week 27: dr. rosenberg expands his practice

Our sources inform us that Dr. Rosenberg is now somewhere around two pounds, and roughly 14.5 inches long (with his legs extended -- or in the kicking position, whichever you prefer). Apparently, in addition to actually sleeping and waking up at regular intervals, potentially sucking his thumb, and dealing with the occasional bout of hiccups, the good doctor can open and close his eyes. My question: What the hell does he see in there? Is it dark? Does he want a night light? Does he check out the cramped surroundings and wonder, "How the %$#! did I end up in a studio on the Lower East Side?" These are the things that keep me up at night. As for Dr. Overboard, Dr. Rosenberg keeps her up at night.

Poor Overboard's sleep patterns are now being interrupted by more frequent trips to the "ladies room," as the good doctor plays "I wonder what'll happen if I lean into Mommy's bladder right about...now!" She's also longing for the day when she can sleep on her stomach again. While I tend to sleep on my side, Overboard has always preferred to sprawl out, face first on the bed.* Oh, the things she does for her unborn child.

With her more pronounced belly, and expanding wardrobe [thank you, formerly pregnant friends & family!], Overboard is every bit the "cute pregnant lady," and, in my opinion, is milking it for all it's worth. Not that I blame her. Hell, if I was the one going through all of this, I'd be walking around with a gigantic sign that read, "Pregnant and somewhat emotional. Give me pastries and compliments NOW!"

On the preparation front, Overboard is scouting out just the right crib and dresser/changing table for the good doctor, and we've already purchased an infant car seat/carrier and baby bjorn from a very lovely lady through Craigslist. Also, our new neighbors, who have two boys of their own, have generously offered to let us pilfer their wares -- and this is in addition to helping us immensely by letting Sadie out into the yard for us in the afternoons. Ladies and gentlemen, we may have a new winner in the "best neighbors ever" contest (thus overtaking our neighbor Joe from the condo; though he still has time to solidify his lead with some extra trips out to the 'burbs...ahem).

In the meantime, we're enjoying the "quiet before the storm" of 4am feedings and ongoing games of, "I changed his diaper last time and it was a Code Red, now it's *your* turn!"


*Overboard has instructed me to inform you that she prefers to sleep on her stomach with her head turned to the side, not face first. I apologize for any confusion and hope this regains me admittance to the bed this evening.

phantoms hockey: our heroes play like ARGHWRGACKAPLISHBLECHACKACK

Evenkeel scores, but it means little as the team plays terribly and loses one they really should have won. Read about it anyways here.

week 25: dr. rosenberg, you should let your mommy sleep

The trusty baby guides say that Dr. Rosenberg is somewhere in the neighborhood of 13.5 inches, and pushing a pound and a half. This means he is bulking up a bit, putting on the baby fat that will make his mother squeeze his chubby little thighs one day and exclaim, "Polkies!" His hair is coming in as well, but will probably be that fun tuft of "original" hair, that eventually falls out and is replaced with his "permanent" 'do.

The good doctor's latest trick, however, is that he's taken to waking Overboard up around 3:30am each morning. I'm not sure how or why he's on this new schedule, but I don't think his mommy is terribly thrilled with the new arrangement. Hopefully, like most things during pregnancy, this is just a phase. For instance, whereas Overboard's olfactory was previously on overdrive, it has lately returned to normal. For Valentine's Day she even made a special dinner with garlic in it!

Of course, this could just be the good doctor's way of preparing Overboard for the odd sleep patterns of parenthood. I have to say, in a selfish way, I'm glad I get to keep sleeping and learn the new patterns the hard way. Does that make me a bad husband? Or just a well rested one?

phantoms hockey: take it to the limit

Phantoms lose another heartbreaker to the Eagles, and Evenkeel manages to crack his helmet (well, to be fair, he had help). Read all about game fourteen.

me belly full, but me hungry

Dr. Overboard has finally begun to "pop" and make the transition from her normal wardrobe to the wonderful world of maternity clothes. Some of her friends have been kind enough to share their wares with her, and I have to say, she's enjoying it more than I thought she would. After all, an expanding waistline can be offset in the female world by a snazzy new set of stylish outfits.

It's fun to watch Overboard in the morning as she tries on new things and revels in her fashion options. I always knew she would be one of those "cute pregnant ladies," who glows with joy and leads with her belly.

As for me, I can't keep my hands off her...belly. It's hard to explain in words the excitement a tiny little bump from inside that belly can give me. One of my new rituals each night is to try and get the good doctor to give me a "bump good night." For now, Overboard thinks it's cute. I can only hope that attitude doesn't change when he moves from fist bumps to full on kicks.

phantoms hockey: the icemen capades

Evenkeel grabs two assists as the Phantoms maul the Icemen once again. Read all about game thirteen.

week 23: dr. rosenberg, can you hear me?

Five months down and four to go for our intrepid mother/son duo. According to the baby info, the good doctor is somewhere in the neighborhood of 11 inches long, and swallowing more. If he's like his daddy, then he's already sucking his thumb and wondering when the television reception in his "womb" is going to get better.

Apparently, Dr. Rosenberg is able to hear more and more, and loud noises (like, I dunno, let's say, a dog, perhaps) are not necessarily a bad thing. The more the good doctor hears now, the less it will phase him when he's out in the world. Now, I tried to explain this to Overboard while Sadie was serenading her belly with a cacophonic chorus of barking, but she wasn't quite buying it. Unfortunately, she also didn't bite when I recommended that she vacuum the house, you know, so it won't bother the good doctor later on.

I'm telling ya, the things I try to do to prepare our boy for life outside of the womb just aren't being appreciated right now. So if you'll excuse me, I need to go clean the basement carpets and watch Sadie threaten the evil vacuum at the top of her lungs.