One Week Old!

I am already a day late!  Kiel and I decided to post one day late since we were late posting his newborn picture anyway. (And then I couldn't find my card reader, so now I am two days late!)  Hopefully by next week we will be back on track and I can post updates every Sunday!  


This week has been beyond amazing.  I am loving every second of being a mom.  Maddex is just so perfect and I can't even remember what life was like before him!  Several times a day (like right now for instance) I just break down and cry because I am just so head over heals in love with this child.  Kiel often catches me wiping away tears as I rock my precious baby in my arms.  I hate that I am so emotional, but I don't know how to express all my emotions any other way.  I just feel so blessed to have such a perfect little baby boy.  


We have had tons of visitors over the past week and it has been wonderful to see everyone holding and loving our baby boy.  I love that I can share such a precious gift with the world.  He bring such joy to others and I am more than happy to share him.  But I also love our quiet family of 3 down time.  The past two nights we have slept together on the couch for an hour or so.  Kiel holds Maddex with the help of the arm of the couch, while I lay on his other side.  It is so perfect and makes me so happy that the three of us are finally together!  


Yesterday (on his one week birthday) Maddex had his newborn photos taken by his "Auntie" Lauren.  I cannot wait to share these photos with the world.  She did an amazing job and Maddex was beyond cooperative during all the outfit/set changes-he just slept through the whole thing!  


He is doing a great job sleeping and wakes pretty much every 4 hours for a feeding.   We have been having a problem with diapers and he last night he peed through 3 diapers!  It is a pain to change his clothes and his sheets in the middle of the night, but guess what?  I smile the whole time.  If you told me a month ago that I would be smiling and singing several times a night when my baby woke me up I would have told you that you are crazy!  I need my sleep!  But something changed when I became a mom.  I don't nearly need as much sleep as I needed before and I actually enjoy getting up to change and feed him.  It just means I get more time to interact and see my baby boy.  I am so in love!  


- The Weekly List -

1 Week Old
Total weight gain/loss:
Mom: - 30 pounds!  I still have about 14 more to go.  Clearly a lot of my weight was water weight that came right off after I got this little man out of me!  I still have quite the little baby bump, but it is shrinking every day!

Maddex: Maddex started off at 8 pounds 10 ounces, I think a lot of that was from all the fluids they were pumping into me during my labor.  He dropped as low as 7lbs 14oz.  At his one week check up he was 8 pounds 8 ounces.  Doctor was very happy since it usually takes two weeks or more to get back up to birth weight and he will do that much sooner!  
 
Maternity clothes? I am wearing dresses since I had a C-Section and I am not quite ready to have a band on my belly.  I can fit into non maternity medium dresses, so I think I am doing pretty good. 

Stretch marks? I checked my belly out quickly and didn't notice any.   But I do have the linea negra still going on.  It seems even darker now.  My belly button is still mostly out too!  I hope that go back in!

Sleep: He is a pretty good sleeper.  We can pretty much guarantee about 3-4 hours at a time.  Last night was our first restless night.  We ended up having him sleep in his vibrating chair from 4am-7am since he just couldn't get settled in the cosleeper last night.  We will have to try again tonight.  Worst case scenario we will move the Pack 'n Play into our room and use the basinet feature we have attached to it.  He is in that right now and seems to like it.  I have a feeling he doesn't like being perfectly flat.  

Best moment this week: EVERYTHING!!!  Seeing him for the first time.  Holding him.  Seeing Kiel with him.  Seeing him smile (it is soooo not gas!).  Feeding him.  Soothing him.  When Maddex recognizes my voice or Kiel's voice-I swear he did turn to Kiel in the operating room.  Being able to figure out what he needs and fixing it for him.  Realizing that I can be a mom!  

Miss Anything? Nope!  I thought I would have said sleep, but being up in the middle of the night with Maddex is so wonderful, I don't even mind that I am missing out on sleep!

Movement: Everyone comments on how much this kid squirms!  Now everyone can see what I was dealing with for the past few months!  He is such a kicker that he doesn't stay swaddled or keep blankets on.  He also makes changing quite the ordeal since his legs are constantly going! 

Looking forward to: Being able to go for walks around the neighborhood.  Maddex meeting my grandmothers.  I am trying to cherish every moment and not look forward.  I want to live in the moment with this perfect little boy!

Likes:
Mom: 
-[LOVES] Baby Maddex!
-That I can be a mom
-Staring into Maddex's eyes
-Rocking Maddex to sleep
-Watching him sleep in my arms-he makes the cutest faces ever!
-Watching Kiel be a Daddy-He has been beyond amazing.  I picked the perfect husband!


Maddex: 
-Being rocked to sleep
-Peeing when Mommy forgets to cover me during a diaper change
-Eating lots and lots of food (From Mommy, Pumped from Mommy, and Formula [more on that later])
-Listening/watching Mommy sing and sign the ABCs
-Bottles from Daddy
-Watching baseball with Daddy

Dislikes:
Mom: 
- Hearing Maddex cry.  I have been pretty good at soothing him, but once he had quite the scream-fest!
-The days are flying by.  I want time to slow down!
-When Maddex prefers a bottle to the breast. 


Maddex: 
- Being changed

-Peeing out the side of my diaper and soaking my bed
-Sleeping on a flat surface
-Nursing from the breast when he is falling asleep-He is so lazy and prefers a bottle when he tired.  


Firsts
Mom: 
-Holding my first born child
-Breast feeding a baby (it is really not that bad, I actually really enjoy it. I find it very relaxing and could fall asleep during most sessions!)
-Signing a medical form for Maddex as his "mother"
-Getting a phone call for the parent of Maddex
-Waking up several times in the middle of the night for a newborn and loving it
-Being responsible for another life


Maddex:
-Pretty much everything has been a first for baby boy this week!  
-He is such a trooper and very curious and when there is a lot going on he watches everything
-His first day (when Mommy was all drugged up) Daddy said he was up all day looking around and taking everything in. 



New Friends 
We met lots of new friends and family members this week:
Mommy
Daddy
Mem
Papou
Nana
Papi
Auntie Corey
Uncle Chris
Uncle Niko
"Auntie" Lauren
Uncle Jay
Auntie Angie
"Uncle" Dana
"Auntie" Erin
"Auntie" Jennifer
"Grandma" Debbie
"Auntie" Becky
Great Grandpa St. George
Great Grandma St. George
Cousin Brandi
Jonathan
"Auntie" Sue
Fur Brother Yaz
Fur Brother Pesky

Weekly Updates

I will now be posting my weekly updates on Sundays (hopefully!) since Little Boy, Maddex, was born on a Sunday.  I will try to keep the format similar to what I was doing on a weekly basis throughout my pregnancy with a little narrative about the week followed by weekly responses about his growth and development.  I will also share pictures of his beautiful face as often as I can.  I most likely will start a Wordless Wednesday post and upload pictures taken from the previous week from either our phones or cameras.

Also be on aware that I will have a sequence of pictures of Maddex on a page Titled A Year of Maddex.  The newborn picture is already up and ready for you to drool over.  He is absolutely perfect!!

A Week Ago

A few minutes ago while walking around rocking my little boy to sleep I looked at the clock and realized that this time last week we made the call to my doctor saying my contractions were five and a half minutes apart for one hour and he said, "Why don't you come on in and we will check you out."

We finished packing our bags, grabbed some snacks, and I took a quick shower.  Then we were on our way.

As we drove down the street I couldn't help but think that that could be the last time the two of us would be alone in the car together- "just the two of us."   Little did I know how much life would change in just a few hours.

I still can't believe that exactly 7 days ago at this time I hadn't laid eyes on my beautiful, perfect Maddex.  I can't believe how much my life was lacking then.  I can't even begin to describe how much my life has changed for the better.

I was born to be a mom and after nearly 30 years of waiting, my dream has finally come true.  I wish I could put into words all the love I feel for Maddex and Kiel, but all I am able to do when I think them is cry!   I am overwhelmed by my feelings of love and gratitude for having these two beautiful, amazing men in my life.  I am so incredibly blessed, and I vow to cherish every second with them for the rest of my life.  

Our Little Homerun!

Our little homerun, now known as Maddex Francis entered the world on Sunday July 1,2012 at 6:27 am. He weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. He has a full head of dark hair, gray eyes and is absolutely perfect in every single way.

Once we are home I'll add more details about his birth,but for now know that mama, daddy, and baby are doing well and we are scheduled to go home on Thursday!

A Letter to My Baby Boy...

Dear Baby Boy,

It is crazy to think that you will be in my arms in a matter of days (or even hours!).  It is even crazier to think that just 10 months ago you were just a hope, a wish, and a dream for me and your daddy.  You have grown so much and you are now ready to leave my womb and become your own person.  I cannot wait to see all that you become.

I want you to know that you will always be loved, cared for, and my dream come true.  No matter what you choose to do in life I will be here to guide and support you.  I know you will make me proud to be your mother.

Know that no matter how old you are you will always be my Baby Boy.

Forever,
Your Loving Mother

10 Randoms for Today

1.  I regularly pull out a newborn diaper and hold it across my belly.  I am convinced Little Boy will not fit into these things once he is out of me.  Kiel calls me a "crack head" every time I do this. 

2.  Today I realized I need to stop wishing for him to come out of me.  He will come when he is ready. Worst case scenario, I'll be pregnant for 20 more days.  And I doubt it will even be that long.  

3.  My friend, Anna, just designed our birth announcements.  OH EM GEE!  You are going to love them!  I'll share the proof on the blog after they are sent out!  All I have to say is they are perfect for us and Little Boy!

4.  I am dying to run a mile.  That's all, just a mile.  I don't know when I'll be able to do that, but I'm hoping it is sooner rather than later!

5.  Eating Buffalo Chicken Pizza did nothing but upset my belly.  I'm done trying little tricks to get this boy out.  

6.  Tomorrow I have lots of errands to run so my mom is coming to keep me company.  Today I just did a little grocery shopping run and I thought I was going to die!   I'm so grateful she will be there to help me tomorrow!

7.  I am addicted to watching the Olympic trials.  I am watching the swimming trials as I type.  I hope Little Boy enjoys swimming.  I would love for him to swim competitively.  I just learned how to really swim and I wish I had learned earlier in life.  I have already looked up Mommy and Me swim classes, but we can't start until he is 6 months old.  I cannot wait!

8.  The humidity was super low last night and today.  My feet and ankles look more manly than freakish than they have in a long time.  I can't wait for them to look almost feminine again (I have always had man-feet like my dad).   

9.  I will be going for a pedicure courtesy of my coworkers 2-3 weeks after little boy is born.  I cannot wait to actually enjoy a foot rub.   The swelling makes them super sore!

10.  I go to the doctor first thing in the morning tomorrow.  I wonder if she will have any new information.  I doubt it though!

39 Weeks

I never ever thought I would make it to 39 weeks!  I really thought he would be here before now.  Since about early April people have been saying there is no way I would make it to my due date.  I really believed all these people!  And little boy has been measuring 1-2 weeks bigger than expected this whole time so I thought that would be a little indication that he would come 1-2 weeks early.  Well we are at the 1 week until the due date mark and still no sign of a baby!   I am hoping he comes this week, and if the psychic I saw a few months ago was right he should be here this week.   I really want him here before the 4th of July, but honestly I'll take him whenever just as long as he is healthy!  

-The Weekly List -

How far along? 39 Weeks 

Total weight gain/loss: +38 pounds. Some how I miraculously maintained my weight this week despite being ravenous!  I also haven't been eating the best foods either between all the end of the school year activities and graduation and birthday parties we have been to I have had my fair share of cake and ice cream!  I doubt little boy is complaining.  

Maternity clothes? Obviously, but when I am home I lounge in one of Kiel's T-shirts and my pre-pregnancy shorts.  

Stretch marks? I think I noticed a few faint shiny pink lines on my belly.  

Sleep: I have been super super tired lately.  I am awake quite often at night to readjust or go to the bathroom and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a comfortable position.   Therefore, I pretty much require a daytime nap!

Best moment this week: Being able to relax and mentally prepare for all that is to come!

Miss Anything? (Again)-Being comfortable.  

Movement: Over the past 3-4 days I noticed he really has slowed down.  He still moves quite often so I am not worried, but he definitely seems to be sleeping more.  

Food cravings: Nothing, but I just made Kiel go pick up a buffalo chicken pizza with hopes that the spiciness will bring on labor!  

Food aversions: Nothing!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Nope! 

Ailments: Swelling, pelvic pressure, heaviness in my abdomen, period-like cramps, contractions here and there.  The swelling has gotten really bad and walking is so uncomfortable. 

Have you started to show yet:  Big time!

Gender prediction: Beautiful baby boy. 

Labor Signs: Nothing really.  At this point the only real sign is hardcore contractions or my water breaking and neither has happened yet! 

Belly Button in or out? Out.  

Wedding rings on or off? Off

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but I guess I have been really quite lately too.  I have a lot on my mind! 

Looking forward to: Seeing this little boy.  Becoming a family.  Holding him in my arms!