The Girl Who Learned To Kneel

Here’s a photo I found of our bedroom. A flub between shots of Elsie. But I kind of like it. And I thought we all needed a break from pictures of Elsie’s head—sweet as it is. Let’s go on a little tour. How might Simon and Rebecca’s bedroom have changed with the arrival of baby? (That’s how our midwife spoke by the way: “How’s baby doing today?” Kind of got on my nerves. Baby is fine! In fact, baby even has a name and a sex, knowing full well the question was coming. Yep. “So do we know if it’s a boy or girl?” She would ask eagerly. Brand new every time. “Yeah…it’s a girl. REMEMBER? AND WE EVEN PICKED OUT A NAME. REMEMBER?? ELSIE! THE NAME, YOU SAID, BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF YOUR FAMILY COW. REMEMBER???? But I digress.)

So our bedroom. The tour. Exhibit A: The dresser we found in the university family housing trash now serving as our change table, transported to the apartment on Simon’s back. His first physical act for his child. Exhibit B: Our poster art from the Getty, as well as an original print from a printmaking workshop I participated in pre-baby. Those were the days of running around on a whim and breasts that didn’t leak. Oh yeah. I sort of remember. Exhibit C: An assortment of organic oils and creams. Creams I’m always trying to use up so I can feel vindicated by my ‘thinking ahead approach to shopping.’ Simon will be changing the diaper and I’ll suggest using the “soothing Calendula cream,” cause who wouldn’t want soothing Calendula cream on their tush. Simon. Purist Boy always opts for ‘no cream,’ and since he changes most of the diapers, we’re not seeing much movement. Sigh. Exhibit D: My Brest Friend, rearing its royal blue head in between Simon’s legs. Can you see it? This “friend” serves as a helpful tool in positioning Elsie for feeding. It’s also the butt of many jokes, which I sometimes find funny, depending on how many times we’ve been ‘friendly’ in the last hour!!!! Like Simon will say “engage” when I attach the buckle or ask if HE can be my Brest Friend or suggest we use it as a TV tray. Exhibit E: A plethora of blankets and covers to accommodate three bed mates at four in the morning. Never has Simon and Rebecca’s bedroom seen so much pink. That’s also new.