40 Weeks...

Can you imagine the anticipation?

We can hear the several ticks and tocks of the clock as they count down the moment of a new person's entry into this world, our new person's birth. In my office, a promotional SkiNet clock ticks incessantly between 11:03:33 and 11:03:34, toying with my patience. Add to this high-90 degree temperatures, Jamie's burgeoning belly and subtle twinges of anxiety, and you can imagine this is the first time either of us has so desperately wanted to visit the hospital.

To my knowledge at least 90% of the people who read this blog have been through the near-maternity ward wringer at least once. You don't need to imagine our anticipation. You have it stowed away in the back of your mind, resting on a purposefully dusty shelf somewhere between the awkward middle school years and the taste of brussel sprouts.

This entry isn't for you. It's for the 10% who have not experienced this particular waiting game.

Jamie is at full term, 2 days shy to be exact. Her belly has gone global. With all the activity inside, our baby is sure to come out vying for a world title in mixed martial arts, though we won't sign the consent form for another few years, lest the Good and Great Grandmas and -pas fret. Her energy levels are slowly depleting, though a 3-sale week last week has put a little more pluck in her step. We're starting to implement all the natural labor inducers we can think of: long walks, habanero eating contests, mechanical bull rides, pogo sticking, hip hop dancing, cherry picking, baking, procreation and acupressure. (If anyone has suggestions, we're listening.) The bases for our car seat are installed in each of our cars and the nursery is assembled, awaiting its tenant. Our hospital bag is packed complete with contraband snacks and "Music to Have Your Baby By." Rita arrived last night and is as anxious for Baby Benjamie as we are.

Work seems to take our minds off the waiting. Jamie should be closing another deal today and I'm sending out orders and inquiries with my left hand as quickly as my right can write them. Rita is finishing a book and practicing her putting in our living room. Mother Nature herself plans to invite Jamie's labor with a respite from the hot temps for the next day or two - 75 seems the perfect temperature for dilating, effacing and pushing.

Stay tuned.