The Waiting Game

I have a friend who is pregnant.  38 1/2 weeks pregnant to be exact. 

I really want her to have her baby.  Now.

She is my age, so not a spring chicken.  She’s not a first time mom, so she knows what she is in for.  Without giving too much detail, I’ll just say, life’s been hard for her, and the arrival of this baby is much anticipated.

So, I want her to go into labor.  Now.

Its not happening.  I keep checking my iPhone for a text from her.  “Water broken,” or “contractions every 5,” or simply “going in!”

But nothing.

If you think I’m anxious, well, I’m guessing she is more so.

Not that she ever complains, but I happen to know she is not super comfortable in her present state, and for goodness sakes, we all just want to meet this BABY!

But, we are learning the first lesson of parenting.  A lesson we all know quite well, but never like.  We don’t have control.  Really, none.  

And it starts now, as we wait, and wait.

I know its a bit early still, but her last baby delivered early and I really want this baby to come out NOW!

But the baby is clearly not quite ready yet...close...but not ready.

The baby will come when the baby will come (or when it bends to my will as an obstetrician....).

No one knows what starts labor, but there are clearly signals from both the mother and the baby that bring on labor.

But I can darn sure tell you what apparently does NOT bring on labor...wanting it to happen.

Please, little iPhone, please send me a text tonight....