Waiting for Godot

Waiting for a baby to arrive is a bit like waiting for Godot.

Did you ever read that bizarre play in high school or college? Two guys are waiting for this mysterious person to arrive, but he never does. Yet, for an inexplicable reason, they can't stop waiting. They pass their time by complaining and arguing, all the while coping with aches and pains and generally uncomfortable conditions. There are rumors as to what Godot will be like, but we don't really know for sure. At the end of the day a messenger arrives to let them know that Godot won't be coming today, but surely will tomorrow. We have no confidence that this is true or that he will ever arrive.

I suppose that this final waiting game is nature's way of preparing us for the rigours of labor. By the time the day finally arrives, we would willingly go through any experience just to end the wait! Too big and uncomfortable to do much of anything, too close to delivery to make any plans, we full-termers putter around the house, do a few things that require minimal commitment and, well, wait for this person who may or may not come anytime soon. This person we don't even know. This person who could be dark or light, cranky or mellow, big or little, boy or girl.

One way or another, my wait will be over in two days. I will be induced on Tuesday if the baby doesn't come today or tomorrow, but of course I hope it comes on its own.

In the meantime, I am thinking that "Godot Di Silvestri" has a nice ring.