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Oh hi... you're here, but you really mean to be HERE

August 1st, 2015 | "Something like Olivia"

Welcome to the world baby Olivia!!!

Your Uncle Christian and Aunt Erica brought baby Olive into the world on July 23rd! Mom and I were there just a few hours after she arrived to congratulate our friends and welcome her!

These are exciting times! Having Christian and your big Cousin Michael in my life as new dads is something words simply cannot describe. To say I'm fortunate and feeling grateful is an understatement; I'm downright blessed to have these people in my life. The lessons I'm learning and the notes I'm taking on these early stages are all very important. 

Family trip to Ikea yesterday with Grandma went well. You are going to have one hell of a room kiddo.

Things on Dad's Mind: Holy cow we're at 9 weeks and counting! Mom and I are in Beach Haven today and have Jimmy's birthday party tonight. Next week we have our "Birth Survival 101" class at the hospital and before we know it, we'll be bringing you home. I keep having crazy dreams about you (some would be better called nightmares) but from what I read, this is relatively normal... Especially considering my propensity for anxiety. We'll meet you soon enough pecan. 

July 23rd, 2015 | Babies... Babies Everywhere...

T-Minus 3 Months!

Your big cousins Michael and Kate brought little Remy into the world last week! He's a big healthy baby and we can't wait to meet him in September (don't worry kiddo... we'll take lots of pictures). Aunt Erica and Uncle Christian are in the hospital getting ready to bring little Olivia into the world. It's been a long go for them (over 24 hours and counting as I'm writing this) but they're literally coming down the home stretch.

Mom and I ran our annual 5k and finished under 30 min! Your mom is TROOPER. She finished in the top 5 women in her company and the top 25 overall... 27 weeks pregnant! You're going to have one hell of a role model!

We're starting to deal with some of the practical logistics in the Weinbrecht house to prep for your arrival. I didn't even consider things like:

- The closet that has been home to my suits, ties, and various linens for the last 4 years is in what is now the nursery... so that needs a new home.
- People have already started (graciously) sending gifts your way! Let's find somewhere to put those too!
- The organized nature of Mom and I is being thrown to the wind as the house is slowly taken over by objects in transition

This past weekend brought a little bit of tragedy at Grandma and Uncle Dave's house as a water leak in the upstairs bathroom wreaked some havoc on the first floor and basement. Needless to say, they have a little bit of work to do... hopefully this is something we will all laugh about in the years to come...

Mom, Uncle Dave and I went to the big Red Bulls vs. Chelsea game last night in Harrison and it was A LOT of fun... Mom felt you kicking away during our celebration. We collectively cannot wait to take you to games with us! We were all dreamily looking at the other families and were filled with anticipation. The Red Bulls played they're Red Bulls II team against the Chelsea champs and WON. What a game...

What's On Dad's Mind? Man... what isn't on Dad's mind right now? Haha... Work is VERY busy and I can't wait to get the nursery and aforementioned logistical things done so that Mom and I can rest up. Things are going to change a lot when you get here and I'm excited (and a little scared, but that's OK). We heard your heartbeat again 2 days ago and Mom has to start counting movements. We'll be visiting the doctor once every two weeks for a little while now, then once a week, and, before we know it you'll be here. So. Awesome.

July 15th, 2015 | Let's Get Real

Wow...

Time is going by REALLY fast. We've starting working on your room (I think we've even decided on a color!). It took 3 coats of primer to cover up our deep, dark Merlot-colored walls! We're painting my old bookcase that I grew up with in my bedroom to make it special for you! We sent out the shower invites and your super-awesome family and friends are already starting to pick through! You are one lucky little girl. 

Uncle Christian, Aunt Erica AND Cousins Mike and Kate are due ANY day now! It's going to be a very exciting time. 

Mom and I have our yearly 5k in Morristown tomorrow evening and you'll be joining us this year ;-). Don't worry though, we'll be walking it. 

Williamsburg was a lot of fun, but we had to take it a little easy as mom's getting tired a lot more quickly these days. 

What's on Dad's Mind? Getting the nursery done!!! Mom's Aunt Gail should be coming to collect the hand me down futon soon. There's a little craziness going on at work, but that should be over soon. I'm excited to meet little Olive and Remy and I can't believe next week is our first doctor's appointment of Mom's LAST TRIMESTER. We're almost there kiddo. 

June 23rd, 2015 | Kick Out the Jams

I felt a kick! Though I'm not quite a father yet, you gave me a nice little kick to say hello on Sunday. A wonderful little wakeup and awesome "Half-Way-to-Being-a-Father" Father's Day gift. Mom and I have been busy planning your shower/registry and putting the finishing touches on the attic (curtains and wall decor) but things look like they're FINALLY starting to calm down for us.

We had a surprise shower for Uncle Christian (and Olive) at work and it was a lot of fun! He was genuinely surprised which doesn't happen much. Aunt Erica made a surprise appearance to seal the deal.

We went to the Alamo in Yonkers (at the time of writing this, I sincerely hope this place is open when you're old enough to appreciate it; I can't wait to take you there!) to see "Inside Out" and it was great. Mom was having some tummy trouble, so she didn't enjoy the experience much with Uncle Christian, Aunt Erica and I, but the movie was great. Another solid Pixar winner.

The United States Women National Team beat Columbia last night 2-0 and knocking them out of the World Cup. They'll go on to play China on Friday - VERY exciting. Uncle Dave and I are going to the Red Bulls game tomorrow so that will be a lot of fun.

I bought an Xbox One today along with Batman: Arkham Knight. While video games are NOT NEARLY as important in my life as they once were, old habits die hard. Mom can be an incredibly understanding and supportive person when you make your perspective clear to her, and she gets that video games will kind of always be there. I hope we can enjoy some together one day (especially Rock Band).

What's On Dad's Mind? We're chipping away at the registry. I want to make sure we have safe, useful, practical, and fun stuff for your arrival! There are SO MANY options, it's driving Mom and I a little crazy. We'll figure it out... I hope. Other than that, I can't wait until we go Williamsburg next week for the 4th. It's going to be A LOT of fun.

June 12th, 2015 | Surprise! Emergency Room!

Hey Mr!

Currently sitting in a chair next to Mom in Chilton Hospital's continuing care area. She was rear ended in Grandma and Grandpa's van this afternoon on rt 23. She's very uncomfortable as we've been waiting since 4:00pm and it's now just after 8:00pm. Importantly, the ultra sound looks good and we got the OK that you're OK... Whew. 

The plan was to go to IKEA tonight and pick up some neat furniture for the newly completed attic... Guess we'll have to settle for a crumby egg-salad sandwich and the USWNT vs. Sweden game for our dinner and Swedish experience for the evening!

Grandpa Weinbrecht and I were at the 288th MLB no hitter (and the 1st of 2015) the other night at Citi Field. Chris Heston would have had a perfect game against our Mets were it not for him hitting 3 batters. Guess it's kind of cool to see sports history in person. 

What's on Dad's Mind? I cannot wait to finish loading up the attic so we can start on your room. All of the logistics behind having you is VERY stressful, but mom and I are figuring it out! I'm also thinking about our July 4th trip to Williamsburg. And of course, as always, holding you for the first time. 

May 29th, 2015 | Maddalyn Rose

Hey Maddie!

On Friday Mom and I found out that you're going to be a girl and that you're doing great! Nice and healthy, and BIG. You're well over a pound so we think you might be arriving sooner rather than later. Mom and I announced your name to everyone yesterday and today and they're thrilled! We simply cannot wait to meet you. 

We started your baby registry and are in the process of locking down a location for Mom's shower. You are going to be one popular kid. 

We had dinner with our friends John and Rhiannon before they left for England (tonight) and had dinner with Aunt Erica and Uncle Christian for Aunt Erica's birthday. Mom gave her a friendship bracelet for Olivia and made you a matching one! We're hoping you two are inseparable. 

Unfortunately our Rangers were eliminated in the 7th game of the Eastern Conference Finals 2-0 at the Garden. There's always next year! Drogba played his last game for Chelsea and Mom, Dave and I are going to see Chelsea play the Red Bulls in July!

What's On Dad's Mind? Registering for your baby stuff is HARD. We picked a really neat stroller-travel system, car seat, and travel crib/bassinet today. You're going to have cooler/higher quality stuff than we do! 

May 6th, 2015 | Goings On

Pecan,

You're the size of SWEET POTATO now! Very cool as that is one of our favorite foods! This weekend is Mother's Day, and even though you're wiggling around inside of mom, we've made the executive decision to make NEXT Mother's Day the 1st one for Mom. Grandpa George and I went to the Mets game last night and they won. Bartolo Colon is so much fun to watch, haha.

Things are moving forward around the house (we're getting ready for carpeting in the attic, put up the franken-zebo, and did some gardening), our next appointments at the doctors are at the end of the month and WE CANNOT WAIT. Our last appointment we heard your heart beat at 149 loud and clear, but we're so anxious to find out what "flavor" you are.

What's on Dad's Mind? I'm starting to do my research on baby products (while also taking some time to pick out some dad-friendly outfits to take embarrassing pictures of you in). This is a crazy, crazy world and there are A LOT of choices out there. Mom and I want you to be safe and comfy so there's a ton of consideration. We're also talking about taking a little weekender to Williamsburg in July (possibly for the 4th).

April 27th, 2015 | Cat's Out of the Bag

So mom and I have been home from Florida (our second home) for over a week. The weather was near-perfect, the food was great, and we came home thawed and with wonderful tans. While we were in Disney World, we took the opportunity to share the big news with the rest of our friends, family, and the peering eyes of the internet!

Mom surprised me with a cake (as you can see above) and we were OVERWHELMED with support and congratulations from all of your future aunts, uncles, friends, and family. You are coming into a pretty awesome world.

Today we have another appointment with the doctor and the hope is we'll find out what "flavor" you are going to be. The attic is almost done (yay!) and mom and I are looking forward to enjoying our summer NOT working in the attic again.

In this sports/pop-cultural roundup, the Rangers advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup finals in 5 games over the Penguins, the Red Bulls are the only team undefeated in the MLS, the Mets were on quite the tear winning 11 in a row and 13 of their last 15, the 2015 NFL draft will be in Chicago on Thursday, and Wladimir Klitschko successfully defended his heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden. Marvel's "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" comes out this weekend and we're excited to go see it with Aunt Er and Uncle Chrish. Disney released another Star Wars trailer for "The Force Awakens" and we're also VERY excited for that.

Sidenote: we've taken to calling you "Pecan." Everybody has their "peanut" and their "nugget" and whatnot, so we wanted to be different. It stuck. I'm sorry if you read this in 15 years and are sick of the name by then. You are, and will always be, my Pecan. Tough.

What's on Dad's Mind? My day is ABSOLUTELY crawling waiting for this doctor's appointment tonight. I'm also looking forward to our dinner with Erin and Bruce as this will be the first time I'm meeting Erin's future husband. I can't wait to be done with the attic and finish building planter box #2 in the backyard.

April 6th, 2015 | In the Wake...

Hellllllooooo!

Yesterday was technically your first Easter! We got to share the good news with everyone. Aunt Allie screamed, Great Aunt Barbara, Great Aunt Jeanie, and Aunt Crystal cried, but the thing that TRULY mattered was how happy and excited everyone was! Friends, family and neighbors all shared in the good news. You're already loved and you haven't even been evicted from your first home!! Mom and I are a mere two days from our trip to Florida and we cannot wait! Unfortunately we won't get to see your big cousin Chris while we're in Tampa (he'll be driving in Alabama.) Everyone in work is excited too! 

In pop-culture news, the Mets won their season-opener, the Rangers inch closer to finishing with the most points in all of the NHL, Wisconsin upset the formerly undefeated Kentucky basketball team and prevented them from reaching the final game (Wisconsin will play Duke), Chelsea pulled out a win to better their chances at finishing atop the table, "Furious 7" won at the box-office and is the most successful film in the franchise and the little-horror-film-that-could "It Follows" continues to be a surprise success. 

What's on Dad's mind? Two things this time. You (first and foremost) and VACATION!!!

March 30th, 2015 | Almost Time

You're a peach now! We got to see you again last week (you have hands and feet now and you're a wiggler! Docs tell us you're looking good, and after we get our  test results on Thursday, we'll know that you're healthy. Mom made an AWESOME care package for your cousins in Tulsa and Great Aunt Michelle out in Arizona. They're going to know the big surprise before anyone else, but we asked them not to say a "peep." Mom and I are ALMOST done with the attic. Some paint, carpet and doors and we're donezo!

We spent the weekend celebrating Uncle Dave and Uncle Christian's birthdays, and last night was The Walking Dead's Season 5 finale and Wrestlemania 31. The Rangers clinched a spot in the playoffs for the 9th time in 10 seasons, the Mets entered their final week of Spring Training, and the Red Bulls are 2-0-1 after a win against Columbus. 

We have another appointment with Dr. Surmeli tomorrow to find out more about you. 

What's on Dad's Mind? Oh man... I can't even begin to describe my excitement. We're going to tell everyone at Easter. It's Goggie's birthday, so she gets an awesome gift. My Content Marketing Director (JZ) is resigning do things are going to get pretty interesting for Dad at work. We're going to Florida in two weeks and I'm trying to plan all of the awesome dinners and activities that are to be had. I also need a haircut very, very badly. 

March 22nd, 2015 | Mom's Got "the Suds"

Hey little one. We two Doctor's appointments this month and we can't wait! Mom has a cold ("the suds") and is SUPER bummed out. She's a strong lady though, so she'll kick its butt! I'm going to the Red Bulls home opener today with Uncle Dave and Joe and then meeting up at Grandma's for some corned beef (one of Mom's favorites!). We're taking you with us to Florida in a couple of weeks, including your first trip to Disney. 

Lastly, we're almost done with the attic! Grandpa Gary is up there right now working his magic. Can't wait for it to be done, we need the space!

What's on Dad's mind? Can't wait to find out whether I'll be coaching baseball or softball! I'll know soon. Very much so looking forward to vacation with mom. 

March 6th, 2015 | Snowstorm Thor

Strange Week... Two delayed openings and an office closing to round out (hopefully) the end of the Winter. Thanks Snowstorm Thor. Been a rough AND COLD one. Our second appointment with Dr. Surmeli was AWESOME. You're looking good kiddo! You're growing, your heart is beating away, and you were even dancing a little bit for us. Mom is excited to have a "squat buddy" hahaha.

Easter cannot come soon enough! One, that means we can stop keeping you a secret and start telling everyone about how awesome you're going to be! Two, Easter means that we're only a week away from sunny Florida. Mom and I need to get away from this cold for a little bit, so we're going to the house in Bradenton to soak up some rays. It'll be your first trip to Florida! You won't remember it, but we'll be sure to document.

The attic is almost done too, we're not sure yet what the space is going to become, but we're excited to have more of it.

What's Eating Dad's Brain? I'm starting to think about all of the little things. Safety caps for outlets, making things around the safe etc.

February 21st, 2015 | Carnevale!

I am feeling, as your mom and I often put it, "fat and sassy." Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Aunt Alysia, and I put together a fabulous and traditional meal for everyone. I'm super proud of mom because we managed to keep you a secret throughout the day (which was really tough because Aunt Er and Uncle Chrish are here and the topic is on everyone's minds) as we're not telling anyone else about you until Easter. Only a month or so away little one. 

March 2nd is coming closer and that's our next appointment with the doctor to check on you. I am still very, very excited. We still think you're going to be a boy at this point and we're tossing Thierry and Milo around as names. 

What Did Dad do at work today? Nothing, it's a weekend! But I'm a little nervous about next week. I'm going to be making a brief presentation in front of LOTS of people. 

What's On Dad's Mind? I want to know more about you. Start planning things. 

February 18th, 2015 | The Entertainer

After waiting a VERY long time, I finally got to see Billy Joel in concert at, the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. Your Uncle Dave took me as a Christmas/birthday gift and it was everything I hoped it would be. I left mom alone to fend for herself tonight, so I'm pretty sure she had a relaxing evening complete with a bath. She made a joke that maybe Billy will still be holding his residency at the Garden 10 years from now and I'll be able to take you to see him... Somehow I doubt it, haha. It did make me think about how excited I am to share my passions with you though; music, movies, sports... I really can't wait to inculcate you with all of the wonderful things this world has to offer. You are in store for some really fun and sometimes challenging things little one. 

I'm going to crash on the couch tonight. Don't want to disturb mom. 

February 13th, 2015 | Friday the 13th

Well kiddo I thought I had a good day today. Had the day off from work so I got my new suit pants hemmed and paid the water bill (Mom and I use A LOT of water) and then went to see "Kingsman" in the theater. It was the first time I ever went to the movies by myself. Note, not as fun as going with Mom. I fixed the rotating cabinet in the kitchen and tried re-caulking the sink... The last bit didn't turn out so well unfortunately. Mom just came in from her workout and brought the roses I ordered her for Valentine's Day home. They look great! Mom however is not in a good mood. We haven't been sleeping very well and I'm not sure why or how, but I keep finding new ways to annoy her it seems. I hope I can coax her into a better mood as the night goes on. I just realized that tomorrow will be Mom's and my last Valentine's Day as a duo... Exciting stuff!

What I did at work today: Nothing! I was off for my "birthday-day." 

What's Eating My Brain? Gotta keep Mom more relaxed and happier. Don't want you being born with an ulcer or Mom to get one!

February 12th, 2015 | Number 1

I am BEYOND excited. This has been a whirlwind part of my life. I am 3 months into a new job here at Sotheby's International Realty, I'm not depressed for the first time in years, and as if it couldn't get ANY better, I'm going to be a Dad. I've been waiting for this moment for years. Even before I met your mother, I knew that I wanted to be a Dad. We heard your heart beat for the first time two days ago and I was pretty sure mine was going to stop from excitement. Mom and I have been busy comparing your current size to food items (I think you're somewhere between a lentil and a pine nut at this point) and talking about all of things that we're excited about. Mom is a little touchy, but she's busy growing you so I don't blame her. Your dear old Dad here also doesn't think all too hard before he opens his mouth, so she's not entirely at fault, haha. We argued about the "selfishness" of getting massages today from Groupon for $9 and whether or not Mom could too. Needless to say, it was not pretty. Plus, if you're anything like the two of us (which is likely going to be the case) you're going to undoubtedly be a handful.

I'm looking forward to meeting you. I'm sure the next 8 months or so leading up to your arrival will be a fair mixture of arduous and exciting times, but I'm pumped for all of it. We briefly (amidst our earlier argument) looked at New York Mets shirts for Mom to wear this Summer as your fate has already been decided to lean towards Orange and Blue.

What I did at work today: I'm working on piece about the "Tiny Homes Movement" and spinning it to showcase some pretty massive luxury homes.

What's Eating My Brain? Our next appointment to see the doctor is March 2nd. We should get a better look at you then. I can't wait to find out that you're growing and healthy, to get a better idea of when you're actually getting here, and whether or not you're a boy or girl. For what it's worth, we seem to have our names picked and I personally have NO PREFERENCE as to what you come out as. Just as long as you don't have a tail and you're healthy, that's all I care about.