Body Work

A dear friend sent me a fantastic read about an author's journey in pregnancy. I'm reading her private diary but not getting in trouble for invading her privacy. I resonate with these reflections.

"My body adapts and the baby grows according to a wisdom designed into it--decidedly not in response to whatever clever brainstorms and willful effort I can muster. I do this work unconsciously while I sleep or while I'm thinking about other thing things, just as much as when I focus my thoughts on my belly.

Let me enjoy it, this effortless work! Nothing is so uncomplicatedly wholesome and holy as this."

Not as if You Care

Okay seriously. Numbers and I have never had a good relationship. Just ask my husband. He sees my aversion (this may not be strong enough of a descriptive) first-hand to numbers. What I’m saying is, it’s no surprise that I’ve miscalculated…again. I haven’t gained 16 lbs as noted in my last entry. I’ve gained 13 lbs. But not that anyone cares. For me, it simply means I have more room until Feb. to “space out” my weight gain. And more importantly, it means Thanksgiving Day (one week from today!) couldn’t be at a better time of year! Hey, I’m just doing my duty; working on the baby.

Programming our Child

I had another doctor's appointment a few days ago. The goal was to check my glucose level and blood pressure. My BP levels are "boring" as Dr. Evita teased, and no red-flags about a too-high, or too-low glucose reading. I've gained 16 lbs (entering my third trimester), and the tetanus shot (in the back-side...hallo!) caught me off guard but I survived.

Dr. Evita was telling my husband and I that next week would be a good time to start "playing" with Cutie Spotts, as his/her hearing is becoming more and more attuned to our voices. She talked about the importance of the bonding as well as the learning for both us and the baby. She suggested tapping on my belly, watching and waiting for kicks, and singing/talking to our little one.

Ben had a better suggestion. He leaned into my tummy, and in a robotic voice repeated, "You will be a good teenager...you won't give us trouble... discipline won't be an issue." I looked around at the doctor and two nurses as I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Dr. Evita was have coughing fits of laughter, and the two shy nurses were in the corner covering their mouths with stiffled giggles. I told Ben that we're not "programming" our child, but bonding through songs, coochie-coos, and sweet nothings. He stopped. Silence. Hummm....

I couldn't ask for a better life-mate, a sweeter husband, a more caring man than my husband, Ben. And oh yeah, he makes me laugh too.

Virtual Baby Shower?!

Since the announcement of our pregnancy, many friends have asked how to welcome home Cutie Spotts, or if its possible to have a virtual baby shower. Your response has been overwhelming and we are touched! Here are three opportunities to give, which you might be interested in.

1. We registered for a few items at Target.com.

2. This is our Wish List. The items pictured below are available at a local store (most items are made by a great UK company). This is easier & less complicated than having them carried into India, and the prices are only a little higher than what you'd pay in the US. Cash donations will help us buy them. Any amount will be gratefully accepted! Make checks to “Ben Spotts” and either:

a) if you want your gift to be anonymous, include a separate note that says "Please deposit to the checking account of Benjamin Spotts of 3690 Arrowhead Way, Hood River, OR 97031". Then send to:
OSU Federal Credit Union
PO Box 306
Corvallis, OR 97339-0306

b) if you don't mind us knowing (we'd love to thank you personally!), just put a few words on the memo line of your check to say which item you’re contributing towards. Then mail to Ben's parents who will email us to let us know your check arrived, and then they'll deposit it for us:
Bob & Kim Spotts
3690 Arrowhead Way
Hood River, OR 97031

Diaper Bag, $45 -- FULFILLED. Not this one, but another version was gifted. THANKS!!


Bottles (4 pack), $18 --FULFILLLED--THANKS!

Booster Seat, $45 --FULFILLED--THANKS


Safety Gate, $47.50 -- FULFILLED--THANKS!


Baby monitor, $76 -- FULFILLED! THANKS.

Baby Gym, $67 -- FULFILLED! THANKS.

Mobile, $36 -- FULFILLED! THANKS

Fitted sheets, $23 -- FULFILLED! THANKS.

Newborn starters, $48

Thermometer, $15.25 -- FULFILLED! THANKS

Sippy Cup, $7.75

Electric Breast Pump, $171.50 -- FULFILLED! THANKS

Car seat $150 -- FULFILLED! THANKS.

3. I compiled the list below after talking to friends in India who gave their suggestions based on their own experiences with their children being born and/or brought up here. Contact me about the best way to get them carried by people coming to visit (grandparents, for instance), or I can give you our postal address. We’d love any of these. If you’d like to send them contact me for the best way to get them here.

--Clothing (Good quality can be more costly here than outside prices.)
-- Onesies
-- Diaper rash cream (A&D brand) FULFILLED! THANKS.
-- “First Years” products
-- Any learning-based toys
-- Blankets FULFILLED! THANKS.
-- Baby wipes
-- Zip lock bags (all sizes)

2 lbs Today

Today I read in my pregnancy book that:

Today our little one weighs almost two pounds.
"Time is passing quickly."
Today is week 26. Meaning the end of my sixth month. Meaning, my third trimester begins next week.
Meaning "it won't be long until your baby is born."

Gulp. Anybody have a paper bag I can breath into?

Nov 1st and a belly

Today is Nov. 1st and I am at 25 weeks and going strong with a full belly. Mom can attest to the fact that her daughter is with child... she even felt the little guy/gal kick around. I think someone's happy to know grandma has come for a visit :)

My next doctor's appointment is one week away where I will be given the usual glucose test (yummy), along with some minor pokes and prodes.

Shades of green and yellow are appearing in the guest room, soon-to-be baby room. I've never seen such teeny tiny socks! Thank you Trisha. We have many to thank. Thank you all!