PuddleMama and I came up with a "birth plan" like any pair of goody-two-shoes first-time parents to be should. We tried to consolidate our plan with items that we thought either may not be provided in the standard hospital setting and/or were very important to us.
I'm attaching a link to the birth plan more as a matter of record- I don't expect anyone to have any serious interest in it. That said, if any of the more experienced readers have any advice on items to add (because either they worked out very well for them or because they wish they would have had them) then let me know.
Best. Birth. Plan. Ever.
Oh, and I'm disappointed in the lack of responses for the PuddleBaby Prediction Contest. Get on it folks!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
PuddleBaby Prediction Contest!
As promised, I am officially starting a PuddleBaby Prediction Contest (in other words, here is the obligatory baby pool.)
Entry:
Post a comment on this blog post with the following predictions:
1. Date of PuddleBaby's Birth
2. Sex of PuddleBaby
3. Weight of PuddleBaby
Prizes:
1. FIRST: A framed 5x7 photograph of PuddleDaddy holding PuddleBaby (autographed on request only) and a guaranteed invite to PuddleBaby's wedding where a "shout-out" will be given to the winner of this contest (who knows, it may be a destination wedding in Hawaii!)
2. SECOND: An unframed 4x6 photograph of PuddleDaddy holding PuddleBaby (autographed on request only)
3. THIRD: A wallet sized photograph of PuddleDaddy holding PuddleBaby (no autographs please)
4. CONSOLATION: Entries will be randomly selected from all non-winning comments to receive a free night with PuddleBaby while PuddleDaddy and PuddleMama go out on the town.
Official Rules:
1. All entry comments must be posted by February 15th.
2. Winner will be determined by correct prediction of birth date.
3. Should two or more contestants pick the same correct date, sex of PuddleBaby will be first tie-breaker.
4. Should two or more contestants pick the same correct date and sex, weight of PuddleBaby will the next tie-breaker.
5. Should two or more contestant pick the same correct date, sex, and weight of PuddleBaby, a tie will be declared.
6. You may change your predictions up until February 15th by editing your own comment on this blog post.
7. No purchase necessary to play, but buying me a beer or two may get you an insider tip or two on potential date, sex, weight.
Entry:
Post a comment on this blog post with the following predictions:
1. Date of PuddleBaby's Birth
2. Sex of PuddleBaby
3. Weight of PuddleBaby
Prizes:
1. FIRST: A framed 5x7 photograph of PuddleDaddy holding PuddleBaby (autographed on request only) and a guaranteed invite to PuddleBaby's wedding where a "shout-out" will be given to the winner of this contest (who knows, it may be a destination wedding in Hawaii!)
2. SECOND: An unframed 4x6 photograph of PuddleDaddy holding PuddleBaby (autographed on request only)
3. THIRD: A wallet sized photograph of PuddleDaddy holding PuddleBaby (no autographs please)
4. CONSOLATION: Entries will be randomly selected from all non-winning comments to receive a free night with PuddleBaby while PuddleDaddy and PuddleMama go out on the town.
Official Rules:
1. All entry comments must be posted by February 15th.
2. Winner will be determined by correct prediction of birth date.
3. Should two or more contestants pick the same correct date, sex of PuddleBaby will be first tie-breaker.
4. Should two or more contestants pick the same correct date and sex, weight of PuddleBaby will the next tie-breaker.
5. Should two or more contestant pick the same correct date, sex, and weight of PuddleBaby, a tie will be declared.
6. You may change your predictions up until February 15th by editing your own comment on this blog post.
7. No purchase necessary to play, but buying me a beer or two may get you an insider tip or two on potential date, sex, weight.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Skin to Skin
Breast-feeding class is in the books, and PuddleMama and I feel we are as informed and prepared as any new parents could be in this area. We are ready to experience and participate in the breast-feeding phenomenon (PuddleMama just a breast or two more ready than myself.)
Let me tell you one thing- if I thought breasts were pretty amazing before this class, when I think about (i.e. stare at) them now I can only think about thanking the all-knowing deity that created them. So ladies, remember this, when your guy is staring at a stranger's breasts its not necessarily a dirty, chauvinistic, ape-like response. He could, like me, be thinking of how those amazing milk factories know how to produce the exact right milk for the respective baby, or about how the breast will actually get warmer if it senses a baby is cold. So don't slap him, or throw a jealous fit, but instead *thank* him for being a sensitive, intelligent, and appreciative man. You're welcome.
Among other good "tips" (punny) we learned that skin-to-skin contact is critical for a newborn, in regards to breast-feeding, but also in regards to other health factors such as blood pressure, temperature, stress, and blood-sugar. The last is particularly important for us because of the GD. Skin-to-skin contact has been proven to help regulate baby levels. I'm fully prepared and willing to whip of my shirt when needed (although it is still up in the air whether the photo of this will be uploaded to Facebook as my profile picture.)
On a related note, I've discovered the pregnancy version of the catch-all punch-line "That's what she said." It is: "That's what got us into this mess." Examples below:
Breast Feeding Instructor: "Skin-to-skin contact is very important."
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Breast Feeding Instructor: "... take out a breast and start massaging it."
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Breast Feeding Instructor: "The sucking should be comfortable. If it's not, detach and try a new position."
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Labor Instructor: "Moms get down on all fours and dads get behind them." (this is for labor comfort positioning)
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Inquisitive Friend (to PuddleMama): "You look so amazing! Do you mind if I feel?"
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Experienced Mother: "You guys are going to be up all night long!"
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
I'll end with a historical note. I was breastfed for about six months, and PuddleMama was breastfed for almost a year and a half. The world average is 4.2 years. Think how much money we could save on food. PuddleMama, if you're up for it I am!
Let me tell you one thing- if I thought breasts were pretty amazing before this class, when I think about (i.e. stare at) them now I can only think about thanking the all-knowing deity that created them. So ladies, remember this, when your guy is staring at a stranger's breasts its not necessarily a dirty, chauvinistic, ape-like response. He could, like me, be thinking of how those amazing milk factories know how to produce the exact right milk for the respective baby, or about how the breast will actually get warmer if it senses a baby is cold. So don't slap him, or throw a jealous fit, but instead *thank* him for being a sensitive, intelligent, and appreciative man. You're welcome.
Among other good "tips" (punny) we learned that skin-to-skin contact is critical for a newborn, in regards to breast-feeding, but also in regards to other health factors such as blood pressure, temperature, stress, and blood-sugar. The last is particularly important for us because of the GD. Skin-to-skin contact has been proven to help regulate baby levels. I'm fully prepared and willing to whip of my shirt when needed (although it is still up in the air whether the photo of this will be uploaded to Facebook as my profile picture.)
On a related note, I've discovered the pregnancy version of the catch-all punch-line "That's what she said." It is: "That's what got us into this mess." Examples below:
Breast Feeding Instructor: "Skin-to-skin contact is very important."
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Breast Feeding Instructor: "... take out a breast and start massaging it."
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Breast Feeding Instructor: "The sucking should be comfortable. If it's not, detach and try a new position."
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Labor Instructor: "Moms get down on all fours and dads get behind them." (this is for labor comfort positioning)
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Inquisitive Friend (to PuddleMama): "You look so amazing! Do you mind if I feel?"
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
Experienced Mother: "You guys are going to be up all night long!"
PuddleDaddy: "That's what got us into this mess."
I'll end with a historical note. I was breastfed for about six months, and PuddleMama was breastfed for almost a year and a half. The world average is 4.2 years. Think how much money we could save on food. PuddleMama, if you're up for it I am!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hand Massage and Snickers, Please.
Baby weekend, involving 2 days, 3 live birth videos, 30 snack-demanding pregnant ladies, and 30 stunned and lost looking dads, is over. I expected plenty of blog-fodder from the weekend, but was mildly disappointed when I wasn't immediately clunked over the head by a pregnancy-class muse. There were definitely some highlights (for lack of better word) but for the most part we simply learned some valuable information about what to expect- mostly dealing directly with the labor process.
The first lesson we learned was what PuddleBaby would and would not look like after the great escape. PuddleMama and I had a fairly heated debate (although we were whispering not to disturb the rest of the class) over which new-born appearance "traits" we would like the least. They range from unshaped flat-heads to extreme-cone shaped heads, from blotchy red skin to peeling gray skin, from inflamed family jewels to inflamed girly parts. You get the idea. (FYI, for those loyal readers who know, yes, I did have "We da same!" running through my head when we discussed the cone-head shaped trait.) PuddleMama and I agreed we'll just pick "none of the above." Is that an option?
The second lesson I learned was a little more indirect. It was never directly discussed as a subject, but whenever I thought about the labor process, even knowing some labors last many hours or even days, I still pictured it a fairly fast process surrounded by nurses and doctors and maybe even a comic janitor a la Scrubs. What I didn't picture, but was really presented with over the course of the weekend, was the number of hours (days?!) I will spend with PuddleMama alone in our hospital room dealing with contraction after contraction after contraction with only a nurse checking up on us every once in awhile.
Yes, I am trying to say that I didn't realize how difficult this process would be for ME. I realize I am risking the wrath and scorn of every female reader I have, but this blog is, after-all, called "PuddleDaddy" and not "PuddleMama." And I am not comparing my pain to what PuddleMama's pain will be (although seriously, they don't offer me any stinking epidural) but in my mind I always pictured myself having a pretty damn good time during labor knowing it's my kid's birthday. I didn't picture myself hour after hour pressing PuddleMama's butt-cheeks together or watching her in extreme pain with no option to take any of the (physical) pain away. Hey, the old "it hurts me more than it hurts you" saying definitely applies here.
We did learn that if PuddleMama has a c-section I get my very own nurse to attend to just me! I am pretty excited about this. I have made a mental list in my head of all the requests I would have just in case. I've probably angered all my female readers enough, so I'll keep those requests to myself, but hand-massages and Snickers are near the top.
Shaken Baby Syndrome (and how to avoid it) was another "lesson," although I'm not quite sure how they stretched the three second lesson "don't shake you're baby" into an hour long topic. Most of this time PuddleMama and I engaged in a classic ""If you shake my baby, I will *insert extremely inappropriate, rude, and painful action here*you!" I declared myself the winner after PuddleMama retorted "If you shake my baby, I will kill you!" Although where PuddleMama lost points for creativity, she certainly made up for it in conciseness (which, as exampled from this blog post, I could learn a thing or two from.)
More lessons followed, but those were the most blog-notable. At the end of the class, the nurse-teacher asked who was more nervous after the class than they were before. Surprisingly, I was the only one (of 30 couples) who raised my hand. I'm pretty sure this means that I was the only daddy in the whole class who paid attention, but who knows. The next question was "Who is more excited?" which was answered by 30 mommy's (including PuddleMama) immediately shooting their hand's into the air (the other hand resting protectively on their respective belly.) At risk of starting a whole mars/venus discussion, I think my jaw dropped nearly as much at that response as at the live birth videos. How could all that class information not have scared the baby out of them?!
I am truly and honestly excited about PuddleBaby (if you don't believe me you haven't been reading this blog.) The class did not lessen this excitement- it did not however, increase any level even remotely related to excitement. Nervous and nervous-related levels went through the roof. Maybe I was already maxed out on excitement and this was just what I needed. PuddleMama, you want to practice those butt-cheek counter-pressure squeezes?
The first lesson we learned was what PuddleBaby would and would not look like after the great escape. PuddleMama and I had a fairly heated debate (although we were whispering not to disturb the rest of the class) over which new-born appearance "traits" we would like the least. They range from unshaped flat-heads to extreme-cone shaped heads, from blotchy red skin to peeling gray skin, from inflamed family jewels to inflamed girly parts. You get the idea. (FYI, for those loyal readers who know, yes, I did have "We da same!" running through my head when we discussed the cone-head shaped trait.) PuddleMama and I agreed we'll just pick "none of the above." Is that an option?
The second lesson I learned was a little more indirect. It was never directly discussed as a subject, but whenever I thought about the labor process, even knowing some labors last many hours or even days, I still pictured it a fairly fast process surrounded by nurses and doctors and maybe even a comic janitor a la Scrubs. What I didn't picture, but was really presented with over the course of the weekend, was the number of hours (days?!) I will spend with PuddleMama alone in our hospital room dealing with contraction after contraction after contraction with only a nurse checking up on us every once in awhile.
Yes, I am trying to say that I didn't realize how difficult this process would be for ME. I realize I am risking the wrath and scorn of every female reader I have, but this blog is, after-all, called "PuddleDaddy" and not "PuddleMama." And I am not comparing my pain to what PuddleMama's pain will be (although seriously, they don't offer me any stinking epidural) but in my mind I always pictured myself having a pretty damn good time during labor knowing it's my kid's birthday. I didn't picture myself hour after hour pressing PuddleMama's butt-cheeks together or watching her in extreme pain with no option to take any of the (physical) pain away. Hey, the old "it hurts me more than it hurts you" saying definitely applies here.
We did learn that if PuddleMama has a c-section I get my very own nurse to attend to just me! I am pretty excited about this. I have made a mental list in my head of all the requests I would have just in case. I've probably angered all my female readers enough, so I'll keep those requests to myself, but hand-massages and Snickers are near the top.
Shaken Baby Syndrome (and how to avoid it) was another "lesson," although I'm not quite sure how they stretched the three second lesson "don't shake you're baby" into an hour long topic. Most of this time PuddleMama and I engaged in a classic ""If you shake my baby, I will *insert extremely inappropriate, rude, and painful action here*
More lessons followed, but those were the most blog-notable. At the end of the class, the nurse-teacher asked who was more nervous after the class than they were before. Surprisingly, I was the only one (of 30 couples) who raised my hand. I'm pretty sure this means that I was the only daddy in the whole class who paid attention, but who knows. The next question was "Who is more excited?" which was answered by 30 mommy's (including PuddleMama) immediately shooting their hand's into the air (the other hand resting protectively on their respective belly.) At risk of starting a whole mars/venus discussion, I think my jaw dropped nearly as much at that response as at the live birth videos. How could all that class information not have scared the baby out of them?!
I am truly and honestly excited about PuddleBaby (if you don't believe me you haven't been reading this blog.) The class did not lessen this excitement- it did not however, increase any level even remotely related to excitement. Nervous and nervous-related levels went through the roof. Maybe I was already maxed out on excitement and this was just what I needed. PuddleMama, you want to practice those butt-cheek counter-pressure squeezes?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Woo Woo!
PuddleMamam went in for her now bi-weekly baby appointment today. Without giving TMI (although based on the rest of my blog I'm way past the point of restraint) we discussed some "concerns" with my favorite doctor so far, Dr. Woo (woo woo!)
Dr. Woo inspired confidence that everything was healthy and normal. He also was more vocal about what he was doing and why, which was comforting to me (or I would think to anyone who is watching another man feel around his wife in places that are usually off-limits, even to the best of friends.) Dr. Woo warned us that he "measures larger than his colleagues" (which can be taken a couple of ways, but if taken in the "size doesn't matter" way is still not all that impressive since all of his colleagues at our clinic are female.) He was referring to measuring a part of PuddleMama's belly of course, which he measured at 36 cm (right about where it should be.) This was a whopping 8cm larger than two weeks ago (but like I said he did warn us about being larger.) And it's not all that surprising since I hear on a daily basis from PuddleMama "I think I'm way bigger today than yesterday."
The heartbeat was in the 140's, and I also appreciated Dr. Woo letting use hear the heartbeat for probably longer than medically necessary, and even holding the speaker over his shoulder so I could hear it better (woo woo!) As always, that was amazing!
One more note, up to this point I have been telling people "the first week of March" as the due date because using the calendar menstruational period method we arrive at March 1, and using the ultrasound method we arrive at March 9th. Dr. Woo explained the ultrasound method is much more accurate, and because of PuddleMama's longer cycle length (okay, if I was trying to avoid TMI in this post I just failed miserably) March 9th is a much better target. So instead of launching into an rambling explanation every time I hear the question "When is PuddleMama due?" I'm just going to say "March 9th." It's official.
And finally- a teaser. Check back soon as a user-involved competition will be going up soon. And I promise prizes for the winners and excitement for all!
Dr. Woo inspired confidence that everything was healthy and normal. He also was more vocal about what he was doing and why, which was comforting to me (or I would think to anyone who is watching another man feel around his wife in places that are usually off-limits, even to the best of friends.) Dr. Woo warned us that he "measures larger than his colleagues" (which can be taken a couple of ways, but if taken in the "size doesn't matter" way is still not all that impressive since all of his colleagues at our clinic are female.) He was referring to measuring a part of PuddleMama's belly of course, which he measured at 36 cm (right about where it should be.) This was a whopping 8cm larger than two weeks ago (but like I said he did warn us about being larger.) And it's not all that surprising since I hear on a daily basis from PuddleMama "I think I'm way bigger today than yesterday."
The heartbeat was in the 140's, and I also appreciated Dr. Woo letting use hear the heartbeat for probably longer than medically necessary, and even holding the speaker over his shoulder so I could hear it better (woo woo!) As always, that was amazing!
One more note, up to this point I have been telling people "the first week of March" as the due date because using the calendar menstruational period method we arrive at March 1, and using the ultrasound method we arrive at March 9th. Dr. Woo explained the ultrasound method is much more accurate, and because of PuddleMama's longer cycle length (okay, if I was trying to avoid TMI in this post I just failed miserably) March 9th is a much better target. So instead of launching into an rambling explanation every time I hear the question "When is PuddleMama due?" I'm just going to say "March 9th." It's official.
And finally- a teaser. Check back soon as a user-involved competition will be going up soon. And I promise prizes for the winners and excitement for all!
Monday, January 12, 2009
January Showers Bring March Babies
Our wonerful family and friends are throwing PuddleBaby a number of showers over the next month or so. There is even rumour of a beer tasting baby shower, which is one of the more brilliant ideas I've ever heard with regards to baby showers.
The first shower is scheduled in Duluth in a few weeks. I wanted to share the invite to the shower, because I thought it was great! And don't you think it will be fun for PuddleBaby to someday see the original invite to their very own shower?
The first shower is scheduled in Duluth in a few weeks. I wanted to share the invite to the shower, because I thought it was great! And don't you think it will be fun for PuddleBaby to someday see the original invite to their very own shower?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
GD, we're going to kick your a$$!
PuddleMama and I went to see the specialist on GD last Thursday. The Doc actually had quite a good bed-side manner and provided a plethora of good information. Here is what PuddleMama has to do everyday:
1. Take a pee test in the morning: This is to make sure she is getting *enough* carbohydrates and the body doesn't begin to break down protein. This is kinda like a HPT (see previous blog rant) but even worse in that you have to expose the stick for *exactly* 15 seconds. Also, unlike an HPT a positive result is not cause to jump up and down and scream "We're going to have a baby!" Instead, you get a sad frown on your face and worry about proteins breaking down. Both positive tests do, however, result in a trip to the doctor.
2. Test blood sugar levels four times a day: PuddleMama has a little machine that pricks her finger and then tests the blood sugar level. In the morning, PuddleMama needs to be under 95. One hour after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, she has to be under 130. So far so good, with only one morning test coming in slightly above where it should be. PuddleMama is getting better at pricking her finger already. The second time she was doing it she was replacing the "lancet" and didn't even get the lancet into the machine before accidentally pricking herself. Who needs a machine to bleed?!
3. Watch the diet: PuddleMama has to watch carbohydrates intake. She is doing an unbelievable job with this, and I am very impressed with her discipline. On a related note, PuddleDaddy hates wheat spaghetti. Eick.
We go back in about two weeks to discuss her progress with the doctor, and are hoping the above three steps are enough to control the condition.
1. Take a pee test in the morning: This is to make sure she is getting *enough* carbohydrates and the body doesn't begin to break down protein. This is kinda like a HPT (see previous blog rant) but even worse in that you have to expose the stick for *exactly* 15 seconds. Also, unlike an HPT a positive result is not cause to jump up and down and scream "We're going to have a baby!" Instead, you get a sad frown on your face and worry about proteins breaking down. Both positive tests do, however, result in a trip to the doctor.
2. Test blood sugar levels four times a day: PuddleMama has a little machine that pricks her finger and then tests the blood sugar level. In the morning, PuddleMama needs to be under 95. One hour after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, she has to be under 130. So far so good, with only one morning test coming in slightly above where it should be. PuddleMama is getting better at pricking her finger already. The second time she was doing it she was replacing the "lancet" and didn't even get the lancet into the machine before accidentally pricking herself. Who needs a machine to bleed?!
3. Watch the diet: PuddleMama has to watch carbohydrates intake. She is doing an unbelievable job with this, and I am very impressed with her discipline. On a related note, PuddleDaddy hates wheat spaghetti. Eick.
We go back in about two weeks to discuss her progress with the doctor, and are hoping the above three steps are enough to control the condition.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone, with the emphasis on "new!" PuddleMama and I are going to have may new experiences this year, and if you haven't noticed we are so excited to meet the new little Puddle (have I said that before?)
The holidays were fabulous, and filled with family and friendships and all the kinds of experiences that make us truly happy. As great as it was, I kept thinking about having all those experiences with a little dude or dudette running around! Spending time with our parents really emphasized the change of roles ahead, and I know it will be difficult but that will never (nor should it) temper my excitement!
I'm already looking forward to the sausage and beer that will be left for Santa (that's how the Kleczka's do it- forget milk and cookies.) PuddleMama says we have to leave carrots for the reindeer too. "Tradition" this holiday season means not only the meaningful history in our families, but also thinking about the new traditions we will start with our growing family.
Anyway, enough of that gobbley-gook- on to the important question. PuddleMama's belly-button is *still* an innie. It has been stretching a bit lately, and I have been threatening to attempt to pop it out while PuddleMama is sleeping. I don't think it would take that much. I really want to see it pop.
PuddleMama is going in to the "specialist" on GD on Thursday. We hopefully will learn a little more information on how to manage the condition and keep everyone as healthy as can be. PuddleMama has been doing absolutely awesome watching what she eats, and even lost 3 pounds last month (which to her chagrin the nurse blamed on being weighed on a different scale at the doctor's office.) PuddleBaby has grown though and is right where he/she should be, so don't worry about that.
A final note- my pop offered a name suggestion tonight: Seamus. Thanks dad, did you happen to read the FAQ? Really- Seamus? Seamus The Kleczka. Actually...... not.... too.... bad.
The holidays were fabulous, and filled with family and friendships and all the kinds of experiences that make us truly happy. As great as it was, I kept thinking about having all those experiences with a little dude or dudette running around! Spending time with our parents really emphasized the change of roles ahead, and I know it will be difficult but that will never (nor should it) temper my excitement!
I'm already looking forward to the sausage and beer that will be left for Santa (that's how the Kleczka's do it- forget milk and cookies.) PuddleMama says we have to leave carrots for the reindeer too. "Tradition" this holiday season means not only the meaningful history in our families, but also thinking about the new traditions we will start with our growing family.
Anyway, enough of that gobbley-gook- on to the important question. PuddleMama's belly-button is *still* an innie. It has been stretching a bit lately, and I have been threatening to attempt to pop it out while PuddleMama is sleeping. I don't think it would take that much. I really want to see it pop.
PuddleMama is going in to the "specialist" on GD on Thursday. We hopefully will learn a little more information on how to manage the condition and keep everyone as healthy as can be. PuddleMama has been doing absolutely awesome watching what she eats, and even lost 3 pounds last month (which to her chagrin the nurse blamed on being weighed on a different scale at the doctor's office.) PuddleBaby has grown though and is right where he/she should be, so don't worry about that.
A final note- my pop offered a name suggestion tonight: Seamus. Thanks dad, did you happen to read the FAQ? Really- Seamus? Seamus The Kleczka. Actually...... not.... too.... bad.
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