Happy third trimester!

Em and Mark just left to return to RI after an extended Thanksgiving holiday. What a wonderful time we had talking, visiting, eating, touring Houston and getting to know baby. Em looks great, with her little bump adding a womanly dimension to what will always be--to me, at least--her youthful looks. And now that the wee one is well into his third trimester, we know that he can distinguish sounds. Mark makes it a point to talk to the baby, and she literally shifts in Em's belly to the sound of his voice. So of course, Nana-to-be had to try, too. I got up as close as I could, introducing myself in that tone that women use exclusively for babies. After a couple of tries, she gave a hearty kick and continued to do so every time I talked to her during the several days they were here. Curt says she kicked because I was annoying her, and he may be right. But I'll stay elated in my fantasy anyway.

Daddy misses baby

Em has been at our house in Texas for a little over a week, and her husband Mark is joining us all for the holiday weekend, arriving tomorrow. They talk almost every day, and Mark insists that Em hold the phone to her belly so he can talk to the baby, too. It never fails to get a reaction in the form of a kick or other movement. At 27 weeks, she has been reacting to sounds for a little while now, and definitely likes the tone of daddy's voice. Last night Mark sang his favorite Carole King song for kids of all ages, "Alligators All Around." This all makes me teary...must be sympathy hormones??

Time to Party

Yesterday was Em's baby shower given by her Houston friends Kelle and Tanya, with the wonderful assist of Kelle's mother Pam. The party began at 2 pm and we enjoyed two hours of fun, food, present openings, games and laughs. They'd even staged a craft, wherein we decorated baby clothes with decals of our own making. What fun. The party was held in Pam's home, and it was decorated beyond belief--owls everywhere, since Em has decided to make owls the theme of the baby's room. The time went by much too quickly, but we left feeling full of the happiness that only friendship can bring, not to mention sandwiches and cupcakes!

Embracing the crone

Em is staying with us for a short while before her husband Mark joins us for the Thanksgiving holidays. It's been such a happy time. As an overachieving nurturer, I am loving every bit of it, from feeling the baby kick to making sure there's enough milk in the house at all times. I sense a very definite passing of the torch as I watch her competently care for herself and her family, but I've not experienced any wistfulness--just lots of pride and joy in the opportunity to be a part of it all. And I feel grateful to be so looking forward to my crone-hood which, incidentally, originally had a positive connotation. A crone was the wise elder female of the tribe who was sought for her insights. Oh the pressure.

We're planning a party

We're getting into baby shower time. Em's close friend is planning one, to be held over the Thanksgiving holidays. Em's mother-in-law is planning one for December, and I'm planning one for January. The next few months will be busy, but what a great excuse to get together with old friends to celebrate something so wonderful. I've been busy making guest lists and deciding on some games, and it occurred to me that these ritual-type events are another way that women bond and create community.

Mr. Whoooo

So we went to the fabric store to pick out fabric for the baby's room. Without knowing the gender, this could have become complicated. But after much looking and discussing, Em found a beautiful designer fabric in shades of orange, brown and cream, with hints of fuschia. The central figure is an adorable owl sitting on a branch. She intends to mix this fabric with other complimentary ones to create the curtains, crib skirt and more. It was so much fun to be part of this excursion...though I think I offered to make the crib bumper, and I've been worried since that I might not get it right. Nana means well.

There's nothing like a baby

 Babies offer hope for our own future and that of the world. Babies let us dream. Babies bring people closer together and teach us that true happiness comes from giving. Babies make us confront ourselves with honesty and truth. Babies are a reason to celebrate, and they turn otherwise staid adults into something new and joyous. Babies remind us that there is always something to laugh about. Babies teach us that being yourself is always good enough. Babies don't expect anything, but get everything we have to give. Babies expand our limits to the edge, then just a little bit more. Babies show us the true depth of our ability to give love, expecting nothing in return. So little. So profound.