Not much about Napi from the Pregnancy Weekly newsletter. Mention of a birth plan, which we haven't done yet, and more about acid indigestion. Been there, done that. We mentioned the birth plan business to my mom the other night and she laughed and basically said nothing ever goes as planned. More and more pregnancy reminds me of waging war. No plan survives first contact with the enemy...Of course, Peanut isn't the enemy, but you get the idea!
As for Peanut, the relentless pursuit towards weight gain continues...
Peanut now weighs approximately 3.5 pounds, measures about 18 inches from head to toe, and is getting used to the world of light and dark by opening and closing his eyes. His facial muscles continue to strengthen, and Peanut can make different expressions.
3.5 Pounds! Considering the average kid pops out at what, 7 pounds, this kid is poised to stack on another 3-4 pounds, maybe even more in two months!! And speaking of Peanut popping out, and interesting tidbit from PW - half of all babies come early. By the way Peanut is kicking and punching in there, he's likely to come flying out of there the first chance he gets.
Another interesting tidbit from PW - they seem to think that this is about the time that the fathers start bugging out. In fact, they offer a list of stuff fathers can do to get ready for the bid day:
Both parents are "pregnant" and can take advantage of the time before baby arrives to prepare for their new bundle of joy! Below are some things the new dad (or partner) can do to prepare himself for parenthood:
* Attend prenatal appointments, especially the ultrasound (around the 20th week).
* Purchase or borrow parenting books, tapes, or videos.
* Attend childbirth or Lamaze classes with the pregnant mother.
* Visit the hospital or birthing center tour with the pregnant mother.
* Attend parenting classes or new fathers support groups.
* Increase circle of friends with children for both you and your partner.
* Check on and request for paternity leave or leave of absence.
* Assist the mother-to-be in finding a pediatrician.
* Assist the mother-to-be in setting up the nursery.
* Develop list of volunteers to help out after the baby arrives.
* Discuss dividing household and parenting responsibilities.
* Set up accounts with local eateries, restaurants and grocery stores.
* Set up a savings account or life insurance policy for your future family.
* Assist new mother in locating and securing childcare if and when she returns to work.
* Purchase a pager or cell phone for both you and the new mother.
* Finalize the "plan of action" for when the mother-to-be goes into labor.
* Make sure you have all needed emergency information close at hand.
* Make sure you have her hospital suitcase (and yours as well!) packed and ready to go.
* Assist in writing out birth announcements, notifying family and friends, etc.
* RELAX and REJOICE in the joy of being a new parent!
My thoughts on some of these tips tomorrow. Coming up this week: Child Birth class kicks off on Wednesday and should be interesting. The classes are being held at the hospital where Napi will give birth and will provide yet another opportunity for Napi to memorize the route (our prenatal appointments are held in an office within the hospital).
Lots to do, plenty to come and I've got pineapple I need to go cut for Napi. In parting, the weekly shot of somebody else's kid (this time from Cuba); Is it me, or is this kid throwing up the peace sign!?
