First photoshoot

At the hospital.....

Hugh was born late Monday evening and we were finally discharged from the hospital Wednesday early afternoon.  Day 2 was a whirlwind of doctor's visits for the little one.  The morning started with a visit from the Pediatrician, circumcision, hearing test, blood work, vital checks, yadda, yadda.  Yeah -- it was crazy!!  The good news is that our baby boy was very healthy!!  Unfortunately, he did fail his hearing test 2x's, so we had to return to the hospital the following week for his audiology appointment.  He passed with flying colors (or sounds)!!  They say that his ears could have been clogged from deliver, the equipment may have malfunctioned or the nurses technique may not have been the best.  Yeah -- he can hear!!  Also, the following week, baby Hugh had his first doctor's appointment.  He was back up to his birth weight - yahoo!!  Also, the doctor thinks that he may not have been fully stretched when measured at the hospital because he was measuring 21.5inches in length only a week later.  He is 50% in weight and head measurement and 95% in height.  The best part of the visit was when daddy Hugh and I went to change his diaper before leaving and he sprinkled all over the doctor's table -- whoops!!  Another great laugh!!!

It's a beautiful, healthy, amazing baby BOY!!

8:02pm Mom exclaims 'It's a boy!!'

25 hours of labor couldn't have been more rewarding.  It was a long Sunday night and Monday, but we were blessed with the most amazing gift, the miracle of our son.  The doctor decided to start Pitocin Monday AM and then slowly increase it every 30-60 minutes.  At about 10:30a, I was only 2cm dialated, so Dr. Bhatia decided to break my water.  Once this happened and the Pitocin was approximately 60%, the contractions were coming stronger than ever.  I made it until 12:30p and threw in the towel.  Whew -- those contractions were VERY tough!!  The epidural was the best decision ever.  Once I had the epi, the anesthesiologist said, 'you're 5 minutes from not feeling any contractions and 20 minutes from a nap'.  From that point forward, the only way I knew I was having contractions was to watch the monitor -- perfect:-)  Around 5:30p, I was ready to push, but the doctor was in surgery, so I had to wait almost an hour and a half.  Finally, I was able to begin pushing around 7pm and one hour later, our bundle of joy arrived.  I can't express how awesome it was to deliver him and see Hugh's eyes light up as he was born.  The next thing I knew, a sweet baby boy was on my chest and I couldn't have been happier.  We named him after his father, grandfather and great-grandfather -- Hugh Cale Wright IV.  He weighed a healthy 8lb 6.4oz and measured 20.25inches.

Getting prepped to meet LO

Life is good today...I got my toes on the hospital bed, my feet in some slippers......Life is good today.  We are so excited to meet Baby Lo.

Sunday, we packed and prepared, as much as an excited Mom & Dad possibly could.  If the Bengals performance is any foreshadowing of what's to come -- it will be awesome.  WHO DEY!!  The Bengals swept the Steelers and are first in the AFC North with a record of 7-2.

We had to arrive at the hospital at 7pm on Sunday, 11/15.  If you could have seen Hugh and I, we looked like we were staying for months -- 1 suitcase, a media bag, toiletry bag, entertainment bag, food bag, 4 pillows, blanket, baby carrier and baby bag.  Seriously, we are slightly over-prepared:-)  Once checked in, the nurse checked me and I was 1cm dialated - yeah!!!  They started the Cervadil around 8:45p and I had to lay flat for 2 hours.  The contractions started about 11pm and lasted ALL night long.  I got about 2 hours of sleep in 15 minute increments --getting ready for Mom duty!!!  Hugh also enjoyed sleeping on his paper thin concrete block.

This morning, I was still 1 cm dialated, but I was 90% effaced.  Forward progress:-) My contractions were very regular (2 mins. apart) on their own, but for some reason they decided to slow down a bit.  Hugh and I walked for 30-40 minutes to re-ignite the contractions.  They also wanted to start Pitocin.  We started a very slow dose and they just amped it up a bit more.  The contractions are back to regular (2-4 mins. apart) and beginning to be quite strong.   Just hanging tight and looking forward to what's next:-)

Between now and Monday, 11/16.....

Sooooo.......baby Wright is definitely like his/her mother and father.........stubborn as a mule.......awesome.  We were hoping for a bit more progress at today's Dr's appointment, but no luck.  Unfortunately, my cervix is still closed/not dialated.  The maximum that they will let me go is 42 weeks -- which would be this Tuesday.

The induction is scheduled for Monday, 11/16.  This is also Amy G's birthday and since we do everything else the same, baby Wright may decide to share the same birthday.  We have to go in Sunday night at 7pm where they will give me a pill to help things progress and hopefully kickstart labor.  If no luck through the night, they will start the Pitocin drip between 7a-9a Monday morning.  The doctor mentioned today that I'm higher risk (60%) for a c-section given the state of my cervix this late in pregnancy.  We're hoping for a miracle sometime between now and Sunday that labor will take off.  Keep us in your prayers that we go into labor and/or that all will go well with a little medicinal help on Monday :-)

We can't wait to meet our little one.  Cheers and Love,

Hugh & Stef

PS.  Thanks for everyone's advice to jumpstart labor.  Trust me when I say we are trying everything and no luck so far.  Wink, wink!!

Umbilical or Um'biblical'

Yes, Granny D seems to think that baby Lo not only receives his/her nutrients, but also the word of God through the um'biblical' cord.  He, he, he.  It's a good thing she can take a joke!!!  Next time you see her, be sure to ask her a question that requires to respond with umbilical cord or in her terms um'biblical' cord.  She'll be sure to pause to ensure she says it the right way.

11.5 Doctors Update

Same....same....same.  Baby Lo is happily camped out in the belly.  The NST looked great, still 'reactive'.  I did have one strong contraction on the monitor - yeah one:)  

Also, the doctor's office had just received a surplus (50ish) of H1N1 vaccines.  Since I was able to get one of the vaccines (given that pregnant women are the highest risk), the doctor didn't do a full internal exam, as he said he didn't want to disturb any of the chemistry.  The H1N1 vaccine takes 7-8 days to take the full effect, so he said it would be good if I did wait another week to deliver.  

This coming week, I have the same series of appointments -- Monday and Thursday.  If I haven't delivered by then, the doctor will most likely schedule my induction for the end of this week or beginning of the next.  C'mon labor:-)

Welcome Ethan Ryan Ives

Yesterday evening, Josh, Kelly and Aidan welcomed their beautiful son/brother, Ethan Ryan Ives.  He's super cute and a perfect size.  7lbs 10oz, 19.5 inches long.  Everyone is healthy and doing great.  Baby Lo will have a cousin very close in age - yeah:-)

Baby's Room: some updates

The baby's room is close to being ready.  Hugh was able to hang the window treatment -- so cute!!  Great idea Mom!!  We also have the recliner and lamp.  Just waiting to hang some of the wall art, bookshelves, etc.  Also, the boys seem to have adopted this room as their own.

PS.  Baby Lo -- the bags are packed and ready. Hint, hint.  

11.2 Doctor's Update

The doctor scheduled a few tests to check my fluid levels and to conduct a non-stress test to ensure a healthy heart rate.  If any of these tests appeared abnormal, they may send me in to be induced.  Luckily, everything came out great:-)  My fluid levels were measuring 13.5.  Anything between 8 and 18 is normal.  Also, the non-stress test was 'reactive' which means that when the baby moved, the heart rate went up -- good and healthy.  I did have two very, very minor contractions that the machine noted.  They are the same contractions that have been happening for 2+ weeks.  We are ready for the real thing:-)

We go back on Thursday for the same set of tests, as well as the weekly visit with the doctor.

Halloween '09

Our first Halloween at the new house - FUN!!  The neighbors are great.  Everyone hangs out in the block, plays fun music, candy for the kids, hot dogs and beer for the adults -- perfect!!   Also, no baby to dress up.....so the dogs got the royal treatment.