A New Standard of Excellence

Brayden had his first well baby visit with Dr. Jones today. We selected Dr. Jones as our pediatrician because he's kind, gentle, compassionate and genuinely loves children. He's in his late 60s, so we know he's "seen it all" (he was my matron-of-honor's pediatrician - and she's 33!!!). He could have retired years ago, but is too dedicated to children.

Here are Brayden's latest stats:

Weight: 8lbs 9 oz (remember, just one short week ago, he was born 8lbs 2 ozs)
Height: 21" (a whole inch growth since birth!)

Some quotes from Dr. Jones:

"He's set a new standard of excellence!"
"This is truly the perfect baby." (of course, Mommy and Daddy completely agreed)
"Your breast must be manufacturing half-and-half."
"8lbs 9ozs??? That's an unprecedented weight gain."

(On a side note, I had an OB appointment today. They're not kidding when they say the pounds melt off with breastfeeding - I'm only 9lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. Not bad considering I gained a healthy 35lbs during the pregnancy!!! )

A Preview....

More photos and posts in the next few days, I promise...It's not for lack of time or energy; it's just not wanting to take my eyes off our precious Brayden Philip. Kevin and I never knew we could love someone so much. It's the most awesome feeling in the world..we're both still numb and in awe of our new son. 

Postponed...

The phone rang this morning at 3:45 a.m. It was the hospital, letting me know that there were no beds for my 5:30 a.m. induction appointment and that I should call back at 8 a.m. I hadn't slept up to that point, and I sure didn't sleep afterwards. At 8 a.m., we were told to call back again in a few hours. Kevin's making the phone calls, since I don't have the emotional stamina to be turned away again - and I don't want to go completely off on the people that will soon be caring for me and our unborn son....

40 wks 5 days

9 a.m. Doctor's Appointment

Weight Gain: -1 lb
Overall Weight Gain: 34 lbs
Blood Pressure: 98/78
Cervix: Soft
Dilation: ???
Baby: Dropped (finally!)
Predicted Weight, per Ultrasound: 7 lbs 13 oz - 80th Percentile!

Induction still on for this Sunday, starting at 5:30 a.m....BUT....I have to call ahead to make sure they have a bed!?!?! Ughhhhhh...my midwife kicks &^%$#!*, so I think if I talk to her, she'll make sure there is one available.

Update...

The update is there is no update...Nothin' has changed, just hanging out. I went into work for a 7 a.m. meeting yesterday, and ended up staying past 6:30 p.m. It was a long day, so I'm staying home today. Well, actually, I'm watching my friend Tracy's kids this morning while she gets her hair done. Vince is about six weeks old and Francesca is just a little over 2-years old. Both have bright, bright red hair - we tease that they're the children I haven't had yet! I'm watching them at the salon, so I may treat myself to a pedicure or some other pampering...

One Last Date Night...? The Sequel....

So, last weekend's birthday dinner with friends wasn't our last Saturday night hoorah. Since there was no sign of baby, we decided to attend our friends Jason and Courtney's wedding. Kevin plays basketball with Jason, and Jason's dad is the jeweler who made my engagement ring and wedding band. Courtney's a third grade teacher, and the two are an awesome couple. We had RSVP'ed with regrets, since I didn't want to be a no show (nothing's more frustrating than paying for folks that don't attend). However, the preacher and his wife weren't able to make the reception at the last minute, so Courtney's mom very graciously asked us if we'd like to stay for the reception. We lucked out even more when we found out "being the preacher and his wife" would mean sitting with Courtney's grandparents - they have been married 57 years and were neat, neat people! It was a great time and I would highly recommend crashing a wedding for anyone who is trying to take their mind off the birth of their first child.

08.13.06

Quick Saturday morning update...Brayden appears pretty content to hang out a little longer as far as we can tell by the "normal" signs (dilation, effacement, etc.), so we went ahead and scheduled an elective induction for the next available time...Sunday, August 13th, at 5:30 a.m.... Hopefully, he'll decide to arrive on his own long before that date. I'll be 41 weeks on the 13th, but an ultrasound yesterday showed an acceptable amniotic fluid index (AFI) and a mature (not deteriorating) placenta. But keep your fingers crossed for Wednesday, August 9th. Not only is it a full moon, it's Ms. Valentino's 89th birthday...