March 13, 2005
alive, she cried
3/13/05
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Tessa is nine months pregnant, and as of Saturday, if the baby were born, it would not be considered "premature." Our due date is not until April 2, but only 4% of babies are born on their due date, and we are both mindful that it could happen at any moment.
The crib has been built, the changing table has the little "baby taco" mattress on it, we have 88 Huggies© diapers at the ready, along with the Dekor Plus diaper disposal system. Tonight, Tessa decorated the baby's room with the gorgeous stuffed animals from friends, and I built a bookshelf and filled it with Dr. Seuss, Mother Goose books from 1940 and my favorite, C D B.
It's utterly bizarre to be planning a welcome for someone who is already here. Just a few inches of Tessa separate the baby from the rest of the world; the little girl is never out of our thoughts, never not in the same room, and yet she's not here.
To tell the truth, I'm a little freaked out by the baby's room. It is all set up, and bizarrely formal, like a room left in place from someone long gone. I have been in other rooms, rooms where the occupant is no longer alive, and the place is haunted by their hollow lack of presence.
Our baby's room is haunted too, but it's haunted by someone who isn't alive yet. It lays in wait, like a raw sloop fresh from the boatmaker, still clean, ropes taught, no cannon shot, about to be splashed into the foaming sea. I wander in there every once in a while, and try to enjoy the silence, as if I could store it up like sleep, but it doesn't work that way.
And I'm not much for silence anyway. I love the sound of a lawn mower, a shower being taken, the dishwasher already on. I come from a family of screamers, and I've missed it. I trust our little munchkin can scream some life into her quiet little room.
Posted by Ian Williams at March 13, 2005 11:04 PMWell done on the preparation front. You might want to reconsider the Huggies though. Nothing worse than big leaks on the cute outfits! I'd go for the Pampers Cruisers myself. And one more thing to prepare--make sure you have the car seat installed in the car. Sometimes it's difficult to do with a case of the new parent nerves.
Have fun with your little girl!
The funniest part about the hours and hours of preparation is that when you get home from the hospital, and your baby is still strapped into the car seat asleep on your dining room table, you and Tessa will look at each other and say "So what do we do now?" You will sit in silence for a few moments with no idea what to do except watch your baby sleep.
Follow Lola's advice. Car seat installation can turn into an ordeal, so get it out of the way.
God, that is a cute picture! A little bit of eager anticipation mixed with uncertain readiness! Tessa is one healthy-looking Mama!
Helen was born on her due date. Which was also my 31st birthday. In fact, she was nearly born at the same time in the evening as I was, exactly 31 years later.
I wish you both a speedy delivery and as little pain as possible!
Fear not. It won't look formal for very long at all! You both look wonderfully ready; I know you'll be great parents.
Seuss. Not Suess. [fixed! -ed.]
And please don't name her one of those hideous names all the 30-somethings are naming their kids -- Hazel, Apple, Phoebe, etc.
Good luck. You have no idea what's about to happen to you. No one does -- or half of us (maybe more) wouldn't do it.
Oy, you've invoked the Curse of Screaming Babies! I had a screaming baby at age 41, and nearly lost my sanity (although the kid is a peach now and takes out any lingering agitation at the hockey rink).
Those changing-table mattresses with the little "well" in the middle are the BEST. Good for you guys.
Nothing will prepare you for this experience, but even if you're sleepless and brain-dead, write it all down. Later, when your senses return, you'll appreciate having notes on your kid's first months.
Have fun!
- Anne
Although I'm not a parent, and don't feel any desire to become one anytime soon, this has got me a little verklempt.
No kidding.
A blessing to you... three.
GREAT pic. you guys both look so peaceful and rosy-cheeked. i take it no insomnia for tessa? a lot of people have told me pampers are the way to go over huggies, too. i'm jealous of the finished state of your baby's room. i'm a little behind in that area. at this point, my baby will still have to gaze up at maps of north and south america and our hodge-podge collection of plays. i know for myself that i hope i get through march to see the heels triumph, and i hope the same for you and tessa, love hilary
Have you had "the talk" with Chopin yet?
Oh, talking to Chopes is useless. He always thinks everything is about him, him, him.
this pic is the sweetest! i love it!