The Fall

The official due date was looming and looking large, like Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara. There was a lot to do. First on the list of items to check off was hauling the boat, but not before one final and glorious sail.

Joining me for the final glide through Casco Bay were seasoned veterans Willie and Morgan Baxter.

We had plenty of wind but I don't recall reducing sail at any point, even after burying the rail. It won't be long before Willie is outpacing both of us and patiently waiting for us old folks to catch up.

Vittoria was hauled the next day and went on the hard without any problems, which is a bit unlike her. She doesn't like to be put away any more than we like doing it. Our season is too short and the end is always a bummer.

The next week we started our Birthing from Within class, offered at 101 state street in Portland by Birthroots. The women who teach the class are excellent and all named Leah. Carey and I learned a lot about ourselves, each other, and what kind of birth experience we really wanted to have. We also learned great buzz words which have become part of our everyday lexicon, for example: Carey, when I do THIS is it oxytosin inducing or adrenalin inducing??? They covered a wide range of topics beyond basic birthing procedure including insight exercises and breast feeding. My personal favorite was a lesson in how best to clean up after a poop-plosion. Now that's practical! Seriously, I would recommend this class to any first time parents.