Week 18: Technology Troubles

Dear Baby,
By the time you’re able to read this and comprehend the technologies I’m about to reference you may laugh.  This week Mom’s technology lifelines brought some stress.  On Monday my car battery died.  Dad was working.  I was able to travel to work that morning thanks to my friend Mandy.  Co-workers later helped me jump start my car and the next day Dad replaced the battery.  All was good.  I handled the situation calmly.  It’s life.  Things like this happen.

Another technology trouble of mine was not welcomed with similar patience.  Recently Apple Inc. released the new iPhone 5s and 5c.  In addition, Apple updated its smart phone operating system to iOS7.  Co-workers encouraged me this update was well worth it!  Hesitant, I chose to allow the “upgrade.”  My phone looked different, functioned different, and made different noises.  Worst of all, my calendar view was extremely different and didn’t contain the information I was accustomed to.  I was anxious to go home and sync my phone with my laptop that did contain the correct information.  In my attempts to sync the two devices I learned I needed an iTunes update and two computer system updates.  These updates were necessary before my phone and laptop could communicate.  Chaos ensued.

It’s funny how something so minor brought so much frustration.  If only for a day or two, my routine was interrupted and my normal was challenged.  It begged the question: If I can’t handle an iPhone update, what will life with a new baby be like? Yikes!

Your dad and I discussed my technology frustrations.  He encouraged me and when I was finally able to obtain the necessary updates he cheered with me.  This, I thought, this is what life with a new baby will be like.  Our routine will be challenged and our normal will be interrupted.  Dad and I will have frustrations with you and with one another.  We will discuss, offer support, learn new things and eventually adapt.  Most important we will cheer each other on.  Love will hold us together during difficult times.

Being a La Crosse native you experienced a big milestone this weekend.  You celebrated your first Oktoberfest!  Dad worked a 48 hour shift to ensure all festers were safe.  Mom and you walked in the big Maple Leaf parade Saturday morning.  Mom met up with some friends after the parade and accompanied them in celebrating downtown for a bit.  According to the baby books I’m reading you can hear.  If that’s true, I should probably apologize for the loud music.

It’s starting to become more obvious that you’re growing inside me.  I still haven’t felt any distinct movements from you.  This is something I’m really looking forward to!

Happy Oktoberfest!  Safe travels to Steph as she leaves for Bali!

Week 18

 

Week 17: Moooving Right Along

Dear Baby,

Mom’s belly is growing in more noticeable ways to make room for you.  This physical change is something I’ve obviously been anticipating.  I am excited it’s finally happening!  It sure is neat to witness your presence.  I am also having fun sharing these changes with friends and family.

The changes haven’t hindered my daily movements too much yet.  Although, when I sit a certain way for too long or my pants are too tight I feel uncomfortable.  I’m recognizing that it will soon get difficult to fold myself into various positions that I find comfortable.  The bright side of things – you’re reminding me to have good posture.

I’ve been told what some of your first movements, or quickening, might feel like.  Some describe it as bubbles, tickles, or butterflies.  I can’t say with certainty that I’ve felt you move, but I’ve felt something and so I assume it’s you. For me it’s felt the most like tickles or loosing your stomach.  Similar feelings to riding a roller coaster. I’m looking forward to the weeks to come where I’ll be able to distinguish your movements more clearly.  I’m also eager to share this experience with Dad.

Grandma Liz, your aunt Lizzie and I had some fun shopping for you this weekend.  I’ve mentioned previously that we are leaning towards using cloth to diaper you.  I’ve also said that there are so many options about there.  I’ve been diligent in my online research about products and methods that others use. Still, before I committed I wanted to get my hands on some of the products.  (This is a big commitment and I want to make sure I fully understand what I’m committing to.)  Grandma, Lizzie and I went to a store in the Twin Cities to ask more questions and get some hands-on experience with what will eventually become routine to Mom and Dad.  Grandma gifted us with a few variations of diapers so we can start learning what might mesh well with our schedule and laundry routine.  The newborn diapers are teeny!  Needless to say, I was very excited to show your dad!

We’re still looking for a new home.  Dad is online daily looking at options.  We’re scheduling showings and attending open houses.  Still, the search continues.

Tonight we went for a nice family run.  It was good to get some exercise in the cool, fall weather.  I hope you felt secure bouncing in Mom’s belly.  We sure felt good after the run!

Our first stash of cloth diapers.  Still lots to learn, but we're off to a really good start.  Thanks, Grandma Liz!

Week 17

Week 16: Heroes Don’t Just Wear Capes

Dear Baby,
Your daddy is a hero.  He is a hero in the eyes of many, but especially in Mama’s eyes. You don’t yet understand the feelings of freedom and security.  You still have to learn about the many men and women in our nation who make these luxuries possible.  Every day there are heroes working who sacrifice their lives for the well-being of others.  Your daddy, one of the very first people you’ll ever meet, is one of these brave men.


Another lesson you’ll be taught is the reason we remember these courageous people each year on September 11.  Your grandpa Dave is another man who has made great sacrifices for others in regards to this special date.  Your uncle Mike, who will soon join our nation’s military, is someone who already recognizes the need and importance of heroes in our country. 
Today, on the anniversary of September 11, when heroic men and women are honored and American lives are remembered, your dad was scheduled to work.  It was an unusually busy day in the City of La Crosse.  The city’s fire department and other emergency workers responded to two fires and a river rescue.  The fires were big.  The fires were dangerous.  The river rescue was scary.  Your dad, his co-workers and fellow emergency workers were brave.  They are all heroes.

Not only do I see your dad as a hero for his brave acts, but also for his compassion.  While your dad was working to keep people in our community safe, you and I attended a very special event that honors teachers.  It reminded me of the importance of compassion.  You and I met and celebrated with educators who give of their talents for the benefit of little learners.  At this event, the keynote speaker reminded attendees of how teachers have reacted during events like September 11 and other more recent terrorist attacks in schools.  Teachers act with compassion and love towards our nation’s children.  Teachers are heroes, too.

After the event, we stopped by Dad’s work.  Even after his long day, your dad held the stamina and patience to care about others.  He asked about our day.  He hugged us and assured us that he was safe after his busy day at work. I can’t wait for you to feel the comfort of resting in his arms.  It seems backwards that on a day when we are supposed to offer thanks to people like Dad, they are making sure we are safe.  But, that’s exactly what heroes do.

Always respect those who keep us safe. Remember to be kind and well behaved for your teachers in school. And please don’t take your freedom for granted.  There are many heroes who have sacrificed way too much for this cause.

I love you.  Your existence has already given me new perspective.

One of the fires dad helped put out today

Firefighters working hard to keep people safe

Week 15: Got Energy?

Dear Baby,

Monday was a holiday and the week began slow.  To put it frankly, your mom and dad celebrated Labor Day by being bums at home!  Dad putzed around with house projects while Mom slept into the afternoon.  I was exhausted!  Even running a tiny bit of errands seemed strenuous.   I believe I’m guilty for at least part of my sluggish feelings.  With the move, unpacking and organizing, plus traveling for Dad’s birthday, I hadn’t been making a point to get us some moderate exercise.  I assume my feel-good endorphin levels were a tad on the low end.

Still, I was a bit alarmed with how tired I felt until I learned yet another neat thing about the bodies of mamas during pregnancy.  Pregnancy hormones trigger our brains to tell our respiratory system to change.   The changes increase the depth and frequency of breaths, making me feel like I’m sucking wind after minor tasks.  Also, as my body becomes more selfish, for your benefit, my blood levels are increasing.  Currently, the plasma levels are increasing faster than red blood cells.  (In short, less oxygen-carrying vehicles in my body even though there’s more fluid)  Slowly the red blood cells will catch up.  For now, though, you’re getting all the good stuff.

Understanding this concept is possibly my first lesson in parenting.  It’s one I’m sure I will need to relearn again and again.  Sometimes your needs will come before my needs and I’ll be required to adapt.

Dad and I heard your heartbeat again.  It was easier to locate and recognize this time.  It was also much more clear and distinguishable from the white noise of the machine. Both good signs you’re growing in size.  Every few seconds we'd be listening to the "whoosh-whoosh-whoosh" of your heartbeat and a static sound would interrupt.  I'd liken this static interruption to the sound you get when tapping a microphone during a mic check.  Our midwife told us this noise was kicks. Even though I'm not able to feel movement yet, you sure are active!

I'm still feeling good.  You'd have to look close to tell I'm showing a tad.  So, for me it was a relief to visit the doctor and know all is well.  According to the week-by-week updates, you are about the size of an apple or orange (4 inches, crown to rump) and weigh 2.5 ounces.

I fought through and finally overcame my dreadful tiredness.  Twice this week I’ve had enough energy to go for a jog and explore our new neighborhood.  Temps were a little warm while running, but it felt good to exercise.  I’m excited to take Dad on the route I travel.

My advice to you: hang on in there!  The cooler temps of autumn are coming soon and Mom’s got some good motivation for running!  Let’s hope we can keep it up!