Hi Cal,
Today was a crazy day! You are one week old and we have been home from the hospital for five days. You, Daddy and I spent most of the early part of the day just kind of lounging around, playing and watching TV. We were just about to take a nap when the phone rang. It was Abba asking if she could come for a visit. You hadn't seen her in a few days, so we told her to come on over. Well, she came and brought with her Geri Herbert, Auntie Mazie, Uncle Brian, Cousin Ari, and Cousin Jake. At the same time, Uncle Pat, Auntie Fallon and Nana all stopped by. Our quiet, lazy day turned into a party! I guess they wanted to celebrate your one week birthday. Abba even brought cake! Everyone wanted to see you, hold you and check out your room. You were such a good boy and didn't fuss a bit as they passed you around. Our little condo was never so crowded!! Now we are waiting for Uncle Eddie to bring some us some dinner and then I think we will all sleep well tonight!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Cluster Feeding!
Dear Caleb,
You were a very skinny baby. By the time we took you home from the hospital, you were only 6 pounds! Your size, however, was no reflection on how much you ate! For the first 6 weeks of your life, we were feeding all the time. Morning, noon, night! You almost never went more that 1.5 hours without having a snack. Many, many times I thought I must be doing something wrong, because you never seemed full. Nana and Auntie Erin suggested that I should try some formula to fill you up, but I was determined to keep nursing. Your weight gain was slow, but you were gaining. More important, you were happy and healthy! As long as that was the case, I didn't want to make the change. Plus, the nursing gave us an excuse to spend lots of time cuddling on the couch while Daddy waited on us!
You were a very skinny baby. By the time we took you home from the hospital, you were only 6 pounds! Your size, however, was no reflection on how much you ate! For the first 6 weeks of your life, we were feeding all the time. Morning, noon, night! You almost never went more that 1.5 hours without having a snack. Many, many times I thought I must be doing something wrong, because you never seemed full. Nana and Auntie Erin suggested that I should try some formula to fill you up, but I was determined to keep nursing. Your weight gain was slow, but you were gaining. More important, you were happy and healthy! As long as that was the case, I didn't want to make the change. Plus, the nursing gave us an excuse to spend lots of time cuddling on the couch while Daddy waited on us!
It Just Keeps Getting Better!
Dear Caleb,
I thought the day you were born was the best day of my life. Little did I know that each day would be better than the one before. Your daddy and I had so much fun getting to know you in the first days of your life. And we weren't the only ones! You had lots of visitors on day one, and even more on day two! This was the day you met Cousin Dillan for the first time. You also met Auntie Linda, Cousin Kate, Auntie Nancy, Auntie Jackie, Auntie Mazie, Uncle Brian, Cousin Ari, Cousin Jake, Kelli and Kara. Such a popular boy!!
In between visitors, Daddy and I took turns holding and staring at you. You were so perfect- tiny and beautiful! You slept a lot this day, so we also caught a few naps. When you were awake, you and I practiced feeding. By the end of the day, we were pros. I loved nursing you from the very beginning and you seemed to enjoy it too!
After the last visitors of the day left, Daddy and I decided he should go home for the night to get things ready for your homecoming the next day. We left the house in a hurry so Daddy wanted to straighten up, do some laundry, things like that. Even though I knew he would be back early the next morning, I was so sad when he left. I could tell he was too- he didn't want to leave you! After he left, I fed you one last time and sent you to the nursery until your next feeding.
I had barely fallen asleep when they brought you back. You were a hungry boy!! I changed you and fed you. Then fed you some more. Changed you again. Fed again. Over and over! No matter what I did, I couldn't get you back to sleep. You were happy when you were eating and I was holding you, but as soon as I put you down, you would start to fuss. I was so afraid I was doing something wrong! Finally, at around 6 in the morning I brought you back across the hall to the nursery. I explained the situation to the nurse and she assured me I was doing everything right, that in the first few days babies nurse alot. She said she would take you for a bit so I could get some sleep. When I woke up, Daddy was back. Boy, was I glad to see him!!
They brought you back from the nursery and we took you to a baby bath class. We learned how to clean you and give you a massage. Then it was time to go home! We got you all dressed up in the outfit Nana brought special for your first car ride and waited for the nurse to give us the okay to leave. We waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, at about 3:00 they let us leave. We carried you carefully out to the truck. After three days in the hospital, I thought it felt great to be outside. You weren't so sure! It was very sunny and cold- you didn't seem to like either. You fell right asleep in the car, though, and we were home in no time. Daddy and I were so happy and proud to bring our beautiful son home. The first part of the adventure was over, but the best was yet to come!
I thought the day you were born was the best day of my life. Little did I know that each day would be better than the one before. Your daddy and I had so much fun getting to know you in the first days of your life. And we weren't the only ones! You had lots of visitors on day one, and even more on day two! This was the day you met Cousin Dillan for the first time. You also met Auntie Linda, Cousin Kate, Auntie Nancy, Auntie Jackie, Auntie Mazie, Uncle Brian, Cousin Ari, Cousin Jake, Kelli and Kara. Such a popular boy!!
In between visitors, Daddy and I took turns holding and staring at you. You were so perfect- tiny and beautiful! You slept a lot this day, so we also caught a few naps. When you were awake, you and I practiced feeding. By the end of the day, we were pros. I loved nursing you from the very beginning and you seemed to enjoy it too!
After the last visitors of the day left, Daddy and I decided he should go home for the night to get things ready for your homecoming the next day. We left the house in a hurry so Daddy wanted to straighten up, do some laundry, things like that. Even though I knew he would be back early the next morning, I was so sad when he left. I could tell he was too- he didn't want to leave you! After he left, I fed you one last time and sent you to the nursery until your next feeding.
I had barely fallen asleep when they brought you back. You were a hungry boy!! I changed you and fed you. Then fed you some more. Changed you again. Fed again. Over and over! No matter what I did, I couldn't get you back to sleep. You were happy when you were eating and I was holding you, but as soon as I put you down, you would start to fuss. I was so afraid I was doing something wrong! Finally, at around 6 in the morning I brought you back across the hall to the nursery. I explained the situation to the nurse and she assured me I was doing everything right, that in the first few days babies nurse alot. She said she would take you for a bit so I could get some sleep. When I woke up, Daddy was back. Boy, was I glad to see him!!
They brought you back from the nursery and we took you to a baby bath class. We learned how to clean you and give you a massage. Then it was time to go home! We got you all dressed up in the outfit Nana brought special for your first car ride and waited for the nurse to give us the okay to leave. We waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, at about 3:00 they let us leave. We carried you carefully out to the truck. After three days in the hospital, I thought it felt great to be outside. You weren't so sure! It was very sunny and cold- you didn't seem to like either. You fell right asleep in the car, though, and we were home in no time. Daddy and I were so happy and proud to bring our beautiful son home. The first part of the adventure was over, but the best was yet to come!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Best Birthday Cake Ever!!!
Dear Caleb,
When last we left off, you had been whisked away to the nursery! I thought you'd like to know what we did in those first two hours of your life and the days to follow while we got to know each other at the hospital.
Since I didn't have any drugs during your birth, the nurse told me I could do whatever I wanted while we waited for you to come back from the nursery- eat, shower, sleep, move to the room we would share- whatever I felt like doing. It had been a while since my last meal (the fancy one in Boston felt like ages before) so I opted for some lunch. Daddy called down to the caf to order it and we sat back to wait. While waiting for my lunch, he went down to the cafeteria to get his own. He came back with a giant piece of birthday cake. I'm not sure if it really was for me, but I decided it was and ate the whole thing while waiting for my lunch. It was the best piece of cake I have ever eaten. This might not seem like a very important story to share, but I wanted to make sure you knew that even on your very first birthday, the day you were born, I ate cake. Yum.
After lunch, I took a shower. When I got out, Abba had arrived. I'm still not sure how she finally heard the news, but she was there and so anxious to meet you. She helped us pack up and walked with us as we went to our new room. We called for you from the nursery and Abba got to meet grandkid number 9. She was so happy and couldn't believe how much you looked like your Daddy. She was the first person to say this, but certainly not the last. That was pretty much the common consensus! I saw it to and it made me so happy. My two handsome boys.
Abba was your first visitor on day one, but certainly not your last. Throughout the day, you met Auntie Emily, Cousin Aiden, Uncle Pat, Auntie Fallon, Auntie Erin, and Uncle Sean. It was a busy day so after dinner we decided you should go to the nursery for a little bit. I didn't want you to leave, but I hadn't slept in a long time and knew I should get some rest. I was a little sad, not only to send you away even for a short time, but because Nana and Granky hadn't seen you yet. When you were born, they were ten hours away, in Baltimore. I knew they were trying hard to get home to see you, but it was a long drive for them. As we were getting ready to bring you to the nursery, the door opened and in came Nana, Granky and Auntie Jeanie. They had made it afterall and were so excited to see you. I guess Nana wouldn't even let them stop to use the bathroom, she was so anxious to see you. It was such an awesome feeling, seeing my parents hold you. They stayed for a short while and when they went home, we all went to bed. Your first day was over, the most amazing day of my life.
When last we left off, you had been whisked away to the nursery! I thought you'd like to know what we did in those first two hours of your life and the days to follow while we got to know each other at the hospital.
Since I didn't have any drugs during your birth, the nurse told me I could do whatever I wanted while we waited for you to come back from the nursery- eat, shower, sleep, move to the room we would share- whatever I felt like doing. It had been a while since my last meal (the fancy one in Boston felt like ages before) so I opted for some lunch. Daddy called down to the caf to order it and we sat back to wait. While waiting for my lunch, he went down to the cafeteria to get his own. He came back with a giant piece of birthday cake. I'm not sure if it really was for me, but I decided it was and ate the whole thing while waiting for my lunch. It was the best piece of cake I have ever eaten. This might not seem like a very important story to share, but I wanted to make sure you knew that even on your very first birthday, the day you were born, I ate cake. Yum.
After lunch, I took a shower. When I got out, Abba had arrived. I'm still not sure how she finally heard the news, but she was there and so anxious to meet you. She helped us pack up and walked with us as we went to our new room. We called for you from the nursery and Abba got to meet grandkid number 9. She was so happy and couldn't believe how much you looked like your Daddy. She was the first person to say this, but certainly not the last. That was pretty much the common consensus! I saw it to and it made me so happy. My two handsome boys.
Abba was your first visitor on day one, but certainly not your last. Throughout the day, you met Auntie Emily, Cousin Aiden, Uncle Pat, Auntie Fallon, Auntie Erin, and Uncle Sean. It was a busy day so after dinner we decided you should go to the nursery for a little bit. I didn't want you to leave, but I hadn't slept in a long time and knew I should get some rest. I was a little sad, not only to send you away even for a short time, but because Nana and Granky hadn't seen you yet. When you were born, they were ten hours away, in Baltimore. I knew they were trying hard to get home to see you, but it was a long drive for them. As we were getting ready to bring you to the nursery, the door opened and in came Nana, Granky and Auntie Jeanie. They had made it afterall and were so excited to see you. I guess Nana wouldn't even let them stop to use the bathroom, she was so anxious to see you. It was such an awesome feeling, seeing my parents hold you. They stayed for a short while and when they went home, we all went to bed. Your first day was over, the most amazing day of my life.
I Think We Need to go to the Hospital!!
Dear Cal,
For nine months, we waited, dreamed, hoped and planned. In about 13 hours, all our waiting came to an end and our dreams came true with your arrival.
As I've already told you, I had my last doctor's appointment on Thursday, March 13th and the nurse practictioner didn't seem too hopeful you would be arriving anytime soon. I was pretty disappointed after this appointment, because I was hoping you would arrive in time for Easter, which was the following weekend. I went to school on Friday feeling fine. I left at the end of the day planning to be back on Monday. Happily, I was wrong!
That night, I had made reservations to take Daddy out for dinner. His birthday was coming up and I wanted to make sure we got one last date in. We went to a fancy restaurant in the North End and had a delicious dinner. After we ate, we toyed with the idea of going out for bit longer because I felt great- not tired at all! We decided to go home instead and headed back to the Q. As we got into the elevator, I felt a little something, but didn't think too much of it. We got upstairs and were sitting on the couch playing Guitar Hero when my water broke. Not a big dramatic gush like you see on TV and in the movies, but enough so I noticed! I told Daddy that I thought my water had broken and he asked what we should do next. I told him I had no idea and he suggested I call somebody. I called Auntie Nancy and she told me I should call the after hours line for the doctor. I did and the midwife called right back. She told us to head right to the hospital so we got our bags together. I had actually packed our bags a few weeks ahead of time. I had read lots of lists of things to bring to the hospital, stocked up on the things I thought we'd need and packed and repacked. I had stuff for you, for me and for daddy. Despite being prepared in advanced, I basically unpacked and repacked before I was ready to go. Nerves, I guess! We called Nana, Abba and Auntie Erin, hopped in the truck and off we went.
I couldn't believe how calm and collected your dad was on the ride to the hospital. I was not in any pain- no contractions yet- but I was so scared. After months of waiting, the time had come and I didn't know what to expect. Daddy kept me calm, though, by saying funny things and playing our "car game." We arrived at South Shore Hosptial in no time, although we did have a bit of trouble finding the right door and then the maternity ward. We checked in with the midwife and were sent to wait at labor and delivery. We had to wait a few minutes before getting into a room, but I still wasn't having any contractions so the wait wasn't so bad. The funny thing was, as soon as we sat in L&D, my nerves went away. I knew we were where we were suppose to be and that we would be meeting you soon!
We were taken back to a room and the very nice nurse told me to change my clothes and get ready for the doctor to come in and examine me. A few minutes later, Dr. Shakr arrived. I couldn't have been any happier than when I saw he was the doctor on duty. He was my favorite from the practice and I knew we were in good hands. As he started the examine I got a little nervous again- not about labor or anything, but because Daddy hadn't been in the room for one of those kind of exams yet. I got over it quick though, because he assured me it wasn't a big deal. Dr. Shakr confirmed pretty quickly that my water had broken. He did an ultrasound so we could see how you were doing- our last glimpse of you on the inside! Unfortunately, even though my water had broken, I wasn't actually in labor yet, so he order some drugs to get the ball rolling. He predicted you would arrive late on Saturday or early on Sunday. That seemed a long way away, since it was only around midnight on Friday night! I got an IV (ouch!!) and some monitors and Daddy and I settled in for the night.
I was feeling fine, so Daddy went to sleep. The nurses were in and out checking on things so it was hard for me to sleep. Plus, one of the monitors was recording your heartbeat, and I couldn't stop watching it. I wanted to make sure you were doing okay and that your heartbeat stayed steady!
Shortly after Daddy went to sleep, I began having contractions. Yowzer. They were not pleasant. Within no time, they were coming fast and hard. At one point, the nurse came in to ask if I was feeling them, since they were showing up on the monitor, but I wasn't making any noise! I told her I was indeed feeling them, but I was trying to pretend I wasn't, hoping that would make them less painful! At that point, she stayed for a few minutes and we talked about pain medication and what I wanted to do. I was really committed to trying to NOT take any medications, especially not an epidural. The nurse, who's name was Pat, said that was fine and she would help me in any way she could. She gave me a few pointers for dealing with the pain and said she'd be close by if I needed her.
Sometime not long after, Dr. Ekhardt came in to check me out (Dr. Shakr had gone home.) She said I was more than half way there and that things looked good! No one could believe things were moving along so quickly! Because things were moving so quick, Pat stayed with me in the room. I didn't realize ahead of time that I would have my very own nurse. I thought they would just come in for the grand finale, but Pat stayed with us for almost the whole time. By this point, it was early in the morning and Daddy had woken up. We filled him in on what was going on, but I don't think he realized how much pain I was in because he started to complain about his back hurting. He figured out quickly it was not the time to complain and as soon as he realized what was going on he was by my side. I can't tell you how awesome your Daddy was (once he woke up!) He helped me through the contractions until around 9:30. I didn't know how much longer things would last and the pain was getting the best of me, so I finally caved and asked for an epidural. Pat asked if I would mind if she examined me first, since we had to wait for the anesthesiologist anyways. I agreed and she told me we were almost ready to push. I was pretty glad to hear that news and I went back to my original plan- no epidural. No time later, I knew I had to start pushing. Dr. Ekhardt came back and things got exciting. I started pushing. And pushing. And pushing. It felt like I was pushing forever and, man, was it hard work!! Daddy was right there through it all, encouraging me! I said some silly things at this point. I even announced to the room that you were evicted. Everyone thought it was pretty funny. Everyone but me, that is. I just wanted you out and in my arms. An hour later, I had my wish. With one last big push you came rocketing out!
The first thing I noticed was your red hair. I hope its still red by the time you read this. You were put right on my belly and I helped the nurse to clean you off. I can't find the words to explain what it was like to hold you for the first time. You were so unbelievably beautiful! They let me nurse you for a few minutes before they took you off to the side to clean you up, weigh you, all that stuff. You took to it right away and again, I can't tell you how amazing that was. I didn't want to give you up to the nurse, but I knew they had to check you out. You passed all your first tests with flying colors! You weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces and you were 21.5 inches long. My tall, skinny boy!
They took you away to the nursery shortly after you were born and Daddy and I made some phone calls. I called Nana and Granky first. They were driving as quickly as they could home from Florida and were so excited to hear the news. Daddy called Abba but he she wasn't home! We then called all your Aunties and Uncles and sent text messages to our friends. We were so excited to share our news and everyone was very glad to hear it!
So that's the story. Nine long months, 13 crazy hours and you were hear. I was your Mommy and I couldn't have been happier or any more in love.
For nine months, we waited, dreamed, hoped and planned. In about 13 hours, all our waiting came to an end and our dreams came true with your arrival.
As I've already told you, I had my last doctor's appointment on Thursday, March 13th and the nurse practictioner didn't seem too hopeful you would be arriving anytime soon. I was pretty disappointed after this appointment, because I was hoping you would arrive in time for Easter, which was the following weekend. I went to school on Friday feeling fine. I left at the end of the day planning to be back on Monday. Happily, I was wrong!
That night, I had made reservations to take Daddy out for dinner. His birthday was coming up and I wanted to make sure we got one last date in. We went to a fancy restaurant in the North End and had a delicious dinner. After we ate, we toyed with the idea of going out for bit longer because I felt great- not tired at all! We decided to go home instead and headed back to the Q. As we got into the elevator, I felt a little something, but didn't think too much of it. We got upstairs and were sitting on the couch playing Guitar Hero when my water broke. Not a big dramatic gush like you see on TV and in the movies, but enough so I noticed! I told Daddy that I thought my water had broken and he asked what we should do next. I told him I had no idea and he suggested I call somebody. I called Auntie Nancy and she told me I should call the after hours line for the doctor. I did and the midwife called right back. She told us to head right to the hospital so we got our bags together. I had actually packed our bags a few weeks ahead of time. I had read lots of lists of things to bring to the hospital, stocked up on the things I thought we'd need and packed and repacked. I had stuff for you, for me and for daddy. Despite being prepared in advanced, I basically unpacked and repacked before I was ready to go. Nerves, I guess! We called Nana, Abba and Auntie Erin, hopped in the truck and off we went.
I couldn't believe how calm and collected your dad was on the ride to the hospital. I was not in any pain- no contractions yet- but I was so scared. After months of waiting, the time had come and I didn't know what to expect. Daddy kept me calm, though, by saying funny things and playing our "car game." We arrived at South Shore Hosptial in no time, although we did have a bit of trouble finding the right door and then the maternity ward. We checked in with the midwife and were sent to wait at labor and delivery. We had to wait a few minutes before getting into a room, but I still wasn't having any contractions so the wait wasn't so bad. The funny thing was, as soon as we sat in L&D, my nerves went away. I knew we were where we were suppose to be and that we would be meeting you soon!
We were taken back to a room and the very nice nurse told me to change my clothes and get ready for the doctor to come in and examine me. A few minutes later, Dr. Shakr arrived. I couldn't have been any happier than when I saw he was the doctor on duty. He was my favorite from the practice and I knew we were in good hands. As he started the examine I got a little nervous again- not about labor or anything, but because Daddy hadn't been in the room for one of those kind of exams yet. I got over it quick though, because he assured me it wasn't a big deal. Dr. Shakr confirmed pretty quickly that my water had broken. He did an ultrasound so we could see how you were doing- our last glimpse of you on the inside! Unfortunately, even though my water had broken, I wasn't actually in labor yet, so he order some drugs to get the ball rolling. He predicted you would arrive late on Saturday or early on Sunday. That seemed a long way away, since it was only around midnight on Friday night! I got an IV (ouch!!) and some monitors and Daddy and I settled in for the night.
I was feeling fine, so Daddy went to sleep. The nurses were in and out checking on things so it was hard for me to sleep. Plus, one of the monitors was recording your heartbeat, and I couldn't stop watching it. I wanted to make sure you were doing okay and that your heartbeat stayed steady!
Shortly after Daddy went to sleep, I began having contractions. Yowzer. They were not pleasant. Within no time, they were coming fast and hard. At one point, the nurse came in to ask if I was feeling them, since they were showing up on the monitor, but I wasn't making any noise! I told her I was indeed feeling them, but I was trying to pretend I wasn't, hoping that would make them less painful! At that point, she stayed for a few minutes and we talked about pain medication and what I wanted to do. I was really committed to trying to NOT take any medications, especially not an epidural. The nurse, who's name was Pat, said that was fine and she would help me in any way she could. She gave me a few pointers for dealing with the pain and said she'd be close by if I needed her.
Sometime not long after, Dr. Ekhardt came in to check me out (Dr. Shakr had gone home.) She said I was more than half way there and that things looked good! No one could believe things were moving along so quickly! Because things were moving so quick, Pat stayed with me in the room. I didn't realize ahead of time that I would have my very own nurse. I thought they would just come in for the grand finale, but Pat stayed with us for almost the whole time. By this point, it was early in the morning and Daddy had woken up. We filled him in on what was going on, but I don't think he realized how much pain I was in because he started to complain about his back hurting. He figured out quickly it was not the time to complain and as soon as he realized what was going on he was by my side. I can't tell you how awesome your Daddy was (once he woke up!) He helped me through the contractions until around 9:30. I didn't know how much longer things would last and the pain was getting the best of me, so I finally caved and asked for an epidural. Pat asked if I would mind if she examined me first, since we had to wait for the anesthesiologist anyways. I agreed and she told me we were almost ready to push. I was pretty glad to hear that news and I went back to my original plan- no epidural. No time later, I knew I had to start pushing. Dr. Ekhardt came back and things got exciting. I started pushing. And pushing. And pushing. It felt like I was pushing forever and, man, was it hard work!! Daddy was right there through it all, encouraging me! I said some silly things at this point. I even announced to the room that you were evicted. Everyone thought it was pretty funny. Everyone but me, that is. I just wanted you out and in my arms. An hour later, I had my wish. With one last big push you came rocketing out!
The first thing I noticed was your red hair. I hope its still red by the time you read this. You were put right on my belly and I helped the nurse to clean you off. I can't find the words to explain what it was like to hold you for the first time. You were so unbelievably beautiful! They let me nurse you for a few minutes before they took you off to the side to clean you up, weigh you, all that stuff. You took to it right away and again, I can't tell you how amazing that was. I didn't want to give you up to the nurse, but I knew they had to check you out. You passed all your first tests with flying colors! You weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces and you were 21.5 inches long. My tall, skinny boy!
They took you away to the nursery shortly after you were born and Daddy and I made some phone calls. I called Nana and Granky first. They were driving as quickly as they could home from Florida and were so excited to hear the news. Daddy called Abba but he she wasn't home! We then called all your Aunties and Uncles and sent text messages to our friends. We were so excited to share our news and everyone was very glad to hear it!
So that's the story. Nine long months, 13 crazy hours and you were hear. I was your Mommy and I couldn't have been happier or any more in love.
Your pregnancy, 9 months in review!
Dear Cal,
I can't believe you are here. I can't believe my time carrying you went by so fast! Here's a quick review of the time you spent in my belly. There are more details in the pregnancy journal that Abba gave me, but this letter will give you a quick summary!!
The story begins in July of 2007. Around the middle of the month, I began to feel pretty lousy. Daddy and I went on vacation with a few friends, and I felt awful the whole week. I started to get a little suspicious after an easy hike up Mt. Willard totally wiped me out. When we got home, I took a few tests, all of which said yup, you were coming. I called my doctor to make an appointment, but there wasn't one available for a few weeks. I was pretty nervous to make sure everything was okay, so I made an appointment for the next day at a clinic in Dorchester. I just wanted someone to check me out and let me know you were okay. Daddy came with me to this appointment- he was a little scared because the clinic wasn't in the best neighborhood- I think he was worried that was were I always went to the doctor! He had quite the time in the waiting room while I was being checked out by the doctor. There were a few women waiting with him who gave him the third degree. At one point, a nun came in and offered to get him something at Dunkin Donuts!
The people at the clinic confirmed we were pregnant and doing well. I was still so nervous, but Daddy was great. He made me feel a lot better. After the appointment we went home to do some talking and planning. All of a sudden, we had a lot of decisions to make. When would we tell people? Who would we tell first? Where would we live? What would we do for daycare? Would I keep working or stay home with you?
Since we were only about 7 weeks along, we thought we had plenty of time to make these decisions. Boy, were we wrong. The next 7 months flew by! I had doctor's appointments (after the first appointment at the clinic I went to my normal doctor at Crown Colony) at first once a month, then every two weeks, then every week. We heard your heartbeat and saw you on the ultrasound screen for the first time at 12 weeks. We had three more ultrasounds after that, but Daddy wouldn't let us find out if you were a boy or a girl. At each appointment, the doctor assured us you were doing great, and over time I stopped being so nervous and started being very, very excited.
There was lots to do between the appointments to get ready for your arrival. We had to tell our friends and family, who were so excited that you were on your way. Auntie Erin, Nana and Abba planned a great baby shower for us. All our family came, even Auntie Lauren from Virginia and Auntie Susan all the way from Seattle. They were so generous and you got so many great things. The pile in our living room was gigantic and we couldn't wait until you got here to use all the new things! The ladies from school had a shower for us too, and the pile grew some more. We realized how very lucky we were to have so many generous, loving people in our lives!
All in all, our pregnancy time was pretty uneventful! We both were healthy all throughout. I tried really had not to gain TOO much weight. I hated wearing maternity clothes and craved Doritos. We decided not to take any classes and instead read a lot in books and on the internet to get ready for you. I loved feeling you move in my belly (which was a good thing because you were quite the acrobat) and everyday I got more and more impatient waiting for your arrival. I counted the months, weeks and days. As your due date got closer and closer, I got more and more excited. Daddy and I talked and thought about you all the time!
My final doctors appointment before you came was on March 13th. I saw the nurse practitioner, who didn't seem to think you would be arriving anytime soon. As a matter of fact, she made me make an appointment for AFTER your due date, which I wasn't too happy about. You came a lot sooner then she thought, but that's a story for another letter!
I can't believe you are here. I can't believe my time carrying you went by so fast! Here's a quick review of the time you spent in my belly. There are more details in the pregnancy journal that Abba gave me, but this letter will give you a quick summary!!
The story begins in July of 2007. Around the middle of the month, I began to feel pretty lousy. Daddy and I went on vacation with a few friends, and I felt awful the whole week. I started to get a little suspicious after an easy hike up Mt. Willard totally wiped me out. When we got home, I took a few tests, all of which said yup, you were coming. I called my doctor to make an appointment, but there wasn't one available for a few weeks. I was pretty nervous to make sure everything was okay, so I made an appointment for the next day at a clinic in Dorchester. I just wanted someone to check me out and let me know you were okay. Daddy came with me to this appointment- he was a little scared because the clinic wasn't in the best neighborhood- I think he was worried that was were I always went to the doctor! He had quite the time in the waiting room while I was being checked out by the doctor. There were a few women waiting with him who gave him the third degree. At one point, a nun came in and offered to get him something at Dunkin Donuts!
The people at the clinic confirmed we were pregnant and doing well. I was still so nervous, but Daddy was great. He made me feel a lot better. After the appointment we went home to do some talking and planning. All of a sudden, we had a lot of decisions to make. When would we tell people? Who would we tell first? Where would we live? What would we do for daycare? Would I keep working or stay home with you?
Since we were only about 7 weeks along, we thought we had plenty of time to make these decisions. Boy, were we wrong. The next 7 months flew by! I had doctor's appointments (after the first appointment at the clinic I went to my normal doctor at Crown Colony) at first once a month, then every two weeks, then every week. We heard your heartbeat and saw you on the ultrasound screen for the first time at 12 weeks. We had three more ultrasounds after that, but Daddy wouldn't let us find out if you were a boy or a girl. At each appointment, the doctor assured us you were doing great, and over time I stopped being so nervous and started being very, very excited.
There was lots to do between the appointments to get ready for your arrival. We had to tell our friends and family, who were so excited that you were on your way. Auntie Erin, Nana and Abba planned a great baby shower for us. All our family came, even Auntie Lauren from Virginia and Auntie Susan all the way from Seattle. They were so generous and you got so many great things. The pile in our living room was gigantic and we couldn't wait until you got here to use all the new things! The ladies from school had a shower for us too, and the pile grew some more. We realized how very lucky we were to have so many generous, loving people in our lives!
All in all, our pregnancy time was pretty uneventful! We both were healthy all throughout. I tried really had not to gain TOO much weight. I hated wearing maternity clothes and craved Doritos. We decided not to take any classes and instead read a lot in books and on the internet to get ready for you. I loved feeling you move in my belly (which was a good thing because you were quite the acrobat) and everyday I got more and more impatient waiting for your arrival. I counted the months, weeks and days. As your due date got closer and closer, I got more and more excited. Daddy and I talked and thought about you all the time!
My final doctors appointment before you came was on March 13th. I saw the nurse practitioner, who didn't seem to think you would be arriving anytime soon. As a matter of fact, she made me make an appointment for AFTER your due date, which I wasn't too happy about. You came a lot sooner then she thought, but that's a story for another letter!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
