Lisa: 38 weeks

It is blowing my mind that Nora is (developmentally, at least) ready to be born. I don't find it hard to believe that she's 7 pounds and 20 inches long, though--things are getting a bit crowded in there.

This week's newsletter also helpfully includes early preeclampsia symptoms, which of course I am now convinced that I have:

1. swelling of your hands and face (Yes, but I might just be getting fatter.)
2. sudden weight gain (Well, I'd gained 3 pounds at my last appointment, but my doctor didn't seem alarmed.)
3. visual changes (I've noticed that I see flickers in my peripheral vision.)
4. upper abdominal tenderness (A resounding YES, but it's the same tenderness I've been feeling for months. If it's worse, I just assume it's because my tummy is bigger and the problem is naturally exacerbated.)
5. nausea (If today counts, then yes.)

Anyway, probably I'm just being paranoid and it's nothing or will just go away on its own like my nerve pain. I hope so. Preeclampsia is scary.

Lisa: happy birthday

Lisa: As a matter of fact, I was born yesterday.

Lisa: she's very advanced

Lisa: effortlessly glamorous

Lisa: You'd think we'd stop menacing her with the camera. You'd be wrong.

Lisa: We're expecting her to start changing her own diaper next.

Lisa: good vibrations

Lisa: love is all you need

Nora of mine,

When I hold you and look into your eyes, sometimes I feel a surge of confidence and empowerment. Sometimes I feel a debilitating sense of self-doubt and inadequacy. But every single time, I feel love unlike anything I have ever felt before. I'm pretty sure that that love means I will do everything in my power to take care of you.

We'll be okay, baby.

Lisa: boppy

Lisa: She's kind of noisy for a doll.

Lisa: Aunt Sarah

Lisa: She hasn't learned yet to protect her soft underbelly.

Lisa: how could you not love her?

Lisa: my tiny bean

Lisa: she's worried i won't put down the camera and pick up the bottle again.