Very Clean

I'm not sure exactly what happens during a baby shower. Men are not invited to join in the festivities. But they are expected to show up at the end and eat the leftovers, help clean up and carry gifts to the car.

And take some pictures...

Seriously, though, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends. We really appreciate everyone's help, support and good wishes as we get ready for our new addition.

Thank you!

Lamaze II

Aren't you supposed to feel more prepared after your last lamaze class? We don't.

It's nothing personal. The instructor taught us everything that she was supposed to. We watched all of the necessary videos. We even practiced the techniques. But we came out of the four classes with more questions than answers.

1. Why haven't they made a birthing video since the 1970's?
2. In these videos, why are all of the women naked? Were hospital gowns yet to be invented at the time of filming?
3. Is a baby doll getting stuck in a plastic skeletal pelvis really the best way to show us what is about to happen?

Some of the problem may have been our lack of focus. We started to giggle every time we were supposed to do breathing techniques. All I could think of was the stand-up routine about natural childbirth. It's OK, though. All of this may not matter, as we know that the kid will come out regardless of how much lamaze information we have retained.

We still have to pack the bag for the hospital. And Steph needs to pick a "focal point" to concentrate on during labor. She is wondering how long we can keep an Eat'n Park Cookie Fudge Fantasy from melting. I'm wondering if she will be able to chase me down the hall while I eat it.

1 Month To Go!

Well, we got the sweater on one more time. Steph isn't sure it's ever going to come off.

Super Bowl MVP

The Steelers won the Super Bowl! It seems appropriate to revisit the baby's ultrasound photo to celebrate the moment.

In addition to the Terrible Towel waving, there was a lot of other baby movement during the game. It seemed like the kid could sense the excitement of the impending victory. Maybe the baby could tell that Steph was wearing a vintage Steelers jersey. Or that she had just eaten some taco dip.

We had discussed the possibility of naming the baby after the Super Bowl MVP if the Steelers won. They did.

How do you feel about Hines? Or Ward? Nevermind...

The Tour

We had our hospital tour today. They have a player piano in the lobby. Pretty cool.

They have medical stuff there, too. We walked around to all of the important labor and delivery areas and our tour guide explained the purpose of each room. We now feel pretty comfortable about where we will need to go.

It's what's going to happen while we're there that's the scary part.

The hospital was decorated in black and gold since the Steelers play in Super Bowl tomorrow. And every employee was dressed in Steelers apparel. Hines Ward was taking care of newborns and Jerome Bettis was making rounds. You would think they might have other commitments the day before the big game, but apparently it really is all about the kids.

So there you have it. Player piano. Medical stuff. Steelers players. It's no wonder they have delivered over 500,000 babies.