Ode to my husband

So, today marks 30 weeks. And since Ryan always excitedly reminds me on Tuesday what week I'm at, today's blog is dedicated to him. During pregnancy, it seems everything is about the "soon to be" momma. Often the "soon to be dad" gets left out of the spotlight. No one is really asking them how they are feeling, or touching their bellies, or buying them cute baby gifts.
Might I remind you, it takes two to tango. But, in our case, the soon to be dad is really important. And he is not just important because he was necessary for the conception part. No, he is crucial, really- for the WHOLE journey. I need him from conception until birth, until the first day of kindergarten until sweet 16, graduation, first job, walking her down the aisle, being a grandparent, until forever. I couldn't do this with a smile if it weren't for Ryan and his support. And sure, you all think I am biased. But, let me tell you why Ryan has been so amazing so far.
Even before conception, Ryan stopped drinking alcohol and coffee for three months so that we could both be as healthy as possible before trying. That's dedication! My first three months weren't the greatest of my life. I was just trying to get by- feeling pretty nauseous most of the time. Ryan was patient with me and was willing to eat Ramon noodles, chicken noodle soup, and grilled cheese for numerous evenings. And, when I couldn't stomach cooking, he cooked. He never complained. He had me lie down while he took care of the cooking and cleaning. He went to Sam's and bought me Super sized boxes of goldfish and wheat thins, since those actually sounded good to me. When I couldn't eat cereal for breakfast, he daily got up to make me smoothies. When I craved cheese burgers or frosties, he went out and got them.
Ryan has been excited to be involved every step of the way. He has come to doctors appointments and lit up at the sound of his baby's heartbeat. And, let me tell you, when your spouse is excited to be a parent, it is so much more fun to go through this process. Ryan wanted to help plan and decorate a nursery. He spent two days putting up new ceiling fans so that our baby has a lower risk of SIDS. Then, he helped me to pick out paint, paint, and decorate. He put together bookshelves and helped me to register. He helped me to pick out a glider, went with me to buy it, and set it up in the nursery. (Sometimes you will find him in the nursery, sitting in the glider with a silly expectant grin on his face. Very sweet really) He has also cleaned out closets and helped me to rearrange and "nest" so that we can best make our house ready for a baby.
Ryan is thrilled every time that he gets to feel his baby move and will stay up late (or wake up in the middle of the night) for a chance to feel her move around.
When we go for walks, Ryan slows down so that my stomach doesn't tighten up too much. When he got offers to go mountain bike riding with buddies in Moab over spring break, he turned them down. He loves mountain bike riding, especially in Moab. But, he turned them down so he could go to Moab with me. And we won't even take our bikes- because I cannot ride.
We have traveled to Minnesota, Georgia, and Arizona 2X since I got pregnant. Each time, Ryan carries my bags through the airports so that I don't have to lift anything.
Recently, when I couldn't sleep because I kept ending up on my back, he took our huge Lazy boy up two flights of stairs and rearranged our bedroom. Now, if I cannot sleep, I can move to the cozy chair without having to sleep flat on my back.
And the backrubs.... oh my. I think Ryan has given me a backrub or played with my hair (or both) every day since I became pregnant. Many nights, he rubs my back until he is so exhausted he falls asleep. And, he got me a professional, prenatal massage!
Ryan has also taken me out shopping a few times so that I can feel confident and comfortable as my belly grows. He always compliments me and tells me how much he likes my belly. He even defends me when people call me "huge". He gets protective of me if he thinks I might be in any kind of danger. He never lets me walk on the street side of the sidewalk and he'll go slower with me at anything active we are doing. He comes to the Rec Center with me every Wednesday so that I can take prenatal yoga.
Ryan's excitement to have a baby is not common for men his age. I think most men don't take half as much interest in pregnancy and babies as Ryan. He has read many of my parenting magazines and even a parenting book. He is even willing to change cloth diapers. Wow! That says a lot. It makes me thrilled at the opportunity to be a parent with him. He is going to love his daughter so much and be the best possible dad he can be. I cannot wait to watch him play, craddle and interact with his daughter. I think I could go on and on about how awesome Ryan is. I am one lucky wife and mother to have his support and care. And his daughter is going to be equally as spoiled and happy to have her daddy in her life.