November 2008 Archives

Here are some other random thoughts that have come about in the last month or so, but didn't come to me this morning while setting up this blog:

Things to add to the normal grocery list: diapers, baby wipes, baby powder, other stuff that we haven't thought of yet.

2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 parents, 1 baby.....everyone better get along pretty well.  I'm pretty sure the dogs will become instant protectors and playmates.  I certainly hope so.

This kid is going to be spoiled rotten.

We need to see my family more often once we have a family of our own.  Just need to figure out how.

Weekends are going to be even better.

Do I have enough life insurance?

We need a lot of stuff.

The "cat room" is actually going to be the nursery, hopefully they adjust well to being moved inside the same house.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to take advantage of our alternative work schedule so I'll have Friday or Monday off with the baby.  I wonder if Michelle can do the same but take the opposite 5th day off so we only pay for 3 days of daycare and spend as much time with baby as possible?

I'm so relieved that the pregnancy has taken hold properly (not ectopic, no problems, strong heartbeat, etc) and we feel comfortable sharing with everyone we know.

I don't envy what Michelle will be going through, but I'll do anything I can for her.

I think the dogs can already tell.  They have been acting differently towards Michelle.

People ask me what we want (boy or girl).....I honestly just want a healthy baby.  10 little fingers, 10 little toes.....

I think we're both lucky that Michelle hasn't been experiencing any major symptoms.  No severe symptoms means an easier time of it for both of us.

Is the house as safe as it can be?

I'm pretty happy with our timing.  Michelle won't have to deal with ice and snow during her last trimester, and the baby is due before it gets too hot and humid here.

I've lived here for 8 years and I don't know very much about the youth programs.  I have a lot to research in the next couple of years.

Do I remember how to change a diaper?

This is going to be a lot of fun.  Stressful, yes.  Frustrating, yes.  Fun, definitely.

I've sure I'll have many more random thoughts as we go along the next 7 months or so.  I'll sprinkle those in with updates on the baby from time to time.  For now it's time to do other things.....

So, everyone knows that keeping a secret can be pretty hard.  Keeping the fact that Michelle is pregnant a secret was one of the hardest things I (or she) has ever done, especially since we knew that eventually we would be telling everyone the happiest news that we've ever had.  We're going to be parents, others will be grandparents, aunts, uncles, great-grandparents.....

We're going to be parents?  HOLY CRAP, WE'RE GONNA BE PARENTS!!!!  So many things have gone through my mind since we found out.  So many emotions.  I'm elated - I can't wait to hold my little boy or little girl and take a nap with them sleeping on my chest on a Sunday afternoon.  I realize that this new little person is going to be a very integral part of what means the world to me (Michelle being the first, of course).  And yes, I realize a feeding or diaper change is probably not far behind that nap.  I'm scared - how are we going to afford this?  Daycare costs how much, diapers cost how much, baby food costs how much, college costs how much?!?!  Ok, maybe I've got college figured out.  Yes, I've already been looking at 529 accounts.  Now to figure out all the stuff that comes before it.  I'm alternately thrilled and apprehensive about raising a human being.  To instill in a new human being the values that we hold and try to live by.  Who's bright idea was it to give Michelle and I that kind of responsibility?  Oh yeah, it was ours.

Speaking of that....before now it was just Michelle and I.  We were married, yet still kind of independent.  I was responsible for me, and she for her.  But the way I see it, now I'm responsible for the safety and security of this family.  Period.  I have to make sure Michelle is taken care of as well as the baby that is growing inside her.  Some folks think that the guy doesn't have anything really to do with it.  I don't know, I'm feeling a bit of pressure knowing that it's on my shoulders now.  Honestly though, that's ok, because I've been trained well....nothing like baptism by fire to teach you the lessons you need.  People always say I'll be a great father.  Honestly, I tend to believe them.  Yeah, I really do want this, and the excitement far outweighs the worry.  As long as we can provide a loving home, we'll always be able to figure anything else out.

Well, enough about my concerns and all that....you came here to read about our baby.  So, the secret is out and here we go.  I'm looking forward to the journey that lies ahead of us.  I'll post here as thoughts come about (these just happen to be a rush of the past month or so that I'm putting in writing at 1:25 in the morning on a Sunday) and I have more and more news concerning our little one.  For now, here's a pic of our little kumquat.