Dear Gremlin,
It has been quite some time since I wrote to you, but you certainly haven't been forgotten! Your Daddy and I have been working hard to get everything ready for you. We now have the major necessities for you: a car seat, a place to sleep, a few clothes, diapers, wipes, and bottles for formula. If you came today, we could handle it, although we would both be nervous wrecks! Daddy and I are both very sick right now, so please don't come quite yet! Where you are right now is the safest place you can be at the moment.
Daddy's and my co-workers threw a very nice baby shower last week in honor of your pending arrival. Wonderful presents for you have been tricking in outside of the shower as well, and I hope you won't mind that we've already opened them - we want to have everything ready for you. You are a very lucky little boy with so many people already caring about you. Not a day (maybe not even a waking hour!) goes by that someone doesn't ask how you and I are doing.
The doctor says you are growing well, and you even seem to be a bit ahead of schedule. If you are anything like your Daddy and if my growing belly is any indication, you will be a big boy. I have my doubts that the tiny newborn clothes we have (mostly gifts) will fit you, but don't worry - we have other clothes, so you won't have to come home from the hospital wrapped in a little blanket.
You did give us quite a scare a few weeks ago. At work one day, I started getting bad cramps that just wouldn't go away. It was late in the day, but I called my doctor whose nurse said to take some medicine and lay down for awhile. Unfortunately, a few hours later my cramps were even worse, so your Daddy drove me to the hospital. It turned out that I was starting to have little contractions - not enough to start you coming, but enough that they could quickly cause full contractions, something we definitely wanted to avoid! Luckily, the doctor was able to give me some medicine that got the contractions under control. We're looking forward to meeting you, but we'd rather you be healthy and "fully-baked," as your Daddy says!
5 weeks, 6 days
Showing posts with label Baby Peripherals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby Peripherals. Show all posts
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Our Work, Your Future
Dear Gremlin,
Your daddy and I got a car seat for you this weekend - and it even fits in both cars! However, it fits much better in the new Rondo that we got in preparation of your arrival, so I think you will be spending most of your travel-time in that car, which I prefer anyway.
There is a lot going on in our lives right now in addition to you. We've been so busy at work that we come home very tired and are having a hard time getting things ready for you. Sure, you have a crib and a car seat (and a stroller to pick up tonight!), but we still need to sort through closets and reorganize so the closet in your room has space for all of the cute little things you are sure to have. It's a long process, but we're trying to work through it a little at a time. I'm having to learn to be a bit more laid back about the mess. It's impossible to go through a large closet that is packed completely full in one day, particularly when that involves sorting and filing bills and paperwork going back several years! Hopefully it will all get done before you arrive, because I'm sure that we will be quite busy once you are here - but a good, fun kind of busy.
I realized today that I haven't told you much about your daddy and me, particularly what we do for a living. It may not seem too important, but luckily the jobs that we have reflect a little of ourselves, and we found jobs that demonstrate what we both think are important. At the moment, we both work at a university; your daddy works for the information technology department and I work in the library managing the university's digital teaching and research repository. Although we could make much more money outside of education (and your daddy has been offered a lot of money to leave), right now, working in education is important to us. We like making a difference for professors and students. Your daddy works closely with professors to help them teach their classes more effectively, and that helps the students learn better. When you get to know him you'll be very proud of him - he's received a number of local and national awards for some of his projects, and he has helped professors reach a lot of students. We may not be teachers, but by helping professors teach effectively, we're impacting a lot more students. The work I do is a lot more visible off campus than your daddy's, so I'm lucky to be able to impact even more people, making rare and unique materials available on-campus and off.
It shouldn't come as any surprise that your dad and I both believe that education is very important, and I admit that you may get tired of it after awhile. We want you to do your best and learn as much as you can; we'd like you to be more successful than we are. When I say successful, I don't mean make more money - I mean make an impact in people lives and help others succeed and do their best. I know that the world will be a little better because you are in it.
I admit, we're bringing you into a difficult time for the country and the world. The national debt continues to grow, unemployment is high, and most of the people who need help aren't getting it. All of the details are very complicated, but I worry that you're coming into a world where everything is an uphill battle. Your dad and I will help you get a good start and support you as much as you can, but sometimes, things get hard, and I don't want you to be discouraged when you meet opposition or disappointment. Your dad and I have had plenty of that, and while we'll try to spare you as much pain as possible, I also know that your dad and I are stronger because of what we've had to overcome. I don't want to do you a disservice by refusing to allow you to make your own mistakes and find your own path.
16 weeks, 5 days
Your daddy and I got a car seat for you this weekend - and it even fits in both cars! However, it fits much better in the new Rondo that we got in preparation of your arrival, so I think you will be spending most of your travel-time in that car, which I prefer anyway.
There is a lot going on in our lives right now in addition to you. We've been so busy at work that we come home very tired and are having a hard time getting things ready for you. Sure, you have a crib and a car seat (and a stroller to pick up tonight!), but we still need to sort through closets and reorganize so the closet in your room has space for all of the cute little things you are sure to have. It's a long process, but we're trying to work through it a little at a time. I'm having to learn to be a bit more laid back about the mess. It's impossible to go through a large closet that is packed completely full in one day, particularly when that involves sorting and filing bills and paperwork going back several years! Hopefully it will all get done before you arrive, because I'm sure that we will be quite busy once you are here - but a good, fun kind of busy.
I realized today that I haven't told you much about your daddy and me, particularly what we do for a living. It may not seem too important, but luckily the jobs that we have reflect a little of ourselves, and we found jobs that demonstrate what we both think are important. At the moment, we both work at a university; your daddy works for the information technology department and I work in the library managing the university's digital teaching and research repository. Although we could make much more money outside of education (and your daddy has been offered a lot of money to leave), right now, working in education is important to us. We like making a difference for professors and students. Your daddy works closely with professors to help them teach their classes more effectively, and that helps the students learn better. When you get to know him you'll be very proud of him - he's received a number of local and national awards for some of his projects, and he has helped professors reach a lot of students. We may not be teachers, but by helping professors teach effectively, we're impacting a lot more students. The work I do is a lot more visible off campus than your daddy's, so I'm lucky to be able to impact even more people, making rare and unique materials available on-campus and off.
It shouldn't come as any surprise that your dad and I both believe that education is very important, and I admit that you may get tired of it after awhile. We want you to do your best and learn as much as you can; we'd like you to be more successful than we are. When I say successful, I don't mean make more money - I mean make an impact in people lives and help others succeed and do their best. I know that the world will be a little better because you are in it.
I admit, we're bringing you into a difficult time for the country and the world. The national debt continues to grow, unemployment is high, and most of the people who need help aren't getting it. All of the details are very complicated, but I worry that you're coming into a world where everything is an uphill battle. Your dad and I will help you get a good start and support you as much as you can, but sometimes, things get hard, and I don't want you to be discouraged when you meet opposition or disappointment. Your dad and I have had plenty of that, and while we'll try to spare you as much pain as possible, I also know that your dad and I are stronger because of what we've had to overcome. I don't want to do you a disservice by refusing to allow you to make your own mistakes and find your own path.
16 weeks, 5 days
Monday, October 17, 2011
Avocado
Dear Gremlin,
This week, you're the size of an avocado! Apparently you are also starting to make me look rather pregnant. I've gone from "eating too many donuts" to "baby inside!" I admit, it's a nice feeling.
I'm sorry that it has been so long since I last wrote - your daddy and I have been very busy with work and getting things ready.
A couple of weeks ago we got to see you again - twice! For the first ultrasound, you did not cooperate at all. The doctor needed to do a measurement of an area on the back of your neck, and not only did you lay back so it was hard to see, but you covered the back of your neck with your hand! The next day we had to go back to try again. This time, though, I had a little caffeine and chocolate before the ultrasound. You perked right up! The doctor got great measurements and said everything looked good - the test results we got this week confirmed that as well.
We also bought a crib for you. We weren't entirely expecting to, but it was on sale and we had a coupon, so, you have a crib! Don't worry - it's safe and made by a good company: your daddy and I are thrifty, but we wouldn't put you in harm's way just to save a few dollars. Your daddy set it up to make sure that all of the pieces were there and fit together properly. It looks nice, and now we have a good place to store some of the other stuff we already have for you.
It will only be a few weeks before we find out if you are a girl or a boy. The ultrasound appointment is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving - perfect timing to tell the family when everyone is together. Honestly, your daddy and I will be happy with whatever you are; we just want you to be a healthy, happy baby and grow up to be a healthy, happy child and adult.
Tomorrow night we get to hear your heartbeat again. I trust that everything is fine, but I will certainly be happy to hear you again. I'm looking forward to when I can feel you kick. Enjoy it while you can - when you're born, you won't be allowed to do that anymore!
15 weeks, 2 days
This week, you're the size of an avocado! Apparently you are also starting to make me look rather pregnant. I've gone from "eating too many donuts" to "baby inside!" I admit, it's a nice feeling.
I'm sorry that it has been so long since I last wrote - your daddy and I have been very busy with work and getting things ready.
A couple of weeks ago we got to see you again - twice! For the first ultrasound, you did not cooperate at all. The doctor needed to do a measurement of an area on the back of your neck, and not only did you lay back so it was hard to see, but you covered the back of your neck with your hand! The next day we had to go back to try again. This time, though, I had a little caffeine and chocolate before the ultrasound. You perked right up! The doctor got great measurements and said everything looked good - the test results we got this week confirmed that as well.
We also bought a crib for you. We weren't entirely expecting to, but it was on sale and we had a coupon, so, you have a crib! Don't worry - it's safe and made by a good company: your daddy and I are thrifty, but we wouldn't put you in harm's way just to save a few dollars. Your daddy set it up to make sure that all of the pieces were there and fit together properly. It looks nice, and now we have a good place to store some of the other stuff we already have for you.
It will only be a few weeks before we find out if you are a girl or a boy. The ultrasound appointment is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving - perfect timing to tell the family when everyone is together. Honestly, your daddy and I will be happy with whatever you are; we just want you to be a healthy, happy baby and grow up to be a healthy, happy child and adult.
Tomorrow night we get to hear your heartbeat again. I trust that everything is fine, but I will certainly be happy to hear you again. I'm looking forward to when I can feel you kick. Enjoy it while you can - when you're born, you won't be allowed to do that anymore!
15 weeks, 2 days
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Big Reveal
Dear Gremlin,
We got to hear your heartbeat on Tuesday! After that, we felt safe enough to tell everyone about you - there was much happiness and more crying than I was comfortable with, both from friends and co-workers.
This weekend we went to see your Grandama H., who is just as excited as expected. We went shopping to look for all sorts of things for you, but we didn't end up buying anything, instead just testing out some options to see what we were are interested in for you. There are a lot of choices to be made, what with strollers, car seats, cribs, bouncers, and everything else. Your dadd and I still have some time to figure it all out before you arrive, so there is no reason to worry quite yet.
Tomorrow we will get to see you again on the ultrasound - the doctor will be performing a nuchal translucency test to check for chromosomal abnormalities. You aren't in a high risk category, but the test is non-invasive, and we get the reassurance that everything looks okay for you. There's also the chance that we'll find out if you are a boy or a girl! You already know, but it's a secret the rest of us are interested in finding out. If the doctor can't tell, we'll just have to wait a couple more months.
You may notice that the count of days and weeks has changed a little bit. My doctor calculates the pregnancy a little differently than some other calculators, so from here on I'll use her information. It means basically that you are two days older than we thought, but your due date is the same. We still expect you in early April!
Soon we'll pass into the second trimester, when I should supposedly feel better and have more energy for getting things done for your arrival. I'm looking forward to it.
12 weeks, 3 days
We got to hear your heartbeat on Tuesday! After that, we felt safe enough to tell everyone about you - there was much happiness and more crying than I was comfortable with, both from friends and co-workers.
This weekend we went to see your Grandama H., who is just as excited as expected. We went shopping to look for all sorts of things for you, but we didn't end up buying anything, instead just testing out some options to see what we were are interested in for you. There are a lot of choices to be made, what with strollers, car seats, cribs, bouncers, and everything else. Your dadd and I still have some time to figure it all out before you arrive, so there is no reason to worry quite yet.
Tomorrow we will get to see you again on the ultrasound - the doctor will be performing a nuchal translucency test to check for chromosomal abnormalities. You aren't in a high risk category, but the test is non-invasive, and we get the reassurance that everything looks okay for you. There's also the chance that we'll find out if you are a boy or a girl! You already know, but it's a secret the rest of us are interested in finding out. If the doctor can't tell, we'll just have to wait a couple more months.
You may notice that the count of days and weeks has changed a little bit. My doctor calculates the pregnancy a little differently than some other calculators, so from here on I'll use her information. It means basically that you are two days older than we thought, but your due date is the same. We still expect you in early April!
Soon we'll pass into the second trimester, when I should supposedly feel better and have more energy for getting things done for your arrival. I'm looking forward to it.
12 weeks, 3 days
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Dear Gremlin,
You are the size of a fig - just over 1.5 inches! My morning sickness is finally starting to subside, so thank you for that.
Your daddy and I went out today to look for a file cabinet and some maternity clothes for me and ended up unexpectedly at Babies-R-Us. Your daddy wandered off and was looking at cribs (also, unexpected). He found one that he really liked, and he sold me on the idea of a crib/changer combo.
We didn't buy it, of course (and it wasn't on sale for that price) - remember that we don't "rush" into anything, and we also don't have the room for it yet. Instead, we decided to check out some reviews online and in books on the crib specifically and the company in general. Your daddy likes the idea of a changing table attached to your crib because it sits up higher for him and still at a reasonable height for me. Hopefully you'll like whatever we finally get, but I was glad that your daddy was enthusiastic about finding you a place to sleep.
I spoke to your Grandmother H. today. She has been telling a number of people about you - we asked her not to, but your daddy and I didn't really expect that she would be able to keep you a secret. It's okay, though. On Tuesday I have an evening doctor's appointment (so your daddy can go, too!), and if we get to hear your heartbeat, we'll probably just go ahead and tell people. I believe that you are doing just fine, but I also worry. I'm your mother - I'll be doing that forever, so you might as well accept it!
You are coming at a very good time for us. Your daddy and I both have good jobs and have been able to save some money away for a new car. We are very lucky and grateful for what we have, particularly with so many other people suffering and struggling just to survive. I'm glad that we'll be able to bring you into a secure loving home without having to worry about how we are going to pay for our next meal. With stable jobs we enjoy, a little house, and you on the way, we are certainly feeling lucky.
11 weeks
You are the size of a fig - just over 1.5 inches! My morning sickness is finally starting to subside, so thank you for that.
Your daddy and I went out today to look for a file cabinet and some maternity clothes for me and ended up unexpectedly at Babies-R-Us. Your daddy wandered off and was looking at cribs (also, unexpected). He found one that he really liked, and he sold me on the idea of a crib/changer combo.
We didn't buy it, of course (and it wasn't on sale for that price) - remember that we don't "rush" into anything, and we also don't have the room for it yet. Instead, we decided to check out some reviews online and in books on the crib specifically and the company in general. Your daddy likes the idea of a changing table attached to your crib because it sits up higher for him and still at a reasonable height for me. Hopefully you'll like whatever we finally get, but I was glad that your daddy was enthusiastic about finding you a place to sleep.
I spoke to your Grandmother H. today. She has been telling a number of people about you - we asked her not to, but your daddy and I didn't really expect that she would be able to keep you a secret. It's okay, though. On Tuesday I have an evening doctor's appointment (so your daddy can go, too!), and if we get to hear your heartbeat, we'll probably just go ahead and tell people. I believe that you are doing just fine, but I also worry. I'm your mother - I'll be doing that forever, so you might as well accept it!
You are coming at a very good time for us. Your daddy and I both have good jobs and have been able to save some money away for a new car. We are very lucky and grateful for what we have, particularly with so many other people suffering and struggling just to survive. I'm glad that we'll be able to bring you into a secure loving home without having to worry about how we are going to pay for our next meal. With stable jobs we enjoy, a little house, and you on the way, we are certainly feeling lucky.
11 weeks
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