The_AT0 Backup_NN1 Plan_NN1 
I_PNP 'm_VBB an_AT0 alpha_NN1 's_POS alpha_NN1 ._SENT A_AT0 second-best_AJS friend_NN1 ._SENT Always_AV0 a_AT0 bridesmaid_NN1 ,_PUN never_AV0 the_AT0 maid_NN1 of_PRF honor_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP 'm_VBB content_AJ0 to_TO0 sit_VVI on_PRP the_AT0 sidelines_NN2 and_CJC be_VBI on_PRP a_AT0 B_ZZ0 team_NN1 ._SENT As_CJS in_PRP :_PUN Put_VVB me_PNP in_AVP ,_PUN coach_NN1 !_SENT Nope_ITJ ?_SENT Okay_AV0 ,_PUN cool_AJ0 ._SENT I_PNP 'm_VBB not_XX0 your_DPS in-case-of-emergency_AJ0 contact_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC if_CJS yours_PNP does_VDZ n't_XX0 answer_VVI ,_PUN and_CJC you_PNP call_VVB me_PNP ,_PUN I_PNP will_VM0 show_VVI up_AVP and_CJC give_VVI you_PNP my_DPS all_DT0 ._SENT 
I_PNP '_PUQ m_ZZ0 number_NN1 two_CRD ,_PUN I_PNP 'm_VBB number_NN1 two_CRD !_SENT 
The_AT0 person_NN1 I_PNP went_VVD to_TO0 help_VVI on_PRP a_AT0 drizzly_AJ0 February_NP0 night_NN1 in_PRP Manhattan_NP0 was_VBD my_DPS friend_NN1 Michelle_NP0 ,_PUN who_PNQ was_VBD on_PRP her_DPS way_NN1 to_PRP Mt_NP0 ._SENT Sinai_NP0 Hospital_NN1 because_CJS her_DPS doctor_NN1 had_VHD told_VVN her_DPS that_DT0 due_AJ0 to_PRP her_DPS headache_NN1 ,_PUN high_AJ0 blood_NN1 pressure_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC vertigo_NN1 she_PNP might_VM0 give_VVI birth_NN1 to_PRP her_DPS baby_NN1 two_CRD weeks_NN2 early_AV0 ._SENT Michelle_NP0 's_POS best_AJS friend_NN1 ,_PUN Tal_NP0 ,_PUN was_VBD supposed_AJ0 to_TO0 be_VBI her_DPS birth_NN1 partner_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC Tal_NP0 was_VBD visiting_VVG her_DPS sister_NN1 on_PRP a_AT0 long-planned_AJ0 trip_NN1 to_PRP Florida_NP0 ._SENT Michelle_NP0 had_VHD asked_VVN me_PNP to_TO0 be_VBI her_DPS backup_NN1 plan_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC I_PNP ,_PUN of_PRF course_NN1 ,_PUN had_VHD said_VVN yes_ITJ despite_PRP that_DT0 fact_NN1 that_CJT I_PNP am_VBB notoriously_AV0 averse_AJ0 to_PRP childbirth_NN1 ._SENT 
I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 want_VVI to_TO0 watch_VVI it_PNP in_PRP movies_NN2 or_CJC on_PRP TV_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 want_VVI to_TO0 look_VVI at_PRP iPhone_NN1 video_NN1 footage_NN1 or_CJC photos_NN2 ._SENT But_CJC ,_PUN oddly_AV0 enough_AV0 ,_PUN I_PNP do_VDB like_VVI to_TO0 hear_VVI about_PRP it_PNP because_CJS I_PNP 've_VHB never_AV0 given_VVN birth_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC to_PRP me_PNP listening_VVG to_TO0 you_PNP relay_VVB all_DT0 of_PRF your_DPS gory_AJ0 details_NN2 is_VBZ like_PRP cozying_VVG up_AVP to_PRP an_AT0 old_AJ0 radio_NN1 show_NN1 like_PRP The_AT0 Horror_NN1 !_SENT or_CJC Suspense_NN1 !_SENT I_PNP like_VVB to_TO0 imagine_VVI how_AVQ a_AT0 surgeon_NN1 pulled_VVD your_DPS uterus_NN1 out_AVP of_PRF your_DPS torso_NN1 like_CJS I_PNP wrestle_VVB a_AT0 suitcase_NN1 out_AVP of_PRF the_AT0 back_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 closet_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 want_VVI to_TO0 experience_VVI it_PNP live_VVI and_CJC in_PRP person_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP would_VM0 rather_AV0 spend_VVI the_AT0 night_NN1 in_PRP an_AT0 abandoned_AJ0 lunatic_NN1 asylum_NN1 ._SENT 
The_AT0 first_ORD day_NN1 Tal_NP0 was_VBD gone_VVN ,_PUN I_PNP went_VVD to_TO0 sleep_VVI with_PRP my_DPS cell_NN1 and_CJC home_NN1 phones_NN2 by_PRP my_DPS pillow_NN1 ._SENT On_PRP the_AT0 second_ORD day_NN1 ,_PUN at_PRP 4_CRD :_PUN 30_CRD in_PRP the_AT0 afternoon_NN1 ,_PUN I_PNP saw_VVD Michelle_NP0 's_POS name_NN1 on_PRP my_DPS caller_NN1 ID_NN1 and_CJC answered_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ Are_VBB we_PNP having_VHG a_AT0 baby_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
Michelle_NP0 said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ Maybe_AV0 so_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
Michelle_NP0 is_VBZ fifty_CRD and_CJC sunny_AJ0 ._SENT She_PNP has_VHZ blond_AJ0 curly_AJ0 hair_NN1 and_CJC a_AT0 bright_AJ0 smile_NN1 ,_PUN made_VVD brighter_AJC when_CJS she_PNP wears_VVZ her_DPS favorite_AJ0 color_NN1 ,_PUN hot_AJ0 pink_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP 's_VBZ a_AT0 licensed_AJ0 clinical_AJ0 social_AJ0 worker_NN1 working_VVG for_PRP the_AT0 New_AJ0 York_NP0 City_NN1 Department_NN1 of_PRF Education_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC has_VHZ been_VBN an_AT0 auntie_NN1 to_PRP Tal_NP0 's_POS two_CRD sons_NN2 since_PRP the_AT0 day_NN1 they_PNP were_VBD born_VVN ,_PUN the_AT0 eldest_AJS twenty_CRD years_NN2 ago_AV0 ._SENT Tal_NP0 ,_PUN too_AV0 ,_PUN is_VBZ sunny_AJ0 ._SENT She_PNP 's_VBZ got_VVN that_CJT Eagles_NN2 '_POS peaceful_AJ0 ,_PUN easy_AJ0 feeling_NN1 and_CJC wears_VVZ prairie_NN1 dresses_NN2 so_AV0 that_CJT she_PNP looks_VVZ like_PRP she_PNP 's_VBZ drifted_VVN out_AVP of_PRF a_AT0 1970s_CRD "_PUQ I_PNP 'd_VHD Like_AV0 to_TO0 Teach_VVI the_AT0 World_NN1 to_TO0 Sing_VVI "_PUQ Coca-Cola_NP0 commercial_AJ0 ._SENT When_CJS Tal_NP0 and_CJC Michelle_NP0 are_VBB together_AV0 ,_PUN their_DPS bond_NN1 is_VBZ so_AV0 electric_AJ0 they_PNP glow_VVB in_PRP the_AT0 dark_NN1 ._SENT 
Michelle_NP0 has_VHZ always_AV0 wanted_VVN to_TO0 be_VBI a_AT0 mother_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC never_AV0 met_VVD the_AT0 right_AJ0 man_NN1 ._SENT So_AV0 ,_PUN at_PRP forty-eight_CRD ,_PUN she_PNP took_VVD unconventional_AJ0 steps_NN2 to_TO0 start_VVI a_AT0 family_NN1 ._SENT At_PRP forty-nine_CRD she_PNP was_VBD pregnant_AJ0 and_CJC had_VHD herself_PNX a_AT0 very_AV0 merry_AJ0 pregnancy_NN1 ;_PUN no_AT0 morning_NN1 sickness_NN1 ,_PUN no_AT0 problems_NN2 of_PRF any_DT0 kind_NN1 ._SENT Tal_NP0 was_VBD by_PRP her_DPS side_NN1 every_AT0 step_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 way_NN1 and_CJC pooled_AJ0 funds_NN2 from_PRP our_DPS group_NN1 of_PRF friends_NN2 to_TO0 buy_VVI her_PNP a_AT0 top-of-the-line_AJ0 stroller_NN1 ,_PUN which_DTQ was_VBD delivered_VVN to_PRP Michelle_NP0 's_POS apartment_NN1 building_VVG an_AT0 hour_NN1 before_CJS I_PNP walked_VVD through_PRP the_AT0 front_AJ0 doors_NN2 ._SENT 
On_PRP my_DPS way_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 hospital_NN1 ,_PUN Michelle_NP0 had_VHD asked_VVN me_PNP to_TO0 swing_VVI by_PRP her_DPS place_NN1 and_CJC pick_VVB up_AVP her_DPS eyeglasses_NN2 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Oh_ITJ ,_PUN "_PUQ she_PNP said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ but_CJC you_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 have_VHI the_AT0 keys_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ Do_VDB n't_XX0 worry_VVI about_PRP it_PNP ,_PUN I_PNP 'll_VM0 get_VVI in_PRP ._SENT "_PUQ 
People_NN0 stationed_VVN at_PRP doors_NN2 and_CJC gates_NN2 do_VDB n't_XX0 question_VVI me_PNP because_CJS I_PNP look_VVB like_CJS I_PNP 'm_VBB someone_PNI 's_POS executive_AJ0 assistant_NN1 ._SENT Or_CJC mom_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP 'm_VBB nice_AJ0 ._SENT And_CJC I_PNP lie_VVB ._SENT Very_AV0 easily_AV0 ._SENT Because_CJS my_DPS lie_NN1 is_VBZ n't_XX0 going_VVG to_TO0 do_VDI anyone_PNI a_AT0 lick_NN1 of_PRF harm_NN1 ._SENT And_CJC my_DPS southern_AJ0 accent_NN1 do_VDB n't_XX0 hurt_VVI none_PNI ._SENT 
I_PNP said_VVD to_PRP the_AT0 doorman_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Hey_ITJ ,_PUN I_PNP 'm_VBB Helen_NP0 !_SENT Michelle_NP0 's_VBZ in_PRP the_AT0 hospital_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP havin_NN1 '_PUQ her_DPS baby_NN1 !_SENT She_PNP needs_VVZ me_PNP to_TO0 get_VVI her_DPS eyeglasses_NN2 ._SENT Would_VM0 you_PNP please_AV0 give_VVB me_PNP her_DPS keys_NN2 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
He_PNP handed_VVD them_PNP over_AVP faster_AV0 than_CJS a_AT0 valet_NN1 ._SENT 
At_PRP the_AT0 hospital_NN1 ,_PUN Michelle_NP0 was_VBD not_XX0 in_PRP the_AT0 computer_NN1 system_NN1 yet_AV0 ,_PUN so_CJS I_PNP convinced_VVD a_AT0 security_NN1 guard_NN1 ,_PUN a_AT0 complete_AJ0 stranger_NN1 ,_PUN to_TO0 let_VVI me_PNP get_VVI past_PRP him_PNP to_TO0 go_VVI into_PRP a_AT0 place_NN1 where_AVQ I_PNP did_VDD not_XX0 belong_VVI to_TO0 see_VVI someone_PNI who_PNQ did_VDD not_XX0 exist_VVI ._SENT I_PNP found_VVD Michelle_NP0 in_PRP what_DTQ I_PNP 'll_VM0 call_VVI triage_NN1 ._SENT A_AT0 floor_NN1 where_AVQ there_EX0 were_VBD many_DT0 closed_AJ0 curtains_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC once_CJS I_PNP got_VVD behind_PRP hers_PNP ,_PUN I_PNP found_VVD out_AVP that_CJT she_PNP can_VM0 lie_VVI as_CJS well_AV0 as_CJS I_PNP can_VM0 ._SENT 
She_PNP told_VVD the_AT0 nurse_NN1 who_PNQ was_VBD taking_VVG her_DPS blood_NN1 pressure_NN1 :_PUN "_PUQ This_DT0 is_VBZ my_DPS sister_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
And_CJC I_PNP lied_VVD :_PUN "_PUQ Mom_NN1 's_VBZ pissed_VVN ._SENT "_PUQ 
The_AT0 nurse_NN1 did_VDD n't_XX0 question_VVI us_PNP ._SENT 
When_CJS the_AT0 nurse_NN1 left_NN1 ,_PUN Michelle_NP0 thanked_VVD me_PNP for_PRP coming_VVG and_CJC confessed_VVD why_AVQ she_PNP 'd_VHD chosen_VVN me_PNP to_TO0 be_VBI her_DPS backup_NN1 plan_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ You_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 have_VHI a_AT0 day_NN1 job_NN1 ,_PUN so_CJS I_PNP thought_VVD you_PNP 'd_VM0 be_VBI available_AJ0 ._SENT But_CJC it_PNP 's_VBZ mostly_AV0 because_CJS I_PNP know_VVB you_PNP 'll_VM0 be_VBI a_AT0 cheerful_AJ0 ,_PUN calming_AJ0 presence_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP felt_VVD so_AV0 proud_AJ0 of_PRF this_DT0 description_NN1 ,_PUN I_PNP made_VVD it_PNP my_DPS mantra_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP 'm_VBB a_AT0 cheerful_AJ0 ,_PUN calming_AJ0 presence_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP 'm_VBB number_NN1 two_CRD !_SENT I_PNP 'm_VBB number_NN1 two_CRD !_SENT 
It_PNP 's_VBZ amazing_AJ0 how_AVQ quickly_AV0 hospital_NN1 decisions_NN2 are_VBB made_VVN ._SENT 
A_AT0 doctor_NN1 ,_PUN wearing_VVG scrubs_NN2 and_CJC a_AT0 diamond_NN1 eternity_NN1 band_NN1 on_PRP a_AT0 chain_NN1 around_PRP her_DPS neck_NN1 ,_PUN pulled_VVD back_AVP the_AT0 curtain_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP had_VHD the_AT0 body_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 woman_NN1 who_PNQ sprints_VVZ for_PRP fun_NN1 ._SENT Short_AJ0 hair_NN1 ,_PUN do_VDB n't_XX0 care_VVI ._SENT She_PNP was_VBD born_VVN ready_AJ0 to_TO0 get_VVI on_AVP with_PRP it_PNP ._SENT 
She_PNP said_VVD to_PRP Michelle_NP0 ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 need_VVI to_TO0 wait_VVI another_DT0 four_CRD hours_NN2 to_TO0 see_VVI if_CJS your_DPS blood_NN1 pressure_NN1 spikes_NN2 to_TO0 know_VVI you_PNP have_VHB gestational_AJ0 hypertension_NN1 ._SENT Baby_NN1 is_VBZ thirty-seven_CRD weeks_NN2 and_CJC in_PRP perfect_AJ0 health_NN1 ,_PUN so_CJS your_DPS options_NN2 are_VBB :_PUN we_PNP induce_VVB for_PRP vaginal_AJ0 delivery_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC if_CJS Baby_NN1 goes_VVZ into_PRP distress_NN1 ,_PUN we_PNP do_VDB a_AT0 C-section_NN1 ;_PUN or_CJC we_PNP skip_VVB the_AT0 next_ORD twenty-four_CRD to_PRP thirty-six_CRD hours_NN2 of_PRF labor_NN1 that_CJT could_VM0 end_VVI in_PRP a_AT0 C-section_NN1 and_CJC do_VDB a_AT0 C-section_NN1 now_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
Michelle_NP0 chose_VVD option_NN1 one_CRD ._SENT 
She_PNP told_VVD me_PNP my_DPS job_NN1 was_VBD to_TO0 make_VVI sure_AJ0 she_PNP got_VVD an_AT0 epidural_NN1 and_CJC the_AT0 umbilical_AJ0 cord_NN1 for_PRP stem_NN1 cell_NN1 research_NN1 ._SENT 
I_PNP imagined_VVD a_AT0 nurse_NN1 offering_VVG the_AT0 cord_NN1 like_PRP a_AT0 boiled_AJ0 lasagna_NN1 noodle_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP asked_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ Do_VDB I_PNP just_AV0 hold_VVB out_AVP my_DPS purse_NN1 like_PRP a_AT0 trick-or-treat_AJ0 bag_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ No_ITJ ,_PUN "_PUQ Michelle_NP0 said_VVD ,_PUN laughing_VVG ._SENT "_PUQ I_PNP have_VHB a_AT0 kit_NN1 for_PRP it_PNP at_PRP home_NN1 ,_PUN I_PNP should_VM0 have_VHI asked_VVN you_PNP to_TO0 get_VVI it_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Do_VDB n't_XX0 worry_VVI about_PRP it_PNP ,_PUN I_PNP 'll_VM0 get_VVI it_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP called_VVD Tal_NP0 's_POS husband_NN1 ,_PUN Scott_NP0 ,_PUN who_PNQ will_VM0 always_AV0 give_VVI you_PNP his_DPS time_NN1 and_CJC do_VDB you_PNP a_AT0 favor_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 man_NN1 is_VBZ generous_AJ0 ._SENT 
I_PNP said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ The_AT0 umbilical_AJ0 kit_NN1 's_VBZ in_PRP a_AT0 purple-and-white_AJ0 box_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS living_AJ0 room_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
Scott_NP0 said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ On_PRP it_PNP ._SENT Need_VVB anything_PNI else_AV0 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ A_AT0 Subway_NP0 sandwich_NN1 ,_PUN please_AV0 and_CJC thank_VVB you_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Text_NN1 me_PNP your_DPS order_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
When_CJS it_PNP came_VVD to_PRP the_AT0 epidural_NN1 ,_PUN Michelle_NP0 's_POS choices_NN2 were_VBD to_PRP first_ORD get_VVB Pitocin_NP0 (_PUL a_AT0 drug_NN1 that_CJT 's_VHZ piped_VVN into_PRP your_DPS veins_NN2 to_TO0 induce_VVI labor_NN1 like_PRP charcoal_NN1 lighter_NN1 fluid_NN1 starts_VVZ a_AT0 grill_NN1 fire_NN1 )_PUR and_CJC then_AV0 get_VVB the_AT0 epidural_NN1 (_PUL a_AT0 needle_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 spine_NN1 to_TO0 make_VVI way_NN1 for_PRP a_AT0 fishing-wire-wide_AJ0 tube_NN1 of_PRF painkiller_NN1 that_CJT numbs_VVZ your_DPS vagina_NN1 ,_PUN surrounding_AJ0 areas_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC legs_NN2 so_CJS you_PNP ca_VM0 n't_XX0 get_VVI out_AVP of_PRF bed_NN1 until_PRP your_DPS baby_NN1 is_VBZ born_VVN ;_PUN which_DTQ means_VVZ you_PNP also_AV0 get_VVB a_AT0 catheter_NN1 to_TO0 pee_VVI in_PRP a_AT0 bag_NN1 )_PUR ;_PUN or_CJC Michelle_NP0 could_VM0 get_VVI the_AT0 epidural_NN1 first_ORD ,_PUN then_AV0 the_AT0 Pitocin_NN1 ,_PUN feel_VVB no_AT0 pain_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC sleep_VVB through_PRP the_AT0 night_NN1 ._SENT 
Michelle_NP0 chose_VVD option_NN1 two_CRD ._SENT 
We_PNP moved_VVD into_PRP a_AT0 private_AJ0 room_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC I_PNP made_VVD myself_PNX useful_AJ0 ._SENT I_PNP unpacked_VVD Michelle_NP0 's_POS bag_NN1 ,_PUN changed_VVD the_AT0 TV_NN1 channel_NN1 to_PRP The_AT0 Bachelor_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC group-texted_VVD her_DPS birth_NN1 plan_NN1 to_PRP Tal_NP0 ,_PUN our_DPS close_AJ0 friends_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC Michelle_NP0 's_POS parents_NN2 ,_PUN who_PNQ had_VHD booked_VVN a_AT0 flight_NN1 to_TO0 arrive_VVI tomorrow_AV0 afternoon_NN1 ._SENT 
When_CJS Scott_NP0 showed_VVD up_AVP with_PRP my_DPS sandwich_NN1 and_CJC two_CRD dozen_CRD doughnut_NN1 holes_NN2 ,_PUN I_PNP knew_VVD from_PRP my_DPS husband_NN1 's_POS grandmother_NN1 's_POS hospital_NN1 stay_NN1 with_PRP pneumonia_NN1 to_TO0 take_VVI one_CRD doughnut_NN1 hole_NN1 and_CJC give_VVB the_AT0 rest_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 nurses_NN2 as_PRP a_AT0 bribe_NN1 ._SENT From_PRP Mama_NN1 's_POS cancerous_AJ0 colon_NN1 polyp_NN1 removal_NN1 ,_PUN I_PNP knew_VVD how_AVQ to_TO0 turn_VVI a_AT0 second_ORD hospital_NN1 gown_NN1 into_PRP a_AT0 robe_NN1 to_TO0 cover_VVI the_AT0 gaping_AJ0 slit_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 one_PNI that_CJT exposes_VVZ your_DPS butt_NN1 ._SENT When_CJS Papa_NN1 had_VHD open_AJ0 heart_NN1 surgery_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 only_AJ0 thing_NN1 he_PNP asked_VVD for_PRP was_VBD a_AT0 good_AJ0 pillow_NN1 because_CJS hospital_NN1 pillows_NN2 feel_VVB like_PRP unpopped_AJ0 bags_NN2 of_PRF microwave_NN1 popcorn_NN1 ,_PUN so_CJS I_PNP brought_VVD Michelle_NP0 one_CRD from_PRP home_NN1 ._SENT Michelle_NP0 said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ Oh_ITJ ,_PUN thank_VVB you_PNP ._SENT I_PNP 'll_VM0 dry-clean_AJ0 it_PNP and_CJC return_VVB it_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ It_PNP 's_VBZ my_DPS gift_NN1 to_PRP you_PNP ._SENT When_CJS you_PNP leave_VVB ,_PUN have_VHB them_PNP throw_VVB it_PNP in_PRP the_AT0 incinerator_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
This_DT0 is_VBZ my_DPS idea_NN1 of_PRF taking_VVG one_PNI for_PRP the_AT0 team_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 B_ZZ0 Team_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP am_VBB shameless_AJ0 ,_PUN organized_AJ0 ,_PUN and_CJC I_PNP take_VVB copious_AJ0 notes_NN2 ._SENT 
At_PRP 9_CRD :_PUN 14_CRD p.m._AV0 a_AT0 nurse_NN1 with_PRP cat_NN1 eyeliner_NN1 and_CJC a_AT0 high_AJ0 pony_NN1 found_VVD a_AT0 vein_NN1 for_PRP an_AT0 IV_CRD in_PRP Michelle_NP0 's_POS arm_NN1 after_PRP sticking_VVG her_PNP for_PRP twenty_CRD minutes_NN2 ._SENT At_PRP 9_CRD :_PUN 43_CRD p.m._AV0 a_AT0 tall_AJ0 drink_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 resident_NN1 reiterated_VVD that_CJT a_AT0 C-section_NN1 was_VBD possible_AJ0 and_CJC had_VHD Michelle_NP0 sign_VVI documents_NN2 that_CJT swore_VVD she_PNP would_VM0 n't_XX0 sue_VVI the_AT0 hospital_NN1 if_CJS 
something_PNI went_VVD wrong_AJ0 ._SENT At_PRP 9_CRD :_PUN 57_CRD p.m._AV0 the_AT0 anesthesiologist_NN1 walked_VVD in_AVP and_CJC was_VBD so_AV0 flawlessly_AV0 good-looking_AJ0 ,_PUN I_PNP felt_VVD the_AT0 same_DT0 sense_NN1 of_PRF safety_NN1 I_PNP feel_VVB when_CJS I_PNP walk_VVB onto_PRP a_AT0 spanking-new_AJ0 airplane_NN1 ._SENT Yes_ITJ ,_PUN I_PNP know_VVB this_DT0 is_VBZ a_AT0 false_AJ0 sense_NN1 of_PRF security_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP 'll_VM0 take_VVI what_DTQ I_PNP can_VM0 get_VVI when_CJS I_PNP 'm_VBB handed_VVN a_AT0 blue_AJ0 surgical_AJ0 bonnet_NN1 and_CJC mask_NN1 ._SENT 
Michelle_NP0 was_VBD positioned_VVN to_TO0 sit_VVI on_PRP the_AT0 side_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 bed_NN1 with_PRP her_DPS legs_NN2 hanging_VVG off_AVP ._SENT The_AT0 nurse_NN1 stood_VVD between_PRP her_DPS legs_NN2 and_CJC braced_VVD her_DPS shoulders_NN2 ._SENT I_PNP held_VVD Michelle_NP0 's_POS foot_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 one_CRD part_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS body_NN1 I_PNP could_VM0 reach_VVI ,_PUN and_CJC petted_VVD the_AT0 top_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS hot_AJ0 pink_AJ0 fuzzy_AJ0 ankle_NN1 sock_NN1 ._SENT 
I_PNP locked_VVD eyes_NN2 with_PRP her_PNP and_CJC through_PRP my_DPS mask_NN1 said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ You_PNP 're_VBB doing_VDG great_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP could_VM0 not_XX0 see_VVI what_DTQ the_AT0 anesthesiologist_NN1 was_VBD doing_VDG behind_PRP her_DPS back_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP imagined_VVD the_AT0 spinal-tap_AJ0 scene_NN1 from_PRP The_AT0 Exorcist_NN1 ._SENT 
Do_VDB n't_XX0 faint_VVI ,_PUN I_PNP told_VVD myself_PNX ._SENT Do_VDB n't_XX0 you_PNP dare_VVI faint_AJ0 ._SENT Be_VBB a_AT0 cheerful_AJ0 ,_PUN calming_AJ0 presence_NN1 ._SENT You_PNP 're_VBB number_NN1 two_CRD !_SENT You_PNP 're_VBB number_NN1 two_CRD !_SENT 
Michelle_NP0 did_VDD n't_XX0 flinch_VVI ._SENT The_AT0 anesthesiologist_NN1 did_VDD whatever_DTQ he_PNP had_VHD to_TO0 do_VDI to_PRP her_PNP on_PRP his_DPS first_ORD try_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP was_VBD over_AVP in_PRP less_AV0 than_CJS five_CRD minutes_NN2 ._SENT 
"_PUQ You_PNP 're_VBB amazing_AJ0 ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP told_VVD Michelle_NP0 ._SENT 
I_PNP asked_VVD the_AT0 anesthesiologist_NN1 and_CJC nurse_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Is_VBZ this_DT0 how_AVQ it_PNP normally_AV0 goes_VVZ ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ No_ITJ ,_PUN "_PUQ they_PNP both_AV0 said_VVD ._SENT 
The_AT0 anesthesiologist_NN1 said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ There_EX0 's_VBZ usually_AV0 a_AT0 lot_NN1 of_PRF screaming_VVG and_CJC crying_VVG because_CJS people_NN0 are_VBB scared_AJ0 and_CJC do_VDB n't_XX0 understand_VVI how_AVQ to_TO0 curve_VVI their_DPS lower_AJC backs_NN2 so_CJS I_PNP can_VM0 get_VVI the_AT0 needle_NN1 in_AVP ._SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP asked_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ Do_VDB you_PNP mean_VVI women_NN2 do_VDB n't_XX0 understand_VVI ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Yes_ITJ ._SENT "_PUQ He_PNP blushed_VVD ._SENT 
Michelle_NP0 said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP take_VVB Pilates_NP0 ._SENT I_PNP know_VVB the_AT0 C_ZZ0 curve_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
At_PRP 10_CRD :_PUN 23_CRD p.m._AV0 another_DT0 resident_NN1 ,_PUN this_DT0 one_PNI with_PRP a_AT0 Matthew_NP0 Fox_NP0 five-o'clock_AJ0 shadow_NN1 ,_PUN arrived_VVD to_TO0 insert_VVI a_AT0 balloon_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS cervix_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 balloon_NN1 would_VM0 mechanically_AV0 inflate_VVI to_PRP three_CRD centimeters_NN2 overnight_AV0 ,_PUN then_AV0 roll_VVB out_AVP like_PRP a_AT0 gumball_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 resident_NN1 asked_VVD her_PNP to_TO0 lay_VVI back_AVP and_CJC sit_VVB crisscross_NN1 applesauce_NN1 ._SENT And_CJC then_AV0 he_PNP proceeded_VVD to_TO0 shove_VVI his_DPS hand_NN1 wrist-deep_NN1 into_PRP my_DPS friend_NN1 while_CJS looking_VVG directly_AV0 at_PRP me_PNP ._SENT 
I_PNP found_VVD this_DT0 more_AV0 disturbing_AJ0 than_CJS the_AT0 epidural_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP took_VVD him_PNP forever_AV0 ._SENT 
He_PNP said_VVD to_PRP Michelle_NP0 ,_PUN "_PUQ It_PNP 's_VBZ a_AT0 good_AJ0 thing_NN1 you_PNP had_VHD the_AT0 epidural_NN1 ,_PUN otherwise_AV0 you_PNP 'd_VM0 hate_VVI me_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
I_PNP said_VVD ,_PUN "_PUQ You_PNP should_VM0 n't_XX0 say_VVI that_CJT to_PRP her_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
But_CJC Michelle_NP0 did_VDD n't_XX0 mind_VVI ._SENT She_PNP was_VBD an_AT0 excellent_AJ0 patient_NN1 ._SENT Everyone_PNI said_VVD so_AV0 ,_PUN including_PRP this_DT0 guy_NN1 ,_PUN who_PNQ finally_AV0 got_VVD the_AT0 balloon_NN1 in_PRP and_CJC then_AV0 got_VVN out_AVP of_PRF the_AT0 room_NN1 ._SENT 
Michelle_NP0 said_VVD she_PNP does_VDZ n't_XX0 complain_VVI or_CJC make_VVI a_AT0 fuss_NN1 ,_PUN that_CJT she_PNP 's_VBZ easygoing_AJ0 with_PRP the_AT0 maternity_NN1 ward_NN1 staff_NN0 ,_PUN because_CJS at_PRP our_DPS age_NN1 she_PNP 's_VBZ experienced_AJ0 pain_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP 's_VHZ had_VHN surgeries_NN2 and_CJC medical_AJ0 procedures_NN2 ,_PUN plus_PRP the_AT0 everyday_AJ0 aches_NN2 of_PRF being_VBG fifty_CRD years_NN2 old_AJ0 ._SENT So_CJS pain_NN1 is_VBZ not_XX0 unfamiliar_AJ0 to_PRP her_PNP ._SENT She_PNP knows_VVZ that_CJT pain_NN1 will_VM0 pass_VVI ._SENT And_CJC the_AT0 pain_NN1 of_PRF childbirth_NN1 and_CJC all_DT0 that_CJT comes_VVZ along_AVP with_PRP inducement_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT0 pain_NN1 that_CJT she_PNP has_VHZ chosen_VVN ._SENT For_PRP Michelle_NP0 ,_PUN this_DT0 pain_NN1 is_VBZ better_AJC than_CJS the_AT0 agony_NN1 of_PRF never_AV0 having_VHG a_AT0 child_NN1 ._SENT 
She_PNP was_VBD fearless_AJ0 ._SENT And_CJC her_DPS courage_NN1 made_VVD me_PNP less_AV0 afraid_AJ0 ._SENT 
So_AV0 I_PNP steeled_VVD myself_PNX ._SENT I_PNP silently_AV0 took_VVD an_AT0 oath_NN1 that_CJT I_PNP would_VM0 hold_VVI Michelle_NP0 's_POS knee_NN1 while_CJS she_PNP pushed_VVD (_PUL apparently_AV0 stirrups_NN2 are_VBB a_AT0 thing_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 past_NN1 )_PUR or_CJC brave_VVB the_AT0 operating_NN1 room_NN1 if_CJS that_DT0 's_VBZ what_DTQ she_PNP wanted_VVD ._SENT 
