Getting Misty-eyed

It's funny how a baby-to-be can change a person and not just the obvious changes a mother goes through as her body becomes an abode for a yet-to-be-seen perfect gift. Expectant fathers go through changes as well. In the last several weeks I have felt a great host of emotions. The other night, I nearly fell apart like a blubbering idiot in the baby section of our Canton Target. Julie and I had met after work for a quick dinner at Taco Mac and decided while we were in the area, it would be a perfect time to register at La Targette. We were doing well, having just selected some of the necessary staples that infants of today need for survival, including mirrors for the car, play mats for the floor, and cages to contain baby service wear in the dishwasher. It was along our path to select bottles that my emotional fortitude would be tested. At the end of the aisle, I joined Julie in an area examining breast pumps (of all things). I had noted a lovely lady of African-American descent at the end of the aisle shopping for baby foods, but must admit that I had really paid her little attention. As I observed the equipment, which I must say looks very scary and elicited questions as to what went where and how, I glanced down into the lady's buggy to see the most beautiful little brown eyes staring back at me. He was precious. His eyes followed me for a moment, but I had to get Julie's attention. We stopped for a brief chat with the lady. He was 8 months old and his name was Joshua. She mentioned that he was a bit premature and so he was still a little small for his age. Julie and the mother carried on a casual conversation about our blessing, but I tuned everything out. I just stared at that little boy. I tried to hold it in, but I must admit my own eyes wielded some tears thinking about how Great God is to but such joy in the eyes of a little child. It melted my heart as I thought about how exciting it would be to gaze into the eyes of my own son.

Lately, I have spent a great bit of daydreaming moments thinking about life after Turner arrives. I think about holding him as we both drift to sleep for an afternoon nap. Sometimes I think about the way his little head will smell. I look at some of the baby clothes we have and imagine him wearing that particular outfit. I know that when he comes my life will be forever changed. SO many people have advised me to sleep now. To enjoy these last few months because babies are a lot of work. I know that there will be an increase in work to do at home and that there are only 24 hours in a day. I know that I will work harder than ever, will get less sleep, and will have more stress. After gazing into the eyes of that little boy Joshua ... I can't wait. We're four months away and I think it's time I pack a handkerchief with me at all times. Babies are so cute and I am becoming a softy.

Baby's First Beach Trip and Winter Break

Julie and I love Hilton Head! Winter Break for the Cherokee County School District gave us the perfect opportunity to leave the cares of Canton for the sunny beaches of South Carolina. I would say it was warm ... but frankly it was anything but warm. Our first night at the beach brought snow flurries to this beautiful coastal city, the first such winter weather activity of that kind in several decades.

Time with Nana, Papa as well as Jackson and Pierson was a lot of fun. Julie and I especially enjoyed all of the firsts ... those moments when we would realize it was the first time to do whatever as expectant parents. There was the first trip to our favorite breakfast place, Stack's or our first trip to the greatest little bakery called Signe's. We had our first trip to Guiseppi's for pizza (we repeated a couple more times), as well as the first time to Salty Dog and Charley's Crab. We are definitely excited about bringing Turner back ... after his exodus from the womb. I can't wait to make beach pictures as a family!

Julie successfully broke through the 21-week mark and her belly is starting to pop out. I find it very attractive. There is something indescribable about seeing the woman you love growing because of baby you helped create. It's an amazing gift from God! We are so amazed at those moments when we can feel the baby kick ... sometimes dance inside that tummy.

Over the Winter Break, we did a lot of things, mostly rest, eat and shop. It never got above the 50's at the beach, so time there was limited. Julie and I found some great baby clothes and maternity clothes. She kept up with facebook, I read two Agatha Christie books and we both got to enjoy time with the boys and her parents.

Upon returning home, we commenced to tackling the issue of closets. The nursery is going into my man cave ... a simple room containing my television, playstation, an exercise bike and a closet with my clothes. Julie's closet, the much bigger walk-in in the master, need a complete reorganization plan. I love my wife ... she loves clothes (me, too, of course). With Turner on the way, she finally bit the bullet and gave in to giving me some closet space in our bedroom. After two days of removing the pre-maternity clothes and replacing with stretchy, expandable, tapered fashions, the closet is finally done and we can begin the necessary work of getting Turner's wardrobe ready for his grand entrance.

I hate to admit it, but after two days of closet shuffle ... I was ready to go back to work :)

A note to any newly expecting couple ... invest in an iPhone ... it's perfect for keeping everyone up to date on the exciting changes that come with pregnancy, including photos, videos, email, and social networking.

I love my wife and every step over the next 18 weeks is going to be a blessing as we wait for that precious arrival.

Halfway There ....

It is so hard to believe that we are halfway towards the birth of our first child! Where does the time go? Julie is showing a little more every week. She said the other night that she gets out of breath bending over. I just laughed a little. I call it life ... some of us have always been a little husky :). The last couple of weeks have been pretty busy around here. Julie had a bout with a small cold/sinuses. I hate seeing her not feel well. I hated even more the whale mating call sounds she made snoring. She reminds me that I make the same sounds and have no pregnancy to show for it. I, too, have had a little bout of sickness. I thought I was getting that horrid stomach virus. I came home on a Tuesday feeling icky and just knew I couldn't get Julie sick. I strapped on a mask and rubber gloves before coming in the house. I grabbed a couple of essentials from our bathroom and sequestered myself in the guest bedroom until a trip to the doctor the next day. Julie and I communicated that night by texts. It was like being in a hotel!

Luckily, I rebounded overnight from my illness and got to attend our regular visit with the OB/GYN. This was the big one. We didn't let on that we had been to Peek-a-Belly. The lady with the ultrasound took a long time with us. We saw the kidneys, the spine, the fingers (I saw him point!), the feet, the heart, the hemispheres of the brain and the big clue ... yep, officially a BOY!

Julie feels the baby kick ... and sometimes I do to. It is so amazing! We still have a lot to get done, though. There is still the issue of the nursery. We've got to find closet space for all of these clothes (luckily Jodi has given us some great hand-me-downs), including the addition of maternity wear. Lots of changes still to come, but not nearly the time we used to have to get it done. I'm looking at the calendar thinking, "June will be here soon!"