Sunday, November 23, 2008

"Let the baby out"

As our day of delivery approaches, we have had some funny experiences to remind us that this process requires a sense of humor.

*While in the waiting area for one of my OB appointments, there was a young girl (around 16) sitting next to me. She asked when my baby was due (the actual question was, "Gul, when you gonna ha dat baby?") and then she asked, "You scayed?" (scared)
"Not really," I replied.
"Guuuul, you SHOULD be!" was her response.
Turns out she had her first baby just a few weeks before and the experience left her with the desire to warn others of the agony that awaits them. Much appreciated!

*In the foyer at church after one of my many bathroom runs, I encountered two women, a mother and daughter, from our ward. The daughter took one look at my belly and said, "Gul, when you gonna ha dat baby?" Yes, the question was phrased exactly the same as my friend's from the doctor's office. Her next question was "Wat chu gonna name him?" When I told her we don't have a name yet, she said, "You oughta name 'im Joe Cypress. I knew me a gul name her boy dat and I think you oughta name yo's dat, too." This recommendation was given after both she and her mom touched every part of my stomach they could get their hands on. Since they were intimately familiar with me and the baby by then, maybe we really should consider it. 'Joe Cypress'...it has a certain ring to it.

*We are at week three of our five week birthing class and the last session focused on things your partner can do to help you relax and encourage you through the labor and delivery process. I'm pretty sure we're going to get kicked out because I have a tendency to experience uncontrolled outbursts of laughter at some of the things that are said and shown in this class. The most recent one occurred when the teacher handed out a list of phrases that a partner can say to encourage the laboring woman. Sandwiched between, "You're all right," and "You're doing fine," was, "Let the baby out." I'm sure it is intended to be said with tenderness and tranquility (even then, I'm not sure I would appreciate hearing it), but David "practiced" it with a "He_ _ no, we won' t go" picket line cadence and I couldn't stop laughing/crying for several minutes.

Here are some belly shots from the last week or so. It really is a miracle to have this little guy inside of me. He frequently positions himself so his little butt pokes out at the top giving my belly a most unusual shape. This picture captures that to a small degree:


This is closer to the homeostatic shape of my belly nowadays:


My cousin Noel takes weekly bare belly shots when she's pregnant. It's taken me 37 weeks to build up the courage, but here's the result. It is pretty fascinating, I have to admit.


Only about three more weeks until I get "scayed," David tells me to "let the baby out" and we welcome little Joe Cypress into the world.

19 comments:

Karen Rand said...

You absolutly made me laugh out loud, and I'm the only one home right now:) I love the South. It sounds like you are going to do this baby thing natural or maybe I just don't know how much laboring there is before an epidural:) I hope everything goes well. Keep us updated on little Joe Cypress.

Karen Rand

nevadanista said...

"Let Joe Cypress out"

That's what Dave should whisper in your ear. I really do love that name btw! I mean really do!

You look adorable :)

Camille said...

You are a braver woman than I Jenny...I have yet to find the courage to post belly shots...You look fabulous!

Jen H said...

You are so cute!! I love the commentary too. You seriously crack me up!!

Krystal Trapnell said...

You're one cute pregnant woman!

I'm curious, did she mean Joe as a first name, Cypress as a middle? Because, since you're in the south, I am thinking that you should just hyphenate it and call him Joe-Cypress. Just a thought. :)

J-Lo said...

I'm pretty sure she intended Joe Cypress to be his "first name." By the time we get through he'll be Joe Cypress Costley Ludlow or Joe-Low for short.

Kerri said...

You really do just gotta let that baby out girl. We all can't wait any longer for him to be here!

Reno 411 said...

Your baby bump is so cute. I wish my belly looked that good and dang girl you actually have some color. I can't wait till you have your little guy and we get to see what he looks like.

Katie Rich said...

What a cute belly! Don't be scayed, Joe Cyprus wants to come out too.

Christie said...

Jenny you make me laugh. Go for the epidural it is soooooooo nIIIIIIce!

tiffany said...

Thanks for the laughs! Three weeks~! WOW! You look great!

*NaTaLiE SaNdaLL* said...

Whenever I need a good laugh, I visit your blog! You are getting sooo close and you look great. Don't you love how just because you're pregnant everyone thinks it gives them permission to touch your stomach, what is with that?

Toni Ludlow said...

You have got to be kidding me!! The most hilarious thing ever!! I can't believe you are taking that name, please let us have it :) A little update on the frames, I have found the cutest paper, now i am trying to coax Paul and Crysi to make the frames bc 10x10's are not that easy to come by. I will email you the paper samples I have so far!! CANT WAIT TO FINISH THEM!! Don't get scayed!!

Nicole said...

i LOVE your belly shots! you look so good. i know you might not feel like it! i'm so excited you get to be a mom soon! you will be a very fun mom! jason starts school on jan 8 so the lone star state is calling our names SOON...

Whitaker Family said...

So at least no one is saying, "Gul you sure there not two in der!" I got that a lot! So i must admitt everytime I check the blog I am waiting to see if you let that baby out!
I dig Joe-Low!

Carol and Tyler said...

LET THAT BABY OUT!!!!! CAN'T WAIT to meet the little guy!!

Nellie said...

No need to be scared. They're called EPIDURALS!!!

Whitaker Family said...

So I know that this will be a long couple of weeks for you, but I really cant beleive how long these 12 days are, I just cant wait to see the post of a little baby boy ludlow! Wish we were there.

Sarah Keller said...

We sure are enjoying sharing your baby experience. Child #1 often comes from a pretty belly. Succeeding children come from a much different belly for most. ;-)