To-be
My in-laws gave us a generous gift for the baby, with a card that said “for the baby-to-be.” It was refreshing to read it.
The stage that I am in has been investigated by anthropologists who coined it “liminality.” As humans move through major stages of life, many cultures (if not all) designate a period that is in-between stages, marked with a set of rituals (rite of passage). One obvious example is adulthood (often for males), and another, death. When a person enters this in-between stage, that person belongs to a transient stage, often isolated from society, and the normal social rules do not apply. To my knowledge, not much is studied about the phase that I am in: I am neither a mother nor a non-mother. I am pretty much removed from the normal social environment (since my maternity leave started), and I am definitely treated differently.
At 36 weeks, I feel that I am verging on the cross-over. I am called a “mom” from time to time, although it is clear that I am not one yet. I am a non-mom and a mom at the same time. What do you say, Dr. Schrodinger?
2 Responses to “To-be”
Interesting Sang-Hee. I can appreciate your situation. Before you know it, you will be a mom, and then you’ll be waiting for the day to come when your child calls you “mom.” I remember that time, and can tell you that it will be a thrill beyond compare.
Wishing you all the best as you come down the home stretch to parenthood.
By Robin Gorman Newman on Oct 6, 2007
Thanks, Robin! We’re packing for the hospital tonight.
By Sang-Hee on Oct 8, 2007