In Labor
Ouch.
December 18, 2007
40 Week Checkup
Nothing much new to report. Dilation remains at 3 cm. Effacement is minimal. The doctor said he is "really low"; she could feel his head.
Next checkup is December 24.
Still Here, Still Pregnant
More of the plug was lost yesterday followed by a few hours of contractions. I felt "odd" all day - in a nauseas but extremely hungry and tired sort of way. This morning it feels like he is about to fall out - much more than before. It isn't comfortable to sit. We think he is coming today or tomorrow but we'll know more after my check-up this morning.
Hava
December 17, 2007
Still Pregnant After All These Months
I'm still pregnant and feeling crampier than usual but without contractions. We tried pretty much every "home remedy" to induce labor this weekend - just to see. If I could walk the kid right out of my uterus, or scare him out with spicy food I would have but I'm here to tell you that IT DOESN'T WORK. I should mention that my doctor has offered to do a "membrane sweep" at my last two appointments and we have turned her down. Not only does it sound terrible but I'm really not all that anxious to kick him out when he isn't ready - no matter how many stretch marks have appeared since her offer.
Hava
December 16, 2007
Labeling
Dear Little George,
We don't know much about you and your first few months aren't going to reveal a whole heck of a lot. If you are born tomorrow we will consider you attentive! prompt! punctual! If you are born after tomorrow, you'll be stubborn, tardy, and maybe even lazy (until we know better).
Think about it...
Love,
Mama
December 14, 2007
Baby Free
OK Little George,
I worked from home yesterday fully expecting your arrival (remember, we had that talk about how Thursday was a perfect day?). Daddy and I took a walk around the neighborhood at lunch which produced nothing but discomfort in my nether regions and a contraction here and there. And you know how much I LOVE those contractions! Woo hoo! Bring on the false labor party!
I decided to come in to the office today for two reasons:
1. Daddy isn't home today and I don't have a car so what's the difference?
2. If you're going to make me uncomfortable, I can certainly make you uncomfortable by sitting in pants with an increasingly tight elastic waist -- ALL DAY LONG. (My maturity is dwindling along with my patience.)
If you are born tomorrow, you and Simon will be exactly three-and-a-half years apart. I'm not going to suggest that would be cool or anything. You decide.
Love,
Mama
December 13, 2007
Now Would be a Good Time
Dear Little George,
False labor started around 3 pm yesterday and lasted semi-regularly until around 9 pm. You waited until after Wednesday! Now we're ready.
Love,
Mama
December 12, 2007
A Request
You're so low I'm afriad you're going to fall out if I stand up. Please wait until I'm NOT AT WORK.
Please. Please. Please.
A Heart-to-Heart
Dear Baby A.B.,
In an hour or two I will be finished with all of my projects at work. Thanks for giving me that time. I've been working on this stuff since August and it feels great to have been there until the end.
By 6 pm this evening, Daddy will have finished administering the midterm to his class. He is very tense imagining that you are going to come out before he can finish and drive back in rush-hour traffic. The meeting on Friday can be moved. Daddy just wants to make it past today.
I think you dropped this morning.
Love,
Mama
P.S. If I could marry the bottle of Benadryl, I would. Holy cow, breathing is underrated!
December 11, 2007
39 Week Checkup
Dear Little George,
Our weekend adventures brought me to 3 cm dilated. At 4 cm, I can be admitted into the hospital although, there is that whole problem that you're supposed to be in labor AND 4 cm dilated. So, on the positive side, I'm 30% ready to give birth to you. On the negative side, you haven't dropped so nothing is happening. In summary, whenever you decide to move down, things will progress quickly.
The doctor joked again how we're not going to talk about the height of my fundus (how many "weeks" you are measuring) but she continues to look surprised like you're off the charts huge (she reminded us that your head is average and, really, that's all that matters). She was also surprised that I'm still going in to the office every day. There was some discussion of how fun it might be to terrify my coworkers. Throwing water on the ground, Lamaze breathing, etc....
She suggested trying Benadryl to help the congestion since Sudafed didn't do a darn thing and I still can't breathe.
Daddy wants you to wait to drop until after he teaches his class tomorrow and waiting until after his big meeting on Friday is ideal.
Love,
Mama
December 10, 2007
Week 39/40
Dear Little George,
Let me tell you a little story about a boy who cried "WOLF!"
The end of this pregnancy is turning out to be very different from my last experience. I'd never ever felt a Braxton-Hicks contraction before our little experience of a few weeks ago and now I feel them all the time. Last time I lost the plug in labor not days (or weeks?) before and, the night before it happened, I experienced "the show" so I knew it was coming. This time? No show and I'm walking around slightly dilated which, last time, didn't happen until the day I went into labor.
So I don't know what's going on. Simon says I should go to the doctor so she can get you out. I'm just afraid that the next time this happens I won't know it is the real thing until it is too late. My doctor says that, because my Braxton-Hicks contractions can be so close and regular and uncomfortable, the sign I really need to look for is intense PAIN. But by the time I get to intense? I want to be close to an epidural.
Love,
Mama
December 08, 2007
False Alarm
Nothing interesting happened today on the baby front. The contractions stopped at some point (they were never painful).
It's Something
Dear Little George,
Now isn't such a great time. I'm so close to being done with five different projects at work. Daddy has a really important meeting on Friday for which he must prepare and isn't yet ready for teaching on Wednesday. He made five course dinners for two families with new babies yesterday so the kitchen is a mess. Simon played "creatively" and alone while Daddy was cooking so an odd combination of objects is strewn about the house. I can't seem to completely get over this cold. We actually made plans with friends for the weekend. Daddy went to sleep after midnight and it is now 2 am...
But I was mistaken; I'm excited to have lost my mucus plug and am thrilled to have just started feeling the embers of unpleasant contractions.
I'll let everyone sleep until things hurt.
Looking forward to seeing you... soon?
Love,
Mama
December 07, 2007
Waiting
Dear Little George,
It looks like you're going to miss Hanukkah this year; we're already half way through. That's ok, we don't have a menorah for you and didn't buy you any gifts - except, of course, all the stuff we've bought for you over the last nine months that you have yet to see.
Daddy and I are just starting to realize that there will (one way or the other) be a baby in our house sometime in the next few weeks. Hey, we're slow and the idea is overwhelming. Of course we'll think you are crazy cute and love you completely but, after you've raised someone like Simon for three and a half years, you'll understand our hesitation before using the words "excited" and "thrilled" when describing the impending arrival of your second child. Simon is an absolutely fabulous little person who has mastered exactly where to push and pull, give and take, before the mental implosion begins. But without him... meaningless is given new meaning.
Love,
Mama
December 04, 2007
Comfortable in Your Home
Dear Little George,
We just returned from my 38 week appointment. These are the things we know:
There has been no progress.
You are not coming out anytime soon.
You are very large.
We didn't ask how large and it was clear the doctor wasn't about to offer the information. Does it really matter?
She suggested some Sudafed for my head cold. I haven't taken any drugs while pregnant but I'm pretty desperate at this point; Simon and I are still congested and two weeks is long enough to suffer.
Love,
Mama
Holiday Spirit
Dear Little George,
Last night I took you and Simon to the tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Mountain View. We're going to miss Christmas this year (a first) so experiencing a little Pagan/Christian holiday tradition seemed appropriate. A heck of a lot of people were listening to the local singing groups and Simon had a wonderful time dancing the night away. There were hundreds of chairs set out around the Civic Center Plaza but it was a very informal occasion so people got up and moved around a lot and stood and sat where ever they pleased. I asked to sit in a few empty chairs near where Simon was dancing. Not one person offered to let me sit. The cold concrete became my spot. It's not like it mattered that much - I'm not an invalid - but I found it interesting that no one offered me a space - not even the woman with the newborn who was saving a seat for her husband.
Let's just say that it didn't warm the cockles of my heart or make me want to share my figgy pudding.
Love,
Mama
December 03, 2007
38/40 Weeks (Measuring like a baby elephant)
Dear Little George,
38 weeks! You're good enough, you're smart enough, and doggone it, people like you. More importantly, you're done cooking.
My pressing assignments at work this week (the final week of my project) were given to someone else. No one wants me to start but not finish and you are big enough to scare anyone away from giving me new work. There is much to do but the stress of deadlines is gone. You can come out now, it's ok. Really. Don't be shy. Apparently all you do at this point is accumulate fat. I offer you some of mine; I have enough to share.
Want to see what your brother's first week was like?
Not so bad.
Love,
Mama
December 02, 2007
The Birth Plan
Dear Gentle Reader,
When I go into labor there will be a mention of it in this space. If anything happens, you will know. It is just that way around the Kagle household (or work - if it happens during a weekday); I am never far from a laptop. Labor usually takes a long time; they don't just let you walk into a hospital at the first sign of pain and suffering.
If you want to be among the first to know of A.B.'s birth along with a photo and you have the ability to receive SMS/MMS/Picture Mail, please drop your cell number into one of our email inboxes and we'll make sure to include you in the text message. You should be aware, however, that if you leave your cell phone ringers on at night, you may be in for a rude awakening! Also, the maternity ward has no reception so the message will be delayed until Matthew exits the building.
If you are not cell phone savvy and not directly related, we probably won't call you right away (there will be a few things going on). A mass email will be sent introducing A.B. along with his stats as soon as time allows.
Thank you for your patience. I've run out of mine but hey, what can I do?
Yours,
Hava
November 29, 2007
No News
Dear Little George,
You are still inside. You don't move much. I'm still really uncomfortable. This is why I haven't written. Nothing terribly interesting is happening.
Simon hasn't been sleeping well - as a newborn you'll do better - and we've decided to either put him up for adoption or MAKE IT STOP. So we aren't sleeping because we will no longer go in to comfort him at the usual 11 pm, midnight, 2 am, 4 am hours. I'm sure, once he goes to college, he'll figure out that sleep can be good.
Love,
Mama
November 26, 2007
Week 37/40 (Measuring as Week 41)
Dear Little George,
This is the point in my pregnancy with Simon where the doctor stopped telling me how large I was. She isn't afraid this time because we heavily suspect your largeness is your height and not your girth. She did, of course, measure your head last week and I bet that was to make sure you can exit. Your head circumference is average; you won't be induced because of your size. Alas, there is nowhere I can look on the web to tell you how large you are. You're probably over eight pounds.
I promised yesterday not to complain so I'll try to make this next section as factual as possible. I don't fit into clothes well and sometimes it actually hurts to sit in pants. I have developed a pinched nerve or something next to my right knee which prevents me from kneeling or putting all of my weight on my knee - something I now know I do ALL THE TIME. I itch and no amount of lotion on my belly seems to solve the problem. I'm usually hot. And sometimes? Sometimes I get winded getting up and walking from my cube over to the water cooler. It all feels a bit ridiculous. I never ever ever want to be fat again. EVER. I can't wait to be in control.
Anxiously awaiting your departure/arrival,
Mama
November 25, 2007
Your First Thanksgiving
Dear Little George,
I haven't taken a single hour off since June (I'm saving all of my time for maternity leave) so I was really looking forward to this four day weekend. All I expected out of it was some good food, relaxation, and time to bond with Simon. Lately it seems I never have enough time with him - two hours after work each day isn't enough.
On those grounds this was a very successful four-day weekend. We had a relaxing Thanksgiving dinner at home with the Feefadders. Saturday we actually got out a bit for a trip on the CalTrain up to the mall to buy Simon some Hanukkah gifts at Barnes and Noble. Today Simon and I went to see a movie in the theater (the one about the magic toy store). Sadly, he burst into tears from exhaustion at the very end and cried more in the parking lot because we don't drive a sports car (he was asleep a few minutes later).
Simon and I have slept together, sat on our arses together, and snuggled more than ever before. Unfortunately, we have also have been having fevers together, a hard time breathing, coughing all night long, and emptying nearly all of the tissue boxes in the house together.
But bonded? Yes we are.
What I'm most thankful for this holiday is that you stayed inside. I've been pretty desperate to evict you (I'm incredibly uncomfortable) but since you stayed in during this bad cold, you deserve at least a week of no complaints.
Love,
Mama
P.S. Sorry for the coughing. I know you don't like it.
November 21, 2007
The Results
Dear Little George,
It looks like we're in it for the long haul. I am still 1 cm dilated and not effaced which means we haven't made any progress in the past two weeks.
We did get to see parts of you in an ultrasound today. You are in the correct position for labor and, although you are measuring as a 40 week fetus, your head and femur are right on target for this point in pregnancy. I take this to mean that you are EXACTLY like your brother - the extra 4 weeks in size is all height and your height is all in your torso. It is a relief to know you are not chubby and that you don't have a huge head.
We didn't get a look at your face but we did confirm that you are a boy and your back is what is pushing so hard against my right side.
Simon was particularly excited to see you and kept repeating "Baby brother is coming SOON!"
Love,
Mama
November 20, 2007
Baby or Adult? Simonial Behavior
Dear Little George,
Your brother has been acting very strange for the past week. He's been hugging you a lot and kissing you and telling you he loves you (by the way, I'm shielding you from his REALLY cold hands). He has been asking how I'm doing and telling me he luuuuuvs me over and over and over while hugging me or caressing my face. A few days ago he even started doing the entire toilet routine ON HIS OWN - totally skipping past the part where he is supposed to tell us he needs to go and then we take him. Hooray for strange.
Yesterday he told me he wants to be in my tummy. He said he wants to be a baby. This morning he woke up a bit earlier than usual, turned on the light in the hallway and went to the bathroom completely on his own. When Matthew groaned because of the light, Simon called back "I'm sorry Daddy, that wasn't considerate of your feelings."
Holy cow.
Love,
Mama
November 19, 2007
Week 36/40
Dear Little George,
I'm not even going to guess at how large you are right now. On Wednesday we have our 36 week appointment and the doctor will reveal if you are measuring ahead 2, 3, or 4 weeks. If I had to guess, I'd guess you were measuring as a 40 week fetus. I do have some evidence to back this up. People at work who don't know me are starting to say things like "you poor thing!" as I pass in the halls. Those who don't say anything have a clear expression of terror when I come lumbering at them. I am THE GIANT PREGNANT MONSTER COMING TO GET YOU WITH MY DETACHABLE STRETCH MARKS! After my massage yesterday I saw my pregnant self in a full-length mirror naked for the first time and let's just say that I had the same terrified expression on my face. Seriously.
You are REALLY REALLY BIG.
On the positive side, I feel better than I look. My back hasn't had any problems and my feet are not swelling. I don't have trouble walking after a few minutes on my feet. I haven't had any leg cramps and I haven't gained too much weight. I do have some trouble standing up in the middle of the night. Turning myself over is becoming a chore and I'm currently wearing one of Daddy's dress shirts because mine are no longer long enough to keep you covered.
Overall, this has been a great pregnancy but, after my four-days-off-in-a-row this week, I'll be ready to carry you in my arms instead of in my gut.
Love,
Mama
November 18, 2007
Your Prenatal Weekend
Dear Little George,
We're running low on baby free weekends and we decided to spend this one with friends. Friends and a short trip to the ocean. As soon as we walked over to the water a rogue wave came up over the sea wall and hit Simon right in the head. He didn't mind but he sure wanted Daddy to share the experience...
(Daddy never did get wet.)
Today I had my last prenatal massage ever. I only wish it could have lasted longer or that I could have stayed on the table and slept all day once it was over. We did spend the rest of the day relaxing and playing at the park with friends. I kept falling asleep on the couch which has Daddy slightly concerned that something is happening. The day before Simon came out, I slept on and off the whole day.
Are you coming?
Love,
Mama
November 15, 2007
A Week Later and You're Still Inside
Dear Little George,
Your Daddy and I were making your bed the other night when we turned on your mobile. Simon ran into the room and, while he jumped to see over the crib bumper and get a good look, he asked excitedly, "Is he here yet?!?!?!?!"
Not yet.
Love,
Mama
November 13, 2007
Week 35/40
Dear Little George,
If you are still measuring 3 weeks ahead you weigh about 6.8 pounds and are over 19 1/2 inches long. You've completely dropped which looks really funny and seems like it would be a very uncomfortable place to be. Your head is pushing directly on my cervix which sends me sharp stabbing pains whenever you move. We're supposed to have an ultrasound next week to check your position. I'm looking forward to seeing your squished face but it isn't necessary. Your hiccups pinpoint your location very well.
If I were not working, this experience would be less embarrassing - standing still all of a sudden and waiting for your movement to cease before continuing, making sure that my pants are in fact covering the essential areas whenever I stand, lumbering around like Frankenstein when I first get up from a long period of sitting. Alas, it is probably the work that is keeping me sane. I find that I can't draw and focus on your imminent arrival at the same time. Deadlines loom in front of me like chocolate carrots. If I can just make this next one. OK, one more! Maybe I'll get to the end of this project (due in mid December) and maybe I won't.
The distraction is nice even if it doesn't last long. You have a way of making yourself known and, really, I like knowing you are around.
Love,
Mama
November 11, 2007
Kagle Boys
Dear Little George,
Since you didn't make it out this weekend, I took a picture of the Kagle Cousins for you...
Brad (8), Jeff (5), Simon (3), Andy (almost 2)
Besides having fun hanging out with the Bellevue and San Francisco Kagles, we did get a few things done for you this weekend. We washed your blankets, burp cloths, and clothes in baby detergent, we opened up boxes of new things, and looked at the manual for your new car seat (a step on the way to installation). I also ordered a few of the remaining important things we need - things like diapers. We will need to buy you some clothes but now we are conflicted about size - newborn or 0-3 months? At 9 lbs and 22 inches long, Simon never fit into newborn clothes and fit into 0-3 months for about 5 minutes; if you are born early you will and if you are born on time you won't either. I think we're following the plan that you can just swim in your clothes for the first month if necessary. We also don't remember how many outfits a newborn needs per day. I remember the spit up and the poop explosions, I just can't translate that into a formula for total number of outfits required. We have around 7 little outfits. Is that enough?
In any case, by the end of this week we should be prepared for your arrival - guaranteeing that you won't make an appearance until mid December.
Love,
Mama
November 10, 2007
Half Baked
Dear Little George,
On our way home from San Francisco this evening, I was complaining that I have never felt you have the hiccups. As a fetus, Simon used to have them all the time and I wondered why you don't. Thirty minutes later there you were, in my pelvis, having a case of the hiccups. You are such a good listener.
The past 24 hours have produced more evidence that you are ready to make your appearance. I'll spare the internet the details. Of course, it is still impossible to know for sure but none of these things occurred until the week before Simon was born.
So now we wait. Instead of expecting you to be late and huge, we now hope you will hold off at least a week and be healthy. We really don't want to leave you behind at the hospital.
Grow, little George, grow!
Love,
Mama
November 09, 2007
Itchy Disappointment
Dear Little George,
I just scratched my belly to find the culprit of my itchiness - a plastic princess sticker.
This morning Simon picked the sticker up from the floor and said "I want to give this to baby brother" while he stuck it to my belly.
I had forgotten.
I think he is a little disappointed that you didn't come out last night.
Love,
Mama
Back to Work (TGIF)
Dear Little George,
You and I are at work today - as usual. Per the doctor's advice, I'm making sure to drink a lot more to keep the contractions at bay and will be taking the elevators instead of the stairs - at least for the next week or so.
The six Kagle boys are currently in town. Maybe you wanted to show yourself as the lucky seventh while they are here? Really, baby A.B., you will have another chance...
Love,
Mama
November 08, 2007
Escape Attempt 2,347 - A Near Perfect Attempt
Dear Little George,
I've just come back from the hospital where I spent over three hours hooked up to monitors. Around noon today I thought my water might have leaked (it hadn't) and two hours later I started having regular contractions. They were (and remain) about five minutes apart but they are not particularly painful. I am 1cm dilated which the doctor said could be totally normal for me at this stage and I didn't advance in the two hours they waited to check me a second time. So, really, no one knows if I'm in preterm labor or false labor. I guess we'll find out in a day or two. They'd like you to stay in for another week and a half but won't stop you from coming out if you are determined.
We'll see....
In the mean time, Mama and Daddy need to actually prepare - something we haven't done.
Love,
Mama
Swinging Single
Dear Little George,
Last night I had to remove my wedding ring. My fingers are getting puffy and, by puffy, I mean fat. Don't worry, Mama isn't going to be having any trysts in the next month or so. No, while I have more conversations at work with women I've never talked with, the men at work stay absolutely, respectfully, politely, clear of me. It's actually kind of a fun power to have. I work in the physical presence of seven other designers and have never had a reason to talk with anyone in the office outside of my group (we work on completely different projects). These new women in my life are very nice. And the men? Well, it's like wherever I go, the sea of software developing men scatters. Daddy thinks there might be some concern that my condition will happen to the women in their lives if they get too close. My theory is that they see me THIS BIG and expect that my water might gush forth in their presence and, because they are responsible and kind, they will actually have to help me out.
Love,
Mama
Swinging Single
Dear Little George,
Last night I had to remove my wedding ring. My fingers are getting puffy and, by puffy, I mean fat. Don't worry, Mama isn't going to be having any trysts in the next month or so. No, while I have more conversations at work with women I've never talked with, the men at work stay absolutely, respectfully, politely, clear of me. It's actually kind of a fun power to have. I work in the physical presence of seven other designers and have never had a reason to talk with anyone in the office outside of my group (we work on completely different projects). These new women in my life are very nice. And the men? Well, it's like wherever I go, the sea of software developing men scatters. Daddy thinks there might be some concern that my condition will happen to the women in their lives if they get too close. My theory is that they see me THIS BIG and expect that my water might gush forth in their presence and, because they are responsible and kind, they will actually have to help me out.
Love,
Mama
November 07, 2007
Escape Attempt 2,346
Dear Little George,
Last night was Simon's first swim lesson with an instructor. He'll be going to these lessons twice a week and, since no one else signed up, he has the teacher all to himself. We couldn't find the camera before the class so Daddy took a blurry cell phone photo instead. Simon did really well and, more importantly, he had a great time.
On the way to the class and during the class you tried to make an escape. You're getting better at figuring out the correct way of escaping which has me a little worried that you might succeed one of these days. I mean, I WANT you to eventually succeed but give it another month, ok?
Love,
Mama
November 05, 2007
Start of Week 34/40 (measuring as week 37)
Dear Little George,
You weigh approximately 6 1/3 pounds and are probably a bit over 19 inches long. You haven't hurt me in a while but I do feel your head grinding against my pelvis now and then which is odd and uncomfortable. I'll take discomfort to pain so please don't think I'm complaining.
You are accumulating a number of really adorable outfits thanks to Grammy and Simon (your brother likes to choose things when we find ourselves near baby clothing). Simon and Daddy and I all agree that you should come home in the outfit with a rocket ship/alien pattern.
We're sort of ready for your arrival. I still have some maternity leave paperwork to sign and deliver and we'll need to buy newborn diapers and wipes at some point and wash your new clothes. We're a bit nervous for your arrival so we have no great desire for you to make an early appearance. Simon is thrilled by the idea of you at this point but we know all too well what is about to befall us: sleeplessness, non-stop nursing, sleeplessness, loose rolls of fat, sleeplessness, frustration, sleeplessness...
Love,
Mama
November 02, 2007
Thirty Four, The Magic Number
Dear Little George,
Today is my thirty-fourth birthday. The Feefadders graciously offered to baby-sit this evening so your Dad and I could go out on the town. And then I thought:
"Self? If you could be anywhere doing anything on your thirty-fourth birthday what would you do and where would you be?"
And my nearly thirty-four week pregnant self replied:
"You know, what I REALLY want? A good pizza, a chocolate cake decorated by Simon Lucas Kagle, and some mint ice cream made by Matthew. Oh, and self? I want the house to magically clean itself spotless AND maybe we can sit still on the couch ALL EVENING - even if we have to watch The Land Before Time Part NINE from Netflix to make that happen."
And so that is what we will do. Special thanks to the Feefadders for the gift of a cleaning service, The Man for making me cake and ice cream from scratch, and The Boy for the sprinkles.
Love,
Mama
November 01, 2007
Time Out
Dear Little George,
I have so many things stored up that I could tell you - about the really fun Las Madres Halloween party, about your brother having a great time trick-or-treating in the day time at businesses but not really being interested by the evening, about his first day of full time school and how he loved every minute (he'll now go twice a week for 7 hours), and how you wake me up full of energy and hungry as a horse at 4 am EVERY DAY. Alas, by my non-working hours I'm exhausted and can't bring myself to write. Maybe tomorrow will be better. At least I'll be a year older.
Pictures of Halloween are now on Flickr (click the link at the top of the page or the moving photo thing on the left).
Love,
Mama
October 29, 2007
Paranoia
Dear Little George,
I had a bad dream last night. Let's just say that you were not well and it wasn't going to work out between us.
So this morning I find myself wanting you to bully my insides with your feet, your hands, your large bum, anything. I sat still and waited. Nothing. I poked at you. I squeezed you. Nothing. You slept all morning and refused to wake up making me completely paranoid.
A can of apple juice from the vending machine later....
You're alive and kicking.
Sorry for the disruption. Thanks for moving.
Love,
Mama
October 26, 2007
Getting Comfortable
Dear Little George,
You are settling your head into my pelvis which feels quite unnatural. I'm now walking and sitting like a person with a head in my pelvis.
Last night you nearly killed me again with the pushing on my right side. I called out in pain and Daddy came over to help move you so I could change positions. He actually grabbed your large round rear end (the culprit) and held it while I adjusted.
Now we know, you have your Daddy's bum.
Love,
Mama
October 22, 2007
Cell Phone Photos from the Day
As usual we had quite a wait before the doctor arrived. In the mean time, Simon played OB/GYN patient...
And then he was the doctor...
Eighth Month Checkup
Dear Little George,
There are a few things you don''t expect your OB/GYN doctor to say. One of those things is "Wow! You're right!" when you've just explained that you are HUGE. You are now measuring 35 weeks (3 weeks ahead of schedule) which officially makes you "huge." Normal is plus or minus two weeks in size. Everything is good with you. She thinks you are head down but we'll double check with an ultrasound at your 36 week appointment.
Please be tall (with a small head) like your brother!
Love,
Mama
Beginning of Week 32/40
Dear Little George,
I filled out my pre-admitting paperwork for the hospital yesterday and one of the blanks on the vaccination page was a space for your name. I wrote it in. A---- Kagle. Naming you on an official form made you seem almost like a real person. I guess I still don't see you as "real" - even when there is plenty of evidence to support your existence.
Your Grandparents Kagle came back into town for the beginning of Kagle Season. Simon was so excited to play with them yesterday that he gradually wore himself into a breakdown right after they left. We've never seen him so obviously tired yet wired. He was a maniac (and not in a particularly good way). We did our best to get him to eat something, bathe him, and put him to sleep but it was necessary for both of us to be there to calm the wild arms and legs. Grandparents are just that exciting. He eventually woke up hungry and we fed a much calmer Simon a nearly midnight snack.
While they were here, Grandfather (aka Feefadder) helped Daddy put together your crib and we hung the animal paintings on your wall. Last week Jacek installed your light/ceiling fan. We still need to put in the furniture from Simon's room but your room definitely looks like place a baby would enjoy.
Our eight month checkup is at noon today.
Love,
Mama
October 19, 2007
Symptoms
Dear Little George,
I'm enormous.
My maternity shirts are starting to get too tight around the belly.
My maternity pants don't stay up.
I waddle.
I'm tired.
I have skin tags on my upper body.
I itch.
I smell.
A light linea negra may be starting to appear on my belly.
I think you've invited some friends over for a block party in my womb. Next time, please ask.
Happy Friday.
Love,
Mama
October 16, 2007
Maternity Leave
Dear Little George,
You've been unusually sleepy today. I feel you move now and then but the movements are small and slow. Your brother has also taken to sleeping more than usual. Maybe it's the weather? OK, probably not so much in your case.
I started the process for maternity leave today. I am tentatively scheduled to be on leave from December 17 to May 5. We're going to aim for the entire 20 weeks allowed and if we need to cut things short we will. Motorola will pay 90% of my salary (tax free!) for a while, the state of California will provide 55% of my salary (tax free!) for a while, I'll have almost a month of personal time off, and the rest will be unpaid. If we were not living in California, the maximum of monetary coverage would be 7 weeks. You wouldn't even be two months old. Thank goodness for the lovely and progressive state of California.
I'm still not planning to leave work until you make motions of escape. I learned my lesson last time - losing nearly three weeks with Simon because I started leave a week before my due date.
My current project at work ends in mid-December so I'm actually (sort of) hoping you won't be early. At least, that's what I'm going to tell myself until mid-December.
I'm looking forward to spending lots of time with you.
Love,
Mama
October 15, 2007
Start of Week 31/40 (Feels Like Week 38)
Dear Little George,
Next week we start the eighth month. I feel like I’ve already reached that point and, I imagine, since you’re measuring at least two weeks ahead, technically I have. Yesterday was a pretty bad pregnancy day. If I could have lay in bed and not moved all day I would have. Simon, of course, doesn’t allow this. He walks into the room every morning and tells me it is morning, that the sun is up, that he wants “lunch”, and will I play with him? Since a change at work prevents me from seeing much of him during the week, I'm not about to reject his plea for attention during the weekends.
I’ve also had a minor cold for just under a week which is probably/hopefully the reason for my complete lack of energy. I hate having to rest after I sweep a room, fold a load of laundry, or play a game of hide-and-seek. I feel old and really really lame.
You continue to move around a lot. At Daddy’s wise suggestion, I’ve stopped resting on my left side to prevent you from hurting me in my sore area with your strong kicks. You gave Daddy’s hand a good kick the other night so he understands better what I’m dealing with. He says it felt like an adult finger jamming itself into his hand.
I noticed the other night that, when I switch sides to relieve the strain on my hips, you “fall” from one side to the other causing you to wake up. I’m now being a little more cautions to flip slowly.
Simon woke you up the other day with his loud singing. He is starting to fall into the range of “excited” to meet you. He talks about you occasionally and talks to you occasionally and even (occasionally) comes up to give you a hug and a kiss and tells you that he loves you. We’ve been telling him about babies and reading books about big brothers. Almost all of his friends are big brothers or sisters at this point so he is pretty used to seeing babies in action (or, rather, inaction).
Maybe this sibling thing won’t be so bad. I’m am, however, thankful that we waited this long.
Love,
Mama
October 12, 2007
The Nose Knows
Dear Little George,
One of the side-effects of being pregnant is an ability to smell things far above the normal range. For example, Daddy cooks basmati rice and I smell the slight "dirty sock" undertone. During the first three months of pregnancy, fish cooking in the large cafeteria at work would send me running for the door even if I was completely on the other end of the building. On the positive side, I've changed only three or four poopy diapers in the past seven and a half months - each time I ran for the toilet. The real problem with this new power is that I smell bad. I've smelled bad for months and as this pregnancy progresses, it just gets worse. No one else seems to be able to tell (thank goodness) but here I am, smelling myself. There is no escape. Yuck.
Love,
Me
October 08, 2007
Start of Week 30/40
Dear Little George,
10 weeks until your due date. To be honest, you are a totally obnoxious fetus at this point. Simon was busy in the womb but I don't remember his movements being painful. You INSIST on big movements even though you have no space and it burns. My only hope is to lean to one side or forward to get you to stop. This is really fun when I'm trying to appear professional in all-day meetings.
Between that, continual bouts of insomnia, and the sheer weight of my belly which pulls at my skin, I'm pretty much ready for this to be over. Sometimes? If I'm in a narrow space when I sit on the floor to play with Simon, I can't get up by myself. Saturday Simon and I went swimming and a woman looked at me in my suit as if she had never seen anything so shocking IN HER LIFE (after she realized I could see her she turned and scooted away).
I GIVE BIRTH TO LARGE BABIES, OK?!?!?
Two-and-a-half months to go...
Love,
Mama
October 05, 2007
Let there be sleep! And there was.
Dear Little George,
Your brother passed out last night in the car at 5 pm without having had dinner and, no matter what Daddy tried, couldn't be roused -- until 5 am this morning when he came to our door with a request for water. I've never spent so little time with Simon in a single day. It was actually disturbing.
Moral: Sleep! It's necessary.
Love,
Mama
October 04, 2007
The Week Only Gets Worse
Dear Little George.
I really don't intend to spend the next three months whining but sometimes you have to tell it like it is. For some reason (hmmm, I don't know, the enormous high energy bump for which I am maintaining life?) I couldn't manage to get to sleep last night. Daddy had even switched our nice way-too-firm mattress for the soft cheap one we bought in Chicago and my hips were feeling great. So around 2 am, when Simon woke up yelling and moaning, I was primed and ready for action. All of Simon's recent sleep issues have been handled by placing a sippe cup of water in his hands. He can never find the cup which is always in the same place right next to him. I handed him the cup and he drank deeply and fell back asleep. I went back to our room. Fifteen minutes later there was more yelling and moaning and crying. I went in and he was thrashing around half awake, half asleep. We woke him up to find out what was wrong and he started talking about food. I fed him, read to him, and put him back to sleep. It was 2:45 am. He woke up again and again and finally decided, at 6 am, that he wasn't tired anymore so he had loud conversations with us (pretending to be himself as well as us) from the other side of his bedroom door... for an hour. By then it was time to get ready for work.
Welcome to our lives. We are the Kagles who do not sleep. Watch us go.
Love,
Mama
October 03, 2007
I'm so tired I can't even think of a title
Dear Little George,
I'm so tired. I'm so very very very tired. I've spent two nights flipping back and forth from one side to the other trying to keep my hips from collapsing. I'm not as graceful at flipping these days so it is an ordeal that takes longer than it should. And just when it is most convenient to roll out of bed and get on to the computer instead of getting everyone dressed and ready before driving me in to work - work at home days have vanished due to a restructuring.
This isn't my week.
Love,
Mama
October 01, 2007
Start of Week 29/40
Dear Little George,
Over the weekend we ordered Simon a big-boy dresser; as soon as it arrives we'll put his in your room along with his rocking chair. Daddy has finished painting the bottom half of your room; now all that is left is the middle - white and blue stripes. Once the painting is complete we'll invite our handyman over to install your ceiling fan, we'll put your crib together, and we'll make sure we have the necessities in place. This is all going to take at least another month or two or three. We're not in the rush we were last time to have everything "just so" - just so I can stare at it and wonder in a deeply induced hormonal state if you will ever arrive after my due date comes and goes with no baby.
I am hopeful that, even with all the baby furniture in the room, our extra queen bed will fit. I plan to sleep in your room for at least the first month, maybe more; it depends on how often and long you nurse. Daddy still needs to have enough energy to entertain Simon so I'm eager NOT to wake him every couple of hours. I also feel like I know what I'm doing this time around. I expect very little sleep and I'm ok with that as long as Simon's life doesn't come to a crashing halt because of your birth. After all, we want him to LIKE you not resent your existence. Also, Daddy? REALLY CRANKY when running on only a few hours of sleep.
You are now starting your 29th week. Since you're measuring two weeks ahead you're probably around 16 inches long and weigh around 3 pounds. You are very active and, we're certain, very cute. Daddy thinks you have brown eyes and that you will end up with brown hair. I'm convinced your brown hair will fall out to make way for blond. I think you'll have brown eyes like mine. Maybe it is wishful thinking that at least one of my sons will cause people to say "He looks JUST like YOU!" and not be pointing at Daddy.
Love,
Mama
September 30, 2007
Your Weekend
Dear Little George,
On Saturday we drove you and Simon to and from Sacramento to celebrate your Cousin Sarah's birthday. Simon is much better in the car these days and did really well in his underpants until halfway through the way home when he was uncomfortable using the dirty bathroom at a fast-food restaurant and decided wetting his pants was a better alternative. After needing a second change of clothes in less than ten minutes, we learned that traveling and potty training really don't mix well. What also doesn't mix well is having an enormous basketball attached to my front and sitting in the seat of a car. You'd think sitting wouldn't be a problem - I do it all the time - but there is something about sitting in a car and being pregnant that is just completely uncomfortable.
This morning we went out early (it was 48° outside!) and met our friend Lennie for the Stevens Creek Trail 5K Walk. We weren't speed racers but walking 3 miles or so with you attached at the front was no problem at all. The people running the race did take a number of pictures of us though and I have to wonder if it was the race number attached to my very large belly that was attracting the attention. People on the street have started to glance at my belly before quickly looking away. I remember this from last time. I've got three more months of "WOW THAT IS HUGE!" looks coming my way. I guess that is the downside of incubating extra large boys.
Tonight Daddy surprised me with a dinner out. Simon stayed home with a sitter. It was good. Your brother has been difficult lately. He REALLY isn't appreciating the potty training. He says he doesn't want to be a big boy and I have to wonder if that has anything to do with you. He is my baby. He also claims, however, to have a baby in his tummy and it is kicking him. His stuffed cat "Balcony" is also apparently pregnant. Clearly, you are on his mind.
Love,
Mama
September 25, 2007
Kagle Virus Update - The Hava Edition
I'm feeling better now, thanks. And at almost two pounds lighter I can see my belly button again. I had no idea that much could be stored in one stomach. Incredible.
I don't think Little George even noticed. Simon seemed a bit freaked out by the vomit scene so we let him stay up later than usual.
Both he and Matthew have been especially nice to me.
September 24, 2007
Kagle Virus Update - The Hava Edition
Dear Little George,
Sorry about the lack of food. It's better this way. Trust me.
Love,
Mama
28 Week Checkup
Not much new to report. Little George has a good heartbeat and all tests are normal. He maintains his large status and is another week ahead of schedule. He is currently measuring at 30 weeks. I'm hoping for tall and skinny like last time.
Brotherly Love
Dear Little George,
You have an appointment at noon today. Welcome to the third trimester! I was talking with some other moms over the weekend and we were comparing our two pregnancies. Honestly, I can't remember the fetal movements of Simon enough to compare but I do remember that he was really active. I don't remember him trying to hatch an escape plan from inside my belly button. My new stretch marks tell the tale. I'm starting to get some just around where you push; proof that I'm not making this up. I've started to need to rest every now and then and this isn't because of the weight - my feet feel fine, my back feels fine - it is because you're pushing so hard that my skin actually aches. Lying down shifts you into another position for a while. You never stop moving. Ever. You must kick and twist in your sleep. It is hard to imagine anyone being more active than Simon. Frankly, I'm a little scared.
Simon and I went out without Daddy again yesterday (he's still painting your room). Until recently we haven't spent much time apart from Daddy outside of the house. The thing is, I don't actually *need* to take Simon anywhere. Daddy runs the errands with Simon during the day and takes him to school and other activities. I take him around the block in the evening or play with him around the house. On the weekends we go out as a family. Simon must have recognized the importance of being without Daddy. Several times during the weekend he wrapped his arms around me and said, "I love you, Mommy." I'll be taking him out more for the next two months and then, of course, it is going to become difficult.
On one of our trips he picked out a sleeper for you to wear. He said you needed an outfit with "purple polka dots." We found one. It is lavender with butterflies. It is supposed to be for a girl but Simon is still clueless about the differences in styles, colors, and toys based on gender so buying you an outfit intended for a girl isn't an insult to your manhood. He also said you needed some fizzy tablets to color your bath water - we bought some but I'm sure there won't be any around by the time you're old enough to use them.
Love,
Mama
September 22, 2007
Activity
Dear Little George,
The top half of your room is now a perfect yellow (which makes the bottom half - still the old yellow color - look very green). Daddy did all of the work while Simon and I (and you) spent the day adventuring. We took the Light Rail from Mountain View to San Jose (an hour long trip, if you can believe it) and got off at the Tech Museum, had some lunch, saw an IMAX documentary about the Human Body, played around the museum, bought a few small space ships in the shop, and played with them around the fountains at the Convention Center (where Daddy picked us up). Once we were home we quickly changed and drove over for the last twenty-five minutes of family swim in the warm indoor Palo Alto pool. A lot of people have told me that swimming while very pregnant feels really good. It's not that it didn't feel good but it didn't feel any different than regular non-pregnant swimming. I didn't float more than usual and the weight didn't magically disappear... What gives?
This evening we had a great time at a housewarming party. Simon was ready to pass out by the time we got there but he was having such a great time with all of his friends that we ended up staying past his bedtime. A lot of these same kids were sick with the same thing around the same time. One family doctor said it was the Rotavirus, another said it was a flu. Neither diagnosis seems to have the appropriate list of symtoms and incubation period. In any case, I'm hopeful that Simon will sleep in tomorrow. We're going to have more fun while Daddy continues to paint. He says he doesn't want us exposed to the fumes. I think he could use some time without us around.
You have developed this really annoying habit of punching/kicking/squeezing/pushing this one patch next to my belly button. It actually burns it is so raw from all of the abuse. You also seem to be awake a heck of a lot for a fetus. I ASKED FOR A SLEEPER!
Love,
Mama
September 17, 2007
Start of Week 27/40
Dear Little George,
This is our final week in the second trimester and three months from today is your due date. We're in the home stretch. I am convinced this time around that you will be born late. I won't be starting maternity leave until you start to burst forth. (I want as much time home with you as possible.) My guess is that you'll be born a few days earlier than Simon - which means Christmas Eve or Christmas. I suspect those unfortunate days for a birthday will work out better for us than for most families. Daddy will have an excellent excuse to celebrate something other than Christmas. We'll all have something to focus on besides the holidays. No one out there plans to give the wee one Santa sweaters or holiday music for his birthdays, right? See, we'll be fine.
You're probably around fifteen inches long and weigh just over two pounds. I've gained 18 pounds - still adding a pound a week. Last week's acrobatics must have been you shifting to a new position because, since then, your movements have been frequent but gentle.
Daddy and I signed up for the Stevens Creek Trail Walk (we've walked the 5K pretty much every year we've been in Mountain View) and it occurred to me over the weekend that I am, well, very pregnant. While walking three miles with a few extra pounds is no big deal, walking 3 miles with twenty extra pounds sloshing around might just be a little too much. Our friends, Paul and Micheline, came over this weekend and we took them to nearby Rancho San Antonio for a two mile walk to see if that would be a problem. It was only in the last few minutes before we reached the car that I started to feel like I needed to sit down. After driving home we walked another mile to the coffee shop and back. The walk is on September 30. I think I can do it. Daddy and I plan to take a few long walks between now and then.
Love,
Mama
September 12, 2007
Hearing Voices
Dear Little George,
Recently you've been waking up to strange sounds: one kinda sounds like a fart, another a squeal, and there are some words - high pitched and very low pitched voices. That would be your Dad and your brother. They're initiating you into the Silly Boy Club. I'd get used to it if I were you. Or? Kick the area of the sound really hard.
Love,
Mama
September 10, 2007
Start of Week 26/40
Dear Little George,
Less than 100 days to go! I still feel amazing - much better than when carrying Simon (not that that was bad). I imagine this is because I don't have any of the aches and pains that come with getting ready for birth. There have been a few annoying side effects: it takes me a while to stand up when sitting on the ground, I couldn't finish cleaning yesterday - it became too exhausting to hold myself up while reaching to the back of the tub, and my belly button (still an innie) occasionally feels like it is being pulled in every direction. I'm not very fast at chasing Simon and it is hard to maneuver him in and out of the car (he never goes in the desired direction). We're starting to be able to feel the outline of your little feet when they kick. I think I even felt your itty bitty toes brush against my hand; maybe it was your fingers.
We had a very full weekend. Friday evening we dropped Simon off at Calvin's house for some play while you and Daddy and I went to a Shabu Shabu place in downtown Mountain View. The food was good but I've started to get SO HUNGRY that it felt like it wasn't enough. I decided to treat you to a black bean cake from the Hong Kong Bakery (I'm generous that way) and then we walked around downtown which put you right to sleep.
Saturday morning we emerged early for a hair appointment followed by a birthday bash for one of Simon's friends, Juliana. It was at an indoor bouncy house place and Simon had SO MUCH FUN. After the party we picked up some food and had a picnic at Cuesta Park (see Flickr site for photos). We decided to wear Simon out because Daddy and I were in desperate need of a nap. After a long drive up 280, over 92, and back down 101 Simon FINALLY fell asleep so we drove home and Daddy gently placed him in his bed. All three of us slept for two hours, waking moments before Calvin and Baby Finn arrived for a playdate and their parents turn to take the evening off. Simon was so sweet with Baby Finn - when he started to cry Simon came over and hugged him and told him "It's OK, baby." When that didn't work, Simon brought Baby Finn his Laa Laa doll and turned it on (turns out that Finn is not big a fan of dancing, light-up Laa Laa). I hope he is this sweet with you. Calvin and your brother wore each other out playing but, because of the nap, Simon didn't get to sleep until 10:30 pm (NO MORE NAPS).
Sunday we spent the morning and early afternoon at the Mountain View Art and Wine Festival (see Flickr site for photos). It was the first time we had any reason to visit the kid's area - last year we were in Chicago and the year before that Simon wouldn't have had any interest. Simon and Daddy rode in a helicopter and went through an activity maze. My imagination feasted on the idea of feeding you everything in sight but we only sampled a few things before letting Simon choose a restaurant for lunch.
Later, I took you and Simon for a walk along Shoreline Lake and we rested while Simon played with a little girl in the Sand Boat area. Daddy was worn out and needed some rest at home. Ironically, he isn't sleeping as well as I am.
Love,
Mama
September 06, 2007
Lab Results
Dear Little George,
My lab results came in the mail this aftrenoon. I am really far from having gestational diabetes and I am not anemic. I didn't expect anything different but still, it's nice to know we (you through me) can still consume large quantities of dark chocolate right before a diabetes test and be just fine.
Love,
Mama
September 04, 2007
Sleepy Kagledom
Dear Little George,
You'll notice that the issue of sleep (or lack thereof) is a hot topic in our house. Here are some recent events:
Through Simonial experimentation over the past couple of weeks, we've discovered that we need to stop Simon from napping (not a difficult thing to do). On days when he is allowed to skip a nap, he goes to bed early and sleeps in late. On days when he does nap, he stays up until nearly midnight and gets up early. When he doesn't nap he can be a little terror but we've discovered that he can play nicely until 4 pm at which time a half hour or so of cartoons is mind numbing enough to whip him back into shape before dinner, bath, books and bed. We tried enforcing "quiet time" in his room but his crying and anger was wearing him out even more.
Also, according to your father, I have developed the new talent of snoring like a lawn mower and, for some reason, he doesn't appreciate it very much. I, however, am sleeping really really well which isn't my normal state even without the enormous basketball dancing inside me while I snore happily along. I'm even able to pass out while being pummeled with little fists and feet. You don't appreciate me lying on my side and taking up some of your space. But, HELLO, I can't exactly sleep on my back or front now can I? I've tried to explain this to you but I don't think you're listening.
Love,
Mama
September 02, 2007
On Burning Up
Dear Little George,
I'm hot; baking scorching hot; stay in air-conditioning all day hot (only we're not equipped). I'm one of those people who love to sit in the sun and soak up the heat. But it has been in the high 80's here for the past week and I feel like I'm about to collapse. It is especially bad when taking Simon for a walk or walking from the car across a hot pavement parking lot to a store. For the past few nights my feet have been so hot that I can't sleep. My FEET! They're on fire. Tonight I may put them in an ice bath before bed. I blame this all on you. You are burning me up from the inside out. The sun is burning me up from the outside in. There is no escape until Fall.
Love,
Mama
August 27, 2007
24 Week Check-up
Dear Little George,
Daddy and Simon and I were all there to hear your healthy galloping heart beat at today's 24 week check-up. You are taller than your brother was at the same point: measuring 25 weeks instead of 24 (Simon started showing height at 28 weeks). Looks like our instincts to keep your potential great height in mind when making purchases are, so far, justified. No one has quite figured out what about Mama and Daddy leads to tall offspring: Mama is 5'4" and comes from a long line of shorties. Daddy is 5'11" and has some height in his family but nothing extreme. Also, all of Simon's height is in his torso while Daddy's family has a genetic predisposition for long legs. It is still possible Simon's height is a fluke. You may "even out" as this pregnancy progresses.
Love,
Mama
P.S. The mailman is short.
No Photos Please
Dear Little George,
You won't find many pictures of me pregnant with you. I feel terrific. I've gained 13 pounds in 24 weeks which is right on target for my pre-pregnancy weight/height ratio). I keep thinking I should do the pregnancy photo thing that I did with Simon. However, every time I see a photo of myself I become depressed and it doesn't go away until I can get the image out of my head. A really nice lady at work said I looked small for this point in my pregnancy. I don't believe her for a minute, but it was still nice to hear.
I'm carrying you low and in front. My waist is gone. My boobs are enormous. When you move I usually feel it really really low. I'm pretty sure your head is on my left side - that is where your little fingers tickle me. I imagine you are facing inward and down because of your propensity for kicking my bladder. I wonder if you will look like me, your father, or the mailman.
Love,
Mama
August 22, 2007
Music Appreciation
Dear Little George,
Last night I remembered to pick up some old fashioned head phones from the store. You are currently having your first classical music lesson. I'm starting you off with Mozart from the iPod. I've never felt you move this much or for this long. Your toes are tapping, your fingers are wriggling. I think I've found something you like.
Love,
Mama
August 20, 2007
The Start of Week 23
Dear Little George,
Your favorite time of the day is 9 pm. Simon is asleep. Daddy and I are watching a show together or Daddy is reading us a story. You kick in rhythm to my heart beat. I just wish you kicked outward instead of inward. My trips to the bathroom have become frequent and your inward kicking isn't helping matters. I'm just beginning to have a hard time getting up from a squat. I can't tie my shoes without moving one foot to the side. I want snacks. I want snacks a lot. Next week (according to the pregnancy calendar) we'll have been together for six months.
Love,
Mama
August 18, 2007
Item of Concern
Dear Little George,
My bladder is not a trampoline. Please stop.
Love,
Mama
August 15, 2007
Stuff, Stuff, and More Stuff
Dear Little George,
Last night I finally opened up all the boxes and organized your room. You have SO MANY TOYS. Holy cow. We need to announce to the world right now that you are entirely set for the first few years of your life. NO MORE TOYS. If new ones come in, we will have to purge the old ones and Simon never used any toy long enough to even make it appear "used." We also need a fourth bedroom to house the stuffed creatures we've accumulated over the years. I'm not quite sure how we will solve this problem until we know you and your interests.
Someone guessed your first name this week. It was this person's very first guess. I was shocked. It isn't a first guess type of name. I was pretty sure your middle name would be guessed by a large number of people and that hasn't happened at all. I didn't let on that the guess was correct. Our secret is safe. I think of you by your real name not "Little George" - one of these days I may slip up.
We have two weeks to go until your next appointment. I'm interested to see if I am measuring large or not. Daddy and I fully expect to have another tall baby. We even have a brand new car seat waiting - a car seat specifically designed for tall babies. Simon grew out of his first car seat by the time he was four months old. We gave it away around that time. It wasn't until Simon started sleeping regularly that we entertained the idea of doing this all over again.
I'm glad we are. So is Daddy. Simon's happy too. He likes the idea of bunk beds.
Love,
Mama
August 14, 2007
That Bumpy Feeling
Dear Little George,
Last night, just after he finished reading us the final installment of Harry Potter, I put Daddy's hand on my belly. You gently kicked twice. He felt it.
Love,
Mama
August 09, 2007
The Spending Hormones
Dear Little George,
You had your first all night party a couple of nights back. Maybe it wasn't your first. I'm not usually one to attend festivities between 11 pm and 7 am. I'm old and prefer sleep. Since my legs have seemingly stopped separating from my pelvis when I lie down, sleep has been nice and slumberous.
I ordered a rug for your room. It will be very soft and has patches of primary colors. I must have stared at the dinosaur valance and crib bedding set that would go SO WELL with it for at least an hour the other night. We don't need crib bedding. Simon's old stuff isn't cute and it doesn't match, but it is functional. We should be spending our money on more important things.
Still, I long for that dinosaur crib bedding. I guess the hormones have kicked in.
Love,
Mama
August 02, 2007
The Fire Within
Dear Little George,
Holy cow. Everything was going so well. So well that (here I guiltily admit) it was really easy to forget for long periods that you're around. Having been through this before, I knew this was the honeymoon of pregnancy - I've had all the energy in the world, I've been able to eat just about anything and I've been no hungrier than my usual non-pregnant self. I expected the honeymoon to last until sometime in the third trimester. However, on Monday Simon and Matthew made a fresh blueberry lemon pie that I greedily consumed (not the whole thing of course, only one slice). Thirty minutes later it felt like I'd swallowed a burning briquette and the feeling hasn't dissipated - three days later. I "slept" sitting up on the couch last night. I've swallowed the maximum dose that Tums recommends and it hasn't helped one bit. Please make it stop. I need more time!
Love,
Mama
P.S. Your brother thinks it is hysterical when the fish shaped potholders talk to you. Also? He's named you "Poo Poo." I think that is actually a compliment. "Poo Poo" is the greatest word on earth.
July 20, 2007
Let the Guessing Begin
Dear Little George,
We're calling you Little George for the same reason we called your brother George. When Daddy was young he named all his stuffed animals "George" - there was a "Big George" and a "Little George" and even a "Medium George."
Just as with Simon, we won't be telling anyone your name until you are born. If we did, we're absolutely certain there would be a crowd of people who would stand up and ever so gently say "THAT IS A TERRIBLE NAME, HOW CAN YOU DO THAT TO A CHILD?!" After all, with your brother there was "Simon says" and "Simple Simon" and "that mean guy from American Idol" to worry about. Simon's name hasn't been a problem for him and we don't think yours will be for you either. It is unusual, true. It is even likely you will never -in your life- run into another person with your same name. But we think it is a great name with a great history. Mama has never run into another "Hava" and her life has not been irreparably harmed.
No one really guessed Simon. We're pretty sure no one will guess what the "A" in A.B. stands for (the "B" is easier). But everyone is welcome to try. As people come up with guesses, they should add them to the comments of this post. They'll be here to compare when Little George is born and when he is old enough to enjoy the attempts.
Love,
Mama