Nia's New Blog

Hey everyone, Nia has a new blog where you can check out all her shenanigans:

http://web.me.com/djstrobe/Niaisabel/Blog/Blog.html

Nia's HERE!!!

Nia Isabel Cohen was born today at 6:03 am. She weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 1/4 inches....

-1 day

When we started the blog we had calculated May 25th as our due date, the midwives later calculated the 24th. Not that any of this matters because as you can see, we are approaching the end of the 26th and still no baby. As you can imagine, we are pretty close to losing our minds and yet I couldn't get an appointment with the midwife until Thursday afternoon.

In the meantime, we are trying to keep sane by getting some last minute stuff. We shopped today for a swing and again were overwhelmed. The one we liked was only available as a clearance item that was obviously previously returned. We'll research the other choices available and go from there.

The last thing I want to do is rush her into coming before she is ready, but knowing how limited my time is hurts more as time passes. We'll see what happens if anything tonight and tomorrow.

Wrapping It Up

So technically today is Nia's due date, and I think that ship has sailed and unless something happens tomorrow isn't looking so likely either so now it's anyone's guess. I'm sure you can imagine how much we want to meet her and now it's like Christmas has come and gone and we're still not allowed to open the presents.

I have been archiving this blog since once Nia is born we are moving to a new blog since this was just to chronicle our journey through pregnancy. During the process I have been reading the posts and looking at the pictures and can't believe how quickly 9 months have flown by. I can still remember Melissa and I having the discussion about wanting to start a family. I remember how guilty I felt because of my daughter living so far away that having another child would make her feel like I was replacing her which could never happen.

I think about how our lives are going to change forever. I think about how truly in awe I am of Melissa and how she has handled everything during all of this. I think about all the things we decided on concerning things like discipline, food, guidance, and more and how allot of it will go out the window because each child is different and you really can't predict the personality of your kid in utero. I think about never ending up on the Maury Show. I think about a little Melissa running away from us when we try and comb her hair after we wash it. I think about all the people in our lives that are no longer with us that will never get to meet Nia, some of which Gillian was fortunate to spend time with. I think about the shoes she has, and shoes she'll get. I think about what her laugh will sound like and if she'll be ticklish like her mom, or not like I am. I think about Nia spending time with her big sister Gillian. I think about how her grandmothers will spoil her like no ones business. Most of all, I think about how fortunate I am to be going down this road with such an amazing partner.

Bring on the dirty diapers and sleepless nights!!!

Meeting our Doula

So we decided a little late in the game to have a doula with us at the birth 1) to help Eric out with the physical aspects of assisting with the birth and 2) to have someone with us in the event I wind up having to go to the hospital as the midwives don't. We met with a woman this morning with whom we couldn't be more comfortable and we definitely look forward to having her there with us. I will also confess that I didn't truly have a full understanding of what a doula contributes to the birth experience before this meeting, particularly the support one might get from a family member with the knowledge and objectivity of a professional who won't be too swept up in our emotional state (especially knowing us). I really feel like we would have missed out had we not pursued this.


So we're at 39+4 and so far no real changes that I've noticed. That's fine as I've been wrapping up a couple of things at work this week but should be done by tomorrow. I'm just concerned about having less time with Nia before intern orientation starts June 16th if she arrives after our EDD. Hopefully she'll be ready soon enough. I also look forward to feeling my fingers again. Stay tuned. -M

The Room

For now we're staying in our place and since Nia is going to be in a Co-Sleeper next to the bed all her stuff is in our room.

Nia Is So Getting A Time Out

I know you're saying to yourself "Self, what could an unborn little girl do to already deserve a time out?" She could keep her mom and dad waiting. Well technically, Nia isn't late yet until after the 24th but we just had a checkup today and Melissa's not dilated at all. Not that doesn't mean anything but she's probably not coming early which we had hoped for. Nia is fully baked and we are anxious to meet her but she'll come when she's good and ready.

Other then the pregnancy induced carpel tunnel, some hand itching and arm pain everything is going quite well. I guess we'll just have to be a little more patient. -E

Some pics from the last visit where we took our Mom's:

Mellow Yellow

Some picture I took of Melissa during one of the few remaining spontaneous couple dinners...

Down To Single Digits

I know it's just a number but it's really both exciting and makes us anxious. We know the chances of Nia coming in 9 days is slim to none. Also knowing Nia could come tonight or in 2 weeks from now really has us on edge. We want to meet her so much but we know she'll come when she's ready.

to Nia...

Before anything else I wanted to thank you. Even though we still have a little more to go before you arrive, I can say I've enjoyed carrying you these past nine months. Some moms have a lot of troubles during their pregnancies, but I feel like I've been lucky to be able to share this time with you without too many issues like the bad morning sickness or bad swelling, etc. Right now, typing this is a little difficult, but I wanted to you to know how much Mommy appreciates how good you've been to her. I really can't wait to see you. Daddy and I are going to do everything we can to make sure your arrival is not too scary and that you're as comfy as can be right away. I plan to have a nice first meal all ready for you too.

Things are pretty much set for you. You'll be sleeping right next to me and Daddy for a while, so we'll be right there when you want us. There will be lots of people who will want to meet you, but we'll make sure that we give you time to adjust and hang with us first and that you won't be too overwhelmed.

Our time together has made me think about so many things. Mostly, I think about all the things I want to teach you and how much I'm sure I'll learn from you.

For a long time, I didn't know whether I wanted be anyone's Mommy. But now I know that there is nothing better because I get to be yours. Meeting your Daddy and loving him so much made it feel right for us to bring you into the world. It made what I thought was complicated so simple. Daddy and I love you very much. See you soon.

Love Mommy

Melissa Week 38

Um, any day now Nia, any day...

Ode To Nia

Gillian and I have our song, "There Goes My Life" by Kenny Chesney. Even though we're not huge fans of the genre, it's a Country song but it is truly beautiful. I remember singing it with Gillian at my brothers wedding:



Since we're having another girl I felt like even though Nia isn't born yet we needed a song as well, and once again turned to Country (I don;t see T-pain or Justin Timberlake writing a song about daughters). I chose "My Little Girl" from Tim McGraw. I defy you to not be in tears after listening to this song even if you don't like Country music.



Here's the lyrics:

Tim McGraw, My Little Girl Lyrics

Verse 1:
Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.
Gonna tell you how much I love you,
though you think you already know.
I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.
You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

Chorus:
Your beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

Verse 2:
When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone.
Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown.
Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You!" in the moonlight at your door.
As I walk away, I hear you say, "Daddy Love You More!".

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 3:
Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand.
But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the half
that makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man.
I know he'll say that he's in love.
But between you and me. He won't be good enough!

(Repeat Chorus)

13 DAYS!!!

Cast Ye Out

Melissa and I experimented and made a belly cast of her so we could have a memento of our pregnancy, I mean besides Nia of course. At first I was grossed out by the feeling of the plaster cast and was about to throw the towel in but soon after I got into it and we had a blast making it. Not sure how were going to decorate it. We may give it to one of of our artist friends or wait for Nia and Gillian to do it together. We definitely want her birth date, name and weight on it...

Sweet Melissa...

She looks ready for summer, and ready to have a baby!

Ready, Set, Whew...

We are for all intensive purposes mentally, physically, and spiritually ready for Nia. Our place is clean, she has space for all her stuff, and we are finishing making space for our stuff now that we have rearranged everything. Here is a picture of her newly built armoire:

BEFORE:


AFTER:
With some of her stuff in it:


Special thanks to Momo for painting the baskets pink...

A Girl Can Never Have Enough Shoes

We have been bringing Nia's clothes over to put in her new furniture including her rather large collection of shoes...

I Am So Proud Of Us

Melissa and I actually ordered and built an armoire for Nia, and if you knew us you would be impressed. Now we get to fill it with all her clothes, well at least the ones for the first 6 months, then well swap it out. 26 DAYS!!!

Are My Eyes Decieving Me?

Does the counter REALLY say 30 DAYS?!? Were off to birthing classes till 3PM... -E

Onesie, Twosie, Threesie

Here are some other super adorable gifts from our friends...


Melissa and just did our Pilates for pregnancy workout and the mutual "partner" stretching exercises. We need to go shopping for some summer maternity outfits since it is getting hot in here even though shes only 32 days and counting. Nia and I continue our 3am poking sessions (that's when I'm snuggled up next to Melissa and I feel one of Nia's foot or elbow pushing against me and I feel compelled to tap back and see if she responds, even though the response is Melissa usually going "Really? Its 3am").

Further Adventures OF Zeva and Alex

Since we don't have Nia here yet we keep on practicing with Zeva and Alex... But there's only 32 days left so the countdown is really progressing now and we're really getting anxious and exited!

Cute New Onesie For Nia

"So, next month..."

So Eric and I were at a friend's house this evening for Passover Seder. One of the other guests who earlier asked about our due date at one point said to me "So, next month..." to which I responded, "No, it's M...yeah it is next month". It didn't really occur to me until that moment. Wow. Next month, there will be this new person who will need us all the time for everything but at the same time give us more than we can ever imagine. We've started the discussions on choosing a pediatrician, and I have some preferences based on observations I've made during my pediatric rotations. The apartment is still far from ready, but I'm still optimistic that we just work better under tighter deadlines. Also, my mom is coming at the end of this month to crackdown on us for what we haven't done yet. I'm also becoming a bit anxious about the little bit of time I will have to be at home with Nia before I start internship. Orientation starts the middle of June, which cuts my time even more. She's not even born and I'm starting to feel guilty about leaving her. What eases my mind, however, is that she will have the bestest Daddy ever taking care of her. -M

Muchas Gracias

We wanted to once again thank everyone who has given Nia such wonderful things, I am in the process of taking pictures of them and will post them soon! We have made out thank you cards but apparently getting them to the post office is easier then it sounds...

7 Weeks (or 49 Days / 70,560 Minutes) Left...

We're right at 33 weeks now and we had another appointment with the midwife last week and everything is looking perfect. In fact the midwife actually said that Melissa wore pregnancy well and looks great, not that that is going to convince her to do it again. Right now we are cleaning up as much as we can before Melissa's Mother comes in this month to help us organize the apartment in anticipation of Nia taking over the space. Frankly, we just want Nia here already because we want to hug her and squeeze her and kiss her little belly. (But we're not calling her George, if you don't know the reference then you missed great classic cartoons)

I really wish that Gillian was here to experience all this with us since this is her sister. Hopefully she can come visit longer in the summer so they can spend time together. I am also exited that Nia will have little friends like Zeva and Alex here to play with.

Zeva Warrior Princess

Our friend Meira's daughter Zeva is about as cute as it gets and we love spending time with her and can't wait for Nia to be born so they can become friends. I am already thinking of the day we can take the two of them to places like the Zoo and the park. They are pretty much going to be a year apart, so Zeva will be two just before Nia's first birthday.

The Countdown Is Progressing...

...and I am stressing. We still haven't finished cleaning the place so we could bring in the baby furniture and thankfully my mother has been nice about Nia's stuff taking over most available space. My old bedroom when I used to live there is packed with clothing for the baby that people have given us or handed down to us.

I keep looking at things for the baby and realizing how much we still need that we didn't even put on the registry.

Brooklyn baby Shower Pics

Here are somne pictures from Nia's baby shower in New York. We want to thank everyone for coming and for all the great stuff for Nia!

Melissa Week 29+

Holy shmoley it's like 73 days and counting... Here is a new picture of Melissa and Nia in full bulginess with mess in the background (those are boxes we're using to pack stuff up for storage so we can make room for all of Nia's stuff)