The anniversary of American history's D-Day (June 6th) has come and gone, but our D-Day--Delivery Day--is quickly approaching. I recognize there is joy and pleasure in both a childless existence (read: freedom) and parenthood (read: I'll get back to you in a couple months). In an effort to enjoy our last days and weeks without parental responsibilities, we have taken a Babymoon and maximized our sleep--at least I have since I don't have a cement basketball complicating my nightly slumber. My last major pre-baby activity was scheduled for last Friday: A zeppelin flight with my dad and father-in-law followed by lunch and cocktails...not necessarily in that order. Our one-hour zeppelin flight around the Bay Area was aboard a 246-foot long monster, one of only three in the world.
For reference purposes, that is 50+ feet longer than the Goodyear blimp. For obvious reasons, it reminded me of the Hindenburg, save the silver "skin" and fiery glow.
We took off from the Oakland Airport, traveled north over Jack London Square, veered northwest toward Belvedere and Tiburon, then southwest toward the Golden Gate, east along the Marina Green and finally southeast over the Bay Bridge and back to Oakland. It was an amazing tour that I strongly recommend, especially if you can get someone else to pay for it. Good luck with that.
Any discussion of a zeppelin, particularly for a classic rock freak like me, must include mention of the bluesy rock genius that is Led Zeppelin. For most expectant parents, the major pre-baby debate concerns names. For Amy and me, it has been the music to which Piccolina will be exposed. In the hospital, in the car, at home. My parents have shared taste and gave me the best of the 50's and 60's through Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Elvis, Little Richard, Motown and Brothers black and white alike--Isley, Righteous and Everly. They also exposed me the velvety voices of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Vale. I can say with certainty that Piccolina will hear everything under the sun. From her dad, the aforementioned rock 'n roll pioneers and crooners. Rock icons like Led Zeppelin, The Stones, The Doors and Van Halen. And, of course, Neil Diamond! "Girl, you'll be a woman...soon."
From her mom, she'll get Morrissey (step away from the ledge), Jack Johnson (bo-ring), all incarnations of Ben Folds, a touch of JT and more than a touch of hip-hop. In the end, Piccolina will figure out that Mommy and Daddy listen to music together (a) when Daddy is cooking (which is always) and (b) when Simon, John, Roger, Andy and Nick are invited to the party as Duran Duran is the musical trump card in our house.
All kidding aside, I cannot wait for our little one to arrive, for the music to begin and to enjoy it with Amy.
