Tag Archives: Amazon

The Countdown Continues

Those who have been following the saga of pregnant Janet and Baby Jack might be surprised that he has still not made an appearance. Janet and I are surprised too.

As I documented before, Janet had a minor procedure early in the pregnancy. The plan was at week 37 the procedure would be reversed. Our OB told us that on average the baby would come 2 or 3 days after that reversal. So, last Monday it happened and we spent the week on pins and needles assuming real labor would begin at any time. Nonetheless 2 or 3 days became a week and yesterday we returned to the doctor. “I bet you didn’t expect to see us today,” I laughed.

All is well with Janet and the baby and so the doctor said to keep on keeping on and if it didn’t happen this week to come back next Monday and there might be a discussion about inducing.

Janet is doing well but she’s tired and sore and we are both a little bit impatient. We suspect that Janet has created such a nice environment for the baby that he’s not been anxious to leave. But leave he must – and soon, I hope.

Everyone asks if we are ready and we respond that we are as ready as we know how to be. We read Jack books, play music to him, play his toys with him, and show him movies. I have been frantically downloading favorite animated and kids movies and showing them to Janet and Jack. I give running commentary to Jack. Janet’s lived long enough with me to know that such movie commentaries don’t mean I am crazy – well, not completely.

We’ve watched all the Disney classics, much of the Pixar library, and children’s live action movies from Old Yeller to Treasure Island. Janet didn’t much care for the latter but I assured her that the boy would; the book was my fave as a kid and am looking forward to reading it to Jack – when he’s a bit older. I am anal enough to insist that I have to get the N.C. Wyeth illustrated version (see the illustration above), which is a small fortunate on Amazon, but it’s what I had as a kid and what I read to my son Julian, when he was old enough.

BTW, for those living in the Philippines, Amazon now ships many of its items for free to the Philippines; that is if you order a minimum of $49. This will be dangerous for us. Bezos is already planning a new Weisbord-funded wing to his mansion.

Tonight’s movie was the eclectic Fantastic Mr. Fox, though I suspect it might be a few years before that will hold Jack’s attention. But I figured it’s never too early to be exposed to Wes Anderson, so…

I have to say Janet has been extraordinary. I know that everything hurts. Her hands and feet are swollen like out of a sci fi movie. She walks a lot and accurately jokes that she waddles more than walks.

Our Yaya (nursemaid) has settled into life in the Weisbord compound and I am sure she also can’t wait for Jack to arrive. In the meantime she gardens; it certainly runs in the family.

I haven’t left the house without Janet in a couple weeks, figuring if I do, that will be the moment it will happen. Janet tries to encourage me to go play golf or have a beer with friends but I can’t bring myself to take a chance. The golf course will still be there a week or so after the baby arrives and it won’t be long before I am bringing him along. I figure if I train him right by 5 he can start caddying for his old man!

Baby Showers, Yayas, and the Miracle of Amazon

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.