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| Week 38 Volume I The Health Update Erika felt some tightness occasionally in her stomach area today. The closest any of these sensations came together was about 37 minutes. Erika wasn't ready to call them contractions, but I'm guessing that's what they were. Now, I don't know if this means labor is imminent or not, but it's definitely Erika's body's way of gearing up for the big event. Her cough took a turn for the worse today, so I'm hoping we can hold off on labor at least a few days for her cough to get better. I've started to pick up her cough, too. I'd hate to bring a new baby home when both parents are sick! With Friends Like These So, did anyone watch the Friends episode last Thursday where Rachel is trying to think of ways to go into labor? We did and found many things we could relate to. Two observations are relevant here. Erika thought it was obvious Rachel/Jennifer Aniston was not really pregnant, since only her stomach had grown. Second, you wouldn't believe how many people asked me if Erika and I were going to try that last tactic for inducing labor. My answer: not yet. If she hasn't given birth in about 10 days, we may be at that stage. If anybody doesn't know the tactic, let me know and I'll fill you in. Next time: Journal Future or Closing Time Week 38 Volume II The Health Update Many of you have asked me how I'm doing, so this edition's health update will focus on me. Frankly, I'm miserable. Erika has pretty much gotten rid of her cold and cough and given it to me. I'm hacking, sneezing, coughing and going through two kleenex boxes a day. It's especially bad at night. For some reason, it seems like whenever I lie down the situation gets worse and I can't breathe. So, I'm not sleeping. Yuck. But, this has only come on in the last few days, so I can't complain. And, I'm not carrying around an 8 pound baby. So, it's all relative. Emotionally, I am reasonably ready for parenthood, although I'm sure it will be nothing like I expect. The lack of sleep I am experiencing right now is simply training for the future. Otherwise, I am not in a state of panic or anything like that, but I do have the occasional moment of fear, generally when discussing parenting with a parent who's been through a particularly troubling episode. My current fear is regarding high-chairs. We've been hearing about babies that won't sit in their high chair for anything, which would make dinner time particularly difficult. Then, there's always the fingernail fear. I may have mentioned this before, but the biggest fear I have about newborn care is about cutting their fingernails. I mean, they are so small it's got to be tough. Everyone seems to say it can be done, though, I have heard a few stories of some nasty cuts inflicted by a clipper-wielding parent. I'd be devastated if this happened. Erika's overwhelming confidence about parenthood is especially inspiring. Margin of Error + of - 2 Weeks As I write this, May 15 is about to slip into history. As you know, that was our most recent "official" due date, according to the midwives. We went in for a visit to the midwives yesterday. Their careful examination of Erika showed that she has not progressed any since a few weeks ago, in terms of dilation and whatever other measures they use. So, they revised the due date estimate to 6-9 days from now. I am beginning to think health care professionals should just do away with the due date concept and say, "we have no idea what day your baby will be born." That way, there are no pre-set expectations. Let me also say this is not a criticism of the midwives. I love them. Every time we come away from a visit with them we feel re-invigorated. I mean, no matter what you tell them it's like what you've just said is the most important statement they've ever heard. And, they are sincere about it, too. I'll reserve final judgment until the birth, but to this point they've given me every indication they will be great "birth handlers." Should I Keep Writing? A number of people have asked if I should continue this journal into parenthood. I'm conflicted about that. First, it may be unrealistic to believe I'll have time for this once the baby arrives. But, if I did, I wonder if it would get tiresome for the reader (assuming this hasn't gotten tiresome already). And, then, how long would I continue it? I mean, would I be writing about giving the kid driving lessons or how he blew curfew when coming home from the prom with Sally? Then, when I'm 77 would I be writing about my son becoming eligible for membership in AARP? Okay, maybe not. But, it would be a way for people to get pictures of the kid and feel a little closer to him, especially if they are out of towners. Of course, I'd have to talk to Jake about hosting the baby web site. Does anyone have any thoughts? Next time: The Waiting is the Hardest Part |