BABY D: 2010

Wow! Its been a long time since I have updated our blog. I have to say though, it seems like just yesterday that I was walking around, wishing our little man would be born. Yet, its been 6 weeks since Jackson Robert entered this world. He arrived on January 12, 2010 at 2:31 pm, after 12 hours of being at the hospital. The delivery seemed long but the recovery really was worse than the labor. It took quite some time to feel "human" again. Jack was 8 lbs, 6 oz and 19 inches long. Much bigger than anyone guessed. Ironically however, he still seemed so tiny! My mom was able to spend our first 6 days once home from the hospital with us. It was so nice to have her here. She spent most of the days snuggling with Jack and she taught us how to give him a bath. It was reassuring to have her (the most experienced mom I know) around. I sat in the car and cried after dropping her off at the airport because I wasn't sure how Jack and I would do just the two of us all day. She told me, "You've been a mom since you were 5, you'll be fine." I guess you learn by doing, by screwing up, by trying again. Believe me, I learn something everyday about being a mom.
Here are a few pictures of baby Jackson - I am so in love!!!

Just as quickly as the holiday season came.... it went! Because I was unable to do any traveling, we were fortunate enough to have all of my family (at least at some point) over the past couple weeks here with us. My mom and 5 youngest siblings flew in on December 20th and were later joined by my dad who flew in Christmas day. Besides my brother Jake who had to leave that day for a soccer tournament in FL, they were all here until (very early) New Year's Day. It was great having them all here. My other siblings came and went at various times, but we were able to have at least a few days with each of them. It was somewhat like a revolving door - I will say it was hectic!!! And in my current desire to clean, I believe they call it "nesting", I had to take a deep breath several times and let it go :) Primarily with cups/cans of pop and shoes - HOLY CATS!!! Good practice for the future, right?

We did A LOT of eating, and with the two doctor appointments I had over the holidays (Dec. 23rd and Dec. 30th) I was quite happy to see that I actually lost some weight at both of these appointments!!! Too bad it normally doesn't work that way.

My first doctor appointment was with the nurse practitioner because my doctor was off for Christmas. It was the first time we met her, and my first internal exam... good thing I am not so self-conscious at this point. She told me I was 50% effaced, but not dilated any cm. Overall, I felt pretty good. I did notice some increased tiredness at the end of the day and definitely increased swelling in my feet, but the contractions I did have were fairy minor, and would come and go. I was able to have off from work Dec. 21-25th. We made lots of cookies those first few days, and I am pretty sure spent at least a portion of every day until Christmas Eve shopping.

The weather hindered some planned activities, but we improvised.... bowling, movies, ice skating (indoors), games, etc.

My second doctor appointment was about the same as the first. Around 50% effaced and no significant dilation. So, despite my wishes that the little guy was going to come before the New Year (since my family was here and since Nate would have loved the tax break) no such luck!!

Besides some final touches to the nursery, I am happy to report completion of that project. We started doing all the washing of the baby clothes.... he's got a good amount of clothes, WOW! Nate and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little guy, although I am not in a great deal of discomfort so I am still able to work and get stuff cleaned back up after the whole house was up for grabs for 2 weeks without any problems. Plus, we all know my mom never went early with any of her kids so I am not holding my breath. And, with the bitter cold weather we're having lately, I don't blame him for staying put!!! I see my doctor again tomorrow, so maybe we'll know more then.

Below are some pictures of the past few weeks.