The birth story for those interested - As with Grady and Clara, Theo was induced due to concerns over my tendency for fast labor. I was put on a very low dose of pitocin around 9 am and allowed to labor slowly and steadily until about 1:30. The contractions were noticeable but not at all unmangeable, and at that point I didn't need to breath through them to get through them.
My water was broken around 1:45 and things progressed pretty quickly from there. Around 2:45 the contractions started to feel pretty intense, but I was able to breath through them and felt pretty calm and connected. Around 3:45 or so, I felt the need to push. The nurses called my doctor, who luckily was already outside the door, because 4 pushes later, Theo was there! He was 7 pounds 9 ounces, 21.75 inches, pink, screaming, and perfect.
He was born early enough that Grandpa and Nana (who blessedly had been in town to help with the kids and with us) and Grady and Clara were able to come to the hospital for a visit. Grady was cautious but excited to hold his little brother.
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| "Why is he so small?" |
First thing Clara did was stick her finger in his ear, followed by pressing with both hands on his tummy. She is a bull in a china shop that one. We were too busy intervening to take pictures of that tender moment.
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| Grandpa cuddles |
The kids wanted and were promised lemonade and chocolate when Theo arrived, which they got on their second visit the following day. As with Grady's visit to Clara, day 2 was a disaster. Matt accidentally got ginger lemonade, which was too spicy, so he got them some sprite instead. That ended up on the floor in about 2 seconds. At least Clara was kept occupied for a few minutes by the M&Ms!
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| I have a baby what now? |
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| Coming home outfit |
Theo is, thankfully, a pretty mellow baby so far. He has a sweet, squeaky cry that he breaks out during diaper changes and when hungry (which is about every two hours at the moment!) but has long periods of staring around peacefully and getting acquainted with our crazy family. He lost about 10 ounces while at the hospital waiting for my milk to come in, but his weight was rising as of his first doctor's appointment on Saturday (back up to 7 pounds 2 ounces). With the way this kid eats, I'm hoping he'll be back up to birth weight by his two week appointment.
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| Checking out Daddy |
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| Sleep smiles |
The kids, especially Grady, continue to be interested in him.
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| Bestowed with gifts from Grady and Clara |
Besa is as well. I'm not sure Fuzz has ventured out to see him yet!
I'm feeling great. The birth was fairly easy. Theo was a full pound less than Clara, and it made a difference! I've been walking and am looking forward to being able to run again in about a month.
Grandpa and Nana left on Saturday, but not before cleaning the oven, our rugs, making dinner, watching the kids, cleaning up, and generally being incredibly helpful. Approximately four minutes after they left, Grady broke out a variation of the "where do babies come from" question ("How did you make Theo?") which I expertly dodged. ("He started out small and got bigger and bigger and then I pushed him out, is that what you mean?") Thankfully, we have not been so tested again. Matt and I are managing with being outnumbered. I'm most worried about school drop off when Matt goes back to work next week, but we will manage.
There is, of course, also some adjustment. Especially for Grady who tends to be sensitive. We have been giving everyone lots of extra cuddles and love, and enjoying the extra time together as a family while Matt is on leave.
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| Mommy-Grady chalking |
Outside of baby Theo, the kids are doing well. Grady is still really into superheroes and is finessing his supehero moves.
He is teaching Clara all his super ways.
Clara is finishing up age 1 today - 2nd birthday is tomorrow! We will be celebrating Clara's birthday this weekend and I will try to post photos not too long after. She continues to be a high-energy, motivated, assertive girl. Grandpa and Nana got a kick out of her shenanigans and her outfit choices.
Wish us luck!
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