2010-03-06
One of my best and oldest friends, Heather, came by today with her girls, Ella (almost 5) and Kaitlyn (almost 3). They were so excited to see Flicka again, constantly exclaiming in their little squeaky voices, "She's so cute!" Ella and Kaitlyn were also thrilled to hold Flicka and really impressed Bob and I with their baby skills. I suppose it helps when you have a gaggle of baby dolls to practice on. It was so special to have some time to visit with Heather and the girls, it had been way too long.
2010-03-05
Flicka has quite the collection of hats... we had a little fashion show today and I thought I'd share some of the good ones.
2010-03-05
My mom has been spending Thursday nights at our house after she's done teaching for the week, and then spending Fridays with me and Flicka. It's only been a couple weeks of this new schedule and we are so grateful to have this special time together. Thursdays have become the new "date night" for us. It's nice to not have to tag-team when we go out now. Fridays have been FULL of playing, laughter and adventure, so much so that Flicka passed out almost immediately at bedtime tonight! We love you, Baba!
2010-03-03
I realized that we don't have that many pictures of us, together, with Flicka. So we set up the camera on self-timer and took these gems.
2010-03-03
Flicka is not much of a fan when it comes to tummy-time, so it didn't totally surprise me when she sat up on her own yesterday! During our play date with Jack and Ella, I steadied Flicka on the floor and kept my hands close to catch her lean, but she was so sturdy and straight-backed, she didn't even need me to hold on. Her new skill is still being honed, as she hasn't quite realized that she can use her arms to catch her (hence the importance of tummy-time!), but I guess there is no reasoning with a 4-month old...
2010-03-03
Flicka and I have had a good share of "play dates" with friends lately. We were lucky enough to meet some really great families in our natural childbirth class and have kept in touch with quite a few of them. All the babies were born within a couple of months of each other, with Flicka being the youngest. It is so fun to see them as they grow through the same stages, just in different time. It has also been so reassuring and comforting to spend time with other moms and know that I am not alone in all the challenges I'm facing as I continue to adjust and grow into my new role as a mama.
2010-02-26
2010-02-26
2010-02-26
I had a Flicka moment the other day, as I was trying to put her down for a nap, that made me cry. At first I thought it was my lack of sleep and tears of frustration, but then I realized that it was because I was holding MY BABY. OUR BABY.
All those months and months as she grew inside of me and we talked to her... that baby that didn't want to come out as we dreamed of her... that baby that I pushed out, I was holding her in my arms. And the little hand that was grabbing at my face, pulling at my lip and scratching my cheek, she is HERE and she is OURS.
BEST. FEELING. EVER.
2010-02-13
Even though it's still snowy and cold, we are enjoying the sunniest Saturday that anyone has seen in a while. Lots of naps, lots of singing, lots of coffee (for Dad) makes for an all around great day.
Flicka is learning and responding more every day. It's awesome.
Learning Life Skills from Bob Adams on Vimeo.
2010-02-01
Over the New Years holiday, Flicka got to spend some quality time with her Grandparents and Great-Grandparents. She met her Great Grandma Doris for the first time and spent most of the time staring at her jacket. I don't blame her, really. It was a pretty complex jacket.
2010-01-31
These days, Flicka is all sorts of in betweens... sorting out a sleep schedule (we had a night last week when Flicka was waking up every single hour, on the hour), learning to nap places other than my arms, outgrowing too tiny clothes and growing into bigger ones, rolling over, wanting to sit up and drooling all the time. We're still holding out for a full-on giggle, but she's keeping us pretty entertained with her "squeals of delight!"
2010-01-21
Flicka got to meet some cousins, great-aunts (looking too fabulous to be called "great-aunts")and hang out with Busia (Great-Grandma Jean) a few weeks ago. It took me a little bit to get these up on the blog since I had to scan them!
2010-01-20
Flicka slept in her crib, in her own room last night!
FIRST!
2010-01-20
2010-01-20
Earlier this month, Flicka, my mom and I flew to Seattle to visit Anya, Steve and the girls in Ferndale, WA. Flicka was a dream on the plane. I tried to nurse her during take-off, which is what everyone had suggested doing, to help with the pressure on her ears. We ended up taxing so long to the runway that she had finished before we even took off, but it didn't phase her. After a little bit of fussing, she was sleeping away.
It was so fun to watch Elka and Birgit as they met Flicka for the first time. It is so obvious how much they love her and want to take care of her. They were my little helpers, constantly wanting to change diapers, wipe drool, and soothe Flicka by singing songs:
"We love you Flicka, oh yes we do. We love you Flicka, it's true. When you're not with us, we're blue. Oh Flicka, we love you!"
Posted are a bunch of choice snapshots from our time together. I'm just disappointed that we didn't take any pictures of all us girls together.
2010-01-09
Thanks to her Uncle Otto and Auntie Sophia, there is a new record in our house that Flicka loves to dance around to.
Enjoy.
2010-01-05
While visiting Bob's parents in Iowa this past weekend, we looked through baby pictures and realized that Flicka looks undeniably like her daddy as a baby. I think it's the sombrero...
2010-01-05
2010-01-05
We joke about Uncle Ian being Flicka's "mannie." He was over the other day to be a set of extra hands around the house while I packed us up for Iowa. Here are some pics of him and Flicka having some quality time. Thanks Unkie!
2010-01-05
Flicka has discovered her reflection. Well, kind of... she's got some things to figure out.
2010-01-05
The day after Christmas, we had a snow-filled day at Baba and Grandpa Hennie's house. This included lots of snuggle time and some serious sledding.
2010-01-05
Flicka's first Christmas was filled with so much good family time, lots of snow and tons of fun presents!
2009-12-30
2009-12-30
So much love for these two...
2009-12-30
Flicka finally got to meet her Uncle Otto and Auntie Sophia!
2009-12-30
It's been 76 days since Flicka came into our lives like a little hurricane of goodness. We have hit strides but every few days, she reminds us that we don't have her totally figured out. I'm not convinced that she has herself figured out so much either. Let's just say that we're familiar with the confusion and frustration that comes along with being a new parent, but every single bit of it is worth it when you wake up in the morning greeted by your baby's smiles galore.
We are still adjusting to Bob being at work while I spend the days (all too often indoors with this weather) at home with Flicka. I've come to realize that being a new mom/parent can be sort of isolating. Our friends don't call us like they used to and I understand why. Baby Club keeps you on the outside of a lot of things, and yet we feel so popular with a constant request for visits. Needless to say, we've had our hands full. Here are some pictures from the last couple of weeks.
2009-12-19
"If you think about it, Flicka has a pretty pimpin' wardrobe. I mean, terrycloth and hot pink velour?"
-Urs
2009-12-16
Poor little Flicky had her 2-month check up today and had to get four shots plus an oral vaccination. She was such a brave little trooper in the doctor's office and slept for a while once we got home. As soon as Bob came home from work, little babe woke up screaming and didn't really stop for the next couple of hours. After a little Tylenol and being passed around like a hot potato, Bob was able to calm/mesmerize Flicka by playing some Battles and the Mae Shi while they watched the iTunes "Visualizer." I'm happy to say that she is now very peacefully asleep.
Flicka's stats this month:
12 lbs. 7 oz. and 22.5" long
2009-12-14
Melting hearts all over the place.
2009-12-13
Flicka is making more and more faces as time goes on and it's awesome to watch. Thinking back 2 months to her birth is totally crazy when she's sitting there smiling at you and sort of recognizing who you are.
We're working on getting her to smile on command, which involves a lot of cooing and tickling and funny-sound making. So far, not a lot of luck, but we're working on it.
2009-12-07
Being a parent gets better every day. Watching your kid grow little by little is pretty much the most awesome thing of all time. Just wait until they start to make faces and respond to you. You're going to spend hours and hours doing this and it is great.
Making faces from Bob Adams on Vimeo.
2009-12-07
The hardest thing about being a parent is the first day of snow for the year when you're getting ready to trek outside to your job and this little lady is just hanging around snoozing. Just wait, new parents, this is going to happen to you and you're going to want to break your own leg to stay home.
2009-12-05
We met a nice couple in our birthing class, with whom we have a lot in common. They are our same age, live in the same neighborhood, and had a baby around the same time as we did.
Steph and her daughter Ana came over to visit Ursula and Flicka the other day, and it was nice for two moms to get together and share war stories.
Check out this video of Flicka rubbing off on her new friend Ana...
Making other kids cry from Bob Adams on Vimeo.
2009-12-05
We got our family photos back from Flicka's Uncle Billy (billadamsphoto.com) and they are awesome. We had a great time at Bob's Aunt and Uncle's house where Flicka got to meet most of the family for the first time. As they say, 'a good time was had by all.'
2009-12-03
Flicka's been sleeping a ton lately, and she's not afraid to just go ahead and fall asleep while someone is over. For example Hannah, all the way from L.A. Visiting her favorite gal Flicka just to find out that she only wants to sleep.
Note to Hannah: maybe try to be more entertaining?
2009-11-30
I'd like to think that I look this cute after 10+ straight hours of sleep.
2009-11-29
Here's Flicka dancing to her new favorite record, the first Small Faces LP.
Flicka Dancing to Small Faces from Bob Adams on Vimeo.
2009-11-28
Flicka's new favorite thing is Video chatting with her grandparents.
2009-11-28
2009-11-22
Flicka has a great new interest: nuzzling. It used to be only with her mom, but has now expanded to other family members. It's super funny and tickles like crazy. She gets this crazy heavy panting breath when she does it, and Urs calls her "Mad Dog."
Here she is with Uncle Ian.
2009-11-21
Flicka is so lucky to have SIX grandparents, FOUR uncles and ONE super auntie. Bapoo (Bill) and Betsy drop by for weekly visits, as do Baba (Andrea) and Grandpa Hennie.
2009-11-21
Flicka has the world's longest baby lashes!
2009-11-21
As Flicka's growth picks up the pace, we're realizing that we have to get her into all the cute outfits we can before she outgrows them! Thanks to cousins Elka and Gitty for the monster jammies, and Auntie Ash for the squirrel onesie!
2009-11-14
Flicka's been awake more and more every day, and she's beginning to master her first skill: rattling. She's still figuring the whole thing out, and it's super cute.
It's awesome to watch a little baby learn things, and we figure by next March, she'll be doing peoples taxes.
2009-11-13
I had to post these two pictures, Flicka the day she was born and Flicka at four weeks.
2009-11-13
Today Flicka is four weeks old. Minds are grinding. We celebrated by having the best night of sleep yet! Last night, Flicka slept straight through from 8pm to 3am. Serious snooze marathon since we went to bed at 10pm.
Does it even need to be said that we love our little baby more and more every day?
2009-11-10
Daddy-Daughter time is pretty much the raddest thing ever when you are a dad. Lately, DDT has consisted of
- Laying on the couch together
- Listening to records
- Teaching Flicka how to shake a rattle
- Telling secrets
- Holding hands
- Looking out the window and talking about what's out there
DDT always ends with a diaper changing, and me saying "oh, you're hungry" [pass to mom].
2009-11-10
After three weeks and much anticipation (and anxiety) from mama and daddy, Flicka's umbilical nugget finally came off. Dare I say, cutest belly button EVER?
2009-11-10
I can't believe how much Flicka can change in just a few days, overnight, or even over a couple of hours. I feel like I sit and watch her as she sleeps and she's changing, growing in front of my eyes. After all the diaper changes, crying spells and being up at all hours, I feel like it is all so worth it, when those big eyes open and look at me first thing in the morning. She is refreshed, I am refreshed, and we are ready for another day together.
Yesterday was the first day I really spent home alone with Flicka, and she was the best. It's feeling like we have a groove these days and it feels pretty good to have Bob home at the end of the day and not feel like I'm overwhelmed and have to check out or cry. Believe me, we had those days, but they've been buried by all the goodness. Bob and I were just talking about how being in the hospital seems so long ago, all of it so surreal. Crazy to believe that it's almost been a month since Flicka was born. (Don't blink)
2009-11-05
...to my best friend and amazing daddy!
2009-11-01
It's been a crazy couple of weeks with Flicka. Totally rewarding, exhausting, amazing, sometimes scary, on-fire hectic, and totally calm all one after another. She has recently discovered this new thing that she really loves to do, which we call "crying."
To combat this, we brought out the big guns in the form of a pacifier which we were pretty diligent with. She's using it, loving it, and we're all happier for it.
We've been busy adjusting lately, and haven't put up a lot of pictures, so here are some from the past little while.
2009-10-31
2009-10-29
We have all kinds of new sayings around our house now that Flicka has moved in, the most common being, "Don't wake the dragon!" We're trying to get Flicka accustomed to music and other noises around the house so that she's not one of those babies that we have to tip-toe around, but for now, she is in charge and so we whisper.
As I type this, she's been napping for the past three hours, I shared the beginning of that nap with her and now Bob's catching the tail end of it.
Every day is different around here as we all adjust to life together. My favorite part is going on walks together. Bob wears Flicka in the Baby Bjorn while she snuggles up and sleeps. I like to think that we are becoming champs at mid-night feedings and diaper changes...
Also, as my bonus surprise of the day, Flicka puked all over me.
2009-10-27
Well, sort of. We try to dance with her when she is upset, but it only works part of the time. I think it's more fun for us than it is for her.
Dancing with Flicka from Bob Adams on Vimeo.
2009-10-26
It's Bob's first week back at work, and we're trying our best to adjust to the new schedule. It's amazingly fun and rewarding, but a bit of a challenge. Bob's folks have left town and that means that we're on our own for a while to figure this whole thing out.
2009-10-23
Bob's folks are in town, and getting some good Flicka time in. They are old pros at this whole baby thing.
2009-10-23
It's been about a week at home and Flicka is already getting used to the company. Watch out Chicago Social Scene, because this little one-week-old is on her way to super stardom. She just needs to work on her stamina because she can only hang out for about an hour before needing a nap.
2009-10-21
Only a few days have gone by, but we're really working on this routine. Eat, sleep, diaper change, eat, sleep, diaper change. It's a good thing that we have all these books about what to do because it defies all logic. Sometimes you have to let her cry in order to calm herself down. Who knew?
Other than working on the routine, we're really not doing much besides snuggling and visiting with people who stop by. Bob has the week off of work and we're trying to take full advantage of it by relaxing as much as possible. Lots of time in sweatpants, that sort of thing.
2009-10-20
It's day 2 home with Flicka, and things are going really well. She's eating and snuggling like crazy and has developed the cutest case of hiccups the world has ever seen.
2009-10-19
After three days of relaxing and recovering we've left the hospital and are finally home and settled in. So far, Flicka is sleeping and eating like a champ, but we're told not to expect any sort of "schedule" for at least two months. So for now, we're just relaxing and doing whatever the little boss wants.
A list of Flicka's likes and dislikes so far
Likes:
- Her Mom
- Eating
- Moondog
- Getting her face rubbed
Dislikes:
- Dirty diapers
- Being hungry
A list of things that Bob didn't know he could do:
- Change a diaper while almost totally asleep
- Make up a song about changing diapers while changing a diaper, almost totally asleep
2009-10-19
Thanks to the lenient nurses, we lived it up at the hospital. We got to celebrate Urs and Flicka's birthdays together (same day, in case you missed that part) with friends, family, and some snuck-in booze.
2009-10-16
Our little lambchop has arrived! Flicka Maxine Adams was born this morning at 1:58AM, 7lbs 6oz, 20 inches long. She's looking good and feeling good.
2009-10-12
Since the baby's official due date, we've had a rotating cast of family and friends visiting from out of town, anticipating the birth and hoping to be here for the big day. Bob's parents have come and gone (they'll be back once baby is here), Hannah has come and gone, Otto and Sophia have come and gone, and now Anya is here! The funny thing is that Anya figured she'd be here as baby was settling into life with us, but now she'll actually get to be here for the birth, which is going to be really special for us and for AUNTIE. In between doctor's appointments, there has been no lull in celebrating while all being together, whether cooking family dinners at our house or going out to celebrate with margaritas. I can't wait for that champagne!
2009-10-12
We're coming up on nearly 10 days over due, and baby is taking her sweet time. The last couple of weeks have been quite a roller coaster, we've gone from feeling confident to nervous, confused to inspired, anxious to worried, back and forth and everything in between.
After meeting with our doula(s) last night (and having a much needed massage) Bob and I feel like our spirits are refreshed. We were in serious need of a pep-talk, with an induction looming as a last ditch effort, scheduled for this Friday at 6:30am (happy birthday to me!)...
We had another doctor's appointment to check on baby's vitals, fluids, etc. and she is just totally content in there. There are encouraging signs of progress and I feel like while I haven't really been frustrated being so pregnant, I'm definitely at a point where I'm eager to coax this little lovey out into the world because there is so much love waiting for her!
We're still busily trying all the tricks we can, including acupuncture tonight. More soon...
2009-10-07
Had my first "post due-date" check-up with the midwives today and everything went really well.
They asked how long I wanted to go before inducing, should baby want to stay inside (the longest they will allow me to go, before inducing medically, is two weeks). I told them since I am feeling as good and as comfortable as I am, I would like to wait the full two weeks (hopefully I won't have to). It's just that now I'm in the window of time where if I were miserable and wanted to be induced, they wouldn't try to talk me out of it.
Since my intentions are to have a natural birth, I don't want to even start thinking about inducing with Pitocin and the domino effect that would have on everything we are hoping for (no epidural, laboring/delivering in the tub, etc). At this point, as long as the baby and her environment are holding steady, there is absolutely nothing for us to worry about.
Today the doctor monitored the baby's movement and heartbeat (for about 20 minutes) and measured the amniotic fluid via ultrasound, of which we saw plenty!
If I don't go into labor in the next few days/over the weekend, we have another appointment on Monday to do all the same tests and see how I'm feeling.
In the meantime, we'll continue with more natural ways of inducing, long walks, spicy food, evening primrose oil, maybe even acupuncture... pretty much anything to get this girl moving before even thinking about inducing her with drugs.
2009-10-03
So today is the baby's official due date and here we sit, patient little parents, anxiously anticipating the arrival of our baby girl. Knowing it could very well be days still, we are confidently going about our day, knowing that she will make her appearance when she is ready.
Bob reminded me last night that I have spent the last nine months, independently growing this single little cell into a full grown baby human, and now it is our time, me and baby, to work as a team, whenever she cues my body, to bring her into the world. I'm looking forward to this experience and transition. We can't wait to hold her and look in her eyes.
2009-10-02
Crossing fingers and toes that we get to welcome this baby SOON! Family is starting to roll into town and I'm trying to stay cool and not feel too much pressure... Still feeling awesome and we continue to be anxious and excited. CANNOT WAIT TO MEET THIS BABY GIRL!
2009-09-26
It seems unreal to think that we could have this baby any day now. Might be a good time to reflect a little bit...
Last night we decided to go to a show at the Hideout to see a bunch of our friends' bands play. Even though we've seen all the bands before and it wouldn't have been a big deal had we not gone, we figured this could be one of the last weekends without the baby, so we braved it, and honestly, I'm so happy that we did.
We are trying to soak up as much of the excitement and anticipation that our friends are sharing with us and I'm sure it will continue once the baby's here, albeit in a different way, as we all get to know this new little being together.
I know that I've been lucky throughout my pregnancy to not be too uncomfortable or too hormonal or too emotional or too sick. I mean, I've had my moments, but overall, this experience has been awesome, and dare I say, easy?...
Our lives have not changed that dramatically since I became pregnant, we have constantly adapted and will continue to once the baby is here. I think it is such a unique opportunity for me to share my positive experience with others, especially other women and girlfriends, and I hope I'll be able to do the same with my birth story.
It has been encouraging and inspiring for me, to hear from other women, who can retell their story to me and genuinely talk positively about it. Often times, it is easier to dwell on the drama or disappointment of an experience than to gloat or shine about what might easily be one of the best moments of your lifetime. Obviously, one has only so much control over the body, especially during a process like pregnancy. Staying positive, optimistic and open during this process has allowed me to own this experience and be inspired, rather than inhibited by it.
2009-09-18
We're totally ready. Bring it on.
2009-09-17
So the baby's room is FINALLY finished and I could not be happier. My mental to-do list was harshing my mellow. We went through several rounds of figuring what we needed, how to organize, where we wanted things to go, etc. We really didn't want to invest too much in nursery specific furniture, and I think we did a pretty great job. Now we just need the baby.
Check out the pictures...
2009-09-16
We're getting more excited by the day...
2009-09-13
Still so anxious and excited, aside from all the turning and pushing and crazy motions going on inside of me. Our little wee one is now officially "full-term" and we have become weekly regulars at the midwives office.
We are so grateful to have a team of amazing women who are going to help "catch our baby" when the time is here. We have have been lucky to work with a midwife who has been consistently excited for us, helpful and realistic about having a natural childbirth in a hospital setting. We also decided several weeks ago to ask Rita, who taught our childbirth class, to be our doula. Bob and I feel a unique confidence in having her presence, support and encouragement throughout the labor and birth. And of course my mom will be with us, an old pro at natural childbirth, having had four of us at home; I know that I will feel a much needed calm with her near me.
2009-09-13
...oh wait, no it's not.
2009-09-06
It's crazy to think that there are only three more weekends to go before the baby (should be) arriving on October 3rd. I'm now into week 36 and still feeling relatively good. I know that we're venturing into that final (and sometimes miserable) month, but I really can't find much to complain about. I mean, I'm cooking a healthy and strong baby who has been a dream to carry. And while I'm not sick of it just yet, I'm looking forward to Bob having finally getting to hold her. The anticipation continues to grow about what she'll look like, what her personality will be like, and everyone wants to know her name, but we're not telling.
We've busily been working on getting the baby room ready. It's been freshly painted and we have the crib and some other treasures to set up, but we're just about done. New clothes and blankets have been washed and folded... and soon we'll wait, patiently.
2009-09-03
After all this planning, talking, buying, painting, psyching-up, etc., we're now in that final holding pattern. We've got about a month left to go and nothing to do but wait. Urs is getting bigger by the day, and every day we're more excited to meet this little nugget.
2009-09-02
2009-08-31
So I think our midwife jinxed me... At my last appointment, as she was measuring me, she said, "Well, there is not a stretch mark on you!" Proudly, I agreed and gave credit to the Burt's Bee's Mama Bee Belly Butter that Otto gave me early on in my pregnancy. It's been my ritual to put it on every night before bed, right after Bob has his private time to talk with the baby; which, by the way, usually consists of a hilarious dialogue between Bob speaking and the baby getting riled up. Eventually I'm laughing and Bob responds to me with a very serious stare because I'm "interrupting." So this past Saturday morning, I was surprised to find (by way of Bob, since I can't really even see the entirety of my belly) that overnight, I developed some stretchmarks. Kind of a bummer, but also to be expected. Bob keeps reminding me that they will be my baby souvenirs, and he's right. Our little girl is growing strong every day that we are counting down to her due date. 33 days to go!
2009-08-25
We saw our friends Whitney and Jules tie the knot last weekend, and it was a lot of fun mixed with a hefty "this is the last time we'll see each other before there is a new addition to our crew" feeling. There's nothing like spending some time with your good friends to remind you what hilarious "aunts" and "uncles" they are going to be.
In about 6 weeks.
2009-08-22
Yesterday we had our 34-week ultrasound to check up on my "low-lying placenta." In order to be in the clear, the placenta is supposed to be at least 2 cm away from the cervix. Over the last 14 weeks, my placenta grew with my uterus, just as it was expected to, giving a clearance of about 5.2 cm, so we have absolutely nothing to worry about.
A couple from our childbirth class had to deliver last week via cesarean because the mother's placenta was covering her cervix, putting the baby at risk if she had gone into labor (known as placenta previa). After seeing pictures of their healthy baby, born at just 34 weeks (where we are this week), it was crazy to realize that there is a pretty well developed baby inside of me right now!
The ultrasound showed us a glimpse of the cuteness that is to come, but our little one was being seriously shy. She showed us the bottom of her foot (almost identical to an image we got at 20 weeks) and some of her face. In order to see even a little bit of her face, I had to lay on my left side while the technician kind of dug into my hip. Can we say hide and go seek? The images we ended up taking home were not nearly as good as the live action we got to see on screen during the ultrasound. We saw blinking and lip-licking -- such a flirt. We're just convinced that she wants to surprise us with her sweet little face when she comes out.
We also found out that she is currently weighing in at 5 pounds 3 ounces. At the rate of half a pound per week, that puts her at around 8 pounds on her birthday! We weren't expecting any less. She's also got some fuzzy hair from what we could see; Bob wondered if she'll come out looking like his Grandpa JB, I assured him that she'll be cuter.
2009-08-14
Trying to get back to the progress pics... it seems like we've gotten so used to me growing and growing, we can't believe that our little lady is going to be here in six weeks and some change! It's hard to imagine, aside from all the acrobatics, just how big she's getting. This week we read about the baby averaging around 19" in length and 4 pounds in weight, about the size of a honeydew melon, which feels about right. We had our 32-week appointment and were told that I'm right on target for just about everything.
Last night we had our final natural childbirth class, which we were a little bummed to see end. We're feeling much more prepared and excited now that so much of the mystery surrounding labor and birth is gone. Bob is reading a great book called "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simpkin and is comforted to read about things he's already learned about in class. I'm encouraged by how Bob has kept such an open mind throughout learning about labor/birth and I have no doubt that it will continue into the delivery room. He has challenged himself while being totally supportive of what I think I'll want. We've both been exposed to ideas and practices that we didn't originally consider when starting our class (working with a doula, water birth, etc.), but through learning together and talking about all our options, we've ended up in a place where we feel confident in how we are hoping the birth to go.
2009-08-11
I look back early on in my pregnancy and have to laugh at the belly "progress." It seems like a joke to me, considering how big I'm getting now. We're in the final stretch here, with so much growth for both little miss and me, it's comical really.
There is something hilariously Brady Bunch about me in these pictures. I couldn't resist...
2009-08-06
Seriously pregnant.
2009-08-06
Not only did we inherit an amazing library of old and new children's books at our shower, but my mom also got crazy creative and sentimental... after years and years (and years) of saving and holding onto mementos from my baby years (shoes, outfits, favorite baby books, etc.) my mom wrapped up each individual "artifact" with a handwritten note attached to jog my memory. Below are some of the treasures...
2009-08-22
Thanks to our family and friends, aunts, grandma and cousins, and especially to my mama and sissy for putting on such a sweet celebration.
Also, we continue to be so grateful and ecstatic about my healthy pregnancy. We had our 30 week appointment yesterday and everything is on target. The excitement is growing along with my belly.
2009-07-23
So I've had a few baby-related thoughts lately that I'd like to share with you (aka y'all aka youse guys).
I
Dear baby having video, I get it. It's going to be messy and primal and weird. It's still not as crazy as when Arnold pulls the tracking thing out of his nose in Total Recall.
II
Just kidding, it's way crazier than that.
III
Doula. New term for me. It's a helpful lady that you can hire as sort of a birth consultant. My idea: DUDEla. Guy shows up during the labor bearing beers, movies, cups of coffee (critical), funny quips about hospital food, etc. I think it's going to be my new profession.
IV
The ladies who teach our baby class have warmed up to my jokes. I got a pretty good laugh today with "hey, does this lady in the pamphlet look sort of like Michael Jackson?"
V
Pretty soon we're going to have to get our butts in gear and start buying some baby stuff.
VI
I am determined to get our kid used to rock from an early age. When this kid comes out, it's going to be Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Black Flag, Husker Du, etc. until 6 years old. I have already unsuccessfully tried to find a Black Flag onesie.
VII
Is it strange that I'm not really "scared" of the whole thing anymore?
VIII
Famous last words, right? Remind me of that later when I'm freaking out.
2009-08-22
Anya and the girls have been visiting us in Chicago for the last two weeks and we have been BUSY... so far, we have been to one of two family reunions, a crazy night of karaoke, Navy Pier for fireworks and a ride on the ferris wheel, countless trips to Busia's pool and this past weekend was spent at Pitchfork. Coming up this weekend, we have our baby shower, Bob's parents in town, and another family reunion. This summer has been crazy fun. I'm so thankful that I have been able to keep up with everything, and there is no slowing down in sight. Bob and I love having the girls here, it makes us so excited for our little baby girl to arrive.
2009-08-22
Last night we started our "Natural Childbirth" class where Bob drew this most amazing depiction of "The Birth..." A few things to note are my cute toes (I just noticed them), the fact that I'm drinking a martini and that Bob is not feeling so good. Mine looked similar in the sense that I was smiling, holding our baby and Bob's face had a combined look of excitement, fear, amazement and horror. I have a feeling that he'll be looking a lot like he did when we took the helicopter ride in Hawaii, not sure if he should scream, laugh or barf. He's the best. No matter how nervous Bob is about me giving birth, he is committed to being with me through it, which is all that I could ask for. We are so in this together and taking a class with other couples has already reinforced the bond that is only going to get stronger and stronger, with every birthing video we watch, as Bob holds my hand so tight it hurts, and tries to not cry.
PS. When did my pregnancy get hard? I've had a rough few days, feeling limited and achy, emotional and crying about anything. Hopefully this is just a phase that will blow over. I'm not too keen on feeling sorry for myself when I have nothing to really cry about. We're about to have a baby and it is the best, most exciting thing that we can't stop talking about! The little miss is moving around more and more every day and it's difficult to imagine that she is over 12" long and over two pounds now... So much more growing to do in this last trimester!
2009-07-03
"I can't wait to hold her, she's going to be a lovely person!" -Birgit
2009-06-25
We've been in Nicaragua all week, visiting our friends Craig and Danielle. Amazing pictures coming soon... We are having the best time, so much sunbathing, swimming, volcano hiking and sightseeing. The baby is super squirrely these days, swimming all around. She even had the hiccups the other night!
The bad news is that Bob is having trouble relaxing...
2009-06-18
I've been feeling overwhelmed lately. So far, throughout this pregnancy, my hormones and emotions have been pretty even keel. Sure I've had my bouts of hysterical laughter that turns into crying that turns into a deep sleep, but for the most part, there has been nothing crazy about it.
These last few days have been spent in a tizzy of thoughts, errands and mental to-do lists as we get ready for our trip to Nicaragua. Maybe it's knowing that this is our last vacation without a baby that is making my mind grind, maybe it's the nesting urge that is causing me to line all my ducks up in a row before we leave so that I can't start all over again with new tasks and preparations once we get back... My desires and lists of things to do in these next several weeks grow as the calendar shrinks. I feel like we are coming down the hill of a big roller coaster, but I think it's a tease before we actually go up the really really big hill.
Waiting for our little baby to grow and grow, we're planning and preparing her room and our shared space together, pretending as if we have any clue as to how she'll be or what she'll prefer. We've signed up for child birthing classes that will start early next month and still have to do a hospital tour and meet the other midwives in the practice, one of many that may end up helping us deliver. The set-up is sort of like Russian Roulette, depending whose on-call, which disappoints me a little bit because we have been working with the same midwife that we've come to really like for so many months now. But at the same time, it makes me feel like sucking it up and putting the importance on one another as the primary people who are going to bring this baby into the world. The midwife (whoever that ends up being) will just be there to help guide us.
While I've always imagined being pregnant one day, I never could anticipate the feelings that come with sharing this experience with my family. I feel so lucky to live so close to both sets of parents and Ian, and have had relatively easy visits with Anya and Otto throughout this process. It has been an awesome experience to bring my mom along to doctor appointments, including our 20-week ultrasound, and I will never forget the gasp of excitement my dad let out the other night after feeling the baby kick for the first time. I only wish that Bob's parents were closer to share this with us, but at least we will get to see them a few times before October, so they'll have opportunity to catch up.
This time is awesome and I am constantly reminded by the mommies in my life to really soak it up and treasure it. It's crazy to think that only a few months ago, this was all so new and foreign to me. Just this week, we heard the news of a good friend getting pregnant and already I'm being beckoned for advice. I guess that's what we get for being pioneers (insert sarcastic laughter here).
Serious thank yous to all the mommies and daddies who have been offering advice and encouragement while sharing in the excitement with us. We want our kids to be just like yours.
Also, congratulations to Zach and Liz on getting hitched!
2009-06-11
...and feeling like a champ. I can't believe we're about to be in our third trimester!
2009-06-09
Everyone keeps asking me how I've been feeling and my immediate response is, "Great!" Not good, or alright, but great, because I honestly that's how I feel right now.
I've been taking comfort in knowing that the baby's development is mostly complete and now she is just cooking and growing inside of me. That's not to say that the growing I've been doing is necessarily great... it's taking some adjustment. I had the worst time figuring what to wear today because even in leggings and a dress, my middle felt like a sausage. I know I have a long way to go with this belly, so I'm just taking it a day at a time. It's pretty crazy to watch and trust as my body takes the lead. My usually cavernous belly button seems to be getting smaller and a little bit more shallow every day, is it really going to pop out?
In the meantime, this little squirmy girl keeps moving around, with punches and kicks that keep getting stronger... Bob and I had to laugh today as we watched my tummy move whenever she did. Everyone is getting so eager to feel her. Last night at dinner with friends, Bob mentioned that he had felt the baby move (as in the other day) and a couple people lurched towards my belly with ready hands. Soon enough...
2009-06-03
Hey dudes, it's me, Bob. Your man on the inside. I have been learning new baby facts very quickly, and I feel that it is my duty to share them with you. So here are a few things that I've learned along the way (so far) that I'm passing along to you. Keep these in mind for the first time your wife is pregnant.
1. Your wife is going to start snacking. Embrace this. Never let your wife snack alone, I mean, it's sort of your job as her husband and snack partner to make sure that you're right there with her.
2. You are going to go to some ultrasound appointments and your baby is not going to be cute. As excited as you may be about that little guy or gal, it's going to be hard for you not to giggle while you see that little thing swimming around in there.
2a. You may have the urge to say "hey, our baby sort of looks like a dog skeleton" to the ultrasound technician. She will not think this is funny.
3. People are going to start asking you "are you ready to be a dad?" You will have the urge to answer "Totally, it's no big deal." I have a feeling that this phrase may come back to haunt you later if you say it.
3a. Maybe not right away, but give it 15 years or so.
4. You are going to see ultrasound pictures of the kid in the weirdest positions. At first, this is going to be freaky. It will stop seeming freaky when the doctor tells you that this is totally normal. Then, almost immediately, you will realize that the kid is in the same position that you sleep in and you're going to start wondering what other weird traits this poor kid is going to get from you. Then it's even more freaky.
5. Pretty soon after the first ultrasound, you are going to be able to feel the kid moving around "in there." This is totally awesome, and makes things even more real then they already were. This is the point where "real" becomes even realer.
That's all for now, I'll make sure to update you as the realer gets even realzier.
2009-06-03
Growing and growing... at this point, Little Miss has pretty much developed all her parts in all the right places. We were in for a follow-up ultrasound yesterday and the baby was oh-so cooperative! Last time we couldn't get her to turn over for all the pictures of her little heart. We got to spend a little time oohing and ahhing as baby threw her hands (and her feet) above her head and then proceeded to make faces at us which made Bob laugh pretty hard.
This post is a little belated, since I'm actually 23 weeks this week, belly pic update of that to come tomorrow. In the mean time, this is what I was looking like last week.
2009-05-28
I just got back from spending a week in Ferndale, WA, visiting Anya, Steve, Elka and Birgit. It felt so sudden and was hard to leave Bob the day after finding out that we were having a girl, but Bob reminded me that it was important for me to go and share the excitement of the baby with the girls, and Anya and Steve who will finally and officially get to be "auntie" and "uncle." Needless to say, I avoided many questions like "How's the baby gonna come out, Auntie?"
This past week marked Week 21, so I made sure to get a belly pic in with the girls. Elka and Gitty had nothing but sweet, gentle love for "Baby Flicka" as she was quickly named (Swedish for girl). Elka also refers to her as Flicka, but is partial to the name "Elka Birgit Adams." Every morning, both girls would come in to see how the baby was and they would snuggle up, put their hands on my tummy and give her a kiss. Gitty and Anya even got to feel a few kicks.
2009-05-20
After feeling certain that we were expecting a boy, Bob and I were surprised (not to mentioned thrilled) that we are having a girl!
We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday morning and it pretty much had our minds grinding. The technician we had was so patient and explained everything in such detail. She spent close to an hour with us, exploring and measuring the Little Miss, who happens to be in the 52nd percentile, "not too big and not too small." Weighing in at 14 ounces, it's clear that we have some serious growing to do in the next few months. All in all, baby is healthy, with all the right parts in all the right places.
Bobby was so supportive and full of excitement, asking all kinds of questions when I felt speechless. We laughed at how unbelievable it all seemed and we were in sincere awe. I still can't get over all that the ultrasound technician could read from such abstracted shadows and movement. I suppose after poring over the images, it's all really familiar to us. I tried to post some of the more obvious images below... We even got to see her sucking her thumb.
What was really amazing to me was getting to see the baby move at the same time that I felt her. It helped me recognize her movements, rather than wondering if it was just lunch I was feeling. Our midwife says that within the next month or so, Bob should be able to start feeling the movements outside my belly.
Thanks to all of our friends who came over last night to celebrate. It's so exciting to know that our baby girl is going to be born into such a supportive community that will, without doubt, provide such loving care and help in raising an amazing child.
2009-05-15
This week, we are officially half-way to baby!
I've had funny, mixed responses to my bump from strangers, some without any prompting from me, ask when I am due, others surprisingly say, "Oh, you're pregnant?" I guess it just depends on what I'm wearing and how much I let on...
We read this week about how our baby is the size of a cantaloupe! He/she is definitely making a serious appearance, not only can I see it, but I've been feeling it. Everyday is a new sensation of baby growing from within, and while I'm feeling great, each day presents new limitations that are taking some getting used to. Bending over to tie my shoes is becoming harder, rolling over in bed takes more work than I'm used to, my sore back makes me walk around the house like an old man (not to mention hiking up whatever stretchy pants I happen to be wearing over my belly). At least I know I'm keeping Bob entertained.
Only four more days until our ultrasound. Both Bob and I have been feeling like it's going to be a boy, but we'll see...
Boy or girl, I'm anxiously anticipating Elka and Gitty meeting their new cousin for the first time, knowing how excited they are and how they will want to take such special care... Birgit constantly asks me over the phone, "Hi Auntie, how's your baby?" They are really going to show this baby the ropes, and as mischievous as I know they'll be, I can't wait to see the trouble they all get into (most definitely with the egging on of Uncle Bobby Daddy).
2009-05-10
While Bob and I were not actually planning to officially celebrate Mother's day just yet (or Father's day, for that matter), I still received a lot of wishes. Thank you, especially to my family and to my Grandma Jean who reminded me that I'm a "half-mother" at this point. I'm sort of considering it my dress rehearsal and can't wait for next year, when I'll have a stinky, whiny, snotty little cutie pie hanging onto me.
2009-05-06
We've gotten pretty excited responses from all our friends and family about starting the blog. The only complaint has been that we aren't updating enough.
Things around here are happening a little bit every day, my lovely baby bump continues to grow and really wants to be seen. Baby even helped me win a hula-hoop contest last weekend! Now that I've been wearing shirts and dresses that hug rather than hide, Bob has really taken to pointing out my ever-growing belly and too often takes the comments and compliments for himself, in only the way that Bob can.
This week, baby is growing from the size of a sweet potato to the size of a mango. Bob and I love to read the updates about the baby's growth and development every week. It is the best to learn about when its little finger prints form and how its little heart is developing chambers and ventricles... Kind of crazy that this is all going on inside of me. Only 13 more days until we have an ultrasound. We can't wait to finally see this little nugget and find out if we're having a ma'am or sir. Stay tuned...
2009-04-30
We're finally doing it. We started a blog to tell you all about the baby we're cooking. Mostly this blog will be full of pictures and hilarious stories about how terrific we are!
We basically wanted to give our friends and family the option of staying informed and updated at your own leisure. This way we can avoid sending out mass emails and you can get your fill of us when you want or simply ignore us if the thought of our baby blog makes your throw up in your mouth a little.
Currently, I am 18 weeks pregnant with our first buh-bee. Everything is progressing just fine. I've been having my regular check-ups, weighing in, having blood drawn and listening to the sweet sweet sound of the baby's strong heartbeat. In recent events, my belly has been making a serious appearance, which we're thrilled about. We also felt the baby moving around for the first time last night. Such a crazy, surreal feeling of fluttering and beating. The doctor says that by 20 weeks, this should be a familiar feeling...
