Yoga for Three

Last night, I attended my first prenatal yoga class, at my usual yoga studio The Yoga Garden in Narberth, PA. I was hesitant to attend prior to this week, feeling it was too early and even at ten weeks I was worried I wouldn't fit in with all the second and third trimester bellies. My slight fears were for naught, though, as there were women at all stages of pregnancy. Being pregnant with twins is a great ice breaker, even with this crowd, as people had plenty of questions.

It was great to be in a class completely focused on the unique changes the dozen or so of us are experiencing. The poses we did were centered around stretching, flexibility and strength helpful during pregnancy and birth. We also did two sets of Kegels and plenty of breathing exercises. During savasana (modified for those further along), the instructor reminded us that our babies are completely content right now. They have everything they need and they are happy and relaxed in the homes being provided to them. So when we are stressed in our daily lives, she suggested that it's okay to draw on their calm as a source of strength and use this a reminder to take it easy. I really liked this idea and it provided a great visual.

Looking forward to next week's class!

Full Circle

For fourteen years, our little family has been just Gus and me. No roommates, no pets, never so much as a gulping goldfish has kept us company. I suppose one could say our family circle has been more like a rectangle these many years, as each of my hands is held in his, strong, soft and sure. It's nice here, in our little box, comfortable, quiet and all to ourselves. The rare opportunity to live long and deeply without interruption with another person, his shoulder, arm and outstretched hands melding into mine until one can hardly be distinguished from the other, much less separated.

And so, in the days of late, it has been with great wonder that the two of us have begun the process of extracting one hand each from the other, slowly creaking one set side of our elongated square open to welcome not one, but two into our small midst. Each of us readying to reach out for a new hand that will become as familiar as the one just let go. In this, a true circle will now be formed as we begin a new journey, anchored in the same love and commitment that has guided us this far, as we await the arrival of twin babies on, or likely before, February 26, 2011.