Introducing...

**Devil Spawn**

We have a new addition to our family. No, it's not a puppy or the baby making his arrival alot earlier than expected. It's the new persona Dan has created for me during labor. He has even included a physical image to go along with his mental impression. Luckily, it's quite funny otherwise I think I would be unhappy with the visual.

This all started in the final session of our birthing class. Our instructor was explaining to labor partners to look for the signals of when to rub and when to back off but to never take it personally. Dan chuckled under his breath and said "that's going to be you", but he didn't elaborate. Later we were watching the "infamous" video and the mom-to-be was calm one moment while her husband was rubbing her back, the next minute she just looked at him and said "don't rub me". That's when Dan leaned over and said "right there - that will be you". He got a chuckle out of it. As we were practicing some more breathing at the end, he was massaging my hands and would fick the ends of my fingernails. I kept flicking back and finally said "don't do that". He reminded me that was what he meant.

As we were driving home, I asked him to elaborate and he said I'm going to be completely uncontrollable. I told him I didn't agree and then he clarified. Not uncontrollable but completely opinionated where one minute things will be fine and then the next minute I'll look at him and say "don't do that". He said because I'm so head strong and need to have control of things that he thinks I'll be a bit psycho. Okay, he didn't say psycho, but close enough and then when he did his physical interpretation, one would definitely think psycho.

Now I'll give him that he probably has a pretty accurate description of me in the sense of wanting to be in control of my body and the senses around me as well as wanting to know what's going on around me. And I am opinionated and stubborn when I get something in my head that I know is right for me - I don't change easily.

I just hope that I'm not the devil spawn that Dan's expecting but a lesser version of the psycho person!

Anyway, the rest of the class went very well. We took a tour of the Birthing & Maternity Unit in the morning which was very helpful to see where to go, what will happen where, and try to place ourselves in the room. At first Dan was freaked out thinking that the room we give birth in is the same room we stay in after the baby is born and thinking it was gross for people to be in there. I explained that there's a birthing room and then you're moved to our own maternity room, that made him feel better. We got to see 2 newborns who were in with the nurses being monitored. They were so little and one of them had an insane amount of hair! It was really a lot of fun for me.
Then we discussed Ceasaran Births, the reasons why, what happens, episotime's, and epidurals & different pain options. Then we discussed that each couple should create a birth plan so they're wishes are put in writing. I've already started one but obviously want to go over it with Dan. After lunch, we watched the video which, as I mentioned before, wasn't nearly as gory or horrible as people tell you. Some parts were humorous but it was nice to see how she was able to go through each contraction and then relax herself during the breaks. I, of course, cried when the baby was born, but by looking around the room I wasn't the only female crying.

We met a very nice couple, Tammy & Joe, who are due March 9th. We exchanged information so we'll be able to stay in touch and share with each other what we're going through.

Terry, as we were on tour Dan & I were on the lookout for you but alas, just other nurses who were not you. He kept asking "is that her, what about her?" It was cute.