The Value of Hemoglobin & the What-NOT-to-do-List for Soon to be Fathers

Okay with only days to go… somewhere in the neighborhood of 3… until due date, It's Kevin checking & chiming in with some revelations. I’ve finally learned a few things about being pregnant. By that, I mean I’ve learned a little on what to say to... & do for... the pregnant beautiful wife.

As an aside -- to all 6 of you subscribers to this blog, you’ll be thrilled to know that Kel & I are embarking on a Blog-signing tour in September – where we will personally come to your home re-read these postings aloud to you and in-character for your enjoyment followed by a Question & Answer session and then Kel & I will personally autograph your computer monitor while Li’L Skelly will dirty a diaper in the room of your choice.

I digress... 

Here are (in no particular order) The Top Things TO-DO as a Man for/with a pregnant Wife

- Rub the Feet. Not yours... Hers. This has unlimited brownie point earning potential. When done correctly and from your own initiative, this is a quick & early-pregnancy way to bank, bank, bank. Now, what i mean by that is... think about cashing it in for poker night at your buddy's house or maybe an afternoon for a round of golf. Don't delude yourself in any way that you've somehow paved a pathway towards that insane home theatre system of whose retail price would rival most developing countries' defense budgets.

- Compliment Her Glow. She will be luminous. There's just something about the woman who carries my child. From the moment we found out we were 'prego' ... Kel has carried this iridescent glow. Guys, recognize this in your wife and comment on it... often.

- Bring Her Ice Water. A pregnant woman cannot have enough ice water. Yah yeah yeah... it'll make her pee ...even more than she would anyway, but ice water does a lot. It keeps 'things' moving for her when she gets ...well let's just say it rhymes with 'complicated'. Prenatal vitamins tend to have high concentrates of iron & other healthy doses - which sometimes interrupt nature. Note, at this point prenatal vitamins should be a morning staple alongside her cooked-to-order omelette that you whip up each morning for her. Lots of water will also serve to keep an otherwise overheated mommy cooled off. Yes, even in 30-below frigidity, pregnant women have been known to realize body heat temperatures comparable only to active nuclear silos... followed closely, if not immediately, by a complete shift to popsicle-like extremities. 

- Sacrifice Your Comfort. Bedtime mattress real estate will undoubtedly run at a premium the further along she gets. With the advent of the 'body pillow' combined with the product of some dastardly villain of home decor proportions who dreamt up 'throw pillows' - you, the husband will find yourself sharing your bed with - not only your blushing & well-hydrated wife - but also the finely upholstered equivalent to the Michelin Man will join you. These extra cushions serve the all-too-important function of helping Mommy-to-be maintain comfortable position. These unsuspecting buffering bolsters will be shoved and stuffed into shapes, sizes & positions probably never intended by the manufacturers of said plushness - all for the sake of keeping mom & tummy somewhat supported in slumber. 

And now, here are some things NOT-TO-DO as a Man with a pregnant Wife. Strong recommendations.

- Do not play XBOX while she does [your] laundry. This is a good general rule even if your wife isn't with child. 

- Do not expect her to get the car door for herself. This goes without saying, perhaps. C'mon be a gentleman.

- Do not stay up late on Friday night typing a blog-posting... ( Ummm... wait. )

- Do not overlook Snuggle Time - She's got some hormones coursing through her body. She will need a lot more hemoglobin than usual. (this is the biological chemical released - similar to endorphins - when physical contact with a warm-bodied hubby is accomplished.)

The following 2 things fall under DO NOT DO UNDER ANY & ALL CONTROLLABLE CIRCUMSTANCES WITHIN THE PHYSICAL WORLD

- Use phrases like "Geez Honey!" or "Wow!" that might follow an involuntary reaction of surprise if you happen to stumble upon her consuming something she might not otherwise (whether it be the category of food or the quantity of the same, keep your mouth shut. As Confucius says: A closed mouth gathers no feet)

- Believe for one second that 'Pregnancy Brain' means she'll forget your anniversary. She might misplace keys or be unable to locate the eye glasses that are on her face... but do not allow your feeble mind to think you're getting off any hook for not having your wedding date emblazoned on your brain.

So, hopefully you all have found this information helpful and feel free to post your comments and I'll be happy to host follow-up discussions. Love you all... even if you're a stranger... or my dentist. Thanks for reading. 

22 days or less :)

Quick update - we saw the midwife last Friday morning. I was right on target measuring 36 cm in the 36th week. The midwife confirmed that bambino is head down with his head locked into the pelvic area (the chances of him turning at this point are slim).

We are completely packed for the hospital minus a few odds and ends. Kevin is going to install the infant car seat today or tomorrow.

I got a really serious contraction this morning at around 3:00am - it was not a Braxton Hicks - but much stronger :). My belly went completely hard, it was a bit painful, and Skelly Jr. stopped moving around as much...not sure what this means...

Baby this week (37):
Huge news this week: You're carrying a full-term baby! If you were to go into labor today, all systems would be a go. Baby's growth slows down dramatically this week. His bones are still soft and pliable and will solidify after he's born. He's busy practicing for "life on the outside," working on his breathing, sucking, sleeping, gazing and peeing abilities. At 37 weeks babies vary in size, but the average length is between 19 and 20 inches and most babies weigh approximately 6 pounds. About the size of an average largemouth bass.

Please pray for patience for Kevin and I - as I'm getting more and more uncomfortable as the hours go by...

Love you all! We'll get an updated belly pic on here soon!

37 Weeks Pregnant

Darn Braxton Hicks!

Well, I've been getting more of these sporadic uterine contractions which have been keeping me up at night and causing some discomfort. According to my midwives - when they come I just need to change activity/position and drink plenty of water (these contractions can sometimes be brought on by dehydration).

Also, this morning Skelly Jr. decided to get right up under my rib cage and stay there kicking - thus causing some serious cramping and what felt like the onset of labor! I shot up out of bed and I think Kevin thought I was going into labor: "Good thing we started packing your bag for the hospital" he said...

Otherwise, all is well in the world and we've got just under 26 days to get to the DD. Kevin's got to throw a few things in the hospital bag for himself and we've got to get the car seat situated in the car...other than that our little munchkin will have a bassinet ready to sleep in (the same bassinet that my brother, sister and I snuggled in - along with some of my cousins and their children - I think 15 babies all-together)! Diapers to keep his bottom fresh, and we've got enough onesies to sink a battleship and enough bottles to start our own baby feeding center!

We are both a bit overwhelmed - but I've been reading that no matter how prepared you feel you never feel fully ready to bring baby home. Always something to do or finish, or clean - yes, I've been nesting for awhile now!

Love you all and can't wait to share the pictures, size, length, and birthdate of our precious gift from God!!!

John Braxton Hicks - (What a good-lookin guy!!!) 

History Factoid: In 1872, he described the uterine contractions not resulting in childbirth now known as Braxton Hicks contractions.

Less than 5 weeks to go!

We have 4 weeks/4 days to go to get us to our due date. Now there's no telling if Skelly Jr. will come early or late. He is extremely active and energetic so I have a feeling he's coming early! Kevin is making no predictions!

Last weekend we found a beautiful crib that will be delivered in the next several weeks from Italy! Also, Kevin picked out an adorable bedding set at Babies "R" Us - it has racoons, foxes, blue birds, black bears and owls on it and the colors are sage and tans. The baby's room got painted this past Monday and we'll just need to go to IKEA for some lamps, a rug and maybe 2 small book shelves!

It is all coming together and my wonderful friends are coming over to help me fold baby clothing and get all the little details situated this weekend. A few months back, Cathy was able to bless us with so much boy clothing from a co-worker of hers - the only thing we're short on is 12-18 months and then beyond!!! But we won't need those for quite some time! Kevin said last night that he thinks the little guy will have a different onesie each day for his first 6 months in the world!

Some exciting news:

1. According to the midwife yesterday, I am right on target...belly is measuring 34 cm and I am in week 35. We listened to the heartbeat and he had just been moving around a lot - so at first it was in the 150's then he slowed down movement and it fell into the 130's (right where it should be). We found a pediatrician who came highly recommended through our birthing class and all the other little things like social security card, health insurance, etc. will be coming together later on.

2. My brother, Nathan, will be coming to visit for most of the month of July - I haven't seen him since last Christmas and he's yet to see our house or my big growing belly. We are VERY excited to see him and spend some time with him before the baby comes (and maybe after :).

3. Heather is getting 2 visitors in Cambodia from Mount Paran North this week - they are going on a short term trip to see her and fellowship with her! Have fun Bernadette and Jessica - and give my sister a huge hug and kiss for me!!!

4. Kevin's office is throwing us an office-wide shower on 7/14 - it will be so nice to see everyone in his office and celebrate this little life together...

Baby's development this week:

This week the final touches are being added to your mini-masterpiece and most of his development is going to packing on the pounds. While baby's movements may be becoming less jerky, he may do his final somersault in the womb soon—to put himself into the head-down position for birth. Other fascinating facts:

Your little Karate Kid can't quite pack the punch he used to due to the limited space inside the womb these days (not true for Skelly Jr.!). You're likely to feel more wiggles, stretches and rolls than kicks and jabs. The extra layer of fat your baby is adding will create those cute dimples on your baby's elbows and knees. His liver has begun processing his waste products, so you know which organ to thank when he has his first blowout up the back of his onesie.

Baby's nails are growing so long they may curl over the tips of his tiny fingers and toes before he sees a pair of clippers. He'll be in serious need of a mani-pedi once he's born (as will you).

Your baby is now about 5½ pounds and over 18 inches long—about the size of one of those price-club sheet cakes.

35 Weeks Pregnant

Baby Skelly Bedding