getting better

Well, I think dad and I are getting better at being parents. We are learning how to comfort you a little better and every time you cry it doesn't necessarily mean that you are hungry. Well, most of the time it does, because you are always hungry. You are growing so fast and if you don't slow down soon, then I'll have to go buy you some more clothes in bigger sizes. You are sleeping well at night and most nights you actually sleep for one five hour stint, which really helps your mom function during the day. Dad is still sleeping in the guest bedroom, because there's no need for him to get woken up every time I have to feed you at night. He still thinks you don't like him, but I think he's finally realizing that you don't just cry all the time. It's just that you aren't crazy about the evenings and usually cry for a few hours every night, which is the only time he gets to see you when he's working. That's okay though, your crying doesn't even bother your dad. You have been getting some baby acne and, of course dad talks a lot of trash about you getting your pimples from me. He enjoys calling you fun names like squirt and the bad egg (a reference to your crying being a result of a bad egg from your mom). I did give you a bath by myself two days ago which was interesting and didn't quite go as smooth as when dad helps me. I'm still taking pictures of you all the time, but that's only because it's so hard to catch all the adorable moments that I get to see every day. You are still refusing your nuk about 95% of the time, because you can sure tell the difference between the silicone and human skin. You're just too smart for our tricks!

Tim

Hey Joule!

Maybe I should call you EJ. Your middle name cracks me up, so I have re-named everyone here. My new name is Kip. We also have Olm, Watt, Mass, Density, Specific Gravity, and Darcy. Oh, and we changed our street name from 52nd Street to Galileo Drive. Anyway, you are doing a great job at training your Mom and Dad. Oh, by the way, that crying deal is working great. They hold you all of the time. Dad is apparently getting close to finishing your baby bed. I hear that he is 3-4 days out. Come on Dad. I haven't got to see you in person yet, but it is very obvious that you are almost exactly like your Mom was when she was a baby. Very much a control freak. I guess pay back is sort of funny. It sounds like your Dad is getting a little smarter though. Your Mom said that during one of your "fits" that he put you in your car seat, set you on the dryer, turned it on for some vibration entertainment, and then sat down and read a book. I guess you didn't fall asleep immediately, but it apparently tired you out enough to fall asleep later. Pretty ingenious Dad! It's really hard to believe, but your "grand" entrance didn't freak out either of your Aunts. I would have though different, but they mention their visit and all of the pictures and you everytime I talk to them. They think you are pretty cool. Your Mom said she has been using "stimulation" pictures and also a slide show to entertain and make you use your mind. I am not sure about all of that, but they think it works. I just hope you don't show up on Dr. Phil when you grow up (that's a joke!). We're planning a trip to see you soon, so that will be fun. Hey, your Mom has been putting some pretty crazy outfits on you and taking pictures. You might want to tell her to cool that deal. She sent one with a rubberband around your head. I never understood that look, but you'll get to see it someday. I sit and wonder what type of kid you are going to be. It will surely be interesting to see what you grow up to be like. If history repeats itself, I am guessing you'll probably be some sort of brainiac, who gets her nails done, wears tie dyed clothes, likes to play sports, and can't stand to hear birds sing ot talk (ask your Mom about that one). I suspect you'll get sent to the principal's office when you are in third grade for being smarter than your teacher and correcting her on the definition of word or an incorrect math answer. It's definately going to be interesting. Anyway, gotta go for now. I am going to try and find some stimulation photos for the dogs. I need something to stimulate them to quit pooping on the floor and to stop eating the walls and kitchen cabinets. Love, Tim.

Trying to adapt

I guess this place I've been living is called home, but I'm still a little shaky about being here. I definitely know mom's smell now and when I smell her pick me up, I assume it's feeding time. She kisses me a lot and it always tricks me into thinking it's time to eat. Dad also kisses me all the time and plays jokes on me a lot. He can let me cry when there is no reason for me to cry, but mom is a sucker and always picks me up. I guess I need a new trick to make dad baby me all the time because my hysterical screaming doesn't work. I have been treated like a baby doll since we got to this place with mom putting outfits and hats and headbands and shoes on me. I don't really like being dressed up all the time, but there's not much I can do about it. I did get to meet grama and Aunts Jill and Erin and Uncle Noah. Grama held me a lot and rocked me to sleep and sang bye-o baby bye-o a lot. She really knows how to handle babies better than mom does. Aunts Jill and Erin also were here and they took a lot of pictures of me and I'm still seeing spots. Aunt Erin always added more blankets to me because she always thought I was cold. Aunts Jill and Erin also stayed up late with me when I didn't feel like going to bed early like mom. I like baths and don't cry until I have to get out of the warm water because it's so cold, but then I always take a long nap. I'm eating really well and gaining weight with no problem. I guess mom and dad aren't doing too bad a job with me and maybe sometime soon I will stop crying so much and enjoy my awake time.

Proud Grama

I do believe the entire town of Coffeyville has met you through pictures and stories! Of course, I just happen to have a set of about 20 pictures with me at all times!!!
I want you to know that you have already made this world a better place! You bring smiles and warm feelings to all that see or meet you. I cannot put into words the impact you have on me. I feel really lucky to have been able to welcome you into this life!
I want you to know that your Momma did an awesome job trying to get you here! And, your dad kept her relaxed and supported her in every way! Both of them knew that you were worth every pain and worry!
But, now that you are here.....Give them a little break and go back to sleep after you eat (especially at night)! OK?
I know you don't like getting all dressed up but if you don't wear some of the cute little outfits soon - momma will have to save them for a little sister or cousin! I'm happy to hear you are growing but if you keep up at the same pace you will be taller than your dad by age 10!!!
Tell your parents to keep taking pictures and sending them to all of us and also tell your momma to sing Bye O Baby Bye O while Grama is gone.
I miss you so!
Love, Grama

Tim

Hello Eve Joule (they did it with that middle name, didn't they?) Dougan!

Well girl, you made your grand entrance. You couldn't just be born, you had to make it dramatic. We wish we could have been there, but after getting periodic news reports from you Aunts, I am sort of glad we were in the cheap seats here at home. We still didn't sleep much that night, but after seeing the pictures your Dad sent, it was worth it. When you went into the hospital, we had this big plan to have a watch party. We had steaks, beer, movies, and everything lined up for a celebration, but it sort of fizzled out when you took your sweet time deciding how you wanted to enter the world. Anyway, you look a five year old. I think I saw some underarm hair on you already. You have developed biceps and six pack abs too. You must have been working out inside there. No wonder your Mom had been so uncomfortable. You do need to get after your Dad a little bit, because one of the pictures he sent makes you look like an anaconda. The other picture makes you look a little ornamental (that's a joke!). That hat they put on you was just a little too tight and squished your eyes closed. Anyway, I trust we will get some more "girly-girly" pictures later. We are finally getting excited about coming to visit. The past few weeks have been just a waiting game and that's not too fun, but I'll write more often now since you are finally here. The stories are already beginning. Love and Kisses from here and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

i can't believe it

Well, it's interesting that no one has written anything since your birthday three days ago. Things have been a little tiresome for your dad and I, but grama is helping out so much. She mowed the lawn today, took care of all my plants, mopped the floor, cleaned the bathrooms, vacuumed the house, washed numerous loads of diapers and clothes, and did all the dishes. She is still looking for things to do for us, but I think she has already taken care of everything. Of course you are just perfect right now, actually taking a nap on dad's chest on the couch. He thinks you don't even know who he is, but I think you're coming around. You have been eating like a champ and not giving mom a moment's rest, which is how it should be. We got home from the hospital today and there are so many people that are happy you are home. Aunts Jill and Erin can't wait to come out and see you and of course grama is already here and she's in heaven. Even grandpa, or should I just call him Tim, was jacked up. Of course he's already been through everything that we just went through, so he can appreciate it. He just loves the fact that you weighed 8 1/2 pounds too. Just so you know, so far today you have pooped 7 times and the last time was an explosion that soiled not only your diaper, but your outfit and your blanket. Of course dad thinks that it's awesome every time you poop or fart, so keep it up and dad will be happy! I'm just glad you are getting enough to eat, which is obvious by the massive loads that appear in the diapers. I am a little overwhelmed right now, not just because I'm a little worn out, but because I love you so much already. I want to cry just thinking about that. It could also just be the hormones making me sappy, because I usually don't get emotional, but you are definitely special enough to make your hard mom cry.

Baby Eve

Pregnant pic

just waiting

Well, we are patiently waiting here in D.C. I had a doctor's appointment on Monday and the nurse told me that everything still looks good and that I am two centimeters dilated. Your dad was encouraging by reminding me there was only 3 or so inches left to go. :) If you decide not to join us before next Monday evening, I will have to go to the hospital so the doctor's can make you join us. That's exciting news, just because we know that by next Tuesday or so we will have a new addition, but the induction part is a little scary. It wouldn't be like a normal labor, where everything progresses slowly. It would be a "down to business" labor where contractions start hard and heavy and never let up until you are born. It is supposed to be quicker, but also more intense. I personally appreciate letting nature take its course, but I guess sometimes that doesn't happen as fast as doctor's would like. I would like to encourage you to let go of the comfort you now have and maybe think about birth in the next day or so and I promise you won't hate it out here. Besides, once you are born, maybe it will make your dad want to work on your crib a little more and there aren't many more projects to do around the house here. I think grama is scared you won't come before she has to go back home, which is August 14. I wanted to give you just a few things to think about and I'm sure we will hear from you soon!