The birth story (don't worry, not gross!)

Okay, so I know some people enjoy "the story," so I thought I'd post it here. I was scheduled to be induced Friday morning the 17th at 8:30 because I was already dilated to almost 4 cm and 80% effaced. They gave me the choice to schedule it, and it ended up being such a God orchestrated thing. Steve's parents had already been here and were ready to take Lucy, and my parents came down Thursday night to be in the delivery room with us.

Sadly I had a horrible night's sleep that night-- almost no sleep. Apparently my body was getting ready to get on with things, and around 5:30a I started in on regular contractions on my own. I was supposed to call at 7:45a before we headed in to make sure I could come in. They would have said I couldn't come in for the scheduled induction because they were just way too busy, but since I was having regular contractions, they said to come in anyway.

We spent 6 1/2 hrs in L&D triage, walking the halls and resting by turn. I had regular contractions the whole time. About 3:00-ish we got our room and it was time to rock-and-roll. I got my epidural and they broke my water. I was on pitocin technically, but they told me I was coming along almost completely on my own.

Around 6:00 I started pushing, and with about 6 contractions of pushing, the nurse practitioner had the head out, and then Steve got to do the official catching at 6:20p.m. I think the first thing I said was, "Where did you come from??" Søren had all this dark hair! I thought I was destined for bald babies!

Lucy came a little later, and just bounced off the walls in excitement. She was sad that we weren't coming home, and cried most of the way home with Mimi and Papa, but the grandparenting ninjas had the situation well in hand.

We stayed overnight, but wanted to come home soon. We finally named him in the morning, and were home around 4:15p.m. Saturday the 18th.

Having a contraction while posing for our "on their way" picture.
Finally in our room!

My little guy!

Home and having his first bath!!

Life as Four

We just took Grammie to the train station and started our adventure as a family of four. It was so, so wonderful to have our family here this week, and I cried when Grammie left, but I think we're ready to give it a go. We kicked it off with trip to Knowlwood at the train station for milkshakes and chicken strips--yum!!

Here are some pics of our little family so far...

Daddy flaked out while Lucy watches Blue's Clues on his computer.
Staying cool.

Trying out the double stroller."This'll make a good nightcap, Daddy!"
Doesn't this look like a 20's bathing suit?
I just wanna smooch those lips!

Reasons I'm glad I'm no longer pregnant

I did a list like this last time I was pregnant. I'm in that post-partem fog right now, trying not to panic that I have two children now, very little sleep, and a hard time getting to sleep when I get a chance! But there are so many WONDERFUL things about being done with this pregnancy.

* No more heartburn!!! HOORAY!!
* Being able to bend over again!
* More than two pairs of pants fit me (not any of my originals, of course, but lots of those in-betweeners).
* I can go more than an hour between potty breaks.
* I can sleep on my back without feeling guilty.
* My weight has now crept way back away from my husband's weight. =)
* I can squeeze past people again!
And of course, the best reason of all...

Welcome!

Søren James
8 lbs, 9 oz
July 17

Well, here we go!

Well, guys, it's about that time. I went in to the doc today, and they were pleased enough with my progress to give the green-light for a scheduled induction later this week. The planner in me is SOO glad -- my in-laws are here, my parents will be able to make it, my all-star team is just about assembled. And what's on my list this week? Other than *ahem* encourage my handymen to finish up some painting in the baby's room: 1.) Get hair cut, 2.) Get pedicure, 3.) Go see Harry Potter. Sounds like a week to me! Oh, and pick a name for little Rothgar. I can't wait to meet this little one. There's something so cool about realizing that God alone knows what time he will be born and what his name is and how much he weighs.

In the mean time, here are some pictures of our last few weeks:

The theme for Adventure Week at church was Lost in Space, and Daddy indulged her with a robot helmet. =)
I can't even tell you what an incredible joy it was to watch my baby really participating in Adventure Week this year. To have people I trusted helping her learn about the One who Rescues us. My kiddo who would never before sit still for anything went joyfully to her class, did all the motions to the songs (well tried!), and really had her head in the game. What a delight!
And yes, guys, THE only picture you'll ever see of me in a bathing suit, because I'm supposed to have a big tummy right now. =) This is how we've spent every afternoon during the last week or so. Thank heavens for the pool!!

Have a wonderful week, friends, and we'll let you all know when Baby Brother Cub (Lucy's been reading lots of Berenstain Bears lately!) makes his appearance.

The tart!

Seriously, guys, if I don't get a piece of my own pie, I think I may weep. Or make another one tomorrow.


Edit: I didn't win, but I DID get some of my own tart. It wasn't the best I've ever made, but I still enjoy it! Next year I'll go with my lemon meringue... that one should win some points!!

Welcome, Summer

Can't believe you're hearing that from me, eh? Well, I'm sure I'll recant, but I'm giving summer a good deal of credit for coming in like a lamb. We had the longest, lovliest May Gray/June Gloom that I remember, providing lots of a/c-free days. I think I turned on the a/c twice in June, which is lovely. And even now, we're looking at days in the 80's for the first few weeks of July. God had mercy on this pregnant lady. =)

Speaking of pregnant, I'm 2 weeks from my due date, measuring at 1.5 cm. Just where I want to be. Not 0, not 4. I'm thinking this little one will come somewhere close to his due date, and that is fine with me. My mom was here helping out with some preparation, and once we get a little more done on the window in his room, we should be about ready. STILL do not have a name for him. Ah well. How does "Baby Brother" sound? I think that's what we're sticking with at the moment. =)

In celebration of the 4th of July weekend coming up, we had the absolute privilege of welcoming home my sister-in-law from Iraq on Saturday. She's been there six months, serving in the area of base security with 30 of her guys. I say "her" because she's the head hauncho. Seriously, my sister-in-law could not be cooler. =) The welcome home is something I wish everyone could experience. Watching that enormous plane taxi right from the tarmac, seeing her come off the plane to sharp salutes and a flag bearer escort was incredible. Seeing how much people respected her for being an incredible service-woman. It was almost too much for this pregnant lady. =)

Waiting for the door to open...

Seeing her auntie for the first time in 6 months--it was really special to watch her give hugs and kisses.
And just for good measure... sitting on the little potty outside on a break from swimming. =)

Up this weekend: 3rd of July celebration at church, in which I will try to win the pie contest with my favorite blueberry tart. 4th of July, probably a bbq at home and some driveway fireworks. Missing our old neighbors who always provided the show in the past!