Having heard from my mum that all three of us siblings were either 1 or 2 weeks before due date, I was convinced that my own would be at least one week early. My parents arrived one week earlier accordingly, but we still have no signs that His Highness is ready to come into our world. Nevertheless, it was a good time to catch up, settle in and show the parents some places.
I had planned on just having a quiet weekend with my parents at first, but being persuaded by Henry that labour will take several hours to finally kick in anyway after the first little contraction, we decided we will take our chances and plan the weekend with activities. Saturday saw us hosting family for a barbecue, while Sunday saw us drive one hour to the furthest borough of London for a Singaporean birthday party. I was so convinced by Henry that I did not even pack in my hospital bag into the car, believing that we will stop by home to pick up the stuff on our way to hospital if indeed, His Highness shows signs of coming. After all, the worst thing that can happen must be reaching the hospital and having not much action and being sent home again. So, the reasoning goes: the more I can tahan and the later I reach hospital, the greater will be the dilatation and the shorter the labour in hospital. Hopefully, I can even be home for dinner! :)
At the party, the other guests congratulated me warmly and asked me innocently when I am due. When I smiled and replied, "Coming Thursday", jaws dropped, followed by exclamations of admiration. In one minute, I had either become the incredibly amazing, brave preggie or the hopelessly foolhardy one. Either way, I had a blast catching up with my Singaporean frens and I am glad we went, because my parents enjoyed meeting the other Singaporeans too. I think they are relieved that I have found other countrymen that I can hang out with. Before coming, my mum had asked me how far away is my nearest neighbour. I think her idea of staying in a quiet "countryside" (anything outside London seems to be countryside) means my nearest neighbour must be out of sight totally! My father kept asking me if I had met other Singaporeans. Happily, they can now feel at ease.
After Sunday's party, I was all ready for Baby. Henry and I had told Baby to hold off till after the birthday party, so Mummy can have her last fling with her frens. And when we got home, I sat down and composed myself quietly, waiting for that magical moment of waters bursting or some other sign.
I waited and waited, but nothing happened.
So, I got up and decided to do the laundry. Followed by ironing of the dried laundry. And then, I took a shower. Followed by Mum's yummy dinner.
Still nothing. I went to bed a disappointed woman.
The next morning, Henry told me he dreamt of Baby. I was ecstatic. I asked him, "Did Baby say anything about when he is coming? What does Baby look like? Is he more like me? Or more like you?" And the poor man could only say, "I dunno, but it is Baby." Sigh... trust a man not to remember the important details...
So, after more laundry, more ironing, a shower and dinner, I am back to the waiting game. And while I am at it, I decide that I will get back to my blog writing.
And as I retire to bed a despondent woman, I hope I will wake up racked with contractions... for then, I shall be a happy woman again. Did anybody ever say that the road to motherhood is easy? Hell, no, only masochists take this journey! =>
Hi Xiao Wei, for most women, the 1st born is usually overdue..... keep yourself active, physical activity is supposed to help induce the labour process. My 1st one was also almost overdue,and he was big (3.5kg), so my gynae induced the labour with drugs on my due date, luckily labour was only 6hrs. My 2nd and 3rd are both 2 weeks early and labour was only 3hrs for the 2nd and 1.5hrs for the 3rd!
ReplyDeleteHey, Wan Yee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Nice to hear about your different experiences :) Did you run often for your second and third babies? After all, you are a runner :) I am just walking up and down stairs and going for walks. Can at most do a quick waddle these days :) But yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed for a quick delivery - "one pain" as my Greek fren calls it :)