It's truly amazing how much more attentive we've become to all things baby.  I can't help but notice every stroller I pass and observe each parent teaching and disciplining their children in public.  I watch children in the subway and in the streets and just imagine how much happiness our son is going to bring us.

I can't take credit for the following words, but I'll fully admit that they affect me in a totally new light now.  Bright Eyes songwriter Conor Oberst is probably talking about a female love of his...some girl that made his heart stop.  Now I can relate because Leslie has definitely given my life a new meaning, but these words now reflect how I envision seeing my son for the 1st time...

Your's is the first face that I saw (at the hospital nursery!)
I think I was blind before I met you
Now I don't know where I am
Don't know where I've been
But I know where I want to go

This is the first day of my life (Amen!)
I'm glad I didn't die before I met you
But, now I don't care, 
I could go anywhere with you
And I'd probably (definitely!) be happy



Eventhough I haven't met you yet buddy, you mean more than anything else in this world.

Daddy

Baby Update...

How far along? 23 Weeks + 5 days

Total weight gain: 11 pounds (I've never said that in my life!)

  Maternity clothes? Not too many maternity pieces, yet!  I do have maternity tights I wish I could live in.

Stretch marks? Nothing yet!  ::crosses fingers::  Thankful for Christian's nightly belly rubs ;)

Sleep: Some nights are great, others not so great.

Best moment of the week: We built the crib and love it!

Miss anything? So many things. I've officially reached uncomfortable this week. 

Movement: Yes, I have football games going on in my belly.

Food cravings: All I want is bread!

 Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender prediction:  Boy 

Labor signs: Not there yet.

Symptoms: Nothing having to do with pregnancy, but I'm trying to get over laryngitis!

Belly button in or out?  It's definitely coming out.

Rings on or off? I'm still able to wear my rings, although it's tough to take them off.

Happy or moody most of the time? I sure do have my mood swings, but everyday gets more exciting.

Looking forward to: More nursery decorating and more baby clothes!

It's a.......

(disclaimer: this is not a sonogram of our baby)

Hey everyone....big news!!  We found out we're having a baby boy!

Christian and I couldn't be happier!  Now it's time for the name game....any suggestions??

Sorry for the delay between posts...we've been really busy with moving, family visits, work, and adjusting to our new lives!  We'll try to be more diligent :)

I came across this quote earlier (I think it was in a movie trailer) and I literally can't get it out of my head...especially with my own growing family now...

"Our lives are not our own...we are bound to those who came before us and those yet to come."

I will do my best to honor both.

WE FIND OUT THE SEX OF THE BABY NEXT TUESDAY!!!

As you can imagine, we can't wait to know!  Stay tuned...

As men, it's part of our nature to be problem solvers.  I can't count the times I've been told by women, "Just listen to my problem...stop trying to fix everything."  I guess its the logic of men to see an issue, assess the problem, and think of a suitable solution to the problem.  Women, well they're just more emotional.  Sometimes they just want to cry...sometimes they just want to be upset and let the emotion and feeling take its course.  Now add in the extra hormones that come with a pregnancy, and the rollercoaster of fun really begins! 



I wish I could take away all of Leslie's pain, nausea, aches, and discomfort.  But the reality is I can't and the more I try to fix anything, the more I feel like I get in the way.  So I'm practicing patience...and for anyone that knows me, you know I may seem like a pretty laid back guy...but with a hot temper.  I can thank my Southern Italian roots for that one.  We can't help it...we're passionate and spicy! 

So many new challenges and experiences are happening for us now and no matter how prepared you may think you are, the truth is you can't ever be fully prepared.  I have my parenting books (Dad's guide to pregnancy for Dummies! and more...lol), but how do I really prepare for tears flowing down Leslie's face because smells disgust her or the overall frustration of constantly being sick, tired, and uncomfortable.  There is no guide...there are no set rules to follow.  I'm human and I know I'm going to mess up along the way, but I know (or like to believe) even if it doesn't seem like it, I'm helping somewhat.  My support is making it a little easier for her.  My foot massages are making it easier for her ;)



Lots of changes in our lives now, but we're learning to get through it.  We're learning to rely on each other and be patient with each other.  Because in the end, after all the struggle, we get the greatest gift in the world and it will all be well worth it.  I wish I could explain all the steps and missteps along our journey, but each day is filled with things that i don't know how to explain and unexpected turns.  But we are pleased to share our journey with you all and thankful you are part of the ride. 

1st trimester will soon be in the rear-view and brighter days are just beyond the horizon.

Until then...Namaste!