My beautiful mother passed away eleven days ago. It was five months earlier than we expected but she held on for my dad's 64th birthday and my parents 38th wedding anniversary. The next morning on June 18th she passed away quick and peacefully. It has been devastating, shocking, sad, and bittersweet but we all knew her time with us was going to be short anyway and whether she lived 1 week, 1 month or 1 year it still would have been too soon. We are mostly thankful that the good Lord took her before she had to really suffer and be incapable of caring for herself. I will miss her everyday for the rest of my life and on days when the clouds are really gorgeous (and they have been a lot lately) I look up at the Heavens and know she has painted them that way for me.
Paul and I had planned a trip to San Francisco several months ago. We weren't sure if we were going to make it because of my mom but since she passed away we decided it would be especially important to get out of town for a few days to decompress and be together, just the two of us, one last time before London graces us with her presence.
I LOVE San Francisco. I always have and always will. And, what I realized this past weekend is that a piece of my heart has been left there just like Tony Bennett sang it way back in 1954. Paul and I took off last Thursday morning and other than stopping for a quick potty break :-) made great time into the city. We made our first stop at the Jewelry Center to have our wedding rings cleaned and checked. I also now have two beautiful new rings. One is a vintage platinum and diamond ring that was my grandmothers and the other is a yellow gold and diamond 20 year anniversary ring that was my mom's. Niether of them had seen a cleaner and polisher in years and my grandmothers ring had actually been cut off her finger so it had a gap in the back. Needless to say, I was looking forward to seeing both of the rings in all their glory again. After we dropped off the rings we headed over to the SF Ferry Building based on a recommendation by a good friend who recently visited. We loved it and had a great time shopping around, soaking up the usual SF quirkiness and having lunch. Then we checked into our hotel... we stayed at the W which was very funky and cool and they gave us a great room with a beautiful view of the city. After a nap we prepped for dinner at XYZ downstairs at our hotel. Following a yummy dinner we headed to the San Francisco Opera to see The Girl from the Golden West which we had won tickets to at a Weimaraner Gala we went to last November. The opera house was absolutley beautiful inside. If the chairs had not been so uncomfortable and I had not been 8+ months pregnant we would have stayed the whole time but after about an hour and a half we left at the first intermission. Which, by the way, there were two intermissions and in total the night would have been 4 hours long. Not really my thing but glad I did it anyway. We ended the the evening with a nightcap and dessert at the hotel bar. It was a great day.
The next morning on Friday I woke up early and cracked the shutters open in our room. I got back in bed and stared out the window at the cityscape. It had been one week since my moms passing. As I looked out the window though I thought about San Francisco and all the great memories I had there with my family over the past 28 years of my life. I remember fieldtrips to the Exploratorium and Natural History Museum when I was in elementary school. My mom always volunteered to be a parent driver for those fun trips and I loved it. I remember visiting Haight and Ashbury with my parents on multiple occassions because their friends daughter owned a funky hair salon there. We would get our hair done, do some people watching and usually go to dinner at this great restaurant in Ghiradelli Square that is no longer in business. It had a beautiful view of the wharf and they were famous for this fry bread rubbed in garlic that was out of this world. I also remember walking the Golden Gate Bridge with our Japanese foreign exchange students who stayed with us three summers while I was in elementary and middle school. I remember sailing on my parents friends sailboat in the bay on the fourth of July and watching the fireworks over the Golden Gate. And, I also remember an overnight girls trip we took a few years back with one of my best friends and her mom. We shopped and ate and shopped and ate and had a really wonderful time just bonding and being women. The last time I visited SF was with Paul and my parents back in October for my birthday. My mom and I have always had this interest in Egypt and the pyramids so when the King Tut exhibit came to the DeYoung Museum we got tickets and made it a birthday trip for me. It was a fabulous time topped off with a delicious dinner at Skates on the Bay in Berkley, a family fave. These are just some of the many wonderful memories I have of San Francisco. And, as I layed in bed reminiscing I couldn't help but smile and think of all the joyful times my mom and I had the opportunity to share. Everytime I vist SF I will think of her and those great memories and for that reason alone I know I have left a piece of my heart in San Francisco...and, she left a piece of hers there too.
Friday began with breakfast at this fabulous restaurant called The Grove right near our hotel. Afterwards, we headed over and picked up our rings at the Jewelry Center. They looked amazing. My mom and grandmothers rings looked especially gorgeous and I look forward to wearing them when the swelling in my hands goes away. From there we made the drive to Berkley and shopped on 4th Avenue and then followed that up with lunch at Skates on the Bay. We had a window seat overlooking the water and it was really wonderful. After lunch we headed back to our room so I could rest my weary feet. We took a nap, rented a movie and ate junk food in bed. It was perfect. For dinner we took the recommendation of our concierge and ate at a small neighborhood restuarant in SOMA. It was called La Bricciola and it was Italian. Good, authentic Italian where everything is made from scratch...even our waiter was Italian and spoke words of it in between his English. Our dinner was divine and the perfect ending to a wonderful weekend away.
On Saturday we woke up and headed out of the city. We had an absolutely fabulous trip. It was a good time to clear our heads, be together, remember my mom, and look forward to the new chapter in our lives that is about to begin.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Willy Wonka Comes to Town
I think my mom has been planning my baby shower from about the time I hit college. Not that she wanted me to get pregnant in college but the vision came to her then and has been thought about, discussed and tweaked many times over the years. Even my best girlfriends remember her talking about this shower at Paul and my engagement party...so needless to say my baby shower has been in the making since before London was even in the making.
In my eyes there is no greater movie than Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Made in 1971 well before I was born this movie was my all time favorite growing up and to this day whenever they play it on TBS I still can't resist the temptation to watch it. I probably have seen it close to 100 times...and each time it still makes me smile, laugh and imagine the possibilities of life. The movie also has a lot of great lessons to offer about greed, hard work, and family. I just love it and it makes me feel good. And surprisingly enough, my mom met Gene Wilder who plays Willy Wonka many years ago when the movie was coming out or had just come out. She was doing window displays for a store in the mall before they opened and he was there doing a promotional gig and he came and watched her through the window until she came out to meet him. At least that is how I remember her telling me the story...I should double check that so I can retell it to London one day.
In any event, when I found out I was pregnant my mom began the monumental task of planning my Willy Wonka baby shower and having always had the most amazing parties for me while I was growing up, I knew this one would be equally as awesome. As a sidenote, in honor of my mom and all the amazing parties she has thrown for me over the years I hereby promise to do the same for my kids when they are growing up. I definitely got the party planning/decorating gene from my mom and I love, love, love her for that. In fact I already have two birthday parties in the works in my brain for London. One will be a Mary Poppins party (which is my second favorite movie of all time) complete with umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, chalk drawings and kite making. The other an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party.
So back to the Willy Wonka Shower...it started with sending out invitations. We found these great cards with lollipops and candy printed on the bottom in fun colors. The card invited them to a Scrumdidilyumptuous Baby Shower at Danielle's Creperie in Sacramento. The restaurant has been a family favorite for years. When I was little they used to be located in Town and Country Village and we would walk over Sunday mornings for brunch. The best item on the menu is the spicy avocado crepe. Delish! Also, included in the invitation was a golden ticket. It was an exact replica of the one Charlie's Grandpa Joe reads out loud in the film with a little tweaking to adjust the date, time and location. Super cute though!
Saturday, June 12th was the big day. I hope I can do justice to the decorations so I will give it a shot. When you walk up to the restaurant there is a patio where the shower was held. Just outside the entrance was a giant pole wrapped in bright ribbon and hanging from it a giant sign that said Wonka in purple and white Wonka font. There was also another sign just beyond that which said Kindraville and was printed with fun colors and candies. At the main entrance a giant arch covered in bright colored pinwheels, candy garland made from tiny balloons covered in celophane and strung together and tons of bright colored giant lollipops 2-3 feet tall coming out of the ground. My mom made all the lollipops with circles of styrofoam, paint and poles wrapped in ribbon and they are out of this world cute. There were giant umbrellas covering most of the patio and from them were bands of brightly colored balloons and strands of ribbon. On the tables at each place setting was an old fashioned colored swirl lollipop tied with ribbon and a place card. All the place cards had a persons name colorfully printed in Willy Wonka font. There was also a white napkin held together by a candy napkin ring made from the candy dots that come on paper. Down the centers of the table were the centerpieces. Exquisitley made by my mom as well. They were clear buckets filled with different colored celophane and sticking out the tops were all of the Wonka candies...from Wonka bars to Nerds, to Gobbstoppers and so on. Candies were sprinkled down the tables like confetti and giant golden goose eggs found thier way into the mix as well. In the background we had the Willy Wonka soundtrack playing and on the dessert table were two tiered cupcake stands also wrapped in ribbon with swirled lollipops coming out the top. Lemon and Carrot Cake cupcakes filled the stands. All in all the sight was amazing. We had people from the surrounding shops stopping to stare and take pictures.
Everyone had the option of 4 crepes for brunch and we were also served a bowl of fruit and a croissant. We played three fun games...the first was finishing nursery rhymes, the second was guessing my circumference with yarn and the last was determining the type of attributes Paul and I would like for London. We gave fun gifts to the winners, a cookie cookbook, a cupcake mug and a candy dish. After we ate and finished games I opened a plethora of beautiful and thoughtful gifts. Of my favorites for sentimental reasons were London's first pink bible stamped with her name, a beautiful necklace for me that says Mom, and a cup and saucer that my Nana had purchased and that has been passed down through the family. There were many other wonderful things too and lots of practical gifts which are necessities.
All in all it was a great day. It was nice to be together and love each other and celebrate baby London. Everything pulled together just as my mom envisioned and she managed to make it the entire party which was extra special too. I am just so thankful she was there. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and had a nice time. I look forward to telling London all about it one day.
In my eyes there is no greater movie than Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Made in 1971 well before I was born this movie was my all time favorite growing up and to this day whenever they play it on TBS I still can't resist the temptation to watch it. I probably have seen it close to 100 times...and each time it still makes me smile, laugh and imagine the possibilities of life. The movie also has a lot of great lessons to offer about greed, hard work, and family. I just love it and it makes me feel good. And surprisingly enough, my mom met Gene Wilder who plays Willy Wonka many years ago when the movie was coming out or had just come out. She was doing window displays for a store in the mall before they opened and he was there doing a promotional gig and he came and watched her through the window until she came out to meet him. At least that is how I remember her telling me the story...I should double check that so I can retell it to London one day.
In any event, when I found out I was pregnant my mom began the monumental task of planning my Willy Wonka baby shower and having always had the most amazing parties for me while I was growing up, I knew this one would be equally as awesome. As a sidenote, in honor of my mom and all the amazing parties she has thrown for me over the years I hereby promise to do the same for my kids when they are growing up. I definitely got the party planning/decorating gene from my mom and I love, love, love her for that. In fact I already have two birthday parties in the works in my brain for London. One will be a Mary Poppins party (which is my second favorite movie of all time) complete with umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, chalk drawings and kite making. The other an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party.
So back to the Willy Wonka Shower...it started with sending out invitations. We found these great cards with lollipops and candy printed on the bottom in fun colors. The card invited them to a Scrumdidilyumptuous Baby Shower at Danielle's Creperie in Sacramento. The restaurant has been a family favorite for years. When I was little they used to be located in Town and Country Village and we would walk over Sunday mornings for brunch. The best item on the menu is the spicy avocado crepe. Delish! Also, included in the invitation was a golden ticket. It was an exact replica of the one Charlie's Grandpa Joe reads out loud in the film with a little tweaking to adjust the date, time and location. Super cute though!
Saturday, June 12th was the big day. I hope I can do justice to the decorations so I will give it a shot. When you walk up to the restaurant there is a patio where the shower was held. Just outside the entrance was a giant pole wrapped in bright ribbon and hanging from it a giant sign that said Wonka in purple and white Wonka font. There was also another sign just beyond that which said Kindraville and was printed with fun colors and candies. At the main entrance a giant arch covered in bright colored pinwheels, candy garland made from tiny balloons covered in celophane and strung together and tons of bright colored giant lollipops 2-3 feet tall coming out of the ground. My mom made all the lollipops with circles of styrofoam, paint and poles wrapped in ribbon and they are out of this world cute. There were giant umbrellas covering most of the patio and from them were bands of brightly colored balloons and strands of ribbon. On the tables at each place setting was an old fashioned colored swirl lollipop tied with ribbon and a place card. All the place cards had a persons name colorfully printed in Willy Wonka font. There was also a white napkin held together by a candy napkin ring made from the candy dots that come on paper. Down the centers of the table were the centerpieces. Exquisitley made by my mom as well. They were clear buckets filled with different colored celophane and sticking out the tops were all of the Wonka candies...from Wonka bars to Nerds, to Gobbstoppers and so on. Candies were sprinkled down the tables like confetti and giant golden goose eggs found thier way into the mix as well. In the background we had the Willy Wonka soundtrack playing and on the dessert table were two tiered cupcake stands also wrapped in ribbon with swirled lollipops coming out the top. Lemon and Carrot Cake cupcakes filled the stands. All in all the sight was amazing. We had people from the surrounding shops stopping to stare and take pictures.
Everyone had the option of 4 crepes for brunch and we were also served a bowl of fruit and a croissant. We played three fun games...the first was finishing nursery rhymes, the second was guessing my circumference with yarn and the last was determining the type of attributes Paul and I would like for London. We gave fun gifts to the winners, a cookie cookbook, a cupcake mug and a candy dish. After we ate and finished games I opened a plethora of beautiful and thoughtful gifts. Of my favorites for sentimental reasons were London's first pink bible stamped with her name, a beautiful necklace for me that says Mom, and a cup and saucer that my Nana had purchased and that has been passed down through the family. There were many other wonderful things too and lots of practical gifts which are necessities.
All in all it was a great day. It was nice to be together and love each other and celebrate baby London. Everything pulled together just as my mom envisioned and she managed to make it the entire party which was extra special too. I am just so thankful she was there. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and had a nice time. I look forward to telling London all about it one day.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Nesting in the Nursery
From the time I found out I was pregnant I knew that if I were to have a little girl I would decorate her room in a bird theme. I have never been the type to really be into the super baby looking room decor. It is just not my style and it doesn't go with the rest of my house. I prefer to have a flow from room to room. It gives it a feeling of cohesion and I find it much more peaceful and calming than a jumbled mix of stuff. That's just me though! So, once we found out we were in fact having a little girl my brain instantly went into overdrive planning the layout and decor of the Bird Nursery room.
First off, my mom joined me in selecting and paying for the most darling bedding made by Dwell Studios. There are two contrasting prints- one which is white with tiny pink dots and the other is a beige with chocolate brown twigs and colored leaves and daisies in shades of pink, white and sage. It is simple and cute and feminine without barfing ribbons, bows and lace all over the place. It also looks beautiful against the chocolate brown crib we purchased along with a matching dresser and nightstand.
The next step...wall decor. I found the coolest zinc letters at one of my favorite clothing stores called Anthropologie. So, above the crib hanging from pink satin ribbon is London's name in all capital letters. It looks fabulous! And, to play off the bird theme I found these black wire bird nests at Pottery Barn. They came in two sizes and the petite one I filled with speckled beige eggs and placed on top of the "L" in London. Above the dresser on the other side of the room I used the same satin ribbon to hang 3 large magnetic zinc boards that I found online from a boutique in Texas. The boards will be great for pictures and cards and drawings along the way. And, of course, I made custom magnets with ribbon to match the room decor as well. In the corner between the crib and window we have the piece de resistance. Manzanita branches coming out of the wall like a tree is growing just on the other side. And from them, a pink birdcage is hanging. The branches look super cool but they didn't come without their share of trouble. In fact, two weeks ago Paul and I drove up to Placerville and took off down a side road where we pulled over and hiked up the hill to cut down a bunch of manzanita branches. My mom's idea actually and this is just one reason why I love her so much. She said the branches were crazy expensive to buy but we could get them for free at the cost of a 10 minute drive up the hill. Totally worth the trip!
This past weekend we cleaned the branches of all leaves and excess twigs and coated them in sealant. Then we started the arduous process of hanging them. We originally thought we could hang them by fishing line and thumb tacks but we quickly found out they were way too heavy. So we moved on to reinforced screws and fishing line and that worked well until Paul had to maneuver around the branches to tie the line to the screws. He had a really hard time and ended up falling off the top step on the ladder. Note to self: never stand barefoot on the top step of a ladder where it states in bold red letters DO NOT STAND ON TOP STEP. Luckily he was okay but the crib got a healthy ding. Hopefully London likes the branches because I doubt they will ever come down now. We also installed these fun metal book holders below the branches. They are London's height so she can put her books in them. The only thing left to hang is one of our maternity pictures right above the light switch when you walk in the door.
Otherwise, to finish off the room decor I put a second pink birdcage with a large metal nest inside right on top of the dresser. To the other side I placed two large metal birds and two galvanized pails with more manzanita branches growing out of them. Next to the dresser is our amazingly comfortable chenille sage green glider and ottoman. The glider also reclines which will be great for those nights when it is easier to just sleep in London's room...I am sure those nights will be plentiful. On the chair is a matching boudoir pillow that goes with the crib bedding. Last but not least we have a fun lamp on the nightstand which looks like a metal branch with leaves. I also have a zinc organizer next to it which I plan to use for changing supplies. On the ground, a small pink canvas trash can and on the other side of the crib just beneath the branches is a matching large canvas storage bin for London's toys. I doubt the toys will make it in the bin all that often but it's the thought that counts right?
All in all, the nursery is just about finished and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. It's like London's little nest and I just hope she likes it!
First off, my mom joined me in selecting and paying for the most darling bedding made by Dwell Studios. There are two contrasting prints- one which is white with tiny pink dots and the other is a beige with chocolate brown twigs and colored leaves and daisies in shades of pink, white and sage. It is simple and cute and feminine without barfing ribbons, bows and lace all over the place. It also looks beautiful against the chocolate brown crib we purchased along with a matching dresser and nightstand.
The next step...wall decor. I found the coolest zinc letters at one of my favorite clothing stores called Anthropologie. So, above the crib hanging from pink satin ribbon is London's name in all capital letters. It looks fabulous! And, to play off the bird theme I found these black wire bird nests at Pottery Barn. They came in two sizes and the petite one I filled with speckled beige eggs and placed on top of the "L" in London. Above the dresser on the other side of the room I used the same satin ribbon to hang 3 large magnetic zinc boards that I found online from a boutique in Texas. The boards will be great for pictures and cards and drawings along the way. And, of course, I made custom magnets with ribbon to match the room decor as well. In the corner between the crib and window we have the piece de resistance. Manzanita branches coming out of the wall like a tree is growing just on the other side. And from them, a pink birdcage is hanging. The branches look super cool but they didn't come without their share of trouble. In fact, two weeks ago Paul and I drove up to Placerville and took off down a side road where we pulled over and hiked up the hill to cut down a bunch of manzanita branches. My mom's idea actually and this is just one reason why I love her so much. She said the branches were crazy expensive to buy but we could get them for free at the cost of a 10 minute drive up the hill. Totally worth the trip!
This past weekend we cleaned the branches of all leaves and excess twigs and coated them in sealant. Then we started the arduous process of hanging them. We originally thought we could hang them by fishing line and thumb tacks but we quickly found out they were way too heavy. So we moved on to reinforced screws and fishing line and that worked well until Paul had to maneuver around the branches to tie the line to the screws. He had a really hard time and ended up falling off the top step on the ladder. Note to self: never stand barefoot on the top step of a ladder where it states in bold red letters DO NOT STAND ON TOP STEP. Luckily he was okay but the crib got a healthy ding. Hopefully London likes the branches because I doubt they will ever come down now. We also installed these fun metal book holders below the branches. They are London's height so she can put her books in them. The only thing left to hang is one of our maternity pictures right above the light switch when you walk in the door.
Otherwise, to finish off the room decor I put a second pink birdcage with a large metal nest inside right on top of the dresser. To the other side I placed two large metal birds and two galvanized pails with more manzanita branches growing out of them. Next to the dresser is our amazingly comfortable chenille sage green glider and ottoman. The glider also reclines which will be great for those nights when it is easier to just sleep in London's room...I am sure those nights will be plentiful. On the chair is a matching boudoir pillow that goes with the crib bedding. Last but not least we have a fun lamp on the nightstand which looks like a metal branch with leaves. I also have a zinc organizer next to it which I plan to use for changing supplies. On the ground, a small pink canvas trash can and on the other side of the crib just beneath the branches is a matching large canvas storage bin for London's toys. I doubt the toys will make it in the bin all that often but it's the thought that counts right?
All in all, the nursery is just about finished and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. It's like London's little nest and I just hope she likes it!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Lessons in Lamaze
This past Tuesday Paul and I had our first of five Lamaze classes. They actually no longer call it Lamaze they call it Prepared Childbirth which I think is kind of a crock because who really is ever prepared for childbirth..right? You may think you have it all put together but once you are going through the motions it probably never quite happens the way you expect it.
In any case, we showed up to class with about 12 or so other couples and it was fun to see all the different bellies in one room. Big bellies, little ones, high bellies and low ones. It was fun to size everyone up. We started with introductions and the teacher asked each of us to give our names, our due date, the gender of the baby, if we planned on having an epidural and what the best and worst part of being pregnant was. It was really fun to hear all the responses especially from the husbands who finally had the opportunity to complain about the most challenging part of their wives pregnancy. The class was pretty divided on boys vs. girls with a few who wanted a surprise. Same thing went for people who were planning on using drugs vs. not using them or being unsure. I would never kid myself and pretend that I could actually go without an epidural so that was easy to answer. I said that my most challenging part of pregnancy (especially lately) has been sleeping. Major hip aches and knee aches and discomfort in general. I also said that the best part has been decorating and shopping for all the fun little girl stuff. It is one of the best parts for sure, along with feeling her move but that had already been said a few times and you know me...had to say something different. The funniest part, at least for the class, was to hear Paul's response about the most challenging time for him with this pregnancy...keeping up with paying for my shopping for a little girl. Leave it to him to have some witty response and be the class clown.
After we finished intros the teacher went through a bunch of general information and then broke us in early with a birthing video. Keep in mind I had heard horror stories about these birthing videos. Specifically from a couple of my best girlfriends who delivered at Mercy. They had told me that they were pretty graphic and the women they used to video tape were not the most shall we call it well kept and good looking participants. That coupled with the fact that I saw one of my best friends deliver her daughter a year ago left me feeling relatively well prepared for what I was about to see. And, in all honesty I wasn't scared at all because the birth I witnessed a year ago was truly one of the most amazing miracles I have seen in my life. Never for a moment was I grossed out or disgusted or freaked out. It was actually quite a beautiful thing and I will cherish that as long as I live.
So back to the video...I knew the men in the class would be ill-prepared for what they were about to see. It really wasn't that bad in retrospect but there were some definite groans from the men and a few who looked away probably for fear of passing out in class. The men were actually way more entertaining than the video. Paul made it through like a champ but he did have this look on his face when it was over... like he just learned there is no Easter Bunny- kind of sad and shocked and trying to process it all. He shook it off though and was just fine by the time the class ended.
Following the video we layed out our pillows and blankets and did a relaxation exercise that was surprisingly quite relaxing. Maybe there is something to be said for this Lamaze stuff. I kind of thought it was a little corny but then again I also didn't believe in the power of acupuncture up until a year ago either. So, who knows...I will give it my best shot for the next four weeks of class. I am sure I will learn some valuable things and get plenty of laughs in the meantime but certainly I won't kid myself and pretend that I am going to be "prepared" for childbirth. Who really ever is?
In any case, we showed up to class with about 12 or so other couples and it was fun to see all the different bellies in one room. Big bellies, little ones, high bellies and low ones. It was fun to size everyone up. We started with introductions and the teacher asked each of us to give our names, our due date, the gender of the baby, if we planned on having an epidural and what the best and worst part of being pregnant was. It was really fun to hear all the responses especially from the husbands who finally had the opportunity to complain about the most challenging part of their wives pregnancy. The class was pretty divided on boys vs. girls with a few who wanted a surprise. Same thing went for people who were planning on using drugs vs. not using them or being unsure. I would never kid myself and pretend that I could actually go without an epidural so that was easy to answer. I said that my most challenging part of pregnancy (especially lately) has been sleeping. Major hip aches and knee aches and discomfort in general. I also said that the best part has been decorating and shopping for all the fun little girl stuff. It is one of the best parts for sure, along with feeling her move but that had already been said a few times and you know me...had to say something different. The funniest part, at least for the class, was to hear Paul's response about the most challenging time for him with this pregnancy...keeping up with paying for my shopping for a little girl. Leave it to him to have some witty response and be the class clown.
After we finished intros the teacher went through a bunch of general information and then broke us in early with a birthing video. Keep in mind I had heard horror stories about these birthing videos. Specifically from a couple of my best girlfriends who delivered at Mercy. They had told me that they were pretty graphic and the women they used to video tape were not the most shall we call it well kept and good looking participants. That coupled with the fact that I saw one of my best friends deliver her daughter a year ago left me feeling relatively well prepared for what I was about to see. And, in all honesty I wasn't scared at all because the birth I witnessed a year ago was truly one of the most amazing miracles I have seen in my life. Never for a moment was I grossed out or disgusted or freaked out. It was actually quite a beautiful thing and I will cherish that as long as I live.
So back to the video...I knew the men in the class would be ill-prepared for what they were about to see. It really wasn't that bad in retrospect but there were some definite groans from the men and a few who looked away probably for fear of passing out in class. The men were actually way more entertaining than the video. Paul made it through like a champ but he did have this look on his face when it was over... like he just learned there is no Easter Bunny- kind of sad and shocked and trying to process it all. He shook it off though and was just fine by the time the class ended.
Following the video we layed out our pillows and blankets and did a relaxation exercise that was surprisingly quite relaxing. Maybe there is something to be said for this Lamaze stuff. I kind of thought it was a little corny but then again I also didn't believe in the power of acupuncture up until a year ago either. So, who knows...I will give it my best shot for the next four weeks of class. I am sure I will learn some valuable things and get plenty of laughs in the meantime but certainly I won't kid myself and pretend that I am going to be "prepared" for childbirth. Who really ever is?
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