Culture Clash

It was fascinating meeting Ashley from England (no, not a girl, we Brits just use Ashley as a boy's name, but I can see how that would be confusing) and Diana from Mississippi, because my hubby Daron and I are exactly the opposite combination (I'm from England and he is from Mississippi). It was interesting to see the cultural clash between them as they debated moving apartments. You see, Brits tend to be somewhat reserved and less celebratory in nature, and so we often have to be dragged kicking and screaming to a party, but once we get there, we can celebrate with the best of them. Ahem, Lord Wedgewood anyone? Honestly, I think the optimism and enthusiasm I feel in America is one of the reasons I decided to make my home here, but alas I digress. The thing is, we can get so caught up in something like space, or painting a room, or furniture, that we forget all the baby is going to care about is that they are loved unconditionally and provided for. The preparation of the room is to get the parents in the right mindset more than anything else and create an atmosphere of celebration to welcome the wee one home. Whether their room is in a grand penthouse or a charming small apartment is irrelevant. It is so easy to become so wrapped up in material things and the minutia of a day that we forget what is important. In our house when I'm getting stressed out over something ridiculous, Daron puts on some country music and JR and I make pancakes (with oodles of syrup).  Trust me when I say there is nothing that country music and pancakes can't cure.  

OK, OK, I can hear you saying why is she banging on about this stuff when all we want to hear about is the pregnancy! But, country music and pancakes with JR got me through a lot of the heartache on the way to this pregnancy, so I had to mention them. I am not sure really how to find the words to express the joy we felt in finding out we were pregnant with a healthy baby. It was so surreal and while I was overjoyed with the news, I felt like I only had a second before I started worrying about the months ahead and all the things that could go wrong before the baby arrived safely in my arms. You see, when you have experienced loss in pregnancy I don't know if it is ever possible to relax when pregnant again until you are staring that baby in the eyes after being safely delivered into your arms. I found it hard to breathe until the day he was born, I would get so nervous and panicked if I felt even a twinge or something slightly out of the ordinary. I remember when they finally put him in my arms, and he looked back up at me as if to say, "Don't worry mum, I'm here now." I think I finally let out a breath realizing how truly blessed I am.

Until next week! Shop Rosie Pope Maternity, MomPrep Classes, read my blog, and meet our experts at www.rosiepope.com. Follow me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rosiepope) and Twitter (@rosiepope) and take your own Mommy IQ Test (http://www.rosiepopematernity.com/momprep/mommyiq.cfm).