We just got our maternity pictures back, and they're awesome! Thanks Amber for your expertise, artistry and friendship. We love you...all three of us :) (Enjoy)
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Friday, August 10, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
You know you're 9 months pregnant when...
1. You're ready to meet your baby (and really ready to have your body back).
2. You keep looking at your pedicure from months ago and think to yourself, "If only I could reach to redo my polish, clip my toenails, etc."
3. You feel anxious/claustrophobic in your own body from time to time.
4. One armpit smells to high heaven no matter how much deodorant you put on. And yes, just the one.
5. Everyone you see says, "You're so little," or "That's it?" or "I thought you'd be bigger by now" but after you roll out of bed in the morning (not so gracefully might I add) your husband says, "Woah, you are PREGNANT!"
6. You're so used to the baby movements that you don't know what people are referring to when they look down and say, "WOAH! It's like the movie Alien!"
7. You cry when a mobster on Burn Notice is left by his friends after he went back for one of them. The man (hypothetical tv character) who killed many many others somehow deserves your tears when he decides on a whim to be loyal to his friend and is betrayed...and your husband tries very hard to stifle his laughter.
8. 4 more weeks is too long to wait.
9. You hit your belly on the edge of a restaurant table...every stinkin' time.
10. You don't understand why you're falling asleep like an old man-in the middle of the day, on a couch, sitting up, laying down, on the floor-ANY place is a good place to sleep.
11. If you hear one more person tell you you're crazy for not wanting an epidural, you might deck them. (I think you're crazy for not supporting me in my decision! Ha! Take that!)
12. There's nothing that makes you more happy than seeing your husband interact with your moving belly. Even if he does say, "Baby! This is your father speaking" every single time :)
13. You have to wear your husband's clothes to bed, and even those are getting a little tight.
14. The baby room, hospital bag, clothes, closet etc. are all put in place and readily await the new family member.
15. You've already tested out the Moby wrap you just bought for a killer deal on Craigslist...with a stuffed animal...and so did your husband :)
16. You're quite cautious about who you let speak into your life about parenting.
17. You can't imagine how you could love any little being so much already, even though you've not really met yet.
18. Your ankles have seen better days
19. Your back has given its two week notice... 6 weeks ago.
and
20. You absolutely cannot wait to embark upon this new adventure, be it joyous, be it challenging, be it life-changing, be it all of the above and more.
2. You keep looking at your pedicure from months ago and think to yourself, "If only I could reach to redo my polish, clip my toenails, etc."
3. You feel anxious/claustrophobic in your own body from time to time.
4. One armpit smells to high heaven no matter how much deodorant you put on. And yes, just the one.
5. Everyone you see says, "You're so little," or "That's it?" or "I thought you'd be bigger by now" but after you roll out of bed in the morning (not so gracefully might I add) your husband says, "Woah, you are PREGNANT!"
6. You're so used to the baby movements that you don't know what people are referring to when they look down and say, "WOAH! It's like the movie Alien!"
7. You cry when a mobster on Burn Notice is left by his friends after he went back for one of them. The man (hypothetical tv character) who killed many many others somehow deserves your tears when he decides on a whim to be loyal to his friend and is betrayed...and your husband tries very hard to stifle his laughter.
8. 4 more weeks is too long to wait.
9. You hit your belly on the edge of a restaurant table...every stinkin' time.
11. If you hear one more person tell you you're crazy for not wanting an epidural, you might deck them. (I think you're crazy for not supporting me in my decision! Ha! Take that!)
12. There's nothing that makes you more happy than seeing your husband interact with your moving belly. Even if he does say, "Baby! This is your father speaking" every single time :)
13. You have to wear your husband's clothes to bed, and even those are getting a little tight.
14. The baby room, hospital bag, clothes, closet etc. are all put in place and readily await the new family member.
15. You've already tested out the Moby wrap you just bought for a killer deal on Craigslist...with a stuffed animal...and so did your husband :)
16. You're quite cautious about who you let speak into your life about parenting.
17. You can't imagine how you could love any little being so much already, even though you've not really met yet.
18. Your ankles have seen better days
19. Your back has given its two week notice... 6 weeks ago.
and
20. You absolutely cannot wait to embark upon this new adventure, be it joyous, be it challenging, be it life-changing, be it all of the above and more.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Did that REALLY just happen to me?!
Yesterday before work both Patrick and I kind of laid in bed avoiding the "gotta get up and get ready" part of the morning. So of course, we were rushed. I quickly made a couple of smoothies to go and toasted some bread for the road. "Hey babe, can you butter the bread and I'll feed the dogs?" "Sure." We're a great team. So we finish up some last minute things, I grab a smoothie and the toast, try to balance everything and head out to the car. Patrick locks the door, I start the car, and we're off. I dropped Patrick off at work, quick kiss good bye and then I drove to StreetLight. The rest of the morning was typical, I walk by everyone's office and say good morning, it was Monday so I even asked about their weekend...I set my stuff down at my desk and get situated...I made my list of things to do for the day and start working...
Like clockwork I get up to go to the bathroom at 9:15am. Do my business, wash my hands, and as I'm looking in the mirror I see a round wet mark on my shirt-one side-"NO WAY!!" I cannot possibly be leaking!! I'm 32 weeks, not even close to nursing!! I touch it, but it's not wet. So, call it instinct, I smell it-BUTTER!! HOW IN THE WORLD DID I GET A BUTTER STAIN IN THE WORST SPOT POSSIBLE?! Then it clicked. I was in such a hurry this morning, balancing everything as we rushed out the door-the toast must have been pressed up against my shirt for just a few seconds too long. I furiously try to rub the spot with some water-water and butter...yeah right. Well, I stayed in the bathroom for a while so the spot would dry, but I pretty much got it out. Thank you Lord for a colored shirt!!
I immediately go to a coworker friend and say, "MARIA! Why didn't you tell me I had a stain RIGHT THERE!?!" ::and pointed to the crime scene:: She said, "What? I don't see anything." So I explained the story about how we rushed out of the house that morning and we both laughed for a good long time. None of my coworkers said anything.
End embarrassing moment #1. But wait my friend, it gets better. So. much. better.
I left StreetLight late (our staff meeting ran long) and hurried off again. This time to a Stress Management Training in Phoenix. Perfect. Exactly what I need! As I'm sure you would be, I was quite careful NOT to get any food on me of any kind while I ate in the car. (Which is a tricky task to do when your belly takes up all your lap room between you and the steering wheel!) I didn't spill anything, whew! I found the training location, gathered my things and made my way to the room. Things are going well, but of course after the training has started I have to go to the bathroom. I don't bother feeling bad anymore, I figure people just think, "She's pregnant, whatever." So I get up and go. I walk across the long hallway of classrooms where other trainings are taking place, ask a front desk person where the bathroom is, walk across the lobby, and to the bathroom I go. All is well, no more butter stain, I check my teeth just in case-good, and walk out. I walk across the lobby with the tall glass wall, walk by the first security desk, walk by the receptionist and just as
I'm about to open the door to the long corridor of training rooms the receptionist says frantically, "Ma'am! Ma'am!!" My hand is on the door handle, but I turn around. Sheepishly she says, "Um...your skirt is tucked in..." before she could finish I reach behind me and touch bare bottom skin..."to your..." I don't even remember her saying it, I just remember thinking in my mortified mind, "underwear." The bottom of my skirt somehow got caught and I was literally half-mooning the receptionist and Lord knows who else. It might have been embarrassing if I was wearing granny panties...but I wasn't. Oh no, this was beyond embarrassing. I can't imagine what my face looked like as I gathered my jaw off the floor. She quietly said, "I'm sorry, I just thought..." "NO! DON'T be sorry. Thank you!" She smiled and looked down, probably so I wouldn't be further embarrassed, then buzzed me in the door. Just like a movie scene, I walked down the long hallway of classrooms, looking into the huge window of each one and guesstimating how many people could have seen my derriere. My big, pregnant caboose. How in the world did that happen? How did I not feel it?!
I probably walked back into class with the biggest eyes ever. I was quiet, and so grateful that a good person said something. Because you know what? People don't always tell you about the spinach in your teeth, or the toilet paper on your shoe, or that your big, white @$$ is on display for the world to see. But a gracious person saved me from at least a little embarrassment.
There are two things I've learned from yesterday:
1. ALWAYS tell someone if they could have a potentially embarrassing moment, whether you know them or not. Surely they'll be grateful. I know I was!
2. Things that you see in the movies, even though you think they're so outlandish, can actually happen to you. :)
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Stuff they don't tell you...
Things they don't tell you about pregnancy:
-You will grow to hate cocoa butter. In fact, the smell of cocoa or chocolate is no longer pleasurable. Instead you instantly think of being lathered up in greasy, thick, butter that's hard to get out of your clothes and makes you feel, sort of gross.
-People will say, "Oh my gosh, you're so tiny!" or "Oh, you're the cutest little pregnant lady" and you just want to switch torsos with them for a day to see if they still feel the same way.
-While sitting, your boobs will touch the top of your stomach. It's weird, but not a whole lot you can do about it.
-You will itch like it's nobody's business. This is mainly because your poor skin is stretching to its maximum limits.
-You will feel like a cow, udders and all. Not necessarily because you're swollen or bloated (although you may have that experience), but just because you've got some massive frontal weight that you never had before.
-You will be asked the following questions at least 10 times a day: How are you feeling? (Because people are nice and most care about your well being) Do you really want a boy or a girl? (Like I'm going to tell you! If I say one you'll think I'm ungrateful if its the other.) Have you thought of any names? (Probably the most popular question for us right now) How many kids do you want? (My "funny" answer to this is usually "Ask me that after I give birth with this one") Are you going to get an epidural? (My answer is probably not. Hard core naturalists have a problem with that answer because of the "probably" and those who don't believe in pain can't possibly understand why I don't walk in the hospital with my request for an epidural already placed with the anesthesiologist. Read up on it and make your own decision. That's mine).
-EVERYONE will share their unsolicited advice with you about raising children, breastfeeding, labor, you name it. Smile and nod :o)
-EVERYONE will say your life will never be the same. (Isn't that the point?)
-Sleeping is a hot commodity. They say get lots of sleep before the baby comes, but that's easier said than done (says Bessy the cow, lol).
-When you eat a lot, people say, "It's ok, you're eating for two." But you really shouldn't double your caloric intake. Nor should you gorge yourself with unhealthy food just because your pregnant. Remember, you're feeding your kid all that crap too.
-Maybe the most important thing I've come to learn: everyone has a different experience with pregnancy. Some want to be pregnant, some don't. Some want tons of kids, some don't. Some want to stay at home with baby for years, some don't. Some get pregnant right away, others have tried for years to no avail. Respect other people and their experience, but understand it doesn't have to be yours. Just be polite and empathetic. And hopefully you have a great support system to relate with you too.
-People will say, "Oh my gosh, you're so tiny!" or "Oh, you're the cutest little pregnant lady" and you just want to switch torsos with them for a day to see if they still feel the same way.
-While sitting, your boobs will touch the top of your stomach. It's weird, but not a whole lot you can do about it.
-You will itch like it's nobody's business. This is mainly because your poor skin is stretching to its maximum limits.
-You will feel like a cow, udders and all. Not necessarily because you're swollen or bloated (although you may have that experience), but just because you've got some massive frontal weight that you never had before.
-You will be asked the following questions at least 10 times a day: How are you feeling? (Because people are nice and most care about your well being) Do you really want a boy or a girl? (Like I'm going to tell you! If I say one you'll think I'm ungrateful if its the other.) Have you thought of any names? (Probably the most popular question for us right now) How many kids do you want? (My "funny" answer to this is usually "Ask me that after I give birth with this one") Are you going to get an epidural? (My answer is probably not. Hard core naturalists have a problem with that answer because of the "probably" and those who don't believe in pain can't possibly understand why I don't walk in the hospital with my request for an epidural already placed with the anesthesiologist. Read up on it and make your own decision. That's mine).
-EVERYONE will share their unsolicited advice with you about raising children, breastfeeding, labor, you name it. Smile and nod :o)
-EVERYONE will say your life will never be the same. (Isn't that the point?)
-Sleeping is a hot commodity. They say get lots of sleep before the baby comes, but that's easier said than done (says Bessy the cow, lol).
-When you eat a lot, people say, "It's ok, you're eating for two." But you really shouldn't double your caloric intake. Nor should you gorge yourself with unhealthy food just because your pregnant. Remember, you're feeding your kid all that crap too.
-Maybe the most important thing I've come to learn: everyone has a different experience with pregnancy. Some want to be pregnant, some don't. Some want tons of kids, some don't. Some want to stay at home with baby for years, some don't. Some get pregnant right away, others have tried for years to no avail. Respect other people and their experience, but understand it doesn't have to be yours. Just be polite and empathetic. And hopefully you have a great support system to relate with you too.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Tales of a prego: baby brain
I sit here eating my delicious sandwich from Schlotzsky's and think to myself, did that seriously just happen??
Let me set the scene for you...
Patrick and Morgan went out for dinner, and so I decided to get a sandwich from some place close by. I love Schlotzsky's, its literally a two minute drive, so off I go.
I unnecessarily look at the menu (I always have my "regular order" at any place I frequent) and thus begins the longest string of "baby brain events" to this point:
Me: Can I get a small traditional on sourdough?
Clerk: A small ORIGINAL? Sure.
Me: Yeah, sorry.
Clerk: Would you like chips and a drink or just the sandwich?
Me: Just the salad please.
Clerk: The sandwich?
Me: ::shaking my head at myself:: yeah, sorry. And no onions please.
Clerk: Sure thing.
He hands me my receipt and says, "You're order number 102."
I sit down and patiently wait for my sandwich, already embarrassed at the two mistakes I've made in a matter of seconds. There's maybe 5 other people in the whole place.
I hear "order number 101." I look at my receipt because I've already forgotten my number. A minute or so later I hear "small original." Nope, not me. I continue to check my email on my phone. Again I hear "small original." The thought in my mind was literally, "who ordered that?" I look at my receipt again, "nope, I'm number 102." The guy peeks his head around the window, looks right at me and says, "Ma'am, your sandwich is ready." In a matter of seconds I realize what had happened and I feel mortified. I quickly thank him, apologize and start to walk out. I passed the door, stopped, back tracked and as embarrassed as I was, looked for the handle of the door-the windows and door looked exactly the same. Oh my gosh, I just need to get out of here.
I find the door and grab for my keys in my purse. I hit the unlock button and stand by my car...but the alarm sounds sort of dead. Like its off in the distance. I think, "Dang it, I hope the battery isn't having problems again." I reach for the door handle and something doesn't look right-it's black. My handles are silver. OH MY GOSH, THAT'S NOT MY CAR. I look up and this guy who's walking into Schlotzsky's sort of smiles at me and looks down because he's trying not to embarrass me more than I already was. I quickly walk to my car, look around to make sure I recognize things in it. "Good, I'm pretty sure this is my car." Key started it-great-get me out of here.
On the way home (only a two minute drive) I think to myself, "I seriously can't go out in public by myself anymore. What if I forget the rules of the road and kill a pedestrian?! What if a fire alarm goes off and I stand around looking at all the frantic people?" The whole way home I was nervously paying attention to the road, the normal route I use to go home. "Is this my house? Yes! I still haven't planted those two rose bushes in the front. Okay, good."
Not a fan of this "baby brain" and I'll be the first to NOT blame anything "weird" on the fact that I'm pregnant, but this is happening way to frequently for me to deny anymore. I'm ready to have my mind back :)
Let me set the scene for you...
Patrick and Morgan went out for dinner, and so I decided to get a sandwich from some place close by. I love Schlotzsky's, its literally a two minute drive, so off I go.
I unnecessarily look at the menu (I always have my "regular order" at any place I frequent) and thus begins the longest string of "baby brain events" to this point:
Me: Can I get a small traditional on sourdough?
Clerk: A small ORIGINAL? Sure.
Me: Yeah, sorry.
Clerk: Would you like chips and a drink or just the sandwich?
Me: Just the salad please.
Clerk: The sandwich?
Me: ::shaking my head at myself:: yeah, sorry. And no onions please.
Clerk: Sure thing.
He hands me my receipt and says, "You're order number 102."
I sit down and patiently wait for my sandwich, already embarrassed at the two mistakes I've made in a matter of seconds. There's maybe 5 other people in the whole place.
I hear "order number 101." I look at my receipt because I've already forgotten my number. A minute or so later I hear "small original." Nope, not me. I continue to check my email on my phone. Again I hear "small original." The thought in my mind was literally, "who ordered that?" I look at my receipt again, "nope, I'm number 102." The guy peeks his head around the window, looks right at me and says, "Ma'am, your sandwich is ready." In a matter of seconds I realize what had happened and I feel mortified. I quickly thank him, apologize and start to walk out. I passed the door, stopped, back tracked and as embarrassed as I was, looked for the handle of the door-the windows and door looked exactly the same. Oh my gosh, I just need to get out of here.
I find the door and grab for my keys in my purse. I hit the unlock button and stand by my car...but the alarm sounds sort of dead. Like its off in the distance. I think, "Dang it, I hope the battery isn't having problems again." I reach for the door handle and something doesn't look right-it's black. My handles are silver. OH MY GOSH, THAT'S NOT MY CAR. I look up and this guy who's walking into Schlotzsky's sort of smiles at me and looks down because he's trying not to embarrass me more than I already was. I quickly walk to my car, look around to make sure I recognize things in it. "Good, I'm pretty sure this is my car." Key started it-great-get me out of here.
On the way home (only a two minute drive) I think to myself, "I seriously can't go out in public by myself anymore. What if I forget the rules of the road and kill a pedestrian?! What if a fire alarm goes off and I stand around looking at all the frantic people?" The whole way home I was nervously paying attention to the road, the normal route I use to go home. "Is this my house? Yes! I still haven't planted those two rose bushes in the front. Okay, good."
Not a fan of this "baby brain" and I'll be the first to NOT blame anything "weird" on the fact that I'm pregnant, but this is happening way to frequently for me to deny anymore. I'm ready to have my mind back :)
Friday, May 18, 2012
Pregnant Perspective
I have a new perspective, I mean, being pregnant and all. People say and do very interesting things. Things that make me wonder, "If I didn't have this belly attached, would you have done/said that?"
There's the reaction I expected from parents and grandparents-as in my own and Patrick's. Their voice gets all high-pitched, exclaiming something in English (I think) about "how cute" or "precious" or "baby boy." Then they proceed to rub the belly. The fate of a pregnant woman-just call me Buddah :o) BUT, they're family and I want them to be a part of the experience. I LOVE that they react this way. It must feel incredibly special to literally see and feel generations developing before your eyes. And how blessed I am to have an incredible family.
Then there's the guy in Sprouts that simultaneously takes a jab at my crazy craving and size-in a funny way actually. So, I eat watermelons in 1-2 days. WHOLE watermelons (and I'm not talking about the small ones!) in at most 2 days. 3 days if I'm out of the house a lot. We were in Sprouts one day, getting groceries and I'm carrying around this huge watermelon. A random customer smiles at me and says, "You already got one of those don't you?" I had to laugh. "I sure do!" That's cute.
There's the common phrase that's been used recently, "You don't even look pregnant! How far along are you?" "6 months actually" "Oh wow! You're so little." I don't usually know how to react to this. What am I supposed to say? Thanks? It's just a weird thing to say, or maybe I just feel awkward because I don't know how to react? Who knows.
Then there are the overprotective ones: the ones that view me as disabled because I'm with child. It's amazing what people will do for you because they see you're pregnant. Pick up a suitcase, grocery bag, anything I dropped on the floor by accident, and carry anything no matter how light. Again, I'm not really sure how to react to this. Last time I checked my arms and legs were in good working order, but if you want to do that for me...I guess I shouldn't complain. I know people are trying to be nice, so I try not to take it personal.
Probably one of my favorite reactions is how people look at me at the gym. This one gym in particular is full of big muscley guys who huff and puff with every rep. When they see me from the back, it's no big deal, but then I turn around and their eyes get all big, and stare at me like I came from outer space. I don't think they realize how long they're actually staring either. Just because you're looking at my belly and not my eyes, doesn't mean I can't see you staring at me. At this other gym (that I go to more often now) I usually get a smile from people. Much more friendly :o)
I think my favorite part of this whole experience is seeing how Patrick reacts. First let me say, my husband is an incredible man. I don't think I'm a crazy pregnant woman, but he certainly puts up with his share of wacko, and dishes it out too.
I'm pretty verbal (with him) about how I like to be treated by people in general. For example, if someone implies that I can't do something because I'm inferior in any way, less strong, etc. my natural reaction is to show them wrong. He knows this well. So when I bend down and pick up the newspaper he says to me, "Ummm..(with a very concerned look on his face) I don't think you should be picking that up." Then I proceed to hit him with the newspaper and he laughs. Do all spouses do things for a reaction? Mine certainly does!
Then there's the nightly cocoa butter rub down. Now, what is the fun in rubbing yourself with cocoa butter every night? No fun! But when your husband is doing it, its sort of like a massage...and quite frankly, I take advantage of that. Every night I ask him for the rub down. Sometimes he does it more than willingly, sometimes begrudgingly lol, and sometimes he fake sleeps. I know because when I find him "snoozing" on the couch the ipad light is still on-it was used recently. You don't fool me Mr. Jones. So I just leave him alone because he does it most nights anyway. But he cares so much and does it for me because he knows I like it. What a guy :o)
Some other ways I can tell he cares:
He went to every one of the doctors appointments in the beginning because he was so excited and was determined to be involved. Then we realized he should be saving those days for when the baby actually comes. He was bummed not to come to every appointment, but I assured him that just hearing the heartbeat again is no big deal. It is, and he knows it is, but I think time he can spend with the baby when he's here is better-and he feels the same way.
When people ask us questions about the baby, he's always the first to answer. He's so cute.
Vitamins-he's constantly on me about taking my vitamin D. Bleh.
He reminds me to do my exercises (for Bradly Method class) and smiles. And he totally gets into the class. Probably more than the other dads, and they're all pretty involved dads.
He kisses the baby and tells him good morning, and gets really excited when he can feel him kick. It's so cute.
One morning we were getting ready for church and he started singing all the minor scales, and identifying them, into my belly. It was hysterical. Whenever I sing something poorly (as I mock or do it on purpose) he says sarcastically, "I sure hope you get your mom's voice."
And my favorite:
I set up an email account for the baby. Both Patrick and I write him emails, and the idea is that he can go back and read them when he's older and kind of get a glimpse into our thoughts and the whole experience of him being born. Patrick's first email was, "Dear Poppy, I love you. ~Dad." Something so perfect and perfectly simple that speaks volumes. It brought a little tear to my eye.
Something I've learned through this process: what "people" say is irrelevant. But what your spouse says and does, speaks above all the other noise. I'm so blessed to share life with a man that I know will be the best father to our kids. So excited to share this journey with you, my love.
There's the reaction I expected from parents and grandparents-as in my own and Patrick's. Their voice gets all high-pitched, exclaiming something in English (I think) about "how cute" or "precious" or "baby boy." Then they proceed to rub the belly. The fate of a pregnant woman-just call me Buddah :o) BUT, they're family and I want them to be a part of the experience. I LOVE that they react this way. It must feel incredibly special to literally see and feel generations developing before your eyes. And how blessed I am to have an incredible family.
There's the common phrase that's been used recently, "You don't even look pregnant! How far along are you?" "6 months actually" "Oh wow! You're so little." I don't usually know how to react to this. What am I supposed to say? Thanks? It's just a weird thing to say, or maybe I just feel awkward because I don't know how to react? Who knows.
Then there are the overprotective ones: the ones that view me as disabled because I'm with child. It's amazing what people will do for you because they see you're pregnant. Pick up a suitcase, grocery bag, anything I dropped on the floor by accident, and carry anything no matter how light. Again, I'm not really sure how to react to this. Last time I checked my arms and legs were in good working order, but if you want to do that for me...I guess I shouldn't complain. I know people are trying to be nice, so I try not to take it personal.
Probably one of my favorite reactions is how people look at me at the gym. This one gym in particular is full of big muscley guys who huff and puff with every rep. When they see me from the back, it's no big deal, but then I turn around and their eyes get all big, and stare at me like I came from outer space. I don't think they realize how long they're actually staring either. Just because you're looking at my belly and not my eyes, doesn't mean I can't see you staring at me. At this other gym (that I go to more often now) I usually get a smile from people. Much more friendly :o)
I think my favorite part of this whole experience is seeing how Patrick reacts. First let me say, my husband is an incredible man. I don't think I'm a crazy pregnant woman, but he certainly puts up with his share of wacko, and dishes it out too.
I'm pretty verbal (with him) about how I like to be treated by people in general. For example, if someone implies that I can't do something because I'm inferior in any way, less strong, etc. my natural reaction is to show them wrong. He knows this well. So when I bend down and pick up the newspaper he says to me, "Ummm..(with a very concerned look on his face) I don't think you should be picking that up." Then I proceed to hit him with the newspaper and he laughs. Do all spouses do things for a reaction? Mine certainly does!
Then there's the nightly cocoa butter rub down. Now, what is the fun in rubbing yourself with cocoa butter every night? No fun! But when your husband is doing it, its sort of like a massage...and quite frankly, I take advantage of that. Every night I ask him for the rub down. Sometimes he does it more than willingly, sometimes begrudgingly lol, and sometimes he fake sleeps. I know because when I find him "snoozing" on the couch the ipad light is still on-it was used recently. You don't fool me Mr. Jones. So I just leave him alone because he does it most nights anyway. But he cares so much and does it for me because he knows I like it. What a guy :o)
Some other ways I can tell he cares:
He went to every one of the doctors appointments in the beginning because he was so excited and was determined to be involved. Then we realized he should be saving those days for when the baby actually comes. He was bummed not to come to every appointment, but I assured him that just hearing the heartbeat again is no big deal. It is, and he knows it is, but I think time he can spend with the baby when he's here is better-and he feels the same way.
When people ask us questions about the baby, he's always the first to answer. He's so cute.
Vitamins-he's constantly on me about taking my vitamin D. Bleh.
He reminds me to do my exercises (for Bradly Method class) and smiles. And he totally gets into the class. Probably more than the other dads, and they're all pretty involved dads.
He kisses the baby and tells him good morning, and gets really excited when he can feel him kick. It's so cute.
One morning we were getting ready for church and he started singing all the minor scales, and identifying them, into my belly. It was hysterical. Whenever I sing something poorly (as I mock or do it on purpose) he says sarcastically, "I sure hope you get your mom's voice."
And my favorite:
I set up an email account for the baby. Both Patrick and I write him emails, and the idea is that he can go back and read them when he's older and kind of get a glimpse into our thoughts and the whole experience of him being born. Patrick's first email was, "Dear Poppy, I love you. ~Dad." Something so perfect and perfectly simple that speaks volumes. It brought a little tear to my eye.
Something I've learned through this process: what "people" say is irrelevant. But what your spouse says and does, speaks above all the other noise. I'm so blessed to share life with a man that I know will be the best father to our kids. So excited to share this journey with you, my love.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
20 weeks!
Just a quick note to say hi. The little one is waving, and wants to say hi. :o)
In the ultrasound he smiled really big for us and sneezed-it was a whole body sneeze-just amazing. Clearly I'm biased, but I think he's already a beautiful kid. 20 more weeks!
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