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!