This is a different writing contest - Choice of $1,000 or what?

In 200 words or less tell a funny story that happened to a pregnant you, friend, or loved one. Deadline Monday October 25, 2010 at 12pm EST. One lucky winner will receive the choice of free cord blood banking, processing and 20 years of free storage OR $1000 AMEX gift card. The prize may be redeemed no later than 1 year from the contest date. http://www.mazecordblood.com/cordblood-contest.php 

(From the website.) What is Cord Blood?



Cord blood is the blood collected from the umbilical cord immediately following the birth of a child. This blood had been used to nourish the baby during pregnancy, but is no longer necessary once the baby has been delivered.

Cord blood is rich in multipotent hematopoietic "stem cells" (or blood stem cells). These cord blood stem cells produce the cellular ingredients necessary for the blood and the immune system. When these cells are transplanted into patients, they can help restore the immune and blood systems to help fight diseases and replace diseased blood.


Collecting your child's cord blood and saving it in a cord blood bank provides you with insurance in case your child develops any of the illnesses where cord blood is used in treatment.

NOTE: Um . . . interesting. No entry fee. And a lot of mothers have funny pregnancy stories. My ex stopped for a chicken sandwich on the way to the hospital, and later, in the heavy throes of labor, I listened to him tell me I wasn't doing it right. Humorous. Wasn't funny at the time, though, that's for friggin' sure.

DOUBLE NOTE: Dam broke on the novel - chapters are flowing - this process has returned to being fun.