An Ode to my Son

Dear Women of the World,

Hooray! Every contraction brings this pregnancy closer to its completion!

Now that Vince is here, acquaintances we run into are asking me how my pregnancy and labor went.  I feel funny telling them the truth…

It sucked.

That’s not to say I had a particularly difficult 40 weeks.  I am thankful for my textbook pregnancy which culminated in my healthy son.  I know I’m blessed.

My statement is an admission that there are two types of women: those who can handle being pregnant with grace and aplomb and those who can’t.  I fall squarely into the latter column.

Hopefully I faked it well to the outside world, but in my inner mind I was loathing every minute of my pregnancy.

In an attempt to reconcile my emotions, I penned a quick poem while my little man napped.  I hope other women can relate.

Now That You’re Here 

I already forgot…

the growing girth

the constant wondering

the incessant worrying

the crippling anxiety

topped off with colossal hormonal meltdowns

I can scarcely recall…

the waves of nausea

the leaking bladder

the chronic constipation

and the relentless heartburn

A distant memory now …

the back and forth bathroom waltz-

accompanied by the persistent pains

from my clouded baby brain

down my aching back

past my puffy face

over my disappearing naval

to my weary swollen feet

It has all been replaced by…

Your sudden smiles

blissful babble

and quiet coos.

Now I cherish

the late night lullabies

and the soothing snuggles

While I cradle

my swaddled bundle

of unrelenting joy

Forty Weeks-

erased in one instant

now that you’re here

Love,