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

29 weeks and growing

This past week at the hospital, I've been working the pediatric floor- and I see a whole lot of ill babies and young kids. Not surprisingly, these little people tend to have been premature or have unhelpful (read: overprotective or absent) parents. It's really hard to accept that some parents don't innately feel blessed by their child...and that its the child who suffers.

On top of that, I toured the NICU today and saw babies younger than Jacob fighting so hard for survival. My brother (Dana) was born at 28 weeks, and so I kept comparing these babies to both Jacob (the image I've got in my head) and Dana. It's miraculous what medicine is capable of... and almost more amazing is what tender compassion, love, and guidance can do for these teeny creatures. Without the persistant adoration and constant love from my parents, Dana could very easily have spent most of his childhood in a hospital or even special schools struggling to keep up with the "normal" kids- or just struggling for his life. Instead, he's thrived physically and mentally (he's too smart for his own good). Sure, there are some aspects of Dana that are likely linked to his early departure from the womb, but these things haven't restricted him to a bed or daily dependence upon others.




Anyway, my point is: I'm relieved to be 29 weeks along, I'm so fortunate to have each and every piece of family, and working in a hospital will reinforce not only the role of nutrition in healing but also the power of love.

the final phase!

Now, we're officially in the last third of pregnancy and free of gestational diabetes! Just thought I'd share... Happy friday and weekend to everyone

Alive and Kicking

I suppose it's a good thing to be really very busy and have time fly by...but I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since we last updated this blog! We've since celebrated the New Year with family and Greensboro friends in Raleigh, been so kindly showered with goodies for Jacob, returned to AZ, and jumped right back into work. It's always hard to leave family and great friends in NC...and this time was certainly no exception! Thanks to everyone.

Currently, we're only a few days shy of the third trimester (27 1/2 weeks). I've gained about 18 pounds, though Jacob is currently only about 2 pounds, and I'm still feeling pretty good- which is to say, there's not a remarkable increase in unpleasant symptoms as of yet. Jacob's really throwing himself around now, and if he's positioned like we're guessing, he really loves sticking his tush out to share with the public. (though for all we know it could be him headbutting me....) He's had the hiccups about 5 times in the last 24 hours, and even though doctors say babies in the womb don't mind them, I think our kiddo gets frustrated by them and moves feverishly to rid himself of them. At least, that's my impression :)

College students head back to campus this week, so Daniel's back to Campus Ministry and all the associated activities- which will include play rehearsals for the dinner theater April 4, 5, &6. I'm back at the hospital and will be there until the first week in March...other than that, there isn't a whole lot of fascinating "stuff" on this side of the world, thank goodness! On that note, Happy 2008 to everyone!

Happy Holidays from North Cackalac

In a whirlwind of games, wrapping paper, and laughter, Ashley, Baby Jacob and I experienced our first christmas with a little one on the way. Ashley got cloth diapers, I got a book on Fathering, and Jacob made out like a bandit with gift certificates, Arizona Cardinals attire, bibs and books. Spending quality time with the entire Chell family has been a blessing. We've been sleeping late while listening to the rain, watching movies, and playing games. Families are awesome. When I think about all those who are going to be here to love and comfort young Jacob, all my worries go away. Sure they'll be times when we don't know what to do because he's screaming his head off, but I'm sure we'll get someone on the phone with some experience. I mean, between our two parents, there have been 8 offspring, so we will be tapping into a wealth of knowledge.

I have been reading my new book and learning more each day. In addition, we've had literal hands on experience with the babysitting my my young nephew Samuel. I changed a diaper! Ok, it wasn't that amazing, and I asked Ashley for help, but still, it was the first time in over 10 years. Baby Samuel is awesome. He reminds me of his uncle. He likes to dance, especially to his favorite song "La Bamba." He has given us some good experience.

We were also glad to run into some of our favorite babies (and their parents). We ran into Lily, the 2 1/2 month old daughter of Jesse and Christy Steel (teamsteel.blogspot.com) twice. The first was from across the street, as old neighbors were given a chance to catch up. Then, a few days later, we were sad to think that we had missed them and were delighted to find they were in BabiesRUs when we went to register for Jacob with my sister Traeci who is pregnant again. It was good to see you, Steels! Later on during the day we first met young Lily, we drove to the town of Winston to see another young friend of ours by the name of Elgin, the 3 week old son of Tripp and Alecia Fuller (aleciantrippfuller.blogspot.com). While he still sleeps a lion's share, I got to hold him for 20 minutes as he dreamed. It is wonderful to see people in the same phase of life.

Other than that, we've just been hangin out. Thanks to Grandpa Jeff we went to a Hockey game (go Canes!) and went to a sports bar (go Cardinals!). Grandma Ruth has been entertaining us and doting on us since we arrived as well. Great Grandma Barnes, Aunts Emily and Grayson, and Uncle Dana have all commented on Ashley's growing belly and have felt Jacob kick.

So, now that you are caught up on all of the highlights of our adventures, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2008 is the year of the Jacob!

God's love,

Daniel