Today

Today is my due date, the day I was certain would never come. And not only is it here, but I have a wonderful little man to share the day with.

I am so blessed.

1 week old today!

My little man is 1 week old today! I can't believe it!

I have to say, our weigh in on Friday didn't go as well as I'd have liked (he was down 2 oz from Tuesday), but we're going for a re-weigh tomorrow, and I have confidence that will be better. My boobs have to be proof of that, because they've gone from as hard as rocks to normal and softer again (and then hard 2 hours later, then soft, then hard, etc.).

My parents came up today to meet their grandson, which was nice. We mostly just sat around and my mother cooed at him. As a nice bonus, my little guy decided to have one of his rare (but increasingly more frequent!) quiet awake moments this morning. My mother loved it.

My doula also came over yesterday to do her postpartum check and ask my feelings on the birth. I have to say, I am very happy with the way things went, and I think my doula was instrumental in the process. Hopefully, I'll get around to posting the whole birth story soon. Also, she just had a little boy 8 months ago, so she brought us over tons of clothes!

And now for everyone's favorite part: pictures!

My doula took this one on the way to the hospital. I can realy say I look awful, lol.

And taken today. I am down 23 of the 34 pounds that I'd gained already!

And, of course, the star of the show with his 4-foot elephant.

First pediatriciam appointment!

Nathaniel had his first pediatrician appointment yesterday. They like to do them 2 days after discharge just to make sure things are going well at home.

Everything is looking good. Nathaniel's weight is down to 8 lbs 5 oz from 8 lbs 14 oz, which is pretty normal. He is doing well producing plenty of wet and dirty diapers, so the doctor is certain we are headed in the right direction. We talked about how I had heard conflicting things about introducing pacfiers early and strategies to get Nathaniel to sleep not in our arms. The pediatrician also ordered us a biliruben test, as Nathaniel was looking a little yellow, and wants us to start vitamin D daily.

On pacifiers, the pediatrician said since nursing is going so well and since Nathaniel is already happily sucking on our fingers and his when he can find them, he doesn't think it's a big deal. We did try when we got home, and it seems to work sometimes and not others. The jury is still out.

On bedtime, I actually realized before the appointment that Nathaniel really just hates the bassinet in the pack and play. I had put him down for naps in the crib and he was ok with that. The pediatrician also suggested trying to keep him awake for a few hours before bedtime, which is still pretty hard at this age. We did try last night, and things are better, but we are working on it. We did get a couple 2-hour stretches which was great. I also think it helps that my milk has come in which seems to be filling him up better.

The doctor himself called last night to let us know the biliruben levels were normal (15.7). I was impressed that he called and didn't have a nurse do it. We go back on Friday for a quick weight check and then for our normal visit in a month!

My baby BOY is here

He arrived yesterday morning at 6:30 am after 26 hours of laboring, including 2.5 hours of pushing. It was challenging but amazing. I've posted a short birth story on the Bump, but I'm sure I'll have more to say here later. We're just all happy that he's arrived happy and healthy at 8 lbs 14 oz. I was able to achieve my goal of going natural for the birth, and I'm feeling pretty good on day 2. He is breastfeeding like a champ.

I still don't believe it.

38w appointment

I had my 38 week appointment today. My blood pressure was slightly elevated compared to what it's been (130/80), but apparently this is normal as you reach the end of your pregnancy, so they weren't worried.

I gained another 2 pounds this week, for a total of 34 pounds. Baby Rhody had better come soon! My fundal height is now 40 cm, so still about 2 cm ahead.

This morning, I had a sneaking suspicion that Baby Rhody had switched from my right to my left side, and the midwife confirmed that when she Dopplered today. I have been spending a lot of time on my hands and knees, so here's to hoping Baby Rhody is posterior. I didn't ask this time.

The midwife was surprised I'd been having contractions on and off recently. I did find out from her that the office will let me go to 42 1/2 weeks before inducing me. That's good that they are so relaxed, but I told Mr. Rhody I can't imagine adding 3 more days to my countdown! My midwife did say if I'm already having contractions, that shouldn't matter. Let's keep our fingers crossed that I don't get to that point!

And ... we're ready!

It's done! The nursery is finally done! Tons of pictures below. I really love how it all came out!


The mobile and the Gentle Giraffe.

The artwork came today! I'm loving it! In the corner is a pillow that my mom got that as a spot for a picture. I can't wait for Baby Rhody to be here and put our FAMILY picture in there!

The giant elephant! Our first baby purchase, lol.

Changing table / hutch.

All ofthese stuffed animals were the centerpieces at my shower, with balloons tied to them. What a great idea!!

We are totally going to have the most well-read infant on the block.

I love this lamp. I think it's the cutest!

Early labor or I'm crazy

So it's been an interesting past 18 hours. Sometime yesterday afternoon, I started getting really sore in my lower back, so much so that I had to stand up and sway my hips to feel comfortable. That was interesting to do at work.

About an hour later, I went to the bathroom to pee. I stood up and an extra squirt came out. Now was that time for that classic late third trimester question: amniotic fluid or pee? I knew that aminiotic fluid would continue to leak, but pee would not, so I went back to my desk and sat for a bit.

I felt no more gushes, so I decided to go for my afternoon walk. I had some real, strong contractions during my walk. It felt like I had a stitch in my side from running too hard, except it went across instead of up and down. It was weird, but it was nothing I couldn't walk through.

When I came in from my walk, there was another, distinct wet spot in my underwear and some bright spotting when I wiped. I went back to my desk, grabbed my things, and headed home, thinking this might be it. I called Mr. Rhody from the car, and told him what was up. I told him he could come home, but nothing was probably going to happen soon. He decided to meet me at home.

I got home, changed my underwear, laid down for 30 minutes, stood up, and ... nothing. So I was not leaking fluid. I called my doula just to get her input (thank God for her), and she said it was probably excess discharge, but the spotting was a good sign the contractions I had were causing dilation.

Mr. Rhody and I went out shopping then, so that I could stay up and around, which made me the most comfortable. I again had several contractions, which Mr. Rhody timed to be 5-7 minutes apart. Some were stronger than others, but then they stopped.

Last night, sleep was difficult. My mind was racing and the cramps and contractions continued irregularly. I have to say, I do feel slightly like I've just cried wolf. It's so odd to have all of these contractions and then have them just die off. Oh well, I just have to remind myself that my body is revving up for labor.

I am working from home today. My plan is to get much of my work done this morning and take a good walk over lunch. Mr. Rhody will be coming home to join me at lunch as well. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Baby Rhody comes soon!