Luck O' The Irish!

March 17 is here (Thank you Granny and Grandpa for the bib) - it is officially one year since my "due" date. And, although Delanie did not officially arrive on March 17, I find myself reflecting a lot on the pregnancy and March 2007 in general. Maybe because this is the first time SINCE March that I feel like I have any time to reflect!

First, let me start off by saying, I technically had three due dates - March 12, March 17, March 18 (notice how far all these dates are from 3/28...). And, as any pregnant woman will tell you, the due date is actually presented more as a date range nowadays. But, nevertheless, we advertised March 17 as our due date for several reasons:
1) I am proudly Irish, my maiden name is Callaghan, which was originally O'Callaghan.
2) I have always been a big St Patty's Day fan - I love to go out and spread my Irish cheer :)
3) Once we heard 3/17 as a possible due date, we brainstormed Irish names: Finn, Clare, Delanie - and of course we all know, one of them stuck, despite the later birth date.

One year ago today, I called into work mostly because I was in disbelief that nothing was going on with this pregnancy. I thought, maybe if I just stay at home and bounce on my yoga ball, watching a "Baby Story" marathon on TLC, something will happen. We went out for a nice dinner, which I affectionately referred to as "The Last Supper." After a restless evening, nothing. Woke up on March 18, got a pedicure and ran errands. And 10 days later, baby at last.

Some reasons why I was miserable, and how they compare to my feelings today:

1) Sleepless nights -
BEFORE: I could not sleep comfortably to save my life. People kept saying, "Get your sleep while you can" or "Enjoy it now." Both were very annoying comments, and I was very sleep deprived those last few weeks.
AFTER: We are very fortunate that Delanie has been sleeping for long stretches since about 3 months old, and she currently sleeps from 7 pm - 6 am. However, I am still exhausted! A neighbor explained that, as a parent, you never sleep the same again. I have to agree - my ears and brain are always working, even in my deepest slumber. And, I guess the biggest adjustment is not being able to sleep when or where I want! No more 4 pm naps in front of the tv! But, I am very grateful for the uninterrupted nighttime hours!

2) Heartburn -
BEFORE: I was on prescriptions AND over-the-counter remedies, a strict diet and forced to sit upright for 2 hours after eating to keep my food from irritating my stomach and throat.
AFTER: I think my heartburn and indigestion are returning, as I sprint to feed myself and Delanie at the same time! I barely have time to sneak in a bite for me before she is making noise, asking for "more." And, sometimes, I even try to finish so I can get a few dishes done before she wants to get out of her highchair.

3) Sore ribs -
BEFORE: I remember physically holding Delanie down to keep her off my ribs, they were so sore from the pressure and kicking.
AFTER: I find myself physically holding Delanie from jumping on my ribs when we are playing on the floor.

4) Fuzzy brain -
BEFORE: My brain seemed so scattered during those last weeks of pregnancy - we still can't find the car keys I lost last February! My memory was especially horrible.
AFTER: Apparently, "fuzzy brain" should be a medical term used to describe the permanent state of the female brain following childbirth. Still scattered, still forgetful, one year later!