Ready or not, here I come!

As most of you know by now, I decided to take a short cut and land this plane sooner than Mom and Dad thought! I couldn't stand it any longer and was ready to enter the world! So, much to Mom and Dad's surprise, I thought 3:00am Wednesday, Feb. 24th would be an excellent time to begin the home stretch. Mom's water broke while she and Dad were sound asleep and off to St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital they sped... Grammy, Double, Aunt Jen, Uncle Josh, and Great Auntie A were all there within a few hours to share in my arrival. After 14 long hours, I made my grand entrance into the world at 5:11 pm, weighing in at 8 lbs, and 21 inches long (not to mention 3 WEEKS EARLY!). The doctor's were stunned at my "healthy" size for being considered 1 day premature. If I would have been born the next day, I would have been considered "full term", but because I came at 36 weeks and 6 days, I was considered "pre-term". Mom had some scary complications following my delivery (hemorrhaging), but thankfully, she is recovering well! I was given an A+ from the pediatrician and am a healthy little boy! ("Angel boy" as Grammy likes to call me) Here's a few pics from my birthday party!

3 down...7 to go!

Well, folks...I am already working REALLY hard to prepare for my landing into this world! We had our weekly Dr.'s appointment today and got some really exciting news! The doctor told Mom that she is already almost 3 cm dilated and she even touched my head!!! (Mom wishes she would have asked if she could feel my hair or not!) I guess you'll have to wait a little longer Mom! Mom and Dad were so excited, even though the Dr. made it very clear that she still cannot predict when I will arrive. Mom seems to be really "in tune" with her body because she had been telling people all week that she really felt like some serious changes were occuring (i.e., I guess the cramping, stretching, and pressure were give-aways!) :) Mom, Dad, and the doctor talked today and decided it would be best if Mom finished out this week at work and then called it quits... Mom didn't seem too thrilled about being in the middle of therapy with 3-year olds and going into labor! So... for now, we are scheduled to go back to the doctor next Monday for another check-up. Until then, Mom will continue to NOT SLEEP and have visits to the bathroom about every 30 minutes because my head is now resting on her bladder! haha! Sorry Mom!!!

Mardi Gras 2010

I just experienced my first "Crystal Beach Mardi Gras" and boy was it a fun time! Those crazy beach bums sure know how to put on a fun party! I finally got to hear Tropical Depression band (the band my "Double" is in). He's the BEST drummer in the world! I want to be just like him when I grow up! Dad even got Mom to dance with him - even at 9 months pregnant! It was so much fun getting to hang out with all the friends and family who traveled down to Bolivar. Mom, Dad, and I enjoyed seafood gumbo and crawfish! There were tons of appetizers, chips/dips, and a wonderful King Cake! My Dad and the "young" adults continued the party at the Tiki Bar across the street later that evening... Mom couldn't hang, so we stayed home and "doggie-sat" for all the family pets! I am pretty sure we were sound asleep by 9:30!

One funny note - Mom was relaxing in a lawn chair enjoying the music when Aunt Amy's dog, Lily, ran by and knocked her drink in her lap! Mom saw it coming and tried to stand up, but due to the "lack" of stomach muscles these days, Mom couldn't "jump" up as fast as she used to...Everyone was watching and tried to help, but nobody thought to pull Mom up out of the chair! haha! I thought it was pretty funny, and luckily Mom did too!!

My Dad's a genius!

So...just as I have been growing in Mom's belly, so has the strain on her lower back. Every now and then Dad will walk up behind Mom, put his hands under her belly and "lift" for a few seconds to give her back some "relief". Let's just say, this is Mom's favorite time of day - 5-10 seconds without any "extra" weight pushing down! Last Friday (Feb. 12), Dad got the bright idea that he could create an "apparatus" for Mom to wear - using an ACE bandage! As you can see, it was quite entertaining! I hope I get my brains from Dad - he's the smartest man in the world! ha!

Partying at Pre-School...

Mom told me to give a HUGE shout-out to de Santiago EC/Pre-K Center for throwing an amazing shower for us! Mom and I were honored last Thursday, Febuary 11, at her school - When I say these people "know how to party" I mean it! They were SO INCREDIBLY GENEROUS! Mom couldn't believe how "loved" we were! Mom said I owe Michelle (Mom's fellow SLP at de Santiago) a BIG HUG when I get here :) I guess a "thank ya" will have to work...at least for a few more weeks!

Wild about me!

What a fun, fun day! Julie, Jason, and Mr. Johnston had a "yummy" Gumbo lunch/shower in my honor a few weekends ago (Mom said she's sorry for the late posts!)We had such a great time! I was "loved" all over again, and mom seemed to "love" the chocolate fountain! Thanks Wilner's and Johnstons!!

The Truffle Shuffle

So, here's Mom and I at 33 weeks! My ETA is getting closer! I have been extra "squirmy" these past few days trying to get comfortable in mom's belly. She officially looks like Santa Claus when she laughs now, refering to the part... "He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!" (I don't know if I would refer to her belly as "little" anymore though!) As I continue to grow, my spacious bubble has become more like a New York apartment...

Oh, and for the record - We are really NOT enjoying the smell of marshmellows these days, and it just so happens that Dad's enjoying a "smore" right next to us on the couch at the moment. Thanks.

Shower Time

I can't believe how generous people are! Mom and Dad have already had two incredible showers in my honor and we were all overwhelmed at how people take the word "shower" to the max! Here's a picture of Mom with her fabulous hostesses from this last weekend... and she apologizes for not having a picture from the other shower (the pictures are on Grammy's camera!) We are just about fixed up! Mom will post new pics soon of my room as it comes together!!

"My Crib" - pun intended :)

Mom and Dad have both been busy bees working in the nursery. Dad took over the job of "re-vamping" the closet and building my shelves, while Mom had so much fun decorating! It's still a work in progress, but it's well on it's way! I already love it!

This past weekend was so much fun! I had my first baby shower and was once again very "loved" by so many friends and family! Mom and Dad had so much fun decorating my room after being overwhelmed by everyone's generosity :) Mom REALLY enjoyed some much needed girl time with Auntie Erin, Auntie Leslie, Auntie Kasey, Auntie Amy, and Auntie Ashley... they treated themselves to pedicures and a really yummy dinner at Patronellas! I personally enjoyed it myself! I think I overheard Mom saying the only way the night could be any better was if she could enjoy some vino with her friends! Only 8 more weeks Mom! :)

30 weeks = 30 cm

Here's a picture of Mom and I at 30 weeks! We had our "30 week" doctor visit on Monday - thankfully, another great check-up. My heart rate was 141 bpm, Mom's blood pressure was excellent, and her weight gain was ???? (she told me I can't tell!) hehe! They measure Mom's belly each visit now to make sure we are growing at the correct rate - "they" say that whatever week you are, that's about how many cm you should measure... give or take 1 cm based on my position. Mom measured right at 30 cm....whew! The doctor started talking to mom about our "birth plan" and all the ins and outs of preparing for delivery. She said that although my due date is not until 40 weeks... they consider me "full term" once we reach 37 weeks. Wow - my arrival is getting closer! Our doctor's appointments are now scheduled for every 2 weeks and then every week once I reach 36 weeks!

My new favorite place to "hang out" is nestled right up next to Mom's ribs...particularly the left one. She doesn't seem to like that too much because the minute I get comfortable she shifts me back down! Gosh Momma! :) We are pretty consistent with our nightly routine. Dad, Mom, Pete and I like to end our night relaxing on the couch...Dad does a great job remindiing Mom to play my music for me! So, just incase you were wondering, I am still loving my Baby Mozart music most nights!