Bringing back memories

Yesterday, the Wee Man was invited to a fourth birthday party for one of his friends. We were sent the party details, and asked if we knew where we were headed?

‘Well’ I said. ‘Would that be the same venue where we had our antenatal classes?’

And it was!

The friend in question is one of those very same babies whose parents we first met, four years ago, in the party venue where he was now celebrating turning four.

Walking back into the venue, flashbacks of lots of bumps, excitement and nervousness went through my mind. Enacting a C-Section, with the Dad’s all looking a bit embarrassed at pretending to be doctors, nurses, and a pregnant woman! Learning about the timing and length of contractions, and attempting to get the guys to experience what it might be like for us ladies by making them stand with knees bent until their legs cramped (its NOTHING like that!). And of course, getting to know some other expectant parents who might end up becoming friends in the future.

Four years on, and we are still in contact with half of our NCT group. When everyone went back to work, we didn’t get to meet up nearly as much, and a few of the group (my family included) have moved further afield, which means frequent get togethers really aren’t regular and some of the group have drifted apart. It’s inevitable in some ways, as there aren’t really many other occasions in life where you’d throw sixteen people from different backgrounds, areas, professions and countries together and expect them to all be friends.

But there is something really special that can’t be replicated about that time when you’re imminently to give birth – the sense of wonder, excitement, the unknown – that really helps to bind people together.

And that’s why it’s lovely – if a little scary given how fast time seems to have flown – to see how our little babies have all turned into energetic, cheeky and wonderful four year olds, interacting and having fun together.

So thanks for the invite, and thanks for the memories. We all had a brilliant time 🙂