Avery’s 3rd Birthday
24 Jun 2012 1 Comment
Yesterday was the baby shower and it was a huge success! We all had a great time and there are a bunch of pictures to be sorted through and posted (nearly 300!).
Instead of tackling that project, I decided to do something a bit easier and post some pictures of Avery’s birthday party today! I took over 400 pics and I’m posting about 50 or 60. Enjoy!
Baby Pool
19 Jun 2012 1 Comment
It’s about that time to start thinking about a baby pool. No, I’m not talking about a little plastic tub full of water and urine! I’m talking about guessing when baby Freckle will actually pop out!
The winner will get a surprise!
Your entry MUST be posted on the Baby Pool page (not this post) to count! Click on the Baby Pool link at the top of the page and enter your guess in the comments! Good luck!
UPDATE! I’ve updated the rules on the Baby Pool page so don’t forget to update your vote!
– Papa-D
Happy Father’s Day!
17 Jun 2012 1 Comment
Well since I’m not quite a father yet, but everyone keeps telling me to have a happy day today, I thought I’d make up for it by posting a happy picture. Took this today while we were out hanging with the family at Coyote Point. Jenny is at 7 months (and then some) and she’s finally starting to look it. 🙂
Happy Father’s Day to all the real fathers reading our blog out there!
-Papa-D
Pediatrician – Check!
15 Jun 2012 Leave a Comment
I am happy to say that Dan and I have found a pediatrician for Freckle who we feel is the perfect fit.
I spent quite a bit of time looking over a list of local pediatricians my obstetrician provided. I went to every website, went through each webpage learning what their hours are, how much education they have, how many years of experience, if they offer drop-ins, 24 hr. phone service to speak with a nurse, etc. After I narrowed my search down to 3 doctors, I went onto Yelp and looked up their names to see what other parents have to say about them. One doctor, in particular, had nothing but raving reviews. In fact, his entire staff had numerous positive reviews. So I called to set a consultation appointment and Dan and I were able to meet with him this morning.
Upon meeting him, he seemed very nice. He gave us a short tour around the office before we went into his office to talk. I didn’t have many questions for him, to be honest. The few questions I did have for him, I felt he answered them very confidently and honestly. He seems very smart and I like that he empowers parents to make their own decisions on what we want to do with our child and supporting the parents’ decision.
I know there are many pediatricians who are just so hardcore about how mothers *must* breastfeed. He said he’s very pro-breastfeeding, of course, but understands that it may not be for everyone for many reasons. Whether it’s because it has become physically impossible, because it’s not feasible with the mother’s job, or because she just plain doesn’t want to. He said he’ll support the mother whatever she decides.
I also asked what his thoughts are regarding circumcisions, and I liked that he felt it’s a very personal decision and besides it being a rite of passage, that there are also benefits to it being done.
His thoughts about antibiotics and immunization are on par to the way Dan and I feel about them. In fact, his sub-specialty is infectious diseases, so he is especially knowledgeable in the area.
After taking up 30 minutes of the doctor’s time, I felt like we found the doctor of Freckle. Dan also felt the same way, which is great because he is really good at reading people.
I am so happy to have this checked off our to-do list. It feels so weird “interviewing” doctors. I don’t recall my parents ever doing that in the 80’s for me and my siblings. We just went with whoever is in-network and is closest to our home. But I’m very glad we met with this doctor before Freckle’s birth. It gives me peace of mind knowing that there’s a caring, knowledgeable doctor ready for Freckle as soon as he is born.
31-Week Update
11 Jun 2012 2 Comments
I received an email update from Baby Center today that said:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He’s probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby’s kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
It is so comforting, as a first-time mom, to hear your pregnancy is like so many others – down to the exact week. It was just this morning when I commented to Dan about how I woke up 3 times last night because the baby was adjusting himself. I’m not talking about a little kick or punch. I mean, he was stretching, moving his head, and moving from one side of my belly to the other. It’s just so crazy how much stronger he is now! Not too long ago, I only really felt him move when I was lying still. Now, I feel him throughout the day, even when I’m out and about moving.
Dan and I haven’t had a chance to take an updated photo of Mommy/Freckle, but it is on our to-do list and we’ll do our best to remember this weekend. We are continuing to spend most of our weekend simplifying our lives and getting rid of clutter to make room for all of Freckle’s stuff. He is not even born yet and he’s already taken up a lot space in our closet and shelves! But I must say, I love seeing all the cute clothes and toys in the apartment. It helps us mentally prepare for having a little baby in our lives.
In a way, I feel like all the things we’re throwing away or donating are things from our past. I mean, obviously they’re from the past. But from a past that we’re ready to truly let go. For example, I no longer need all my maps of Paris and Dan no longer needs his fencing blades. These are all things from when we were young and single. And now, we’re replacing all those items with baby bottles, onesies, and toys. There is a little bit of reminiscing when going through all the boxes of old stuff, but there is also a lot of excitement when you put baby items in its place. All this work really helps us transition to parenthood mentally, emotionally, and physically. Dan and I are so ready for this!