First Full Day On Our Own

Since we returned home from the hospital on Thursday late afternoon and Joe's parents arrived Friday early afternoon and were here until Sunday early evening, I guess this is technically our official first day with our little man all on our own. I must say he is doing a great job. The first few nights were rough with sleeping, but lastnight he did a much better job - sleeping in larger increments and not crying as much. We hate to get excited, so we'll see if it continues. I have been trying to relax and get stuff done around the house. It's amazing that when you spend more time at home how stuff starts to really bug you. :)
Here are some more pics of Braden cozy in his new home!

Welcome Braden John Hammond

Little did I know that when I went to bed on Monday night that it would be my last night before the journey of motherhood began. I woke up at 1:00 am with what I thought was my water breaking, stayed at home and talked to the nurse line for a few hours until contractions got closer (ouch) and that we were sure it was my water. We began the drive to the hospital around 6:30 a.m. They confirmed my water broke and my contractions were just a couple to few minutes apart.
By 10 a.m. I got the epidural put in - thank goodness. I was having back labor that was pretty excruciating. After the epidural began, Joe and I watched episodes of The Office and hung out while I progressed. It took a little while to get fully dilated and then they had me on oxygen since baby's heartrate wasn't fluctuating as much as it should. By about 5:45 I was ready to push. At 6:36 our bundle of joy joined our family. We were so excited to meet him. Joe announced the gender and happily yelled, "we have a son - it's a boy!!!"
It has been a exhilarating couple of days. We love and adore Braden. He sleeps all day and has some issues sleeping at night. Hopefully that will get better! We are functioning on just a few hours of sleep a night, it's amazing what you can do when in the situation.
Braden has had lots of visitors, now Grandma and Grandpa Hammond are in town for the weekend!
Thanks for all the nice thoughts and wishes and Braden can't wait to meet everyone. He is truly precious!

39 weeks plus!

So Friday was my 39th week milestone. I don't have another doc appointment until Wed. I think there should be more progress by then, but we'll see. I feel like the baby might be lower since it's a little harder to walk these days although I am still able to be pretty active. Things sure get interesting towards the end! I haven't had any contractions yet- just braxton hicks - so we'll see. I know I keep telling myself I will go overdue, but sometimes I think it can happen any day this week. I'll keep you all posted...

38 1/2 weeks!

Well at my Doc appointment this week (Monday)she said I have started to dilate and my cervix is thinning. I was pretty surprised at this because I keep telling myself I will go overdue and each doctor's appointment I just assume zero progress. I think this mentality has really helped me (no expectations and then you are pleasantly surprised)! So, I will keep you all posted. The process is starting, and of course it could change any day or stay the same for another week- but at least there is progress to report! I am still feeling good, so I am not overly anxious or miserable. I am ready to meet our little bundle of joy whenever he/she decides to come!!!