Preparing for the little (or not so little) man....

You know it's funny... When you are pregnant, people feel this liberty to say whatever they think or feel regarding a woman's size. "Oh my, you are so big!" "Wow, you are all belly." "Oh you must be ready to go any day." And comments of the likes.

Even though, I'd give anything to have the unsolicited commentary over strangers and familiar outgoing friends and family caressing my expanding abdomen, I still am in awe of the comments.

Over the last few weeks I have been told a number of things, often by either complete strangers at Dunkin Donuts, the assorted grocery stores or by my dentist, manicurist or even friends. "WOW, that is going to be one BIG baby!" The irony is, while yes, I do feel bigger this time around than I did with any of my other pregnancies, even at the point of delivery I don't recall feeling this physically strained, my doctors are keeping an eye on the baby's growth to make sure he is not too small! (This week's two appointments will give me some insight into how he is actually growing...)

We are on the eve of the start of the last trimester. This somewhat arbitrary landmark I had made for us to start really planning and preparing for our baby boy's arrival. I have allowed myself to purchase a few items of clothing, bedding and even have the nursery painted. I am sure it wasn't a coincidence that the first night Maya had her big girl bed and the crib moved into our bedroom-directly across from our bed-I tossed and turned all night long. The reality of adding to our family doesn't scare me, rather it excites me. Our girls sleep through the night most nights until 7 am or later, they predictably nap each day-simulataneously-and get along SO well. In 3 months or less, our world will be rocked and I can't wait! I do savor our "girl time" and family of four moments a bit more these days, which I see as a blessing as well. However, adding to it, will do just that-add to our lives.

Our son, who continues to have the most challenging name selection we ever could have imagined, is going to enter a world filled with love and nurturing sisters who are SO eager for him to be born. I am a little sad that the talking/singing/hugging/kissing to and of my belly will end. The girls are giving him all of their most valued objects-from princess pull-ups to stuffed animals and such, this little guy is one lucky man already! I can't wait to see how they smother him with love and affection in person!

AND-if you see a pregnant woman, no matter what you think you want to say about her size, her belly, her anything... The only appropriate comment is "Oh my, you are so beautiful!"