Over the Horizon

So little one, you are coming so very soon. We are a mere 7 weeks away this Friday. I know the last 7.5 months have been nice, all safe and warm inside your Mom's belly. You and Mom are away from me right now. I miss you both terribly. Last week you had been kicking real good, no matter what position, and I talked to you and you settled down. It was the very first interraction we've had. I felt so close to you knowing I was soothing you to sleep. I will love reading you books and singing to you at night. Mom says her belly feels real big, even over the last week. You are getting much bigger and stronger, preparing to come out. Mom complains that she has trouble breathing sometimes because you are right up against her lungs with your feet and legs. Cut it out! Mom has enough issues without adding not being able to breather to the equation. Good...that's a good girl. Once you are outside you can kick all you want. I love you and will see you soon.

Dad

Bellybuttons...

...This is kind of a gross thing to me.  

My bellybutton weirds me out - I don't like touching it or having someone else touch it.  I watch it everyday as it creeps closer to the surface as my belly expands.  It's getting close to popping out and I may come unglued when that happens.  You see, I had a reoccurring nightmare for a long time that my bellybutton came undone (well, untied - I always thought they tied them, but I stand corrected) and all my insides became exposed.  So you can imagine my unease...

Papa J and I attended a newborn care class last week.  This was more for my benefit since I don't have much experience with newborns (I was pleased to realize that all the Cabbage Patch Kid diapers I changed as a kid paid off - just like riding a bike!).  

A large topic was how to care for a healing belly button... What it will smell like.  When to seek help. How to wash baby with a healing belly button.  I realize there are many other things that can be considered "gross" with a newborn (e.g. tar like poop, then the mustard colored, seedy poop that is considered normal), but this is the thing that creeps me out the most.  

My mind immediately went to an episode of "Sex and the City" when Miranda's baby boy, Brady, bellybutton falls off and the cat starts playing with the black stump - YUCK! I don't know what I'd do... wait for Papa J to get home for sure (although, it weirds him out just as much), but I might be inclined to call the pound or exterminator to come take care of it for me.  Well, that's a little extreme (though I might tick off a list in my head of places to call first) and I would  handle it myself (while gagging, I'm sure).  

I know, I know...  much bigger things to concern myself with, so I will attempt to put it out of mind (at least until my bellybutton pops out).