The not-heard-anywhere-else-in-nature sound and volume that these hiccups create are actually the most distinctive features of the Daddy Sylvester Hiccups (DSH). But the duration and rate of recurrence are also defining aspects of the DSH that, I fear, have become inherited by Tot.
I was already awake this morning and enjoying the lazing around in bed on a Sunday morning until I was truly ready to begin my day, which I know I should try to appreciate while I can. I was feeling Tot's usual kicks and maneuvers that I feel when I'm laying down. Then I noticed that it seemed this one type of kick was quite rhythmic, and I didn't know why Tot would move an arm or leg that many times in a row, about 2 times per second, and continue to.... hey wait a minute, I realized... maybe that's not an arm or leg at all, but rather Tot's diaphragm jumping to a steady beat of... Noooooooooo... DSH!!! I rubbed my belly. I rolled to the other side. I tapped. To no avail. They continued for almost 15 minutes. I imagined that Tot felt pretty, well, bushed, from all that hiccuping. Poor kid.
I'm interested to see if they sound like Daddy's once he or she isn't cooped up in a bag of amniotic fluid and really able to use those lungs. At least we won't have to worry about Tot getting the worst kind of hiccups for a good many years... the AAFBSH: After-a-Few-Beers-Sylvester-Hiccups.
On another note, I thought I'd update my reading list to accurately reflect all the books I am currently reading sections of based on my mood and whatever sub-topic of pregnancy feels most pressing at the time. The main topic lately is Labor and Delivery. I feel like I'm cramming for the biggest test of my life. Although, unlike in high school or college, when I always knew WHEN the test was going to be, I am only able to narrow this one down to a time span of a few weeks... could be in October, could be almost Thanksgiving for all I know.
I am happy to report that I am now able to think and read about the topic without a huge knot in my stomach. I even continue to breathe somewhat normally. The lightheadedness has also subsided considerably.
Thanks to my fabulous doula sister-in-law Kara (how lucky am I), the most helpful book so far has been Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. And the website of Empowerisms (yes, "Empowerisms") was also just what I was needing to help wrap my mind around the fact that labor and delivery are, in fact, humanly possible.
So that's the labor preparation. And for full Team Tot participation, our full-day Prepared Childbirth class is next month.
But lately it's occured to me that maybe I should have a clue about what to do with Tot once he or she arrives. (Ahhh what a nice word - "arrives". Sounds like the baby will show up with a knock at the front door. Has anyone looked into that delivery method? Maybe there's still time for that to become an option. I can see it now - Nicky's Birthplan: Tot will knock on door. Nicky and Nate will answer door and pick Tot up. Tot will be fully clothed and diaper will have been recently changed. They will begin happy life together.)
Okay, enough Fantasy Land talk.
Anyway - I've heard from a few people that it is helpful to have done some research on the basics of taking care of a newborn before you have a live newborn to practice on. I'm sure that trial and error are an integral part of how one figures these things out, and every kid is different, blah blah blah... but I'd like to spare Tot, and us for that matter, any stress and tears that we can possibly spare by getting a basic clue before we become in charge or his or her well-being. Thus also registering for the "Breastfeeding Basics" and "Baby Care" classes.
I know, I know. At this point you are concerned for my blood pressure level due to the level of neuroticism I have just outlined. But, awareness is the first step, right? So, at least I'm able to identify where I'm at with all of this. And share it with all of you. Funny stuff, right??
And speaking of funny, I was reviewing pictures from our wedding, 5 years ago Friday. Wait a minute, that didn't come out right.
What was FUNNY was when I pictured Nate trying to re-create the one below with me in my present condition. I think the likelihood is quite high that another picture would follow it that shows a bride and groom emerging from the water having just created a good-sized splash.
Nicky and Nate31 weeks 4 days
