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!