Top 4 Milestones of the Third Trimester

So it has been a long time since I wrote on my blog! Things got crazy for awhile as we were trying to get ready for Pinky's debut in 4 weeks and 5 days!!! Things have simmered back down now that the majority of the preparation is completed. That being said, I thought it was great timing to share the top 4 things that Katie and I completed since my last blog. Here it goes:

1. Pinky's Nursery- with time, Katie's creativity, grandma's sewing skills and the help of great friends, we were able to finish the nursery. It looks fantastic with its giraffe theme, pretty pink colors, and its classy look. :)


2. Pinky's Doctor Appointments- As we got closer to Pinky's debut, the doctor appointments increased dramatically! The great news is that Pinky's is a very healthy baby! (Thanks to our Father in Heaven) At 33 weeks and 3 days Pinky was 5lbs and 11 oz.! Although Pinky is in the 70th percentile in weight , her expected debut has not changed; still expecting her around November 5th.


3. Baby Showers- Over the last two months Katie had 5 baby showers (all different groups of family and friends). We were so amazed and grateful for the love that poured out from our family and friends with helping us jump start Pinky's life and to help us make Pinky as comfortable as we can. Because of the gifts, love and support from family and friends, Katie and I spent very little of our own money and for that we are very grateful!!!! Thanks guys!! We love you!!


4. Baby Classes- Katie and I received a ton of valuable information on helping ensure we are prepared to be the best parents we can be. From learning how to change a diaper to learning infant and child CPR, CMC (Pinky's hospital) covered the entire spectrum.

Painting Pinky's Room: Day 1

This past weekend, I had the honor of painting my daughter's room as she continues to grow and develop into a beautiful little girl. Most of the painting is done; with the exception of touch up spots and the top of the walls near the ceiling. With each stroke and hour gone by, I had all sorts of wonderful thoughts about the upcoming memories my family (especially Pinky) will make in this room. I thought about the first time I would come and visit her in the crib. I thought about her first crawl across the floor to me as I sit on the floor preparing to read her a book. I thought about her becoming a little lady that I have to constantly ask to put her toys away to ensure a neat and tidy room. I thought about her first sleepover with friends. I also thought about the teenager she would become; staying locked up in her room and talking on the phone to her friends about the latest gossip at school. With each stroke, I realized that this room has sooo much more ahead. I love it. I'm honored to get this room prepared for some of the most wonderful and memorable memories that it will provide my family for years to come.

Pinky is Definitely a Daddy's Girl! :)

We saw Pinky today for the first time in several weeks. Her facial features are all there! She looks just like me! See for yourself. I should be able to hold my baby girl in approx. 14 weeks!

Baby Update: Kickin'

The last couple of weeks have been very busy with the life & times of the Stuckey's, so I haven't written a post in awhile. Katie is starting to look very pregnant. I love seeing her pregnant. Pretty soon Pinky is going to bless all of us with her presence. I can't wait!! November 5th is Katie's due date, but we think she is farther along than what the doctors think. The last time Katie had an ultrasound, the computer predicted that her due date is October 24th. We will see what the ultrasound shows next Wednesday at Katie's Dr. appointment.

Katie and I enjoy looking at Pinky kick her stomach. It is such an amazing thing to see life inside of another human being. How cool is that?? Katie is also starting to pick up Pinky's patterns. She loves to kick when Katie is eating (I guess she get that from me :)). I can't wait to see my baby girl.

The Honest Soccer Kicker!

Katie and I were lying in bed while reading Pinky a bed time lullaby before lights out. After the reading, I decided to talk to Pinky about playing "soccer" with mommy's organs. Here is how the scene played out:

Daddy Stuckey: "Don't kick mommy's bladder okay? Kick if you hear me??"
Pinky: (no kick)

Daddy Stuckey: "Honey, kick to let me know that you won't kick mommy's bladder??"
Pinky: (no kick)

Daddy Stuckey: "Well kick if you know you're going to kick mommy's bladder again??"
Pinky: (KICK)

Katie's mouth drops and has the "I can't believe she kicked to such a thing" look. I smile at Katie and then turn my head to look at the honest soccer kicker!

Can You Hear Us?

Things are going well for us and the baby. We are busy deciding on baby room colors, baby room designs, daycares, car seats, baby furniture and of course her name. These things are very exciting to talk about, but has also been a little overwhelming and stressful. We want everything to be perfect for her when she arrives with all of her hundreds of fans! :) We also noticed that our little one can hear now! She was kicking Katie this morning as the choir and congregation were singing praises to God (she better get use to that). Katie has also started playing Christian music for Pinky to hear; she kicks then too :). Now we will start reading stories to her and of course talk to her more so she can get use to our voices.

An Important First Father's Day Gift: A Message from my Daughter

Earlier this week after coming home from a long day of work, Katie presented me with a present from little Pinky for the upcoming Father's Day. It was a laminated sheet of paper with little girl feet around a poem titled, "Walk a little Slower Daddy". I must have read this poem four times in a span of 5 minutes. I read it slow....I took it in....I internalized it...I loved it.....in the end, I got the message. I heard it loud and clearly. Here's what it says:

Walk A little Slower Daddy

"Walk a little slower Daddy,"
said a child so small.
I'm following in your footsteps
And I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child who'll
Want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right
And know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you.


Happy Father's Day!!
Love,
Pinky

Daddy's Little Girl

(A letter to my daughter)

Hi honey. Mom and I are so excited that you are on your way to bless our lives forever. I'm looking forward to making so many memories with you. Daddy can't wait to hold you in my arms and look you in the eyes for the first time, tickle you to see you smile, nourish you to make you comfortable, and learn how to change your dirty diapers! I'm already looking forward to teaching you how to walk, teaching you how to ride a bike, and teaching you about our Creator. In the meantime, keep developing...keep growing, mommy and I will be here to welcome you in this world in 149 more days. Just remember when you are old enough to read this note, that you were already daddy's little girl; even in the womb. I love you.

Daddy

Boy or Girl? Find out now!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp0CcBAqX18

My Most Fascinating Experience

8 weeks ago, Katie and I went for her monthly checkup and our baby's first ultrasound. As we arrived at the doctor's office, I have to admit that I was really nervous. This was the first, true physical evidence that would prove Katie's pregnancy. Although Katie experienced pretty much all of the early pregnancy symptoms, Men (for the most part) are visual creatures and we like to "see it to believe it". I couldn't keep the "what if" thoughts from swirling in my head until the very moment I heard my child's heartbeat (registered at 197/minute) and looked at its developing body on the screen. It was the most fascinating thing I have ever seen in my life. The nurse said to me, 'Hi daddy, here I am' .....I loved it...I was so filled with joy as I witnessed another human being that I helped create.....wow....what a fascinating experience.

All is Well!!

Katie and I went to the doctor today for her monthly checkup. Today made 16 weeks and she is doing great! She gained 4 pounds since her last visit (she will probably kill me for saying that) lol..Anyways... the baby's heartbeat is 154/minute; which is normal. The nausea is long gone and she is bursting with much needed energy. We have an appointment scheduled for June 3rd to find out the sex of our baby (Katie thinks it's a boy and I think it's a girl)!!!! We will announce the sex to everyone on June 5th, so stay tuned! :0).....All is well and I am a happy father getting more and more eager everyday to see my baby.

What a Wonderful Feeling!

Good morning to all you early risers!

As I lay in bed this morning thanking God for allowing me to see another beautiful day, Katie shifted and laid on her right side. I turned over and laid on my right side too as I snuggled up behind her and laid my hand on her cute little baby bump. Then she laid her hand on top of mine as we both whispered 'good morning' to Baby Stuckey. I kissed her on the cheek and whispered 'good morning' to my best friend, my wife...the mother of my child. We continued to lay there, with our hands touching our baby........wow....what a wonderful feeling.

Women: God's Chosen One

For the first time tonight I got to see how emotional pregnancy can make a woman. With the increase production of hormones and the life and times of current happenings caused Katie to shed a few tears tonight. It breaks my heart to see her cry; especially when there is nothing more that I can do besides comfort her and give her words of encouragement. I applaud every woman who has gone through pregnancy; it is a tough task. I see on a daily basis how the development of the baby takes over Katie's body and feelings. There is a reason why God gave women and not men the ability to have kids...we couldn't do it. I repeat, MEN could not do it.

Living in a Mad World

As I read the story of the car bomb found in Times Square this weekend, I think to myself 'man this world has gone mad'. Katie and I for a long time expressed our reservations with bringing a kid into this mad world. People are stealing to get what they want. Drivers blowing their horn and giving the car in front the middle finger as they pass them for going too slow. Kids bringing guns to school and learning really bad habits because they see their big brother/sister or parents do it. People intentionally make someone jealous because they don't like them or they want to "show" them up. On a much bigger scale, let us remember the tragedies of 9/11, Columbine High School massacre, Virginia Tech massacre, and the list goes on and on. With all the violent acts, mistrust, killings, stealings and other terrible things that go on this world, who wouldn't think twice about bringing a child into this world? We sure did. Even though this world is a dangerous and hurtful place, life must go on. Katie and I can't put our life on hold because of we don't like the current state of this world. As Christians, we all have to continue to pray for this world; we are only pilgrims passing through.

I believe my mom had a good recipe for raising her children in this mad world and I plan on using the same recipe. The recipe is (in order of importance):

1. Help your child get to know his/her creator and help them build an eternal relationship with Him.
2. Give your child lots and lots of unconditional love and support
3. Be the example
4. Discipline your child so him/her will understand right from wrong
5. Share your thoughts, wisdom, and experiences with your child because you never know when it may be guidance for them in the future

With this recipe, I can teach my child how to live in this mad world.

Greg
A proud daddy.

The Glimpse Into My Family's Future

Sunday morning, Katie and I went to IHOP (I had a delicious Colorodo omelette and blueberry pancakes, yummy) to spend time with my brother-in-law (Patick) and his wife (Jessie). As I was stuffing my face, I saw a black woman and a white man preparing to sit at a nearby table and have breakfast too. They had two BEAUTIFUL kids; a mixed boy and a mixed girl (mulatto, in the technical term). Both kids had such beautiful skin and hair color with big hazle eyes. The girl had pretty, soft-looking curly hair. Those kids represented how two different cultures can come together and make beautiful kids....those kids had the best features of both cultures. I couldn't help but stare in awe at the beautiful mixed family because I knew that very soon, I was going to be just like them.

As I looked around IHOP, I noticed people looking at them; I FELT people looking at them. Here is this nice family trying to enjoy their Sunday morning just like the rest of us. The last thing they want is for a bunch of people to constantly glance in their direction. When I took notice, I suddenly felt a moment of anxiety... What if people stared at us everywhere we went? What if some little girl tells my daughter/son at school that they are different from everyone else? What if my family and I are just trying to enjoy our Sunday morning breakfast and I suddenly feel people looking at us which causes me discomfort?

To God I give all praise! All of a sudden, those fears, thoughts and concerns eased and sharply disappeared. I think this was God's way of telling me that it doesn't matter what other people think, it doesn't matter if other people stare (even if they are looking at your family in awe), and it doesn't matter if other people disagree with mixed relationships. The only thing that matters is GOD. GOD made it possible to have such a different, beautiful looking family. I believe GOD made it as such to show the world that we are all His children; black, white, brown, purple, green and that even black notes on white paper can make the most beautiful music.

Chatting It Up with the Grandparents

Friday night was our first visit back to Florence since Katie and I announced the pregnancy to our family 9 weeks ago (she was 3 weeks at the time). We sat around with our parents drinking coffee, eating dessert, and chatting it up (just like old times). This time was a little different. Instead of talking about work, upcoming gatherings, new juicy news, gossip, or reminiscing about the pass like we normally do, we talked about all things baby! In particular, we talked about baby names. We asked our parents to share some of our family names (from both sides) to see if we would consider naming Baby Stuckey after one of them. We got some ideas...I may share them at a later date :).

It feels good to be back in the city where it all begun for Katie and I 8 years ago. I think back 8 years ago and ponder how far our relationship has grown since then. Wow..time goes by fast, but that is how it is when you get to be with your best friend on a daily basis. Sitting around with a cup of coffee while chatting it up with the grandparents is one of my favorite things to do while we're visiting our childhood city.

Welcome to Our Journey!

As we near the end of the first trimester, Katie and I are getting more and more excited about the anticipation of welcoming a new Stuckey into the Stuckey family. I have never been much of a blogger, but this is such a memorable experience for me that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to freely share my feelings, thoughts, and experiences with others. As Katie and I go through this journey, I want you to have the opportunity to see me at different moments of this journey. I'm sure there will be many moments of happiness, moments of confusion, moments of pondering, and yes even some moments of fear. However, there is one thing for sure, I'm honored to be a father. I will take this blessing and privilege as a gift from God and will cherish these moments all the days of my life.


Greg
A proud Daddy.