First Days

Ethan had his first doctor's appointment yesterday with Dr. Donoghue. Before leaving the hospital, his weight had dropped 10% requiring us to supplement with formula and begin pumping. After being weighed again, Ethan's weight is now back up to 7 lbs. 5 oz. and he's been given a perfectly clean bill of health.

After the appointment Ethan was sound asleep so we decided to attempt our first meal out with him. Ethan was a perfect angel during our entire visit to Pizza Hut and slept the entire time!

Yesterday was a tough day here at home for us because Ethan was having a fussy day. As soon as he finished eating he'd need a diaper change followed by hours of crying. Nothing we did would calm the little guy. Luckily he slept for a huge 5 hour period last night allowing us to get some sleep.

Hopefully we'll have more calm days ahead of us.

Introducing Ethan Christopher Becker

Ethan Christopher Becker was born Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 7:04 pm. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21.5 inches long.

Tuesday night Chris and I relaxed around the house as I enjoyed my first night of maternity leave. I had planned for the sub to start working for me on Wednesday. Around 3:30 Wednesday morning, my water broke. After calling the doctor, we had time to take showers, eat breakfast, and head to the hospital.

We were admitted to the hospital around 5:00 and found out I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. I didn't last very long before requesting an epidural (the greatest medical creation ever!) Afterwards, Chris and I hung out in L & D actually a bit bored waiting for things to progress. Dad and Linda showed up around 11:00 and Chris' family around 2:30. Surprisingly, we were a bit bored waiting for something...anything to happen. My epidural kept wearing off and I would be in excruciating pain until redosed. After laboring for 14.5 hours, I only made it to 7 cm and 100% effaced. The monitors showed that the baby's heart rate was not recovering from contractions quickly enough when the doctor suggested a c-section. I was absolutely terrified.

I was taken to the OR sometime after 6:00 pm when the surgery began. I was extremely doped up from the medication and couldn't keep my eyes open. I was with it enough to feel the pain of the surgery. Apparently they could only give me the epidural which isn't nearly strong enough to cover all the pain. I was awake long enough to see and hear the baby for the first time and was quickly put under. I kept waking up long enough to tell them I could still feel the pain but would get redrugged. Looking back, I barely remember anything after delivery except being wheeled to the Mother and Baby Unit where we enjoyed a lovely 4 day stay until Saturday.

Recovery was rough at the beginning but is getting better each and every day.

So if the last few weeks are any indication of what life will be like post baby, I probably won't end up posting very often. Just a quick up to date...

As of today I am officially 40 weeks 5 days pregnant (that's right as in WAAAAYYY overdue!). I go to the doctor again tomorrow but I'm sure I won't have any progress just like the last few visits. The good news is that there's an end in sight. I go in to be induced Friday night at 7:00. The game plan is to get Cervadil Friday night which is used to ripen everything (ewww, I hate that word!) Saturday morning at 7 they will start Pitocin to get the ball rolling. Finally, things are moving along. Instead of just talking about this mysterious nameless baby, he'll finally have a name and a cute little face to go with it!

On yet another good note, today was my last day of work. I'm planning to call in the next three days so my maternity leave won't officially start until Monday. I just don't want to be there anymore. I've found myself teaching from my rolling chair in the back of the room most days and I absolutely HATE that. This way I'll have a few days to relax and prep before Baby _ _ _ _ _ arrives. (There's a small hint for you Mom!)