Its Monday morning and I'm back at work.
I had a pretty good experience with my triathlon on Sunday morning. Saturday night, I slept in the guest room so that I could get some good uninterupted sleep.
I was up at 4:30am and left the house at 5:00am so I was glad to have slept well. Check-in started at 5:30, then I got my transition area set up and just relaxed and stretched for an hour until it was time to head down to the beach.
The race was a 2/3 mile swim, 24 mile bike, and 5 mile run. My finish time was 2hrs 22 minutes. I've been faster in the past on this same course, but I was still happy with my result.
I was 96/235 overall, 88/185 men, and 23/33 in my division (men 35-39).
I was most suprised by my swim. I was 117th/235 on the swim. Usually I swim worse than that. I think it was watching all the Michael Phelps coverage on the olympics that improved my swim place. It certainly wasn't from all the time I'e spent practicing in the pool (none).
I was 46th/235 on the bike leg and 145th/235 on the run (8:34 avg pace).
After the race we went to lunch with Amy, Jack, Kate, my friend 'uncle' Mike (who also did the race), and 'aunt' Stacey. Kate and Jack were both prefect kids at lunch. Kate was awake and happy the whole time and Jack was a perfect little gentleman. Sunday afternoon, I was pretty tired but Amy wanted to go get a pedicure. After spending the prior night in the guest room sleeping soundly, I realized that I better go along with this plan.
We put Jack down for his afternoon nap, then I fed Kate her first bottle while Amy got ready. She took right to it and drank about 3oz. Jack was still singing and playing in his crib. The minute Amy left, he fell asleep and Kate went to sleep in her swing. I took a steam shower and then napped for an hour. When Amy got home I was well rested! I know this frustrates her since it never seems to work out that well for her.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
First Pediatrician Visit
Today we took Kate to her first pediatrician visit. She is seeing Dr. Moylan, the same doctor that Jack uses.
When Amy told Jack we were taking baby Kate to Dr. Moylan, he said "She does not like the doctor. I need to go with her."
Kate weighed in at 9lbs 12oz and was 20 3/4" long. Even though she was 4oz bigger than Jack at birth, he was 10lbs 1oz at this doctor's visit.
Don't be concerned about Kate's growth, however, Dr. Moylan said she was 95th percentile on weight, 75 percentile on length, and 97th percentile on head circumference.
She is fighting a bout with infant acne (which isn't really acne at all) and a clogged tear duct in one eye. Our beautiful baby looks like she went a few rounds with Mike Tyson.
When Amy told Jack we were taking baby Kate to Dr. Moylan, he said "She does not like the doctor. I need to go with her."
Kate weighed in at 9lbs 12oz and was 20 3/4" long. Even though she was 4oz bigger than Jack at birth, he was 10lbs 1oz at this doctor's visit.
Don't be concerned about Kate's growth, however, Dr. Moylan said she was 95th percentile on weight, 75 percentile on length, and 97th percentile on head circumference.
She is fighting a bout with infant acne (which isn't really acne at all) and a clogged tear duct in one eye. Our beautiful baby looks like she went a few rounds with Mike Tyson.
There are tons of new pictures posted on Flikr. If you aren't a member of my flickr site and would like to be, drop me an e-mail or comment. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rimel/
Tons of people have commented that Kate looks a lot like Jack. Here is some evidence:
Kate 1 day old:
Jack 1 day old:
Kate at 13 days:
Tons of people have commented that Kate looks a lot like Jack. Here is some evidence:
Kate 1 day old:
Jack 1 day old:Jack @ 10 days:
Kate at 13 days:Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Its wednesday night and we are home alone. I've got a lot of catching up to do on the blog so here goes.
Last weekend was great. It was a pleasant return to normal with Jack.
Friday evening we took Kate out for her first family dinner. Amy, Shirley, Jack, Kate, and I went to the Salty Iguana, a mexican restaurant, for a little dinner. She slept the entire time, and Jack watched the olympics on TV.
He and I went out for our usual pancakes and coffee on Saturday morning then went to the local toy store in Brookside and bought some birthday gifts for his friends birthday party that afternoon. Jack played with every toy in the store! Amy and Grandma Shirley met us at the coffee shop for a latte.
Saturday afternoon we went to a little birthday party for Carter and C.C., two of Jack's friends that were turning two. The weather was great and the party was nice. We even took Kate with us.
Sunday I got up really early and went out to Longview Lake for a training workout with my buddy Mike. We did 24 miles on the bike and 4 miles running. It was the best I felt all summer. My next triathlon (on that same course) is next Sunday. I'm as ready as i will ever be! Sunday was chore day around the house for me. While I changed light bulbs and cleaned the garage, Amy and Shirley kept Kate and Jack occupied. Kate slept a lot, but Jack played in his new sandbox and his baby pool on the patio.
I went to Cleveland for a work trip Tuesday and returned home Wednesday. When I left, it was Amy, Shirley, Jack and Kate. When I returned, Grandma Shirley was gone. It seems so quiet around here without her.
Kate set a personal record last night while I was gone - she went 6 hours between feedings which gave Amy about 5 consecutive hours of sleep in one chunk. She had another 2 1/2 hours after the feeding. By my calculations she had more sleep here than I did in Cleveland and she didn't wake up with a Grey Goose hangover.
Last weekend was great. It was a pleasant return to normal with Jack.
Friday evening we took Kate out for her first family dinner. Amy, Shirley, Jack, Kate, and I went to the Salty Iguana, a mexican restaurant, for a little dinner. She slept the entire time, and Jack watched the olympics on TV.
He and I went out for our usual pancakes and coffee on Saturday morning then went to the local toy store in Brookside and bought some birthday gifts for his friends birthday party that afternoon. Jack played with every toy in the store! Amy and Grandma Shirley met us at the coffee shop for a latte.
Saturday afternoon we went to a little birthday party for Carter and C.C., two of Jack's friends that were turning two. The weather was great and the party was nice. We even took Kate with us.
Sunday I got up really early and went out to Longview Lake for a training workout with my buddy Mike. We did 24 miles on the bike and 4 miles running. It was the best I felt all summer. My next triathlon (on that same course) is next Sunday. I'm as ready as i will ever be! Sunday was chore day around the house for me. While I changed light bulbs and cleaned the garage, Amy and Shirley kept Kate and Jack occupied. Kate slept a lot, but Jack played in his new sandbox and his baby pool on the patio.
I went to Cleveland for a work trip Tuesday and returned home Wednesday. When I left, it was Amy, Shirley, Jack and Kate. When I returned, Grandma Shirley was gone. It seems so quiet around here without her.
Kate set a personal record last night while I was gone - she went 6 hours between feedings which gave Amy about 5 consecutive hours of sleep in one chunk. She had another 2 1/2 hours after the feeding. By my calculations she had more sleep here than I did in Cleveland and she didn't wake up with a Grey Goose hangover.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Last night was another pretty good night. Kate seems to want to 'cluster feed' with a couple of short feedings right before bed. Amy fed her at 9:30 and again at 11:00 (we were up late watching the Olympics).
Kate slept until 1:30, then woke up again at 5:30. I think the ideal situation is feeding at 10:00pm, 2:00am, and 6:00am. Amy is shouldering all of the nighttime load since I can't really breastfeed. I've been getting good sleep and she's getting more than I thought she would.
Life for Jack returned to 'normal' a little bit yesterday. He returned home from Grandma and Grandpa's house after hanging out with them Monday and Monday night. He got to play around our house and even had his friend Carter over to play. Bedtime went a little bit better than it has been going. I got to help bathe him, then I headed out for my Tuesday night bike ride. Amy brought him out to help me pump my tires (he loves that!) and wave goodbye as I rode off. She did story time and put him to bed while Grandma Shirley made a great dinner. When I got home from my workout, he was asleep and dinner was served. I've got the life right now!
Kate slept until 1:30, then woke up again at 5:30. I think the ideal situation is feeding at 10:00pm, 2:00am, and 6:00am. Amy is shouldering all of the nighttime load since I can't really breastfeed. I've been getting good sleep and she's getting more than I thought she would.
Life for Jack returned to 'normal' a little bit yesterday. He returned home from Grandma and Grandpa's house after hanging out with them Monday and Monday night. He got to play around our house and even had his friend Carter over to play. Bedtime went a little bit better than it has been going. I got to help bathe him, then I headed out for my Tuesday night bike ride. Amy brought him out to help me pump my tires (he loves that!) and wave goodbye as I rode off. She did story time and put him to bed while Grandma Shirley made a great dinner. When I got home from my workout, he was asleep and dinner was served. I've got the life right now!
Today, cousins Amber and Ashley and Aunt Brenda stopped by to visit Jack and Kate. I'm told Kate was held a lot and Jack got to show off his trains, sandbox, tractors, and all his other toys.
Amy and Grandma Shirley had dinner ready for me again tonight after my workout (5 mile run) and now they are out shopping for groceries and I'm staying home with the kids. Its pretty easy duty - Jack is asleep and Kate is sitting in her bouncy chair silently watching me type.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Its Monday...
Since I haven't blogged since Thursday, I've got a bit of catching up to do.
Friday night, our friends Lance and Jennifer came over. We watched the opening ceremony of the Bejing Olympics. We had a few cocktails and got to bed a little bit late.
Friday night was ROUGH. I think Amy only got about 2 hours sleep and I only got 3. Kate seems to have her nights and days backwards. She was sleeping almost all day, but then from about 9pm to 4am, she wanted to be awake. If she wasn't eating, puking, or pooping, she was crying to be held. Finally around 4am, she did nod off to sleep.
Saturday night I took my father-in-law, my dad, and a friend to the Royals v. Twins game. My father-in-law is a big Twins fan. The Twins beat the Royals so he was happy. We got home around 10:30pm. I had a tough bike workout planned for the following morning at 6:30am. Amy told me to sleep on the couch so I'd get some rest. I told her I felt guilty doing that and went to bed in our room. The next thing I remember is waking up at 6:00am when my alarm went off! i asked Amy what happend and she told me that Kate slept from 10:30 to 2:30, fed, then slept from 3:15 on. She was still asleep at 6:00am. I had slept through the entire 2:30am feeding and diaper changing. I was very well rested (thanks Amy!) and had a great workout (26 miles on the bike and a 3 mile run).
Since I haven't blogged since Thursday, I've got a bit of catching up to do.
I raced in a bike Time Trial on Thursday night. My father-in-law came out to watch. I wish I'd put on a better show, but apparently I don't race well without much rest. I was significantly slower than I was last month. Oh well....
Thursday night was a pretty tough night. Kate was up and down all night and we were struggling to find what comforted her. We tried the bassinet, the swing, holding her, etc. I ended up with 4 hours sleep and Amy had about 3.
Friday night, our friends Lance and Jennifer came over. We watched the opening ceremony of the Bejing Olympics. We had a few cocktails and got to bed a little bit late.
Friday night was ROUGH. I think Amy only got about 2 hours sleep and I only got 3. Kate seems to have her nights and days backwards. She was sleeping almost all day, but then from about 9pm to 4am, she wanted to be awake. If she wasn't eating, puking, or pooping, she was crying to be held. Finally around 4am, she did nod off to sleep.
Saturday night I took my father-in-law, my dad, and a friend to the Royals v. Twins game. My father-in-law is a big Twins fan. The Twins beat the Royals so he was happy. We got home around 10:30pm. I had a tough bike workout planned for the following morning at 6:30am. Amy told me to sleep on the couch so I'd get some rest. I told her I felt guilty doing that and went to bed in our room. The next thing I remember is waking up at 6:00am when my alarm went off! i asked Amy what happend and she told me that Kate slept from 10:30 to 2:30, fed, then slept from 3:15 on. She was still asleep at 6:00am. I had slept through the entire 2:30am feeding and diaper changing. I was very well rested (thanks Amy!) and had a great workout (26 miles on the bike and a 3 mile run).
Grandpa Dave left this morning. Grandma Shirley is still here and staying until about the 20th. Sunday night we took Kate for a short walk in the bugaboo. We ended up in the neighbors driveway drinking beer. It was a perfect evening. When we got home, Kate had another good night of sleep. Amy did it all again and I got up this morning well rested. Are you detecting a theme here? I am....and I like it.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Last night was tough...especially for Amy. It seems that little Kate loves to sleep all day and party all night. I assured Amy that we didn't give birth to a vampire and that this would change.
Since we let them keep her in the nursery in the hospital, we didn't quite realize how UP she is at night. Looking back, her most active periods while she was still in Amy's belly were the evenings. I guess all of Amy's daytime activity rocked Kate to sleep, then when Amy would settle down in the evenings, Kate would wake up ready to kick and wiggle.
It may take 2 or 3 days to get her onto a more normal active schedule.
I think Amy only got about 2 hours sleep last night. I got a little more because I slept well while Amy was feeding. Neither of us slept much in between feedings.
I'm back at work today for 1/2 day. I'm going to do 1/2 day again tomorrow. Next week its back to a normal schedule for me.
Since we let them keep her in the nursery in the hospital, we didn't quite realize how UP she is at night. Looking back, her most active periods while she was still in Amy's belly were the evenings. I guess all of Amy's daytime activity rocked Kate to sleep, then when Amy would settle down in the evenings, Kate would wake up ready to kick and wiggle.
It may take 2 or 3 days to get her onto a more normal active schedule.
I think Amy only got about 2 hours sleep last night. I got a little more because I slept well while Amy was feeding. Neither of us slept much in between feedings.
I'm back at work today for 1/2 day. I'm going to do 1/2 day again tomorrow. Next week its back to a normal schedule for me.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Since my last post yesterday we had several more visitors. Elizabeth and maureen (both twentysomething weeks pregnant) stopped by in the afternoon.
At about 8pm our friends mike and stacey came over to hang out. They brought 2 bottles of good wine and some takeout from the Red Snapper.
Kate was sleepy all day yesterday and caught her second wind in the evening. Once we were alone we took advantage of the nursery again and caught some sleep. We slept 3 hours then fed her around 2:45. After the feeding kate went back to bed in the nursery and we caught 3 more hours. We were up at 6:30am.
Today is the day we get discharged. In a way im sad to go. The people in this part of the hospital are amazing and its been fun spending this much time with Amy.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Visitors
Its been a crazy visitor day.
We've had Jack, my parents (Grandpa Bob and Grandma Susan), our friend Kris, my brother Chris, his wife Brenda, and their two daughters Amber and Ashley.
In addition to our visitors, we've been visited by our pediatrician, Amy's OBGYN, the lactation consultant, the anesthesiologist, our Nurse, a woman from the Nursery, housekeeping, and the hospital photographer.
All the visitors were welcome, except maybe that photographer guy.
Jack's visit went great. He was a little unhappy to see Amy and I, but wanted to see baby Kate. I'll post a picture of them together soon.
We've had Jack, my parents (Grandpa Bob and Grandma Susan), our friend Kris, my brother Chris, his wife Brenda, and their two daughters Amber and Ashley.
In addition to our visitors, we've been visited by our pediatrician, Amy's OBGYN, the lactation consultant, the anesthesiologist, our Nurse, a woman from the Nursery, housekeeping, and the hospital photographer.
All the visitors were welcome, except maybe that photographer guy.
Jack's visit went great. He was a little unhappy to see Amy and I, but wanted to see baby Kate. I'll post a picture of them together soon.
It is 7:10 and Amy is up and showered. Dr Perryman stopped by to check on Amy. Baby Kate is in the nursery being checked out by the pediatrician. They are supposed to bring her in here for a feeding soon. They are also supposed to bring Amy her breakfast.
I am going to grab something to eat then pick Jack up at home at 9am to come visit his new baby sister. I would say any visitors are welcome this afternoon.
3:30am
kate fed from about 10:05 unil 10:45. After that we let them take her down to the nursery. Amy slept until about 2:30am. They finally brought her back to us at 3AM. They said she had been a little pukey. We are trying to get her to eat.
Monday, August 4, 2008
It's 8:11pm and Kate is 6 hours old. We finally left the "labor and delivery" side of the maternity floor about 5:30pm. Amy was nauseous from the epidural so they kept us over there a little longer than normal before the move to the "mother/baby" side.
Our first nurse in mother/baby was our friend Amy Hennessey. She worked until 7:30pm and will be back at 7:00am to be our nurse for tomorrow. Nurse Amy said Kate did great for her bath and didn't cry.
Grandpa Dave and Grandma Shirley came by to visit around 7pm.
Our first nurse in mother/baby was our friend Amy Hennessey. She worked until 7:30pm and will be back at 7:00am to be our nurse for tomorrow. Nurse Amy said Kate did great for her bath and didn't cry.
Grandpa Dave and Grandma Shirley came by to visit around 7pm.
Call the Doctor!
Its 2:00pm and the nurse just called Dr. Perryman over from the office across the street.
She is 100% dialated (10cm) and fully effaced.
As soon as he gets here its time to push!
Posting may get a little less frequent in the next hour. I don't have much to do in the upcoming process, but i better be holding her hand, not typing on this computer!
She is 100% dialated (10cm) and fully effaced.
As soon as he gets here its time to push!
Posting may get a little less frequent in the next hour. I don't have much to do in the upcoming process, but i better be holding her hand, not typing on this computer!
I don't think I mentioned that Judith was one of our nurses when Jack was born. She was our favorite delivery nurse. Amy Hennessey was of course our favorite nurse! She is reading this blog, but I would have said that anyway.
She was the nurse we had from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Jacks birthdate. Jack was born about 8:35pm so we had a different nurse for the actual birth. Hopefully today we have this baby before Judith goes off duty.
Judith is "getting the table ready". Basically she's getting all the stuff that will be needed for the delivery spread out. Don't get too excited though...if I remember correctly they did this about 3 hours before Jack was born.
She was the nurse we had from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Jacks birthdate. Jack was born about 8:35pm so we had a different nurse for the actual birth. Hopefully today we have this baby before Judith goes off duty.
Judith is "getting the table ready". Basically she's getting all the stuff that will be needed for the delivery spread out. Don't get too excited though...if I remember correctly they did this about 3 hours before Jack was born.
Our nurse anesthetist, Craig, just gave Amy the epidural. I was banished to the area behind the curtain. Aparently they don't like to let the husbands watch the epidural for fear they will pass out. I'm not good with stuff like that so it was probably a wise decision.
Amy says that she feels nothing on her right side, but that her left side feels normal. The contractions are building and she really feels it on the left. They are goign to have the anestheologist come take a look. They have her rolled onto her left side so that gravity can help distribute the epidurial stuff to her left side.
Amy says that she feels nothing on her right side, but that her left side feels normal. The contractions are building and she really feels it on the left. They are goign to have the anestheologist come take a look. They have her rolled onto her left side so that gravity can help distribute the epidurial stuff to her left side.
Its 11:00am and the contractions are looking pretty regular on the monitor. Amy still hasn't called for the epidural, but i'm guessing she will be pretty soon. She said that her palms are sweating. I keep telling her to press the damn nurse call button and she keeps saying..."no, i'll just talk to her next time she comes in."
I think i'm going to head down to the cafeteria and grab something to eat. Amy is going to have to stick to eating the ice chips :-(
I think i'm going to head down to the cafeteria and grab something to eat. Amy is going to have to stick to eating the ice chips :-(
A visitor
Amy was texting with one of her friends, also named Amy, who lives on the plaza. My Amy told her that she forgot to bring any reading material to the hospital. She just showed up here with a little gift bag with two books - "The Three Martini Family Vacation" and "Porn for New Moms" and a few other funny items.
She's reading the blog today so....THANKS AMY.
She's reading the blog today so....THANKS AMY.
Amy's Fetal Monitor
Contractions are on the bottom, baby's heart rate is on the top.
That last one (on the right) was a big one.
8:55am
They periodically come in and increase the level of pitocin in the IV. Amy still isn't feeling any pain, just some tightening when the contractions hit.
There is a TV in here, but we haven't turned it on. I'm blogging and surfing the web and Amy is texting a friend on the phone.
Last night we were discussing the fact that "Baby Sister" better really be a sister. Otherwise we've got some serious wasted money on pinks stuff (custom curtains and pillows, custom bedding, custom chair). Amy even ordered some new thank you cards for her last night...pink of course.
They periodically come in and increase the level of pitocin in the IV. Amy still isn't feeling any pain, just some tightening when the contractions hit.
There is a TV in here, but we haven't turned it on. I'm blogging and surfing the web and Amy is texting a friend on the phone.
Last night we were discussing the fact that "Baby Sister" better really be a sister. Otherwise we've got some serious wasted money on pinks stuff (custom curtains and pillows, custom bedding, custom chair). Amy even ordered some new thank you cards for her last night...pink of course.
Its 8:00am and Amy just got hooked up to the IV. They are giving her Pitocin to induce the labor.
The fetal monitor hooked to her stomach is displaying the baby's heart beat and the status of contractions on the monitor next to her bed. You can see the she was already having some real low level contractions even before the Pitocin kicked in.
Dr. Perryman just showed up at about 8:05 and broke her water. He suggested that she consider doing the epidural sooner rather than later. Amy said "How about now?" Our nurse, Judith, suggested that she wait until she could actually FEEL the contractions.
She is still just 2cm dialated and 50% effaced (which is where she's been for about 3 weeks).
He also said Baby Sister is in labor station -1. Labor station is a measure of how far down the baby's head is in the pelvis.
The fetal monitor hooked to her stomach is displaying the baby's heart beat and the status of contractions on the monitor next to her bed. You can see the she was already having some real low level contractions even before the Pitocin kicked in.
Dr. Perryman just showed up at about 8:05 and broke her water. He suggested that she consider doing the epidural sooner rather than later. Amy said "How about now?" Our nurse, Judith, suggested that she wait until she could actually FEEL the contractions.
She is still just 2cm dialated and 50% effaced (which is where she's been for about 3 weeks).
He also said Baby Sister is in labor station -1. Labor station is a measure of how far down the baby's head is in the pelvis.
Monday morning
We were up at 5:15am and we're getting ready to head to the hospital. I'm starving and so is Amy. I don't feel right eating in front of her since she can only have clear liquids this morning.
I will keep posting throughout the day.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday night
Well, tomorrow is the big day! We are going to bed early. Amy has a lot of work to do tomorrow (while i'm posting blogs).
I have to admit I got a little teary giving jack his bath tonight. I know his little world is about to be rocked and I hope it doesn't change him too much.
We are getting up early. We have to be at the hospital by 7 am. Hopefully amy lets me stop at starbucks :-)
Stay tuned...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Good News....we've made it to Thursday! That means that we won't have to rush around in the middle of the night to find someone to come over and watch Jack if we have to make a run to the hospital. Amy's parents are arriving this evening. That is one less thing for us to stress about.
Last night was our last 'date night' for a while. We have had a standing baby sitter night on every Wednesday for more than a year. I think for the next month or two we won't be going out alone too often. I think it will be a while before we are comfortable with leaving both kids home with a babysitter.
It wasn't too exciting. We went and looked at a new car for Amy then went out for dinner. Its hard for Amy to enjoy a nice meal since she's uncomfortable sitting in one position for very long so we just went to a local mexican food place, The Salty Iguana. We actually got home an hour early.
The curtains, pillows, and table skirt actually arrived for Baby Sisters Room, although the guy isn't coming until Monday to install it. We will likely be in the hospital so we won't get to see the finished product until we get home.
We ordered a piece of art for her room too, but that won't be here for quite a while still.
As soon as we get a chance, I'll post some pictures of her room.
Last night was our last 'date night' for a while. We have had a standing baby sitter night on every Wednesday for more than a year. I think for the next month or two we won't be going out alone too often. I think it will be a while before we are comfortable with leaving both kids home with a babysitter.
It wasn't too exciting. We went and looked at a new car for Amy then went out for dinner. Its hard for Amy to enjoy a nice meal since she's uncomfortable sitting in one position for very long so we just went to a local mexican food place, The Salty Iguana. We actually got home an hour early.
The curtains, pillows, and table skirt actually arrived for Baby Sisters Room, although the guy isn't coming until Monday to install it. We will likely be in the hospital so we won't get to see the finished product until we get home.
We ordered a piece of art for her room too, but that won't be here for quite a while still.
As soon as we get a chance, I'll post some pictures of her room.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Amy and I talked a lot last night about Jack. We are both a little sad to see this phase of our lives come to and end. We are excited for the arrival of Baby Sister, but nervous about the impact this is going to have on Jack.
These last two years have been wonderful. He was a great baby and has turned into an even better little boy. When the three of us are all together on weekends he seems the happiest. He and I have had some great one-on-one time too. How will the addition of another baby change that dynamic? Will he be angry? How do you ever love two kids as much as you love this one?
As always, Amy and I have done a bunch of reading. One of the books we read was called "From One Child to Two". Its a good book because it makes you realize that the feelings we are having are normal. It also gives some good strategies for easing the transition.
There is a whole chapter dedicated to whether you should bring your first child to visit in the hospital and if you do, how to do it best.
We definately want Jack to come visit us. I think we'll miss him more than he'll miss us! The book suggests that you have the dad bring him and take him home afterwards. It warns that having someone else bring him and then take him away (leaving mom, dad, and the new baby behind) is very traumatic. I guess this makes good sense. It also suggests that you don't overwhelm him with too many visitors there at the same time. I think when I go get him, we'll just have some time with Jack, Amy, Baby Sister, and me alone.
Another discussion we had last night surrouned the whole topic of 'induction'. As I mentioned in a previous blog, we are scheduled for an induction on August 4th which is technically just a few days before our 40 week due date. Statistically, induced labor results in c-sections more frequently than non-induced labor. Amy REALLY doesn't want a c-section. Statistics can be misleading though. In 2004, 20% of all labors in the US were induced, but only 25% of those (about 5% of the total) were induced for convenience. That means that 15% of all labor was induced for medical reasons. Would those reasons have led to a c-section anyway? I think the key to a successful induction for convenience is that the female is ready. Our doctor has always said he would induce IF the cervix was 'favorable'. We are seeing him this Thursday, so we will know more then. As of last week, Amy was 50% effaced and 2 cm dialated.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Today is Monday, July 28th.
Baby Sister's original due date was 8/8/08 which would have been a pretty cool birthdate, but we are scheduled for an induction in one week on 8/4/08 if it doesn't happen sooner.
Unless something happens early, Amy's parents are planning to come to KC on July 31st and my parents are heading back to KC on August 3rd. It will be nice to have both sides of the family here to help with Jack and the new baby.
We've had some great friends volunteer to help with Jack in the event the big day comes before July 31st. When someone volunteers to come to your house in the middle of the night, sleep in your guest room, and then get your kid up the next day and take them back to their house - thats a big deal! If you are one of the people that has volunteered - THANKS! If not...i'm sure it was just an oversight on your part ;-)
Baby Sister's original due date was 8/8/08 which would have been a pretty cool birthdate, but we are scheduled for an induction in one week on 8/4/08 if it doesn't happen sooner.
Unless something happens early, Amy's parents are planning to come to KC on July 31st and my parents are heading back to KC on August 3rd. It will be nice to have both sides of the family here to help with Jack and the new baby.
We've had some great friends volunteer to help with Jack in the event the big day comes before July 31st. When someone volunteers to come to your house in the middle of the night, sleep in your guest room, and then get your kid up the next day and take them back to their house - thats a big deal! If you are one of the people that has volunteered - THANKS! If not...i'm sure it was just an oversight on your part ;-)
A new blog for "Baby Sister"
When our son Jack was born in 2006, I started a blog about 1/3 of the way through Amy's pregnancy. I blogged about strollers, other baby gear, our doctor's appointments, and other things going on in our lives.
In the end, the blog turned out to be a fantastic way to update friends and family about the actual delivery. I could just send a quick email to my blog from my Blackberry and everyone following the blog could read about where we were and how things were going.
As we approach the birth of "baby sister", I decided to do something similar. I tried out Twitter (a simplified blog-like software), but it wont work for this application. In order to follow my "twitter", each follower would have to set up their own account. I don't want people to have to do that. With a traditional blog like this one, you can just pull it up on your browser whenever you want.
Soooooooooo .... here it goes.
In the end, the blog turned out to be a fantastic way to update friends and family about the actual delivery. I could just send a quick email to my blog from my Blackberry and everyone following the blog could read about where we were and how things were going.
As we approach the birth of "baby sister", I decided to do something similar. I tried out Twitter (a simplified blog-like software), but it wont work for this application. In order to follow my "twitter", each follower would have to set up their own account. I don't want people to have to do that. With a traditional blog like this one, you can just pull it up on your browser whenever you want.
Soooooooooo .... here it goes.
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