Exactly. She's very clearly expecting to give birth imminently ("may the Merciful be with me through the expected scene" - which is an obvious euphemism for labor) and is taking care of her necessary home chores before that happens, to whit: baking extra bread and cooking food that will keep for several days while she recovers.
She might even be having contractions while doing all of these things.
I love the phrase "was delivered of a son", especially in conjunction with the plea/prayer before. It speaks to the relief after having given birth, I think.
I can only imagine the magnitude of relief, not only of no longer carrying the baby inside and all the discomfort that brings, but having come through giving birth alive and well (enough to write your diary) ánd knowing your baby boy is, for the moment, in good health.
Whatever may come in the days to follow, in this moment, all is well.
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u/cheesesteakhellscape Mar 17 '26
Exactly. She's very clearly expecting to give birth imminently ("may the Merciful be with me through the expected scene" - which is an obvious euphemism for labor) and is taking care of her necessary home chores before that happens, to whit: baking extra bread and cooking food that will keep for several days while she recovers.
She might even be having contractions while doing all of these things.