In so many conversation during pregnancy, mothers you know and admire, (and sometimes strangers) recall their journey with you. Like the lady at Maggie Moo's ice cream shop the other day who told me she gained 95lbs with one kid and 9 with the other...Uh...ok thanks :) But then there are the conversations you do want to have, like with my sister Gina over every detail, or with my Tucker sister Laurie about the two very different deliveries she had, or remembering details of my cousin Lisa's pregnancy, and chatting with friends about the context of their journeys. And of course our mother's journeys. As my mother-in-law Cindy was recalling her memories (33 years later) of carrying Caleb, it triggered something in me. When I look back and share the details of this time in my life with my future child (or daughter in law) there are some key things I hope to remember and if not, here I have it in writing.
1. Yes we have names picked out but this little guy or girl has been "baby bub" from the start. Wondering where the name comes from? Yes, bubbi is also the name for a Jewish grandmother, but somehow Bub and Bubbi is Caleb and I's name to one another. AND, Julian our nephew called Caleb "Uncle Gub" when he couldn't pronounce his name so it's all too fitting. Baby Bub the son or daughter of Uncle Gub :) And, then constructed by my girlfriend Allison, it's second nickname is Baby Merlot. Well, of course because of the whole wine country baby creation.
2. Baby bub/Merlot has been an active little one. This child inside loved to show it's skills. Shifting my belly left and right. And every time it's dad-to-be tried to capture it on video, it was suddenly frozen still. (Perhaps messing with us, or camera shy;) His or her personality will reveal itself soon.
3. Throughout pregnancy my goal was to be "normal Dana" and so baby bub went to many live music shows, several of which were baby bub's father's band Dielectric Sound. This baby also camped many weekend in the Rocky Mountains, and took a fantastic trip to Philadelphia visiting the Jersey shore for it's first introduction to beaches and east coast delicious food. All while partaking in educational policy and reform, yoga classes, and coming along as I married two couples! I learned during this time that the baby barely noticed his/her daddy's loud drums on stage, but went nuts to the sound of him playing the harmonica (on stage and by the campfire). And, marrying two couples including a beautiful friend of mine Danielle was extra special with a kicking baby inside. See my wedding officiant blog here.
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| June 2012: (32 weeks- Over 8 month) |
5. On another note, ultrasounds were really amazing at our initial doctor's office (see the 3d picture below). I was always on the 3d/4d machine which made for amazing photo-opportunities. But, through this process I intuitively I didn't want any additional fear or stress on myself and so I switched to a midwife practice at Swedish hospital. There was instantly less fear, less worry, and it suited Caleb and I's philosophy on trusting the process. Now our baby will be delivered by the same midwife (Jayne Jones), as his or her cousins' Lydia and Morrison. Though the ultrasounds are less like the Glamour shots we got used to, the practice is soothing. After all our bodies know what to do.
6. Though the early ultrasounds were incredibly active, baby was in yoga poses and moving around wild, now our little baby face most stares at us (see photo). Last week, at 32 weeks Caleb referred to our child lovingly as the "Terminator," partly because he has an affinity to imitate Arnold. But mostly because we got a skeletal stare- with round eyes moving slowly left to right, left to right, left to right. Maybe it's those infamous Devine/Nardello eyeballs after all ;) 
And, even though I feel great, for the last couple of weeks and for the rest of this pregnancy I am on a modified bed-rest. I have to be off my feet as much as possible. Which is hard for me, almost as hard as not talking with my hands :) And, at about the same week as my sister, just yesterday they gave me a steroid shot to enhance the baby's lung development and strengthen my cervix. Quite common actually. So, I am almost 34 weeks and my midwife's goal is for me to get to 37 weeks, so our baby does not need respiratory support. And my personal goal is to make it to Nate and Courtney's Estes Park wedding on July 21st. I am taking it easy.
So, these are a few of the things that I will hold onto about this pregnancy. And, of course there are many anecdotes and memories that are between a couple. There are things we laugh about with one another and the subtle loving relationship shift that feels so nurturing that occur. I will also share with my child and whoever ask, the power of what we can create in our worlds.
Like a gift from the universe for a career shift that came my way with supportive professionals who have enabled me abundant support throughout the finale of this pregnancy. Less stress, being treated as the professional I am, and a four day work week this school year for long weekends with our baby. I am blessed. And, like my powerful mother, I too believe in the power of creating what we want in this world. Sometimes I am asked, "are you scared?" or "are you worried?" I can genuinely say no. I chose to only live knowing that we can create the best for ourselves and for one another and that ultimately it is you that is creating your reality. And, I already know I have created a beautiful journey and I plan on continuing to smile outloud, even when I have no clue what I am doing. I learned that from my mother also :)
