Most people try to take on only one major life change at a time. For most of us, that was packing up our lives and moving here to Northern Italy. One of our number however, moved first to Paris with her husband and then just before arriving here in Bra, discovered that the city of lights had worked its romantic magic - in December, they will be three.
For the first two months here, as her roommates, Wendy and I were sworn to secrecy. But since mid-July, we as a class have been a part of Emily's pregnancy in a way that isn't possible except under these circumstances. From travelling together, socializing constantly and sitting together in class for 6 hours a day, we've watched her belly grow (hardly at all - she looks about 6 months along), watched in anticipation for bambino to move (which he does particularly after meals and tastings - which means he's been getting a workout these past three weeks!) and marvelled at how Emily just seems to glow more with each passing day.
For many of my classmates, this has been the first pregnancy they've witnessed, and as with everything Emily does, she makes it look graceful and easy. Emily is one of those rare individuals who is always positive and caring. She has a sly sense of humour, but never at another's expense, and is incredibly passionate about and engaged in life. Her husband is no less of a gem either - these are people that bless every encounter with laughter, thoughtfulness and just a tremendous amount of fun. Watching the two of them was an eye-opening experience for me in what a good relationship could and should be, encouraging me to embrace change and move forward even while the past months have been painful ones as a result.
But with Emily's due date nearing, her preparations to move back to Paris are in high gear, and we wanted a chance to surprise our Momily and celebrate her little boy. So tonight, 18 of us gathered in our living room, childhood favourite dish in hand, and waited for Emily to arrive for her "pumpkin soup feast" with the old roommates.
Well, the best laid plans . . . All bikes were stowed, living room door closed and all classmates silent (in itself a small miracle), Emily entered the apartment . . . and then the door to the spare room with all the coats and bags slid open. Emily looked between the closed living room door and all the coats, exclaimed "Oh no", and I quickly pushed open the door to reveal the packed room of effervescent classmates.
Within seconds, the wine was flowing, food was being served, and Emily was swept up in the tide of good will. Judging by both Emily's joy and the amount of classmates who were substantially late to class the next day, the non-traditional shower was a success.
So today, I celebrated by listening to Christmas music, stealthily cutting pine branches, and making advent wreaths with Gretchen. Mom, Merry Christmas November 28th.
