3 Weeks Old!

Yesterday was Conall's original due date. It's crazy to think that I was supposed to be pregnant the majority of this month. I cannot imagine these past three weeks without him (on the outside). Although life has been a roller coaster lately, I finally feel like I'm in the swing of things.

Hanging out with Piper

Week 1: Most of this week was in the hospital. The other part was at home for the first time together. We also got visits from his Mimi and Grandfather (my parents).  Lots of worry, sleepless nights, and figuring out breastfeeding- which I never knew could be so stressful.

Sneak peak of his smile!

Week 2: Soon after my parents left, Jordan's mom, Dorie, came to help. Conall and I were getting slightly past survival mode at this point. That weekend his Aunt Sarah and our friend (honorary Aunt) Christy came to do a newborn photo shoot. She is so talented and we were able to get some lovely pictures! Jordan and I were able to get out and have a nice dinner date. For most of my pregnancy the one meal I craved was something I couldn't have. So I finally got my medium steak with mac and cheese from Doe's Eat Place. And it was everything that I hoped for, absolutely delicious.

Week 3: This has been my favorite week mostly because it has felt normal. Don't get me wrong. I LOVED all the help and visits we got. But nothing beats feeling 'normal' again and getting into a routine. Originally Jordan was going to work half days this week, but unfortunately due to work issues he not only was unable to do so, but had to work extra time. Regardless Conall and I are learning each other quite well. We went in to his two week check up and he gained over one pound in one week!! He's quite the little eater! 

Looking at Black and White art cards with Daddy

So now that we are at the start of our fourth week, here are some characteristics of Conall.  He is becoming more and more alert during the day. I love watching him discover new things and become fixated on people or objects. He really likes to eat! (Although this could be partially due to a growth spurt) He eats about every 2 hours and is usually done after 15 minutes. Lately he has tried to overeat which has caused some massive spit ups.

After our first non-fussy bath!

     His beautiful clear baby complexion is now gone. This past Sunday I noticed a little breakout of baby acne on his forehead and nose area. He still has his hair and I think it may be lightening up some. Newborn clothes are still fitting but some are getting tight. Newborn diapers fit but don't conceal well during the night.  So I'm finishing off the newborn diapers during the day and going up to size 1 at night.  At night he's waking up every 2/5-3 hours. I cannot wait for him to sleep longer :) He's a very sweet and cuddly baby and I'm loving every moment with him!

Look at those beautiful blue/gray eyes! Soon after this pic was taken major vomiting took place.

Conall's Birth Story

I had a post all written out and ready about 2 weeks ago detailing our struggles with low amniotic fluid. But I no longer have to worry about that because HE IS HERE!

Conall was born Monday, August 5th, 2013. I went into my biweekly doctor's appointment with ultrasound to check the AF levels. I could tell they weren't that great by how quiet my ultrasound tech was. As soon as she told me that it was at 4.6 cm I knew we'd have this baby today. My doctor confirmed this thought and told me to admit myself and we'd start induction. Needless to say I was somewhat anxious because I truly didn't think that the doctor's visit would amount to much and I could have left my house cleaner and snuggled with my puppies more. 

They started me on pitocin at 11:00 and my doctor came to break my water at 12:50. Labor accelerated soon after and I began giving myself time goals before I allowed myself to get an epidural. I made it all the way to 2:30 before I asked for one and life was much better after :)
At around 5 my nurse checked me to see how I progressed and I was already 9 cm. She turned me on my other side and immediately I became fully dialated. After a few "practice pushes", we waited on my doctor and within about 15-20 minutes he was out!

I knew something was not quite right when he came out. They didn't want to give him to me cause they wanted to check him out. Little did I know he had the umbilical cord around his neck although not for long. He was apparently being a typical boy and had some difficulty breathing (or so that's what the nurses and doctor told me). Aside from his breathing I was having some medical issues. On his way out, Conall decided to give me a fourth degree internal tear. Because internal tears are not that common my doctor was trying to decide whether or not to call in another doctor due to the severity of the tear and the amount of blood I was losing. Fortunately, I didn't need extra blood and she was able to patch me up. Also because of where the tear was, I was placed on a heavy round of antibiotics through IV for the rest of my stay.

I wont go into any more specific details, but let's just say this birth was difficult. Him coming out so soon was not. I was not a big stickler for birth plans, but let's just say this was definitely NOT in my plan. I imagined giving birth and immediately getting to hold my baby and make sweet eye contact and have an amazing bonding experience. Then we'd room together and I could start nursing him asap. Instead I didn't get to hold my baby for about 40 minutes. Once I finally could, it was only for a moment and then he had to go to the transition nursery to get oxygen. Then he was transferred to the NICU and I wasn't allowed to visit until my epidural wore off. It wasn't until about three hours after his birth that I got to see him and cuddle him. The NICU staff were wonderful, but I hated having to wait for an open window with my antibiotics and then have to be wheeled to the complete other side of the hospital to see my baby.

The last day at the hospital was particularly tough. Apparently staff changes on Thursday and I had inept nurses who could've cared less about me seeing my baby. They told me I couldn't go when I had planned to because of the IV. Then they never came to give it to me. The lactation consultant came for a bit and then left promising to come back so I waited a bit for her. I had to wait 3 hours to see him when it was all said and done. Let's just say I was NOT a happy mommy. People were probably wondering why this lady was crying hysterically down the hall as I finally got to see my baby. 

But we are home now and finally getting adjusted to each other and to a somewhat regular schedule. He's such a sweet baby and I love getting in my baby cuddles! It was all worth it, and I look forward to watching him grow (although not too fast!) and our many adventures together.