Four weeks or less to go! I was needing a Jennifer "fix". It had been a while since I visited with her. In spite of the nasty weather, I was headed for Kansas. Upon my arrival, Ryan opened the door and welcomed me in. Usually I find Jen lying on the couch resting due to severe back pain and other major discomforts she is experiencing during this stage of her pregnancy. Normally Ryan is up and about, straightening the house, vacuuming the floors and doing various other household chores. Well, Jen was nowhere in sight. Ryan quickly informed me she was "Nesting". I couldn't believe my ears, "Nesting", I repeated.
"This is a primal instinct and all the females of almost every species in the world will go through this same instinct in one way or another. It is also an old wives tale that this is one of the signs that labor is going to set in shortly. Females of the animal kingdom are all equipped with this same need. It is a primal instinct. Just as you see birds making their nests, mothers-to-be do exactly the same thing. The act of nesting puts you in control and gives a sense of accomplishment toward birth. You may become a homebody and want to retreat into the comfort of home and familiar company, like a brooding hen. The nesting urge can also be seen as a sign of the onset of labor when it occurs close to 40 weeks of pregnancy."
I found Jen in the spare bedroom trashing through a pile of stuff she had gathered for a yard sale, vacuuming the futon, rummaging through stacks of old mail and magazines and straightening the closet. She was happy as a lark, having a good time.
We stepped into the nursery and they had rearranged the nursery. I could tell that Jen had been cleaning and straightening that closet as well. As Ryan was making his way down stairs with stuff from the spare bedroom to store in the basement, Jen was trying to pile additional items on top! During my visit, the mailman delivered the bedding for Padraig's bed. The box was opened, I volunteered to iron the bed skirt. Ryan, with Jen's directions did a very nice job of putting the bedding all together. Eventually I did manage to get Jen to lay down on the couch and let me rub her legs about 30 minutes before I had to leave. The funny thing is that I have been nesting too. This past week, I have worked diligently in Padraig's room at Nanny's house on some last minute touches and preparations. I'm lacking the huge burst of energy Jen seems to have, but I am very antsy. Since the beginning of last week I have been taking my phone charger and cell phone to the bedroom with me each night...I am just waiting for that call! The Baby Shower is Tuesday, March 1st, so after that, I'd say Jen and I are ready to have this baby! If any of you are skeptical of Old Wives Tales, don't discount all of them! The Nesting of expecting Mothers is real, I experienced it just prior to the birth of both of my children, we'll see if it works with Jen. Thank you for reading my blog and sharing my excitement about the upcoming birth of our new grandson. God bless everyone who reads this blog.
Nanny,
A sinner saved by grace
