Getting Ready for Baby

Posted by: Nate
Posted: Thu, September 10 2009 at 2:35pm

This week has been filled with busy days in the office and busy nights at home.  Our normal night at home for my wife, my little girl, and me involves eating dinner together, reading some books to my little girl, and spending as much time together as we can before bed time.  This week that schedule has been interrupted by what is yet to come.  You see, my wife is due with our next baby in seven days.  As such we have been hurriedly preparing for the arrival of the little boy we are expecting to round out this wonderful quartet that is our family. 

My wife, bless her heart, is in the midst of the “nesting phase” and feels a primal yearning to get the baby’s room ready for his arrival.  She’s been running, a little frantically at times, to get our little girl moved from the nursery into her own “big girl room” so that she can get the other room ready for the baby.  You wouldn’t know by her energy level that she’s nine months pregnant. 

So, we’ve been running errands to buy this or that to round out something we’ve had started and just can’t seem to complete.  I’ve been lifting, moving, putting things together, and trying to get projects checked off the list.  I’ve spent time pounding nails, measuring to see if something will fit, drilling holes and screwing brackets into the wall. 

As I reflect on all of this activity I realize that it’s not every day that I stop and think “I’m thankful that I’ve got my C-Leg”.  The reality is that I’m too busy to stop and think about that, I’m working hard and getting things done.  I’m able to do things like take my little girl out of her bath and carry her off to bed.  I’m able to lift and carry a bed frame and mattress up and down the stairs bound for her “big girl room” without fear of falling.  I can climb a step ladder to hang a picture without fear that my leg will collapse and drop me on the floor. 

As the days tick away this coming week I look forward to the opportunity to meet my newborn son for the first time.  I look forward to seeing the future in his face and wondering about all of the opportunities that he will be given in the world.  I look forward to hearing his first cry, feeling his hand grasp my finger for the first time, and feeling the warmth of his body cuddled in the crook of my arm.  I’ll report again after he has arrived (hopefully with a few pictures).
Until next time.
Nate

Otto Bock HealthCare pays Nate a small fee for his essays.