Baby Watch

macrojack · « **on:** 21 Jan 2007, 02:59 pm »

So Vinnie, what's the status? I recall that your new baby is due in February. Since this is January 21st, you could be a daddy any day now. How's your wife holding up?
What's all this doing to you?
I think I speak for many of us when I say I'm rooting for you and would love to know what's going on with you and your wife as the magical moment draws near.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 03:45 pm »

Hi Macrojack,

Thanks for your post... much appeciated!

I don't think Jen is going to hold out until February

She is hold up really well (especially now that she has taken off from work

), but is quite uncomfortable and wants this baby out! We have another appointment with the doctor tomorrow. We thought they were going to induce labor last Friday (her amnio fluid is kind of low, but not in any danger level), but tests show the baby is doing fine.

I can see a little foot poking through.. it is kind of funny. Jen went to tap it, and she (the baby) kicked back in definance ("leave me alone, Mommy. I was sleeping!")

Quote

What's all this doing to you?

It's freaking me out, man!!!

Seriously, I'm ok and lam ooking forward to this. I just hope that when baby is born, the lack of sleep that everyone tells me about doesn't kill me

There is going to be an "adjustment period."

Quote

I think I speak for many of us when I say I'm rooting for you and would love to know what's going on with you and your wife as the magical moment draws near.

Thanks a million! I'll keep you all posted!

Vinnie

bpape · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 03:49 pm »

If this is your first, there is most definitely an adjustment period. As for loss of sleep, yeah, that's going to happen. How much depends a lot of whether you bottle or breast feed. There are a couple of advantages to being a guy...

Hope all goes well for you and your wife.

Bryan

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 03:56 pm »

Thanks, Bryan.

Yes, this is our first!

mfsoa · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 04:16 pm »

Vinnie,

You will never know how much you were loved by your parents until you see and hold your first child.

I can remember thinking Holy Crap, someone actually felt this way about me once (and always)!

The completion and continuation of a circle.

Cherish every second!

-Mike

bpape · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 05:01 pm »

Not to mention that feeling of "Oh $*&^! Here's this little thing that is depending on me for everything except breathing and crapping.' Certainly made me finish growing up in a hurry.

Bryan

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 05:06 pm »

Quote from: bpape on 21 Jan 2007, 05:01 pm

Not to mention that feeling of "Oh $*&^! Here's this little thing that is depending on me for everything except breathing and crapping.' Certainly made me finish growing up in a hurry.

Bryan

Good point Bryan.....

Vinnie.....Some instructions......for you......

Chris

carvalhot · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 05:07 pm »

Good luck Vinnie....and enjoy!!!

Canyoneagle · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 06:17 pm »

Good luck on your first child!!!!!!!!

Kathy and I have had a tremendously rewarding parenting experience with our son, Justin, who is now 11. GEEEZ what happened to the time?

We never suffered the sleep loss, because Justin slept with us for several years. A dear friend gave us a book called 'the family bed' - it's totally opposite of the 'Spock' methodology, and it has worked amazingly well for us to this day.

Regardless, the awesome sensation of suddenly being responsible for having a little human being in your care is one of life's most precious moments.

Please let us know when to break out the bubbly!

Bill Baker · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 Jan 2007, 06:49 pm »

Congrats on the upcoming parenthood.

I was a nervous wreck when awaiting my first who is now 19. I can understand the anxiety of waiting. I have been through it 3 times now (4 children as the last litter was twins).
don't let it bother you too much as parenthood comes with a natural instint.

I would be more concerned about the 8000+ cigars you will have to send out to all the Circle members on that special day.

jrebman · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Jan 2007, 01:35 am »

Vinnie,

Keep the faith -- I've seen many of my very close friends go through this over the last 20 years or so and it is simply amazing to watch them as theymove into parenthood, and ever so gracefully so, even if they think they are in a panic and think they have no idea what they are doing. Somehow it is just in you and situations tend to bring it out when it is called for.

Now, don't tell Jen this because she'll probably be insanely jealous, but just before Christmas my nextdoor neighbor had a baby (at home, btw) and from onset of labor to delivery was about 15 minutes (and that's not a typo!) Luckily, the neighbor right behind us and only about 70 feet away, was her midwife and was able to change out of her holiday party wear and into delivery clothes and slip across the parking lot in a matter of minutes, and all were fine 10 minutes later. Actually, I don't think you really want that level of excitement your first time around

.

Truly, best wishes from Linda and I,

Jim

Brad · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 Jan 2007, 02:00 am »

Quote from: bpape on 21 Jan 2007, 03:49 pm

If this is your first, there is most definitely an adjustment period. As for loss of sleep, yeah, that's going to happen. How much depends a lot of whether you bottle or breast feed. There are a couple of advantages to being a guy...

Hope all goes well for you and your wife.

Bryan

The other factor that affects your sleep is whether you are a lighter sleeper than your wife or not

And how quickly you can get back to sleep after being JOLTED awake a few times a night.

yertletheturtle · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Jan 2007, 06:53 am »

One piece of advice......take a little time to enjoy being with your Jen, just the two of you. The coming of your first child is the end of an era as a family of two. Sure, you'll go out without the little one once in a while, get a sitter or some grandparents to let you have a grown up meal but being a couple without kids (yet) is a very different deal which leaves more room for mutual appreciation. So take a little time NOW. It'll never be the same. better? maybe...probably...but never the same.

I speak as a father of three (1,4,6)

and pediatrician (I give this advice all the time to expecting couples). I also should bite my tongue because I am one of those lucky individuals who is waiting for a sig30 from you and hoping that you'll have timeto finish it before Vinnie Jr goes to Kindergarten.

But seriously, if you taking a little time to be superhubby means I have to suffer through Lenny Kravitz on my Clari-T...oh well!!

Enjoy the moment!

mcgsxr · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Jan 2007, 01:17 pm »

As a father of 3 and 1 year old daughters, I think that comment about time shared with just 2 of you is exceptional advice. My wife and I did manage to leverage my parents this weekend past, in order to get out and have an adult meal together, but most of the time, it is all about the kids - which admittedly it should be, and of course it is situation dependant, but, be aware of it, that is all.

If you are lucky, as I am, you just might bring another music lover into the world! My two little ones love to go to the basement (unfinished as it is) to listen to music, as they wander about and make another giant mess, in another portion of my home...

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Jan 2007, 06:08 pm »

All,

Thanks for all your feedback and support!

We found out yesterday that Jen's amnio fluid level is fine, so we're just going to have to wait until baby is good a ready to come out

I'm thinking in the next week or two, I'll be a proud papa!

Thanks again!

Vinnie

woodsyi · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Jan 2007, 07:21 pm »

Don't forget to charge your battery!

For your camera and camcorder!

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #16 on:** 1 Feb 2007, 01:03 am »

Quote from: woodsyi on 23 Jan 2007, 07:21 pm

Don't forget to charge your battery!

For your camera and camcorder!

Good thinking, Woodsyi!

All,

No baby yet... it looks like the original due date of Feb 7th might actually be correct.

I'll keep you all posted,

Vinnie

audioferret · « **Reply #17 on:** 1 Feb 2007, 01:30 am »

I'll race you!!!

Our due date (first kid) is the 9th of February. Sounds like you have a two-day head start. Have you selected your pediatrician yet? We just did our first interview today.

To other fathers on the board - how do you keep them away from the stereo?

(Dreading the first damaged component)

nodiak · « **Reply #18 on:** 1 Feb 2007, 02:05 am »

audioferet - the "three foot rule", which goes for anything you care about, or is dangerous to children, around the house

! Gets extended to 4' or more until they are able to learn what is and isn't hands on. My stereo went on a 5' shelf and my speakers were hung from the ceiling for a few years!
My son slept in my bed first few years and was in same room until he was ~ 8 iirc. We also traveled locally by bike, him in bike seat. And a converted framed backpack for walks in the woods.
Whatever body closeness you can do helps children feel secure, and shows up as they grow. My son is 15 and doing well.
Best wishes Vinnie and audioferet! I agree it comes naturally, not that you won't freak out now and then

!
Don

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #19 on:** 1 Feb 2007, 02:07 am »

Quote from: audioferret on 1 Feb 2007, 01:30 am

I'll race you!!!

Our due date (first kid) is the 9th of February. Sounds like you have a two-day head start. Have you selected your pediatrician yet? We just did our first interview today.

To other fathers on the board - how do you keep them away from the stereo?

(Dreading the first damaged component)

Hi Audioferret,

You want a race? You got it!!!

We have the pediatrician all set up and I *think* we're actually "ready."

Wishing you all the best,

Vinnie