nope, not yet

I've never been this pregnant.

I know... one is either pregnant or not. There is no "more" or "less" pregnant. Still, I've never carried a child for this long, so I feel it's accurate to say I'm the most pregnant I've ever been. Today is one week past my due date. Rather than going through all of the reasons this should not be concerning or even abnormal, I'm just going to say this: I'm well within a healthy window of time for this pregnancy.

However, the fact that I haven't had the baby yet is concerning for many other people. Their concern is starting to give me a bit of an identity crisis. Daily, sometimes more like hourly, certain folks check in with me "just to see if anything is happening." One of these people is a relative who will definitely be called when labor begins, since we're planning on her staying with the boys. I have explained more than a few times that she needn't worry about missing the news, but still she gives us a ring just to see if there are any changes.

Here's the thing: if you're one of these people, I like hearing from you. I'm not asking for you to stop getting in touch, because I don't really mind the calls or emails. I actually like hearing from you! The identity crisis begins when there is nothing else to talk with me about, once I reply that I'm (still) not in labor. The conversation looks something like this:

(phone rings...)

Me: hello

You: hi, just checking to see if Baby Fig has arrived yet.

Me: nope. No baby today. I will let you know when it happens. I promise!

You: Really? Are you having any signs of labor at least?

... sidenote: This is sometimes phrased even more personally. I've heard things like, "Are you dilating? Are you effaced? Has the baby dropped?" I'm not sure that people (including some that I don't know very well) realize they are asking about a gynecological exam result... Seriously?

Me: Nothing to get excited about. How are you?

You: Oh, fine. Just wanted to call to see if there was any news.

Me: Oh.

You: Oh. Well, bye, then.

Here's the problem. A few weeks ago, I was an interesting person (or so I told myself). I had people call me occasionally, and they weren't asking about medical results. They, and I, found something else to talk about. When I asked them about life, they had things going on. It was... well... normal.

Suddenly, once I got close to my due date, every reason to visit with me started to fade. I now receive phone calls with a single question. People email or call other people to get an update, so a few folks seem to be designated carrier pigeons. There is no, "How're ya' doin?" with most of these friendly check-ins. There is no, "How are the boys?" There is rarely any news about their lives. It's all about my cervix, and I'm starting to get annoyed at the thought of lots of other people thinking about that too much.

In fact, the extra time has given us Kenobis a chance to get out and have some adventures while we await our littlest Obi. Lately, fewer people have stopped in our home just to chat or have a latte, so we've been sitting outside and catching the neighbors for afternoon playtimes. Since our routine of school and activities ended last week, we've enjoyed a pace of life that includes strawberry picking and museum days. These have been sweet, and given me much to visit about - if only somebody were more interested in those topics.

So, in case you were wondering: No. Baby Fig has not arrived yet. However, I am certain we will meet this little one soon. Very soon. I will not offer more details on why I'm so certain, except to remind you that no woman stays pregnant forever, even one who is this pregnant, and I'm not that exceptional.