First Friend

This is a picture of Graham meeting his first friend, JT. You can always identify Graham by the fro, if you were wondering. We had to force the snuggles and high-fives, but I know they'll eventually have a good time playing together on their own. Graham is now 4 weeks old. He's become much more alert, looking around a lot. It's nice to actually be able to make eye contact with him now. We think we've seen a couple smiles, but from what we understand they are probably just "gas smiles" at this point. The past week has been one of the more difficult ones because we found out the little guy was losing weight. Now we have a complicated feeding routine to supplement nursing with formula until he gets back on track. The process takes about an hour and 15 minutes, so once it's over, I have about an hour and 45 minutes before it repeats again (even through the night). I know lots of people go through the same thing, but it sure feels next to impossible. We're crossing our fingers we can drop this routine soon so we won't feel quite as frenzied all the time. The good news is that Graham likes his doctor, and the car rides back and forth put him to sleep. He also goes to sleep during walks around the neighborhood. Currently, I'm trying to master wearing him in a Zolo pouch. The first time I put him in he was not pleased, so I'm going to wait until he's more relaxed to try again.

Range of Baby Moods

These pictures pretty much show how our life is with a 2 1/2 week old. We spend lots of time trying to figure out the crys, which can get pretty loud and long-lasting! Most of the crys happen even when Graham's diaper is clean and he's just eaten, so then we have to use trial and error to hold him different ways....or just let him swing it out. It's a very sad and frustrating thing to witness. Luckily, there are also peaceful times when we relax and just look at Graham's face in amazement that this little person is ours. His cuteness makes it almost impossible for us to keep our hands off of him when he naps. Chaotic diaper changes have made me laugh until I've peed in my pants, his crys have definitely led to my crys, and his wide-eyed looks at us make it impossible not to smile. It's already been a wonderful rollercoaster ride!

Home Sweet Home

We're home! We left the hospital Thursday afternoon, probably wearing out our welcome there because we wanted to take showers, enjoy a last room service lunch, and pack up leisurely. The weather sure has turned nice and springy since I've been in the hospital! It felt so good to come home. The past few days have been overwelming as we try to learn how to meet Graham's needs and ours. We've had lots of laughs over his cute little expressions and things he does. At first, laughing killed my stomach wounds, but that has already improved a lot. Our first night at home was a challenge because we had to get creative with our sleeping arrangements to avoid having a screaming baby next to the wall we share with our townhouse neighbors. So now I sleep in the den recliner, which is actually the easiest way for me to get up and down anyway. Poor Graham had doctor's appointments on his 4th and 5th days of life to check his bilirubin levels because he has a little jaundice. It was not fun, but the levels are lowering now (yay! hopefully no more heel pricks for him!).

Here are some of the things we've learned about Graham so far: He likes swinging (high) and it puts him into a coma-like state...and also brings about a majorly dirty diaper. He likes sleeping on a pillow-throne next to us on the sofa. He likes riding in his car seat, even though it looks awfully uncomfortable the way his little head frumps down. He likes wearing his Carolina booties. Graham does NOT like having his hair washed. He doesn't like being laid down to sleep in his pack 'n play...actually, he just doesn't like any change of position once he's comfortable. He does not like the state of basketball affairs that we brought him into the world during. We'll keep you posted on our continuing education as new parents. I would also like to say that I have a new appreciation for everything new parents go through, and I am amazed that you've all kept your tiredness and confusion so well-hidden from the outside world (or maybe you didn't struggle as much as us!).

First Family Picture

How about this for a glamorous first family picture? Graham was born on March 29, 2010 at 9:11pm, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches in length. My water broke at 2am, and my doctor wanted me to head to the hospital around 8am to get things started. I wanted to "get things started" naturally if possible, so Drew and I delayed leaving home for an hour. After being admitted at the hospital, I was given some initial checks and then they allowed me to kinda hang out for a while to see if labor would progress on its own. It did, which was exciting. I had an epidural around 2:30, which brought on some nervous shaking and a blood pressure drop, causing the baby's heart rate to drop. The nurses all rushed in, gave me oxygen, and gave me BP meds...without stopping to tell me what was going on! That episode was resolved pretty quickly, and we were back to the good progression of labor until I started pushing around 5:30. They doctor expected the baby to come out quickly, but he didn't. He was turned face-up and wouldn't really move the last 2 inches. After lots of pushing and a reduction in epidural (painful!), I was informed that I would need a c-section and also that the baby's head was beginning to swell. I gave pushing one last-ditch effort, and then was off to the operating room for a c-section. Drew was able to sit by my head once things got started, and after about 15 minutes, I heard Graham's beautiful crying! The day brought such a range of emotions, but everything was worth it when I heard that sound. Again, I had shaking during the surgery and afterward, so severe that I could hardly finish a sentence because of my teeth chattering. That gradually stopped as my meds and nerves faded.

Drew and I are now spending our third night in the hospital and are headed home tomorrow around noon. It's been a slow process of recovering and being disconnected from various medical aids, but I finally feel self-sufficient again. Drew has been forced to be the diaper changer/swaddler/personal assistant during this time, and it's been such a big help. I'm looking forward to when I can move around like I used to. For now, I'm just thankful that we're leaving the hospital with the greatest gift I can imagine.

39 Weeks

I am now 39 weeks along, and I think my stomach is at capacity! Even though I look like I should be retired to the couch at this point, I am still pretty much continuing with my normal, day-to-day routine with no problem. Drew and I are finishing up with last minute baby preparations...he's been working on some chores around the house, and I painted my toenails (myself!) to prepare for the big day. Tuesday is the due date, which is only 3 days away! They told us in our Labor & Birth class to plan something fun for your due date since you probably won't be having a baby then. I think we'll be watching Carolina play in the Final Four. =)

Homecoming Outfit?

Last weekend Drew and I went on a search for a baby homecoming outfit. It was one of those things I hadn't really thought about until a couple people asked if we had one. We didn't end up finding a homecoming outfit, but instead, this cute bathing suit! Drew, already being a good dad, reminded me that the baby needs to be protected from the sun with a shirt and hat too. Well, I certainly wasn't going to argue with buying the matching ensemble! =) Anyway, we figure we'll make do with something else when we leave the hospital.

Nursery Pictures

These are some pictures of Graham's room, ready and waiting. I know he probably won't be in the nursery much at the beginning because our plan is for him to sleep in the pack 'n play bassinet in our room, but it's still comforting to have a place set up for him. Our favorite accessory in the room is the bear painting (you probably can't tell, but this bear wears the number 50 on his jersey).

Yesterday I had the ultrasound to be sure the baby's still growing well. He is. He's at the 50th percentile in size, weighing about 6 1/2 pounds now. The doctor estimated he'd be 7 1/2 pounds at my due date. Yesterday I made an ipod playlist to take to the hospital and play during labor. I'm sure this doesn't surprise many of you because I've always enjoyed a good mixed tape/CD/playlist (pick your decade). I think this may be a good time to revive "Joy and Pain."