4/5/05
I'd like to take a moment today to give a mountain of love to my wife Tessa. The last few days have been incredibly hard for her physically, and as I watch her toss and moan at night with her gigantic belly lobbing from one side of the bed to the other like a mainsail in a storm, I know that she is capable of things I can only dream of.
As a guy, I just can't imagine having another human being in my stomach, pounding the walls. It's impossible for me to further fathom the idea of going into labor at any second, and dealing with the pain of passing that kind of object through your body. I don't mean to be preciously demystified, but the logistics of this are staggering.
As the due date came – and went – now we are in a holding pattern, circling the skies above parenthood. In many ways, the last few days have been a gift (National Championship included) since we've been able to hang out together, with her mom, with both my parents, and she was able to construct 75 maxi pads saturated with witch hazel, pure aloe vera and lavender essence – the surefire way to get your hoo-hah back in order once the deed is done.
But Tessa's wonderful overfunctioning has taken a hit with the baby being a tiny bit late. She has, as all expectant mothers eventually say, "had it." For me, this week has felt bizarre: I can only equate it to a vacation you didn't take, finding yourself home with nobody expecting you to be there. Exciting to be on vacation in your own house, but I know my dear wife won't be able to deal with another seven days of this.
In this public forum, I just want to tell her, like I did last night, that I am so proud of her, for soldiering through this pregnancy with so few complaints, with taking each new development as education rather than omen. She is made of such great stuff, this woman, and I love her something awful.
And I love you both!! You've made me cry two days in a row - what is this, Oprah? Blamed it on a sandstorm. Sending contractionary vibes, xoxo
Late Valentine, Early Mother's Day---there's a grander scheme at work here, and Tessa and Peanut read you loud and clear, whenEVER you profess your love. Whatever "contractionary vibes" are, I'm sending them too. Love to all three of you!
Damn! I wish someone had told me about the saturated maxi pad trick after my episiotomy 5 years ago! I am STILL recovering from that experience, otherwise known as the ritual genital mutilation of Western obstetrics!
Ah, but I digress. You guys are so adorable -- I have a crush on you both and the little family you are creating. Hang in there. The last few days/hours are the longest, but I predict Peanut will make her presence known shortly. Take care, good luck, and best wishes for a speedy/painless delivery.
Oh, and a shout out to big brother Chopin. Hope that he is well. Don't forget to include him in the celebrations to come. . . a big brother chew toy or bone perhaps! Believe me, the fur child can feel threatened by the arrival of the human child sometimes.
Excellent and deserving tribute. Just wait how in awe you'll be of her once you helplessly watch her make the bowling ball squeeze through the lifesaver hole. Ah, the joys of childbirth, episiotomies and afterbirth.
Good luck this week. Time of your life, right kid?
My mom just reminded me that I was born almost two weeks late, but the birth turned out to be surprisingly easy and quick. I guess I really wanted to be a Scorpio - I certainly hope Peanut isn't holding out for Taurus!
Much love to you both. ♥♥♥
:o)
This is just Nature's little way of helping us gear up for childbirth - you get to the point where you can't stand to be pregnant ONE SECOND LONGER. Even if the only option is labor.
Good luck to you guys!
Aw, bless you both. Here's hoping the wait isn't too much longer.
The last days are so hard, both mentally and physically. I remember feeling like the proverbial watched pot.
Tessa, you are amazing! Hang in there.