The air is pregnant with anticipation now ...
When we found that Shreya was pregnant the two of us had distinctly different reactions. She, being the emotional one, was overjoyed, could scarcely contain the news to herself and started painting visuals in her dreams of what was to come. I, being the practical one, was happy no doubt, but more contemplative; for the "future" which had been nothing more than a subject of casual conversation with friends, was well and truly present ...
It took time for this piece of information to sink in, slowly but surely though, our lifestyle changed. Our friends took notice. Some guessed the news and some heard it from us. We moved into a beautiful house and started gathering furniture. Our friends threw us an awesome baby shower. Every gift that we got just added to Shreya's excitement.
She has tried her level best to enjoy every moment of the pregnancy. I guess, it just comes naturally to her. She leaves the worrying to me. That way, at least one of us has a good time :).
The morning sickness in the first trimester couldn't wipe out the constant smile on her face. The obvious restrictions on diet and activity which come with pregnancy didn't flinch her enthusiasm. She willingly held back herself from social events knowing that she'd get another chance later. She immersed herself in the prenatal Yoga classes, enjoyed her photo-shoot and made sure that we followed every small tradition that was possible being away from India. She has counted every hiccup and cherished every kick that the baby has provided with glee.
The last month though, has been particularly challenging for her with the weight of the baby increasing around an ounce a day. Along with a number of family members, she made the cardinal error of assuming that her pregnancy would follow the same track as her mother's and expected to get done much sooner than the 40 week deadline. She's essentially been on a self-proclaimed countdown from the 36th week ... an ungrateful brute that keeps resetting callously :)
She bears a cheerful countenance, but one can easily spot the weariness creeping in. Our friends check up on her constantly and try to keep her in good spirits. At home we try to keep her engaged with different projects so as to kill time but every evening the prayer she offers at the altar is no longer silent.
She looks at me with an expression that says "why can't you solve this problem", which is funny and sad at the same time. Our doctor says we are in the "any day" zone now. I've started working from home so that I can be around her.
The house is set, the gadgets are waiting, the Accord's fuel tank is full and we are probably as ready as we are ever going to be ...
... It's time, my little princess! Wish you can hear me :)
