Birth/Marathon Training

We started birthing classes a month ago, and I can't express how thankful I am that I chose these particular classes. There are lots of options out there, and I wanted to make sure I picked something that would involve Poncho in the process in an active way. I researched, but was still pretty clueless, and almost arbitrarily chose Bradley Method courses. We have learned SO much in the last month that it's almost unbelievable, and just last night Poncho and I were talking about the increase in our confidence levels due to these classes. Of course, there is no way we will be able to truly prepare for the experience of birthing our child until he is ready to enter this world, and even the best laid plans can be disrupted and nullified in an instant, but there's something liberating about anticipating this marathon with confidence and acceptance, and without fear. I think about all of the millions of women who have brought children into this world before medical intervention was an option, and as a Jew, I consider all of the women in my lineage who will be surrounding me and cheering me on through thousands of years of human existence. It may sound "New Age-y," but there is a part of me that feels an active kinship with all the women from the tribe of Benjamin who have gone before me, and I am strengthened by the heritage they and our G-d provide me. It's truly a beautiful thought. In other news, here are some pictures that our amazing friend Adrian took for us. Adrian Gutierrez Photography - seriously people, check him out. He's incredible.