Well, after 42 weeks and 3 days, my friends’ adorable little baby made an appearance. They called me at 8:00 Sunday evening, and I got to their house, in the snow! by 9:00. They were in good spirits, the midwife came, and it seemed like a labor party. My friend worked hard through her contractions, ultimately ending up giving birth in the birthing pool, and it was amazing. I knew that I would feel something, but I was unprepared for how much emotion I felt as the baby came. A wonderful feeling! I feel very lucky to have been able to support them and be with them during the moment of the appearance of the newest member of their family. I’ll let her write the birth story, but it was worth the wait for that little guy! A favorite lighter moment was when they joked that if the baby was a girl, they would name her “April Snow.”
When I got home, about 9:00 Monday morning, Patrick and the boys were building snowmen and sledding in the yard. I was bummed that I had to go to work. (The one day when there was enough snow to sled, we did not have a snow day!) My students took it easy on me, and I had a very relaxing day in which I was grateful to have experienced something like my friend giving birth, but also eternally pleased that the profession I have chosen and excel at is one that does not require me to stay up all night. I was also happy to have a job in which I can be available for others when I need to.
If I haven’t said it lately, I love my job! My students were in to talking about Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Reading it in conjunction with Douglass was really rewarding. I’m also excited to be taking students to the Frederick Douglass house again next weekend.
It’s Easter Weekend. The last weekend of Patrick’s Spring Break, and a little break for me. We are going to egg hunt in Falls Church, and maybe dye some eggs of our own. I like deviled eggs, but I don’t know if I can stomach a whole dozen. Maybe by the time the weekend is over, it will finally feel like spring…Here’s hoping!
Academic Leigh Speaking 
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