Thumbs a twiddlin

All the preparation has been completed. We took the parenting classes, finished the nursery, bought all the baby gear, and agreed on a name. Now we wait.
Last week, Emily’s doctor gave us a bit of a jolt. She thought the baby was bigger than expected and that she would have to deliver up to 2 weeks before her due date (June 11). She ordered an ultrasound to confirm her suspicions while Em and I were left thinking we were going to be parents earlier than expected.
Were we ready? I think so. To my surprise, I was filled with excitement, not anxiety. I was convinced this was it. Months of planning and waiting was about to pay off and we would be greeted with our special bundle of joy. So on Wednesday of this week, we went to the doctor and had the ultrasound. This would be the first time we would see the baby since January and we were both eager to see how much it changed. Immediately we were greeted by a face, a cute, smooched, familiar looking face. When seeing it, all I could muster to spit out was, “Wow”.
After the ultrasound, the tech said the measurements were on track, perfectly on track, and we would most likely deliver at our due date. I have to admit I left the appointment with a feeling of disappointment. That’s how I knew I was ready for parenthood and I was ready for all the responsibility.
I’ll be honest, there were times growing up when I ran from responsibility because I either didn’t want to be bothered or I was afraid of screwing up. What made those times different was that the only person’s life being effected by my actions, was my own. But now, someone else will be effected, someone who will depend on me for just about everything. When faced with that challenge, you can't run. You need to step up.
So now we are back to the waiting game. We are in the home stretch but it still feels like an eternity. They say good things come to those who wait, but I think blessings come to those who earn it.

Graduation

This past week, we finished our final birthing class session. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we first started but looking back, it was a great experience I hope every expecting parent is able to participate in. It was fun to see how much bigger each mother looked every week we met up. I think the ultimate goal of the class was to go over every scenario that may come up during labor and the post partum days. If you are a worrier, you may be put off by all the “worst case scenarios” they presented to the class, but as the instructor said, since this was a hospital, they had a responsibility to tell the potential patients what may occur so parents are prepared and not caught off guard.

I also felt they did a good job gearing it towards what the dad may go through and not just the mother. I feel more comfortable about everything having gone through the class though not 100% ready, but whoever is?

Most people might think that seeing the birthing videos or hearing about potential health issues for the baby may be the scariest part of the class, but for me (and Emily) it was the tour we took around the Mother/Child Ward. Seeing the delivery room and then the recovery room made it all so real for us. Emily commented that the rooms felt cold and lifeless and though that may be true, it’s the patients that bring warmth to these sterile environments.

I think the biggest benefit to attending these classes is seeing other young people struggling with the same thoughts and fears we have. Seeing that what we are experiencing is universal is reassuring though I’m sure none of those parents will be anywhere near the parents Em and I will be!

As we enter the final weeks till the big day, I am starting to focus and try to picture life at home with a young one. It’s the little daily things I am thinking about, like what do you do with the baby when you have to go to the bathroom? Mostly though, I am daydreaming eagerly about interacting with my son or daughter, taking them places, exposing them to music and books that I love, and introducing them to all our close friends.

Though we are entering uncertain times, the strong relationship Em and I have will get us through everything and hopefully show our child how a healthy marriage works.