The Final Countdown: Expiration Date Approaches
You may have heard. I’m pregnant. REALLY pregnant. 39 weeks and counting.

In these final hours I’ve decided to start a mission, a mission to eradicate due dates. The fact is due dates are like expiration dates–some folks adhere to them as mere suggestions, others toss the milk the day after; a due date can drive a woman mad.

Well, babies don’t expire in the womb, they are not canned goods or sour cream…and though some of us think we can ignore a due date’s passing and patiently wait for the baby’s real birthday, it’s impossible to ignore completely.

But, I will say, with some concerted effort I have managed to forget what that day might be for this particular pregnancy. What a relief! Now, the simple answer to those ‘when are you due’ questions that come whenever I poke my head out a window: ‘I’m 39 weeks–whatever that means!’ Many are not satisfied, but it is not my goal to please the masses 😉

This little revelation as to due dates and their obvious connection to expiration dates has dawned on me the closer we get to the end. I don’t know when this baby is coming–no one does, and having that number out of my head completely makes it easier to wait. I highly recommend it!

6 Comments

  • torahmama Posted May 19, 2011 1:59 am

    Good plan, Lacey. I'm impressed that you have been able to forget. No matter how hard i try, I always start thinking about it a week or two before the due date…. Then i always end up two weeks late, so I am waiting for baby for an entire month!! PURE MISERY…especially for the people who have to be around me.
    Keep up the good work!

  • school house oils Posted May 19, 2011 2:44 am

    yes. Drew is really appreciating this new technique–he encouraged me to spread the word 🙂

  • naqahdahnellie Posted May 19, 2011 12:07 pm

    I remember when I was pregnant with Kieran people would ask when I was due, and I'd say Feb. That made them so infuriated. I hardly understood how an exact date would make it any easier for them. Since I was due on the 22nd, it was highly likely that the baby would be born in Feb, and slightly less likely that he'd make it March (he didn't). It made perfect sense to me! Now, I tell people November. It is equally as confusing to them, though I can pretty much promise this one WILL be Nov. I have lots more health problems than you, and my kids come early.

    Hoping your wait isn't too long, and that you aren't too uncomfortable!

  • school house oils Posted May 19, 2011 12:51 pm

    Thanks Anelle! I would answer 'End of May' before, but I think that if they are that interested, they can do the math, if not–nobody's loss.

  • Tan Family Posted May 19, 2011 6:20 pm

    I love this post! Babies come when they are ready. There is no such thing as "due date". I also let go of that notion as I believe that the end of the pregnancy is a magical, special time to be enjoyed. Have a peaceful, powerful, pleasurable birth! 🙂
    –Jennifer

  • MamaBear Posted May 23, 2011 4:27 am

    Way to go! I really think this is a smart idea. I just birthed a perfectly healthy, beautiful, not-huge baby at home, past 42 weeks. The only thing I regret is having told so many people when I was "due"! I had to hide at the end. I guess I just carry my babies longer than some women!

    Be strong and take heart!

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