Shining Star...!

By the time people read this, Oliver will be 1 month old!! Happy B-day little Lover! The past month has gone by pretty fast. From what I understand, the next couple of weeks Oliver will be expressing himself a little more, other then through cries. Both Megan and I can't wait to see our little Oliver's first smile!! He certainly is starting to be more aware of his surroundings. He loves tummy time, where we put him on his tummy, rather then his back. He also loves being snuggled with while laying on skin to skin contact.

Without love in the dream, it will never come true.

Oliver is now 3 weeks old, we also know that he's over 8 pounds! He gained about a pound since his Last visit to the Dr. a little over a week ago. Everyday we take Oliver out and roll him around in his stroller. He loves the sounds, the air, and the roll of his stroller. It's really fun taking him on long walks, although as autumn brings about the colder air, and winter grasps us with snow and wind, we won't have as much opportunity take him out.
As each day passes, it's amazing seeing how this little guy is growing, and adapting to his new world. His eyes, are always open, looking around with a great need to know what's going on.

The Story of Oliver's Birth

OK, I know that I am a little late in writing this, but I have literally had my hands full for two and a half weeks (in fact I am feeding Oliver with one hand and typing with the other).

So I was scheduled for a c-section Monday, Sept 26 but something inside of me was telling me that he was going to come sooner (mother's intuition?). I had been having irregular contractions for a while and didn't think much of them because they can go on for weeks with no labor. Friday night Eric and I decided last minute to go out to dinner at a new Italian restaurant (it ended up not being very good). All through out dinner my contractions were getting stronger but still not regular. By the time I got into bed they started to come frequently so I decided to record everytime they came. You're not supposed to go to the hospital until they are 3-5 minutes apart and mine were only about 10 min apart so I decided to try and relax and get some sleep (yeah right!!!). At 12:07 I had a particularly strong contraction and right after felt a gurgle, then a pop, then a massive flood coming out of me. My water had broke. I immediately called the doctor and he told me to come on in. The only problem was that so much water was coming out of me I wasn't sure how I was going to get from my apartment to the hospital without leaving a trail of water. My solution was to put on 4 pairs of underwear (hee hee). Eric said that I looked like I was wearing a diaper. Fortunately the hospital is only 5 min away so my make shift "diaper" did the trick.

Once we got to the hospital we were sent up to triage where we waited until a labor and delivery room was ready. My contractions at this point were coming very strong and every couple of minutes. I was dying for an epidural but since I had had dinner at 8:30 they wanted to hold off on my surgery for a little bit (you aren't supposed to eat or drink for several hours before surgery). They finally brought me up to labor and delivery and I was in excrutiating pain by then. Once you break your water labor comes on a lot quicker. They did an ultrasound to confirm his breech presentation and then checked my cervix. I was dilated 4 centimeters so they decided they better go ahead with the c-section. The anesthesiologist gave me he said was an "antacid" to drink but I puked 1 minute after drinking it so I think it was really to get me to vomit (no fun when you are in labor). After I threw up they wheeled me into the operating room and gave me my spinal (epidural). I took about five minutes to work. Although I was out of pain and numb from my chest down I started to shiver uncontrollably. That was pretty uncomfortable but WAY better than contractions. They then strapped me down, put up a drape, and let Eric come in. With in minutes the anesthesiologist told Eric to take a peak over the drape and Oliver was born. It was the most amazing feeling. My eyes get teared up right now just thinking of it. I can't even put into words the moment I first saw my son.

So one week before his due date, Oliver chose to be born. (Fortunately he just made it as a Libra!!) We were both very surprised when the nurse told us that he had red hair!!! We both have red hair recessive genes and it is funny that they showed up in our son. He isn't a carrot top (thank God) but more of a strawberry blonde like my mom. At this point he looks a lot like Eric but I think he might have my nose. It will be interesting to see how he morphs with time.

Staying in the hospital wasn't very much fun and we are so happy to be home and getting to know our little boy. Although the first week was pretty hard for me, everyday gets easier and easier as I fall more and more in love. I think I am starting to get the hang of this motherhood thing!

No one said it would be this good!!

Oliver and Mommy just had there 2 week Birth-Day, and both are doing really well, as is Daddy.. The three, or shall I say the four of us (Tuna), are all getting to know one another with each passing day. Oliver has regained his birth weight, and has been given a clear bill of health from his Dr. He's eating a lot, and doing what babies his age should be doing. Eating, sleeping, pooping/peeing a number of times a day, that we all lose count!! (I'm 100% sure that I'm in the wrong business, the people behind diapers are making a mint. I know they are on me atleast!!)
It's a humbling moment to see Megan and Oliver. From the fist look she gave Oliver was something I will never forget. It's one of the deepest, richest most natural looks one can give. It will forever be engraved in my mind! It's inspiring seeing how the woman I have known for 8 years, has over night turned into an amazing, nurturing mother to this little bundle of love! No book could teach this, one can't buy it, it's a natural part of ones DNA!! Not to say she didn't have these things before, but in regards to caring for this baby of ours, it's a different new side of her I have been introduced to. For me, that's what love is all about, ever growing, and sharing through the years together. Oliver is lucky to have her as a mother!!