Baby's First Halloween

Well as you can see from some of the photos, Marshall did not have fun dressing up for Halloween. I can't blame him though, none of the outfits/costumes we previously purchased for him fit very well. In the end we just had to go with half naked baby.

He's Arrived!! October 19, 2007 Birth Day!

Baby Marshall has arrived! It has been an amazing week, so now it is time to let everyone know how Marshall's first week went.

 

My last day of work was on Oct. 17th and I had a week of lounging planned before our scheduled induction on Oct. 24th. However, Marshall had other plans for us. On Oct. 18th, I woke up to run some errands and was surprised by the sudden gush of water at 8:45 that morning. I called Chris at work and he came home to pick me up and take me to the hospital.

 

Once we got checked in, the nurse did some tests and she couldn't be certain that my water had broke. It appeared intact but there was trace of amniotic fluid but not enough to turn the test fully positive, so they sent Chris and I home after a few hours. That was very frustrating because my doctor seemed to have short-timers (he was going on vacation and wouldn't be available for about 5 days) and didn't walk over from his office to check us out.

 

We left the hospital with our contractions coming every 15 minutes and they continued to come regularly in shorter and shorter periods but we were too afraid to go back to the hospital because we were afraid of being sent home again. Finally at about midnight we went back to the hospital because the contractions were coming about 4 minutes apart and there was no doubt that baby was on his way. We were finally admitted and after another 6 hours my body still wasn't progressing very rapidly and the on-call doctor seemed to think that my water had broke up high earlier in the day, making it hard to detect, so I was started on antibiotics and pitocin to get the labor to progress faster.

 

Unfortunately, there was a shift change with my doctors around the time they were starting the pitocin and the epidural which was scheduled right after go pushed back a few hours until the new doctor had a chance to review my chart. I must say up to that point it was the longest 24 hours of my life!

 

Once the epidural was started Chris and I got some much needed rest and my body was fully ready to deliver at about 3pm. Marshall, however, was not ready as his head was too big. The doctor increased the pitocin and we waited for another two hours for his head bones to shift to allow him to pass. Once he was ready to go, we had him out after 15 minutes. He was so amazing. He had a little cone head and was all sticky white. He weighed 6 lbs and 13 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long. He was delivered at 5:11pm on Friday October 19, 2007.

His first week has been so wonderful. He is a very good baby and is very laid back. He is a heavy sleeper, so Miss Molly, Mr. Kohl and Mr. Boris can bark to their hearts' content and the little guy will not even stir a little. He had a little jaundice and he dropped about 12 ounces those first 4 days, but his color has been returning to normal and he has been steadily gaining weight. I think the first week with Marshall was so wonderful because he has such an amazing Daddy. He is so good with Marshall. And he took such good care of me as well. Marshall and I are so lucky!

For week two, my mom has been staying with us, but since the little guy is no trouble my mom has been busying herself in the kitchen. She has made us some wonderful meals. Next week, we look forward to diving into the meals our friends prepared for us at our baby shower (THANK YOU SHARLA!).

 

Here are some photos of Marshall's first week:

Last Pregnancy Photo before heading to the Hospital

At the Hospital

Marshall Meets the Family

Marshall Meets his Crazy Puppies

Photos of the Little Man

Week 35

We are now down to weekly check-ups at the doctor. Yesterday we met with our doctor and he says that I have already started to dilate (1cm). So the little guy is just weeks away from delivery... very exciting.

Also, we've been hearing a lot about this being a special year to have a baby according to the Chinese Zodiac. It is not only the year of the Pig, it is the Year of the Golden Pig. According to Chinese Folklore, this is an event that occurs once in every 600 years (I've also heard every 60 years) and will ensure that a baby born on this year will experience a prosperous, wealthy and happy life. Good Luck Little Man!

We're on the Schedule...

Well it has been a very busy last three weeks. Let me do a quick recap, oldest to newest first.


Baby Showers - August 25th & 29th

Sat. August 25th - My friends, Sharla Davenport and Linda Bazaco, helped to host a wonderful shower for our baby. I just want to say for those who were able to make it, it was so wonderful to get to see you and to celebrate the arival of mine and Chris' son. We just appreciated everyone's gifts (and meals) so much (I promise we haven't touched any meals yet, although I can't wait to try everyone's dishes). It really means so much to Chris and I.





My boss and co-worker also hosted a shower for me at my office. They really amazed me at how much time and effort they were able to put into this event for us, as I know they are both very busy ladies. It was so nice to see the kindness and thoughtfulness of my co-workers and Marshall will also have a wonderful Library because of everyone's contribution!



Last Minute Shopping

Last weekend was Labor Day weekend and we spent the extra few days doing the final shopping and final touches the the Baby's room. Lucky for us, we found that Pier One Kids was going out of business and they had all sorts of Nautical wall decorations that we could use in Marshall's room. I also got a little crafty and went to Michaels to get some letters and life preserver to paint. Chris and I are very excited about what we were able to accomplish in his room and we hope that it is something that he can enjoy for years to come.



Prenatal Classes


This Saturday, we started the first of four prenatal classes that are held by our hospital (Plano Medical Center). We watched some very "interesting" videos and learned a lot about labor, baby safety, hospital procedures, and breathing techniques. Next week we practice the breathing again and have a hospital tour. The third week teaches us baby care and breastfeeding, and the fourth week is CPR.

Week 33 Check Up

At my appointment this week, my doctor decided to schedule me for inducement on October 24th. It works out really well for us since we live so far from the hospital (almost 30 miles). We are really excited to know that we know exactly when Marshall is coming. So, circle your calendars!