hold on to your seats...

jeff commented that this was a pretty random post...but, i had a lot of topics to cover!  try to keep up, my thoughts are apparently random and in no particular order!

37 weeks.  another doctors appointment down.  my doctor commented that she couldn't believe how far along i was...her?  can you imagine how i feel?  at this point, i'm at a full-on waddle and can't imagine my belly growing any further!  i'm still enjoying the pregnancy, but feeling pretty impatient to meet the person who's given me a daily ass-kicking for the past several months.  it will be nice to put a face to my assailant.  

"what to expect when you're expecting" tells me that kato is officially full-term.  pretty comforting to know that if he were born today, he would be ready for life on the "outside"...which makes it sound like prison.  his "prison" is done in many shades of blue and has a beautiful recliner...if we could all be so lucky! 

jeff was unable to attend this week's doctors appointment due to work conflict, but it didn't stop him from sending a list of questions for me to ask!  i couldn't ask for a better father for kato (or a more supportive husband for me), though...37 weeks pregnant and he's only missed two appointments!  once again, my weight, baby bump and blood pressure are right where they should be.  kato is estimated (with pokes and prods) to be around 6 pounds.  "what to expect when you're expecting" estimates the weight right around 6 1/2 pounds, so we are pretty much spot-on!  

this week has really hammered the point home that we are going to be parents!  only a couple more weeks and our family dynamic is going to change drastically!  i've started to stress a little bit (okay, a lot a bit) thinking about the labor and delivery process!  birthing classes concluded with a discussion about options in pain medication.  i was glad for the information, but it was scary to think about the actual process and why exactly i would need them!  talking to my doctor helped eliminate a little bit of my fear, but let's just say if there was a way out of the entire process, i would gladly accept it!  do you think science can magically answer my wishes and find a miraculous way to get this child out of me with no pain?  immaculate delivery, so to speak? 

i had a slight panic moment after reading through a list of items we need for a new baby....i thought we were more prepared!  turns out, there are still a lot of nursery items that we are missing.  i thought i was the prepared mama, not the wait until the last minute mama.  this isn't typical of either of us, but there isn't anyone to blame!  jeff assured me that we were fine and that a quick trip to the store would eliminate a lot of stress.  and it did!  we finally have bath products and are ordering a large supply of diapers this evening (after comparison shopping at nearly every website and store).  

after working through my panic, it actually proved to be a productive weekend at the wolf household.  we finished the last loads of baby laundry, installed the car seat base, i got my hair done and we purchased some last minute supplies.  

for those of you who know, my pregnancy cravings have run the gamut from lemonade to reubens (yum!) to root beer to egg salad.  there is no rhyme or reason to a single craving.  now, it has stopped on cereal!  i can't get enough.  i told jeff today (while grocery shopping) that i could eat cereal for every meal!  to me, it's perfection!  thankfully for kato, daddy makes sure i eat more than just cereal!  he makes sure i have protein and veggies and all the good-for-you, baby-growing nutrients!  

after a long drive to nowhere on saturday (which was relaxing and exactly what we needed), we went for a quick dinner.  we decided on a restaurant that we have only been to once, but thought we would try it out.  we had average service and the food was delish!  once i had finished eating, i took one last drink of my root beer.  i thought i had gotten a small piece of ice through the straw, so i bit down on it...turns out, i didn't get a piece of ice, i got a piece of (what looked like) glass!  my poor tooth didn't like biting into whatever it was!  of course, i immediately spit my mouthful of root beer and glass onto my plate.  jeff thought i was throwing up...yes, on my dinner plate.  please, i'm a lady!  

after inspecting the two small shards, jeff and i both think it was very sharp plastic, not glass.  we explained it to the server and of course a manager came over to apologize.  we chatted for a while...i think she was relieved to find that we were so understanding about the situation.  as a former server, i understand that these things can (and do) happen.  after the manager rubbed my belly (and then awkwardly apologized for rubbing my belly), she wished us luck and bought us dinner.  it was a scary situation, but jeff and i were both calm.  would freaking out would have helped the situation?  no, not really.  and i think the manager and server were both so grateful for our calm demeanor.  

i think a scary situation just further cements that it's not just you in this world.  while i didn't swallow glass and my esophagus is safely intact, it shook us up a little.  it's funny how a child who is not yet born can make you consider so many possibilities.  

graduation day

we are officially done with our child-birthing classes.  i wish this meant that we actually felt prepared, but i'm still feeling anxious.  jeff?  jeff doesn't get nervous about much and has been pretty level through the entire experience.  regardless, we are as ready as we are ever going to be.  however, i am thankful for our now weekly doctors appointments to answer all of our last minute questions!  

good news (that i'm not certain i documented)...my iron levels are up.  the blood test revealed higher iron levels than my doctor initially suspected.  a follow-up conversation with my doctor at this weeks appointment (friday) should answer any remaining questions.  

contractions have been coming and going.  nothing major and the doctor swears it's normal.  they don't feel "normal" to me, but i've never done this before!  they seem to happen first thing in the morning and late in the evening.  i just keep telling myself that my body is preparing.  sleep is still a distant memory, but i used the weekend to catch up on naps!  i only wish i could take naps in the middle of the day during the week, but work tends to frown on naps under the desk.  my maternity wardrobe is diminishing as fewer items fit the bill of comfort-wear (never in my wildest dreams would i think fashion fell in line behind comfort, but it is a solid reality at this point).  if i could convince my boss that lounge pants fall under the category "business casual," i think i would be set.  unfortunately, i don't think he's going to budge!

kato (sir kix a lot) is still a kicking machine, keeping me on my toes!  he gets hiccups on a daily basis and they often keep me from falling asleep.  they shake my insides, but it makes me laugh.  

this is a quick update but it's been a quiet week.  another doctors appointment on friday.  i will update further this weekend.  

mama always said if you don't have anything nice to say...

when we started this blog, we intended it for our family and friends.  it seemed like a great opportunity to keep everyone up-to-date on the progress of our pregnancy and the changes that were occurring in our growing family.  in all reality, we are fairly certain our parents are the only consistent blog readers (and we are both fine with that).  

jeff and i are truly flattered that we are gaining readers (or blog lurkers who feel it necessary to remain anonymous).  who knew that our small, little blog meant for family and friends would become an open forum for the circumcision debate?  jeff's intent with his post last night was to share a funny story from our interview with the pediatricians.  instead of reading the post for what it was, people seem to use the mere mention of the word circumcision in our blog as a free ticket to spout their own views and beliefs.  though we respect those opinions, jeff's post wasn't seeking advice on the topic or approval of our decision.  we appreciate the passion that people have shown regarding this topic, however, we ask that you find another forum to express your thoughts regarding the debate.  

so to wrap up, we are happy to leave our blog open for everyone to read.  we do ask that you read our blog for what it is, a cutesy record of our journey into parenthood and all the joy that follows.  if you can relate, great, leave us a comment.  if you want to judge us or press your views on us, save your comments for another blog.  kato doesn't need the negative energy...

  

on a side note, jeff is impressed that so many women are experts on circumcision!  he thinks that they must be grateful that they still have the 20,000 nerve endings in their penises, because he certainly doesn't miss his...

Me snip? Hell no!!

As the days continue to dwindle away, one last major thing remains to be decided... Who will be Kato's Pediatrician? It has become the task that neither of us want to own. We both have said, "Fine then, I will take care of it...." at least a couple of times with still no success. Last week I finally broke down and made a single phone call and scheduled appointments with two doctors in the same office. Really, two months of procrastination for a single phone call... pathetic... We met with the doctors Thursday and Friday and they were both amazing! They seem to know their stuff and almost encourage off-hour calls. That was my biggest worry, finding someone who would be able to put up with my crazy questions at 3AM.

The big question for us was next, circumcision. To snip or not to snip??? We had already made up our mind prior to discussing the topic with the doctors to have Kato circumcised, but we wanted to make sure the doctors were willing and able to perform the operation. After a good discussion on the topic, our questions were answered and our concerns with capability were gone. He said that he was so comfortable with the procedure that he was happy to have mom and/or dad in the room during the operation. He even said that I could perform the operation if I wanted... That took about 0.000001 seconds to answer, HELL NO!! I am pretty sure I am going to have a lifetime of decisions and moments to screw this whole dad thing up, no way I am going to volunteer for something I can push off on a trained professional. The thought is slightly intriguing though, I have to admit... kind of like a dare... what if I could do it and say to him later that I performed the operation... then I thought for a second, what if my dad stopped by tomorrow and told me he did my circumcision, how would I respond? I am pretty sure I would be pissed to know he risked something that important on a dare or a hunch. I mean not even a night at a Holiday Inn Express guarantee success for something like that.

We are now less than a month away from meeting the little guy and it seems like forever. It is nice to know that all the major decisions are made and final preparations complete. Time to sit back and wait... Did I mention I really suck at waiting...
Love you, Kato
Dad

the last of their kind...

this hasn't been a traditional Memorial Day weekend.  we haven't gone to any cookouts, we haven't sat by a campfire and we haven't gone swimming in a freezing lake.  but, we've tried to practice equal amounts of relaxation and work.  

i would be lying if i said we didn't love living maintenance-free in an apartment, but we miss having a house and spending our weekends on little projects.  i try to picture what we did this weekend last year and while i can't remember specifics, i'm nearly certain it included cookouts with friends and lazy days spent on the deck (thrown in with an equal portion yard work).**

we spent last night enjoying a dying breed of true americana.  i took jeff to his first drive-in experience (well, at least one that he can remember...his parents may be able to jog his memory of any childhood drive-in experiences)!  

when the idea was tossed around at 3 in the afternoon, i can't say that he was the most willing participant.  it's a 30 minute drive to the theatre (parking lot?) and he didn't understand the appeal of watching not one, but TWO movies from the confines of your car.  his hesitation came with a lot of concerns...how do you hear the movie (radio station or old fashion speakers on a post), how do you get comfortable (lots of blankets and pillows), do you really back in (do you want to watch a movie with a steering wheel in your lap)?

after a quick dinner, we loaded up the car with lots of pillow, blankets and snacks and prepared for our adventure - americana style!  after getting there way too early (apparently drive-ins don't fill up like they used to), we decided to explore and took a drive around lake morey resort.  the resort reminded me of the 1950's resort, similar to the one in dirty dancing.  hey, don't judge...it's a good movie and my only point of reference!  we dipped our toes in the water...holy smokes!  no wonder nobody was on the lake - the blasted water was like ice!  so cold!  check one off the "Memorial Day list!"  while we didn't exactly swim, it's was enough for us!

back to our drive-in adventure...we got there as it was getting dark, which allowed just enough time to get situated.  i convinced jeff that backing in (tailgate toward the screen) was the best way to lay.  after three different spots (no speakers on one, someone smoking next to us, etc), we found prime real estate.  kato doesn't really allow me to lay on my stomach, so there was a lot of maneuvering!  but, eventually we got it right!  the movies were action-packed and we had a great time!  both kato and jeff enjoyed their first drive-in experience.  

and jeff finally admitted that i was right...drive-ins are where it's at!  he loved the entire experience!  and while this holiday weekend was different than any in our past, i can guarantee that next year will be yet another scenario.  kato will be on the scene and we will certainly have to adapt our plans for the little guy.  we look forward to creating traditions as a family, though i'm not certain drive-ins and their dying breed of movie-watching experience will be around long enough to allow us to enjoy them with our children!  kato, you might be missing out...just ask daddy!  

**jeff just reminded me that last Memorial Day weekend was spent at the Indianapolis 500 with crystal and tyson.  we drank too many beers and laid for far too long in the sun.  pretty much sums up a traditional holiday weekend, sans kids.  

sunday, funday

sundays have taken on a new meaning since becoming pregnant.  they are a day for me to relax and catch up on sleep (rest, at the very least...sleep doesn't live here anymore).  

jeff commented last night how kato hasn't been moving as much.  kato decided to show him how wrong he was and proceeded to kick up a storm.  take that, daddy!  his movements are much different than they were a couple of months ago.  poor guy is having some serious space issues these days.  

we enjoyed a quick trip to the driving range with colleen and jason.  i had some issues...apparently a baby bump isn't conducive to hitting golf balls.  but, jeff was the athletic genius as always and proceeded to knock the balls beyond the fence-line.  he also tried his hand at the batting cages...something i stayed a safe distance away from!

i look forward to jeff taking kato to do these things in the future.  jeff is going to be an amazing father and has already envisioned kato being a little sports fanatic, much like himself.  days like today, i would be spared from watching hockey playoffs...kato would be sitting through it with jeff (i kid, i actually enjoy watching hockey.  go detroit!)  

i have been working on the baby book today.  i love thinking of little stories to share with our children.  we have had such an amazing (almost) four years and i look forward to sharing those stories.  this is just the beginning though...we look forward to creating a lot more memories as a family.  

the end is near...but not in a dooms-day way!

we are currently in the thick of the 35th week.  right around 5 weeks to go.  i think we can officially be considered in the home stretch.  another two weeks and this little guy is officially full-term.  another doctors appointment down.  kato's heartbeat is strong, his size is exactly where it should be and my blood pressure is great.  woo-hoo!  good news for the expanding wolf family!

unfortunately, my iron levels have dropped fairly low - low enough to cause the doctor to be alarmed (and to freak jeff out - sorry, love).  apparently, a "normal" level is around 12.  in april, mine was around 9.  because of those results, i have been taking a once-a-day iron supplement (and trying to eat more iron-rich foods - go steak and spinach!).  my body still isn't accepting the iron...lame.  my levels today were around 8.4.  stinkin blood...just accept that iron already!  

low levels meant that in addition to an in-office finger prick, i also had to go to the hospital to have blood drawn.  no fun, but at least i didn't pass out!  i was a trooper and left the office unscathed!  we will know more next week and what this means.  

keep your fingers crossed that those levels kick into high gear and raise significantly in the next couple of weeks.  apparently, iron in your bloodstream is a good thing to have when going into childbirth.  

another week of childbirth classes down!  jeff has lost every bit of interest and had to be bribed with ice cream this week (and i wish i was joking)!  we discussed the actual birth process, dealing with pain (hello, epidural) and watched a graphic video.  yikes...and, lucky us, there are several more of these videos to watch.  

other than that, things are going smooth...which is all we can ask for!  we hope the next couple of weeks continue at this same pace.  

letter to my kato mate

dear kato (my little sir kix a lot), 

today is my first mother's day as a mother (even if i'm slightly bending the rules).  you aren't born yet, so there is a little gray area and a some debate as to whether or not i officially fall in the "mother" category.  but, i know that after 34 full weeks of nurturing and protecting you, i am a mother-bear.  

today, i am spending the day cleaning and organizing the apartment - not exciting by any stretch of the imagination.  you didn't prepare me breakfast in bed, you didn't bring me a bouquet of beautiful roses and you didn't make me a handmade card with crayon drawings and way too much glue.  and i was more than okay without those things.  i got the best thing....i got a sweet wake-up call with your kicks and rolls.  i have felt you move with me all morning.  you were there when i was making the bed and when i started the laundry.  your gentle movements make me smile and make me appreciate being a mother.  officially or unofficially...i am so excited to be your mother.  i'm a pretty lucky lady.

daddy is in phoenix visiting with chuck.  he'll be home very early morning...long after midnight.  which means that you and i will have spent our first mother's day together, alone.  thank you for going gentle on me with the kicks.  thank you for not using my bladder as a trampoline.  right now, those are the best gifts i can ask for.  

you'll be here soon and we can't wait!  i am so excited to hold you and show you your room.  a little over a month now.  and if you could figure out a way to show up on june 21st (just in time for father's day), that would be great!  you are something that i can't top, even if i tried!

can't wait to meet you, my little man. 

love,

mama

our little pork roast

another week and another doctor's appointment.  i am officially in my 33rd week and things are still going great.  again, we were told that the baby is right where he needs to be, in regards to size.  apparently, the doctor can tell that by measuring and poking and prodding my lovely baby bump.  i asked her to try to identify how he was laying...i keep feeling things and saying, well, that's either a booty or a melon-head.  turns out, he's booty up.  so that's what been busting me in the rib cage the past couple of weeks.  

the doctor estimated his weight at 3 1/2 pounds...about the size of a big, healthy pork roast.  he's still incredibly active.  flips and turns and pokes and prods.  my little sir kix a lot.  

i still have some residual swelling from our flights to and from evansville, but most has gone down.  my ankles are more ankles now, less cankles.  thank goodness.  

the final piece of the nursery has arrived...the chair!  jeff and i will pick it up tomorrow!  i'm anxious to see how everything fits in that room!  it is (besides the baby) the final piece to the puzzle.