A year goes by really fast...

Diego is a happy kid. And we are happy parents. 

Lots of exciting things have happened in the past 5 months. Diego went to a ton of A's games. And Molly's mom moved to Oakland!

His first tooth erupted in early August while we were visiting Josh's grandparents in Redding. It was a hard night for all of us. He now has 5 teeth, with 2 more in the near future.

Diego took his first steps at 9 months. (I just knew we had an early walker on our hands!) By 10 months he became pretty confident walker.

He eats everything in sight, and especially likes feeding himself.

His first words were "dog" and "hot". Plus many "mamamamama" and "dadadadada" sounds.

Diego likes wrestling, pushing buttons, dancing, being tickled, and cuddles. 

His favorite song is Let's go to the mall. He also really likes Man or muppet and Call me maybe.


Current nicknames: Diego D. Bear, Godzilla, Papito

And to think...this was us just a year ago. WOW. 

Diego is 7 months!

And the excitement continues!

I returned to work at the end of March. The transition has been pretty smooth, thanks to Diego's care providers (Josh, my mom, our friend Cindy, and a wonderful nanny named Laura), my flexible and supportive boss, and all our generous friends. It turns out updating your blog is not really a priority when you're a working mom!

Diego has hit all kinds of milestones over the past few months. He's quite interactive and really silly. 

He loves playing with toys and is getting good at grabbing them. Mostly he just puts them in his mouth. He's especially into toys that make noise, particularly bells and chimes.

By six months he started rolling over from back to tummy, and won't stop. Luckily he's getting happier on his tummy, otherwise we'd all be in big trouble. By six months Diego was scooting and crawling, and at seven months he's pulling himself up and starting to cruise. I have a feeling we have an early walker on our hands. (Josh and I both walked at nine months, so I've been expecting this.)

No teeth yet, which is fine with me. Diego is a pro eater, and has not found any foods he dislikes. He loves sweet potato, turkey/chicken and apple, lentils, split peas, carrots, and especially melons and fruits.








Diego continues sleeping through the night (thank goodness). He usually goes to bed around 8 p.m. and wakes up around 6 a.m. It's a little early for me, but he's pretty silly and cuddly in the morning.











 We started swim class a few weeks ago. Diego enjoys the water, though the class seems to be a little too close to nap time. Oh well.

We've taken Diego on a couple trips recently - to Oregon for a camping trip (we stayed in a house) and to Willits for another camping trip (this time in a real tent). Oregon was wet and cold, but we were prepared. Tent camping was a little harder - luckily the weather in Willits was *just right*. 









Current nicknames: Diego Burbujas, Diego Bear.

It's fun watching his personality develop. He's learning to communicate. It's really an amazing time.

3 months in the life of Diego

Ah, that Diego. He sure is leading us on new adventures every day.

The good news is that Diego now knows day from night. He began sleeping through the night (8-11 hours in a row) at 10 weeks. And let me tell you, it is AWESOME.

Other changes we've noticed:

• his hair is getting lighter
• he gives us signals that he's getting tired (rubs eyes, starts fussing)
• he discovered his hands, and loves jamming them into his mouth
• he started grasping toys and bringing them to his mouth 
• he is way more interactive - making cute sounds, smiling, laughing
• he started drooling
• he has the hiccups less frequently

Likes: stripes, sucking hands, constant movement, long walks

Dislikes: farting

I still call him Senor Burbujas/Diego Burbujas, a name that is finally appropriate as he has mastered the fine art of making spit bubbles. 

2 months and counting...

I can't believe Diego is two months old. He's way more interactive, and makes the most adorable little noises. He's holding up his head like a champ, and rolled from tummy to back a couple times. He's starting to get interested in toys. And he weighs more than my bowling ball! He's 12 lbs. 11.5 oz., and 24 inches.

We made the most of the last half of Josh's paternity leave with a couple road trips to see family. First we went to see Mita and Papi (Josh's grandparents) in Redding. Diego had a blast.

 

And then we made a couple trips to Monterey to see Baa-chan (Molly's mom). Diego and Baa-chan kicked us out of the house so they could play (we saw a movie and had dinner with friends). I think they're going to love it when Baa-chan moves to Oakland this summer.

Diego's current nicknames include Sir Squirms-A-Lot, Diego One Sock, Mr. Fussypants, [insert adjective] Bear, Dude, and Mr. Fuss-N-Squirm.

Likes: cuddles, milk, naps, clean diapers, baths, bouncing, hanging out on the changing table, long walks near the beach

Dislikes: waiting, cold, shirts that go over his head, getting out of the bath

Josh returned to work last week, and is back on the day shift. I am enjoying my days with Diego. My daily goals are to get dressed before noon and to get out of the house every day. My plan is to go back to work on 3/29. 

More photos of Diego can be found on Curly's website: http://www.windelsphoto.com/Diego/

Select "view all photos" to view the photo session menu.

Stay tuned for more adventures of Don Diego de Oakland.

Diego is 1 (month)!

Wow. We have a one-month old. I really felt like I was pregnant forever, but now I feel like we've had Diego forever!

Since day one we've had a parade of friends and family visiting and staying with us. They've spoiled him, cooked for us, watched him so we can run errands, and just provided whatever support we've needed.

We're really lucky; Diego is a champion sleeper. We haven't felt too terribly exhausted. He's been fussy a few nights, but that also leads to impressively long sleep cycles. I wouldn't call it a win-win, but it definitely helps us keep some sanity.

By day 12, we noticed Diego becoming more interactive. He's staying awake for longer stretches during the day and playing with us more. He's quite a strong young man, with incredible neck control (he started lifting his head the day he was born).

Some aspects of parenthood have been harder to learn and adjust to - like understanding the challenges of breastfeeding and determining if Diego is getting enough food, those late night sessions where he refuses to sleep, and keeping up with the never-ending laundry. We're learning to manage all of it. Diego's fat little cheeks are telling us he's definitely eating enough, we're taking turns for the late night sessions, and being strategic about laundry. Also, Diego is finally growing into his clothes, so he has WAY more options than he did a month ago!

It's been great living next door to a professional photographer. The amazingly talented Curly Windels is documenting the first year of Diego's life. Check out the first two installments, and check back for updates over the next 11 months: http://www.windelsphoto.com/Diego/

Select "view all photos" to view either his Welcome Home photos or his Two Week Old photos. I can't believe how small he was!

But the real superstar of our family is Siena. At first she was really upset that we brought him home. She refused to look at me. But he's grown on her, and now she sniffs him about once a day, runs to his crib if he starts crying and nobody is in the room with him, and generally leaves him alone. I think she's going to enjoy Diego's attention when he gets older.

It's been really great having this time together as a family. Josh returns to work on 1/25, and I plan to return on 3/29. We're looking forward to more adventures in 2012!

Introducing Diego Satoru Bergstrom

Thursday, 12/1/2011, 5 a.m.:  Molly woke up with contractions. We spent the day trying to keep ourselves occupied. We walked through the neighborhood (including a trip to Berkeley Bowl), spoiled Siena, and tried to get some rest. Contractions gradually increased in intensity through the day, and into the night. We didn't end up getting much sleep!

Friday, 12/2/2011: Contractions continue. Walks continue. Still no kid. Then Molly's mom came up from Monterey, and the contractions started kicking into higher gear! We ran some errands to keep us distracted, and the contractions increased in frequency. When we returned home, the contractions started to slow down. Yikes. Within a couple hours they got crazy, so we decided to start our trek out to Walnut Creek. 


We continued our distraction technique by taking a stroll through some Walnut Creek stores, perusing their handbag selections. Molly does love handbags, you know. It helped keep us walking around until the contractions were overwhelming.

We arrived at the hospital around 9:30 p.m., and by 10:30 p.m. they admitted us. 

Saturday, 12/3/2011: [Insert several hours of crazy labor], and we were finally able to hold Diego Satoru Bergstrom. 

Born: 12/3/2011, 8:05 a.m.
Weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz.
Length: 20.5 inches

Yes, if you can do math, that's 51 hours of labor. We were lucky enough to have one midwife and one nurse manage our care from admission to birth, and they were amazing. 

At birth, Diego looked like an old wrinkly Asian man. He alternates between looking like Molly and looking like Josh, and to some degree, looking like Wolverine from X-men (long nails, fur on his back).

We ended up spending two nights in the hospital with Diego, arriving home to Siena and Molly's mom on Monday, 12/5/2011.



Now we're home, adjusting to life with a newborn, and getting to know the child formerly known as the Panda. (Current nicknames include: Senor Burbujas, Grumpy Bear, Old Korean Man.)

So where did this legal name come from? 

We both really like the name Diego. It makes Josh think about Allende's book, "Zorro", a tale of young Zorro's adventures in Spanish California. And Molly just likes how it sounds.

Satoru (悟る) is Molly's grandfather's name, and it means enlightenment in Japanese. He taught Molly to appreciate ice cream, and to always be punctual (which actually means early). 

 

Still pregnant - 40 weeks

That's right. Panda Wontonio Chuy Nacho Speedy Gonzalez Bergstrom is due today. There is a reason they call it an estimated due date. No sign of labor yet.

Molly is less comfortable, but still doing well. Looking forward to aquatics tonight! Josh finished the night shift rotation. And Siena got a lovely haircut. We're in a holding pattern - trying to take it easy, get lots of rest, and enjoy eating out/going out while we wait for the Panda.


 

39 weeks of Pandamonium

Being 39 weeks pregnant is like having a 30+ lb. medicine ball strapped to your belly. Except it moves a lot. And sometimes kicks you in the ribs.

The housework has slowed down significantly. It's gone from full-on construction zone to completely functional and comfy home over the past 9 months. Just a bit of minor finishing touches left.

Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Meeting the Panda.
2. Spending time with Josh and the Panda. And Siena.
3. Sitting in a hot tub.
4. #3 + a glass of bourbon on the rocks.
5. #4 + a platter of unpasteurized goat cheeses.
 

 

A Letter to the Panda

Dear Panda,

We hope you've enjoyed your accommodations for the last 38 (almost 39) weeks. You've been so good to Molly, letting her sleep (most of the time) and not challenging her with too many pregnancy-related ailments. 

We wonder if you'll really like cereal and milk or peanut m&m's when you grow up. Molly certainly didn't like either of those snacks before you came around.

We have so many hopes and dreams for you. That you'll be happy, healthy, and successful in whatever way you define success. You'll make some mistakes, and we hope you learn from them. And we hope you'll forgive us for the mistakes we're bound to make. You will face new challenges throughout your life. Don't worry about having everything planned out and knowing what exact goal you are heading for, except the goal of experiencing new adventures with love and companionship. 

From Josh we hope you'll learn to be handy and scientific. From Molly we hope que aprendas a hablar espanol. And we're excited about all the things we'll learn from you as well.

You're already surrounded by family and friends who love you immensely, including a dog that is patient and sweet. She may sniff you and encourage you to chase her even before you're mobile, but she'll also let you lean on her and pull on her as you learn how to stand up and walk.

Thank you for not coming early - allowing us the time to get the house in the best possible shape for your arrival.

We love you.

P.S. Please be nice to Molly during labor.

37 weeks!

And we have lots to celebrate.

1. Our kitchen. It's functional and fantastic. The countertop came last week, and Josh installed the sink and dishwasher. We now officially have 3 sources of water in this house. AMAZING.

2. Floors. No, they're not in yet, but we hope to have it all in this week. We've been living on subfloor for a couple years now, so this is going to be, visually and functionally, a huge leap.

3. The Panda's room. It's about 90% done. Painted, arranged, full of clean clothes, blankets galore, and everything Panda imaginable.

4. Molly (and Panda) have reached 37 weeks, which is full term according to some (others say 38). Both are still feeling pretty good! Tired and heavy, but not awful.

5. Napping. Molly and Panda are excellent at napping. 

6. It's Molly's last week of work until the end of March. Refer to #5.

7. Josh is finishing up his night shift rotation. It's been going well, and it's actually given him more time during the day to work on the house.

8. Molly's belly button is still an innie.


9. And we're both getting really, really excited to meet the Panda.

Entering the 20th Century

In preparation for the Panda, Josh (with the help of our awesome friends & family) have been busy reconstructing our home. Last night Josh put the finishing touches on our bath. That's right. We have a place to bathe IN OUR OWN HOME! Thanks to the Windels and McCoy Wades for lending us their showers for the past, uh, two months.

Today we went for our 35 week check-up. Everything is looking good, and the Panda is already head down. I'm definitely slowing down (read: tired all the time), but still relatively comfortable. I'm working for two more weeks, and should have two weeks at home before my estimated due date. I'm looking forward to napping.

Also, go Ron Washington!

Panda Q. Bergstrom: Week 34

Panda Wonmonkeyo Speedy Gonzales Bergstrom is getting large. He and Molly are enjoying pre-natal aquatics and resting a lot. Molly is pretty tired these days, but otherwise doing really well. And they're both really loving the Major League Baseball postseason.

Josh is working the night shift as part of his training rotation at work. He's scheduled to go back to days the day the Panda is due. 

And truly amazing things are happening in our home, thanks to our awesome friends! Kitchen, bathroom, and Panda bedroom are in their final stages of remodel. It's been an incredible process, and we're looking forward to enjoying our wonderful no-longer-under-construction home.

Local Vacation, Active Panda, and Call for Volunteers

Josh and I went on a local vacation yesterday. We hopped into SF, got dinner at Farmer Brown (YUM), saw a movie (Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame), and stayed at the Donatello (thanks to the Nelsons/Windels). After breakfast this morning, we drove up to Point Reyes Station, got cheese and bread from the Cowgirl Creamery, and spent the afternoon at Limantour Beach. It was a really nice getaway.

Panda is 30 weeks old today. He's still active and squirmy, and overall treating me well (may it last for 18+ more years).

I'm going to put a call out for volunteers to help with our house on 10/2. Depending on how things are progressing, we'll probably need help with one of more of the following: painting walls, varnishing doors, stripping doors, assembling cabinets, installing flooring, moving heavy objects, and other things I haven't thought of yet. If you're free on 10/2 and would like to lend a hand, let me know. I promise to feed you well!

Panda Registry

Our friends & family are awesome (duh)! The Panda has already been spoiled by the generosity of many, and has tons of baby-toddler gear and clothes.

There are a few things left on his wish list. If you'd like to get him a "welcome to the world" present, here are some suggestions:

* giggle.com - Molly and Josh Bergstrom, #47854

http://www.giggle.com/eng/registry/47854

* amazon.com - Mariko and Josh Bergstrom

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html?ie=UTF8&type=baby&id=3O1MJ4259445O

* Panda is also accepting donations towards a diaper service. We're probably going to start with Tiny Tots diaper service to see how it goes. A gift card would be much appreciated! http://store.tinytots.com/store/category/22/136/Gift-Card/

* And/or...Panda is already saving for college, and we'd gladly accept cash donations for that!

Celebrating Mom!

We spent Saturday in Monterey celebrating my mom's 70th birthday. Isn't she cute? Saturday also marked the 33rd anniversary of when she went into labor with me.


The Panda is 27 weeks old today. He's active like his dad, and clearly practicing to be a star soccer player. He even kicked his way through my prenatal massage!


Josh is doing amazing things to our home in preparation for the Panda. The best advice my mom ever gave me was to marry rich or marry handy. ;)

Pandatastic vacation and lots of demo!

Just a quick update:

Panda (and Molly) spent last weekend in New York seeing friends, walking endlessly, and eating lots of good food. Much love and thanks to our now completely Brooklyn-based crew (David, Katie, Alex, Adele, Matty, Jodi) and our travel buddy (Kim) for the fun times!

Josh (with help from his family) has been busy deconstructing our house, reframing walls in the Panda's room, the kitchen, and the bathroom. We'll make sure to save a couple projects for when the Panda is here, so he can learn to be handy like his father.

Siena has spent most of this time sleeping, alternately on the deck and in the living room.

Panda, it is!

Panda narrowly beat out Jesus Ignacio (Chuy Nacho) in the naming poll, so we'll be sticking with that for now. More name polling to come.

The Panda is becoming more active. I can feel him doing what must be jumping jacks. Or the dance Jennifer Beals does in Flashdance where she's basically running in place. Yes, I am anticipating a very active Panda.


But now on to more pressing issues. Things that really keep me up at night. What kind of diaper bag should I get? Do I want to share one with Josh? Can two Virgos keep one bag organized in the "correct" way? As a bag connoisseur, I find it totally unacceptable that I'm not well versed in diaper bags. Looking for suggestions here, people!

FAQ

I know you're all curious about the Panda. Otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. And we're really thrilled that you're so excited about him! Here are some answers to questions you might have:

Due Date & Delivery

• Yes, we know when he's due. Estimates include 11/27, 11/28, and 11/29. No, he is NOT going to be a Scorpio. No, we will most likely not be at Thanksgiving, but thank you for the invite.
• No, we don't know where he will be born. We are going to tour Kaiser Oakland and Kaiser Walnut Creek.

Pregnancy & Parenting Advice

• Yes! We'd love to know what worked/didn't work for you.
• No, we do not want to hear what we "have to" buy, read, do, or eat.
• Yes, we know the benefits of breastfeeding, and yes, that's the plan.

Names

• Yes! The names in the polls are fun. No, we're not really going to go with any of them.
• No, we're not going to tell you the name until the Panda is here.

Stuff

• Yes, we'd love to know about baby/child stuff you're looking to pass along.

Other

• Yes, we will have a meal delivery plan, coordinated by the lovely Molly & Darren Croteau. Stay tuned.
• Yes, we are taking prenatal classes, vitamins, etc.
• Yes, there is a ton of work to be done on the house before Panda gets here, and yes, we'd love your help. Projects range from major demo & remodel (bathroom) to cleaning & painting (Panda's room). Let me know if you're interested in helping with any of it!
• Yes, we will have a registry for baby gifts. But not yet.

It's a...

Panda! And not only is it a panda, it's a boy panda.

The 20 week ultrasound (pandavision) revealed a very active, squirmy, flexible, and healthy kid. 

And now we get to start seriously considering boy names. Josh's family has made some very, um, interesting suggestions. Vote for your favorite!*



* Absolutely no guarantee we'll go with the name that gets the top votes.

El Panda Or La Panda

5 days until the 20 week ultrasound. That means only 5 more days for you to look into your crystal ball, wildly guess, or place bets on the gender of the Panda.