That's right, we have a little one on the way.
Well, we don't have any photos yet, and we don't know whether it'll be a boy or girl, but we'll tell you what we know. Here it is.
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We've only known for a few weeks. It hasn't hit me yet. Jolene's out of town on vacation with a high school friend, and I miss her. I want to be together more now that this is happening to us.
There have already been surprises. At first I was very excited. Really, I still am. But I've also mourned the loss of some intangibles. Freedom, for example. Jolene and I have been together for 12 years, and married for 7. It's been just us. We do what we want, when we want. Of course, that's about to change. I'm sure it will be worth it, but for now it's a bit of a bummer.
I'm looking forward to later when Jolene starts to show. I think it'll be different then.
clint - April 24
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I can't believe this is finally happening. I feel that having a baby completes us. This is the biggest journey that Clint and I are ever going to embark on together. I'm really excited about being pregnant and sharing every step of the way with Clint. We both have our worries and fears about how this might change our lifestyle, but I think it will be a happy change. Suddenly, simple things will be so much more exciting as we show this kid the world. As for now I am feeling just fine and I hope it stays that way. We have our first doctor's appointment tomorrow, one of the first stepping stones of our journey.
jolene - April 28
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I can see the physical changes in Jolene now, even if you can't. It was shocking - now it's for real.
clint - April 28
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We've been taking photographs of Jolene's belly each week. Things are really happening in there! She shows through her clothes now, too. I'm really proud of how great she's doing (and a little of myself, of course). I find myself thinking of the things I'll do with my child, and it puts a grin on my face. What could be better? We're almost halfway there, but it's still taking forever. I'm sure I'll remember these nights' sleep with fondness soon enough.
On a sad note, an aquaintance at the Maximum-Suzuki forum I frequent had an accident and lost his lower leg. It made me reconsider my priorities. I'll ride a little more cautiously for the time being, but I won't stop riding. That would be a disservice to my family. I intend to live life fully, and share all of it with them.
So, we continue our journey, and I keep procrastinating with the house preperations. Pressure will eventually push me into action, though. For now, I relax and dream.
clint - June 30
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Time is really going fast. We have had a chance to hear the baby's heartbeat twice now, and it is so amazing. I think that the grin Clint had on his face will forever be etched in my memory.
According to what I've read, the baby is really going to start growing now. From the way I'm starting to look I'd have to say what I've read is true.
I'm still very excited and am enjoying being pregnant. Hopefully I still will feel this way by the end of November.
jolene - July 6
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For the last several weeks I've been able to feel the baby. Frequently throughout the day he or she is actively moving, stretching, playing charades, and the like. If I wait a minute, I get a poke in the palm. Feisty little bugger, and what a thrill!
We had the ultrasound imaging session Thursday. It really gave us a great view of the little one. The doctor does a number of checks with the device, including measurements of the leg bones, skull, organs, et cetera. She also checks for birth defects such as cleft palate and spina bifida. All clear. Whew. She told us that the computer estimates that the baby is in the 56th percentile for weight - just over average. The weight is estimated at 1 pound, 14 ounces, +/- 4 ounces, and all proportions are normal. The due date was calculated to be 4 days earilier than expected, but since it's merely an estimate, we'll stick with December 10.
I'm feeling better about the whole family dynamics change lately. We've gotten over our freedoms-of-single-life depression, and we're waiting with open arms for our new life, our precious. In fact, I'm feeling more confident about the whole fatherhood thing, too. I'm sure that with a little patience and understanding, I'll do fine. We'll do fine.
clint - August 29
The baby has been moving around quite a bit. Clint was finally able to feel it. I'm really glad that he can share in this. The baby is quite active when I'm at work and later on in the evenings. I can't help but wonder what it is doing. Was that a fist or a foot?
We had our first ultrasound on August 26. It was so amazing seeing the baby. I still can't believe that it is inside of me. During the ultrasound they look at the baby and take measurements. It looks like the baby is growing just fine. I feel relieved that everything is looking good. I guess I am starting my lifetime of worrying about our little one.
We have a little over three months 'til baby's here and I'm starting to feel the pressure to get the house ready. Clint feels this more than myself I'm sure. I'm not worried though. Everything will get done. It will be fun when we start pulling the baby's room together. It will be more fun though when there is someone here to sleep in it. It probably sounds strange, but the idea of us having a baby is finally sinking in. It is not a dream anymore but a reality.
jolene - August 29
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Here are some new ultrasound images. The first shows the baby's face, with a hand and a foot right in front of its mouth. When we watched it on-screen, we could clearly see the little bugger moving. Hands and feet were flexing, and the baby was practicing for its first lunch with its mouth and tongue. Really amazing to see.
The second shows a foot, and there's a hand right behind it. They were practicing 5-speed stick-shift motions, I think.
Everything looks fine with the baby. Jolene's gestational diabetes has been fairly well controlled with diet and excercise, and I'm really proud of the effort she's made. The due date hasn't been adjusted - still December 10. Holy mackerel.
We've finally gotten the house close to ready. The nursery looks like a nursery, thanks to Jolene's great design and lots of help from Mary and Art. We have many people to thank for great shower gifts, too. They'll mean fewer midnight runs to Wal-Mart for me, I'm sure.
clint - November 13