Yes We Can

It's been quite a week! On Monday, we attempted the version, or turning, where Mini-Misner's obstetrician attempted to move him out of breech position into proper (head down) position. The doctor was able to move his rear end out of the La-Z-Boy recliner otherwise known as Elizabeth's pelvis, but they couldn't move his head to turn him around. Some have said that we have a headstrong baby; others have said that we have a little boy who already knows how to hold his ground. We're running with the latter assessment!

What this means is that we'll be having a scheduled c-section. Mini-Misner's birthday is expected to be November 17th, Uncle Kit's birthday! This is about a week before his actual due date in order to avoid going into labor beforehand. However, there's always the chance that he could decide to come earlier than the 17th, so your vote (at right) still counts. November 17th is now considered the "on time" benchmark.

Speaking of voting, Mini-Misner kicked the entire time as we watched the election on Tuesday night until the end of the concession and acceptance speeches. Perhaps he could feel our anticipation of the outcome and was responding to that. Whatever your political leanings or feelings about the election outcome, it's impossible to deny the tangible sense of optimism we are witnessing around the globe. At a time that is otherwise filled with the reality of the uncertainty about the future of our economy, education and health care systems, environment, and geopolitics; when we know so many people in our own country and around the world who are facing challenges with everyday needs like putting food on the table; and when expectations are weighty and the stakes are high, it does still feel like the nature of the game has changed for the better. We are grounded but hopeful about the world into which we will be bringing our son.

In the microcosm of new parenthood that we will be entering, we know that we have our own immediate great expectations and that there will be more challenges and more corresponding fulfillment and love than we can possibly imagine right now. We have taken to heart the advice from so many of you that outlook and attitude (and the occasional Guinness and glass of good wine!) are crucial to getting through these next few weeks and months, and - let's be real - years. The words, "Yes We Can" will be repeated often yet at an entirely different scale in our little world, even as they open doors of opportunity and start conversations in the world around us.