moving quickly along

While E gets bigger and BabyGirl kicks and rolls more and more, we've also been working to get things ready. Last weekend we went on a hospital tour. It was good to see where all the action would happen. E was freaked out once we got into the birthing suite and there was conversation about how the end of the bed comes off when labor begins. I assured her that by the time that happens, a) she will probably have drugs and b) she will want that baby out no matter what it takes. The hour-long tour included about 10-12 couples. We were the only same sex couple. The tour guide, an RN who works in obstetrics, repeatedly referred to mothers and dads. I leaned over to E and said, "I guess I'm the dad." The guide caught herself a couple times and said partner or support person. E thinks it stinks that you have the baby at the Holiday Inn (birthing suite) but they move you to the Super 8 (regular room) a few hours after the birth. Overall, it wasn't the most exciting tour, but at least we know what it will look like.

A friend with a minivan and a strong back helped us pick up our crib. We had no idea a bed for a little human would be so big (about 4 feet square in the box) or weigh so much (134 pounds). I took a bit of teasing for weighing less than the crib...not true...however, I held my own getting the crib in the van and then up the stairs once we got home. We set it up last night and we love it. We got a convertible crib, so we figure we're set for the next 15 years or so. It makes me want to paint the room right now, but we're going to wait for spring so we can open the windows to get rid of paint smell. Since we're having a girl we're going pink. Several friends have asked what we're going to do if a boy pops out. If that happens, he'll enjoy all the pink until we repaint and buy more blue.

Today we met two friends for lunch who are going to throw a baby shower for us. We made a list of people to invite and realized that we have a very eclectic group of friends. It should be a great time. We feel very blessed to live in a place where it's not a big deal that we're lesbians and having a baby. Our friends and coworkers have been great. People we consider acquaintances are excited and want to be invited to a shower because they have things for the baby.

She is loved.

m