Wilder James Musgrove arrived safely to this world on Tuesday, April 30, at 8:45 pm.

As is often the case in life, labor did not exactly go “according to plan”. Scott and I endured a long week at the UW Medical Center, from April 29-May 3. Though our stay there wasn’t without its challenges, we were treated to excellent care and vigilant attention from their staff. The experience revealed a new level of teamwork and love between Scott and me. After a week filled with both fear and falling in love, Scott and I left the hospital with a healthy, lovey-dovey, already-smiling, relaxed little man. We are awash in fascination and delight over his every move and mannerism. We truly believe he has special powers!

I am currently recovering at home from a Cesarean delivery with lots of help from Scott, friends and family.

We’ve received your support throughout this week – your positive thoughts and prayers carried us through some difficult situations with assurance that everything would be okay. And okay things are. In fact we are cozy at home, in heaven!

Without Further Ado, Photos!

Here are a few of the best ones I have so far. I take about 50 a day though, so there will be more…many more! You can see my complete album on Shutterfly.

My body has spoken!

I will teach my regular Nia classes until the end of March with the exception of Sat, March 30, when you will have a lovely sub, Miss Emily Estep.

Though I’m not sure when I will resume teaching, here is the sub schedule at The Dance Space (124 N 103rd St) for the time I will be sleeping (and not sleeping:) with the new baby boy:

Beginning in April at The Dance Space:

Saturdays at 11:30 am: Vina Barham

Sundays at 11:30 am: Emily Estep

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Henry – Thank you!

On March 2, Nia students and teachers surprised me with a Nia Baby Shower Extravaganza after class! I was truly shocked and really stoked to fête the impending arrival of Junior Musgrove with such loving and celebratory ladies! Well…we did have one man in attendance – my wonderful husband Scott Musgrove. He’s all in, baby!

What a treat. I felt my heart bloom big, as my secret wish was to honor Junior’s arrival (yes I think Junior is just a placeholder name) with my Nia community. As I said at the shower, it is in The Dance Space that I sense our hearts connect, where we peel away the layers of living and unleash our happy spirits to dance. I love knowing Junior was cradled in such loving energy every weekend for nearly nine months!

Thank you ALL. Not just for coming, but for making this celebration happen. In an instant after class, the space was transformed – there were bubbles, platters of snacks, flowers, signs, gifts, cards, cameras, hugs and a whole lot of love in the atmosphere. I know these things don’t plan themselves. So again, I thank you for taking such good care of me and my family during this transformational time in our lives.

♥ A special thanks to Elayne Puzan, Lynn Ernst, Susan Tate and my dear mama, Mary Heller for organizing!

One kind Nia student, Jennifer Crowder uploaded her snapshots to Shutterfly for all to enjoy! Click here to see photos from our Nia Baby Shower and share your own, if you have any goodies!

Bursting with gratitude and excitement,

Gretchen

Look Forward to Double Dancing!

This weekend I am looking forward to co-teaching at The Dance Space with the two twinkling Nia teachers who will sub for me while I am on maternity leave: Emily Estep and Vina Barham! Though I am unsure when I will officially take leave, I know you will enjoy dancing with these two teachers who are also my good friends.♥

If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for my Monthly Newsletter to get updates on my schedule, local Nia events, routine music, and more!

Sat, 3/9 @ 11:30 am: Vina Barham and me.

Sun, 3/10 @ 11:30 am: Emily Estep and me.