A Full Human Being

Today we hosted a baby shower for Aubrey, a dear friend to my daughter, Jesse. The day started early; coffee on, quiches in the oven, tie balloons to chairs, pull out Mom's good china, load table down with baked goods. Bagel, anyone?

Jesse did an incredible job pulling this thing off. Her organizational skills are so finely tuned, occasionally I wonder if she's really my kid. But I remember pushing her out, August 2, 1981.

Claire was the scribe, writing down all the gifts and names of the gift-givers.Three whole pages, Mom! She was loopy by the end. Baby showers will do that.

After dinner, Claire confessed to having felt some discomfort being surrounded by so many women at the shower. "It felt like school, she said, "so many people crowding around, talking about stress, husbands, the china." Is that what they talk about in 4th grade? When Michael said, "They were talking about the plight of China?" we cut ourselves off from sucking helium and singing Wizard of Oz songs. We represent the lollipop kids, the lollipop kids...

Earlier in the day, I peeked at this note Claire had written to Aubrey. It struck me as the best advice any new mother-to-be could hope for...

Dear Aubrey,

You are going to be a great Mom! I just know it. And remember, you’re the one passing a full human being through your body so don’t be afraid to relax.

Your friend,

Claire