Cavalier Girl: July 2011

Well it's officially been one week and one day since we came home from the hospital! I was terrified that these first few weeks were going to be absolutely horrendous (from all the horror stories about people telling me that you just "get through" those first few weeks); however, I am LOVING this time. He is sooo little and I already don't want him to get bigger.

We've had a steady stream of visitors and wonderful women from my school who have blessed us with dinner for the last week! I wish I would have taken some photos, but it always looked so good that all I could think about was chowing down.

Physically, I'm feeling great! Yesterday was the first day that we ventured out just the two of us. We went to Taste of Thai in Fayetteville with my dear friend Audra, and then ventured to the mall to walk for a little while. Only at the very end did I start to feel fatigued.

Connor did amazing!! He loves his car seat and stroller and loves the motion of being strolled around. I failed to get any photos there.

I DID get some pictures this morning. He looks quite dapper in his little jumper. He kinda matches Dad!

Family Photo!

Now we get to spend the afternoon with my wonderful sister, her husband and her sweet daughter!

It's amazing how much life can change in just one short week. One week ago today I was in labor with our sweet little Connor. Life still seems quite surreal at the moment, and I've been thinking for a few days on what to say about his entrance into our world.

We went in late Tuesday evening (6-27-11) to be induced early the next morning. My doctor (Dr. Emily Hinton is fabulous!) started me on a little pill to help thin out the rest of my cervix through the night on Tuesday. Wednesday morning, I woke up, brushed my teeth (for the last time not as a mommy!) and the anesthesiologist came in. Chase held my hand through the entire process. <3 him.

I must say that Chase was my rock through the entire process. I was (even though it may not have shown on the outside) terrified and unsure of myself, but Chase was there every step to get me ice, rub my arm, and make sure I was taken care of in every way and encourage me.

The nurses and doctors at Willow Creek were just wonderful. When we first checked in, all I wanted to do was take our little guy home; however, at the end of our time, I wasn't ready to leave. I felt so safe and secure there- and very well cared for.

Anyhoodle.. after the anesthesiologist left, they began Pitocin and from 8:00 until 4:00 it was a waiting game. I didn't progress very fast at first, so around 4:00 Chase and I decided to try to take a nap. When I woke up, I felt extreme pressure, so I asked the nurse if she could check. Sure enough in that hour time span, I had progressed from 4cm to 10cm. When she told me we were ready to start pushing, I got a terrible case of the shakes, but Chase helped me breathe and calm down... and our nurse warmed up another blanket for me. Our delivery nurse's name was Nicole, and she was stellar. She did two "practice" pushes through two contractions with us, and called for Dr. Hinton because little man was crowning. When Dr. Hinton walked in she barely had enough time to put on her scrubs and gloves before our little Connor was born. We did two contractions with Dr. Hinton and there he was!

I remember that extreme wave of euphoria seeing him for the first time, and seeing Chase's face... it was just incredible.

After delivery, Chase and I held him and took some time to marvel at this incredible gift of life. Just knowing that our little baby grew inside me for nine months, and he was now with us was and is still slightly unreal. It truly is a gift.

Connor weighed in at 7lbs 8oz, 21 inches long and a full head of black hair! He is a master nurser, and latched on perfectly the first time. As long as he's fed, dry, and warm, he's the happiest little baby. He loves having his little feet rubbed and loves being carried around in the baby sling. He even loves his car seat.

We've made a few trips to Target, Applebee's, and the pediatrician's office, and he falls asleep every single time we go in the car.

As for me, I'm recovering wonderfully! My energy is great, and even though it's going to take a coupe of weeks to rebound fully, I feel great. Having little man in my arms makes all the pain and fatigue go away though.

Throughout the last few weeks, we have been blessed by wonderful visitors, friends, family, cards, gifts, and phone calls. All of your prayers and thoughts were received graciously and we cannot thank you enough!

So, to end this novel, I'll tell you how our superstud did at his newborn check-up today at the pediatrician!

He weighed in at : 7lbs 6oz! Only 2oz under birth weight. That means he's eating like a champ!

and for your viewing pleasure.... pictures!

We're going to be parents!