My shower was on April 18th, a snowy Saturday. Anya was incredibly gracious to host it at her awesome home. She took care of all the details. I didn't have to worry about a thing, except not spilling anything on my stomach before I arrived. I was a little nervous to be the center of attention. All the hormones have made my behavior somewhat unpredictable. Brad continually reminded me that I would be surrounded by people that loved me and I could do no wrong. More than making a fool of myself, I have a fear of opening presents in front of people, even on a one to one basis. If you had told me last week that Baby Showers were about more than presents, I would probably have replied, "Yes. Presents and free food!" But after experiencing one for myself, I can truly say that a Baby Shower is about way more than gifts and grub.
The last nine months have been difficult. I was sick for the first five months, which made going to school even more challenging. Since the new year I have been adjusting to living with another person and blending our lives together in a peaceful and productive manner. Needless to say I have been practicing cooperation and communication. But over the last month I have finally felt a sense of stability in the present coupled with anticipation for the future. Brad and I have made our house a home. We have set up a nursery, with a crib and a glider. I was feeling like all we needed was the baby.
I had no idea how unprepared we were. People have been having babies for a very long time, despite not having diaper genies or breast pumps. Love, shelter and sustenance will go a very long way towards meeting a baby's needs, but don't underestimate the incredible inventions that help meet a new Mommy's needs.
The last nine months have been difficult. I was sick for the first five months, which made going to school even more challenging. Since the new year I have been adjusting to living with another person and blending our lives together in a peaceful and productive manner. Needless to say I have been practicing cooperation and communication. But over the last month I have finally felt a sense of stability in the present coupled with anticipation for the future. Brad and I have made our house a home. We have set up a nursery, with a crib and a glider. I was feeling like all we needed was the baby.
I had no idea how unprepared we were. People have been having babies for a very long time, despite not having diaper genies or breast pumps. Love, shelter and sustenance will go a very long way towards meeting a baby's needs, but don't underestimate the incredible inventions that help meet a new Mommy's needs.
There were so many presents that before I had opened half of them I was sweating. We got the rest of the necessities, like a stroller and car seat (so we don't have to live at the hospital). We got things that I wasn't sure I needed but t
hat had come highly recommended, like the diaper genie and wipe warmer. Best of all we got a ton of stuff that were simply wants, like the softest baby blanket ever and a towel with a froggie hood. I will definitely have to start dressing better, lest my son be more fashionable with all the adorable outfits he received.
It was a magical day. All of the gifts are greatly appreciated, but the best present was the intangible feeling that has stayed with me after all of my good friends went home. Throughout all of the challenges of my pregnancy, I often felt like I had to rely on my own strength to get through the day. Last semester when I was really sick, I would bribe myself with mac and cheese from Noodles to get myself to class. This semester I have begun playing fast paced techno music on my ipod to help me walk to my classes.
But relying on my own will was just an illusion. The whole time I have been surrounded by incredible women, just waiting for me to ask for help. Often times I didn't even need to ask. I would never have made it this far without the help of my family and friends. My Baby Shower was just a final reminder that I am not entering motherhood alone. I am so lucky to have so many supportive people in my life: to cheer me on when life is awesome, to encourage me when life gets hard. I feel so much love around me.
hat had come highly recommended, like the diaper genie and wipe warmer. Best of all we got a ton of stuff that were simply wants, like the softest baby blanket ever and a towel with a froggie hood. I will definitely have to start dressing better, lest my son be more fashionable with all the adorable outfits he received. It was a magical day. All of the gifts are greatly appreciated, but the best present was the intangible feeling that has stayed with me after all of my good friends went home. Throughout all of the challenges of my pregnancy, I often felt like I had to rely on my own strength to get through the day. Last semester when I was really sick, I would bribe myself with mac and cheese from Noodles to get myself to class. This semester I have begun playing fast paced techno music on my ipod to help me walk to my classes.
But relying on my own will was just an illusion. The whole time I have been surrounded by incredible women, just waiting for me to ask for help. Often times I didn't even need to ask. I would never have made it this far without the help of my family and friends. My Baby Shower was just a final reminder that I am not entering motherhood alone. I am so lucky to have so many supportive people in my life: to cheer me on when life is awesome, to encourage me when life gets hard. I feel so much love around me.
Last night I was having a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions. Today I am 37 weeks, considered full term. I told Owen that he can come when he's ready. We have the nursery ready and the clothes, the moby, the genie and everything else imaginable. I am overflowing with love and support. All we need is our little bumpkin. And a little patience. . .
No comments:
Post a Comment