Got Diapers?

Got Diapers?
Originally uploaded by mbowling.

Well, lord knows we do!

Don't worry, this isn't all of them. We have a couple packs on the floor, and a lot more up above them(you can see some of them in a different picture.)

Amanda and I spent a lot of time finalizing where everything is going in the nursery, and then we put it there! I officially feel that I can say the nursery (and its closet) is READY FOR BABY. And that is a terrific feeling. Of course we can always use more diapers. We are definitely getting stocked up.

Overall, Amanda is feeling pretty good, but I would say that her body has just about had it when it comes to holding on to the baby. "They" say that the last month of pregnancy is very tough on a woman's body, and I can see why. Amanda has been such a trooper dealing with all the pain and discomfort over the past couple of months. She's not going to be throwing in the towel anytime soon, but she's ready to have her old body (and clothes) back.

For all our family and friends who has been reading our blog, we really appreciate it! Thanks so much for all the love and support. We'll keep it up as best as possible. And we'll keep the pictures coming as well!

Making Progress

Back from my doctor's appointment today. Things are progressing. I am dilated to a one and am 50% effaced. The baby is head down and ready to pop out. Wow, it's exciting to hear, but a lot to process. I need this reality check. I have to focus on what MUST get done and not worry about everything else.

As she said, she can't predict anything -- labor is very unpredictable. I could walk around like this for a few weeks or it could happen very soon. She did encourage me to get my work wrapped up. I will be here tomorrow hoping to do just that.

Other vital stats, the baby's heart rate was 127. My blood pressure is good and I lost 1/2 a pound. I'm measuring perfect, and she thinks the baby will be about 7 1/2 to 8 pounds. I'm sure there's more from the appointment, but I can't remember it. I'm still back at the thought that it could be very soon. Wow. It's CRAZY.

I have to focus on work right now. Baby thoughts and concerns will be there when I'm off tonight. Of course, I hardly slept last night. (It's been a bad week for me and sleep -- I've been trying to find it, and it's been hiding from me. It would help if I could find the off switch in my brain.) I hate to rely on Ambien, but I'm exhausted today and with the news from the doctor, I probably will be in a drug-induced coma around 9:30 tonight.

Finished Nursery....

Finished Crib
Originally uploaded by mbowling.

Well, almost. We still need 1 more vital piece. A pad for the changing table! If w don't get it this week, then its off to Babies R Us! I don't know what's going on with it, our registry says that it has been purchased, but we still haven't received it. We still have one final shower, so hopefully it will show up!

If you click on the picture it will take you you to more pictures of the nursery. I still need to take a few more, but the room is really still a mess, and when stuff gets put where it needs to go, we'll get more overall picts posted.

Time is a ticking away and we get more and more excited as baby time gets nearer...

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers!

In and Out

Yesterday's appointment was the fastest doctor's appointment I've ever had. I think the doc was in the room for about 2 minutes, if that. If I didn't like her so much, I might have been offended. Her reasoning was she had a back-up of pregnant women and she wanted them out of the office before the bad weather hit, which it never did, but that's another issue.

She measured me and check the baby's heart rate. I don't know what either was because it was such a whirlwind. I figure no news is good news. I go back next week and she promised to give me more time. I actually had lost a pound and my blood pressure was good.

Officially, we have three weeks to go. The baby is staying active and has decided he prefers hanging out on my right-side. I could spend countless hours watching my stomach. I just laugh watching the kid roll around and karate kick me.

I feel like we're fairly prepared for baby. The room is nearly organized (maybe I can get Mike to post a picture or two of how it's come together). The bedding is washed and put together. Mike hung new wood blinds and our curtain rod last weekend. I still need to wash clothes, but I've washed all the blankets, bedding and bath towels. The car seat is in the Vue. All of our shower gifts from last weekend (we were completely spoiled) have been put together and put away.

The baby can't come yet, though. We still need a bit more time, and I really need to make it past the first weekend in February, so my mom can actually be here.

...okay so we know everything right?

Well, that's it.

Last night was our last birthing class. So I guess now we are ready to be parents huh? Our instructor has taught us all we need to know from here on out right?

Probably not.

Last night was not so much a birthing class, as it was a "here's what your baby could possibly look like and why and how to care for him/her." We saw so many slides of so many varying degrees it made my head spin! Things I was interested in seeing, others, not so much, but I really didn't have much of a choice, that's for sure!

We do still have a breast-feeding class to take next week and then we will all be all ready to go! Uh, I guess.

Those classes are always so interesting to me. I am like a sponge at those classes. I just can't get enough tips and tricks for dealing with the little bugger. I know that we will get more and more tips as we progress along, but I really can never get enough info.

The teacher said that I seemed very knowledgeable and that I asked very good questions in class afterwards. So I guess I'm totally going to fail as a father now! :) Here's hoping that I really don't. Amanda thinks I'm a teacher's pet. Which I am, but I wasn't asking questions for the teachers approval, that for sure!

The nursery is nearing completion. Ever week we get just that much closer to have everything in place. Its all finally coming together.

tick, tock....tick, tock....

Down to the Final Month

One month from today is my due date. One month. I can't believe it. I was sitting in a meeting early, looking at the agenda when today's date jumped out at me. I stared at the 12th in disbelief. Where has time gone? If I say that now, I can't even imagine how fast the first year will fly by, much less the first 18.

I'm sincerely trying to enjoy every moment of this pregnancy. I must admit, I'm getting so anxious to meet the little one and to know if it's a boy or girl. I can also see how the 9th month is the toughest month. Overall, I still do feel good for being 9 months pregnant, but my energy isn't what it was and my body aches a bit more at the end of each day.

Tomorrow is another doctor's appointment. I start going every week until the grand entrance of baby ball. I'm curious to hear what the doctor has to say. My prediction is I will go past my due date. No real reason other than I feel we need more time -- personally and professionally, and I want to be on maternity leave when the weather is nicer. Plus, my mom needs me to go at least until my due date. Otherwise, she might not make it down. Probably for all these reasons, I'll go early. Then again, Mike and I are never on time for anything, so why would our kid be?

Empathy for Mikey?

Mike "naked"
Originally uploaded by mbowling.

Well, here I am in all my glory. Okay, so I'm not REALLY naked, but I am filling out nicely don't you think?

It was really a lot of fun. If I'm not mistaken, if you click on the picture you can come to my flickr account and it will show you more of my adventures in being pregnant. It was only for 5 minutes or so, but it really was entertaining!

First I had to put the thing on with the help of the instructor, which was just a chore in itself! It had 2 weights plus a small-ish sand bag in it. Then I had to try to tie my shoes while crouching down. Not too bad, but it was a tad difficult.

Next it was on to the "bed" which was a couple of pads laid down on the floor. We had to lay on our back and feel the pressure of all that weight and find out why laying on our backs isn't the best thing when pregnant. Then as you roll to your side, you have to try to roll over to your other side while still trying to stay on your side of the bed! Not a feat easily accomplished, that's for sure!

After that we got up and took a picture with the person who was REALLY pregnant and then it was off to the next dad/coach who thought he was hot stuff and able to take it on!

To be honest, I couldn't exactly feel what Amanda is feeling physically, but I sure could understand where some of the aches and pains come from!

As for the rest of class, we spent it talking about transition labor and of course the big Stage II Labor: pushing that damn bowling ball out! Lots of breathing and funny faces. We watched a video on a C-section, not as graphic as I thought it would be!

Next week we are on to what the heck to do when you get that baby home with you! (aparently these things don't come with a "How to bring up an awesome child in 18 years" manual. What a joke! Somebody told me they did....

Sleep -- where are you?

It's almost 4 am and I've been up for an hour. Sleep has completely alluded me this week. I just don't get it. It's so frustrating. I love sleep. Everyone keeps telling me that the bright side in all this is it is preparing me for the baby. I don't need preparation in lack of sleep -- I've already aced that. I need good bona-fide sleep without the aid of drugs.

I think I'm going to resume my search for sleep. I hope I find it. I can't continue surviving on such little sleep.

Hands Off

What is it about pregnant women's bellies that everyone thinks they are public domain? Bear with me, I have to vent for a bit.

Sorry if this sounds rude, but I don't believe just because my belly sticks out that people have a right to rub, pat or touch it. I would never dare do the same to anyone else. Rubbing my stomach feels the same as rubbing my arm, and I’d much prefer people stick to my arm.

Please respect me enough to ask permission before reaching out and touching it. If the intention is to feel the baby moving, tell me that. When the baby decides to get active, I may be okay with someone feeling my stomach. Don’t be surprised if the kid doesn’t move while we’re together. I swear he has performance anxiety, much like his mom, and clams up the minute someone is waiting to feel him kick or swim around. Lately, he is most active at night, so unless I share my bed, it’s unlikely the baby will be moving.

I’m sorry. I know people are excited and they impulsively just react. I probably should just grin and bear it, but it’s really getting to be too much for me lately. It seems everyone wants to lay their hands on me, and I’m someone who likes and needs my personal space. I am who I am.

All this touching has gotten so bad that I find myself pulling back from any kind of touch, even hugs. Hopefully, this is just a late-term pregnancy thing. So, I hope people don’t get offended that if I chose not to hug them. It’s not that I don’t care about them, but it goes back to the whole personal space issue. Maybe it’s my maternal instinct -- wanting to protect my child. Protecting it from what exactly, I don’t know.

The humor in all this when I first get home at night. I can’t get my clothes off fast enough. I run up the stairs stripping shirts, jewelry, shoes, socks, etc. I then just stand for a few minutes in the closet stark naked taking a few deep breaths. Mike says it’s quite the site.

I’m not saying any of this is a rational thought, and what woman entering her final month is very rational. It’s just how I feel.

The Grand Tour

At the end of last night's class, we took the grand tour of the maternity center. It was pretty standard fare. The delivery rooms are large and spacious. The post-delivery rooms are small, but still pleasant.

A few perks:

• Free valet parking during the day for moms in labor
• Level II NICU -- let's hope we don't need it
• Good security measures -- stay away from the purple rectangles on the floor when wheeling around baby
• Dad is welcomed and encouraged to stay through admission to discharge
• Nap time for the post-delivery section of floor is from 2 pm to 4 pm -- visitors are discouraged from this time
• Promote an atmosphere that it's important to respect mom, dad and baby's time -- once we switch to the post-delivery room, the hospital provides various signs for the parents to post on the door that indicate if visitors are allowed at that time or if they need to come back another time

A few obvious negatives

• the size of the family and friends waiting room -- Mike counted only 11 chairs
• parking lot is under construction -- good luck finding a spot during normal hospital visiting hours

Things I wish they had:

• whirlpool tubs -- they do have a soaking tub they can bring to your room, but no jets
• larger showers -- not sure how Mike and I are suppose to both fit in it (They encourage the husband get in with the wife while she's in labor as a form of water therapy.)
• DVD players in the room

Overall, it's a good hospital.

Next week at class, the men wear the empathy belly. I can't wait to get a picture of Mike sporting it. He's been very empathic to me and very attentive, so I don't think he needs to wear one to see things from my perspective. I just want to see him in it for the sheer comical aspect.

34 Week Appointment

According to the doctor, I'm still trucking along and to keep it up. The baby's heart rate was 130 and she says he's head down, but may not stay in that position. I also measured exactly on for 34 weeks. I only gained 2 pounds, so that was a small victory and my blood pressure was again excellent. We went ahead and scheduled my remaining appointments. I can't believe this pregnancy is winding down. I've truly enjoyed being pregnant and am amazed by my own body. Now, let's see if my perspective changes after the next few weeks and after labor!

Wake up Calls
Mike and I are slowly getting ready for baby, but we still have plenty of things to prepare before baby makes an appearance. We so need to get in gear. The universe has been sending us wake up calls, and hopefully, we're paying attention to them.

The first was Tuesday night at our class. Our instructor informed us that we already lost a couple. She went into labor the night after our first class. The baby was born at 31 weeks and mom and baby are doing fine. She used that as a reminder to get our bags packed, along with a multitude of other things, like knowing how to contact my doctor when labor begins (I didn't know, but now I do). At my doctor's appointment, the doctor reminded me that once I hit 36 weeks, they won't attempt to stop labor if it begins because the baby is "cooked" enough. Okay, that's in two weeks. Two Weeks! Now, I don't think I'll go early, but you never know so I guess we better apply the Scout mantra and "Be Prepared."

I also had a complete freak out moment at work this week. It was the complete: slap me upside the head, pull the rug right out from under me, the deer in the headlights kind of moment. A co-worker and I were discussing new software packages we're testing, and our next step with this project. And then it hit, I am actually going on maternity leave and will be away from my job for 12 whole weeks. I know, it's not shocking, but to me, maternity leave has always been this abstract thought. It wasn't actually happening any time soon, but it is. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to the time with the baby to bond and to settle into becoming a mom. I've been so focused on preparations on the home front that I hadn't begun to consider the implications to my job.

So much to do! I can't begin stressing too much about it. If I do, I'll have a "mental snowball," as Mike calls it, and render myself completely useless. I need to make a list of everything we still need to do and to buy, it will be lengthy, but lists help me cope.

No Other Way

When your mind is a mess
so is mine
I cant sleep
cause it hurts when I think
My thoughts aren't at peace
with the plans that we make
chances we take
they're, not yours and not mine
there's waves that can break
all the words that we said
and the words that we mean
words can fall short
can't see the unseen
cause the world is awake
for somebody's sake now, please close your eyes
woman please get some sleep

And know that if I knew
all of the answers I would
not hold them from you'd
know all of the things that i'd know
we told each other, there is no other way

Well too much silence can be misleading
You're drifting I can hear it in the way that your breathing
We don't really need to find reason
Cause out the same door that it came well its leaving its leaving
Leaving like a day that’s done and part of a season
Resolve is just a concept that's as dead as the leaves
But at least we can sleep, its all that we need
When we wake we will find
Our minds will be free to go to sleep

And know that if I knew
all of the answers I would
not hold them from you'd
know all of the things that i'd know 'cause
we told each other, there is no other way

-------------

Just felt like posting this.

Santa gets BUSTED.

Some kids you can put things past. Others, there is no chance in hell. These are 2 such children: Tacy and Gena Mitchell. They are my cousin's two kids and they are just too cute. And this is another example why.

To set it up, my cousin Eric has just shown up dressed up as Santa, and isn't doing the best job disguising his voice...

(QuickTime Version) http://macnmike.com/photos/santabusted/EricGetsBusted.mov

(Windows Media Version) http://macnmike.com/photos/santabusted/EricGetsBustedMEDIUM.wmv


Oh man, its just too funny.

Report From First Class

Surprisingly, class didn't freak me out too much and the night ended with my confidence stronger than when class first began. The first thing I saw when I walked in the room was an actual baby doll placed head down in pelvic bone skeleton. I thought to myself, "no way, I'm out of here. This kid isn't coming out that way." Luckily, my tune changed by the end of the night.

After introductions, we discussed expectations, learned some exercises to get our body ready for labor and watched a video on techniques and positions that are helpful during labor. The rule is you should move to a different position every 20 to 30 minutes. No longer are you confined to bed during labor, which is good because I don't sit still very well. We ended the night with our coaches giving us a massage and getting us to relax.....ahhh....it felt so good!

I have no doubt that Mike is going to be a fabulous coach. He always knows how to calm me down and how to build my confidence. I was happy to see that nothing freaked him out, and he was completely engaged the whole class.

Next week, we watch our first video of an actual birth, so my thoughts may swing from confidence to outright fear.

Christmas Conflicts

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I can't believe the end of the year is upon us. How is that possible? I am ready for a few days off of work, and I know Mike and I are ready for some down time.

We are staying in Kansas City for the holiday -- well, we are making a day trip to Fairfax tomorrow, but we're not going to Sioux City. Two reasons, the doc nor I think I should make such a long drive at this stage in the pregnancy, and I'm holding on to my vacation time to use during maternity leave. My mom was sweet and came down for a very quick visit. Brian and she drove down yesterday and have already left this morning. It was hard to say goodbye, but I'm so happy she made the trip. Some time is better than no time. So, while I'm excited for Christmas, my heart is a little heavy knowing I won't see my brothers at this time of the year and I don't know when I'll see them next. I imagine talking to them on Christmas morning may be a touch emotional for me. I'll try to blame the pregnancies hormones.

We're also celebrating a multitude of good news this week. Mike's cousin Kim gave birth to a beautiful baby girl earlier this week. Grace Ann entered this world around 8:30 on Dec. 20. We can't wait to meet her. Mom and baby are doing great.

The other good news is my good friend Kim, who served as my maid of honor, is engaged and floating on Cloud 9. She was so cute on the phone last night. I think the neighbors could hear the excitement through the phone. I think 2006 holds a lot of promise.

Chicago Ferris Wheel Fun!

P1010115.JPG
Originally uploaded by mbowling.

I'm just doing more testing of things on the blog here, but here's a great pict of Amanda and I near the very top of a Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. It was a fun time! Amanda is doing a good job of pretending to not be freaked out!

First Day of School

Tonight, Mike and I have our first childbirth preparation class. We'll be in this class for the next five weeks on Tuesday nights. We're feeling a touch of anxiety -- not knowing what to expect, but we're also excited to learn and meet other new parents.

I can't believe that in a little less/little more than eight weeks we'll have a new member to our family. CRAZY! This class hopefully will help us feel like we're a touch more prepared for the little guy's arrival. But, can you ever be fully prepared?

32 Week Dr. Appointment

The good news is the baby and I are trucking along. The baby's heart rate was 131 and solid. My blood sugar, blood pressure and hemoglobin were great, which means I passed my gestational diabetes test with flying colors. All things that I'm very thankful.

The bad news is the weight keeps piling on faster than the doc or I would like. I'm still going to jazzercise. I try to go 4x a week, but lately it's only been 3x. I park in the furthest spot from the door every morning. I do my prenatal yoga video. I've stayed active during this pregnancy. I've tried to be conscious about what I've eaten. I've never said to myself, "I'm pregnant or I'm eating for two, I can have another cookie, bowl of ice cream, dessert, etc." Now that doesn't mean I haven't eaten those, but not any more than I did before I was pregnant. They are just occasional treats. It's just frustrating because I do believe I've tried and I'll keep trying.

My doctor knows that weight is an issue for me, so as long as I stay active and the rest of the numbers stay in check then my body is going to do what it needs to do for this pregnancy. I have to learn I can't decide where the weight goes. I can only control what goes into my mouth and how active I am. So, I need to watch what and how much I eat and try to hit class more often. Neither of these will be easy. It's hard to ignore the allure of the holiday foods, and working out will become more difficult as I continue to progress, but I'm going to try my darnest to succeed at both.

I've enjoyed being pregnant. I've been so fortunate to have an easy pregnancy so far, so I shouldn't let the weight gain get me down. Sadly, it is though.

Holiday fun...

This is just too funny for words...

http://www.southflorida.com/events/sfl-scaredsanta,0,2245506.photogallery?coll=sfe-events-headlines&index=1

Testing....testing....

Well, here we are now over at Blogger.

Why? Well, I really wasn't liking the fact that Amanda couldn't post very easily, and that I couldn't just pull up to a regular computer and not write up something quickly. Plus the old software really was pretty slow. It had nice integration with all the iLife apps, but I didn't like that I could only update it using that one laptop.

Okay, now that I have this working, here's hoping more on-topic posts will start happening!