Dedicated to Jenna

I was going to post a little something today about how today marks a major milestone for two of my friends, Jen and Amie, as it is their 'due month.' Jen is due 7/23 and Amie is due 8/1 (okay, not July, but it wouldn't make any sense to wait until August to mark 'her' month.) Jen, Amie and I all went to college together, roomed together, and are among two of my favorite people in the world. Amie and I got engaged within three days of each other (not planned) and Jen and I got married within three months of each other (again, not planned). It's been so fun going through these major life changes together, and when we found out we were all pregnant and due within six weeks of each other, the excitement only grew. We've been exchanging daily-to-weekly emails discussing every detail of pregnancy, from weight gain to irrational fears, and they have become a wonderful source of support for me, especially in the last few weeks.

So imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning to find a text from Jen stating that her water broke at 2am and she is currently at the hospital! I called her (not sure of protocol re: pregnant women in labor - call? Don't call? If she was busy, I was prepared to go to voicemail.) Instead, she answered and sounded like regular ole Jen - the same Jen that might be driving home from work, or laying on her couch, or making a Starbucks run. Jen-in-labor is about as mild and laidback as Jen-regular, which I find both amusing and not surprising. Jen was my freshman year roommate (and sophomore, among others) and she was the calm in my storm. She was athetic, I had never found a gym I liked. She was the diplomatic PanHel member to my manic Rush Chair.  She loved country music and line dancing; I hid in the back of 'Lone Star' when we both worked there to avoid having to dance in the aisles of the restaurant. We only agreed on three CDs for the entire duration of our co-habitation (Alanis, Dave Matthews Band, and Billy Joel) and anytime I hear their music, I thnk of Jen. Just last week, Jen texted me that an Alanis song came on the radio and she instantly went back to our dorm room, circa 1996. 

Although we both majored in Psychology, she also doubled majored in Business while I went into English. I went to graduate school and she went into Human Resources for large companies. She always knows how to say the right thing, is always even-tempered, and rarely loses her cool. We were definitely a study in opposites, temperament-wise, and I think it benefits us both. I make her laugh and she talks me off of ledges. I love that added detail that I met my husband on her birthday; I called her that day in 2002 to wish her a happy birthday and told her about my blind date. She, ever the optimist, wished me luck and told me to keep her updated. Four years later, she was speaking at my wedding.  Jen was the first person I told about our pregnancy and she responded exactly how I hoped she would: screaming, shrieking, and crying. It was a great moment.

So, Jenna, good luck today!!! Know that we are all pulling for you and Baby D. I can't wait for your little guy to join us. It has truly been a privilege going through this journey with you.  Love you!!