The Puppies

Actually, Bowser isn't really a puppy anymore and Maggie will be a year old in June, but we will probably always call them that. Anyway, they seem to be adjusting pretty well to Cian. They're still very curious and have to be reminded not to lick him, but that's nothing compared to how they could be behaving. Bowser has discovered the baby's laundry hamper and likes to try to pull stuff out through the holes in the side. Apparently the smell of spit up is too hard to resist.

Below is a picture of them. I gave them both a haircut recently, but you can't tell. In Bowser's case that is probably a good thing, I cut off a lot more of his hair because it is really thick and it didn't look that nice. I will probably have to break down and take him to the groomer. Maggie's hair is more manageable so I think I can spare her that experience. I'll have to post an "after" picture when they get another haircut.

Nonstop Eating

Cian had another doctor's appointment on Wednesday. They have been concerned about his weight gain but he is now up to 7 lbs 5 oz, so he put on 8 oz in just under a week and has surpassed his birth weight. The pediatrician was happy with that so we don't have to go back until his one month well check. It's a relief to see the constant feeding paying off!

And now another picture for your viewing pleasure...





He has so many great facial expressions I've tried to capture on camera, to no avail. I think we'll need the camcorder for that.

Expectations

First, I want to thank everyone for the well-wishes and kind comments about the baby bump pics. It's always nice to hear that you look good when you feel like a blimp.

Now, for the meat of the post. I'm sure there are lots of moms out there whose labor and delivery experience didn't go as they had hoped, me included. I had planned on trying for an epidural-free birth, but that didn't happen for a few reasons. One, the baby's heart rate kept decelerating and I was told if they had to do a C-section and I did not have an epidural, they would have to put me under. Two, because the baby's heart rate kept decelerating, I was strapped to all sorts of monitors and oxygen and could only lay on my left side. So I couldn't get up and move around to try and alleviate the pain or speed things along. I got stuck at 6 cm so they started me on pitocin. Even then I didn't progress very quickly and the thought of hours more of contractions didn't appeal to me so I finally gave in. At least then I was somewhat lucid for the people who were keeping me company that day...

When he was finally born, the cord was wrapped around his neck and arm, which was what they suspected. But, he was healthy which was all we could ask for, and we are thankful that everything worked out. The next challenge has been breastfeeding, but I won't go into that here.

Now for some more pictures:

With the proud parents right after he was born.

With Grandma Hood, Aunt Jen, and a tired mommy.

Hangin' with Grandpa Hood at the hospital.

Another pic while we were still in the hospital.

Cian

He doesn't do much, so not a lot of action shots. He pretty much just sleeps and stares.


Mom and Cian



Cian with Grandma Dorothy and Aunt Jona



Cian with Grandma Julie

Cian dreaming of being a blowfish

Cian dreaming of being cute

Newborn pics posted

...when we get more time. For now, you can view the hospital pic @ www.kadlecmed.org and click on "Newborn Gallery".

It's a Boy!

Today I was awakened at 5:45 a.m. by the words, "the bed is soaked." Yes, Brianna's water had broke. We quickly showered, brushed our teeth, loaded the car, and said goodbye to the dogs. We stopped for Starbucks, then headed straight for the hospital. By noon, several family members had shown up. Bri's contractions were light at first, but later after the push of patocin the pain was too much and along came the epidural. Then all was right with the world. The day was filled with a lot of waiting, clearing the room for Dr. checks, the room filling up again, oxygen, no oxygen, more IV fluids and the like. We lasted through the nurse's entire 12 hour shift and got a new nurse. Finally, around 6:30 p.m., it was time. The pushing started and lasted a little more than an hour. Out came a healthy baby boy. 7 lbs. 4 oz., 20 in. We'd kept his name in suspense, so there had been much speculation throughout the day, and for much of the pregnancy for that matter. But after he was here, we announced his name: Cian Marcus.

Mom is fine, but tired. Dad is tired and took a pit stop home to announce the news on the blog and check on the dogs. I think they will be surprised how different their world will now be. As will we.