Summer Luvin', Havin' Some Fun...

My summer off from work is fast approaching. This break is going to give me an opportunity to knock off or maintain some items from my neverending mental ToDo list.

Family:
•Continue to pamper and support the wife (D-day is approaching)
•Paint our baby's furniture chest white (touching up an old hand-me down)
•Start reading up on child-rearing (birth process is only one day in a lifelong adventure!)
•Finish preparation of baby's room/area (baby needs a place for his/her stuff)

Work:
•Look for part-time work (i think i'm gonna tutor during the summer)
•Prepare for next sem's new class (i'm teaching a new class next sem)

Self:
•Get my last minute fishing in (before the baby comes in!)
•Start working out again (man...do i ever need to :) )


DETAILS
Tina's been doing a great job with the pregnancy! During her last OB visit, the doctor told her to start monitoring the baby's kick counts. So twice a day, Tina quiets down and concentrates. From afar, Tina looks like she's sleeping. Her eyes are closed, and her breathing is rhythmic and soft. But I know she's very awake, focusing on counting the baby's every movement. Her goal is to find out how long the baby takes to move ten times.

Just typing this gives me goosepimples!

Looking around me, we know that time and it's minions stop for no one. The joys of birth and the pains of death constantly cycle in this swirlng, ordered chaos that is existence. But when Tina drowns it all out and closes her eyes and ears to all external, the only elements left are her and the child within. No more worrying about work or friends or anything else. No more worrying about money or wars. It's all about that simple but miraculous bond between mother and unborn baby. It's all about that sacrifice of blood and energy to grow the baby. It's all about sending the baby thoughts of warmth and love and to feel the baby respond with kick, a roll, or even a little sommersault!

Sure this is a life-drama that happens every day, every minute, all over the world. But right now, during the lull before the storm, i have the opportunity to appreciate it...and even be a little jealous :)