"Dad's" Update

Hey now! “Dad” here! Wow…Dad.

So, being that there are only a few weeks left in this pregnancy, I figured I would show my face on this blog, make a contribution, and try to avoid being a total schlub. How about this blog eh? Is it amazing or what?! I am in awe at how Bridget is able to tirelessly update and maintain this site. How about a round of applause (inside joke)?

As I sit here and think about the miracle that is pregnancy, my thoughts keep coming back to my wife: the one and only Bridget. Over these last 34 weeks, I have fallen more and more in love with this woman. Her resilience through the mental and physical demands of pregnancy has just been astounding. I cannot imagine what it feels like to have your body go through such a major change, but here she is, and she just keeps on keepin’ on. I love her very much and feel oh so fortunate to have been blessed with such a woman as my wife.

As Bridget mentioned in her last post, we had our first “Birthing” class on Monday. While this actually turned out to be quite enjoyable and informative, it was rather sobering as well. There’s nothing like the image of the instructor struggling to push a baby doll through the plastic skeleton of a woman’s pelvis. It certainly grounded my thoughts from their previous occupation with murals, furniture, and strollers. Needless to say, our first class made things seem all the more “real,” however, my excitement that revolves around Baby Forie’s arrival has increased tenfold.

I guess my biggest fear right now is whether or not I will be a good dad. Typically there is some sort of a certification or licensing exam when acquiring a new title. Not this time around! The hospital simply sends you on your way with a human being that you are ultimately responsible for for the rest of your life. I think I’m up for the challenge. Well I don’t really have a choice do I? Thankfully, I have had the most amazing role model in my own father so I think I’m off to a good start.

See ya next time! Pax vobis.

So...............................

many things to update on

tired

ready for work to be over

excited for the baby's arrival

happy we began our first birthing class

loving the mural in the baby's room

not wanting to do lesson plans for April,May, and June for school

much moving going on in the belly its crazy

tired...did I say that

hungry

need to update with belly pics on here

looking forward to seeing family and friends in a few weeks

cannot believe its only 7 weeks away...or less if this baby is eager!

much fun was had at Connor's birthday this weekend...I love him so much

glad you are reading my blog and sharing in this with me!

Moving Along!!!!

So Christian and I are on vacation this week!!Woohooo to teaching schedules!!! We started the week by having "Grandma and Gramps Santoro" come over Sunday for some planning of the mural. They had already done a life size mock-up of the painting and we were in shock! It looks awesome! We are doing an underwater scene....they started with the border, doing the ocean waves, some sand, palm trees and a sand castle : ) So cute!!!! So the painting officially started on Monday and it already looks soothing and adorable : ) "Aunt jill" came over Monday to plan out her section of the mural too!! She is doing the sea turtle family and some fishies : ) She had a great idea of adding the anemone that the clown fish live in above the changing table....she said that that's where the fish protect and keep their babies and I loved her thoughts on that and incorporating that into the whole mural. So thoughtful : ) "Grandma Forie" (not sure if that is her official Grandma name yet! : ) is going to come over too to paint some fish with us soon...and I def want to get out a paint brush myself...like the idea of a joint effort. Anyone up for fish painting!!

Being that we have this week off, we started getting other "nitty gritty" stuff done yesterday. Called some pediatrician offices and some more daycare places to visit. Waiting on calls back for tours and meetings. Guess I've been feeling more tired lately, so trying to rally some energy to get up and out too! With that in mind, Christian and I headed up to Buy Buy Baby to pick up the crib and changing table!!! We (or I should say "he") was able to load it all into the truck and bring it home!!! Cannot wait to fold things and put them into the drawers and make it all official! Can't really set any of it up yet, though bc we have the painting going on in the babys room...will have to soon though bc we have to get something organized. Guess it all depends on when the artists will be revisiting the Forie "house"!

Have a dr. appt today for a check-up at 3:45. Just a routine "how are you feeling" appt....but may start asking about more details about the birth and maternity leave. We start our birth class on Monday too so that's exciting!!!

Thought we were narrowing in on a girls name...but not sure now. Then realized that we have to discuss middle names!! So...still some time left....8 weeks actually!!!! WOW!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Hey Everyone!!! Valentine's Day is here...and I woke up at 6:45ish to a TON of movement and "kicks"! They are big movements now, lots of body adjusting and getting comfortable in there : ) Gotta stretch out those long legs I guess!!!


Have had some fun updates lately,and some more coming up this week....I am off this whole week from school!!Woohooo! Christian and I are so lucky to both be in education and have the same time off : ) I kept saying that "I'm waiting until February break to do everything to prepare."...and now here it is!!! Oh boy!!!! So let's see.....


*Was excited when the doorbell rang the other day and I opened it to find our infant car seat and extra base at the door!!! The Schulz women have good taste!! We were sooo excited to open it up and pop it into the stroller! Christian was strolling around the apartment practicing! Seeing that car seat has just made me so giddy about it all! Picturing a tiny body occupying that seat and so happy! (tiny body? at 9lbs!)

*Christian's work threw him a surprise "shower" yesterday at work! So sweet of them!! They really know him so well....along with the wonderful "pack-n-play" and sheets, they got him a case of redbull and a black and white cookie cake!!!!! We had so much fun last night putting it all together and eating the cake : ) Lots of reading directions and confusion with putting it together....which I can envision being second nature once little forie gets here! The other day he also recieved a gift from "The Office" for little forie...how adorable is this!!



*A few teachers came in at the beginning of the week to do demo lessons to replace me....and there are like 4 other preggo spec ed teachers in the district too that need a replacement. I think the students will like who they picked. As one of my kids said, "when is that enthusiastic teacher coming back?"....no need for them to hide their true feelings! It'll be like "mrs forie who?" by june!

*Paiting and sketching to begin this week!!!! This is a biggie!! My dad and mom are coming over Sunday to begin "talks" about the painting and mural. Then beginning the sketching on Monday. He is doing the sky and waves that will be the top border of the room. Not sure if I've told him he's probably doing the coral too!! (If he's reading this...now he knows!!!! wink wink!!!) Jill is coming over Monday too to start planning and show us her wonderful drawings of sea turtles!!! She made me cry with her idea for the mural this week....three turtles representing the new family!! Love it!!!! Want to do some fish on the walls too : ) Thinking that maybe I can "dabble" in some of the fish painting if i don't mess it up! We are so lucky to have such talented people in the family to help us with this : ) Very excited about it all!!!

*Unrelated to baby stuff...did I mention that I had my 22 year St.Brigid's elementary school reunion this past weekend....due to everyones connection on Facebook??? Was nervous to go, but it was so fun! Saw Eileen "Graham", who I haven't seen in forever, so that was the best : )

*Going up to MA this week for Mr.Connor's 2nd birthday!!! Cannot wait to see and hug him!!! He is getting so big and smarter every day!! Now a "bilingual" child...he is able to communicate with people of all cultures : )

*So when I woke up this morning, I figured my active little one was hungry, so I had some cake! Gonna rest a little now and then make some real breakfast for my hubby!Thanks for reading!!! Love to everyone <3

31 Weeks Today!!!

Went for a stroll in our "backyard" on the beach! Took some updated pregnancy belly shots!

4 lbs!!!!!!!

Christian and I went to a "growth sonogram" yesterday! "Aunt Jill" came with us to see the little one too!!! It was AWESOME!!!! We were able to see the baby in 3D! We saw the actual face and hand!!! I won't say who I think it looked like, but I was shocked when i saw it....thought it immediately! Not going to post the pic...want to keep you all in suspense!!! The technician and Dr. both said the baby is around 4lbs and MAY GROW TO 9LBS!!!!! Everything looks wonderful and we are on track! The baby's head is "down" and in position....arms and legs are on my right side, which explains alot! Just a wonderful experience and made it seem more real!
Just got off the phone with some candidates for my "leave replacement" at work...so weird that some stranger is going to be in my classroom for a few months. Its kind of hard to envision and "release" the power to someone else. I'm sure when I'm home with the baby I won't care though! But still, its scary now to think about it. I'm very structured with how the end of the year goes in school...and with preparing for the next school year....so we'll see. I may go in in June for a few days to regroup and get ready for Sept. This way I won't be totally overwhelmed come the end of August and it all be on my plate at once. It's alot to balance. Anyhoo....last night was two for one sundaes...have some icecream left over....must finish it off....wouldn't want to waste food ; )

a little bit of pampering....

Took the day off to do some "pampering" and errands : ) Visited a daycare this morning...liked the place and its by my work. On the waiting list. Have to keep looking around so I don't put all my eggs in one basket. We'll see what happens. It was so cute being there around the time of drop off for alot of the kids...seeing all the little ones and their moms and dads...very cute : )

Came back to Long Beach and got a much needed manicure/pedicure...noone was in the place, so the lady was able to spend extra time making the "preggo lady" feel good : ) So funny that she kept holding my arm and assisting me as I walked around the place, like I would fall over if not helped! So funny! She even helped me button my coat! My toesies look pretty and I feel a little more normal which is nice : ) Came home and made alot of phone calls about maternity leave and stuff....then Christian came home in the snow : )
Headed out to dinner for Grandma's 85th birthday with my mom, dad, and Christian. Had a really nice time at this new place in Mineola, Circa. Yummy food and loved being together : )
Work tomorrow...ugh!

*new! Polar Bear Plunge and UPDATE!!

"Dad to be" will be jumping in the ocean in Long Beach today for the Polar Bear Plunge! This year the Polar Bears will attempt to break a Guinness World Record as "The Largest Polar Bear Dip" on record! The Fories, Macks, and Degregorias will be heading down to take part! (Moms-to-be Ann Marie and Bridget will be cheerleaders and videographers!! My biggest feat will be walking the mile down to the "jump in spot"!) Wish us luck!

Baby has been moving and grooving alot lately...been able to feel certain parts I think too! Did a chinese birthing chart with a girl at school and it predicts a boy....we'll see!


Update!!! The Polar Bear was a huge success! Not sure yet if the record was broken, but there was a ton of support out there! Christian went in the water THREE times!!!! The weather was warmer...but the water was not! We had a great time!



Anthony and Christian realize that THREE times in MAY have been tooo much!