Not much of an update… more like a first post! The subtitle of this blog refers to shenanigans in new parenthood… it’s about time I talked a bit about the baby! Let’s start off with a movie of the 18-week ultrasound, for no other reason than because videos and images look good in blog posts. 
Here’s the FAQ for our upcoming new addition:
Q: When is the baby due?
A: June 7, 2009. I’ve jokingly asked Mama Monkey a few times to hold off for a week and a bit so that the birthday will coincide with its aunt’s.
Q: Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?
A: Nope. First we both wanted it to be a surprise, then I went for a short time where I thought I’d rather know (but deferred to my wife), and then a friend convinced me that the surprise is one of the only true surprises in life, so I’m back to not wanting to know.
Q: Are you crazy? You JUST got married, bought a house, had other expenses, and Mama’s not done school!
A: Aren’t ALL parents crazy? Just kidding. We were actually aiming for a family sometime after Alie’s (gotta call her that from time to time; Mama Monkey ain’t gonna cut it for every reference!) last Ironman, at which time being finished with a gruelling training regimen would permit it. As it turns out, fate conspired for us to be married and buy a house at around the same time. But the baby was a definite priority so it’s all going according to plan. Muhahahah! As for school–some things in life you just shouldn’t wait forever for. Some of her colleagues said that grad school is a great time to start a family anyhow.
Q: Got a daycare yet?
A: Nope. We’re on the list for public providers. Private providers often won’t let you contact them until the date draws nearer. We have some contingency plans, though.
Q: (laff laff, snicker snicker) Greg, you always sleep in. How are you going to do that with a baby? (laff, snicker, point)
A: I’m not really planning to. My sleep schedule is sporadic. When people think I’m sleeping in 12 hours, I may have only been in bed for 4 as it is. I’m under no illusions here, though. Luckily it’s not something you can “prepare” for, so why bust my chops about sleeping in now? As with all new parents, we’ll be grumpy, whine to whoever will listen about how we have so little sleep, and cope with it. Have any other parents ever been any different?
Q: Picked out any names yet?
A: Started to! Nothing’s set in stone yet. Somehow it’s easier to pick out boy’s names for the two of us, even though neither of us really expect the baby will be a boy. However, we won’t be announcing our choice until after the birth is recorded.
Q: Prepared for the expense?
A: As much as you can be! But people don’t have families as a method of amassing wealth.
Q: Midwife or OB/Gyn?
A: Midwife. The care they give is much more personal and comprehensive. They’re still trained to do the “clinical” type stuff during the (more frequent) visits; it’s not all new-agey despite some persistent misconceptions. We will still be going to the hospital for the delivery, though.
Q: Excited?
A: You bet! I haven’t been this excited since my wedding!
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Other miscellaneous stuff:
- Nursery is almost done. Bought furniture, built some storage, had to have custom mattress made for European-sized crib, Mama Monkey made some fitted sheets, blankets, diapers/pads, etc. Still remaining: window treatment, fun wall art, and drapes for closet (instead of existing sliding doors)
- Baby is going stretchy-kicky like mad in the belly. The sound of my wife going “oof” is far more frequent lately, and sometimes her belly reminds me of that scene from “Alien”… you know the one.
- We had a great photo session with some friends who are developing their skills as they move toward a potential career in photography. Some beauties were taken, which we’ll post here.
- Finished our prenatal classes. I learned that my wife is going to be a somewhat different creature once labour begins. I also learned that I get the great opportunity to be her primary “support” person. I’m not looking forward to her being in pain, but I’m looking forward to the experience.
If I think of anything later, I’ll add’er in!
Greg
