Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

OCTOBER

EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT

Eli's excitement is palpable as we walk into Dr. Daria’s exam room. It’s only been three weeks since our last appointment, but it felt like an eternity. We were eager to get an update on our growing baby girl. When Doctor Daria finally appeared, she led us to the ultrasound room with a warm smile.

"How's she doing doc?" Eli asks, his voice filled with equal parts excitement and nervousness.

Doctor Daria's face is illuminated by the soft glow of the ultrasound machine as she studies the images on the screen. I can’t help but cry at the sight of our little one, amazed at how much she had grown in just a few short weeks.

"The baby is thriving," Doctor Daria says with a smile. "She's measuring on the bigger side, already around 20 inches and likely close to six pounds. Her brain is developing rapidly, and she's already able to see and hear."

I listen intently, soaking up every detail about our baby's progress. My heart swells with love and anticipation, and I imagine holding her in my arms and watching her grow.

"And her kidneys are mature," Doctor Daria added with a hint of humor, "and her little finger nails are probably due for a manicure right about now."

I can’t help but laugh at the thought, imagining our little diva getting her first mani/pedi. But then the reality of what lies ahead hits me - weekly appointments, increasing my caloric intake, and the constant discomfort of being pregnant. Doctor Daria had warned me of all of this during the consult portion of our appointment.

"Can you handle that?" she asked, breaking through my thoughts.

"Yes, I can do that," I replied with determination.

"Good," she said with a smile. "I'll need to see you weekly now as your due date approaches, but for now, everything looks good."

I thank you her and she leaves us alone in the room. As I get dressed, I feel sweat beading on my forehead from the simplest movement. No one warned me about this. Or about the crying or the constant burning sensation in my pelvic region. But despite it all, I am more than ready for our daughter to make her grand entrance into the world. My hips ache and feel like they're widening with each passing day - another reminder that her arrival is fast approaching.

Eli goes back to his office, and I head home. I started maternity leave last week. To say I’m bored would be an understatement, but I’m straight back in my pajamas. I crawl into bed and snuggle under the covers. All I can manage to do these days is nap, thankfully I love a good nap.

As I lay in bed, my thoughts drift to the little life growing inside me. I can feel her moving and kicking, eliciting a smile from me every time. It's hard to believe that she'll be here in my arms in just a few weeks.

I reach down and gently rub my belly, feeling her respond to my touch with another kick. It's our little secret language and I love that we share it.

As I close my eyes, I can't help but think about how much our lives are about to change. It’s been a constant thought, but as she’s about to be here, it’s been on my mind more and more. We'll no longer be just Eli and October; we'll be Mommy and Daddy. And this tiny bundle of joy will be the center of our universe.

But amidst all the excitement and anticipation, there's also a hint of fear. Am I ready for this? Will I be a good mother? What if something goes wrong?

I push those thoughts aside and focus on the present– feeling my baby move within me. It's a surreal and beautiful experience that I don't want to take for granted.

When the baby gives me another kick I jump awake and yelp in surprise. Beside me, Eli jolts awake, looking at me with concern. When did he get home? It’s also then that I notice it’s dark outside. Whoops, my nap turned into bedtime… again.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" he asks, panicked.

“I’m fine. The baby kicked. Scared the bejeesus out of me. Go back to sleep.” He pulls me into his arms, and I let his warmth envelop me.

“I love you baby,” he says, kissing my forehead.

“Mmm… I love you too,” I reply.

I really do and always will.