Today Baby Jack is officially 30 weeks old, so we are coming down the home stretch. Janet is doing well though she has the normal aches, pains, swelling and kicking (by Jumping Jack Flash) associated with pregnancy.

Two days ago we had the Baby Shower at our home. It grew in conception from the small baby shower you might imagine – to a real party, with enough food to feed all of Valencia, beer for the boys, wine for everyone and Bailey’s for the girls. While cranky Dave wasn’t too thrilled with a big party at this point, it turned out to be a great success and reminded us all that we have to get together more often. The after effects of the lockdowns remain and I think many of us have forgotten how important getting together is. So thanks to Janet and her sisters for pulling this off.

Speaking of sisters, 17 year old sister Miaca arrived Wednesday, along with niece Jilliana. Janet worked them non-stop through the party and after. They were happy to be involved.

Perhaps more importantly, sister Leticia arrived. She will be Baby Jack’s Yaya for the foreseeable future. In the Philippines, if you can afford it, a Yaya (nursemaid) is pretty common. Typically they live in the home, get room and board and a small amount of cash. Leticia is a professional and has already raised 4 or 5 babies, so her arrival is just another indicator that this baby thing is really happening – and pretty soon.

Depending on the family and their finances it is not unusual for Yayas to care for a child until age 5, 6 or beyond.

Janet’s notion is that she and Leticia will take care of the baby at night for those first few months, and I will sleep. Hmm. Will see about that.

I am a great sleeper and it was sort of an issue with my previous marriage and children. When the baby would wake up at night for a feeding or some attention, my then wife would jab me in the ribs to wake up, I would stumble out to get the baby and bring him/her to mom for a feeding, and instantly fell back asleep. When the feeding was over, another jab to the ribs, I would take the baby back, return to the bed and be asleep by the time I hit the pillow. My then wife would often be incapable of going back to sleep at all. Is it any wonder we are divorced.

My sleep habits are nearly as good in old age as they were back then so I expect to stumble up to the cries of Baby Jack and go back to sleep quickly.

All our Philippines friends were generous and Baby Jack now has a nice supply of onesies, diapers, etc.

Speaking of which, several of our US-based friends had asked when the Baby Shower was and what we might need. As a former tech guy I decided to go the tech route and set up an Amazon Gift Registry. We chose items we need and tried to pick items without a crazy shipping cost to the Philippines. Our friends and family have been chipping in and it’s exciting to see. Our goal was not just to get a bunch of stuff (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but to engage with friends and family we haven’t seen since the pandemic and encourage them to connect with Baby Jack. Like the Baby Shower so far it has been a great success. BTW, if any US-based friends would like to see the Baby Registry it is located here: https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/davejanet-weisbord-october-2022-valencia/2AL08GCDB5XS5

A big thanks of appreciation and love to all our family, friends and readers. This is an incredible time in our lives and we are happy to have your involvement, whether you are close by or very far.