28 Weeks, 3 Days...Party Like It's 2009

Today we went to your cousin's birthday party. We got there after the cake and pinata, but still had fun. She turned 4 and had a princess party. We won't subject you to that kind of party unless you really want it. Creativity is in your genes and my specialty. Your mom and I can come up with something perfect and individualized just for you, just like any hipster dad would do. It was nice talking to family about you, all that we have been through so far, and what is still left to come. They even talked about having a shower in your honor. Cool. I'll pick out the music. And the theme. It will be hip.

28 Weeks, 2 Days...What Child Is This?

"Naming a child is a monumental task. You hold in your hands the power to determine middle school taunting, roll-call giggle fests and graduation pronunciation flops. A name must be able to carry your offspring through childhood, but still be dignified enough to work for your little future CEO. Or rock star. Or president. You have to consider various nicknames, derivatives, abbreviations and its rhyming potential with any parts or noises of the human body."

I found this quote from an article on babble.com. The author and I have the same philosophy of choosing a name to last a lifetime. Sounds like we hold "the power" now and the rest of your life is devoted to "payback." Your mom and I will mull over the list again this weekend, then wait for the moment when you first open your eyes as we hold you to bequeath unto you the name.

28 Weeks, 1 Day...Hair it is

This week's developmental update says you have eyelashes and eyebrows now. It also says that the hairs on your head are growing. People make a big deal about hair. They curl it, straighten it, grow it,cut it, dye it, wax it, and pluck it. They are never satisfied with it the way it naturally grows. People get mohawks, faux hawks, rat tails, rooster cuts, mullets and buzzcuts. There are more hair products than you can imagine. Just don't become a slave to your hair. It's not worth it. When humidity strikes it does what it wants anyway.

28 Weeks...It's the last trimester, celebrate

It's the last trimester, we should celebrate! Kicking things off we will start counting the kicks. You are supposed to kick at least 10 times in 2 hours. I think you pretty much nailed that one. This weekend we will likely do something. Maybe go to Sticky Fingers for ribs since you are crazy about being in mom's ribcage. We are also going shopping for the dogs. Lately it has been all about you, but we still do stuff for the dogs too.

27 Weeks, 6 Days...Sympathetic symptoms

I used to think that the daddy having sympathetic symptoms along with the mommy-to-be was a bunch of baloney. Not anymore. Your mom has gained a couple of pounds. So have I. Her back started hurting. Sciatic Nerve is what she said. My hip was killing me after lying on the floor putting together your furniture. She had to drink some sweet stuff for a glucose test and got sick. I had a gross sweet taste in my mouth and felt a little woozy myself after she threw up. I'm just waiting for that first kick in my ribcage!

27 Weeks, 5 Days...Memorial Day

No Lamaze for us 3 tonight, baby. It's Memorial Day. Your Grandpa Phipps was in the service. So was your Great-Papaw Barney. I don't forsee an end to wars anytime soon, or the need to slack off on matters of national defense. Regardless of politics, service to one's country is a noble thing to do. Too bad it turns into a political game. I thought of myself as a Peace Corps kinda guy as a young man.

27 Weeks, 4 Days...Hardware in Place

Finished putting the last piece of furniture together tonight, yeah! Your room has a crib, a dresser, a bookshelf, and a clever corner seat that turns into a twin sized daybed. There is also a huge palm branch to put over your crib. All the pieces are in place except for the most important one...YOU!