10 weeks to go!

Hi little bear,
Yesterday you turned 30 weeks old! Time is a' tickin'! There are many things we need to do to prepare for your arrival. Right now your nursery is your papa's office - full of computer equipment, camping gear, and all sorts of stuff! I have a blanket to sew for you still and we want to paint your nursery. In the meantime, I have been reading lots of books on babies and parenting. It will be interesting to see how all of this works out in practice. Unlike previous eras, the literature if not terribly dogmatic (although maybe it never seems that way at the time!). There is a lot of stress on respecting individual differences and on the recognition that parents need to do what is most comfortable for them. I can't wait to discover who you already are! If your kicks are any indication, you already seem to be a somewhat mellow baby. Many mothers to be describe their babies as little soccer players or boxers in their stomachs. Sometimes you have a burst of activity, but mostly your movements are pretty fluid and don't feel all that jerky. The placenta is on the front of my stomach - anterior placenta - which is thought to cushion a lot of the movement. That might explain part of it.
Lately your mama has been walking to work - a 40 minute walk, which has felt wonderful! I can't believe after 2 + years I have never tried this. I walk uphill past Buena Vista Park with a spectacular view of the city and then I descend down to the Castro on Duboce - past the hospital, park, and muni bus lines. The neighborhood is really charming and it is nice to be part of the world waking up and starting the day. Lots of people walking their dogs, pushing strollers, jogging, and drinking coffee. The other day I stopped in for a coffee at a cafe on the way to work. This sure beats the bus! I get to work with a nice glow and energy. Weather permitting, I am going to try and do this as much as I can. On Friday I walked home as well! A bit challenging with the hills, but oh so good for me (us).

Your father has been in Utah for his good friend Mauricio's bachlor party. Him and the boys treated themselves to a week of skiing in Utah (you will never have to worry about having a father that pushes work and responsibility to the exclusion of any fun and adventure - and I say this in the best possible way). After or during college when you tell us that you want to backpack around the world for a few years - your father especially will be cheering you on. Most likely he will even meet you along the way.

Lately your mama has felt more tired. It is tiring lugging around you and your home! My balance is also way off. After work I often head straight for the couch to read. Last weekend I spent most of Sunday reading the New York Times cover to cover. I am resting up for the adventure that will be you, soon!