Hi diddly dee no baby yet for me

Just a quick update- nothing much has happened yet although I continue to feel a gently increasing low draggy sort of ache/crampiness- more so in my lower back than before and I do have the sense that it could all kick into high gear any time now. 

In the meantime, my parents and I have embarked on some whirlwind real estate transactions. They've been looking to buy a place here for a couple of years now, and wouldn't you know it, someplace suitable has actually popped up this very week.  So I have spent the last couple days parrying in the cut and thrust of the Scottish property market, which is actually great fun (if you like that sort of thing, and I do).  It's been exactly the diversion I need to keep my mind off every little Botany-related twinge and mumur.  Now all that remains to be seen is if we can get an offer accepted at the price we want before I go into labour. It's tenterhooks aplenty chez Mare!

In terms of blog announcements when Miss Botany does decide to finally arrive: I have been advised by my friend (you know, the one who popped the sprog a week ahead of schedule and who I gather is already back into size 12 jeans!) that there is internet access available on the ward at the hospital.  I have my doubts as to the viability of this as a blogging solution- but if possible, I will try to post something  on my laptop from there.

Otherwise, I believe I will be able to use my mobile phone on the ward (again according to the friend, who reminded me to pack my charger). Therefore I can send a text to my Scottish comrade, the divine Ms Pamplemousse and her sexy new mobile.  She has very kindly offered to offer an update on her blog.  If all goes really quiet here, it may be worth checking in there to see if is any news.

Roll on 18 August (still my best guess. Not that I am, uh, fixated on it or anything).  Also, I am loving the lovely comments and the sense that people are waiting with me-thank you dear internetters. It does lift the spirits so by all means please keep 'em coming!

Comments

[daysgoby]

I remember thinking either the baby was coming, or my body was finally tired of lugging all this weight around and was preparing to jettison my entire lower torso....

Or is that how movie stars lose all their baby-weight so fast?

Hang in there, love.
I'm glad you have a good distraction right now!

[Lut C.]

Buying another property sounds like a great diversion. Especially when you're not spending your own money. :-)

[wavybrains]

I'm a few weeks behind you, and I'm already impatient and on pins and needles here. I'm not sure how I'll be at 40+ weeks. I'm not sure how you're doing it, and I'm in awe, absolute awe, that you're managing property deals at the same time :) I'm hoping the property deal goes through and Botany makes her arrival in the next few days!

[Sam]

My GAWD woman, it's taking SO long. I'm so glad that you have made provisions for blogging whilst belaboring, or at least guest posting. It's very important to us bloggy readers to know exactly what is happening so we can appropriately root you on toward success and BABY and WHEE!!!

[Pamplemousse]

Oooh, property transactions! That is exciting. Not as much as Botany's arrival but close ;)

[JK]

de-lurking to say.... I'm hoping for 8/18 for you and Botany!!! That's the birthdate of my wee one who will turn 2.... It's a lovely day for birthin'!

Thinking labor-y thoughts for you.

[Becky]

delurking to wish you the best luck (and hope that it's over SOON).

I remember the last couple days of pregnancy seem inexpilcably to last more like months. Just remember, it WILL be over soon :)

[Amyesq]

Ugh, I thought for sure it would be today! Will be checking obsessively. Am V jealous of your folks that they are getting a place in Scotland! And with the exchange rate and all, ye gods!

Come on Baby B!

[laughing mommy]

Can't wait to hear about the birth of your daughter! Hope it is soon!

[carosgram]

Do your parents live in the UK now and are just moving to Scotland? Is property very expensive there? I love to hear about real estate and it will keep me busy until I hear about Baby B.

[LEB]

Mare the ward will probably have patientline units by the bed (phone, TV/radio & internet access) - you buy a card that pays for a certain amount of time (I think it's about £5). Imanaged to blog & update messages boards from it after DS was born (fiddly little keyboard though).

Eagerly (not as much as you no doubt) awaiting Botany's grand entrance!

[Cindy]

Thanks for making arrangements to inform your vast legions of bloggy fans when Botany arrives. Looking forward to the update and hope it is S.O.O.N!!

[Bittermama]

Oh, man! I was just sure you'd gone into labor minutes after posting your last update.

Sounds like you're handling it all amazingly well and the property dealings do sound perfectly distracting.

[Lynnette]

Ooohh...you're getting close! I wish I had paid more attention to that crampy/low back ache, maybe I wouldn't have had the twins 5 1/2 weeks early. Good luck and may you have the best birth!

[Robyn]

Very best of luck to you all. I hope there's action before the 23rd after which I will be away from the internets for an extended period. And I might simply expire from the curiosity!

[Jill]

I suspect it will be a bit yet- if you're still using words like lovely, and very kindly, you're in too good of a mood. I'm hoping for some crabbiness soon.

[Patty]

I feel better now that I know there's a plan! I was worried that you'd have the baby and we wouldn't hear for a week or two.

[Boulder]

It seems to me that you've now been pregnant for eleventy-billion months or so, and I want to hear details of Miss Botany's arrival dang-it.

My best guess is early am on 8/19. Something like 1:28am.

Or, you know, whenever she feels like it!

Next post you can tell us all about the real estate negotiations~

[seepi]

Yeah - crabbiness - that brings back the memories.

Along with feeling very vague and unable to concentrate. But crabbiness - definitely.

Good luck!

[Anita]

I'm checking constantly.

At least update when you head to the hospital! That can't take more than 5 minutes! You have to be thinking of us when you head off to the hospital, no!?!?

;-)

[Jen]

Wow, you certainly know how to make for a fun packed last few days (god we hope not longer) with real estate. It's probably very good to keep your mind at least somewhat occupied with something else. I'm hoping that Botany comes sooner rather than later and that the property buying goes well!

[JennaM]

There is nothing in the world like a brand new person... magic!

Best of luck for an "uneventful" delivery...

Wishing you all good things,

xoxox
JennaM

[another karen]

hi mare -

you probably don't "remember" me (no reason you should - i only commented once or twice), but i brought home my own little "the doctors said it could never happen - wow, how the hell did THAT happen" miracle baby exactly 5 weeks ago. its EVERY bit as wonderful as you think it will be - and then some!

BEST OF LUCK to you - and to everyone and anyone else out there still "in the trenches." i know you've all heard it before (and i know sometimes it hurts more than it helps so i apologize in advance if i'm unintentionally upsetting anyone), but keep at it for as long as your sanity, and/or your funds and/or your personal situation will allow you to. the view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking...

thinking of you and wishing you an easy labor and delivery!
karen

[Jen]

Welcome Botany! I'm glad that Mare is finally done with the long wait. Congratulations Mare and E!