Tonight was our first night Lamaze class at the hospital where Timnah is going to give birth to Evan. I really didn't know what to expect. I've heard that I wasn't going to be able to keep a straight face; that the classes were helpful; that the classes were a complete waste. So I went in with an open mind, with a small bent towards they were going to be a waste. When your mom is Jennifer Masariu and your mother in law is Debbie Slater, you sort of feel like you have the baby thing handled. Or at least your questions can be easily answered.
The class started out like the first day of school. People were pretty quiet at the start, but the first activity was a "interview another couple" to get to know them. We interviewed Andy and Akiko. Well, it wasn't much of an interview...it was more like an interrogation. We asked alot of questions and they gave pretty quick and quiet answers. After that, the presentation started and we had a nice slide show of anatomically correct pregnant females with cross sections of their bellies showing a baby turned in various positions. I started having flashbacks to 9th grade health class when we got to the reproduction part of the class and the boys proceeded to alienate themselves from the girls by snickering at the boobs and vagina diagrams in the book. No one did that here, but I know the other dudes were thinking the same thing I was.
To be honest, I knew most of what they said today. It was pretty basic stuff. We talked about changes in the body and possible issues with pregnancy. We talked about pre term labor, eating healthy (which Timnah really does--she eats kale salads and says, "I love you Evan" when she chews), and the expectations of pain in labor. I think they talk about the scary crap first and see who bails. Akiko was sitting next to me and as the teacher demonstrated how a baby goes through the pelvic canal, she raised both hands to her face and a swear I heard her whimper. Poor thing.
We took a break next--10 minutes. But about 5 minutes in, I decided I was hungry, so we quickly went down to the cafeteria. It was quite lovely actually--lots of choices. I knew we were short on time, so I grabbed a slice of hot pizza, 2 hard boiled eggs and a cookie. (I snagged two honey sticks too--love those things). Anyway, guess who was 5 minutes late back into the class? Yep--us and us alone. No one else was hungry I guess. I almost felt bad as a proceeded to eat all of it in front of everyone the rest of class. I'm laughing just thinking about it again. Hey--food calls to me and I answer. Lamaze or not!
We finished class with some breathing. I actually thought Lamaze was just breathing, but it turns out it's much more about the entire birth and pregnancy. Anyway, we put our blankets and pillows on the ground and both sat down. I sat behind Timnah and she leaned back into me as I sat cross-legged. As she listened to the teacher's soft spoken instructions, she continued to lean back further and further. I had to grab my knees and ankles to stay upright! My back was starting to hurt--but no one tell Timnah that! The teacher kept saying go to your "favorite place". "Maybe it's the beach and you can feel the breeze in your face." I know Timnah was sitting there imagining HomeGoods on Wednesday's when the new stuff arrives. I don't know how I'm going to get the "essence of HomeGoods" to rub on her shoulders in labor, but I'll work on it!!! She did really well, but she has been going to prenatal yoga for a couple weeks and they have been doing the same breathing exercises. She's gonna do great--I just know it. She's tougher than she looks!!!
So, I'm looking forward to the next class. I hope I learn something that is really going to be beneficial. I'm sure I will. I can't wait for the pizza again too!
Things are going really great here. We are very happy and continue to thank God for the blessing he has given us, the enjoyment of this pregnancy and the ability to have Timnah stay home. Thank you for all your support in this incredible journey!
Best,
Daddy
