Week 16 Update

HI Folks...Walter's Daddy here. Mommy has a very busy day today with a Greek Recruitment Training conference all day. I thought I'd submit a quick update to all (six) of our followers out there :-)


Krissie continues to get more and more energy back with each day. I can't think of the last time she had any bout with morning sickness (or any type of sickness). It's been at least a few weeks. Her body is definitely changing. October will probably be the first month where we head out to shop for a whole maternity wardrobe. The doctor is really happy with where Krissie's health is right now and feels like she is on track. That's great news every time we here it or remind ourselves of it.


I'm a planner, as is Krissie. On top of it all, I'm as curious as it gets. That is why it can be a bit heart wrenching trying to think about what's going on with little Walter. But, with each new day, we become more and more comfortable with everything. Krissie has been very supportive of me. I know...why do I need support? But, who would have thought that so much of this would challenge the Dad as well as the Mom. Sure, I don't go through the physical changes (although I'd like to think my love affair with Bob Evan's biscuits and coffee are a sign of sympathetic pregnancy, but I know better.) Krissie has been a wonderful partner through this process. She lets me ask any question, big or small, public or private that I want. We both love the fact that we are both so excited about Walter’s growing and soon to be arrival. If one of us is nervous or down about something, we can surely rely on the other to be in good spirits about something to bring the other up. There is a lot to be nervous about or wonder about. But, we have a lot of great support around us. In fact, I have a bunch of buddies who have had kids already and were all involved in the process. My Dad has been an excellent resource and sounding board through out the process too. I’ve not had hardly anything to complain about. But, as a sounding board for me to share with another guy why I’m excited about being a Dad has been cool.

Krissie has had a very busy last few weeks. She was in charge of the Ohio Welcome Leader (OWL) program at OSU. She was responsible for recruiting, training, supervising, feeding, and housing 1300 students who arrive four days early to assist with the move in process. OSU has routinely been nationally recognized has having the smoothest move-in process for any school, but especially a Research-I university. Thus, everything involving move-in receives a lot of media attention. She knows this already, but you all need to hear it too. She was a rock star! I was so proud of how she handled the entire process. There were a number of hiccups that were out of her control that she addressed quickly and kept student success at the forefront of the problem solving. Sure there were times that the pregnancy hormones took over during that stressful period. But, she even handled that like a champ! Until you have a wife who goes through this, you don’t realize how less control you have over your body and emotions. But, Krissie lead a process that would have challenged the most healthy and in-control non-pregnant professional with class and grace. Walter is going to be coming into this world having a Mommy that is so sharp.

We are still reading just about everything we can get our hands on that deals with prenatal and parenting topics. We both like the website BabyCenter.com That comes recommended by my sister Jenny; although, that site is certainly more “mom-friendly” than “dad-friendly.” Krissie has been reading What to Expect when your Expecting. This is another mom-friendly, but very good read. I’ve subscribed the website AllProDad.com Tony Dungy sponsors this site and regularly posts on his blog about parenting issues and other topics devoted to fathering issues. My favorite read so far has been The Expectant Father, by Armin Brott and Jennifer Ash. I’d recommend it to any expecting dad, even if you’ve been through this before.

I’ve seen a lot on the internet and have heard a few side comments about new parents and their lust for reading up on things. It’s treated a little bit like a joke by some. But, I tell you what, for people like Krissie and I who already love to learn, having differing items to read keeps our curiosity healthy. It’s not for everyone, but we seem to enjoy it.

I’m not sure if Krissie has posted about this yet. But, we’ve picked out our baby room furniture. Krissie found a full set of furniture for a steal on Craigslist.com Her mom picked it up on Saturday from a local family near her in Michigan. We hope to pick it up and bring it back to Ohio in a few months. The set comes with a crib, chair/glider, changing table and dresser, and armoire. Everything we will be able to fit in the room I suspect.

We’ve received a little slack about the furniture being used from some goofballs.
But there is not a knick on it. It’s in excellent condition and will do fine for us. I don’t see a need to spend thousands of dollars on anything just so that you can brag about a brand name or the fact that it’s new at a dinner conversation when you can get something just as nice (or nicer if you look) for cheaper. As long as it’s clean and in good condition and the previous owners/parents had good luck with it, I am all about “hand me downs.”

Just got a call from Krissie that she finished with the conference and will be home soon. Better run!

A message to ND from the Womb....

Dear Fr. Jenkins, President of the Univeristy of Notre Dame:

My Daddy was telling me a lot today about Notre Dame football. It seems that there is a long tradition of success at that school. Maybe one day I will go to college there. I think it would be really nice sit in the student section and cheer on the Irish. Who knows, maybe my fellow incoming classmates (Class of 2032) will lead us to a national championship.

However, I would like to make one small request. Would you please fire Charlie Weis now?! My Daddy sure was loud today. I really liked it when he cheered for the Irish and they were doing well. But, I don't think I'd like Charlie Weis to stick around. It seems that he upsets my Daddy. I'm not sure what "running the ball" means, as I'm only a little one. But, according to my Daddy, Charlie Weis doesn't know what running the ball means either. I don't know much yet, but don't you think that Coach Weis should know more about running the ball late in the game than me? I'm just here getting big and strong!!

I promise to say an extra Hail Mary if you promise to fire Charlie Weis. You wouldn't want to deny a little one an extra chance to pray would you? I'm not sure who you could hire to replace Coach Weis, but I do know that my Uncle Bobby is looking for a coaching job. Daddy says that he and Papaw would be happy to be Uncle Bobby's assistants. I could get used to growing up in South Bend. But, at least promise me that you will hire somebody who knows more about running the ball more than me, OK?

Thank you!
Baby "Walter "

Happy Labor Day!

Good afternoon and Happy Labor Day!

Walter had a good week this week and got to spend some quality time with Gram (aka, Krissie's mom) and Walter got to experience the first weekend of the college football season....no doubt a day of celebration in the Tomlinson home....and the Irish and Buckeyes both won! It was a good day for football. We'll be teaching Walter this week that we don't root for USC anytime of the year.

We have officially entered the second trimester this week and it has been quite a blessing! It seems that the morning sickness has gone away and some of the fatigue. Hooray! We have our second appointment with our OB, Dr. Turner, tomorrow, so we'll have more to share later this week with how the appointment went. My tummy is also starting to show, so Brian and I have taken some pictures this week. We are hoping to make this a weekly tradition to monitor Walter's growth.

Baby prep is going quite well. We have decided on a gender-neatural jungle theme for the nursery, which is adorable. We are still deciding which one to go with, and it looks like Babies R Us will have the honor of hosting our registry. I swear, I think you need a primer to figure out even what kind of bottle you want, let alone furniture, strollers, and what brand of butt paste you're going to use. If anyone has any advice, feel free to let us know! I would love to get a list of recommendations from real mommies and not magazines or What to Expect When You're Expecting.

Much love from the Tomlinsons! We'll have another post after our appointment tomorrow!

Love,
Daddy, Mommy and Walter