picture overload

i'm so behind

new

[grabs cuffs]

we snuck off for the weekend

i can confirm

he is still growing!

a poem titled september 30th

in between diaper changes, preparing lunch, and making the lesson for his class, evan wrote a cute poem for his 5th graders. he did a lot with 5 minutes of improv:

We walked through the hospital past midnight,

my wife and I, my hand on her back,

stopping to find her breath on each corner.

Such a quiet place at night – lights off, doors shut,

the waiting rooms empty, the coffee pots cleaned.

Soreness crept up our legs, her back; we'd already walked that morning.

Anticipation fluttered with disbelief –

It can't be time, they'll send us home, I should have eaten.

And fatigue, as midnight gave way to Sunday –

I told you to eat.



Until a table and the doctor came in, two more nurses, and Erica pushed.

I remember the colors – the cherry wood floor, the starched white sheets,

her thin blue gown, the lights bright like noon had settled indoors.



His first cries cut through like a clock's chimes through sleep –

strong and clear – and his gunmetal eyes locked onto our faces,

onto our voices – clear, no longer muffled –

those voices he'd heard for so long.

purrr

and another comparison of my kiddos!
K I R A N N I C O L E

O L I V E R J U D E

brother/sister

time to compare. we keep hearing that kiran and oliver look much alike. and i've been instructed to locate my baby pics and we'll find and answer to all this - aparently we looked a lot alike too. what do you think?

olivers first word

"eh"

a feast of fotos!

i know, he makes you hungry, right? you could just eat him up?!
more pics if you click around through daddy's blog, too. but i warn you, go slow.
www.countingtozero.blogspot.com

legend on the 3rd floor

Yes, we are somewhat of a legend on the 3rd floor. 3rd floor of Texas Women's Hospital is the labor and delivery. We indeed made it to the hospital in active labor the day I suspected all along: sept. 29th. The day evan and I became engaged one year ago. Oliver was not born, however until 3:39am the following morning.

I craved my baby and some control over the timing of this whole thing. We very bravely went and bought castor oil. I didn't bravely drink the recommended dose though. But I got enough down to get my contractions 3 minutes apart by 8pm. I was in disbelief that stuff would work so well. I did hear it was very good at helping labor along for someone 4 cm dilated like myself.

When we arrived at the hospital that got us walking the halls to see if I was really in labor. If you are, then some dilation (usually 1 cm) will occur in 1 hour. BINGO! We got all checked in and they sent the doctor on call up to see me. He broke my water around 1am because he didn't really believe my labor would go as fast as I warned. We ended up going so fast I didn't get my 2nd dose of antibiotics. I was so nervous once my water broke - there was no going back. It was so quiet at the hospital. 1:30 came and they recommended an epidural if I was really to dilate as fast as I said. I willingly accepted even though I was enjoying feeling the labor progress, nearly textbook style. It was difficult getting my epidural because I kept twitching from nervousness. That twitching soon turned into shaking as the medicine rushed in. I thought I was getting more nervous but aparently it's just the medicine.

We were so excited though! Our baby was coming, and coming fast!

PART TWO: PUSHING

The nurse was incredibly shocked when I got to 8, then 9, then 10 probably in a matter of minutes. She called the doctor to head on in and said we could do three practice pushes since I was at 10. This gets the doctor ready to deliver and ensures it will go quickly and successfully. Daddy held onto my legs and I followed my instructions even though I could hardly feel what was going on! Counted to 3, pushed....WHOA, SLOW DOWN! Their eyes got wide when they saw Oliver start crowning. Needless to say, I didn't have to practice. They pushed him back in.

When the doctor arrived, we then made our first real push in attempt to bring him out. Perfect. We began our second and once again was asked to ease back because he was ready to jump into daddy's arms. With half of that push we had our oliver. Me being the old pro, was given my camera which I tried so deligently to teach others to use! I snapped the first 3 pictures of daddy cutting the "string". (Umb. cord).


It was all pretty surreal and kind of funny to me. We talked like normal people waiting on a child, but not one's having to do the work of getting him here. Just as I remember things with the labor of my daughter - making jokes and having a great time. Oliver was given to me within a minute and I calmed his first cries with my famous butt pats.

We were a very happy and close little family. The next few days went perfectly. I was up running around like an idiot. I should have been recovering but I was on such a high. I visited my friends on the 3rd floor who were also in labor. It was like a block party in that place!

Big sister was the most impressive for her work though. She has been the most nurturing and sensitive girl in the world. I'm so proud that all of the planning had paid off so well. She understands I have to take care of him so I sense no jealousy. I'm sure this is because she really feels he is hers too! She wants him fed!

PART 3: MASTER THE BREASTFEEDING

sadly to have to stop so I can return to work. Gotta buy those diapers. And well, I guess all that formula too. What a vicious cycle!

We are so in love with our Oliver Jude

9.30.07
7lbs 13.7oz
20 inches