You can't hide your light-saber, Luke!

2nd hospital homecoming...

After 3 days in the NICU, we finally have Lucas back home and doing great. His first pediatrician appt included a bilirubin test that showed high enough levels that the doctor basically said to go straight to the hospital, don't even go home first. They put him on phototherapy (kinda like a baby tanning bed!) and an IV to rehydrate him. Unfortunately, all the stress from the multiple tests/blood draws and the stress from Laith and I being worried about him resulted in massive feeding difficulties. I basically had a lactation consultant with me during every feeding and we also had a speech therapist help us with bottle feedings. Eventually, Lucas started gaining some weight back (he had lost 1 pound between his birth and when he was admitted to the hospital at 2 days old) and started eating again. Now he's eating like a champ and seems to be more alert. We've got one more bilirubin check on Thursday and we're keeping our fingers crossed that it will be at an acceptible level. Laith and I are exhausted from all that being in the NICU entails, and have really appreciated all of you who have called with your words of support and also everyone who has brought over meals for us. Thank you!

Welcome Lucas!

The first signs that we'd soon have a new family member began the evening of the 23rd. I was hoping Lucas would arrive that day so that he and his grandpa (Laith's dad) could share a birthday. At that point it was fairly late at night though so we knew that wouldn't happen. We also (luckily) didn't know that we would be awake for 2 nights in a row trying to coax him all the way out into the world! After 20 hours of labor we decided to transfer from the birthing center to the hospital because I made no progress during the last 4 hours. Luckily our wonderful and tireless midwife accompanied us. Having her there for support, advice and encouragement made the prospect of a hosptial birth (which really scared me) a lot more comfortable and it really was so much better than I thought it would be. The labor/delivery room was homey with dimmed lighting, wood furniture and panelling, and a very pared-down and unobtrusive medical staff. Our doctor was great and a big proponent of only using interventions if absolutely necessary. I got a low dose of epidural and pitocin at the hospital and 7 hours later Lucas was born! Our midwife later told us that she wasn't sure at the time if I'd be able to fit a baby Lucas' size through my pelvic bones. Luckily, everything shape-shifted enough for him to squeeze out and it really was the most amazing thing and wonderful moment to finally get to meet our new son! We'll be posting more pics soon but first Laith and I need some rest, recuperation, and some time to figure out how to take care of our new cutie pie!

Labor

This was taken at the birthing center before the transfer to the hospital. Laith was so great at trying to make me as comfortable as possible. I was hoping Lucas would come out while I was in the water. It was so relaxing!

The latest

Just giving everyone the update with our Lucas arrival countdown... :)
I just got back from a prenatal appt and I'm now dilated 3 1/2 cm. Still no contractions yet- just pressure. Basically, my cervix has dilated a 3rd of the way to fully open without any pain- so that works for me! The midwife had no guestimate for his arrival date but encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing because I'm progressing nicely. It's just hard to be patient when I've been hearing "any day now" for the past 2 weeks! Family members, we'll give you a call once the ball gets rolling!

Update

Had another prenatal appointment today. The midwife said I was measuring as big as a 42-weeks-gestation woman. No wonder I feel so huge! So, she decided to do an ultrasound to see if the largeness was due to baby or to extra amniotic fluid. Turns out it's mostly baby! I'm already dilated 2 cm so my body is at least at a good starting point for birthing. She gave me a list of things to do to encourage labor to start and for Lucas to arrive within a week's time! Hopefully these will work and I won't have to continue growing and growing. When I got home, I did some last minute stuff for Lucas' bedroom (since I'm hoping he'll be here soon) and now it's finished! Here's the photo below.

Downtown Fun

Now that I'm officially off of bed rest, Laith and I decided to get up early and go for a long walk. The Town Lake Park was recently completed and we wanted to check out the fun new water features. Each little fountain cycled on and off, so we made a game of running to the other side, trying to avoid each spout as it turned on. I imagined doing this with Lucas as a young toddler in a stroller and thought it would be so much fun. I hope he arrives soon- I'm getting really uncomfortable in my huge body and there's really no more space left for him to grow! I'm putting my bets on October 18th and Laith is predicting the 16th. If I win, Laith buys me a smoothie. If Laith wins, Laith buys me a smoothie. :)

He's Coming!

Well, I just got back from my prenatal appointment and the midwife reported that Lucas is probably coming early and in order to prevent that I needed to be on 'house arrest' :) No errands, housework, going on walks, or standing to prepare dinner, etc. Ack! I don't feel ready yet! We're going to try and make it past Laith's birthday on the 15th before I get up and start moving around again (unless Lucas has other plans). Meanwhile, I'll be hanging out here, like a hermit, finding things to do while off my feet! So, feel free to call any time- I could use the company! :)