::A Geek in Korea::

The current status of “baby” is something like a volcano. Experts tell us it could happen at any time, and only through some close monitoring and scientific devices will we know when it’ll actually occur. Some time in the next week or so, depending on the doctor’s opinion. I can’t make any predictions as to when other than “sooner, rather than later,” and that everyone needs to get out of the way as soon as it happens if they want to survive.

Preparing the house for the arrival has been part of our priority this past week.

Luckily we got lots of free baby clothes from neighbors, so shopping hasn’t been too bad. Other than some comfort pillows and some odds and ends, the gifts have far outweighed what we’ve needed to purchase on our own. The free crib won’t get painted, despite my eagerness because specialty paint is expensive and hard to track down. We’ve also gotten free bottles, a free stroller, a free baby bath, and lots of other stuff people have been giving us throughout the months. My wife did buy stuff, of course, and we have a small mountain of diapers. I can’t say if we’re prepared. It’s like trying to prepare for a really long hiking trip, but you don’t know where you are going, what you need, or when you are leaving. You hope you’ve got the bases covered, and that if there is a headache coming that you can deal with it when it arises. Hope for the best, plan for the worst?

We’re going to hire a helper for the two weeks of recovery. The baby is going to stay in the living room with the helper during the day, and my wife’s going to recover in our spare room which we’re converting into a comfortable room just for her. Someone with some first hand parenting experience will inspire a lot of confidence in this house. The books we’ve been reading only go so far.

I had to clear out the table and chairs in that room and bring the stuff that doesn’t fit into my computer room. She’s got a dedicated “nursery” and recovery room now when everyone gets back from the hospital (whenever THAT is), which I hope will help.

My wife has said I get the bedroom while she recovers. She doesn’t want to be the room at night if I need to use the air conditioner (Korean thing, or actual concern?). Theoretically, that means I can keep going to work with a full nights sleep. I doubt it though, as the helper isn’t going to be 24/7. I don’t know what I’ll be doing during late night feedings, but I’d really be surprised if I wasn’t doing something.

My wife wants me sleeping soundly, but I don’t believe it will actually transpire that way. I’m more than willing to give up the bed, as we’ve got a comfortable floor cushion. I’ve been using it for the past few months to let her have more space in bed, but she calls the shots on how she wants to recover. Just get out of the way and let her take it easy has been my motto these last few months. I also massage feet on reflex now. Amazing.

Anyway, we’ve still got a few days of expecting to worry about if we’re prepared or not. I’m not even contemplating what the house, or my sleep schedule will look like in a month’s time. We’re just spending time waiting out the clock. Thankfully the doctor has been right in his predictions so far, and everything will work out perfectly like he expects.