Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Unto Us an Angel is Given
Last Sunday, October 12th, our baby, Gavin, was born weighing 6lbs, 12 oz. He takes our breath away, as well as our sleep, and we couldn't be happier.
Contrary to my earlier fears, he does not resemble my internet baby but a pretty fair bit of both of us. We can't quite see straight yet or remember the last time we felt so utterly confounded but we wouldn't have it any other way. In lieu of a bunch of words which I don't have the energy or inspiration to write anyway, enjoy some photos of the newest Brave Berliner.
Contrary to my earlier fears, he does not resemble my internet baby but a pretty fair bit of both of us. We can't quite see straight yet or remember the last time we felt so utterly confounded but we wouldn't have it any other way. In lieu of a bunch of words which I don't have the energy or inspiration to write anyway, enjoy some photos of the newest Brave Berliner.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Speaking of Friends
Do you hear that sound?
It's the white noise that has been occupying my brain cells as of late. Lots of information goes in and nothing sticks. I have moments of sheer blogging genius where I'll have something to write about, something that updates you on what's going on in our lives or something that has made me laugh, and then I'll completely forget it just as fast as the inspiration hits me. For this, I say "I'm sorry"....or maybe "You're welcome" is more appropriate depending on what you think of my musings. Two obvious things that happened last month that I wanted to share with you were my showers. One real, one virtual. Both equally unexpected and moving gestures.
First came the virtual shower. One of the best things about it was that I didn't have to leave the comfort of my own home...heck, I didn't even need to change out of my pj's...to attend. There was no need to squeeze my cheeks into an unflatteringly tight maternity outfit or shade my makeup to hide the ever darkening insomnia-induced bags under my eyes. The door bell just rang one morning and my secret lover, the DHL delivery man, came with a package for me. When I read the return address, I found that it was my dear friend, Tia, who is always sending me care packages, and figured it was just another unexpected baby gift from her. But when I read the card, I discovered that she had organized a shower in a box from all of my closest friends back home. Before I even started opening the presents, I was bawling. I couldn't even get past the first line of the card that reads "Everybody loves you and we don't even know who you are." Uh, so, so sweet and so, so needed at that time. I couldn't believe that so much love and attention had been paid for little old me.
This package is probably one of the sweetest gestures any one has ever made to me. Inside was a baby book, baby album, baby lotions and soaps, an adorable frog pacifier from my godson, a few blankets, and a precious baby shower plaque that Tia made for me. Although I would have preferred to have them here with me, I felt their love and support through this shower. I am so blessed to have such true girlfriends.
Then came my other shower which my friends Sandra, Yvette, and Frances threw for me at the Russian Teehaus in Mitte. I'll admit to opposing the idea of a shower initially because baby showers are a foreign concept in Europe. But my arm was twisted and I am so glad it was. We had a beautiful afternoon at this little jewelbox of a place drinking tea and listening to our only veteran, Yvette, share wisdom about childbirth and labor. Afterwards, everyone placed a bet on when the baby would come and offered to buy a prize for the person who comes the closest. The last thing I expected when I became pregnant was to get a baby shower so knowing that so much thought and love went into the planning of this day really meant alot to me. I am so grateful to have such good friends on both continents! Gummy Bear is lucky to have so many auntie's waiting to greet him when he arrives. 
It's the white noise that has been occupying my brain cells as of late. Lots of information goes in and nothing sticks. I have moments of sheer blogging genius where I'll have something to write about, something that updates you on what's going on in our lives or something that has made me laugh, and then I'll completely forget it just as fast as the inspiration hits me. For this, I say "I'm sorry"....or maybe "You're welcome" is more appropriate depending on what you think of my musings. Two obvious things that happened last month that I wanted to share with you were my showers. One real, one virtual. Both equally unexpected and moving gestures.
First came the virtual shower. One of the best things about it was that I didn't have to leave the comfort of my own home...heck, I didn't even need to change out of my pj's...to attend. There was no need to squeeze my cheeks into an unflatteringly tight maternity outfit or shade my makeup to hide the ever darkening insomnia-induced bags under my eyes. The door bell just rang one morning and my secret lover, the DHL delivery man, came with a package for me. When I read the return address, I found that it was my dear friend, Tia, who is always sending me care packages, and figured it was just another unexpected baby gift from her. But when I read the card, I discovered that she had organized a shower in a box from all of my closest friends back home. Before I even started opening the presents, I was bawling. I couldn't even get past the first line of the card that reads "Everybody loves you and we don't even know who you are." Uh, so, so sweet and so, so needed at that time. I couldn't believe that so much love and attention had been paid for little old me.
This package is probably one of the sweetest gestures any one has ever made to me. Inside was a baby book, baby album, baby lotions and soaps, an adorable frog pacifier from my godson, a few blankets, and a precious baby shower plaque that Tia made for me. Although I would have preferred to have them here with me, I felt their love and support through this shower. I am so blessed to have such true girlfriends.
Then came my other shower which my friends Sandra, Yvette, and Frances threw for me at the Russian Teehaus in Mitte. I'll admit to opposing the idea of a shower initially because baby showers are a foreign concept in Europe. But my arm was twisted and I am so glad it was. We had a beautiful afternoon at this little jewelbox of a place drinking tea and listening to our only veteran, Yvette, share wisdom about childbirth and labor. Afterwards, everyone placed a bet on when the baby would come and offered to buy a prize for the person who comes the closest. The last thing I expected when I became pregnant was to get a baby shower so knowing that so much thought and love went into the planning of this day really meant alot to me. I am so grateful to have such good friends on both continents! Gummy Bear is lucky to have so many auntie's waiting to greet him when he arrives. 
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Best Mate's Guide to Labor and Delivery
J has many good friends. It is a bonus if said friend is also funny, honest, and willing to give advice when needed.
His friend, Kevin, is one of those people and it is just icing that he married a jewel of a wife, Jennifer, as well. Having just welcomed their second son into their family this summer, the trauma--I mean--adventure of having a new baby is fresh on Jenn and Kevin's mind. To that end, they have been an endless stream of helpful and practical advice. The following post is perhaps my favorite, however, for it's wit and man speak that only a Martian can give a Martian. It's a classic for many reasons, the main being that although men have a completely different take on this labor and delivery thing they, too, can benefit from tips. They really pay attention when it's given by another man. Heck, anything or anyone that/who can persuade my husband to pack his "bag o' crap' is welcomed by me. Enjoy!
Please allow me to give the good husband some basic pointers and helpful suggestions for the coming main event:
1. Pack your personal bag of crap you want at the hospital now and stick it in your trunk.
2. Include in your personal bag of crap: change of clothes, shoes, socks,tooth brush,deodorant and MOST IMPORTANT not less than 3-5 meal bars (cliff bars, special k bars, granola bars…). Assume you will not be permitted to EAT or leave the bedside for at least 8 – 12 hrs after labor begins. Besides, I will be unable to run to the deli and bring that sandwich, which your wife who is not permitted to eat during labor will not allow you to eat anyways since you are "in this together."
3. A list of everyone your wife demands that you email and call the moment Triple X comes out. Blackberrys are very difficult to compile address lists on.
4. Laptop, cord for laptop and blackberry and a couple of DVD movies that Nik will also watch (you will look at this and think you don’t need these items, especially the DVDs. To that I say – Du kannst alles was du willst, wenn du nur willst was du kannst.
5. At all costs during delivery, stay north of the Mason Dixon line remember history, the north is safe and free, to the south is danger). Best advice is to block out some space where you can maintain eye contact with your beloved and not pay any attention to what the doctor is doing or saying (not that they will be speaking in english anyways).
6. Anytime Nik is about to kill you for something, go and get her a cup of ice. She will be eating ice and placing ice strategically for days. Note to self: you cannot have enough ice on hand for the first couple of weeks, you may wish to being stockpiling.
7. Remember better delivery through medical science = ask for the drugs early and often (this includes Nik).
8. Bring candy for the nurses. Bribe the hell out of them and then they will help you steal as many swaddle blankets, diapers, ice packs, and baby wipes as humanly possible to carry out.
9. Remember that my wife is the most thorough researcher and gatherer of information in the world. When Nik is in pain, Jenn will know a trick; when the baby won’t sleep, Jenn has a schedule (Baby 2 is sleeping through the night at 7 weeks); when there is anything going on that Nik has a question, Jenn has already worried about it, asked a thousand people, consulted a doctor, read a book and tried it on Baby 1 and/or Baby 2...you get no bonus points for pain and suffering!
Peace!
Kevin
His friend, Kevin, is one of those people and it is just icing that he married a jewel of a wife, Jennifer, as well. Having just welcomed their second son into their family this summer, the trauma--I mean--adventure of having a new baby is fresh on Jenn and Kevin's mind. To that end, they have been an endless stream of helpful and practical advice. The following post is perhaps my favorite, however, for it's wit and man speak that only a Martian can give a Martian. It's a classic for many reasons, the main being that although men have a completely different take on this labor and delivery thing they, too, can benefit from tips. They really pay attention when it's given by another man. Heck, anything or anyone that/who can persuade my husband to pack his "bag o' crap' is welcomed by me. Enjoy!
Please allow me to give the good husband some basic pointers and helpful suggestions for the coming main event:
1. Pack your personal bag of crap you want at the hospital now and stick it in your trunk.
2. Include in your personal bag of crap: change of clothes, shoes, socks,tooth brush,deodorant and MOST IMPORTANT not less than 3-5 meal bars (cliff bars, special k bars, granola bars…). Assume you will not be permitted to EAT or leave the bedside for at least 8 – 12 hrs after labor begins. Besides, I will be unable to run to the deli and bring that sandwich, which your wife who is not permitted to eat during labor will not allow you to eat anyways since you are "in this together."
3. A list of everyone your wife demands that you email and call the moment Triple X comes out. Blackberrys are very difficult to compile address lists on.
4. Laptop, cord for laptop and blackberry and a couple of DVD movies that Nik will also watch (you will look at this and think you don’t need these items, especially the DVDs. To that I say – Du kannst alles was du willst, wenn du nur willst was du kannst.
5. At all costs during delivery, stay north of the Mason Dixon line remember history, the north is safe and free, to the south is danger). Best advice is to block out some space where you can maintain eye contact with your beloved and not pay any attention to what the doctor is doing or saying (not that they will be speaking in english anyways).
6. Anytime Nik is about to kill you for something, go and get her a cup of ice. She will be eating ice and placing ice strategically for days. Note to self: you cannot have enough ice on hand for the first couple of weeks, you may wish to being stockpiling.
7. Remember better delivery through medical science = ask for the drugs early and often (this includes Nik).
8. Bring candy for the nurses. Bribe the hell out of them and then they will help you steal as many swaddle blankets, diapers, ice packs, and baby wipes as humanly possible to carry out.
9. Remember that my wife is the most thorough researcher and gatherer of information in the world. When Nik is in pain, Jenn will know a trick; when the baby won’t sleep, Jenn has a schedule (Baby 2 is sleeping through the night at 7 weeks); when there is anything going on that Nik has a question, Jenn has already worried about it, asked a thousand people, consulted a doctor, read a book and tried it on Baby 1 and/or Baby 2...you get no bonus points for pain and suffering!
Peace!
Kevin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
