Miles has gained about two pounds since these pictures were taken. He looks so different now, but still insanely cute as witnessed by these snap shots. He is such a beautiful boy!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Photographic Evidence, part 2
Miles has gained about two pounds since these pictures were taken. He looks so different now, but still insanely cute as witnessed by these snap shots. He is such a beautiful boy!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
MILEStones
We had our first visit to the pediatrician on Monday- the uber-friendly Dr. Gottfried. Miles marked his territory in true animal fashion by hosing down his first-ever medical chart and two nurses during his weigh-in. Jesse and I were so proud! His aim is always on the mark- just ask Jesse, Jesse's pants and shirts, our bedroom floor and surrounding walls- yes, he's that good. At my new moms group, Miles caught me and my table by surprise while I was changing him. I think he was aiming for the ceiling lights. The mom next to me called me a rookie. Looks like we are still being initiated into the parenthood club.
Miles has already grown over two inches. His weight is rapidly improving. On Monday, he weighed 5 pounds and 6 ounces even. Today he weighed 5 pounds and 12 ounces. Soon he'll be filling out those adorable new born outfits which have until now simply swallowed him.
His hair is looking blonder day by day. I think he's been sneaking my lemon juice during his naps in the sun. He is gearing up for his role as a beach baby. However, he has to wait a few years until he gets his first surfing lesson from Dad.
Tomorrow he will be 2 weeks old. In no way does it feel like he's been here for 2 weeks. Time, in the traditional sense, has melted away. This could be attributed to our insane sleep schedule, but this is more likely linked with the fact that we are still in shock over his arrival. We planned for 8 1/2 months (in our case) on the logistics and physicality of receiving a new baby. Our hearts have had to play catch up after his arrival. As ready as I felt on March 7, I could never have imagined how much mental changing would be occurring- and at such a rapid rate. I am falling in love with Miles ever day. Before he was born, Jesse and I were in love with the dream of Miles- the flutters he caused in my belly, the heartbeats we heard at Dr. Keller's office, his sonogram pictures. Now that he is here, Miles is filling in those blanks that our collective imagination couldn't before write- the true beauty of his face, the calming force he brings to anyone who holds him, his excellent baby smell, his amazing tolerance of perpetual puppy kisses (which are linked to his good smell), the closeness Jesse and I are feeling. To quite the new proud papa, "This is the happiest time of my life."
Miles has already grown over two inches. His weight is rapidly improving. On Monday, he weighed 5 pounds and 6 ounces even. Today he weighed 5 pounds and 12 ounces. Soon he'll be filling out those adorable new born outfits which have until now simply swallowed him.
His hair is looking blonder day by day. I think he's been sneaking my lemon juice during his naps in the sun. He is gearing up for his role as a beach baby. However, he has to wait a few years until he gets his first surfing lesson from Dad.
Tomorrow he will be 2 weeks old. In no way does it feel like he's been here for 2 weeks. Time, in the traditional sense, has melted away. This could be attributed to our insane sleep schedule, but this is more likely linked with the fact that we are still in shock over his arrival. We planned for 8 1/2 months (in our case) on the logistics and physicality of receiving a new baby. Our hearts have had to play catch up after his arrival. As ready as I felt on March 7, I could never have imagined how much mental changing would be occurring- and at such a rapid rate. I am falling in love with Miles ever day. Before he was born, Jesse and I were in love with the dream of Miles- the flutters he caused in my belly, the heartbeats we heard at Dr. Keller's office, his sonogram pictures. Now that he is here, Miles is filling in those blanks that our collective imagination couldn't before write- the true beauty of his face, the calming force he brings to anyone who holds him, his excellent baby smell, his amazing tolerance of perpetual puppy kisses (which are linked to his good smell), the closeness Jesse and I are feeling. To quite the new proud papa, "This is the happiest time of my life."
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Nitty Gritty, part 2
(Disclaimer: I am typing this with Miles in arms, so 'cuse an wacky typos.)
Okay, where did I leave off. . .
3/6
7:30 I waddle down to our new room. Waddle is the correct action verb because there is some major aquatic activity below, and any sudden motions could flood out the entire wing.
Our room is nice. The soap dispenser has broken off, resting on the counter. The fluorescent bulb flickers as those type pf bulbs flicker in slasher films. The thermostat is set to a snugglely 85 degrees. Ahhh. . .I am totally relaxed.
7:31 I hate the room, but I deal because my tiny contractions are starting to rise just a tad.
8:00 to 12:00- This block of time is a blur. We watched the contractions and heartbeats on the monitors. I signed numerous release forms. I got poked and prodded. The IV was traumatic, as usual. All the parents came back for a quick hello. Jesse and I were Lamaze champs. The contractions went from random intervals to a predictable 5 minutes apart. We did as many different laboring positions as the IV would allow. I draped over the back of the bed. I bounced on the birthing ball. I stood and swayed back and forth.
3/7 The fun begins!
12:00 to 12:45- I crawl over to the rocking chair. The rhythmic motions helped me through the contractions, which were now every 3 minuted apart. Prior to moving to the chair, I was dilated only 3 centimeters. I know Jesse was thankful that I finally asked for some Nubain at 12:45- a local pain killer. I needed to take a nap, and I was "squeezing the ever living crap" out of his hand. The Nubain worked quickly and effectively- as advertised in Lamaze class- something to take the edge off. I still felt every contraction, but I could take a minute nap in between each one.
1:45 The Nubain leaves as quickly as it arrived. I have now dilated to 5 centimeters. I finally get why some women want Epidurals. I wanted an Epidural. We consult Dr. Keller- she gives the okay. Now, we just have to find the anesthesiologist (Dr. Ball). Jesse races out to tell our parents they should go for the night- that it might be awhile before Miles arrives. Amazingly, they decide to wait since Jesse won't stay and chat. Parent intuition rocks!
1:46 Dr. Ball is at home walking his dogs. He'll be back shortly. I try not to get angry at the fellow dog owner. Luckily, the contractions have my full and undivided attention. In retrospect, I probably would have done better without the Nubain. I had zero transition time between the relaxed state and full blown minute-apart contractions.
2:00-2:45 Still looking for Dr. Ball. . .I am sitting on the side of my bed. Jesse is not allowed to touch me- too many sensations going on at once. They begin prepping me for the Epidural, though Dr. B is still AWOL. The likelihood of me taking a needle to the spine is looking bad- I cannot stop shaking and twisting. My legs are tapping a million miles a minutes. My torso looks like conch shell. There is no possible way Dr, Ball could give me the shot- even if he decided to show up- it would be like tyring to thread a needle while white water rafting. This analogy is important because the image that I held onto during each contraction was that of a big, icy, dark wave- a tsunami rising up to meet me in a pond-worthy dingy. I, without a life vest on, hunker in my dingy and watch each wave race toward me- every wave generating enough power to wipe out any island nation that stands in its path. Amazingly- I ride every wave for that 45 minutes. It was terrifying but absolutely thrilling. I have never experienced so much power coursing through my system. I remember feeling like I was glowing white hot- like a nuclear power Christmas light.
2:55 Dr. Ball arrives! I shout, "I need to push!" Dr. Ball turns and leaves. Gail, our most amazing and helpful nurse sends him to find Dr. Keller. Gail starts pressing ever call button she can find. No back-up arrives. I am ready to have this baby.
2:56 Gail checks my cervix and finds that I am now a full 10 centimeters dilated. This explains my black tsunami imagery- dilating 5 centimeters in 45 minutes! I am pleased that my pain was productive.
2:58 Dr. Keller and crew race in and prep the room for delivery. Lights are switched on. Scrubs are donned. The end of the bed is removed, and magically, stirrups arise! I again shout that I need to push.
3:00 Dr. Keller gives the green light for pushing. And with each contraction, I push with all of my soul. I push from my belly button to my toe nails. I squeeze muscles that don't even have names. My delivery team- Jess, Gail, and Dr. Keller count out seconds for me to push and offer words of encouragement.
3:03 Miles' head has crowned. Jesse squeals! I find new inspiration to push- my son is almost here.
3:05 Dr. Keller gives me oxygen because I am panting out of control. Lamaze has been replaced by something more primal.
My final push seems to last for 5 minutes. I grunt and groan- squeeze and writhe! Once his head is out, the rest races right behind. Miles shoots out me like the human cannonball act at the state fair.
3:07 Our son has his first breath of outside oxygen. I hear his tiny cry and watch as Jesse cuts the umbilical cord. He is crying. I am crying. Miles is crying. Our family has just been born.
As Dr. Keller leaves the room, Jesse stops her and gives her a hug. After he thanks her, she says moments like this are why she goes to work everyday.
Time is flying by now. Miles is over a week old. He has his first official doctor's appointment tomorrow. It will be a family affair. Jesse wouldn't miss it for the world.
I owe this page many pictures, and I promise they will come.
Okay, where did I leave off. . .
3/6
7:30 I waddle down to our new room. Waddle is the correct action verb because there is some major aquatic activity below, and any sudden motions could flood out the entire wing.
Our room is nice. The soap dispenser has broken off, resting on the counter. The fluorescent bulb flickers as those type pf bulbs flicker in slasher films. The thermostat is set to a snugglely 85 degrees. Ahhh. . .I am totally relaxed.
7:31 I hate the room, but I deal because my tiny contractions are starting to rise just a tad.
8:00 to 12:00- This block of time is a blur. We watched the contractions and heartbeats on the monitors. I signed numerous release forms. I got poked and prodded. The IV was traumatic, as usual. All the parents came back for a quick hello. Jesse and I were Lamaze champs. The contractions went from random intervals to a predictable 5 minutes apart. We did as many different laboring positions as the IV would allow. I draped over the back of the bed. I bounced on the birthing ball. I stood and swayed back and forth.
3/7 The fun begins!
12:00 to 12:45- I crawl over to the rocking chair. The rhythmic motions helped me through the contractions, which were now every 3 minuted apart. Prior to moving to the chair, I was dilated only 3 centimeters. I know Jesse was thankful that I finally asked for some Nubain at 12:45- a local pain killer. I needed to take a nap, and I was "squeezing the ever living crap" out of his hand. The Nubain worked quickly and effectively- as advertised in Lamaze class- something to take the edge off. I still felt every contraction, but I could take a minute nap in between each one.
1:45 The Nubain leaves as quickly as it arrived. I have now dilated to 5 centimeters. I finally get why some women want Epidurals. I wanted an Epidural. We consult Dr. Keller- she gives the okay. Now, we just have to find the anesthesiologist (Dr. Ball). Jesse races out to tell our parents they should go for the night- that it might be awhile before Miles arrives. Amazingly, they decide to wait since Jesse won't stay and chat. Parent intuition rocks!
1:46 Dr. Ball is at home walking his dogs. He'll be back shortly. I try not to get angry at the fellow dog owner. Luckily, the contractions have my full and undivided attention. In retrospect, I probably would have done better without the Nubain. I had zero transition time between the relaxed state and full blown minute-apart contractions.
2:00-2:45 Still looking for Dr. Ball. . .I am sitting on the side of my bed. Jesse is not allowed to touch me- too many sensations going on at once. They begin prepping me for the Epidural, though Dr. B is still AWOL. The likelihood of me taking a needle to the spine is looking bad- I cannot stop shaking and twisting. My legs are tapping a million miles a minutes. My torso looks like conch shell. There is no possible way Dr, Ball could give me the shot- even if he decided to show up- it would be like tyring to thread a needle while white water rafting. This analogy is important because the image that I held onto during each contraction was that of a big, icy, dark wave- a tsunami rising up to meet me in a pond-worthy dingy. I, without a life vest on, hunker in my dingy and watch each wave race toward me- every wave generating enough power to wipe out any island nation that stands in its path. Amazingly- I ride every wave for that 45 minutes. It was terrifying but absolutely thrilling. I have never experienced so much power coursing through my system. I remember feeling like I was glowing white hot- like a nuclear power Christmas light.
2:55 Dr. Ball arrives! I shout, "I need to push!" Dr. Ball turns and leaves. Gail, our most amazing and helpful nurse sends him to find Dr. Keller. Gail starts pressing ever call button she can find. No back-up arrives. I am ready to have this baby.
2:56 Gail checks my cervix and finds that I am now a full 10 centimeters dilated. This explains my black tsunami imagery- dilating 5 centimeters in 45 minutes! I am pleased that my pain was productive.
2:58 Dr. Keller and crew race in and prep the room for delivery. Lights are switched on. Scrubs are donned. The end of the bed is removed, and magically, stirrups arise! I again shout that I need to push.
3:00 Dr. Keller gives the green light for pushing. And with each contraction, I push with all of my soul. I push from my belly button to my toe nails. I squeeze muscles that don't even have names. My delivery team- Jess, Gail, and Dr. Keller count out seconds for me to push and offer words of encouragement.
3:03 Miles' head has crowned. Jesse squeals! I find new inspiration to push- my son is almost here.
3:05 Dr. Keller gives me oxygen because I am panting out of control. Lamaze has been replaced by something more primal.
My final push seems to last for 5 minutes. I grunt and groan- squeeze and writhe! Once his head is out, the rest races right behind. Miles shoots out me like the human cannonball act at the state fair.
3:07 Our son has his first breath of outside oxygen. I hear his tiny cry and watch as Jesse cuts the umbilical cord. He is crying. I am crying. Miles is crying. Our family has just been born.
As Dr. Keller leaves the room, Jesse stops her and gives her a hug. After he thanks her, she says moments like this are why she goes to work everyday.
Time is flying by now. Miles is over a week old. He has his first official doctor's appointment tomorrow. It will be a family affair. Jesse wouldn't miss it for the world.
I owe this page many pictures, and I promise they will come.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Nitty Gritty, part 1
Okay- the events of March 6th & 7th are getting blurry in my mind. I better write down the details of "the big day" before it all congeals into one big happy memory. I'll start from the top.
3/6
-I leave work at 3:30- which is insanely early for me. I usually hang out until 5 or 6 doing random paperwork or answering 1,000 e-mails. But on this day- I just had to leave. One my way out of the building I told Sandi, our secretary, I was going home to curl up in my bathtub. I was feeling a little flu-like and craving BBQ potato chips. Something was awry.
-Instead of going home I head to Ukrop's grocery store and buy 2 huge bags of chips and some real dinner food for Jesse. I eat an entire bag on my 10 minute drive home, which will ultimately be an impulsive decision I will regret in approximately 6 hours.
-from 4:30 to 6 pm, I fold myself into a pretzel on our bed. I don't feel bad, but I certainly don't feel normal. I try to lose my concerns in reruns of "The Gilmore Girls."
-6:15, I think my water breaks. Funny thing, I was laying on Jesse's side of the bed- which is the side that I didn't add the water-proof padding- the padding I purchased to protect our mattress from amniotic fluid. Oops.
-6:16, a tiny bit of fluid- I decide to wait it out.
-6:30, Jesse arrives home, and I am pacing and leaking aroud the house. It is not as gross as it sounds. I tell him I think my water has broken. He makes me call the doctor.
-6:34, Dr. Keller, the same doc we wanted to deliver Miles and even offered her a bride to do so, wants to know if my water broke on purpose so she would get to deliver him. I tell her I was only jumping on the trampoline for exercise, and the cod liver smoothie is a longtime personal favorite. She laughs and tells me to pack my bags. She'll meet us at the hospital.
-6:45, I insist on driving to the hospital so Jesse can eat. However, I switch with Jesse before getting off of our block. I am really getting some Niagara action. In fact, I put the rubber floor mat on my seat to ensure our drive does not become the log flume ride.
-7:15, after being admitted, we learn that a) the water has definitely broken and b) I have only dilated a centimeter.
More details to follow. Miles is making some squeaking noises. Mommy must attend!
3/6
-I leave work at 3:30- which is insanely early for me. I usually hang out until 5 or 6 doing random paperwork or answering 1,000 e-mails. But on this day- I just had to leave. One my way out of the building I told Sandi, our secretary, I was going home to curl up in my bathtub. I was feeling a little flu-like and craving BBQ potato chips. Something was awry.
-Instead of going home I head to Ukrop's grocery store and buy 2 huge bags of chips and some real dinner food for Jesse. I eat an entire bag on my 10 minute drive home, which will ultimately be an impulsive decision I will regret in approximately 6 hours.
-from 4:30 to 6 pm, I fold myself into a pretzel on our bed. I don't feel bad, but I certainly don't feel normal. I try to lose my concerns in reruns of "The Gilmore Girls."
-6:15, I think my water breaks. Funny thing, I was laying on Jesse's side of the bed- which is the side that I didn't add the water-proof padding- the padding I purchased to protect our mattress from amniotic fluid. Oops.
-6:16, a tiny bit of fluid- I decide to wait it out.
-6:30, Jesse arrives home, and I am pacing and leaking aroud the house. It is not as gross as it sounds. I tell him I think my water has broken. He makes me call the doctor.
-6:34, Dr. Keller, the same doc we wanted to deliver Miles and even offered her a bride to do so, wants to know if my water broke on purpose so she would get to deliver him. I tell her I was only jumping on the trampoline for exercise, and the cod liver smoothie is a longtime personal favorite. She laughs and tells me to pack my bags. She'll meet us at the hospital.
-6:45, I insist on driving to the hospital so Jesse can eat. However, I switch with Jesse before getting off of our block. I am really getting some Niagara action. In fact, I put the rubber floor mat on my seat to ensure our drive does not become the log flume ride.
-7:15, after being admitted, we learn that a) the water has definitely broken and b) I have only dilated a centimeter.
More details to follow. Miles is making some squeaking noises. Mommy must attend!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Meet Miles!
The Eagle has landed two weeks early. Let's just say what happened last Thursday night was not listed in my daily agenda. My water broke around 6 pm, and we booked to the hospital by 6:30. The grandparents mobilized soon after. Miles Alexander Thomas joined our family on 3/07/08 at 3:07 am. The entire birthing process- from water breaking to actual delivery took about nine hours. I promise to post all the info when I have had more sleep, and it is a good story. Jesse and I are on cloud nine, ten, and eleven! But until then. . .enjoy the picture. There are hundreds of more to follow.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The Real Deal
Last night I think I had my first real contraction. OUCH! I am concerned about my Lamaze training because that was the first skill that flew out of the door. How did I cope with the blazing 15 seconds of pain? By holding my breath and thinking of every expletive I knew. Our Lamaze instructor failed to mention the healing power of vulgarity (very cleansing). Some of those verbal gems are more cathartic than a bran muffin and a cappuccino.The incident in question took place right after my late afternoon nap. I was wiped out from work because I was given an awesome surprise baby shower. Our little man is going to be the sharpest looking baby on the block. Wait until you see him in his baby-sized Crocs!! But I digress. . .yes, the contraction. . .I had just arisen from my brief slumber and padded my way to the bathroom. As I hit the light switch, this searing sensation- like an errant cattle brand that found its way onto my tummy- stole all of my oxygen. I had no idea what was going on. Had someone slipped our little man a nail file in the cake from the shower? Was he trying to make a break for it by tunneling out of my navel? Was my skin preparing to part down the center to demonstrate mitosis? Yes, all these freaky thoughts, plus a minagerie of 4 & 5 lettered words, raced through my oxygen-depraved brain. Once the contraction subsided, I realized we are in for a real treat. Apparently, I am not easily classically conditioned. However, after the contraction, I was drooling heavily and wanting a dog treat.
I am hoping that when next contraction rolls around I will handle it with more Zen-like elegance. Nature totally kicked Nurture's butt in this first round. This sucker took me by surprise. I wasn't even sure what was happening to my belly. Let's look at the score board:
Lamaze Breathing Method: 0
Anna Freak-out Method: 1
(Being calm and reserved has NEVER been my forte. Just ask John and Kit.)
Now, if my handsome coach had been there to hold my hand, I bet the pain would have been null and void. Let's just pretend this for now and embrace the beauty of magic thinking.
Lamaze Breathing Method: 0
Anna Freak-out Method: 1
(Being calm and reserved has NEVER been my forte. Just ask John and Kit.)
Now, if my handsome coach had been there to hold my hand, I bet the pain would have been null and void. Let's just pretend this for now and embrace the beauty of magic thinking.
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