Now we are in the “red zone” as I like to call it, the point after some of the pre-labor signs are showing up but before actual birth. I must say that this stage of pregnancy (which does not get talked about very much) is a lot more difficult than I imagined. Growing up in a (post)-industrialized society our lives are arranged according to a schedule, and within that schedule you have to get your work done by a deadline. This is particularly true at my job. But this thing is different – there is no schedule and the deadline is “just a guess.” Also, you are not in control of the work.

Right now I am about 9 days away from my due date, and my increasing difficulty in getting around helped my decision to start my maternity leave a week earlier than originally planned. I am hoping I can get into a frame of mind that will help me discard the “schedule” and the “deadline” mentality and be more comfortable with whatever and whenever things happen. I might even be able to get a little vacation out of it.