Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day! Wow…it’s kind of hard to believe that today marks my first mother’s day. And for all of those nay-Sayers who think you can’t celebrate until you have the baby, then you have either never had a baby, or if you have, you are one of those “I loved being pregnant” people (ugghhh….I cannot relate). I fully deserve this mother’s day! Because, believe me, the restless nights and no sleep has already started for me. Pile on top of that hormones, being in a foreign country trying to learn a new language, dealing with the culture, work, the in-laws…..well, you get the picture. I am taking this day all for myself!


Now, before I go any further, I must put some disclaimers in this blog. First and foremost; I may not like being pregnant, but I would not give it up for the world! Something changes when you are mom-to-be and nothing will ever, ever, EVER take the place of feeling your little one move around in your belly at 2-3-4-5-6-7 am…..it is so reassuring and the most amazing feeling. This week I had a treat; I got to feel our girls hands and feet at the same time; she must have been vertical in my belly because there was a push by my ribs and one down by my pelvis. We must have a long baby…not sure where that is coming from!


Second disclaimer, I love Paris, France and my family! I am so lucky to have support and love from both sides of the family during this exciting time in our lives. I am also SO fortunate to have the opportunity to stay in Paris for 3 weeks; many people only dream of having this type of experience.


But, you caught me in and off-mood this morning because I was going to kick off my mother’s day with a fresh almond croissant and coffee from the bakery. Well, it was closed, yes, CLOSED…as in FERME!! Now, I don’t mind when the pool is closed, but when the patisserie is closed and I want some croissant, you are dealing with fire. I said a few choice words in French…then came back to the apartment and sulked for a bit. I am almost over it….almost…


We have been in Europe for over two weeks now and having a blast. Amazing how the time flies. This Friday we are returning to Boulder for what I like to call the “home stretch.” That is right; I am now in my 3rd trimester, the 28th week to be exact. Now marks the time where I go in for a whole slew of tests including diabetes, more thyroid monitoring and getting my Rh factor fixed so my blood does not hurt the baby. It also marks the “panic period” for me in terms of the nursery and being ready. The truth is, you never know what may happen after 30 weeks and I would rather be stuck on bed-rest/hospital etc… with a prepared nursery (oh Lord help us if Gregory has to decorate it, no offense LOL). Knowing most likely that I will be the lady whose child just won’t want to come out and they will induce at 42 weeks and I will still be running and swimming at that time.


However, I have learned an interesting fact during my stay in Paris that may alleviate the dreaded over-due child. Did you know that if you run while pregnant, your baby will fall out of your vagina and have brain damage? I kid you not, it is true! Many people have informed me of this phenomenon while I have been in France. So what is one to do if they cannot run, nor do any sort of “exertion”? Well, the solution seems to be lots and lots of rest along with some red wine. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I wouldn’t want to drink some wine at the moment, but I would prefer to run (plus, I have been brainwashed by the American culture that a glass of wine will give your baby FAS). We went for dinner the other night with friends and it seemed perfectly acceptable for the waiter to attempt to pour a clearly pregnant woman a glass of wine. My eyes wide with fear, I almost shouted “no”; I mean, that is FORBIDDEN in the United States. I settled for a small sip. Amazing what cultural differences lie across a sea.


There are so many differences I note every time I visit France, some of which I adore, some of which I prefer to disregard. That is one of the beauties of having a multi-cultural marriage; the amount of patience and open-mindedness you must embrace in order to make it work. I am sure my amazing husband feels the same about the Canadians, eh?? While I may not be able to iron a shirt very well, and when I do try it turns out disastrous, I can use an electric drill and fix almost anything, get my hands dirty, cook in a chemical lab or kitchen, bake a great cake/cookie and most important, demonstrate my love for him every day just as he does for me.


There was a cute little Mother’s day card awaiting me when I woke up this morning from Gregory. These little gestures make my heart melt; the other day while running, our wedding song came on my shuffle which was “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas. The song pretty much sums up that whether it be a relationship, difficult situation or just life in general, it will be all these little “wonders/things” and the feelings they evoke that you will remember. I cannot tell you the little details about our wedding such as how many flowers on the cake or how we prepared or even how many flower arrangements we had; I can only convey what a wonderful day it was and the overwhelming feeling of love I had and still have for my husband. And this love grows every day….he has given me one of the most amazing gifts of all; a child. In less than 3 months we will be looking at our beautiful baby girl and entering an exciting new phase of our lives together, experiences totally new and intense feelings that we will never forget….and for that I thank my husband, for giving me this mother’s day….