Kicks

Today, we woke up early to go see USA vs Algeria at a bar with some friends...the place was packed, and Cati was hovering at the entrance, uncertain about plunging in. I sort of looked at her quizzically, thinking "Why are we standing at the door?" I keep forgetting that squeezing through small gaps between people is not only difficult for her at this point, but she has to think about sudden leaps and elbows flying as goals are scored and people cheer. Eventually we located Luke in the back and I plowed a path forward for her through the giddy fans. Watching the match was amazing fun, gripping, intense, and so much better for being surrounded by USA fans. Chanting, yelling, curses, the whole business. Anyway, when we finally scored in the 91st minute, pandemonium broke out. Screaming, chest bumping with strangers, high fives all round, etc. As I leaped to celebrate with our gang, I noticed Cati huddled in the corner, belly away from all the craziness. Anyway, for some reason that made me more excited, and I jumped and yelled some more. She was as excited as the rest of us, but just protecting the little bugger from inadvertent happiness. Good move. And then I realized that it's quite possible s/he will be born during the World Cup, which suddenly puts all that kicking in a different light.

Although Cati's mom has put in a very firm demand that the baby be born on July 22nd, since she'll be arriving the day before. It'll be interesting to see who wins that battle of wills!

Speaking of which, at the last day of birth class (we are now certified and legally allowed to give birth) one of the couples that departed the class early to have a baby (I don't know how they got away with it) returned to tell their story. It was very cool, and Ezra was extremely cute. The thing that struck me most of all, however, was that they had their baby at 36 weeks and 4 days (perfectly healthy and normal). Which is exactly the day we are on TODAY. The mom was studying for her finals, which were the next day, and the baby didn't have the good sense to wait a couple days. So, I've been thinking all along that we're pretty ready, but suddenly realized we are not THAT ready! Still some loose ends, Cati's wrapping things up at work, Mission Pictures has all manner of things hopping, and we're still a few fragments away from baby-prepared at home. Time to start making those lists and checking them twice!