Tuesday marked three weeks that Zane has been here - seems so much longer (yes, that old saying, l "I can't imagine him not being here") as well as so quickly time has passed. I cannot seem to wrap my head around where the time goes - between feeding every 2 1/2 hours and *trying* to get stuff done around the house it seems I turn around and Mark is coming home from work.

Zane is going to be a pumpkin for Halloween - pics to come!

Next Tuesday is my 30th birthday - 30 years old. Zane will be 30 days old - much more fun if you ask me!

Two weeks old

Zane is two weeks old - we had our two week check up today and he looks great. He is back up to 8 lbs (he was 7lbs 8oz friday) so he put on roughly 2 oz per day since. I can believe it, he is wanting to eat just about every 2 hours (mostly at night, 3 hours during the day). I am working on getting that flipped!! We try and follow a feeding time, wake time, nap time routine during the day. So far I am feeling fine, even with less than three consecutive hours of sleep at any given time : )



Having Zane here has just been a joy - he really is a wonderful baby and Mark and I feel so blessed to have him.

Two weeks later.....

Two weeks into this journey and we are *somewhat* getting the hang of things. Zane has gotten used to nursing - which was quite a struggle after being bottle fed in the NICU and supplemented for a few days after coming home. I was so glad to have my wonderful parents and sisters here for a few days - and my mom stayed for a week which was WONDERFUL!  (miss you mom!!)  Today (Monday) was our first day home alone together and so far so good. Last night was a little tough, he didn't settle down until after 3 am (and a little mylicon!) but was just a joy all day, we even made a grocery run.  

Big news - we have been saying since we brought him home that he seems very physically advanced, he was nearly lifting and holding his head from day 4 and then today he ROLLED OVER! The first time I was the only witness but he did it two more times tonight when Mark came home. He doesn't really like 'tummy time' and that may have something to do with it. He is too cute and does this 'running man' thing on the floor, reminds me of these torturous climbing exercises we did in boot camp. We are working on getting a video of the amazing feat - yes, I have become one of those parents who feels their child is supremely advanced and gifted. (of course, mine truly is.....)  

He's Here!!

Two weeks ago today....a little less than 5 hours from now...Mark and I were watching a little Monday night football at his parent's house....little did we know what was about to begin!!  I had just finished a full day of work - full load of patients, but was feeling surprisingly energized. This right after a night of little to no sleep and having spent the previous day (Sunday) on a cleaning rampage (nesting anyone??!!)  So, sitting there watching football when I felt a trickle.....which turned into quite a bit more and it was obvious my water had broken and we were off to the hospital!  By 8:30 pm we were checked in and they started the Pitocin to make sure things would get started (I still was feeling very little by way of contractions). At 2:30 am I gave up the laboring "au natural" and got a blessed epidural.  We got a little sleep - unfortunatly, the next day around 11 am I started feeling really crummy and had gotten a fever - baby continued to look great on the monitor so they let me keep laboring - by 4 pm he was ready to arrive!!  Blessedly he arrived rather quickly once active labor began but due to fever (he had been in the oven that was me!) and some increased work of breathing they quickly took him to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a more through assessment. Those were scary times, we didn't know much until 2 am that morning when the NP came in and told us that while he breathing had slowed down some and he was doing ok temperature wise the concern was infection and he would need at least 48 hours of antibiotics. As happy as we were that he was here it was hard not being able to have him with us - but every 2 1/2 -3 hours we scrubbed up and went to the NICU to feed him and cuddle (carefully with wires and lines). 

Two days and many many prayers later we were discharged and so was baby Zane! He was able to come home with us Thursday afternoon. 

Plan is for induction on the 14th - ultrasound said we have a 7 lbs 19.5 inch baby in here - so we'll see what a little less than 2 weeks will do! She estimates 1/2 lb a week so roughly 8 lbs.  I can't believe we have a date - it makes it so real! Of course, he might make his appearance before hand.....can't wait to meet him!!  (and for my feet to have 'normal' proportions! ha!) 

35 week appointment

So far, so good - BP looks great, the swelling in my ankles (now extending up my shins) and hands is a LITTLE out of control but overall still feelin' fine. Measuring 36 1/2 weeks.  She checked me today and though he is head down and 'in position' no such changes yet to indicate labor is precariously close.......

He is super active and my belly morphs and moves something crazy these days. It is amazing but this is one strong little man, a few of these acrobatics actually kinda hurt! 

We get to see the little guy on ultrasound on Oct 1 - to measure and get an idea of what size baby we are dealing with. I can't wait!  Work is still taking a lot out of me but only a few more weeks of that too (last day Oct 13th)

A class and a celebration...to be had

I met with the gestational diabetes nurse today for some education and guidance about this dietary change!  It was not a whole lot that I didn't already know but good to hear and she gave me a lot of great material. The center itself will be a great resource, they provide lactation consulting and in home consultations if needed.  Still feeling pretty good and have been keeping my readings within the limits (except for two....and I know exactly why!!). I am definitely feeling the drag by Wednesday now as I am still working long hours and not sleeping all that well - thanks to our super active baby...future kickboxer I am beginning to think! How this will flow 2, 4, 6 weeks from now I am not so sure. We are extremely busy and chaotic at work right now, the 2 nurses are both out on maternity leave (together, they are married) and so all of their tasks have fallen on the research nurse Gina, Diana (the other NP) and me. I just keep telling myself, "only 8 more weeks....." 

I could not be more excited to see Mom, Dad, Liz, Cat and Zach next weekend - they are all coming out to see us!  It has been hard being so far away from them and seeing them so infrequently. 

Sunday is Mark's and my one year anniversary!!  A year already. When I sit back and think about all the life changes that have taken place in the past year I am blown away. It has been a great year, I am so blessed in so many ways and am so prayerfully thankful for my wonderul husband - I am excited to embark on this next journey with him and starting our family. I love you Mark!!