Nephew’s arrival adds to anticipation

OK, it’s been an exciting 8 and 1?2 months, but I have to say, I’m ready to not be pregnant anymore. I don’t mean at all that we’ve had a change of heart about our baby. We can’t wait for her to be here. I just am ready for her to be OUTSIDE of my body.
I’m not sure what’s going to happen with my internal organs these final weeks as the baby grows another half pound per week. I think something’s going to have to go. I know my stomach is squished, because whenever I eat I fill up very quickly — then am met with a new side effect, heartburn.
And my poor, poor bladder. I thought I had to go to the bathroom a lot a few months ago. Now I miss those nights when I only had to get up twice to go. And it’s so unsatisfying, too. It feels like you will be unleashing Niagara Falls when you finally make it into the bathroom. But somehow, there’s just not that much. And you still feel like you have to go.
My biggest incentive for crossing the finish line happened last Monday though — the arrival of my nephew, Finnegan Everett Cupp.
My sister Sara went into labor for the second time in her life, and for the second time, it began with her water breaking. Although, I hear this is very uncommon, despite what you see in the movies.
She spent the next 18 hours in labor before Finnegan arrived. I was so nervous all day, both for my sister, and for myself, knowing that I’d be in there soon. And I knew she was in pain. We kept in contact with her and her husband all day, and when she ordered pain medication, then an epidural, I couldn’t help but think, the pain must be really bad. She never complains about anything.
Luckily, just when I was wandering what kind of mess I had gotten myself into, we got the call that the baby was here. Sara even called me herself. I thought – “You can make a phonecall after all that?” She sounded so good, too.
She said “He’s here. And he’s perfect.” And he was perfect. I had never seen such a young newborn before. His skin was so smooth and his tiny hands were all grey and wrinkly. He was very alert, and he stared at my family as we walked in. He was so cute.
So I’m feeling ready for baby Ella to be here. And maybe then I’m going to miss these nights that I slept at all, but after seeing Finn arrive, I know it will all be worth it.