Your first hiking trip

That's right, you went hiking this past weekend!  My travel bug has been getting to me lately, with the nice weather around, but after the trip to the baby shower, I know better than to go very far.  Besides, it's now 3rd trimester, and I do not want to be too far away from the birthing/medical center in case you decide to come early (or anything else should happen).  Thus, I chose that we should take a day trip nearby; originally I had chosen Indiana--however, the place I wanted has had flooding issues lately, so I scouted for a second option.  I ended up with Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin.  I suspect we will make many trips to WI as a family--have been there a few times now and always enjoy it, plus it's easy to get there.
Not only was the travel bug getting me, the hiking bug was hitting, too.  Both your daddy and I love nature and walking in it, and this park's website boasted great views and trails that were not terribly long.  Sounded perfect to us!  En route, we stopped at a 'Summerfest' in Oregon, WI and walked around that, enjoying the parade and then some fair-type foods.  It was a nice place, great weather, relaxing fun.  Then, it was on to the park.  We ended up doing two trails: first, the West Bluff trail and second, the Tumbled Rocks trail.  The picture you see above is from the top of the first trail.  It was quite a climb for me, carrying you along!  But I did it (and so did dad, of course)!  Lots of people remarked about 'us' and how you were going to be a climber, etc.  Thankfully both hikes were in the shade and I stayed very hydrated to make sure we were safe :)  I can't wait for the days when you can enjoy the nature and scenery along with us!!

The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is...

Hi, Avery!

It's Dad again.  Forgive my random wandering and wondering, but I'm trying hard to figure something out.  It seems that ever since we got pregnant with you, people have been issuing dire warnings about how much our lives are going to change after you're born.  You've been called "a life changer". I've been advised to finish my game (Team Laser Combat) before you arrive, because there won't be time for anything else once you're here.  It seems like everyone is convinced that our lives are going to be turned upside down and nothing will ever be the same.  It feels like we're being told that we won't be able to handle having a baby around.

Now, I agree that things will be different for all of us.  Having you around is going to be so awesome, but it's definitely going to be a change from what we're used to.  However, I can't help but wonder if these "warnings" are somewhat over-dramatized and over-exaggerated.  Perhaps they're just intended to prepare us for the changes to come.  Perhaps they're the experiences of under-prepared parents.  Perhaps it's the point of view of people who aren't adequately acquainted with my nature.

Or perhaps they're right, and my wildest imagination just isn't pessimistic enough to conceive of the horrors I'm about to experience with your arrival.  I don't think this is the case.  I don't believe that everything I've worked to achieve is going to crumble once I have a high-maintenance baby and a full-time job as your father.  I just don't see that happening, and I'll tell you why.

First, there's the relationship I have with your mom. We always support each other in every way that we can, so no matter how difficult it may be to take care of you, neither of us is doing it alone.  We are true partners.  And you're totally worth it all.

Second, there's sheer determination.  I'm proud to be your daddy and I will fulfill that duty to the best of my ability.  You and Mommy can always count on me.  Always.  Again, you're worth it.

Then there are the books that your mom and I have read.  First we read one called The First 12 Months of Motherhood.  The author had a severe lack of logic and common sense, but a hearty supply of evil. If this dimwitted ice queen can raise a child, then I'm quite certain that we can too.

Then we read a book called The Happiest Baby on the Block.  This book is extremely well written. It's interesting to read, fun to discuss, and full of great information.  Most importantly, it describes attributes and habits of parents who are effective at calming and comforting their babies, and building bonds of trust with them.  It's reassuring to know that Mommy and I already have the right lifestyles and attitudes to serve you best.

And on the subject of books, I've noticed that several of my favorite books' authors write dedications to their families and children in the fronts of those books.  This means that these people are capable of being fathers, game developers, and book authors, all at the same time.  If they can do that, then can't I accomplish similar things?  Of course I can.  (There's an old lesson from Dr. Marsha Meredith at work here. I'll teach you that one later, buddy!)

President Franklin Roosevelt said "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  Is this the case with us? I believe that it is.  I'm ready to be your daddy, even with all the challenges that come along with it.  I love you, little guy.

Love,

Dad

Mom at 27 Weeks

Avery, dude, it's Dad.  Wanna see something cool?  Look at the picture below.  We've been pregnant with you for 27 weeks now, and this is what your mom looks like.

See that big round belly?  That's YOU in there!

27 weeks, 2 days

We had a very busy, happy weekend--so much so that I'm just now getting around to posting about it (it's Thursday now)!  It will probably be the last time I travel while pregnant, as it is getting harder and more uncomfortable to do, well, a lot of things with the bigger and bigger belly holding you.  Hope that doesn't sound like a complaint--it isn't, I promise :)  Very happy you are in there!

Friday started with getting an elective 4D ultrasound—found a great deal to get one for just $69 at First Peek in Oak Park.  It was supposed to be a 20 minute session, but since we had the first appointment of the day and no one was waiting, they went more like 30 minutes.  Got a free DVD, too, so you can see it one day!  Just like with the 20 week ultrasound, you started out active, then settled into a spot and didn’t want to move much.  You’re still sitting on my bladder (I forgive you lol) and seem to prefer lying transverse; hopefully you will turn head down in the next few weeks.  You did a few cute poses with your hands/arms at first, then, turned away for a while.  The tech tried to get you to move (again, like last time), but it didn’t work, so we tried walking around for a few minutes and drinking some juice before trying again.  Right towards the end of the session, you finally started moving and we got some great shots.  Love the pic of you with your feet near your face—you were basically folding yourself in half!  We think you look like daddy and act like him a bit, too—you were up (what seemed like) all the night before and slept in the morning.  He had to actually stay up all that night to finish a project for school; perhaps you were trying to sympathize lol.

After the ultrasound, we stopped by the house to do a few things before heading to Iowa for the weekend.  Besides the fact that we have relatives there and enjoy visiting them often, there was another reason we were going: Aunt Diane was throwing a baby shower for us!  How exciting!  As always, we stayed with (Great) Nana—she loves having us spend the night with her, and this time, it was for three nights, so she was super happy.

Saturday was the big day; that morning, we printed copies of the best picture of you from the ultrasound to give to each person/family at the shower.  Nearly everyone came, even cousin Darby, who had been up all the previous night with her sister Leslie, who was having a baby girl, born that morning.  Darby was exhausted but happy for her sister and new niece.  Grandma Judy and Grandpa Roger also joined us, which made it all the merrier—everyone from my family loves having them around, too.  The only people missing from the shower were Aunt Liz (she had to work) and cousin Michael’s girlfriend Jessica (not sure why she couldn’t make it).  We had an awesome time, with food, games and tons of great gifts!  Daddy won the M&M’s guessing game and Nana Linda won the string-around-the-belly game. 

After it was over, the weather was really beautiful, so we went for a walk at the nearby memorial gardens with daddy and Nana Linda.  I’ve been trying to walk at least 30 minutes every day to help keep us (me and you) healthy, plus I enjoy walking anyhow.  That evening, we went out to dinner with some of the family to Chicago Speakeasy (yum), and afterwards, we hung out with Grandma Judy and Grandpa Roger at the Prairie Meadows Casino.  I came out $5 ahead, Judy came out around $20 ahead, but Roger lost some money.  We had fun anyhow; there was a good band playing there and you seemed to like the music—you moved around a lot when I got close to it : )

Sunday we spent the day with just Nana.  We went shopping at the mall, had lunch at Fazoli’s, and just enjoyed the rest of the time we had left at Nana’s house, chatting about you and all sorts of other things.

Monday morning, we headed to “Auntie” Suzanne’s near Kansas City (she’s not actually blood-related, but she’s my best friend, which makes her practically family).  She is making you the most beautiful blanket—I have a picture of her working on it, in fact.  We had a fun day hanging out with her, shopping/walking at the mall, having a great dinner at El Maguey (mega yum!), and just catching up on everything.  We spent the night at a hotel, then headed back home way too early the next morning (I had a tutoring appointment in the evening).  It was such a nice little getaway; hope you enjoyed it, too lol.

Your movements are getting stronger by the day, but still don’t follow any set pattern.  I’m sure getting a lot hungrier lately, though!  Am wondering if you have hit another growth spurt…time to go to bed now, at least, for me.  I feel you almost every time now when I get up in the night, so I am guessing you party all night and sleep most of the day.  As long as you don’t kick me hard enough to wake me, this arrangement is fine by me ;)

Love you lots,

Mommy

Daddy's Avery Wallpaper

Hey, Avery, it's your dad again.  Check this out.  As soon as we had a good 3D rendering of your handsome little face, I made some wallpaper for my laptop so I could see you (and show you off) anytime I want.  The picture I made it from is also the one we decided to duplicate and distribute to everyone at your first baby shower at Aunt Diane's.

Everyone says you're cute.  Everyone says you look like your daddy.  I suppose it's possible that both statements could be true.  :)

More About Yesterday's Class

Hey, Avery,

After I posted the blog entry yesterday, I thought of some more things that you might like to know about yesterday's childbirth class.  The teacher asked us a lot of questions, and here are my answers to some of them.

What is something you would like to do before the baby arrives?

I really want to get ahead on my work and studies so that I can spend all the time I possibly can with him.

What is something you've enjoyed about the pregnancy?

I've enjoyed making fun of the pregnant woman.  I know it sounds mean, but I'm really just trying to lighten the mood and make some of the less pleasant aspects of pregnancy more enjoyable for both of us. She knows it's all in fun and has a great sense of humor about the whole thing.

What is something about your partner that you hope the baby inherits?

I hope he inherits the love of education and learning that we both have.

What is something you're looking forward to after the baby arrives?

I'm looking forward to sharing toys, cartoons, and so on.  I still haven't outgrown them, and I'm sure my son and I will enjoy these things together.

What are you worried about?

TIME!  I'm very worried about the amount of time and effort that my job and my graduate school education take.  My job and academic performance are important to me, but so is my family.  I'm worried about being able to balance it all, but I'm going to do my very best.  I will have quality family time with my wife and son, even if it means I have to compromise somewhere else.

As you can see, there are a lot of hopes and concerns around you, little guy. But it's all for the very best reason: You are important to us and we want to give you the very best life we possibly can.  After all, you could end up being one of the greatest guys in the whole universe.  What makes me think so?  I can back it up with reasons, and that'll be a topic for another blog entry on another day.

Later, little dude!

Love,

Dad

You Never Stop Learning

Hey, buddy!

Your mom and I finished our childbirth class today.  It was fun and interesting, but most of all, it taught us some really good ways to help you begin a happy, healthy life.  We learned about birthing positions, what to expect from Mom's body when you're getting ready to come out, how I can make the process better and easier for both of you, and plenty of other useful things.

We also got to see the birthing center where you'll be born.  I just kept thinking about how the sights and sounds of the place would be among the very first things you would ever see and hear.  I felt good about that, because I really believe that we have chosen a wonderful place for you to enter the world.  It should be a good, safe spawn point for you to begin playing this fun, exciting, challenging game of life.

I learned today that I will get the honor of being the first to change your diaper.  I'll also be the first to swaddle you.  Today's class taught me how to do both of those things.  I'm sure these are just the beginning -- I know we'll have plenty of "firsts" together...and I hope they're more fun than that "diaper changing" bit.

But right now, my job in your life is to keep your mom healthy and comfortable so she can provide a nice buffer where you can finish "loading".  Every time I touch her belly these days, I can feel you with my fingertips.  You sure are a wiggly little thing!  But that's good.  It means you're doing just fine in there as you're getting ready to come out and meet us.  We try hard to make sure that you have a happy, low-stress environment -- both before and after you're born.

It's dinner time for us now, so I'd better go see if I can help Mom get something to eat.  Catch ya later, little guy.  I love you.

Love,

Dad