It’s less than six weeks to go now and I have to admit my nerves have jumped up a few notches lately. I keep looking at the calendar, trying to anticipate the big moment either happening as schedule (which I know is a remote possibility) or a week or two ahead of the due date of September 29th. Recently a co-worker of mine just had her baby and she was two weeks early. That event just reinforced my nervousness and the nagging feeling that my little girl is coming into the world sooner than planned.
My wife just had a fun and fabulous baby shower. I know it was because (shocker!) I was there for the whole thing. We were extremely fortunate to have a friend that not only stepped up and volunteered to organize the shower, but also cleverly incorporated games that didn’t alienate the males in attendance. For other fathers out there you may not get that lucky, but if you are asked to come to the shower my advice is to suck it up and go. The mom-to-be will enjoy the support and who knows, you may have fun opening all the gifts. Now who doesn’t have fun opening presents? We’re all still kids at heart, anxious for Christmas morning.
The baby wardrobe continues to grow exponentially, along with blankets, pacifiers, teething rings, and toys. Also in abundance at the shower was advice. According to my wife, she’s been hearing that for the last eight months. Walking around with a baby bump is not only a great conversation starter, it makes you a target for the good and bad advice about what to expect, what to do, and what other parents have gone through. Much like the three pink diaper bags we now have, we appreciate the gifts and take it all in stride.
With the birth classes and the baby shower behind us now, and our daughter intensely pushing, poking and prodding her mom’s belly, the anticipation continues to build. Next week we have the third and final ultrasound scheduled and soon after will come the weekly doctor’s appointments. September will be crunch time right from the beginning, and we’re struggling to get all our ducks in a row.
The biggest question mark that remains is still child care. We’ve visited a couple of places, both of which seemed like a warm, secure, and friendly environment. But the price tag is steep either way, and even though we’re looking only to take our child there 3 or 4 days a week, we’re still expected to pay for the entire week! This just seems like a baffling concept to us and downright highway robbery. Part time and flexible care appears to be a foreign concept to these centers. They smile and appear helpful to your questions and concerns, maybe that’s because they’re secure in the bill they’ll hand you later.
As the big moment appears on the horizon, we’re both hoping the road after doesn’t get too rough. Like any father, I just want to provide the best for my daughter, but that’s a daunting task. I’ve read in father-to-be books that money worries and longing to make more is a natural compulsion. That’s one of the few things they seemed to have gotten absolutely right. It’s foremost on my mind when I wake up and when I go to sleep at night. I keep looking at that crib knowing we have to find an answer very soon.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings Jeff. I read them and completely empathize with what you and Laura are experiencing. I also will apologize for being one of those sharing advice and my experiences. It's a natural thing for a parent to do when they know someone else is expecting. I will offer one more thought however: though you're preparing for Audrey to arrive at the end of September, there is the possibility that she will arrive sooner, but keep in mind there is also the possibility that she could arrive later. This is certainly not a comforting factor for the mother to be as she is wanting to be done with the pregnancy and you both want to meet Audrey. Just don't be disappointed if your little bundle of joy doesn't arrive on time. Okay, last thought to offer: as long as you and Laura love each other and your precious little gift, all will work out as it should. You are an amazing couple and I know you will be fantastic parents!
ReplyDeleteJenny North