Monday, February 16, 2009
Quick! Before he wakes up!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Introducing Jacob Patrick Ockner
Baby jacob arrived on Feb.11th at 1:10pm. Mom, dad and baby are doing great. More soon. Much love to all!
Monday, February 09, 2009
going into labor
still the early stage so Peter is testing out the new camcorder while I lie down and take it easy.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Still preggers......
Two days past the due date...........and feeling fine. I'm FINE! Loving the attention, in fact. And doing my best not to focus on being OVERDUE, especially when it could go on for a while - my mom carried me and my brother for 2 weeks before getting induced!
The whole concept of a "due date" is rather frustrating - and hardly scientific - it's as though doctors were at a complete loss on how to calculate human gestation. The fact that it's calculated according to the first day of the mother's last monthly cycle (April 22nd in my case) is a big tip-off - it's entirely unrelated to when conception occurs!
Consider that Peter and I did not, as Peter says "pull the goalie" (his term for trying to get pregnant!) until after May 10th (beginning of our honeymoon). Does that mean that the baby is actually 38 weeks and 3 days, or thereabouts??
In a way, it's nice that some things remain a mystery with respect to modern science. That said, I'm doing my best to let it go and not obsess - I'll leave the calendar counting to Peter! :D The Little Dude will come out when he's ready, and I will continue to enjoy my late mornings, yoga classes and eating whatever I want. :) Although, if and when we get to a certain point, there are all sorts of fun and creative ways to encourage labor. Sex, specifically orgasms, come recommended because they release oxytocin! Now honestly, if you had your choice between a romp in the sack with your honey, and taking Pitocin (oxytocin) through an IV needle, or having your O.B. manually "thin your membranes," which would YOU choose as your first course of action? And then, there's always castor oil....yummy!
As I contemplate these options, we wait for Baby O.'s arrival....despite my relatively low level of anxiety, it is like sitting in front of an oven, waiting for the button on a Butterball turkey to pop out!!
The whole concept of a "due date" is rather frustrating - and hardly scientific - it's as though doctors were at a complete loss on how to calculate human gestation. The fact that it's calculated according to the first day of the mother's last monthly cycle (April 22nd in my case) is a big tip-off - it's entirely unrelated to when conception occurs!
Consider that Peter and I did not, as Peter says "pull the goalie" (his term for trying to get pregnant!) until after May 10th (beginning of our honeymoon). Does that mean that the baby is actually 38 weeks and 3 days, or thereabouts??
In a way, it's nice that some things remain a mystery with respect to modern science. That said, I'm doing my best to let it go and not obsess - I'll leave the calendar counting to Peter! :D The Little Dude will come out when he's ready, and I will continue to enjoy my late mornings, yoga classes and eating whatever I want. :) Although, if and when we get to a certain point, there are all sorts of fun and creative ways to encourage labor. Sex, specifically orgasms, come recommended because they release oxytocin! Now honestly, if you had your choice between a romp in the sack with your honey, and taking Pitocin (oxytocin) through an IV needle, or having your O.B. manually "thin your membranes," which would YOU choose as your first course of action? And then, there's always castor oil....yummy!
As I contemplate these options, we wait for Baby O.'s arrival....despite my relatively low level of anxiety, it is like sitting in front of an oven, waiting for the button on a Butterball turkey to pop out!!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
New camera! New phone too!
I took this yesterday with my new super-fat 5 megapixel camera, which came with my Samsung Omnia Smartphone! It was originally going to be an iPhone (Xmas present), but I didn't want to go thru the hassle of starting a new plan. Besides, Apple has gotten enough of my money recently. Makes a difference having a nice camera! And hopefully I'll become adept at sending texts, checking email & such with 1 hand while holding bambino in the other.
Less than a week from my due date and I'm still able to hike with Teddy on the ridge - WOOO!
Less than a week from my due date and I'm still able to hike with Teddy on the ridge - WOOO!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Bonsai
This was originally Misty's idea, I think - back when I was dead-set against having a "theme" for the nursery. When I looked at Pottery Barn & other stores, all I saw were unimaginative, uninspired themes and garish designs - no WAY was I going to do wall-to-wall baseball/football/basketball knick-knacky stuff, all slathered in yellow and baby blue. Brilliant woman that she is, Misty suggested the idea of doing just a nature theme, with a bonsai tree as one of the main features! Once she got me thinking along those lines, I got very excited. Now we are (SLOWLY) collecting only the cutest, most adorable Japanese knick-knacks we can find - little stuffed frogs, mostly - and yesterday we found this beautiful bonsai. Peter is going to build some kind of shelf to protect it from falling into the stairwell during an earthquake. The nursery is officially my favorite room in the house!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Swaddle practice
Peter and I are going through baby stuff - cloth diapers, swaddle cloths, etc., and "breaking the seal" by actually trying out some of these new products. Here you see Peter practicing his swaddling technique on Baby O.'s teddy bear. Peter arranged the stickers on the crib and on the wall.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A muddy dog is a happy dog
Where there's mud, Teddy will find it, roll in it and bring it home. At this time of year, we just let it go - he gets hosed off, falls asleep and we're all happier for having gone on a hike together.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Nursery is almost done!
Funny to think that I didn't want to turn the office into a nursery initially - let alone get a crib! Now it's our favorite room! The nesting instinct is truly an amazing thing.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Baby O.'s first "head shot"
The actual picture is admittedly underwhelming, but the good news is that his head is down & in position! WOO HOO! This will likely be the last ultrasound before he comes out to meet the world. We're at 36 weeks as of Tuesday, January 6th. The countdown continues. . .
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Day in the city
Teddy came with me to the city today. After morning errands, we hiked up to Corona Heights and played in the dog park. This picture was taken at the top - dog park is just below, and downtown SF is off to the left. I used to run up this hill a few times a week - today, it took roughly 30 minutes to walk all the way up!
Teddy is truly the "practice baby" - I'm trying to take him with me wherever I go in order to get used to toting a kid around. I KNOW it's not the same, but for now, that's all I got to practice with. I'm 35 weeks along, so at most, I have 6 more weeks until the Little Dude arrives!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Teddy's ride down the slide
Teddy's ride down the slide
Originally uploaded by js_hale
Another turkey triumph
Peter cleaned and stuffed another turkey for x mas eve. Thanks to a slow cooking oven, the bird was nice and moist !
Sunday, December 21, 2008
6 weeks to go!
I am feeling great - Peter and Teddy are taking great care of me. The other day, the dog was napping and his head was on my stomach. The baby started kicking , and Teddy's head started visibly moving up and down. Teddy opened his eyes, but remained more or less undisturbed.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
31 Weeks!
Quite a bit bigger than when we did the bikini shot. As I write this, Baby O. is kicking - and my belly is visibly moving. So cool.
First Big Purchase
Ladies and Gentlemen. . . presenting Jen's new throne! Since I'll presumably spend the majority of the YEAR rocking, nursing and cooing at Baby O. when he arrives (and Peter too, when he gets home from work), we wanted a glider with all the bells and whistles. You can lock it in place, adjust it in multiple positions, oh and the Ottoman glides too! The microfiber material is supposedly a lot like suede - but washable. The best part: we got it for about half the retail price. May I just say how much I love Craigslist??! WOOOOOO!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Ever-expanding belly
This was taken over Thanksgiving, on a short hike in Covelo, CA. I am now WADDLING, not walking! Still, it felt good to get some exercise after Turkey Day.
I must vent a bit - I cannot stand maternity pants!!! That flimsy panel of pathetic elastic knit material that does NOTHING to keep the crotch from slipping down, down, down....luckily, I found an acceptable pair of jeans at my favorite second hand store (pictured) - Ann Taylor, size 7/8 - and only $7.99! WOOOOO! Trouble is that my belly is starting to outgrow them - I have a "bella band" though (keeps your pants up even when unbuttoned) - I will NOT go back to the sinking crotch!
I must vent a bit - I cannot stand maternity pants!!! That flimsy panel of pathetic elastic knit material that does NOTHING to keep the crotch from slipping down, down, down....luckily, I found an acceptable pair of jeans at my favorite second hand store (pictured) - Ann Taylor, size 7/8 - and only $7.99! WOOOOO! Trouble is that my belly is starting to outgrow them - I have a "bella band" though (keeps your pants up even when unbuttoned) - I will NOT go back to the sinking crotch!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Happy to be home
We have been away for nearly a week while our ceiling gets a major overhaul - POPCORN REMOVAL! WOO HOO!!!
It's great that we're getting this done, but being nearly 7 months pregnant, the nesting instinct drove me to return home prematurely - furniture is still covered in plastic, and we're waiting for the mud on the ceiling to dry. We camped out in the living room last night. In retrospect, coming home this early was probably not the wisest decision. As you can see, though, Teddy does not mind one bit.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Leisurely coffee in Mill Valley
The mug is from my dot com days - hanging out in Mill Valley almost fools you into thinking that we're still at the height of the bubble! Mill Valley is a very casual, yet well-to-do suburb of SF - just across the Golden Gate Bridge. I regularly hear urban dwellers who are tired of the city talk about how they'd LOVE to move to Mill Valley.
Peter and I have been camping out at the in laws house because our house is getting worked on. We're staying in Tiburon, which is just across the highway from MV - both places are pretty rockin', I have to say. Though it will be SOOOOOO nice to go home!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Car camping in Bodega Bay
Peter, the dog and I went car camping in sketchy weather at the Sonoma Coast State Park. If you decide to camp here and nearby, be aware that the campgrounds are dominated by gargantuan RV's and noisy generators.
Weather this morning, as you can see, was beautiful, but it was rainy and windy the previous night. Weather put a temporary damper on the mood, but the food and fire quickly made up for the hardships. On the way home, we stopped at dog-friendly Wright's Beach and watched the surf - the wind was tremendous, and the waves looked like they were at least 15' or higher! Afterwards, we went to lunch at Lucas Wharf Restaurant on Highway 1 - EXCELLENT seafood - if you're in the area, you simply must go here. We sat in the cozy front area next to the fireplace, ate calamari steeped in creamy butter lemon sauce and New England clam chowder - it was a fantastic welcome back to 'civilization.'
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Day
I have had to really try hard not to check my usual news sources for updates on the election - you can easily go nuts doing so - instead, I tuned into a really good presentation by Naomi Klein which took place last month in Santa Cruz - if you have about 20 minutes or so, I HIGHLY recommend tuning in.
I voted for Obama via absentee ballot - as Klein says, he is a centrist - and he seems to value consensus more highly than any other leader that I remember in my lifetime (sidebar: my earliest political memory is from the Carter administration, writing letters in 3rd grade to the Ayatollah Khomeni, asking for the hostages to be released). However, as Klein says, we have a major opportunity between now and January to put pressure on Obama (assuming he's elected) to appoint key people to his administration who could have a truly positive impact. It bothers me that Robert Rubin, for example, is currently one of Obama's key advisors - the guy who, under Clinton, was instrumental in pushing through deregulation of the financial, telecommunication and energy industries that have led to the mess we're in. Apparently, in his 2004 memoirs, he called it "financial-market confidence" - uh, yeah. Rubin, who should be hanging his head in shame, is key advisor to the figure of hope that millions are desperately clinging to - at this critical time in history. He's gotta go!!!
We'd better wake up and demand change, or we're going the way of the Romans. And with that, my baby is kicking at my ribs, I haven't showered, and it's time to get off my soapbox.
Friday, October 31, 2008
4D of Baby Ockner - 19 weeks
Had my 27 week check up yesterday - we were hoping to get new ultrasounds, but our midwife says that he's getting too big by now. This one was taken at 19 weeks. Isn't technology amazing?! Sorry if it freaks anyone out - I admit that he looks like a claymation figure at this stage. We were able to listen to his heartbeat at yesterday's checkup, and it sounds totally different now! Before, it was like a distant echo, and lots of distortion - now it's a strong, steady heartbeat. We start birthing classes this weekend (Bradley method) - I'm shooting for a natural birth, keeping in mind that anything can happen. Fortunately, I feel like my caregivers truly respect my intentions, and I won't be caught off-guard or pressured into making decisions that I don't entirely understand. We've also found a doula whom we both really like, and she will help us every step of the way. Meanwhile I'm soaking up these last few months of lazy mornings, occasional yoga classes and peace & quiet! :)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Bathing beauty Mama
I'm 6.5 months and counting...still carrying pretty small but at least it no longer looks like just a beer belly! Everything is looking good - he really likes to kick a lot, especially when it's time for bed. Wouldn't it be nice if I could stay this size....aah, wishful thinking.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Teddy squares off with a buck deer
Originally uploaded by js_hale
We occasionally see deer outside our house - today, I spotted the largest deer I've ever seen in real life, standing on the back patio. Teddy was ready to throw down - snarling savagely behind the window. The deer was unimpressed. I barely got a shot of his hindquarters as he sauntered off down the hill.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Teddy got blessed!
We took the dog to church yesterday and he got his annual blessing. The pregnant lady got teary.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Camping
Peter and I joined a group of friends for some car camping near the Santa Cruz mountains. I twas Teddy's first car camping experience. Poor thing had to be on leash the entire time (campground rules). Peter and I decided that we need to seek out more remote areas for the next trip - this was sort of a trial run, and it worked out great. Plenty of good food, great company, perfect weather and a big ol' campfire.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Weekend brunch
Me at Tavern on the Green - we were staying so close, I couldn't not take him here, being a New York institution and all. Mom and Dad took us here when Pat and I were barely old enough to appreciate it. I remember sitting near the window of the Atrium and Mom, with her eagle eye for spotting celebrities, noted that Jason Robards was sitting to her left, and Norman Mailer was sitting to her right. Later that weekend, we ate at the Four Seasons and saw Robert Schuller from the Crystal Cathedral Hour of Power. The Weekend of famous old white guys...bizarre, right??
Peter and I didn't see any celebrities today at the Tavern - just lots of tourists, but the breakfast (crab quiche, omelet, side of bacon) was very good - not cheap, but very good. Weather was SPECTACULAR.
Peter and I didn't see any celebrities today at the Tavern - just lots of tourists, but the breakfast (crab quiche, omelet, side of bacon) was very good - not cheap, but very good. Weather was SPECTACULAR.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Cousin Doug is in town - AND....
There was lots to celebrate last night, and true to form, my cousin Douglas and wife Shari had impeccable timing. They are in town for business and pleasure, and we made plans to meet up at the Thirsty Bear for dinner. Not only did they not know that I was pregnant, but they also didn't know that we were to find out our baby's gender, as well! We are happy to announce that IT'S A BOY!!!!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
High tea
On Wednesday, I took Patty (my mother in law) to Lovejoy's tea room in the city. She is a true Anglo-phile, and she was thrilled to discover that such a place existed. Having tea at Lovejoy's is like stepping into a fairy tale - you're 8 years old, hungry and tired, and you walk into a charming, grandmotherly little cottage chock full of lace, crocheted doilies and sweet little English trinkets. My ex-roommate who's English has assured me that Lovejoy's scones are the real deal, and the Devon cream is fantastic. Anyone who loves English tea time would love this place to pieces.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday Breakfast
Digging the backyard - Peter laid flagstone, planted foliage, and installed this cool fountain that attracts hummingbirds and gold finches. Teddy is 'nursing' on his bone-shaped stuffed animal.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Happy dog
teddy on the trail - we are getting back to the routine after lots of traveling
Originally uploaded by js_hale
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
at last some quiet romantic couple time. . .
Kicking back in monterey - this was taken at Mission Ranch Inn & Restaurant (aka "Clint's place) - highly recommended!! Peter and I had dinner here last year, just a couple of days before we got married. Beautiful and romantic.
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