There were a bunch of new students there, including a girl who isn't due until November! I recognized a girl from my birth class and we exchanged emails, excited to see each other again. Meanwhile everyone gawked at me in excitement and asked a million questions.
"What was the biggest difference you noticed between second and third trimester?" "Have you packed your hospital bag?" "How do you FEEL?"
I smiled and one girl said, "You look really calm!"
"I feel really calm," I said.
Thinking of the infant car seat Frank installed over the weekend and the dresser drawer full of soft infant clothing, I said, "I feel ready." I've definitely come full circle.
Our sweet instructor joined in the excitement. She had us focus on lunges and squats during class—"This is good preparation for labor!" she assured us, looking at me.
"Good luck, Tess! You can do it!" she said after class. "Just remember to stay with your breath during labor. And email me pictures after the baby is here!"
As I left, everyone gathered around to wave and wish me good luck. I left with such a feeling of warmth.
Then I walked down the street to the burger place on the corner. They have a deal with the yoga studio that students can park in their lot for free, so all winter I've been parking my car there and resisting the aroma of their delicious burgers. I promised myself that I could go there for dinner after my last class.
So Frank met me there for an indulgent dinner of burgers and fries, and I told him all about my celebrity stint as the most pregnant lady in prenatal yoga class.
I'm so glad I decided to take that class. The other pregnant ladies and the instructor form such a nice little community, and the yoga has helped me feel great all pregnancy. I hope to take the class again during any future pregnancies.
And now I'm drinking red raspberry leaf tea from Whole Foods, and looking up recipes for labor cookies, and waiting. Just hanging in there. I can't wait to meet this tiny love of my life.
You look beautiful! The love in your life is going to increase exponentially with the arrival of your babe :) It's amazing how many times a day myself or my husband will say about our Pio: "He's so cute!" I'm so, so, so over the top excited for you all!
ReplyDeleteTess, you're absolutely stunning! :)
ReplyDeleteIris, you are so sweet! Thanks!
Delete1) You look adorable!
ReplyDelete2) Is it weird I think those labor cookies sound delicious? I always recommend cloves as a magic spice.
3) Yay!!!! Good luck!
I think they sound delicious too! They supposedly taste like ginger snaps? I've decided to give them a try maybe Monday or Tuesday of next week. Can't hurt, right? ;)
DeleteYou're looking beautiful. Can't wait to hear about the arrival of the little one!
ReplyDeleteThanks Emily—that's so nice to hear at this stage. :) I'm looking forward to sharing the news when it finally happens!
DeleteIsn't yoga amazing? I'm so glad you're feeling well! You are soooooo close!
ReplyDeleteYes, it really is! When we were at Eataly on Saturday, I struck up a conversation with a young mom, and she told me she'd had her two little ones naturally with midwives. When I asked for any tips, she said, "Are you doing prenatal yoga? Then you'll be just fine!" That was so, so great to hear!
DeleteGood luck!! Can't wait to see pics of the little baby! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Julia! I'm sure I'll need it! And I look forward to sharing pictures—probably way too many!
DeleteI always tought yoga isn't for Catholics because it's a Hindu practice, the part of self-salvation.
ReplyDeleteHi Reina, thanks for your concerns. I've been taking yoga classes on and off for about 6 years and have never encountered anything that was contrary to my beliefs as a Catholic. I've spoken to priests and other religious authorities, and no one has ever expressed any reason why I shouldn't continue to practice yoga as a form of exercise. Of course every person has to decide these things for themselves according to their own consciences, so I understand if you choose not to practice it, but personally I am completely at peace with the decision to practice yoga and don't see any reason to stop.
DeleteI'm new to your blog (love it) and just wanted to see when you started prenatal yoga. I am 20 weeks today and want to start soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley! So nice to hear from you! I started in January, around 20 or 22 weeks, so I'd say you're at a great point to start. It's a very enjoyable thing to do during pregnancy and will definitely help with any aches and pains. Hope this helps—good luck! :)
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