So here it is: the home-stretch. This will probably be the last post in this roller-coaster blog. In 5 more sleeps, little Wombie will make an appearance, and it couldn't be soon enough. Her mother is at bursting point; round and glowing in the heat.
I've been musing again, the last time in the foreseeable future, about what these nine months have been about. Sure, it's important that the little womb-dweller grows and develops and learns to breathes, but I think more has been going on. It's like the evolution of a man. And this idea has been strengthened by:
"Don't be surprised to suddenly find the energy (and the enthusiasm) for compulsive cleaning, painting, and organizing. Run (and dust) with it — it's nature's way of assuring that you'll have a comfy, clean nest for your baby when you all come home." (From What-to-expect When, ahh bugger it, I'm not typing out the whole name!)
So there it is: nature had nine months to prepare me (not the womb-dweller) for this experience! She learnt to bungee on the umbilical cord, I learnt new degrees of panic; she learnt to kick mom right in the gut, I learnt if my gut gets too big she may not love me; she learnt to breathe in amniotic fluid ... oh shit she wins.
But there has been an evolution of sorts taking place inside me. I'm excited about Friday and finally meeting this growing bump on my wife's stomach. I feel more prepared than I did in the beginning. It's a strange thing that happens with fear ... but unless I'm worrying about something I don't feel I'm doing anything. Round mamma (L) has evidence she's going to be a mom, I've just got my fears.
And in it all I also learnt new degrees of love. I think it's like the definition of faith (what you can't see but still believe)! I've fallen for someone I don' even know yet, how bizarre is that! I love our little girl!
Mostly, I've evolved into this very excited. neurotic, father-to-be and I embrace the new role with all my heart! I'm okay with messing up (Wombie might not be so excited). I'm okay with feeling emotions I never new existed. I'm kay with sleepless nights, crying baby, dirty nappies, and seeing our money go down the drain. I'm more ready for the whole experience and that's a good thing, because the is no backing out of it now. Let's g round mamma, I'm so proud of you!
What I've learnt so far: I'm going to be a dad!! Thanks for this opportunity!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Time
They say "time waits for no man". True, but did they ever consider a pregnant woman. L has managed the impossible -she controls time. Every task has somehow been slowed done and now takes what seems like an eternity.
Right now L has positioned herself on the floor, spread-eagled, trying to paint her toe nails at 36 weeks pregnant. Legs are everywhere and she grunts and sighs with every reach for her toes. A task that would previously have been a simple plonking down on the floor, has now turned into a marathon event, with me as spectator - enjoying every minute. A walk down the passage now takes that bit longer, showers are an event, and I ensure she gets a head-start to the car.
I find some perverse pleasure in seeing time slow down, secretly desiring to place things in obscured positions just to see how long it takes her to get to them. I obviously would never tell my now heavily pregnant wife of these desire; never know the beating that could follow. But it entertains me.
Today we have decided to take maternity photos -L fearing she could go to seed at any minute. It's all very exciting and scary.The shots have been decided, clothes, stance and position known. All that's waiting is for me to get the camera out and start going for it. But that where I hit a brick wall (as usual with my forehead). I'm so afraid I mess up the shot. L is beautiful now. Glowing in the summer heat, with her round belly protruding - an absolutely amazing and an exciting experience for us both (I'm probably getting more enjoyment out of it at the moment). But what if I screw it up and she's disappointed?
Here she is carrying the most precious cargo and doing such an amazing job at it and all I have to do is take the shot! How difficult is that? No pressure!!!
Well, we'll see how it goes.Hopefully, I won't be tossed out with my camera bag following!
What I've learnt so far: There's a reason woman fall pregnant and carry the baby for 9 (10) months- God gave them the patience! I'd have gone out of my mind by now! L's taking it like another day at the spa! God I love her!!!
Right now L has positioned herself on the floor, spread-eagled, trying to paint her toe nails at 36 weeks pregnant. Legs are everywhere and she grunts and sighs with every reach for her toes. A task that would previously have been a simple plonking down on the floor, has now turned into a marathon event, with me as spectator - enjoying every minute. A walk down the passage now takes that bit longer, showers are an event, and I ensure she gets a head-start to the car.
I find some perverse pleasure in seeing time slow down, secretly desiring to place things in obscured positions just to see how long it takes her to get to them. I obviously would never tell my now heavily pregnant wife of these desire; never know the beating that could follow. But it entertains me.
Today we have decided to take maternity photos -L fearing she could go to seed at any minute. It's all very exciting and scary.The shots have been decided, clothes, stance and position known. All that's waiting is for me to get the camera out and start going for it. But that where I hit a brick wall (as usual with my forehead). I'm so afraid I mess up the shot. L is beautiful now. Glowing in the summer heat, with her round belly protruding - an absolutely amazing and an exciting experience for us both (I'm probably getting more enjoyment out of it at the moment). But what if I screw it up and she's disappointed?
Here she is carrying the most precious cargo and doing such an amazing job at it and all I have to do is take the shot! How difficult is that? No pressure!!!
Well, we'll see how it goes.Hopefully, I won't be tossed out with my camera bag following!
What I've learnt so far: There's a reason woman fall pregnant and carry the baby for 9 (10) months- God gave them the patience! I'd have gone out of my mind by now! L's taking it like another day at the spa! God I love her!!!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Getting on my nerve
L is now 36 weeks along in this amazing journey of growing a baby. At first, 40 weeks (9/10 months) seemed so long, but now it feels like we need another 36 just to get ready. But the clothes are washed,the wall has pencil drawings on, and we have nappies. What more do we need?
L, however, is not so keen for another 36 weeks of this. Seems that Wombie has taken to sitting on her nerve. What this means is that, not only does L have to waddle down the passage, but now she has to do so with a stuck nerve. Just the other day, she got stuck in the main road between two banks; unable to move and walking like a 90 year old geriatric. Great bank robber she'd have made!
Last night I found my wife down on all fours, rocking from front to back. It is a sight to behold: a heavily pregnant woman, bare-foot and on her hands and knees in the lounge. I must admit, I felt a bit like the king o my castle. Turns out though, it wasn't an act of submission, but rather L trying to easy the pain. Oh well, a man can dream!
What I've learnt so far: There are benefits to being a man, and I'm thankful each and every day! Only 15 more sleeps to go!!!
L, however, is not so keen for another 36 weeks of this. Seems that Wombie has taken to sitting on her nerve. What this means is that, not only does L have to waddle down the passage, but now she has to do so with a stuck nerve. Just the other day, she got stuck in the main road between two banks; unable to move and walking like a 90 year old geriatric. Great bank robber she'd have made!
Last night I found my wife down on all fours, rocking from front to back. It is a sight to behold: a heavily pregnant woman, bare-foot and on her hands and knees in the lounge. I must admit, I felt a bit like the king o my castle. Turns out though, it wasn't an act of submission, but rather L trying to easy the pain. Oh well, a man can dream!
What I've learnt so far: There are benefits to being a man, and I'm thankful each and every day! Only 15 more sleeps to go!!!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Happy B-Day
It's all really, really close now: 19th February 2010! That is the date that's been set for the birth of our little girl. Right now I'm filled with anxiety over what to expect, what will happen, and most of all: will we be ready!
L decided that a C-section is best and I agree whole-heartily Not that much will happen to me, but heck you never know. The image of us tearing down the freeway at 2am in the general direction of the hospital - and all of caffeine-free - did not sound fun!
So now we are bracing ourselves for the immanent arrival of Wombie. L's growing steadily and currently carries a little girl who weighs 2.2kg's! That can be compared to:
Yahoo answer:
My chihuahua boy is 10 weeks old and weighs 2.2kg . how big will he get ? is he too big ? ?
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
most get to weigh in at 7-8 pounds he will not get that big
Good thing we're not having a chihuahua
They say you can also cook a 2.2kg turkey, but that recipe is probably not needed now.
Our clever Little girl is growing perfectly and passed her first test by lying between the lines plotting her growth (clever girl).
So now, it's just watch and wait until the 19th? I don't think so. There are rooms to paint, car seats to install (definitely not alone), clothes to wash and bottles to do whatever happens with bottles. In addition, someone has to pack a bag for herself and re daughter - but we won't tell her that now. We may just send her into early labour.
What I've learnt so far: I'm coming to grips with the idea that I'm going to be a father!
L decided that a C-section is best and I agree whole-heartily Not that much will happen to me, but heck you never know. The image of us tearing down the freeway at 2am in the general direction of the hospital - and all of caffeine-free - did not sound fun!
So now we are bracing ourselves for the immanent arrival of Wombie. L's growing steadily and currently carries a little girl who weighs 2.2kg's! That can be compared to:
Yahoo answer:
My chihuahua boy is 10 weeks old and weighs 2.2kg . how big will he get ? is he too big ? ?
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
most get to weigh in at 7-8 pounds he will not get that big
Good thing we're not having a chihuahua
They say you can also cook a 2.2kg turkey, but that recipe is probably not needed now.
Our clever Little girl is growing perfectly and passed her first test by lying between the lines plotting her growth (clever girl).
So now, it's just watch and wait until the 19th? I don't think so. There are rooms to paint, car seats to install (definitely not alone), clothes to wash and bottles to do whatever happens with bottles. In addition, someone has to pack a bag for herself and re daughter - but we won't tell her that now. We may just send her into early labour.
What I've learnt so far: I'm coming to grips with the idea that I'm going to be a father!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Hello again ...
So it's been a while because of ... well life. Holiday ended! Work began with a bang! New houses demanded attention!
I think over the last two weeks I have dreaded writing anything. Not because of having nothing to say or not wanting to, but because I didn't know how to.
We are weeks away - maybe 5, maybe 7 somewhere between there - from the birth of a new baby and the house if filled with excitement and anticipation, and a hint of fear (maybe more than a hint). The list of things to do is still pages long and it is unlikely we'll ever feel ready - both physically (beds, clothes, nappies, etc) and as parents. So I've decided to live with that (partly).
What has also been happening is:
1. Cot and changing table are now in the room with the pram. Clothes have been shoved into the cupboard and just to get the all-round feeling right, there are baby bottles in the kitchen.
2. L has a ball protruding from her stomach but (thankfully) is not yet getting up like a pregnant lady.
3. Birth plan has been decide on, now we just have to convince the doctor. We've compromised and decided to go for a crash course pre-natal class.
This is all good, because recently L found out that Wombie has decided to head south and start her decent towards light. Holding our breath that she holds hers for a few more weeks - I just don't like plans being messed with.
And all this to link up with where I began - life happens. The days go on and the much anticipated birth date draws closer and there is nothing we can do about it.
So hold on, babe, coz here we go!
What I've learnt so far: I can now count to 33 weeks and count down the weeks in days! How clever am I?
I think over the last two weeks I have dreaded writing anything. Not because of having nothing to say or not wanting to, but because I didn't know how to.
We are weeks away - maybe 5, maybe 7 somewhere between there - from the birth of a new baby and the house if filled with excitement and anticipation, and a hint of fear (maybe more than a hint). The list of things to do is still pages long and it is unlikely we'll ever feel ready - both physically (beds, clothes, nappies, etc) and as parents. So I've decided to live with that (partly).
What has also been happening is:
1. Cot and changing table are now in the room with the pram. Clothes have been shoved into the cupboard and just to get the all-round feeling right, there are baby bottles in the kitchen.
2. L has a ball protruding from her stomach but (thankfully) is not yet getting up like a pregnant lady.
3. Birth plan has been decide on, now we just have to convince the doctor. We've compromised and decided to go for a crash course pre-natal class.
This is all good, because recently L found out that Wombie has decided to head south and start her decent towards light. Holding our breath that she holds hers for a few more weeks - I just don't like plans being messed with.
And all this to link up with where I began - life happens. The days go on and the much anticipated birth date draws closer and there is nothing we can do about it.
So hold on, babe, coz here we go!
What I've learnt so far: I can now count to 33 weeks and count down the weeks in days! How clever am I?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Holiday blog
Day: Thursday, 17th December 2009
Place: Manaba Beach (actually it’s Bianca No. 7)
Listening to: Jesus Culture (and loving it)
… Do you remember when you’d write letters in school and start them like that? Mood … happy … I love … someone … heheee …
Anyway, L and I are away on holiday at the beach and having an amazingly relaxing time just enjoying ourselves and our last holiday alone. We’re constantly saying, “Next year this time we’ll be …” fill in the blanks with something to do with our little bundle of joy that should arrive soon. It’s the most bizarre thing and I don’t think we’ve done it since getting married. But it is very exciting.
I keep imagining us on the beach, with our little girl, looking like those happy people you see in the magazines and it got me thinking, “Will she make us happy? Does having her on holiday with us next year somehow make us happier?” It is so easy to fall into the trap of everything being about our little girl – and forgetting about LBW (life before Wombie). I don’t want to forget. I want to remember that:
· We were best friends; before we married and while we were married.
· We laughed so hard we cried.
· We fought (until I even kicked the car to prove a point).
· We could sit alone in silence and feel like the only two people on earth.
· We could talk into the early hours of the morning (and later into marriage until we fell asleep).
· Making love was the most amazing experience (PERIOD)!
We have a life and I love it. I hope and pray that our little girl will be a part of that life. That she will benefit from being around two people who loved and liked each other. That “this time next year” she will be a part of something that already existed and flourished and was fun and hard at the same time.
What I’ve learnt so far:
Date: Thursday, 17th December
Place: Manaba Beach
Time: 19:21
Listening to: Kim Walker (Jesus Culture)
Mood: So stoked
Thinking of: You
In love with: You and only you
Just wanted to say: In about 9 – 11 weeks you and I will have a beautiful little girl! I love you so much. See you in English or Maths (Yuck)!
Wha wha wha
Friday, 25th December 2009
‘twas the night before Christmas and … well not exactly. It is Christmas and all is going well. Well, not exactly … although it is Christmas it doesn’t feel like it. There’s a Christmasy feel that just isn’t here. L woke up with a sore throat this morning, it’s raining outside, and the usually Chistmasy feel just isn’t here. Not that that is a bad thing … after all, we don’t celebrate Christmas.
But it got me to thinking, as tends to happen lately for some bizarre reason. I remember Christmas growing up was a day that was so different to every other day the year, even birthdays. It was always hot. It was always loud. It was always chaotic.
Christmas was a day when we all got together. Not just brothers and sisters, but EVERYONE! It was a strange mix of people. There were of course the seven of us, and the seven from my dad’s sister’s side. But added to this were the Ellis’s (the two brats, the very loud aunt and the scary uncle who pinched bums inappropriately – although they didn’t always come) and my alcoholic grandmother (who was usually pissed by the time lunch was served) and my dad’s other two brothers (who drank just as much and were even me inappropriate), and then other people/relatives (who knew what they really were). We’d go to church in the morning (us and the other seven) and they’d get the party started early.
This I mostly remember from the time we came to South Africa until I was about ten, so there weren’t too many but they stood out for me. I can’t tell you what I got from Santa, or what we had for lunch. I can’t tell you what we did, or what was said. But I remember it all! I remember the people, all talking, laughing, telling stories and later, when enough alcohol had been consumed, the arguing. I have the memories and they are special.
There is something amazing about growing up together; fighting, laughing and living it up. I want this for our daughter. Not the hype over Christmas, or the stories of a magic-man in a red coat that brings presents, or the pagan believes. But I was the memories whoever creates them. I want the days where chaos reigns and people o stupid things and kids play together and everyone goes home exhausted (relieved they don’t have to see each for another year).
I miss those hot Christmas days where memories were made.
So … watch this space. I’ll be making big plans (my own celebrations may not be baby appropriate, but what the heck!).
What I’ve learnt so far: Dammit but the due date is getting close!
Place: Manaba Beach (actually it’s Bianca No. 7)
Listening to: Jesus Culture (and loving it)
… Do you remember when you’d write letters in school and start them like that? Mood … happy … I love … someone … heheee …
Anyway, L and I are away on holiday at the beach and having an amazingly relaxing time just enjoying ourselves and our last holiday alone. We’re constantly saying, “Next year this time we’ll be …” fill in the blanks with something to do with our little bundle of joy that should arrive soon. It’s the most bizarre thing and I don’t think we’ve done it since getting married. But it is very exciting.
I keep imagining us on the beach, with our little girl, looking like those happy people you see in the magazines and it got me thinking, “Will she make us happy? Does having her on holiday with us next year somehow make us happier?” It is so easy to fall into the trap of everything being about our little girl – and forgetting about LBW (life before Wombie). I don’t want to forget. I want to remember that:
· We were best friends; before we married and while we were married.
· We laughed so hard we cried.
· We fought (until I even kicked the car to prove a point).
· We could sit alone in silence and feel like the only two people on earth.
· We could talk into the early hours of the morning (and later into marriage until we fell asleep).
· Making love was the most amazing experience (PERIOD)!
We have a life and I love it. I hope and pray that our little girl will be a part of that life. That she will benefit from being around two people who loved and liked each other. That “this time next year” she will be a part of something that already existed and flourished and was fun and hard at the same time.
What I’ve learnt so far:
Date: Thursday, 17th December
Place: Manaba Beach
Time: 19:21
Listening to: Kim Walker (Jesus Culture)
Mood: So stoked
Thinking of: You
In love with: You and only you
Just wanted to say: In about 9 – 11 weeks you and I will have a beautiful little girl! I love you so much. See you in English or Maths (Yuck)!
Wha wha wha
Friday, 25th December 2009
‘twas the night before Christmas and … well not exactly. It is Christmas and all is going well. Well, not exactly … although it is Christmas it doesn’t feel like it. There’s a Christmasy feel that just isn’t here. L woke up with a sore throat this morning, it’s raining outside, and the usually Chistmasy feel just isn’t here. Not that that is a bad thing … after all, we don’t celebrate Christmas.
But it got me to thinking, as tends to happen lately for some bizarre reason. I remember Christmas growing up was a day that was so different to every other day the year, even birthdays. It was always hot. It was always loud. It was always chaotic.
Christmas was a day when we all got together. Not just brothers and sisters, but EVERYONE! It was a strange mix of people. There were of course the seven of us, and the seven from my dad’s sister’s side. But added to this were the Ellis’s (the two brats, the very loud aunt and the scary uncle who pinched bums inappropriately – although they didn’t always come) and my alcoholic grandmother (who was usually pissed by the time lunch was served) and my dad’s other two brothers (who drank just as much and were even me inappropriate), and then other people/relatives (who knew what they really were). We’d go to church in the morning (us and the other seven) and they’d get the party started early.
This I mostly remember from the time we came to South Africa until I was about ten, so there weren’t too many but they stood out for me. I can’t tell you what I got from Santa, or what we had for lunch. I can’t tell you what we did, or what was said. But I remember it all! I remember the people, all talking, laughing, telling stories and later, when enough alcohol had been consumed, the arguing. I have the memories and they are special.
There is something amazing about growing up together; fighting, laughing and living it up. I want this for our daughter. Not the hype over Christmas, or the stories of a magic-man in a red coat that brings presents, or the pagan believes. But I was the memories whoever creates them. I want the days where chaos reigns and people o stupid things and kids play together and everyone goes home exhausted (relieved they don’t have to see each for another year).
I miss those hot Christmas days where memories were made.
So … watch this space. I’ll be making big plans (my own celebrations may not be baby appropriate, but what the heck!).
What I’ve learnt so far: Dammit but the due date is getting close!
Friday, December 11, 2009
We're having a ...
wonderful, little girl and that has scared me so!
What a day we had just getting to that point. Miss Destructive (a.k.a L) took it upon herself to damage the couch, the bathroom door (and previously in the week the towel rack). N on purpose, of course, but the culmination of the breakages, an e-mail from her brother, the empty petrol tank, and the impending scan caused a all meltdown in L. But on we drove, determined to see little Wombie (who may be little Ella-Reece/Rhys), L in tears beside me. Could the day get any worse. Yes it can!
Got to the doctors room, where ever-friendly Debbie (the scan-lady-with-the-magic-and) kept us waiting, then doctor had to go catch a baby and he kept us waiting, then lost in the hospital and kept waiting some more. But it was so worth it!
When we got to see he 4D scan our hearts just melted. There was the most beautiful face, and stomach, and feet, and hands I have ever seen. And 90% certain we're having a little girl. It was so overwhelming.
I struggle to imagine being a father, let alone a father to a little princess. All the things that could possible go wrong consume me. And yet, I am over the moon. To soon be her daddy! To hold this precious gift and know that I will stand in the way of anything that ever wanted t hurt her (I may be 90 years old, but I'll still kick his ass). To know that she will love me no matter what! Like I said, very overwhelming.
L's just come home, so .... gotta run!
What I've learnt so far: no matter how bad the day is, seeing her makes my heart skip a beat!
What a day we had just getting to that point. Miss Destructive (a.k.a L) took it upon herself to damage the couch, the bathroom door (and previously in the week the towel rack). N on purpose, of course, but the culmination of the breakages, an e-mail from her brother, the empty petrol tank, and the impending scan caused a all meltdown in L. But on we drove, determined to see little Wombie (who may be little Ella-Reece/Rhys), L in tears beside me. Could the day get any worse. Yes it can!
Got to the doctors room, where ever-friendly Debbie (the scan-lady-with-the-magic-and) kept us waiting, then doctor had to go catch a baby and he kept us waiting, then lost in the hospital and kept waiting some more. But it was so worth it!
When we got to see he 4D scan our hearts just melted. There was the most beautiful face, and stomach, and feet, and hands I have ever seen. And 90% certain we're having a little girl. It was so overwhelming.
I struggle to imagine being a father, let alone a father to a little princess. All the things that could possible go wrong consume me. And yet, I am over the moon. To soon be her daddy! To hold this precious gift and know that I will stand in the way of anything that ever wanted t hurt her (I may be 90 years old, but I'll still kick his ass). To know that she will love me no matter what! Like I said, very overwhelming.
L's just come home, so .... gotta run!
What I've learnt so far: no matter how bad the day is, seeing her makes my heart skip a beat!
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