Happy Chinese New Year! Happy 2009, the Year of the Ox!No big celebration here at the Volkmann household, but the date was definitely on my mind all day.
Benny previously wrote about our unborn child's personality, according to his/her Chinese zodiac. And so far, the baby seems to be living up to its characteristic traits. For example, my ultrasound in November lasted 1.5 hours because Baby Volkmann decided to take a nap during the appointment and would NOT move, no matter how hard the technician pushed on my stomach or how much rolling from side to side I did. Instead of turning so that the technician could get a picture of its spine, Baby Volkmann -- being as stubborn as an ox -- decided to stay put.
I'm starting to worry about the baby showing off its stubborn side again around the due date by not delivering on time (so I would have to be induced) or coming out breech among other possible complications. To relieve my stress about this fear factor, Baby V and I have nightly pep talks about "The Big Day" AKA Baby Volkmann's Birth Day. We talk about how nice it would be to have a calm delivery that matches textbook scenarios for labor and delivery nurses: How he/she should turn its head south at the appropriate time, follow the light, do not stop for lunch, do not pause at any point, do not pass go, do not collect $200, do not squirm and focus on smooth sailing rapidly toward the doctor's hands the whole time causing minimum discomfort to mommy. The key word is smooth.
During this pep talk, I may be the only one talking, but I'm sure that Baby V is on board with my wishes and listening attentively to my instructions.
Over the weekend, local newspapers wrote about the numerous positive traits of those born in the Year of the Ox.
"Those born in the Year of the Ox are said to be extremely patient and diligent in their work and capable of enduring hardships without complaint. They are frugal, dedicated and sincere."
"They're quiet and systematic in all activities, talking little. Still, when talk is needed, Ox people are intelligent, articulate and eloquent."
People born in the Year of the Ox are known to be leaders, which makes me happy. Baby Volkmann will share the Ox designation with Johann Sebastian Bach, Napoleon Bonaparte, Walt Disney, Vincent Van Gogh and Richard Nixon. So as you can see, the whole leadership thing can go very well or very, very poorly. What makes the difference? The parenting.
6 comments:
You guys are already fantastic parents!
I'm sure Baby V is hearing every word :) Keep up the pep talks, if anything it's helping you, hahaha
Don't worry about the delivery. I'm sure everything will go well. Jonas is kicking his agreement right now. :)
"Ox people." Sounds like it would be half ox, half human. Sort of like a centaurs.
"What makes the difference? The parenting." Umm, you realize that you are married to Benny, right? Baby V is in trouble! Then again, Sarah Rose has turned out OK, so maybe the daddy can't mess up the munchkin too much as long as the mommy is squared away...
You guys are going to be awesome parents...he/she is one lucky baby! As far as the year of the ox traits...Bob would also like me to add "a quiet Volkmann with little talking....HA!"
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