Emi Watch: Day 2

Dear Emi,
I managed to sleep through most of the night, waking just briefly around 2 a.m. and then promptly nodding off again until 5 a.m. when I finished organizing the closet and putting away your daddy's numerous t-shirts, khaki shorts and pants. "You're nesting hardcore," he grunted blearily before pulling the quilt over his head. A couple hours later when he was getting ready for work, he was more appreciative. "Wow! My clothes are folded and everything. It's like I have a real wife." Puhleez.

I seem to be getting bigger by the day. You've dropped a bit, so it's easier to breathe now. On the other hand, there's more pressure on my bladder and I spend a good deal of my time in the bathroom. Every time I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror or in a store window I'm shocked to see how much my belly sticks out. Your daddy, a sweetheart of man, has lovingly taken to calling me "Bazooka Belly."

I'm starting to worry you may be getting too big. Aside from the whole labor thing, I've got all sorts of adorable, teeny newborn outfits that I'm dying to dress you in, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I almost bought a red velvet pj set from Nordstrom today for you to wear on Christmas, but the saleswoman seemed to think the newborn size would be too small for a nearly 2-month-old baby. So I decided to wait until after you're here. I also popped into Janie & Jack, a relatively new baby boutique in the mall, and found some beautiful dresses. I'll definitely check it out when I go shopping for your red egg & ginger party dress.

I got started on your birth announcements today, after I took a two-hour nap. They're going to be lovely. I bought some beautiful Japanese paper at a special store in San Francisco just for your announcements, and Auntie Midori was able to make a paper kimono out of it so I can frame it with your photo.

Your nursery is shaping up nicely, too. This weekend, Daddy and I are going to rearrange the furniture and add a few more finishing touches. I can't wait until it's done!

I've been enjoying these last few days, now that my To Do list has been whittled down to a more manageable level. I should've listened to Dr. Chan when he advised me to take a month off before my due date. I felt fine at the time and couldn't justify leaving work so early, at least in my mind. Plus, I wanted to spend as much of my six-month maternity leave with you as possible. But Dr. Chan was right. I'm going to have to remember that next time...

You didn't move around much today, and by dinner I was starting to worry. Daddy reminded me that you do that sometimes - hibernate quietly for several hours. Sure enough, once I ate dinner you made an appearance and I was able to relax again.

I worked on your birth announcements a little more after dinner. While I was busy punching out flower shapes and snipping lengths of gold cord, I noticed I was having Braxton Hicks contractions again. I'm hoping this means you're getting ready to come out, Emi. It'd be great if my cervix could be "favorable" by Monday. Hint, hint...