Of office chairs and delivery beds

As of the time I started writing this (6:00 p.m.), the three of us would have been settling into our delivery room a year ago today. But before I reminisce about the big event, let’s talk about our trip to Staples.

It was a long weekend leading up to Gina going into labor on Monday. We had the chance to be induced that Friday but decided we would wait, and by the end of the weekend Gina was coming to somewhat regret that decision. So we spent Sunday trying to keep her mind off of things and stay out of the house.

Gina was going to be working from home part-time during her maternity leave, and she wanted to get a new office chair to make her more comfortable. So that Sunday we had lunch and drove to Staples office supply. Gina had been having lots of early contractions by then, and as we walked through the store she’d occasionally have to stop in her tracks. At one point a young worker rounded an aisle as Gina was doubled over. I’m going to call her Amber, as in my mind I’m seeing this immature sales rep I used to have to work with.

“Are you in labor?” Amber said as the color drained from her face.

“She’s just having contractions,” I said, and after Amber said we couldn’t deliver on her shift she scurried away.

Gina and I settled on a chair and took the ticket to the register, but there was some confusion about the number on the ticket not matching the chair we wanted. So the cashier paged a manager, who headed with me to the back of the store. The manager solved our dilemma and checked the computerized inventory. She found the right box high up on a wall and rolled over a ladder to get it.

Meanwhile, Gina was having heavy contractions in the checkout lane. A support squad of cashiers rallied around her and commandeered a plush office chair. When I returned upfront they were flocked around her as she sat and waited in comfort. If there was a survey on our Staples receipt I would have given the help there high marks. Except for Amber the scaredy cat. But the cashiers took care of my girl.

Now a year later I’m sitting in our chair from Staples writing my baby blog, and thinking about what a crazy fast — some would say scary fast — year it’s been. My thoughts, and Gina’s, can’t help but turn to our memories of one year ago today. I’ve been thinking about the excitement, the stress and the nervousness that led up to the Big Arrival, but mostly I want to say what a joy Ryan’s been and how proud I still am of my wife. Forget about those overpaid whiny athletes and their so-called achievements. Last year I had a front-row seat for the bravest, most graceful, gutsiest performance I have ever seen.

You’re still my hero, Gina.

I hear the second time’s much easier!