February countdown

I regard the innie/outie status of my belly-button like I would the pop-out device on a Thanksgiving turkey: not done until it's popped. And while I know we're just now at week 33 out of a possible 41ish or so, I wouldn't mind some sign that Jacob's trek into the world is acutally getting closer.

Instead of toning down the movement because he's runing out of room, Jacob has actually continued at the same pace with his punches and kicks. He remains in the diagonal/sideways position so that he can kick his feet out one side and head (or back or butt)-butt me in the other side. This makes me wonder at what point it's reasonable to be concerned over the baby's position in regards to delivery? We thought on Sunday that he'd moved head down (and he may have for a few hours)....but by the next day he was back to his sideways tricks.

Among the non-baby things of life (though that's the very topic constantly my mind) :

March is rushing in bringing a bunch of great things including: the end of my internship, a "spring break" visit from Winston-Salem residing Steven and Rob, and rather spring-like weather out here in AZ.

If you're feeling like you could use some spring-like weather, feel free to come for a visit!!

31.5 weeks!

We officially have attended child birth classes.

Phew. :)

It's thoroughly fascinating to see all the other couples (or mother-daughter teams) that attend; how close they are to their due date, how they are carrying their baby, and the kinds of questions they ask during the classes!

I found it curious that there were only two baby boys among all the couples (15 of 'em), including Jacob! I also laughed at how basically the entire class fit the old wives' tale of boys being carried really low and out front while girls are carried higher and all around the abdomen.

I also found it sorta entertaining to see people react to videos that we watched and the discussions about epidurals and pain meds. I can't imagine being of the mind set that as soon as you feel a twinge of pain, you're getting some meds...but whatever, who am I to comment on the experiences of others.

I'm glad to report that all is still going smoothly out here in Phoenix. Jacob is as playful as ever...which actually surprises me because I thought he'd be running short on room by now? He still appears to love mooning the outside world and kicking out my side- he's an "athlete" which makes Daniel proud.

I've sorta got one more week of the intership- then a 3 week enrichment period (which I've chosen to do in the pediatric unit of the hospital). Even though I enjoy working in the hospital setting, I'm going to be thrilled to be done with this beyond full time working for no pay stuff.

Daniel's doing well and in the thick of the semester...though he really dislikes this month. Apparently, the end of football season paired with continued "cold" weather and the commercially-created valentine's day add-up to a waste of 28 (or 29) days. Despite the ill-will towards February, he always manages to make it through:)

Much love to readers; the family kind and the friends. <3

Join the first pictures email list!

It's not yet go-time, but it's get ready time. I went and bought Jacob's car seat and stroller today (thanks to gift-certificates from Grandma Barnes and the G-boro crew). Since it never hurts to get prepared for an early arrival, I'm doing my best to make sure that I'm ready to bring my son home! I have my cell phone turned up, our apartment will be cleaned (soon), and the doctor's phone number in my wallet.
My new task is to assemble THE LIST. The list will be those who want to see the first pictures of Jacob via email. If you don't want to be the last to know the details and to see the pictures, make sure you are on THE LIST. While I will post on the blog when Jacob is born (within the first few days) sending the email will be a top priority, after insuring the safety and relative happiness of my wife and baby!

So, if you'd like to be on the list, please email me at LCMDAN@aol.com, and put "I wanna be on the list!" in the subject line. That way I have your email address when I open my email. Family and people who email me frequently are on the list already. If you're unsure, email me anyway.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Ashley is doing well and Jacob shows more life every day. Keep us in your prayers as we enter these last 10 weeks!

Love love love,

Daniel