Week 41

Well, I am pretty late in getting this last baby bump picture up. We actually took this picture on our way to the hospital. I used the same pumpkin as in week 40 because I couldn't bring myself to think of something larger than that!

Meeting the Grandparents

We have been lucky to have help the past few weeks from the Grandparents. It has been so wonderful to have help with meals, cleaning, and watching Miles. This time is such a huge adjustment and the support goes a long way in helping make it easier. I don't know what I am going to do when it is just us again. I am going to be spoiled with all the help.

And Miles has gotten to meet some of his Grandparents. Here they are!

Mimi

Three generations

Nana and Papa

Nana

Papa

Nana J

2.5 weeks later...

We are 2.5 weeks into the life of Miles. The first week was a bit of a blur. We made it home and had some pretty rough nights in terms of sleeping. Miles was waking up almost every hour at night to nurse. I have never really experienced true sleep deprivation until now. Boy is it hard! Grant says, welcome to the club...

Luckily, after a few days, Miles started sleeping around 2.5 to 3 hours at a time. Who would have thought that would ever sound like a long stretch? Nursing is going really well. In a few weeks we will introduce a breast milk bottle so Grant can help with feeding.

Grant is just the most amazing father. Seeing him become a father has been one of the most beautiful experiences I could imagine. He cares for Miles with such deep love and tenderness. He is also helpful beyond belief at home with chores. I feel pretty darn lucky.

Miles is starting to be more alert and active. I can't wait until he can smile at us. Right now he is loving baths and laying in his activity gym.

He knows he's cute.

Nap time with Mom and Dad.

Banjo concert.

Bath time with Dad.

Fall drive. Miles loves being in the car.

Ohhh...nursing time!

Love that he is looking at me in this one.

Play time in his activity gym.

Welcome to the world Miles!

Dear Miles, this is the story of your birth. You are already the love of our life and make us so happy (and quite sleepy as well!). 

On September 25, in the afternoon, I started to have some contractions. I texted Grant and told him I thought I was in early labor. That night I started to have contractions every 30 minutes and didn't sleep much. I was just so excited that you were on your way. And you waited until the very last second to arrive on your own, just so you know. We were scheduled to be induced September 26, since I was over 41 weeks pregnant. 

But you decided to come on your own. I was relieved about that. The morning of September 26, Grant and I woke up and went on a walk to try to get labor moving. As we walked, the contractions started getting closer together and more intense. Around 11:30 a.m. we decided it was time to go to the hospital. We packed up our bags and with major excitement headed to the University of Utah Hospital. Once there, we weren't quite far enough along to get admitted. We walked around the hospital and drank a smoothie. Then at our next check, I was 4 centimeters dilated and we got admitted. 

Headed to the hospital.

The next few hours we just waited and progressed. Around 7:00 p.m. my water was broken and I got an epidural to help with the pain. Just a little over two hours later, I was totally dilated and ready to push! Boy were we getting excited about seeing you. I started pushing around 9:45 p.m. Everyone in the delivery room thought pushing would be quick. Boy were they wrong. I ended up pushing for over four hours! And you still weren't coming out. Later, when we saw the size of your head, it probably was for the best that you stayed in there. 

In labor.

It was hard for me to face, but it was time to adjust and get behind the fact that we needed to have a c-section. We rolled into the OR and you were born at 3:21 a.m. on September 27, 2012. As soon as you cried, I was in love. They brought you right over to me and laid you on my chest. You were stunning. I kissed you and just felt an amazing since of relief that you were in the world safely. 

Right after the c-section.

Then we went back to our room and you learned how to nurse and we just held you and gazed at your cuteness. Then they finally weighed you and you were 8 pounds 7 ounces. Wow! How did we create such a large baby?

Getting checked out by the doctors.

We stayed in the hospital for a few more days to recover. Although you have depleted our sleep reserves already, you are so worth it. You get cuter every day. 

Miles, thanks for choosing us as your parents. We are blessed. 

First bath at the hospital.

Dr. Stephanie Wilder who delivered you! 

Snuggling with Dad.