September 07, 2007

August 2007

Dear Kids,

We spent this end-of-the-summer month surrounded by family from both sides of the marriage. For four days we dwelled with my family in a cabin near Park City. This blessed event was kicked off by a recital at Uncle Todd’s piano store where they have a beautiful recital hall with thousands of dollars-worth of pianos all over the place. Grandma GG typed up a program that announced just who was playing what and on what instrument. Everyone was dressed up and seemed to be excited for the occasion.

We heard lots of piano, trombone, cello, clarinet and a groovin’ version of Herbie Hancock’s classic Cantaloupe Island with cousin’s Nate on the bass, Alex on the drums, Clara on the piano and Uncle Todd on the trumpet. Just about everyone participated, including Ruby’s first public performance on the drums. It was quite overwhelming for your mom as she is now panicked that our family won’t carry on the musical legacy due in part to her lack of any sort of musical pursuits. I assured her however, that my expansive musical abilities are more than enough to compensate.

While we were at the cabin we got a chance to catch up with the East Coast Campbell’s and the West Coast Campbell’s and the Mountain West Campbell’s (sadly, the other West Coast Campbell's, Erik & Anna couldn't make it...sigh). We played lots of games, attempted to go on hikes and just sat around and talked. My family is into that sort of thing which probably drives your mom crazy as she comes from a thrill-a-minute kind of family.

The highlight of any Campbell gathering is the slide show. Grandpa Papa is quite the photographer and spent a great deal of time and energy documenting his blossoming family over the years. A few years ago Uncle Erik took it upon himself to digitize thousands of Papa’s slides to which I scoured to make a DVD master slide show that lasted about thirty-minutes. It was fun to shuffle through so many memories and confirmed that all my documentin’ that I’ve been doing is well worth the effort.

Here's a smattering:

- Papa & GG on their wedding day

- Uncle Jeff

- Uncle Greg

- Uncle Todd

- Me

- Uncle Erik

- And as per Campbell tradition, we got to have a funny one

- See, we still do it

Aunt Suzanne, Uncle Jeremy and cousin Tennyson spent a few days here in the SLC. They were in Utah to go on some monster hike and spend time with Jeremy’s family. As always, it’s fun to have them here as both Suzanne and Jeremy are wicked smart and are both such interesting people. We often lament that we will probably never live very close to them so I guess that we’ll just have to cherish the time we do get to spend with them.

I am happy to report that I am now gainfully employed. It’s been tough finding the right job due in part to a crappy market and me being selective with how I spend my working days. We’re fortunate that our cost of living isn’t that high which affords us many options. I am grateful that this low overhead translates into me feeling creative and able to be selective with what projects I wish to take part in. Anyway, more on this as it develops.

RUBY-
You probably notice that we spell lots and lots of words around you these days, or rather you probably notice that you don’t hear as many words as you used to. In your presence we are so very careful in what we say and do as you just love to mimic us. It’s fun watching you follow your mom around the house as you follow her every step. I guess that we are feeling the weight of our position and want nothing more than for you to say and do the right things.

We are doing everything in our power to help you prepare for the adjustment of baby #2. Last week your mom bought you another baby-type doll that you just love and adore to no end. Hopefully this’ll translate into something when li’l #2 comes through our front door.

I am also trying to figure out the game plan for when I take you to the hospital to meet #2. I have thought this through dozens of times in my head to which I realize that there is no possible game plan as there are so many variables that will dictate how this might occur.

The only thing I can guarantee at this point is that we will travel to the hospital in my truck, which is currently one of your most favorite objects on the planet. Every time you see it you point to it and say “Daddy truck” over and over again. I think that you love the vantage point it gives you when we drive around town as every time I put my arm up and rest it on the passenger seat you protest and make all kinds of a fuss.

I know that I frequently comment on your talking, but it really is something to behold. You are now stringing multiple words together and forming three and four word sentences. We ask you questions and you are able to answer, which really comes in handy especially when you are fussy.

You and I have become much closer over the past few weeks as your mother isn’t as capable of lifting you or playing with you like she normally does. This makes her sad as she is anxious to have her energy/body/stamina back after #2 makes its arrival. I have to admit that there are times when I just look at you and am in awe of your beauty. You make me laugh when you interact with me and pat my cheeks and give me kisses. Occasionally you’ll put your head on my shoulder, which is one of the most fulfilling feelings I have ever felt. I hope and pray that we can always be this close.

#2-
A couple of days ago we visited really really really nice Dr. Peterson where he announced that your mom was 3cm dilated and 90% effaced. Any day now. Yep, you’re gonna be here any day now. We’re getting your room ready and your clothes washed and doing our best to have everything as organized as can be. I’ve been breathing in all kinds of chemicals as I’ve been making bookshelves for the basement, stripping wallpaper and painting walls. We have your little bassinet all ready to go that sits next to our bed with a changing mat on our dresser and little diapers and wipes on standby next to it.

We’ve been practicing the hypnobirthing techniques that helped your mom endure Ruby’s labor as she plans on delivering you naturally. Hopefully this’ll go as planned and will be as smooth as can be. I hoping to be a worthy coach and do my part, which is all about setting the atmosphere: quiet and relaxed so that your mom can focus on peaceful things. I’ve got the ipod loaded with all kinds of new-agey “music” and my bag of tricks to massage certain pressure points.

One thing that I didn’t understand before your mom became pregnant is how straining this pregnancy would be on your mom. When she was pregnant with Ruby she didn’t have anybody to contend with, except for me. Now she has to mother Ruby with about one-half the energy and one-half the stamina. I’m just grateful that Ruby takes a good nap every day and is generally pretty mellow.

It’s worth noting how beautiful your mother is these days. I know she doesn’t feel this way, but as I watch her gracefully endure her ever-changing body I can’t help but love her more and more. We are both so blessed to have her in our lives. You are one fortunate hombre (or hombret) to have her as your mother.

Alright then kiddo, this’ll be the last post I’ll write with you in utero. I’m so excited to meet you face to face and check out all your genetic inheritances (fingers crossed that you’ll be more Hurst than Campbell). I have no doubts that you’ll be painfully loved in our family. Ruby will most likely smother you with kisses and will welcome you with open arms as will dozens of cousins, uncles & aunts, grandparents and such.

I gotta get some sleep. My long nights-worth are numbered.

Love,
Dad

Posted by patatomic at September 7, 2007 10:51 PM

Comments

Thanks for the wrapup of our reunion. Your pictures are great! I do hope, however, that your baby, that is coming, has equal parts of Campbell and Hurst!

Love, Mom

Posted by: GG at September 10, 2007 11:19 AM

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