Hannah, your current 9 month condition has not decreased your skill-set as a writer; this essay is one of your best!
“This weekend’s glimpse of spring was a reminder of the season to come and all the café-terrace optimism it brings.” Café-terrace optimism is a phrase that will have a long-term lease in the room-to-rent between my ears; you should copyright it!
“One thing I have really realised over the last few months is that nine months is a LONG TIME.”
Never been pregnant, but I did live the 9 month period awaiting the birth of each of our sons; I was terrified both times, and anxious ever since delivery…I was 39 ½ when the oldest was born and 42 ½ when his brother happened by; you would think my advanced age would have brought a sense of calm…I’m 71 ½ and still active parenting (at least trying to help)...
“One soon-to-be father was silent and extremely pale for most of the hour, before pronouncing, “I will be there, but I may need to face the wall.” I have no advice to offer other than to say that an overwhelming emotional response for my wife’s welfare kicked in and that narrowed my focus considerably; both times. It was as if she was in danger, like in a burning building, and my focus blurred everything else.
“I have begun to allay my feelings of unpreparedness in the way our society ordains dealing with any complex emotion: acquiring THINGS.” LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!! How true!! Our home is an archeological site of Thomas the Tank Engine, Beanie Babies, Matchbox cars, Leggo’s and the scars they leave on adult bare feet, bunk beds, sippy cups, maternity bras, bike helmets, American footballs, shoulder pads, basketballs, a Honda Ruckus, a 1971 Buick GS undercover in our driveway, and boxes and boxes of flotsam and jetsam that the boys discard after every move from place to place…on and on…
“...appreciating that ‘person pushing baby in pushchair’ has not been their whole life’s immutable role, but something that maybe even a few months ago was as novel to their experience and identity as it is to me now.” You don’t lose your individuality, or your bond with your partner; your child is an extension, a reflection of sorts, a self that each month stretches the distance from the protection of the nest…let them fly…they will fly anyway, so stay in communication. REMEMBER LESS PARENTING IS GOOD PARENTING.
“AI technology runs on reliable data-sets and logical problem-solving. French administration runs on a seemingly ever-changing nexus of paperwork, the mood of the person administering the paperwork, and probably a lot of cigarettes.” LOL!!!! Perfect!! You know, getting the right or wrong person makes all the difference…in France that’s true in spades…
Well written, Hannah.
The last trimester simultaneously drags and flies past. It’s like a time warp. Wishing you all the best with this next adventure.
Loved your AI segment, I can see the French wanting a more sophisticated AI. Quite entertaining.
Thank you and thank you for reading!
Loved this one Hanny ♥️ beautifully written, so lovely to hear how the third third is treating you and so tickled by “Le Chat” francaise xxxxx
This is France bidding on Minitel all over again! Excellent.
Omg so true
Hannah, your current 9 month condition has not decreased your skill-set as a writer; this essay is one of your best!
“This weekend’s glimpse of spring was a reminder of the season to come and all the café-terrace optimism it brings.” Café-terrace optimism is a phrase that will have a long-term lease in the room-to-rent between my ears; you should copyright it!
“One thing I have really realised over the last few months is that nine months is a LONG TIME.”
Never been pregnant, but I did live the 9 month period awaiting the birth of each of our sons; I was terrified both times, and anxious ever since delivery…I was 39 ½ when the oldest was born and 42 ½ when his brother happened by; you would think my advanced age would have brought a sense of calm…I’m 71 ½ and still active parenting (at least trying to help)...
“One soon-to-be father was silent and extremely pale for most of the hour, before pronouncing, “I will be there, but I may need to face the wall.” I have no advice to offer other than to say that an overwhelming emotional response for my wife’s welfare kicked in and that narrowed my focus considerably; both times. It was as if she was in danger, like in a burning building, and my focus blurred everything else.
“I have begun to allay my feelings of unpreparedness in the way our society ordains dealing with any complex emotion: acquiring THINGS.” LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!! How true!! Our home is an archeological site of Thomas the Tank Engine, Beanie Babies, Matchbox cars, Leggo’s and the scars they leave on adult bare feet, bunk beds, sippy cups, maternity bras, bike helmets, American footballs, shoulder pads, basketballs, a Honda Ruckus, a 1971 Buick GS undercover in our driveway, and boxes and boxes of flotsam and jetsam that the boys discard after every move from place to place…on and on…
“...appreciating that ‘person pushing baby in pushchair’ has not been their whole life’s immutable role, but something that maybe even a few months ago was as novel to their experience and identity as it is to me now.” You don’t lose your individuality, or your bond with your partner; your child is an extension, a reflection of sorts, a self that each month stretches the distance from the protection of the nest…let them fly…they will fly anyway, so stay in communication. REMEMBER LESS PARENTING IS GOOD PARENTING.
“AI technology runs on reliable data-sets and logical problem-solving. French administration runs on a seemingly ever-changing nexus of paperwork, the mood of the person administering the paperwork, and probably a lot of cigarettes.” LOL!!!! Perfect!! You know, getting the right or wrong person makes all the difference…in France that’s true in spades…