So we had our first Lamaze class this week. It wasn't quite as I imagined it would be or how it is portrayed in the movies. I kind of thought I would find myself sitting on the floor, with Elena sitting between my legs making quick puffing sounds. That never really happened. Instead, the instructor went over the birthing process. What to expect when labor starts, and more importantly, how to detect that you are in labor. It was definitely informative. The general rule is when contractions are one minute long, five minutes apart, and are this way for one hour, you are in labor. I will definitely have my stopwatch handy!

We also learned specifically what contractions are, and important terminology like effacement and dilation. We already knew what dilation was, but the term "effacement" was new (to me at least). It turns out that the cervix is about an inch thick during pregnancy. Toward the end of the pregnancy the cervix begins to thin and ideally will get to a few millimeters. Contractions assist by gradually pulling the cervix back until it is good and thin (or 100% effaced). The instructor had a great visual aid (a Cabbage Patch doll in a cloth bag) which she used to demonstrate this process.

Finally, we discussed some breathing and relaxation techniques that are to be employed during the hours preceding labor. Well that was part one of the lamaze class (of a three part series). My homework is to prepare our hospital bag and bring it to class (probably for some show and tell). We are supposed to include items in there that we will be bringing to the hospital that will help us pass the time and make Mommy feel at ease. The idea is to engage all her senses so I need stuff that will be comforting to look at, listen too, touch, smell, and taste. I'll try to sneak my computer in there too; when nobody is looking of course (Hey! Daddy's need love too!).

Anyway, the most anticipated event of our lifetime is drawing near. We are psyched! I've been leaving work again with that silly grin on my face as I walk to my car imagining that little Emma is waiting for me when I get home. I get sad when I snap out of it and realize that she is not here yet, but I know she will be here soon enough.