The good news is, I finally got a picture of Kate's belly with a teensie weensie bit of her face in it too. The bad news is, in order to post this I first had to agree to a little compromise.
February 27, 2009
Belly Status (23 Weeks)
The good news is, I finally got a picture of Kate's belly with a teensie weensie bit of her face in it too. The bad news is, in order to post this I first had to agree to a little compromise.
February 23, 2009
Over Halfway There
Technically, we're right around 22 weeks. Halfway'ish.
And for the most part, Kate's pregnancy has been essentially trouble free. We pretty much expect to wake up one morning to find the baby has delivered itself. Maybe sitting on a chair in the corner reading a magazine and drinking some warm milk.
But, we realize there's still four months to go and a lot that could happen in between. (Fingers crossed that nothing does.)
Then, of course, there's also the next 18 years of this kid living under our roof. Keeping us up at night. Disobeying our rules. And eating all our food.
So, in that sense, we're really only 1/43 of the way there.
And for the most part, Kate's pregnancy has been essentially trouble free. We pretty much expect to wake up one morning to find the baby has delivered itself. Maybe sitting on a chair in the corner reading a magazine and drinking some warm milk.
But, we realize there's still four months to go and a lot that could happen in between. (Fingers crossed that nothing does.)
Then, of course, there's also the next 18 years of this kid living under our roof. Keeping us up at night. Disobeying our rules. And eating all our food.
So, in that sense, we're really only 1/43 of the way there.
February 20, 2009
Baby Clothes
We scoped out a few baby clothing stores while we were in Breckenridge. Love all the dinosaurs and horses. But, have to admit, not a big fan of baby clothes with quotations on them.
Ones written as if the baby were saying something.
"I love my gramma."
"What happens in my diaper, stays in my diaper."
"I'm with stupid."
Not that any of this isn't true. But, I'd rather let the baby speak for itself. (Or not, as the case may be.) Don't need anyone using our child's onesie to propel their own political agenda.
On the other hand, any outfit that makes our baby look like a small furry animal is not only acceptable, it's encouraged.
Ears. Tails. Antlers. Claws. The works.
Maybe it's that dressing a baby up like an animal makes it seem more like a pet. And I can handle taking care of a pet. It's the whole tiny human thing that still worries me.
Ones written as if the baby were saying something.
"I love my gramma."
"What happens in my diaper, stays in my diaper."
"I'm with stupid."
Not that any of this isn't true. But, I'd rather let the baby speak for itself. (Or not, as the case may be.) Don't need anyone using our child's onesie to propel their own political agenda.
On the other hand, any outfit that makes our baby look like a small furry animal is not only acceptable, it's encouraged.
Ears. Tails. Antlers. Claws. The works.
Maybe it's that dressing a baby up like an animal makes it seem more like a pet. And I can handle taking care of a pet. It's the whole tiny human thing that still worries me.
February 14, 2009
Movement
We felt the baby move for the first time this morning. It was a kick or a punch or a head butt or something. Not exactly sure.
Whatever it was, Kate's belly was definitely shaking.
Of course, there's a slight chance it was just gas. Or maybe a combination of both. Could have been the baby trying to tell Kate, "Hey lady, knock it off up there."
Whatever it was, Kate's belly was definitely shaking.
Of course, there's a slight chance it was just gas. Or maybe a combination of both. Could have been the baby trying to tell Kate, "Hey lady, knock it off up there."
February 13, 2009
Food Cravings
"Could someone please pass me the salt and the raisins?"
An actual quote from dinner with my family over the weekend. And yes, it came from Kate.
An actual quote from dinner with my family over the weekend. And yes, it came from Kate.
February 11, 2009
Back Pain
Kate's lower back muscles have gotten all tweaked out. And no matter how she contorts herself, it won't stop hurting. Like some insatiable itch that can't be scratched.
Must have something to do with the tiny human in her belly.
Conveniently, Kate got me a book ("The Expectant Father") that spells out the top ten things you should do for your pregnant wife. And giving her back massages made the list not once, but twice.
Hint taken.
As if Kate grabbing my hand, placing it on her back and ordering me to "Rub. Here. Now." was somehow too subtle.
Must have something to do with the tiny human in her belly.
Conveniently, Kate got me a book ("The Expectant Father") that spells out the top ten things you should do for your pregnant wife. And giving her back massages made the list not once, but twice.
Hint taken.
As if Kate grabbing my hand, placing it on her back and ordering me to "Rub. Here. Now." was somehow too subtle.
February 8, 2009
Still Growing
When we went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago, she told us the fetus was the size of a small mango. (Already blown past by the grape, plum and orange phases.)
Must be nearing the mass of a small cantaloupe by now.
Not sure when the size comparison to fruit ends. Kinda has to stop with the watermelon stage I suppose. Which hopefully, for Kate's sake, the baby doesn't reach until AFTER it's delivered.
February 4, 2009
Couvade Syndrome
According to a book Kate got me, as many as 90% of expectant fathers experience something known as the Couvade Syndrome. Also called sympathetic pregnancy.
Symptoms include weight gain.
And that's all I really have to say about that. Wanted to throw that out there. Put it on the record, you know. Just in case.
Symptoms include weight gain.
And that's all I really have to say about that. Wanted to throw that out there. Put it on the record, you know. Just in case.
Belly Status (19 1/2 Weeks)
As a side note, Kate hates it when I make her pose for these pictures. That's why I always have to crop her head out of the shots. So, you can't see her scowling at me.
February 3, 2009
Behavior Modification
Every baby book has a laundry list of things Kate can't put into her body for the next nine months. It's tough to keep track.
Luckily, Kate doesn't smoke, so she didn't have to make any major changes on that front. No heroin or crystal meth addiction. So, we're cool there too. Not drinking any alcohol has been a little trickier. But, not that much.
By far the most difficult thing for Kate to give up has been deli turkey. Her lunch staple. Wish there was a way I could determine how much turkey she's eaten while I've known her. It would be impressive. (And most likely a little disturbing.)
Even with all the preservatives, it's still gotta be the least detrimental thing on the list. I'm sure back in Biblical times, pregnant women were running around eating turkey heroes all day long. And their kids turned out mostly okay.
But, for now, she has to go cold turkey on the cold turkey.
Fortunately for me, I can still eat a footlong cold cut sandwich while drinking a beer, smoking a cigarette and shooting heroin between my toes. As long as I do it in the other room.
Luckily, Kate doesn't smoke, so she didn't have to make any major changes on that front. No heroin or crystal meth addiction. So, we're cool there too. Not drinking any alcohol has been a little trickier. But, not that much.
By far the most difficult thing for Kate to give up has been deli turkey. Her lunch staple. Wish there was a way I could determine how much turkey she's eaten while I've known her. It would be impressive. (And most likely a little disturbing.)
Even with all the preservatives, it's still gotta be the least detrimental thing on the list. I'm sure back in Biblical times, pregnant women were running around eating turkey heroes all day long. And their kids turned out mostly okay.
But, for now, she has to go cold turkey on the cold turkey.
Fortunately for me, I can still eat a footlong cold cut sandwich while drinking a beer, smoking a cigarette and shooting heroin between my toes. As long as I do it in the other room.
January 31, 2009
Sleeping Arrangements
We started making Marina sleep in her own bed again at night. Something that has been long overdue.
The problem is that she doesn't know how to share. Kate and I have basically slept curled up in a ball every night for the past three and a half years ... while Marina stretches out majestically on the lower third of the bed.
We're hoping if we do this now, it'll be one less thing to prevent us from sleeping once the baby comes along.
Needless to say, she hasn't been too happy about our decision.
The first few nights, she'd sneak back into bed while we were asleep. And once we'd discover her, she'd just make her body go completely limp. Somehow knowing we'd lack the energy to lift 60 pounds of dead weight out of bed at 3 o'clock in the morning.
We were persistent though. Surprisingly.
So the last couple nights, instead of climbing into bed, she's been trolling around in the dark. We can hear her nails clicking on the hardwood floors as she walks slooooowly down the hall, enters our room, circles the bed and then creeps back down the hallway.
We feel like she'll be fine in a few more days. But for now, it's really pretty freaky. Like we're living in an Edgar Allan Poe story. Being haunted in the pitch of night by the beast we've wronged.
The problem is that she doesn't know how to share. Kate and I have basically slept curled up in a ball every night for the past three and a half years ... while Marina stretches out majestically on the lower third of the bed.
We're hoping if we do this now, it'll be one less thing to prevent us from sleeping once the baby comes along.
Needless to say, she hasn't been too happy about our decision.
The first few nights, she'd sneak back into bed while we were asleep. And once we'd discover her, she'd just make her body go completely limp. Somehow knowing we'd lack the energy to lift 60 pounds of dead weight out of bed at 3 o'clock in the morning.
We were persistent though. Surprisingly.
So the last couple nights, instead of climbing into bed, she's been trolling around in the dark. We can hear her nails clicking on the hardwood floors as she walks slooooowly down the hall, enters our room, circles the bed and then creeps back down the hallway.
We feel like she'll be fine in a few more days. But for now, it's really pretty freaky. Like we're living in an Edgar Allan Poe story. Being haunted in the pitch of night by the beast we've wronged.
January 27, 2009
Ultrasound Video (18 Weeks)
To be honest, this video is just as creepy as it is cute. At one point, it looks like the fetus swallows its entire arm. And there may or may not be a foot growing out of the side of its head.
January 26, 2009
Belly Status (18 Weeks)
I think Kate's finally starting to show some progress. Hooray.
In fact, right now, she's sitting at her desk at work with her pants unbuttoned. Like she just got done eating a big turkey dinner and then went to lie down on the couch to watch some football.
But she didn't eat any turkey. And she's not watching football. She's just sitting at her desk. At work. With her pants unbuttoned.
Here we go ...
In fact, right now, she's sitting at her desk at work with her pants unbuttoned. Like she just got done eating a big turkey dinner and then went to lie down on the couch to watch some football.
But she didn't eat any turkey. And she's not watching football. She's just sitting at her desk. At work. With her pants unbuttoned.
Here we go ...
January 24, 2009
Genetics
Unfortunately for Kate, almost every gene is my body is a dominant one. Dark hair, dark skin, ... the works. So chances are that our baby will look exactly like me. (Albeit, much smaller.)
For the most part, Kate's not too bitter about losing the genetic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Her only real concern is that our child will be born with a set of these.
Not sure what the scientific name is. Basically, it looks like each of my thumbs was replaced with a big toe.
My friends in high school called them Hammer Heads. As if I'd repeatedly smacked the ends of them with a ball peen hammer. I even used to tell people I was born without pain receptors in my thumbs and chewed them to nubs as a baby.
My mom has them. My brother has them. Even our friend Ann back in Hoboken has them. And now, there's a 50/50 chance that our kid will have them too. Guess we'll find out in June.
Only then will I know if my domination is complete.
For the most part, Kate's not too bitter about losing the genetic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Her only real concern is that our child will be born with a set of these.
Not sure what the scientific name is. Basically, it looks like each of my thumbs was replaced with a big toe.
My friends in high school called them Hammer Heads. As if I'd repeatedly smacked the ends of them with a ball peen hammer. I even used to tell people I was born without pain receptors in my thumbs and chewed them to nubs as a baby.
My mom has them. My brother has them. Even our friend Ann back in Hoboken has them. And now, there's a 50/50 chance that our kid will have them too. Guess we'll find out in June.
Only then will I know if my domination is complete.
January 22, 2009
Baby Names
This baby naming thing is actually pretty tough. And looks like we've made it twice as hard on ourselves by not finding out the sex of the baby ahead of time.
At this point, we're just not able to take it seriously yet. Only tossing around the ridiculous names. The kind of names you could never find carved in wooden letters or pressed onto miniature license plates. The names that get a kid beat up in school.
Hopefully, as things get closer, the pressure will help us focus a little bit more. Like cramming for exams in college. Until then, looks like 'Major Barnaby Nixon Benjamin' holds on to the lead.
At this point, we're just not able to take it seriously yet. Only tossing around the ridiculous names. The kind of names you could never find carved in wooden letters or pressed onto miniature license plates. The names that get a kid beat up in school.
Hopefully, as things get closer, the pressure will help us focus a little bit more. Like cramming for exams in college. Until then, looks like 'Major Barnaby Nixon Benjamin' holds on to the lead.
January 19, 2009
Belly Status (17 Weeks)
Here's Kate's belly two weeks later and four pounds lighter. Didn't think it was supposed to work this way. Still not sure if she's got a baby in there or just some sort of intestinal parasite.
January 16, 2009
Development (17 Weeks)
According to our books, the fetus will be able to hear what’s going on in the outside world soon. Which means we can start singing to it and reciting Shakespeare. Maybe even a math lesson or two.
Also means we have to quit flipping back-and-forth to FOX news in the morning. While its auditory senses may be fully functional, I don’t think its sense of irony develops for a few more months.
Also means we have to quit flipping back-and-forth to FOX news in the morning. While its auditory senses may be fully functional, I don’t think its sense of irony develops for a few more months.
January 14, 2009
Thanks Marina
Everyone always talks about how life-altering having a baby is gonna be. But, I’m still convinced that owning a dog for the past 4 years has more than prepared us for raising a child.
Especially, with a dog like Marina.
I figure we already handle poop on a daily basis. We already get woken up several times a night. And we’re already in the habit of asking other ‘parents’ inane questions like “How old is yours?” and “Isn’t she a cutie?”
See, the fundamentals are in place. Mark my words, this baby thing is gonna be a breeze.
Especially, with a dog like Marina.
I figure we already handle poop on a daily basis. We already get woken up several times a night. And we’re already in the habit of asking other ‘parents’ inane questions like “How old is yours?” and “Isn’t she a cutie?”
See, the fundamentals are in place. Mark my words, this baby thing is gonna be a breeze.
January 12, 2009
Baby Names
We've been warned by multiple people on multiple occasions not to discuss baby names with anyone. Ever.
So, we're playing our cards close to our chest on this one. Little hint though: If you're reading this right now, chances are it won't have your name. (Although you do have a very lovely name.)
So, we're playing our cards close to our chest on this one. Little hint though: If you're reading this right now, chances are it won't have your name. (Although you do have a very lovely name.)
January 11, 2009
Weight Gain
Kate’s been getting a little nervous that she’s not as big as she should be at this point in the pregnancy. (Though she’s definitely starting to show.)
So now, for the first time in my life, I find myself having to reassure someone how fat they look. Something that common sense and an aversion to being slapped has kept me from ever attempting before.
Definitely feels odd to say things like “Wow, those pants seem reeeeallly tight on you,” and “My, you look girthy this morning,” just to cheer someone up.
And probably the only time chanting "Fatty Fatty Two by Four” at someone will be met with hugs and kisses.
So now, for the first time in my life, I find myself having to reassure someone how fat they look. Something that common sense and an aversion to being slapped has kept me from ever attempting before.
Definitely feels odd to say things like “Wow, those pants seem reeeeallly tight on you,” and “My, you look girthy this morning,” just to cheer someone up.
And probably the only time chanting "Fatty Fatty Two by Four” at someone will be met with hugs and kisses.
January 8, 2009
Dolphin vs Human
This is a 5 week old DOLPHIN fetus.
And this is a 5 week old HUMAN fetus.
Tough to tell them apart, right? That’s what we thought too. But, not until after we'd already oohed and aahed at the first picture for a good ten minutes.
Apparently, just searching for '5 WEEK OLD FETUS' in Google images wasn't specific enough to determine whether our child will be born with or without a dorsal fin.
And this is a 5 week old HUMAN fetus.
Tough to tell them apart, right? That’s what we thought too. But, not until after we'd already oohed and aahed at the first picture for a good ten minutes.
Apparently, just searching for '5 WEEK OLD FETUS' in Google images wasn't specific enough to determine whether our child will be born with or without a dorsal fin.
January 6, 2009
Surprise!
We broke the news to our parents by giving them framed pictures of the ultrasound for Christmas. Here's Kate's mom when she unwrapped hers. (For the record, she had the same reaction after opening the outdoor thermometer we gave her.)
Food Cravings
No real food cravings yet. Except for the mysterious appearance of a box of Cap'n Crunch in our cupboard.
At this point, it's really just food aversions. Kate's definitely more, how shall we say ... "selective" than before. Either her olfactory senses are changing or she's using this as a front to finally tell me how she feels about my cooking.
At this point, it's really just food aversions. Kate's definitely more, how shall we say ... "selective" than before. Either her olfactory senses are changing or she's using this as a front to finally tell me how she feels about my cooking.
January 4, 2009
Baby Names
We got a cool baby names book (aptly titled 'Cool Names for Babies') from our friends Mindy and Mark. It's organized in sections depending on the type of name you're looking for.
Spiritual names. Foreign sounding names. Geezer names.
My favorite was the Video Game names section. Bloodrayne. Rygar. Kazooie. All very good options. Surprised not to find Ryu or Blanka on the list though. Had to pencil them in myself.
Now just have to find a way to convince Kate.
Spiritual names. Foreign sounding names. Geezer names.
My favorite was the Video Game names section. Bloodrayne. Rygar. Kazooie. All very good options. Surprised not to find Ryu or Blanka on the list though. Had to pencil them in myself.
Now just have to find a way to convince Kate.
Sex of the Baby
We're not planning on finding out what sex the baby is gonna be. Not that we even could yet if we wanted to.
Feel like it'll be more fun to be surprised. Only catch is that all the baby clothes we get ahead of time have to be asexual. Greens and yellows. Frogs and ducks.
Not sure what makes a duck so asexual, but apparently it is. Sorry ducks, nothing personal.
Feel like it'll be more fun to be surprised. Only catch is that all the baby clothes we get ahead of time have to be asexual. Greens and yellows. Frogs and ducks.
Not sure what makes a duck so asexual, but apparently it is. Sorry ducks, nothing personal.
Belly Status (15 Weeks)
Still hard to tell. Kate's definitely looked bigger than this after a veggie burrito from El Castellito.
Belly Button Ring
Kate took out her belly button ring this weekend. Smelled like a foot marinated in rotten eggs. It was pretty gross.
But probably nothing compared to everything else her body's gonna be going through over the next several months. Personally, I'm looking forward to the hair loss and bleeding gums.
But probably nothing compared to everything else her body's gonna be going through over the next several months. Personally, I'm looking forward to the hair loss and bleeding gums.
Ultrasound Video (12 Weeks)
I'd say something clever about this, but to tell you the truth it still kinda freaks me out. Pretty amazing.
Ultrasound Pics (12 Weeks)
This one looks like the fetus is waving and saying hello. Very sociable. Probably gets that from Kate.
This one looks like it's taking a nap. A little more Jake's style.
Pregnancy Test Pics
The first pregnancy test was a little ambiguous. ("What does the plus sign mean? Is that even a plus sign? I can't tell. It looks kinda faint. And what about that other line? What does that one mean? I don't think I'm pregnant. I don't feel pregnant. What do you think? Do you think I'm pregnant?")
The second test was not so ambiguous.
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