Perfect

This evening I was putting Adelais to bed. She had drank almost her full bottle. We were walking back and forth in her room as she fell asleep on my shoulder. I stopped in front of her crib and just swayed with her. There was quiet music playing and the lights were dim. I had this feel that right then that that moment was simply perfect. A beautifully perfect moment. So wonderful, so rare.

Uncle Boyd

Hanging with Uncle Boyd over the Christmas holiday - for awhile his thumb was the best toy!

First Christmans Gift

Happy Baby

Here's another picture of Adelais from the same day.

The New Cutest One

This is my newest favorite picture of Adelias. Besides being adorable, it clearly indicates how much trouble Andrea and I are in for...

Also, some quick updates:

- She has her first tooth. It came in last week and it seems another one will come in any day now. Andrea is having fun experiencing the new tooth (if you now what I mean) - and I get to feel it occasionally when she chomps down on my finger.

- She is crawling like a four legged freak - backwards, of course. We have now officially begun chasing her around the living room...

Snow #1

Last week we had our first snow fall. We took Adelais out in it, though I don't think she really noticed it so much. But, here is her first snow picture.

YUM! Peas.

A Friend

Andrea, as many of you know, is partners with Sharon in their duet aerial company, Arachne Aerial Arts. You may not know that Sharon also recently had a daughter, Vera. Adealias and Vera are becoming buddies through their many playdates, and hanging (ha!) out at rehearsals together. Here's a shot of them.

Having too much fun!

We've got Barley!

Today was the first day that we gave Adelais some solid food to eat. Barley, to start with - it has less gluten than rice so less chance of causing constipation. And, of course, she did great! I'm not sure she actually ate anything, but she seemed to enjoy it. We'll be giving her alittle bit each day and in about a week introduce a second food - maybe sweet potato - any suggestions?

Here she is enjoying her barley...

all alone

This last weekend Andrea went up to New York City and Adelais and I were on our own from early Sat. morning until Sunday evening. Well, actually Adelais' Grandpa came over for a couple of hours while I had clients, but mostly we were alone. And, it went really well! I think Andrea was nervous leaving us alone, I know I was! But, we had alot of fun hanging around the house, taking a walk, taking a nap on Daddy's lap while I watch alittle college football. Of course, I was most nervous about the nighttime. And, while it wasn't easy, it wasn't too bad either. She woke up twice during the night (once for 1.5 hours) and then was awake for the day at 6am, but she did have some good chunks of sleep as well. Next time will be better, but this wasn't too bad. On Sunday we went to the farmers' market, stopped by the co-op and visited a friend who hadn't met Adelais yet. She was in a great mood all morning and then slept for a solid hour before being quite playful all afternoon. She did start getting cranking later in the day, but mom was home just in time to save the day!!

Impossible

Some days it is just impossible to get over how cute this little girl is...

Scarrrrrryyy...

Getting ready for Holloween...

Being a Stranger

Yesterday Adelais and I were on a walk - she was in a front carrier facing out - to see the world. We walked by a playground where a number of younger children were playing. Many of them rushed to the fence to see Adelais - they wanted to know her name, how old she was and if she had a sister. At one point one of they boys stopped, looked at me with some intent and asked, "Are you a stranger?" Well, I guess at that moment, to those children, I was...

The Cat

Right after this picture was taken Bessie (the cat) got up and walked away...

Mountain

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but Adelais loves Mountain (the dog) and Bessie (the cat), but especially Mountain. Today she was sitting in her swing in the kitchen and Mountain came up to her, gave her a sniff and licked her foot and you would have thought it was the best thing that has ever happened. Adelais started laughing and laughing. This huge, open mouth smile as her eyes were completely focused on Mountain. And this is completely normal - happens all the time when Mountain is around. She loves going outside and watching him chase a ball, or when we lower her close enough to touch his fur. I think Mountain is her first best-friend.

Bundling

It is finally getting cooler here, so that means we get to put Adelais in a bunch of new, cute, warm clothes! It seems to suite her well!

Oh, and now she a rolling monster - back and forth, back and forth. Doesn't keep rolling, but I'm sure that will come soon...

Another Smile!

Here's a new picture of Adealis to hold you over....

too long

It has been almost a month since I last posted - that is one bad daddy...

quickly a couple of updates:
- Adelais still rocks!
- She is rolling back to front, and, less often, front to back. Really, once she gets on to her front she's trying to get her feet underneath her. It gets her alittle frustrated, but I think we're going to be in trouble pretty soon because she's going to be shooting across the room---->
- She's also learning to play by herself some. We're able to put her in her crib or on a mat and she can play without us right there. I still check on her every 2 minutes or something silly, but she's pretty happy banging around her toys or beating up her stuffed panda.
- sleep is still challenging...

I promise I'll keep updating it more often.. and new pictures to come soon as well...

Two Days, Very Different

Yesterday I had Adelais for quite a while as Andrea started back to teaching Pilates this week. It started out ok, but ended horribly. From 5:15 until 7:30 Adelais yelled - not cried, but yelled. She was so incredibly upset that at times I thought she was going to hyperventilate. After the first hour I thought I was going to loose it myself. I had tried everything I could think of - fed her, walked with her, didn't walk with her, tried a bunch of different ways of holding her, set her down, picked her up again, took her outside, gave her stuff to teeth with, everything I could think of. It was so hard because I just wanted to make her feel better, and safe and happy. I felt like such a failure because I couldn't figure out what to do for her. And, I know, that sometimes babies just get really upset. It was so hard.

And then today I was with her and we had the best time. Adelais and I played on her mat and she smiled, laughed and practiced rolling over so much, it was great. When she started to get alittle upset I gave her a bottle, or we went outside, or we switch activities and she would calm down again. Right before Andrea got home Adelais was getting upset again - it was about time for her to take her next nap and she usually fights it alittle bit. I laid her down on her blanket and she was squirming so I leaned down and gave her a bunch of little kisses on the cheek and almost immediately she was still and closed her eyes. I stopped kissing her and she opened her eyes again, so I started kissing her and she drifted back to sleep. So, I curled down on the floor with her and every time she stirred alittle bit I kissed her and she ended up having a nice long nap.

I have to remember that the hard times do pass and the good times are really the best...

Teething

Adelais is clearly teething these days. She is constantly gumming anything and everything - her own hand, any piece of fabric, Andrea's fingers, my nose... It is certainly preoccupying her and, at times, upsetting her. I think she is doing this early, but my mother said her sister had a tooth as early as 3 months. So, I guess this isn't totally surprising.

If you have kid(s) you know this, but it is amazing how quickly new things come up. It seems like every week we have something new to adjust to. I'm kind of assuming this rate of rapid change and development slows down at some point... like by the time she's 6.... It is certainly amazing to watch, and alittle tiring!

Sleep, sweet sleep

Adelais has now become one of those babies that doesn't like to sleep through the night. Mostly she is waking up every 1-2 hours, just enough to wake up Andrea so she can't sleep. Andrea then gives Adelais alittle to eat and she is back asleep; of course, it takes Andrea another 20 minute to fall asleep and Adelais is awake before she knows it. She usually doesn't cry at night (I mean, Adelais), but is just alittle fussy. Though earlier this week she was really cranky and I had to take her downstairs so Andrea could get some sleep. Adelais started to cry, and because my best tactic to keep her happy is to put her in the stroller and take her for a walk Adelais and I (still in my sleeping clothes) were walking the mean streets of our neighborhood at 2:30am. It kept her quiet and content, but it is certainly not ideal. Additionally, Adelais isn't sleeping hardly at all during the day - a couple of 20-30 minute naps with an occasional longer nap. But thankfully, she's relatively happy and alert. We've tried to keep a similar routine so Adelais understands when it is night time and ready to go to bed, but I'm not sure this is sinking in yet. Hopefully she'll shift soon back to sleeping longer periods at night - it kind of seems that she is working so much out right now that her little mind is in overdrive and can't turn it off at night...

late night ditty

Adelais has been alittle cranky lately in the evenings. So, last night, while I was up walking around with her I made up alittle song...

There is a girl named Adelais
Who is so sweet, most of the day
But when its dark, when its night
She becomes such a fright
She'll begin to fuss and wiggle around
Doesn't want to be held or set down
She'll yell, she'll scream, she'll even shout
sticks out her lip and begins to pout
Ther is a girl named Adelais
Who is so sweet.... most of the day

Imagine singing it like a Shakespearean bard.... : )

This Morning

Adelais and I had another morning together and we had a pretty good time! She got alittle fussy now and then, but I do feel like I've gotten one new strategy when she gets like that and that is to put her in her stroller and take her for a walk. It use to be that if she was in a good mood she'd like the stroller, but if she was in a bad mood it would just make her mood worse. Now it seems that that motion is helpful, even though she doesn't always go to sleep, she usually is content. Having this tool is such a relief, as I was getting frustrated with my inability to help her when she was getting up set. At least now I have one thing I can try that has some chance of success! So, while Andrea was teaching, Adelais and I were walking the street of Mount Rainier.

Chest, no.

Over the last week or so Adelais has become very resistant to being chest to chest with me or lying on my shoulder. She is fine, for the most part, with Andrea, but just gets more and more upset when I put her in this position. It is quite strange - though we do think she is starting to recognize when she is not with her mommy and that may have alot to do with it. But, she will sit facing out OK much of the time and she has a great time playing on her mat with me - watching me shake her toys or otherwise playing with her. It is, most of time, difficult for me because I want to soothe her, but it is hard with her resisting me holding her. I'm sure it will shift and change and work itself out, but it is frustrating.

Other Firsts

It has been a week of firsts! Yesterday Adelais rolled from her belly to her back for the first time - actually, for the first three times, right in a row! Of course, she decided to stop rolling by the time I was able to get the video camera. But, it was really cool and she seemed more surprised than Andrea and I. She is also pretty regularly rolling from her back onto her side as she hasn't quite figured out what to do with her arms. As soon as that happens she'll be rolling onto her belly in no time. It is quite incredible and humbling to watch this little girl learn and grow and acquire skill after skill. Even though they seem simple things, you know they are important building blocks for her as a mover and individual. I'm just in awe...

Catch Up

Oh, it has been too long since I've written! I've been overly busy the last two weeks, so there is alot to get caught up on...
1. Adelais is still incredible!
2. She is now grabbing things and has just started bringing them to her mouth.
3. Today, actually, this evening she laughed for the first time. We were in the living room and I was playing with her as she lied on her back and she gave a short, small laugh. Now, it could have been just her playing with making noises, but Andrea and I looked at one another and we both thought it was a laugh. We'll see if she laughs again soon and then we'll be sure. But, regardless, it was pretty cool.
4. Today Adelais attended her first dance rehearsal. I had rehearsal with my company for a show next weekend and as I directed the rehearsal I held Adelais in a front carrier. After awhile she had to get out and Andrea had to feed her, but she did so good sleeping for the first hour or so of the rehearsal. Of course, everyone wanted to hold her so she had a good day socializing as well!
I think that is all for right now - I promise to not be away so long! : )

Mommy and Adelais taking alittle nap...

touching hair

One of the cutest things is to watch Adelais touch her own hair. Andrea pointed it out to me - it is as if she is surprised everytime she touches her head that there is hair on it. Lately she has been also exploring her face - she'll just sit there with her eyes closed, slowly moving her hands over her face. It is as if she is getting to know herself through touch - which, actually, is probably exactly what she is doing...

A Smile

Here's a great picture of Adelais smiling...

Mouth Play

I have read about this, but it wasn't really until this week that Adelais started to mimic what Andrea and I did with our mouths and tongues. It started with Andrea sticking out her tongue and Adelais responding - it was so cute! Recently it has also involved opening and closing her mouth in response to us. I imagine this is connected to the fact that she is making alot more sounds now. All different kinds of sounds - "AHHHs", "YEEEEs", gurgles and etc.. As we're moving our mouth and tongue, making sounds and even just talking to one another she just sits there and stares at our mouth so intently - it looks like she is just trying to figure out what the heck you're doing - so, of course, she can do it too!

Look & Hit

On Sunday we put Adelais down on her play mat - it is one of those mats with little toys hanging overhead for the baby to look at as well as manipulate. We've only put Adelais on it once or twice as she has seemed too young to really notice anything. But, as her eyesight has gotten better we've put her on it. On Sunday she was lying on it staring very intently at three little bells that were hanging to her right. All of a sudden she did a couple of movements with her right hand hitting the bells and causing them to make sounds. She went on to look at other things, but after a minute or so she returned to looking at the bells and then hitting them a couple of times. I'm totally convinced that this was one of her first volitional movements to manipulate the outside world. It was so amazing to watch her thought process - look, and then hit. It was a first glimpse of a whole new world opening for her.

Some Hard Days

This last week was hard for me. I was having a real problem not taking Adelais' behavior personally. For a number of days, it seemed that every time I picked her up or held her she would start crying, and crying hard. There were times when she would be lying there, seemingly content, and I would pick her up and she would instantly cry. Or, Andrea would be holding her and pass her to me and she would cry. Nothing I did seemed to calm her down, except, occasionally, if I gave her my little finger to suck on. But then only for a short period of time and she would be back to crying. I was really (I mean REALLY!) upset about this on Thursday and Friday, but, luckily, this weekend we've had some fun together. This morning we went into the dance studio and she laid on a mat while I stretched and did a little workout. She just, mostly, watched me with those big blue eyes and I even got her to smile alittle. So, I am feeling better now, but it was certainly rough for a while. I am sure this is just the first of many times where her reactions effect me so strongly.

To Pacifier or Not

At first, I must say, I felt pretty against using a pacifier. It seemed to me that you were just distracting your child when they wanted to eat. After talking with our pediatrician and other people (mom) I've certainly softened some on that stance. We're now experimenting with one and seeing if it works and makes sense for us. So far Adelais hasn't taken to it very much - she much prefers her mom's nipple or a pinkie finger. I'll sit with her and she will happily suck away at my little finger, but if I try and switch it for the pacifier she gets pretty upset. A couple of times we've gotten her to use the pacifier, but mostly she's not into it. I still don't want to use the pacifier, or the finger, in place of her eating, but sometimes it seems she is just using mom's nipple to calm herself. In those cases it seems OK. We'll keep experimenting and see.

A Grand Visit

Over the last 5 days my parents (Grandma Sally & Grandpa De) have been here getting to know Adelais. It was, mostly, a really great visit. On Saturday and Sunday the little girl was pretty grumpy all day - fussing, crying, and not napping much at all. Yesterday was much better, though at about 5:30pm she started fussing and didn't really stop until 8:30pm when she and Andrea finally went to bed and slept. Of course, today (when my parents left) she has been completely at ease with barely a fuss - tonight she's just been sleeping and in a pleasant quiet awake state. Andrea has been trying to keep her diet alittle more bland (which is difficult for a Cajun!), so maybe that is helping out....

Lacking Alittle

There are times when I realize that I just can't calm Adelais down - I don't have the right equipment, as it is... There are times, often even, that the only thing that will calm my daughter down is to get alittle milk from her mother. And, it is not even that she is hungry, it is just the act of being "on the breast" calms her down. Sometimes you can even see her trying to use this time to calm herself, even when it is not working. She tries to latch on in between cries - it is really cute and amazing at the same time. She knows that she wants to calm down, and she knows that feeding will calm her down, and she is trying her best to be calm. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but it is clear that Daddy just don't have it what it takes- which is ok, but sometime hard because I want to give Andrea a break, but eventually it often comes down to "Mommy, Adelais needs you"....

Eyes and Seeing

As we get close to our first month with Adelais one of the biggest changes that I see with her is her ability to see and focus. When she was first born it was clear that she could barely see anything, and nothing made much sense. But now she is seeing much more - when we walk under one of our ceiling fans she will arch her back to look up at it, or if we pass a window she will twist to look out of it - or at lease towards the light. At times she looks you straight in the eyes, and now it is with some recognition, or at least that is what it feels like. It is amazing to see this young human slowly gain such an amazing skill, a skill that is the strongest sense in most of us. Many animals get alot of information through smell or hearing, but humans (again, for most of us) get the majority of our sensory input through sight. Seeing is how we organize ourselves in this world and to watch Adelais slowly gain proficiency is really quite amazing.

The Best

I have decided - I will be the decider here! - that the best thing in the world is lying on my couch with Adelais resting on my chest and both of us taking a nap. Easily, the best. (see picture of previous post to see Andrea demonstrating this position).

The Mommy Connection

It is true - a baby and her mommy has a sweet, sweet, intimate connection. When I am holding Adelais and unless she is really crying hard you can see her soften when I hand her to Andrea. It is as if she is going to a place where she feels most safe - which, of course, it is that kind of place for her right now. In Andrea's arms is where she is fed and loved so greatly it must feel to Adelais like the most incredibly special, safe place. I mean, I hope she feels safe when I am holding her, or when anyone holds her -- but, certainly, there is something special about being held by your mom. Especially now, when their connection is so intimate. I also see a change in Andrea as she holds, feeds and cares for Adelais - a softness is so apparent in Andrea when she holds her daughter. She is, clearly, full love for our little girl - it is now one of my favorite things to see - Andrea and Adelais holding, supporting and loving one another.

Belly Belly Belly Button!

Last night Adelais' umbilical cord fell off and now she has a cute little belly button. It was pretty amazing how the cord just slowly dried up and then easily fell off. No big deal - Adelais didn't even notice. It is another in the ongoing changes that we are noticing with her. Yesterday we also went to see the doctor for her second check up and she gained 10 ounces, in 8 days! We thought she was beginning to look alittle chubby! Also, in the last day or so she seems to be coming into her voice alittle bit more - had some good loud yells, which is new. She's also finding times to fuss alittle bit more and at these times she's expressing herself through her voice more than she did at first. It is interesting to see these little changes as they come day by day.

Perchance, to sleep, to dream

Ok, so that's not quite the Shakespeare quote, but you get the idea... It is one week into having our little Adelais and so far so good. The first question everyone asks is "are you sleeping much?" And, I must say, we're doing ok. Adelais is sleeping a good 2-3 hours at a time during the night. In fact, sometimes we have to wake her up to give her her feeding every 3 hours. Andrea, of course, is getting alittle less sleep than I, but she's still getting enough, for now - as well as a nice nap most afternoons. During the night Andrea is responsible for feeding Adelais, and I'm responsible for changing any diapers that need changing, which is usually at least one each night. One aspect that I think is helping is that we have bought a co-sleeper from Arms Reach (see picture), a crib-like bed that attaches to our bed. Since the side closest to our bed is low, and Adelais is sleeping at the same level as us, Andrea can get Adelais without getting out of bed, or really even sitting up. I think this helps with Andrea's staying more rested and Adelais sleeping better - she is close enough that it is easy to reassure her or bring her closer to cuddle with her. So we are sleeping, not as much as we had been before, but sleep is happening... so far...

Why the labor & delivery of Adelais rocked!

1. Andrea: she was amazing! With each contraction she went deep into it, didn't fight it, but really road each ride. I think reading "Childbirth without Fear" really helped her prepare for the intensity of labor, and she handled it beautifully. In fact, afterwards she said she would not associate what she was going through with pain in the normal sense - yes, it was intense, but not painful.

2. Helen, our doula: If you or your partner is pregnant the number one piece of advise I have is to get yourself a doula. First, before the birth we were able to talk with her about what it will be like, talk about fears and alot of misinformation that floats around. She took us through some exercises to help Andrea relax and me be prepared. And then at the birth, she was just two more hands that were completely dedicated to Andrea and her process. She helped support Andrea when she needed it, talked her through some of the more intense contractions and really helped as Andrea was in the pushing phase. I could keep a whole blog just on how wonderful it was to have Helen with us - get yourself a doula!

3. Prince George's Country Hospital: Not many people are giving this hospital complements these days, but we could not have been more happy with the staff and facilities. Since we were doing a natural birth we got to use the Birth Center - which is really wonderful. When we arrived the nurse/midwife on duty helped us transition into the center and one of the first things she suggested was for us to use the jacuzzi/hot tub for some of the labor. Andrea got in, and alittle while later I joined her and we spent 3 hours or so as Andrea labored in the water. It was really helpful - Andrea felt that it took some of the pressure off of her and it allowed me to support her from underneath. Some of the other nurses helped with keeping the water at a comfortable temperature and with monitoring Andrea and Adelais' vital signs. After the birth and at all points the staff was completely supportive, responsive and delightful!

4. Dr. Dunmore: Andrea's OB had never delivered in the Birth Center at PG Hospital, but was completely open to using it. She even had to go into the hospital to meet the midwifes, get a tour and let them do some things "their way", all of which she was fine with. Of course, many doctors would not be open to it, so we were very lucky Dr. Dunmore was Andrea's doctor.

5. Natural Child Birth: I can't imagine going through the birth of your child while the mother is drugged up - which, of course, makes the baby drugged up as well. I know I may get knocked for saying this as the man in the equation, but Andrea feels the same way. To be fully present and aware and awake through the whole process and watching Andrea go through that process was truly amazing. Natural Child Birth should be the first option when giving birth and all the drugs used only as back up. Go Natural!

POP!

Quick note: Andrea gave birth to Adelais Chastant Burkholder on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 11:55am. Her labor and delivery were everything we could have hoped for - completely natural with a supportive team of nurses, midwifes, Andrea's doctor and our amazing dulah, Helen Rea. Her labor lasted 10 hours and Adelais was 7lbs 6ozs when she was born. I have so much more to say, but that will have to come at another time.

holding pattern

Well, we're still waiting. Things are certainly moving along, but slowly. It is an interesting place to be in, this holding pattern. I keep going through my daily life, but with this feeling of anticipation - ready to leave it all at a notice. In every class I teach I'm leaving my cell phone on so I can, and will, answer it. Every time it rings I leap to see if it is Andrea calling.... I'm going to be exhausted by the time we actually have to start this thing...

Waiting

Now, we're waiting. Andrea's due date is May 6th, but for some reason I think we both thought she would go into labor earlier this week. Does everyone think that? She can feel, day to day, that the baby is dropping lower, and I can see a difference. Does everyone go through this? This thinking it is going to happen, which, of course, is a hoping for or a wanting the labor to start. It is an interesting state of flux, because you keep going with your day to day activities, but with this anticipation hanging over you and your wife.

The other night while sleeping I rolled over and my leg brushed against Andrea's leg. Since it was cool her skin was cool and, as is sometimes the case, the coolness felt like wetness. I immediately woke up and starting feeling around the bed, and her hips and pelvis area because I thought her water had broken. Of course, it hadn't. I'm just so ready for it to happen and for us to go into this amazing event I'm alittle on edge these days.

The Dancing Mommy

Last weekend Andrea and I performed (we're both dancers) a new duet titled "Duet for 3" - which, of course, is an obvious reference to the fact that Andrea is 39 weeks pregnant! It was really wonderful to perform with Andrea (and the baby) at this stage in the pregnancy and, I must say, Andrea was amazing. Everyone was so impressed with how well she can move and still dance this late in the pregnancy. I wasn't so surprised since she is usually in such great shape and able to do so much I was always sure she could handle doing some dancing and performing. After the performances she asked me if it felt like she was too slow and held me back some - but, in reality, she was slowed down just enough so I could keep up with her! I am going to post some of our duet onto YouTube soon and will post a link as soon it is up... : )

Watching Births

Yesterday Andrea and I met with Helen - our doulah - and we watched a number of excerpts from the show "House of Babies". We don't have cable or anything so we don't have the ability to watch this normally. Helen fast forwarded through alot of the episodes so that we could get to the "good stuff", meaning, the birth. Most, if not all, of the births that we watched were underwater, which is amazing. The baby's head will come out and still be under water, and because it is getting oxygen still through the umbilical cord it is fine until it comes all the way out. But, was most interesting about the different births was how different women reacted to being in labor, especially the last bit of labor. There was one women who could barely keep going, saying it was too hard. Another women was almost smiling between contractions as she seemed so content, even with the intensity of the last bit of pushing. And another women was almost methodical in her approach, as if she was doing a job and just trying to get it done. What was not different about each woman after the birth was how happy they were and how they beamed with joy as they held their newly born baby.

It will be interesting to see how Andrea (and I) do during the birth of our little one. I'll keep you posted...

CPR-in'

Today Andrea and I took a 1/2 workshop in Infant CPR from the Red Cross. We went downtown DC to the national headquarters of the Red Cross and, I must say, it was an impressive building - very new, modern - they had the nicest chairs I have ever seen in a waiting room - cool, cushion-y, cloth chairs with nifty little wooden trays that swung in front of you and to the side - like a very high end school chair/desk. Anyway, we took this class with just 3 students and learned how to give "Rescue Breaths" - which they use to call mouth-to-mouth, but I guess that got to many laughs - and CPR. We learned this both for infants and children whether they are awake or unconscious. So, we're ready for anything unfortunate that happens with our soon to arrive daughter. They didn't cover how to do any of this with an adult so I guess Andrea and I are out of luck if anything happens....But, if you're having a child, or have a child you should take a class, just go to www.redcross.org and find a class by you.

Messy, Messy -- WHEEE!

When Andrea and I tell people that we are going to be using cloth diapers people think we are totally nuts. I guess that should be expected when disposables have become the norm. But, with everything we know about how bad disposables are for the environment I as so surprised by people's reactions. It is true there are some people who think the water used to clean the cloth diapers balances out the amount of trash disposable create, but it also takes a ton of water to make the disposables and the difference ends up to be very little. And, it is 1/2 as expensive to use cloth (and that includes buying the diapers and washing them). I mean, we'll see, maybe it will be such a total pain in the butt that we will switch over to disposables, but I think we're both ready to be alittle inconvenienced. And, we now have these really cut diaper covers that we're totally ready to use!

Working with a Doula

So far, Andrea and I could not be more happy over our decision to have hired a Doula to help us with our natural childbirth. Andrea met once with Helen and then we've met once together with her. In addition to being a Doula, Helen is a Alexander Technique teacher and a Cranial-Sacral practitioner. Both of these are kinds of body/mind work that helps your body operate at its best. When we last met with Helen she did some Cranial-Sacral work with Andrea (which was very subtle) while I read a Hypno-Birthing script. Our goal was to help Andrea relax and release while we were both supporting her - Helen with her hands, me with my voice. Andrea certainly was able to let go and enter a deep state of relaxation - and, her face got so calm and gentle - she was really beautiful while lying there. Helen also gave us some reading to do about the birth cycle and they are helping us understand the stages and such. We meet again this Friday for more adventures in birth preparations!

Thinking about the birth

Andrea and I have been reading and talking about the process of the birth. It seems amazing what a body can do! Andrea doesn't seem to be scarred at all - which doesn't really surprise me because she is one of the toughest people I've ever known -certainly alot tougher than me. So it is good that it is her giving birth and not me...

So many people roll their eyes when we talk about Andrea doing a natural childbirth, but sticking a big needle into your spine seems alot scarier than giving birth. I know that is easy for me to say, but Andrea feels the same way, so I'm just trying to help us have the skills necessary to help her along. The hospital we're going to give birth at has some natural child birthing rooms that are very nice with big beds, birthing chairs, big roomy showers and a tub large enough for both of us to be in it. I mean, I know, it is probably going to be the most intense thing we ever do, but I'm kind of excited as well. I find the whole process fascinating and, of course, we'll have a little girl at the end of it all.

The Beginning

Welcome! This is my new blog - The Daddy Dance. It is all about becoming and being a dad. My wife (Andrea) is currently at 36 weeks, so we are entering the time when we can become parents at any time. While this is so exciting I find it incredibly scary as well. I mean, I think I will be a good dad, but I also get nervous about being good enough. It is certainly alot of the bigger responsibilities that worry me - ie. money, scheduling time, education. The day to day stuff I feel more confident about, but we'll see....

I'm sure I as go along and write about this process I'll tell more and more about myself, but for now it is enough to say that I am a working dancer/choreographer and a Feldenkrais Practioner (see the link to The Integrated Body to learn more about that). I live just outside DC with my wife and teach part time at University of Maryland College Park as well as some local studios. My dance company, The PlayGround, has a show coming up on April 27-29 (and Andrea's due May 6th). And, in addition to this blog I have a blog that is keeping track of my current creative project - My ocean is never blue at http://improvarts.alkem.org/myoceanisneverblue.

Best... more soon.