Monday, June 24, 2013

Week 5: Prenatal Planning



Dear Baby,
I’ve already made a few phone calls on your behalf.  The point being to keep you healthy!  In addition to your dad and I, the woman I spoke with on the phone at the medical center knows about you.  She said, “Congratulations!”  I’ve also made a few phone calls to our insurance.  If it weren’t for HIPAA, our secret would be busted!  Admitting to pregnancy via telephone let reality sink in for a quick moment, but not for long.  I’m still curious to know if you really are growing inside me.

Your handyman of a father changed the oil in my car this week.  It was a bit overdue for a change.  No matter your gender, your dad has lots to teach you about what happens in the garage.  For all this you’ll be thankful.  That’s because one thing you’ll always be able to rely on is a clean, safe and well-functioning vehicle!  If your dad has any say in the nurture of your upbringing I’m sure you’ll also learn the tactics of keeping an organized workspace.  I shouldn’t talk.  I’ll be right there with him.  Your soon-to-come messes and less-than-routine lifestyle are sure to pose a challenge to us.  I’d like to think we’ll learn to roll with it.

In addition to your dad, you have lots of wise men to learn from – Grandpa Dave, Grandpa Chuck and Grandpa Steve.  (We’ll have to ask each of them what they’d like to be called!)  You’ll also have lots of uncles, cousins and family friends. With each having some really neat personal life experiences, I know they’ll all teach and guide you from different perspectives.  Enjoy it.  Take time to listen to their stories and soak up what they can offer.

You already have some really great women in your life, too.  They each hold enough love and care to last you a lifetime!  Most obvious there’s Grandma Liz, Grandma Laurie and Grandma Jo.  (Again, we’ll have to inquire about their preferred titles)  Then, there is also more aunts and family friends.  All these women are incredible.  Personally, I’ve learned many things from them.  I can’t wait until they’re able to share special moments with you.  You’ll always feel very safe and loved whenever you’re with any of them.

I’ve been spending some time on Pintrest daydreaming about different ideas for you.  While running errands tonight I decided to stop at a baby store.  I was almost spotted by someone I knew.  Quickly, I made a beeline for the door and got back to running errands.  Lately, I’ve been trying to remind myself to live in the moment.  I’ll take this experience was a gentle reminder.  Once you’re here I’ll be running plenty of errands for you.  For now, I should enjoy the freedom of running my own errands.

Back to the subject of cars.  In time, you’ll learn that oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months – whichever comes first.  Isn’t it fun to think that in just about three oil changes you’ll be here?

Here's a picture of us at our friends Jim and Annie's wedding - the first time Mom had to pretend with adult drinks so as not to spoil our surprise!


Thursday, June 20, 2013

Week 4: It's Official!



Dear Baby,
I took a pregnancy test today.  It’s official – I’m pregnant!  Your dad was at home with me when I decided to take the test before work this morning.  I had taken a test a week before when I suspected I might be pregnant, but that one resulted in a negative response.  After a few more days of missing my period we suspected something might be up.  Your dad and I both were anticipating a positive result this time, but when we saw the two blue lines appear it was still a big blast of reality!  Such excitement to know that we made something so special – you!


Since childhood I’ve always looked forward to becoming a mom.  I’ve prepped and planned trying to learn everything I can about getting pregnant and surviving pregnancy and delivery.  Now, it’s finally here.  I still have lots to learn and I’m a bit surprised at how calm I feel.  I feel healthy, energized and seem relaxed to know you’re growing inside me.  I don’t have anxious feelings about the changes my body is going to encounter.  I’m curious to know how my physical appearance will change as you get bigger.  I think your dad is a little shocked and how quickly this is all happening, but mostly he’s thrilled to know you’re coming in approximately nine months!
At some point I’m sure it will hit me that soon we’ll be responsible for another life.  For now, I’m trying to enjoy the moment and plan some creative excuses I’ll use for saying “no thanks” to friends and family when they offer adult drinks.  I can’t wait to tell everyone about you.  For now though, you’re the best secret your dad and I have ever kept!
Proof that Baby Duchrow is on his/her way!