Waiting Impatiently

"Obstetrics"
by Suzanne Clark

Tomorrow they will tell me what I know.
After tools and taps they will talk in facts
of mystery, of the flame in so dark
a place you want to look and see God
shaping the hands and face.
They will call it by other names
but I will be hearing
blood and bones sliding in place
to music steep as stars.

I am in a dream
while the doctor feels clay
and schedules birth on a chart unreal.
As the earthen womb sings,
making its pearl,
I allow everything:
quake of birth that will leave the poem
of dust in my mouth."

The Lord has blessed us with a second child, who remains an active, feisty little thing within my belly. We have 7 weeks to go, but are thinking it might decide to see the world a little sooner. I am grateful that this pregnancy has been uncomplicated compared to my first pregnancy with Josie. Last weekend Greg and I went into the hospital for some progressing, early contractions. Besides being placed on "modified" bedrest for a week, this pregnancy is healthy and well.

I've been using the time to read and rest, since I've been unable to work. I just finished reading "Sketches of Home" by Suzanne Clark. It is a collection of poetic essays that she has written over the course of many years. I highly recommend it! Besides her poem I added above, I thought I'd share one section pertinent to my present situation.

"Weeks and months pass. The queen turns into an elephant. There are new mysteries. How to eat crackers in church without anyone noticing because the "baby" has to eat. How to get past people in a crowd without knocking them over with your belly. How to fall asleep on your back when you are a stomach person. How to put out heartburn. How to keep from crying when your husband blinks the wrong way.
I lie in bed on my back for hours studying my bald mountain of a stomach. Who are you? Under that tight skin lives an impossible child whose legs and arms both flutter and punch, whose ears absorb every word I speak, and whose heart, I am sure, senses my two-edged love, fierce and tender."

- Suzanne Clark

I smiled while reading this as I seem to be living it every moment right now. I tried to slip past Greg in the kitchen and just about toppled over after I lost my balance when my belly hit the counter. I guess I underestimated the size of a watermelon. I should also mention that Greg got pushed into the hot stove, but the fact I almost fell over is more important : ) Also I'm a stomach sleeper, so nights have been a hopeless quest for the "right" position, not to mention the heartburn attacks during the night too often these days. I hope this brings smiles to many of you as you think about your own pregnancies or future ones. It is a blessed time despite feeling that I have no control over my body (or emotions).

I can't wait to introduce you all to our little baby boy or girl! For now this ultrasound picture will have to do. Please continue to pray for our child to stay in place at least a few more weeks! We'll keep everyone updated!


This picture was taken 3 months ago by the way! They said you can't tell the gender from this picture, so if you look hard enough and think you know what it is...don't tell us!