Brunch

When Davis was two weeks old we had a little brunch beacase mama was gettin' a little stir crazy. So, I just had everyone pitch in a little bit and come to us. My family was there including Stacy & JJ from Chicago along with Shannon, Kim, and Christi & Peyton. Davis slept as per usual. It was nice to do a little socializing.

3 weeks and counting

Mr. Davis is three weeks old today!

The days are filled quickly and flying by. He's really getting to be a big little boy. He's already about 9lbs. He left the hospital at just over seven pounds. He sure does love his food-though much more the formula than mommy's milk. That has been a little tough, but I'm just not making enough food to keep little man from getting hysterical. I often felt like a farm animal with all the feeding, pumping, and bottle making. It was a little stange at first having so many peiple around when you feed, but if you come over to my house (gals only!) then you may geta bbob shot. I can't help it!

He was a very quiet little guy the first two weeks and the last few days has gotten to be fu-ssy! Sometimes my husband doesn't understand why he cries for no reason. Because- that's why. But, I'm told by Kelle Lazzara, who visited today, that getting fussy between weeks 2 and 3 or during a growth spurt is fairly normal. Last night was the first night mommy was up all night with him screaming. It really makes you half crazy- the screaming- but all part of the deal. We're recently discovered the swing and he seems to calm down quite a bit when he gets in it. He just freaks out when his pacifier falls out which seems to be every few mintues. But, he's still young so he's still gaining strength.

I fully intend on reading the "what to expect" books for the first year- and sit it next to me every single day- but alas, I'm still on page 7. Oh well. Tomorrow I'm going to start going into work some. Davis is coming with me. We shall see how that works. I know lots of folks say they could never stay home. But- I could. The day fills so quickly. There just not the time to sit on the couch (unless I'm feeding him) that I thought there would be- even at the beginning. That made it a little tough on my c-section recooperation but I'm doing really well now. I'm sure everyone underestimates what you're getting into with the first one. Though, I hear the transition from the first to the second is the hardest. We aren't going there yet...

So, all is all- its been a good 3 weeks. Tiring- as to be expected- but good. Lots and lots of folks have visited, sent gifts & cards, and basically spoiled Davis and I. Especially my mom. There's no way I could have done this without her here. In fact, if she could just come everyday- that would be fine with me!

Above are some pictures over the last few weeks.

Davis is home.

Soon I will write my birth story. But, not right now. I've got a baby that needs to be fed and we haven't quite gotten that figured out. The birth story was not as we anticipated- more like an abbreviated version but for most of you that read this on any kind of regular basis, you know what happened already anyway! The hospital was glorious. 3 days of nurses, staff, and family getting you whatever you need. I kind of wish I could have stayed longer but was certainly glad to get home.

Now we're a little more at ease and have finally started our own little family. Above are some pics of the last few glorious, emotional, painful, and surreal days of our lives coming home from the hospital through today. Enjoy. He's cute, right? I think so :)

He's Coming Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, it's almost here. Davis-our new baby. My new family. I'm overwhelmed, anxious, excited, and scared shitless all at the same time. But, we've done as much as we can to be prepared and that's all we can do. Nobody's really prepared- I know that, so we're just gonna take it one day at a time.

Wed night, I'm going to the hospital to have my lady parts "prepared" and then will be induced Thursday morning if he hasn't come already. He was still up pretty high today so the doctor didn't imagine he'd make an appearance before then. So, come sometime Thursday there will be a new Downing-Crain! Crazy. This is going to change our lives forever. I guess this means I'm a grown-up officially. It's been really quite touching with all the phone calls, texts, emails, and facebook messages I'm getting seeing to see if our little man has arrived. He's loved so much by so many before he's even born. What's a lovely thing to be born into.

So, I did have some tests and obviously an appointment this morning since I was due yesterday. I've had quite an average/normal pregancy which is really ideal. We had a non-stress test this morning. Basically they sit you in a recliner and strap on a fetal heart monitor to see what he's up to for half an hour. We want some variety in the heart rate. He was a little lazy this morning until they buzzed me with a little electrode (not painful) and it made that boy do a full flip. That got him moving. They also monitor contractions of which I had very few. But, all in all, Davis is still thriving. We then walked next door and had an ultrasound to make sure there was an appropriate amount of fluid. There was. We also verified that Davis is indeed a boy. He is.

We then had an appointment with the doctor.
Stats:
Weight gain- 30.0
BP- 124/82 (a little high but I was a little anxious)
Davis HR -130
Dilated- 2cm
Effaced- 70%
Estimated weight of Davis: "just under 8 lbs"- take that with a grain of salt...

The OB said everything was quite healthy- me, placenta, & baby. She said "let's have a back-up plan" so I suggested we induce Friday so my sister could be there. She said she was not going to be avaiable after 4pm Friday so it was suggested we come in Wed night for the cervadil and then induce the following morning. So, there is a plan..."I love it when a plan comes together".

The next post will be with baby pics :)

2 days...

Ok, two days til DD. Let's get it moving Davis...

39 weeks!

Above is me this morning- 39 W, 1 D

Ok, so I'm still pregnant. I went for another appointment hoping for good news but alas I'm still one 1-2 cm dilated and only 50% effaced. The baby is still pretty high so looks like I've got a little bit to go yet. But, I've been laboring under the impression that my due date was April 15th and apparently its April 12th. Not that it means much, but I'll take a few days! So, my next week's appointment is one day past full term and I'm having an ultrasound, non-stress test, and hopefully one last exam (before the numerous you endure during labor) if he hasn't come yet. At that point she'll determine whether or not to induce me or just let me stay pregnant. Ugg. But, it's getting close!

Today's stats:

BP: 108/78 (lower than usual for me but the nurse says usually a nice day brings out low BP)

Davis HR: 130 (the gal had to chase him all over to get that today. She really made him work)

Dilated: 1-2 cm

Effaced: 50%

Weight: 29 lbs (still under 30!- just barely)

Place your wager.

I'm wayyyy over being pregnant so we're taking bets as to what day I'm going into labor. The "winner" gets to choose Davis's first year Halloween costume- within reason people! I've had several people suggest that the winner get to pick the middle name. Yeah right. So...the following wagers have been made...

Dana April 9th (god bless you for thinking I'll deliver a week early!)- She has already said "Ewok". Great- at least daddy will be happy, though.
Clay- April 11th
Katie/Courtney- April 13th
Shannon- April 14th
Matthew- April 15th
Christi- April 16th
Stacy- April 17th
Tim- April 19th.

*I'm cursing all of you that are pulling for me to deliver after me due date! Jerks.