You are now 31 weeks old and your mama looks as pregnant as can be. She is finding it hard to believe that there are still 2 months to go! Starting at 30 weeks your mellow status, as perceived by your mom, has changed to one wiggly guy. Before this point I really had to concentrate to feel your movements. Now it feels as though the minute you are awake I can tell. You and my stomach move from side to side. The other night everytime I poked one side of my stomach you kicked back. There is often a kind of rolling sensation that comes with your movement (I believe because you have less room). The movement is less an isolated ping of a kick and more a rumbling all over movement kind of a feeling. I think you are not so much bumping into me now with your acrobatics as you are moving constantly against the walls of my uterus. You are most active in the mornings, and evenings (starting around 7:00pm) and continuing throughout the night.
This week I walked to work every day - and three of those days I walked home too. This has really helped your mama to feel more energetic. She is noticing so many beautiful things to look at on the way to work. Cherry blossoms, a huge platform hanging from an apartment ceiling with a large parrot perched in the center, a corner coffee store with $2.50 pints every night for happy hour - once you are born I plan to partake!, bright purple flowers, a park restoration project and the list goes on and on... I can't tell you how much this beats the bus with its faint smell of alcohol, urine, and cigarette smoke - people glumly bumping along from stop to stop.
There are signs of Spring on the way - our two bird friends outside our window are busy preparing their nest. I think they have made more headway than we have on your nursery. Although Spring is on its way, rain is still around. It should rain today. Your father and I are planning to go to the bookstore so your father can look at design books to help him prepare for a possible test with Apple. The sense of new beginnings is pretty strong around these parts. Your mama needs to start imagining her new beginnings too. As a mama for one, but also as she begins her process to seek out more fulfilling work. Who knows what she will be doing by the time you are old enough to understand what your parents do for a living...
We have been reading new stories to you at night - a Winnie the Pooh counting book, a Sandra Boynik (sp?) book, and have been playing new music for you. Your mama downloaded lots of children's songs for you from Apple Itunes - lullabies, silly songs, and more classical. Last night you kicked along to "Baby Belua." Well little guy, continue to grow, kick, stretch, and wiggle around! We can't wait for the day when you arrive into our world!
Love,
Mama
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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!
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!
28 weeks!
You are now 28 weeks. Your father and I are relaxing in Lake Tahoe at the moment. This morning we took a walk behind your grandparent’s cabin (you will know this place soon enough). We decided to forgo the snowshoes and paid a little bit for that decision by sinking uncomfortably in certain spots. There was a slight rain here and there as we walked. We talked about places we might be able to take you sledding. It is going to be so fun to introduce you to the mountains. You have many beautiful hikes to look forward to. When you turn one year old we are planning to “baptize” you in the calm waters of Lake Tahoe – to officially connect you in a spiritual way to the nature that we love so much. Hopefully the water will not be too cold for you thin, baby skin! We’ll go easy on you – maybe just dip your foot in and splash some water on your forehead.
After some delicious turkey burgers with all the fixings and some roasted purple potatoes (oh, and did I mention mint chip ice cream? your father and I have a weakness, especially lately for ice cream), we spent the remainder of the day reading and writing. I am reading a book about the crisis our planet is facing in terms of global warming. You will learn all about this soon enough. Your father, in particular, will be teaching lessons of conservation every day. And, you will start you life out on the right foot – with cloth diapers!
Your father and I are even considering writing a children’s book that describes how we use dinosaurs (as fossil fuels) to now fuel our cars.
Well, little guy, I think you have been enjoying our weekend in Tahoe. Your kicks are quite frequent – especially after mint chip ice cream (you will fit right into our family). Your mama has started to count your kicks every night to make sure you are still moving around in there. I am signing off now to do some yoga stretches that will help your mama when the time is ready to push you out into the world. She needs all the stretching she can get for this monumental task. Keep growing and don’t get any crazy ideas about coming out any sooner than you need to!
Love,
Mama
After some delicious turkey burgers with all the fixings and some roasted purple potatoes (oh, and did I mention mint chip ice cream? your father and I have a weakness, especially lately for ice cream), we spent the remainder of the day reading and writing. I am reading a book about the crisis our planet is facing in terms of global warming. You will learn all about this soon enough. Your father, in particular, will be teaching lessons of conservation every day. And, you will start you life out on the right foot – with cloth diapers!
Your father and I are even considering writing a children’s book that describes how we use dinosaurs (as fossil fuels) to now fuel our cars.
Well, little guy, I think you have been enjoying our weekend in Tahoe. Your kicks are quite frequent – especially after mint chip ice cream (you will fit right into our family). Your mama has started to count your kicks every night to make sure you are still moving around in there. I am signing off now to do some yoga stretches that will help your mama when the time is ready to push you out into the world. She needs all the stretching she can get for this monumental task. Keep growing and don’t get any crazy ideas about coming out any sooner than you need to!
Love,
Mama
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The final stretch - literally!
You recently turned 27 weeks old - a day that officially starts off the third trimester. Your movements are much more frequent now - sometimes they are large othertimes I just feel slight squirmy motions. I love them all. They remind me that you are alive and well and very much a sentient being. The other morning at 4:00 am when it was just you and I in bed I put our portable bose soundsystem on my belly and let you listen to some classical and opera music. I'll never know if you enjoy this or if it is too much for your just developing brain and nervous system, but you sure did kick away to the sound. It was a peaceful moment in the early morning before everyone woke up - just you and I in bed with music and motion. Lately I have been waking up in the middle of the night awake and alert. Sometimes I feel you awake too. It feels like just the two of us in that underwater feel of the deep quiet of late night. I can't say I mind this awakefullness at odd hours - although the next day I suffer from it. My days at work are starting to feel more and more tiring and ill fitting. I move around much slower these days as my belly is getting larger.
Last night we went to Paloma's birthday party. Paloma just turned two years old. She is the daughter of one of you mama's best friend from her highschool days. You will most likely develop a crush on her once the two of you reach that age. She has strawberry blond hair, hazel eyes, and the sweetest disposition. Your father and I watched all of the two year olds running around and thought about how our lives are soon to head in this direction. Afterwards we had dinner with your grandparents. They tried to squeeze your name out of us but we kept silent. They are very excited over you and most of the conversation centered on you. They will, most likely, be the first two people that you meet after your father and I. They live close by and will become an important part of your life. We loaded up your changing table in the car in a light rain and headed back over the wet and sparkly bridge to our home in San Francisco. Both your mama and papa were grateful to hit the sack. We cozied up and in the morning read the NY Times off of our laptops. Your mama spent a good portion of today leisurely thumbing through the New York Times very much aware that times like these will become hard fought when you and your needs are out in the world. What a change that will be!
Much love,
mama
Last night we went to Paloma's birthday party. Paloma just turned two years old. She is the daughter of one of you mama's best friend from her highschool days. You will most likely develop a crush on her once the two of you reach that age. She has strawberry blond hair, hazel eyes, and the sweetest disposition. Your father and I watched all of the two year olds running around and thought about how our lives are soon to head in this direction. Afterwards we had dinner with your grandparents. They tried to squeeze your name out of us but we kept silent. They are very excited over you and most of the conversation centered on you. They will, most likely, be the first two people that you meet after your father and I. They live close by and will become an important part of your life. We loaded up your changing table in the car in a light rain and headed back over the wet and sparkly bridge to our home in San Francisco. Both your mama and papa were grateful to hit the sack. We cozied up and in the morning read the NY Times off of our laptops. Your mama spent a good portion of today leisurely thumbing through the New York Times very much aware that times like these will become hard fought when you and your needs are out in the world. What a change that will be!
Much love,
mama
Friday, February 13, 2009
A tiny note from the little bear
Hi papa,
I know mamma was busy telling you how much she loves you. Well, I wanted to say a few things too. Thank you for taking such good care of both of us. My home feels so safe and warm and I know it is because mamma feels safe and loved. All of those hormones are like sweet, warm honey! You may not know this but I already recognize your voice. I can tell you are going to be a silly and fun dad. I have to say though - that story you are reading me, The Little Prince, it's a little hard to follow. And, I can't believe the word "negro" was used?! What's up with that? It seems that we are almost finished with that one though. I always kick and get excited when I hear your voice. I know you are already a part of my life and I just want to reach out and let you know that I know. I mean, mamma is there all of the time. I know when she eats, gets on the bus, and does her yoga - but you are an exciting mystery to me. I can't wait for our first high five! By the way, I love doing yoga with mamma. I always wiggle around during her final relaxation phase because I just feel so good. My cramped space always feels more spacious and energetic. Did you notice my lotus pose the other day on the ultrasound? I am really flexible. Sometimes I count mamma's breaths too - although I have to say sometimes she breathes a little fast - it kind of stresses me out sometimes. I can't wait to do yoga with you and mamma. You have a lot to teach me!
Love,
Little Bear
I know mamma was busy telling you how much she loves you. Well, I wanted to say a few things too. Thank you for taking such good care of both of us. My home feels so safe and warm and I know it is because mamma feels safe and loved. All of those hormones are like sweet, warm honey! You may not know this but I already recognize your voice. I can tell you are going to be a silly and fun dad. I have to say though - that story you are reading me, The Little Prince, it's a little hard to follow. And, I can't believe the word "negro" was used?! What's up with that? It seems that we are almost finished with that one though. I always kick and get excited when I hear your voice. I know you are already a part of my life and I just want to reach out and let you know that I know. I mean, mamma is there all of the time. I know when she eats, gets on the bus, and does her yoga - but you are an exciting mystery to me. I can't wait for our first high five! By the way, I love doing yoga with mamma. I always wiggle around during her final relaxation phase because I just feel so good. My cramped space always feels more spacious and energetic. Did you notice my lotus pose the other day on the ultrasound? I am really flexible. Sometimes I count mamma's breaths too - although I have to say sometimes she breathes a little fast - it kind of stresses me out sometimes. I can't wait to do yoga with you and mamma. You have a lot to teach me!
Love,
Little Bear
Happy Valentines Day Papa Bear!
Dear Bear (the big one),
I wanted to take a moment to share with you how much I love you and how special it is that together we are creating a new life that soon will be entering this world (3 months away!). Being married and pregnant has been one and the same for us since not one day of our married life has been without a little being growing in my tummy.
Since our wedding I feel like our love has grown even stronger through this experience. Already you are such a wonderful papa and husband. I love your genuine excitment and awe over our baby. I love that you come to all of my prenatal appointments and that you read to him at night time in your new daddy voice. Also, the British, formal accent that you use when you talk to my belly is pretty darn cute. Thank you to for being so patient with all of my pregnancy moods, demands, and worries. Thank god for both of us that you have enough confidence and optimism for the two of us.
I also love that together we are starting to create and imagine our family life together. Not just baby stuff, but also what to do with ourselves in this world, where we would like to live, and generally the type of lifestyle we would like to create. I am proud of all of the choice that we are making and I feel like we do a good job working these things out together. I am excited for you that your path in environmental business is becoming more tangible and exciting for you.
Thank you too for being so supportive and excited for me as I prepare for my new mommy role. I can't wait for our little bear to be born and to go through the miracle of his new life together. I am excited to see you grow as a father. I know you are going to be such a wonderful father to our son. You will be a natural, I know. I am so excited for all of the new and exciting adventures that await our family.
The best part of this pregnancy has been to come home to your sweet face and presence and have you rub and kiss my belly, hug and kiss me. I love at night time holding your back with our little guy between us. I love how much you have opened yourself up to this whole process. I feel so lucky to have you and your love. You are a special guy. I love you with all of my heart.
Love,
Bunny
I wanted to take a moment to share with you how much I love you and how special it is that together we are creating a new life that soon will be entering this world (3 months away!). Being married and pregnant has been one and the same for us since not one day of our married life has been without a little being growing in my tummy.
Since our wedding I feel like our love has grown even stronger through this experience. Already you are such a wonderful papa and husband. I love your genuine excitment and awe over our baby. I love that you come to all of my prenatal appointments and that you read to him at night time in your new daddy voice. Also, the British, formal accent that you use when you talk to my belly is pretty darn cute. Thank you to for being so patient with all of my pregnancy moods, demands, and worries. Thank god for both of us that you have enough confidence and optimism for the two of us.
I also love that together we are starting to create and imagine our family life together. Not just baby stuff, but also what to do with ourselves in this world, where we would like to live, and generally the type of lifestyle we would like to create. I am proud of all of the choice that we are making and I feel like we do a good job working these things out together. I am excited for you that your path in environmental business is becoming more tangible and exciting for you.
Thank you too for being so supportive and excited for me as I prepare for my new mommy role. I can't wait for our little bear to be born and to go through the miracle of his new life together. I am excited to see you grow as a father. I know you are going to be such a wonderful father to our son. You will be a natural, I know. I am so excited for all of the new and exciting adventures that await our family.
The best part of this pregnancy has been to come home to your sweet face and presence and have you rub and kiss my belly, hug and kiss me. I love at night time holding your back with our little guy between us. I love how much you have opened yourself up to this whole process. I feel so lucky to have you and your love. You are a special guy. I love you with all of my heart.
Love,
Bunny
Monday, February 9, 2009
Hi little bear,
Your mama sure is getting big! She is starting to feel like she waddles just a bit when she walks. Your presence is quite visible in the world. For one, people on the bus have started to offer me their seat on the bus. Your mama rides the bus to and from work and also to and from prenatal yoga. When you are born you too will experience the gritty San Francisco bus lines. Lots of different types of folks on the bus - old, young, poor, rich, drunk, sober, and just plain defeated. It is good though - to stay connected to the world and all its people. Keeps you on your toes and aware of how others live.
This weekend has been a relaxing one for your parents. Last night at 9:30 we saw Happy Go Lucky at the Red Vic (our neighborhood theater). Your papa enjoyed a bowl of popcorn while your mama tried to sit through a bad bout of heart burn - a lemon lime soda helped a bit. Just before we left we both shared a homemade pizza. Delicious, but not good for your mama to eat such a large amount in one sitting! This was followed by chocolate chip mint cookies that your daddy made. He is quite the baker that one - turning out new treats all of the time. I think he gets it from your grandfather Kubischta. He too loves to bake. We'll have to get you in the kitchen too! Trust me, it will pay off. All of the girls will think it is the greatest thing in the world. It doesn't take much for us women to be completely awed by you men folk.
After walking through the damp, empty streets last night we curled up in bed. Pretty soon the rain was falling hard. Soon your father will be heading to the mountains for all of the new snow. Your mama will be in Seattle visiting your auntie Jen and her two sons - Jordy and Caulder. Caulder was most likely born the day you were conceived. Pretty cool, huh? We picture many family outings together - camping, Hawaii, and maybe some backpacking together.
Today we took a walk along the beach at Fort Funston. It was incredibly windy - the sand whipping our faces and getting into our teeth and eyes. Still, though it was nice to get out in the elements. We watched a model airplane zipping around. I think you will be one of those lucky boys whose father will build these sorts of things for you and will take you out for the excitement of things flying through the air and the water. With my shoe I spelled out your name in the sand. Slowly but surely you are working your way into our lives. We both love your name, by the way.
Goodnight little guy.
Love,
Mama
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