Empathy

For the past four weeks, Brandt and I have been attending our Prenatal Education Class on Wednesday nights to help us prepare for everything that's coming our way. "Graduation" was this last week - not that there was a test or a formal ceremony or anything, I just like to make it sound cooler than it really was. We did play an informal game of Jeopardy as a review, and I knew about half the answers (apparently that's enough to pass the class). My favorite part of class were the treats; every week I would look forward to my little package (or two) of Oreos. You may mock, but Oreos are one of those things I can't bring myself to buy (at least not yet). I figure I eat enough crap as it is and a whole bag of Oreos for Brandt and I wouldn't help. So this was a special treat. Dumb, I know, but definitely a highlight to the class.

The classes were really helpful. Although we went over a lot of things I already knew about, the anatomy of what's actually going on and the whole birthing process was completely foreign to me (a part of me wishes it still was). We watched these animations that explained what's going on and it makes so much more sense to me now. Then we watched the real thing - a video of a woman giving birth; it was not pleasant and I did not sleep well that night :) However, I think I am for the most part recovered from it and pressing on.

Our teacher asked for volunteers from the dads in the class to try on the Empathy Belly. Brandt, no surprises here, immediately volunteered. He strutted around in that thing like no man really should. It was great fun. When he finally took it off, I asked him how it was. He said, "Would you slap me if I said it wasn't that bad?" Not much empathy there. Granted, he only had it on for five minutes. Plus he's huge. So obviously he didn't get the full experience. Whatever. 

 

Our Belly Bumps at 33 weeks - First Day of Class (9-7-2011)

I think his belly is bigger than mine. Of all the pregnant ladies in the class, I was the furthest along and yet still had the smallest belly. I was worried about it for awhile because I keep getting comments on how little I am, but my doctor doesn't seem concerned with it, so I think we're good. It's definitely shot out there in the last couple of weeks since the above photo was taken. Maybe I'll get brave and post a baby bump picture someday.