I have a cold. I believe it's the first one I've come down with since I got pregnant, which is kind of interesting right there. Of course, I've been taking a lot of vitamins over the past 6 months, so that's probably where some of the credit lies. My multivitamins gave out last week, and I've been a bit lazy about replacing them ever since Hectate told me that they had no proven effect on the health of the baby. This is likely why I have a cold right now. I wonder which of my filthy little urchins gave it to me?

On Friday we travelled to Kingston for Bob's wedding. It was really nice. I've been to many crummy weddings, as have we all...and this was certainly not crummy. They did it up properly. Small, of course - maybe 90 people at the 20-minute ceremony & following reception, maybe less - but intimate & fitting rather than rushed and/or depressing. Exodus, the Boy & myself arrived just as the procession was beginning, and we got the last 2 seats (poor Exodus had to stand). 11-week-old Regina was pushed down the aisle in a festively decorated stroller, and she waved like the Queen in a parade. Everyone was happy & relaxed, including (and this is of deadly importance) Sparrow, the bride. I met interesting new people, had a lot of fun dancing & talking, and enjoyed watching the Boy put away wine like it was going out of style.

But the best part was that, by virtue of my Belly, I got to be a full-fledged Baby Hog. I've always been a Baby Hog, but now it seems that my Belly entitles me to it in hitherto unknown ways. I'm "practising." It's comforting for other people to watch. I spread joy through the universe. And such and such.

Bob & Sparrow's daughter Regina was born in early May, 6 weeks prematurely, and she's only lately began to take on the characteristics of a normal, thriving baby. She has a gravity & an elegance about her that transcends description. Her blue-grey eyes shine with that particular wisdom that only solemn babies seem to possess. Her fingers are long and narrow. Her skin is translucent - it makes mine look like I've been coated in a decade's worth of road dust. Her little rosebud mouth constantly sucks at the world with great interest & appetite. She is beyond beautiful.

And I got to hold her during the reception as she fell asleep; curled upright against my belly & breast like it was the most natural thing in the world for her to nod off with a strange girl. I held her for a long time, until other relatives demanded their rights. I have never felt so brave and protective as I did while she slept on me. I was utterly smitten. Why do we put little babies away from us as soon as they start to sleep? I know it's more efficient that way, and I know that I have absolutely no right to judge any mother or father's choices...but it was quite simply the biggest rush I've had in ages.

I wish I could put the next 11 weeks of my life on fast forward.

Booty Call: Day 191 - Toenails now visible. Baby likes to suck thumb and is developing a layer of fat under skin.