if you met me…
If you met me, you’d find a girl with dark red hair who still feels closer to 20 than to 30 (even though it’s not true) and is taller than most of her friends (but not her brothers). You’d see two little girls bouncing around me, and a swollen stomach indicating another little one on the way (and no, we don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl, I’d explain—we’re old-fashioned).
If you met me these days, I hope you’d see past the tired smile to how glad I really was to see you. I hope our children would stand still for a few moments so we could talk, but considering my exhausted state of mind I most likely would have a hard time making sensible conversation. (Know that when I lay in bed that night I’d think of all the things I wish I’d expressed to you and thanked you for, and I’d plan to write them in a little note which will unfortunately never get written or mailed except in my dreams…)
I’m sure you’d ask me when I’m due, the obvious conversation starter as my hand is often on my belly, feeling those kicks and contractions. I’d tell you the doctor was saying sooner than later but that I didn’t know for sure and I’m just thankful the baby is still growing strong.
And when I next went for a conversation topic, this farmer’s wife would probably make a comment on the weather, because farmers and their wives are always thinking about the weather.
Then somebody would probably start to cry or need held or chased, and we’d smile and wave in understanding and look forward to next time—always wishing there was a bit longer to sit down and chat, uninterrupted, sharing heart to heart about deeper things than due dates and the weather, and maybe even finding a new kindred spirit…
And that’s more than five minutes by the clock, but considering the amount of time I slept last night, maybe I get an extra minute or two for today’s Five Minute Friday? 
I’m closer to 30 than 20 now too but I surely don’t feel (or look it!!). Which I suppose is a good thing 🙂
I really liked this particular Five Minute Friday of yours.
Praying for you and hoping that you slept well tonight.
I think it was just last year I was asked what grade I was in… Nice to remember when I feel like I look much older than I feel! 😉
Thanks for your prayers…
What a precious picture you paint with your words, dear. And as a mother who has not only carried babies but who has also rocked her grandbabies, I would bend over and tie a shoe for you and perhaps sit on the floor sing a song or tell a story to your daughters. Bless you and your daugthers and the gift from God that you carry within you. I hope you get just a little more sleep tonight. ~Mollianne
I have so been there. We would have plenty to talk about. Or not talk about and instead stare at the wall, happy to be in the same room with someone who is fully potty trained and knows how to use sarcasm appropriately.
Saying a prayer for a good night of rest and a healthy delivery for you!
Such a sweet post – capturing your fatigue and your expectation and your deep desire to be a fully present mom and friend. Been where you are – a long time ago – hugely pregnant with #3 and 2 small girls fluttering around my feet. Three was a wonderful gift – hoping and praying you find time enough and energy enough to walk the last yard of this long road. Blessings to you, young mom-of-3. (soon!!)
I was just bemoaning to my mother the fact that I also am closer to 30 than 20, but like you, I sure don’t feel like it!
And after writing that, I did the math, and realized I am actually close to 30 than I am to 25! The only time I “feel” it is when I look at pictures from our wedding five years ago and realize how much older I look… 🙂
There’s a picture on our fridge of Chris and me when we first started dating (Sept. 2008) and I can’t believe how young we look–it wasn’t even that long ago!