,
    when discomfort is a part of every moment.
    This isn’t about me.
    This is about letting Jesus live in and through me, even now.
    Especially now.

    It’s really surprised me how this late-term pregnancy has brought out so much selfishness in me.
    The energy the kids have, the lack of energy I have, is a combination that is not easy.
    I find myself wanting them to behave just so I don’t have to deal with discipline,
    rather than taking the time to care for their dear little hearts.
    I see how much I care for self right now, rather than focusing outward…
    God and I are having lots of talks these days. :)

    I so look forward to feeling better though,
    to where a walk with the kids or a trip to the park doesn’t feel overwhelming.
    To where sitting on a sofa reading books to them doesn’t make me feel like I’ll suffocate from lack of oxygen. :)

    There is a reason for the discomfort, I do believe.
    The scariness of labor?
    Still there, but I’m so ready for the baby that I don’t care as much about pain levels anymore. :)

    // the wedding invitation of a dear sister. ♥
    and another invitation of a brother-in-law, a week after. and a lovely sister-in-law’s picture.//

    nesting 016

    The last few days I’ve been thinking…
    with the anticipation of the baby, the expectancy, the waiting, the fervent preparation…

    What if the return of the Lord would be anticipated and prepared for this much?

    With this little baby coming there is so much thought and preparation.
    The whole house is being purged and cleaned from top to bottom.
    Not a single drawer or corner will be left untouched, given enough of time.
    There are eyes to see DIRT and DUST that never even bothered me before.
    To be honest, that I never even noticed before. :)
    Areas to clean that never crossed my mind before.
    An old toothbrush is my new best cleaning friend, and boy, do we ever go places together.
    That little crack that collects dirt and grime. It must go.

    Before I go to bed each night, the house must be in perfect order.
    All messes put away,
    all dishes stacked in the dishwasher or neatly back on shelves
    but certainly not on counters or in sink,
    everything neat and tidy.
    Just in case tonight would be the night.

    What if it would be like this on a soul level for me, for all Christians anticipating the return of our Lord?
    Such purging, such cleanliness of life and heart,
    no nagging sin left,
    a purity, a full concentration of things eternal, everything filtered by perpetual readiness -
    the Lord’s return may be at any moment, and I want to be ready.
    Just in case tonight would be the night.

    There are so many allegories to be drawn from this.
    It’s really been so challenging for my soul,
    and to take my focus off of the waiting at present and onto the eternal perspective on waiting.
    It’s just really hit me how the process of waiting on a child is really a bigger picture
    of the longing for the return of our dear Jesus…

    So today I pray for the Lord to prepare my heart for HIS return,
    even more than for the arrival of this much-anticipated child.
    Because if I am ready for Him, then everything else will be okay.
    I need Him to purge my heart from it’s selfishness and stubbornness,
    from the short temper with the girls, from the focus of self and discomfort these days…
    and I want to be refreshed and restored by HIM, by Jesus Himself.

    So, I’m not exactly feeling top-of-the-world today, :)
    but I want to find Jesus in this day,
    worship in the waiting.
    [tried to play this song on my site, but playlist didn't have it]

    It feels silly to even write about going overdue,
    because, my word, it’s not that big of a deal!!
    But the waiting is where I find myself, and I don’t want to just try to survive it.
    I want to thrive in it.
    Even as I write that I think, “Oh God, help me!”
    because it seems that in the smallest areas it’s easiest to justify selfishness.

    And I want to find room for gratefulness too.
    One older lady told me that back in the day she went THREE WEEKS late.
    Oh goodness, I’m so glad I’m not allowed to go that long! :)

    And in whatever wait you find yourself, may you find Jesus too…


    ~clarita

     

     

Comments (29)

  • aw. thinking of you sweet friend~
    and praying this little one comes SOON!!!

    so glad you got your beach day. {you look beautiful}
    i’m with ya on kinda liking the grammar misuses of the kiddos!
    and really like the switch of slipcovers -
    it makes the room airy and fresh. perfect for summer!
    {i want that bike pillow} ;)

    love you girl.
    COME ON BABY -we’re all excited to see your face!!!xo

  • When you’re overdue that’s pretty much ALL you can think about. If I saw you right now I wouldn’t even say anything about “you know what”. I’d begin our conversation as follows:

    Clarita-Hey lady! I miss you. Let’s do lunch.

    *hugs*

  • you said going overdue isn’t a big deal. but it is. at the time The emotions and all that are just hard to deal with, this post will one day be something to look back on with fondness. I had you on my mind this morning, wondering if I’d pop on Facebook and find an announcement and perhaps a squeaky new picture…One of these days for sure I love that you went to the beach on your due date. I’m already planning my due date pool party there is no way I’m sitting home that day.
    blessings to you as you thrive today. and tomorrow. or maybe labor, whichever. you are on our minds.

  • awww. i love your sweet heart!

  • gorgeous post! i ended up in tears several times during my pregnancy because of being overdue (only 4 days…but still!!!). my whole pregnancy i prayed that baby would come early enough that we would be able to go home for Christmas. didn’t happen…but she came in God’s good time, and is healthy and absolutely beautiful!!! hope lil’ one comes soon for you!

  • I love the idea of planning something fun to pass the time after the due date. I only went over once- by 1 day and a few minutes of the next–but it seemed like for.ever. I think the whole thing of thinking for several weeks that any day could be “it” is part of what makes waiting so hard. You kinda have to be prepared for it to be anytime for a couple weeks before and after The Due Date. Hoping baby arrives very soon, and the time until then is spent with fun indulgences, and that your little girls are as good as they can be, because it IS hard sometimes to deal with those little girl drama issues!! (((hugs)))

  • As always…love your pictures!
    I was anywhere from 3 wks early to 2 wks late…and those days of waiting can be tough!
    Hope you get to meet your baby SOON, SOON, and keep thriving in the waiting~

  • I had to smile about Olivia’s grammar issues and her running with her elbows…my little girl does the does the same thing and it’s too cute to correct! :) All too soon, she’ll figure it out.

    I love the new slipcovers! Sometimes a small change makes the biggest difference in the world.

    I’m preparing to have my house cleaned too…although my reason is because it just needs a good ‘ole spring cleaning! :)

  • thinking of you lots. if you ever need to chat… i’m always around! hope your baby comes soon. it’s so hard to wait for something SO exciting!!! love you.

  • I think you are doing an amazing job thriving the days away one by one — whipped topping, trips to the beach, fun with friends….

    I love your spiritual reflections as you wait as well and how you mirrored them with us preparing for Jesus to come back… that just really resonated with me — worship in the waiting.

    Hopefully soon will be reading the post that the lil one has arrived!!

  • Oh Clarita! You are the sweetest person ever. Really.
    Even in your state of being overdue you….
    1. Look adorable.
    2. Have encouraging things to say.
    3. Finding Jesus in your everyday…I would probably be complaining…A LOT!

    My sisters and I were talking about you after church yesterday when one of my sisters said they loved Sophia’s headband.I told them it was made by Clarita! =) The conversation rolled into us waiting for an announcement anyday.

    I have been praying for you. Praying for an easy labor and delivery. I’ve been praying for God’s timing to be Soon! ;)

    I absolutely Love your living room. Your house is decorated so nicely. I want to visit your living room! The bike pillow is so cute. I am a sucker for pillows…I have way more than I need. So to say I “need” to find one of those at MY Target on clearance wouldn’t be a true statement, BUT…..I Need to go find one at my Target! ;)

    I am excited for your next couple of weeks! Like you said, you only have one more week for sure. Having a new baby is SO wonderful. As silly as it sounds, even the labor part is exciting, knowing that baby is almost here! and then those first moments…ahhh, so precious! Enjoy every second!!!=)

    Hopefully we won’t see you on here for the next couple of days….
    HOWEVER! don’t wait too long to show us baby when he/she arrives!!!

    Happy Monday to you.
    xoxo =)

  • I love it all! I hope you dont’ have too much longer left! I know how those last few days PAST due date are the most… trying.

  • Oh I just love this to bits. You’re the coolest over-due pregnant woman I know, and I am anticipating precious baby with you ever so much. Love love love to you.

  • You are the cutest overdue preg. woman ever!
    I love that 2-4 year age of kiddos when they’re trying to talk right and all their little antics :)
    The new look is beautiful in the family room.
    I like the analogy of waiting for God’s return and being ready at any time with my heart cleansed and ready. Now to put it into practice.
    I didn’t realize you taught piano. How fun!

  • Oh boy, can I ever relate, and remember so well the uncomfortable state of being full term! You seriously look awesome on that beach photo! All the things you are doing while overdue is way more then I could muster up. You are amazing! You may be a “slow cooker” for babies, but nothing else is slow! Like I said you really are amazing. Your time is almost here and I’m so excited to hear the news!! I love your comparison w/ the return of our Lord. Also love your “sugar words” signage! Hugs and cheers.

  • Blessings to you.  Can’t wait to meet your little one!  :)

  • ah, many blessings and hugs sent to you today! loved your thoughts and the way you are choosing to see the positive in each passing day! Can’t wait to hear your news!!!

  • love it!
    ~ your handwriting is crazy awesome.
    ~ did you make the flowers on zoe’s suit? too cute. :)
    ~ pretty preg pic of you at the beach- love the outfit!
    ~ i love your slipcovers- it does brighten/whiten it up. you make me realize i need to wash mine…
    ~ your living room really makes me want to come visit you… it’s so clean, creative, and lovely!!
    thanks for a bright spot in my already extra great day! I’M GOING SHOPPING TODAY!! :)
    today may be the day?? :) baby? :)

  • Your thoughts on Jesus coming is really good. I went over with my first one 9 days,  so I know what you are going through. Hopeing you get to meet your little one soon.

  • oh, i am NOT good at this game. at all.
    just thinking of it almost makes me anxious within….but, at the same time, i think you’re wise to plan fun things for each day waited. with my track record being a week late, a week early and on time, i have no expectations for this time around. =)
    the living room makeover is incredibly beautiful! never heard of that site..will have to check it out.
    hoping today is thee day!

  • Loved how you wrote about the comparison between waiting for a baby versus waiting for Christ to come back.  Do we live with that kind of expectancy??  I know I don’t.  I DO think it is a big deal to be overdue.  And it IS hard.  I think you are wise to try to stay busy and figure out fun stuff to do while you wait. I was 9 days overdue with Derrick when my water finally broke. I remember feeling like this baby is never.going.to.come. And I remember every day seeming like a week. And I didn’t even have other little kids to chase after. Maybe today is the day???

  • I know EXACTLY how you feel being over due, by the third time it seems “normal” I’ll be thinking about you in the next few days or week ;O)

  • i just bumped a very wrong key and lost my huge long comment. :(

    my kids are about to walk through the door…be back.
    hugs sweet girl! and a prayer too.

  • i’m trying to take all of this in…as in soakin it! :) before my kidlets come through the door.
    there’s always so much to lOOk at as well as words to tHINK about. love it.

    i cannot even help myself when it comes to pillows. i firmly believe that you can.not have too many. ;)
    i was eyeballing a bike pillow at tjmaxx…i like yours way better. hmmmm. the slipcovers look great for a summery change up—i love before and afters. i have neutrals going on and think i need a punch of SoMeThINg else. but i’m not sure what. *help!* :) those aqua shams and the bold pattern are cool. need to ponder that and what might work out here!

    and due dates. oh girl. what to say? way to go for being so intentional in the waiting. you look adorable…big hugs. love and a prayer for you too.

  • and what do you know? i found the comment that was lost! ^^^ feeling silly :D oh well.

  • Clarita dear! I’m so sorry! I know what you mean about feeling silly about it being such a big deal to wait but oh it feels so REAL and every day you think this could be the day but then night comes and you think ok please wait til in the morning so we can get a good nites rest. *smile* and so every day of thinking that for a week or more does seem like forever! I only was 1 day late but w being early w the other 2 naturally I was expecting the same for this baby. I finally told myself you know,once this baby is here I’m gonna be one busy mama so why not enjoy myself and take it easy and relax and enjoy myself and my kids. Enjoy being lazy and pamper yourself in waiting! But I will pray that baby Yoder will show up SOON! Blessings to you!

  • I love your decorating style, you inspire me so much! I need to show my hubby those slip covers and see if we can get some! Hope your days are filled with blessings and joy as you await this little ones arrival.

  • Clarita dear! I’m so sorry! I know what you mean about feeling silly about it being such a big deal to wait but oh it feels so REAL and every day you think this could be the day but then night comes and you think ok please wait til in the morning so we can get a good nites rest. *smile* and so every day of thinking that for a week or more does seem like forever! I only was 1 day late but w being early w the other 2 naturally I was expecting the same for this baby. I finally told myself you know,once this baby is here I’m gonna be one busy mama so why not enjoy myself and take it easy and relax and enjoy myself and my kids. Enjoy being lazy and pamper yourself in waiting! But I will pray that baby Yoder will show up SOON! Blessings to you!

  • Wow,dear friend what a wonderful post. You did manage to gracefully step on my toes. It was a good toe stepping tho, and a wonderful reminder about what we do with our “wait” times what ever they may be. Thank you and know that you are prayed for and loved greatly.

Post a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *