The early spring of 2008

The day was here. The doctors had given you enough time or so they thought. They were ready to force you out. I relished the kicks and movements with the knowledge that I would miss them. I willed and waited for you to make the first move. Alas that was not to be.
En route to the hospital I swear I could see the first shoots of spring on the trees that line the center divider of the streets. Trees that were bare and brown had the faintest sign of green all across. Some a little more obvious than others. Some shy of their blossoming youth and changing image. I wondered if you were the shy kind as well. I always wanted you to decide when you were ready to take on this world. Now that I know you a little better (or do I) I think you were just content. You were living in the moment. You liked where you were and wanted to savour it a tad more. I think you like to enjoy the finer things in life; a little like your father. You do not have the 'hurricane' gene in you. You might be the kinds who needs a little push. Nevertheless, once you had that initial push and the stars all lined up, you excelled. You and me together we made it happen.
The fact that you had a bunch of hair on your head was a shocker I will admit! Going by the old wives tale about hair and heartburn I had pretty much decided that you would be born bald. My mom's stories of me and my brother being born bald added to the myth. Bah! How could I think you would take after me? Everyone and I mean everyone even on my side of the family agrees that you look so much like your father. I don't say that with any bitterness mind you. I think your father is a good looking man so you got lucky there! ;-) In fact within a couple of hours of your birth I was the first to tell your dad that. I said "I think he looks like you"! The pride on his face and in his voice is a Kodak moment (albeit with audio) in my head as he responded with "Yeah?" It amazes me; the power you have to bring forth something that strong and primal.

On the way back home with you I noticed the trees again. They seemed to be just a little more green. Like they were welcoming you into this world. One more spring baby. Officially spring started the weekend after you were born. But to me, the spring of 2008 will always be on the day I noticed the little green leaves trying to make their way into this world. The day I knew that you would come into our lives and change it forever. And even then I knew, that once you were here it would be as though life was always this way.

And I never thought I would...

- Talk about my labor to any mom or to be mom who shows the slightest interest
- Talk about my son to all who ask about him. Yes, they expect me to talk about him when they ask but I am pretty sure I talk much more than they expect
- Not call my girlfriends for extended periods of time. Me who advises every girl that gets married how important it is that she keep in touch with her girlfriends, blah blah...and here I am - preaching only and not practicing.
- Feel that I know what and how best to care for my son. Needless to say on numerous occasions when I have been out my mom has fed, burped, changed and rocked him to sleep even. But when I am home, I know best and I dole out advice freely. (tongue in cheek!)
- Sing songs personalized to the moment and my son.
- Invent 'cute' versions of words that do not exist in any dictionary. Warning to my better half that I might argue for the use of these words in a future scrabble game. One that I particularly love is 'Wakey!'.
- Apply baby terms to my actions. E.g.- "I need to go pee pee". (I know! I think so too!!!)

Mommy Essentials

En route to my follow up appointment with my gynec, I could not help wondering what one would do without a breast pump. I love the confidence of having a bottle or two ready for my baby when I have to step out. Though I haven't started work yet, it gives me the peace of mind for such occasions.

Another one is the boppy pillow. My shoulders and arms are so thankful to this U shaped pillow that can pretty much hold a new born. Of course, I wonder how long I will be able to use this before my tall lil fella outgrows it. But nevertheless, I love the boppy pillow. BTW, there is a newer version of it out there called (I kid you not!) 'My Brest Friend'.

The wipe warmer - ooh...I wish there was an adult version of this (that doesn't sound right!) that I could use for warming toilet paper. Wouldn't that be a boon???

Travel Diaper Dispenser - This one was a baby shower gift and I love it! It is a little ducky with a set of tiny disposable scented bags attached to its bottom. The bags peel off very much like the bag roll at a grocery store (tear at the perforation kinds!). This contraption is about the size of my hand and is perfect to carry around in the diaper bag. Each scented bag stores one diaper and can be used to dispose it off easily wherever we are. How cool is that!

A parallel train of thought that runs through my head is I cannot imagine how mommies have survived centuries without the above. Well, that's a little exaggerated one might add but think about it. I accept most of these as being needed and essential. My mom would smirk at me if she was the smirking kind. She sweetly says she doesn't even remember how those days went by.