Tuesday, September 15 started out a day like any other. Noah and I were up early, and Rob went off to a union meeting (where they passed a vote that prevents him from being layed off!). I felt sort of funny all morning, and started having some mild contractions. I told Rob about it, but assured him that I didn't think the baby was coming today. After all, I'd read stories about women having contraction for months before their babies are born. So, I continued on with the day, and continued having contractions. My mom came over to help get some things done, so we did laundry, cleaned the house, ran a few errands. As the day continued, the contractions started getting a little stronger and more regular. At around 4:00 pm, I decided I'd start to keep track. At around 6, I spoke with the doctor, and let her know what was going on. She said it sounded like I was in pre-labor, and just to keep her in the loop. I figured this meant we'd go to the hospital overnight or the next morning. Rob called his Dad to have him on standby to come and watch Noah. I figured, at the very least, he could finish working at 11, get cleaned up, and come over sometime around midnight or so.
By 8:00, the contractions were consistently coming, much harder now, about 5 minutes apart. Rob called his Dad to let him know he'd probably have to come over a little bit earlier. As they continued to get harder and closer, Rob called his dad twice; first to tell him it was time for him to head here, and the second to tell him he should head straight here, NOW! This baby wanted to prove his mom wrong, and was suddenly in a rush! When Noah's beloved PoPo arrived a few minutes before ten, we ran out and headed to the hospital.
When we arrived, a few minutes after ten, I was 6 cm dilated. The nurse made a comment (I thought it was a big joke) about the baby being born "today", which meant before midnight, and I just laughed. I was still progressing, and managing the pain on my own (with amazing support from Rob and the nurse), when the doctor suggested that we could "speed things up" by breaking my water. It was 11:30. Two horrible contractions, and one giant push later, Caleb Andrew Davis arrived at 11:40pm. I guess that the 15th was "the day" after all!
Proud Papa with baby Caleb
The nurse checking out the bruising on his little noggin
He was so quite, and barely let out a peep during this whole time.
The cord was wrapped around his neck, but Dr. Freeman was able to quickly cut it as he was coming out. His face was a little blue for a few minutes, but he pinked up quickly. Also, because he's on the smaller side, his blood sugar was a little bit low, but returned to a normal level within a few hours of his birth. He's doing just great!
Noah's second visit to see Mommy and Caleb. What a lucky Mom I am to have these two sweet boys!
Noah got a little more comfy in his pj's
"You lookin' at me?"
Daddy and Caleb having a cuddle
A close up of Caleb's sweet face
Ready to head home in his "going home" clothes (which he was swimming in!)
Under the warmer on Wednesday morning. We have an almost identical picture of Noah.
Noah meeting his new brother for the first time. He did great! He asked to hold the baby, gave him kisses, and then told us we shouldn't bring him home!
Noah was totally fascinated by the hospital bed. I let him use the controllers, and we went up, then down then up.... for quite some time!
Caleb's very first bath. He hated it!
Proud Papa with baby Caleb
The nurse checking out the bruising on his little noggin
He was so quite, and barely let out a peep during this whole time.
The cord was wrapped around his neck, but Dr. Freeman was able to quickly cut it as he was coming out. His face was a little blue for a few minutes, but he pinked up quickly. Also, because he's on the smaller side, his blood sugar was a little bit low, but returned to a normal level within a few hours of his birth. He's doing just great!
Noah often adds a "y" to words, especially names, so when I asked what we were doing on Friday (we talked about it for over a week), he said, "Meet Tommy!".
Such a sweet photo, if only it weren't over-exposed!
The weather was a preview of Fall, but the rain held off while we were there, it was perfect!
Watching one of the model trains outside.
Playing with Thomas in a big tent.
Watching an amazingly detailed model train. He was totally fascinated with this!
The main event! Waiting to meet Tommy!
He has his ticket and is ready to go!
Riding on Tommy!
Seeing all those trains was exhausting!
Steven and Noah had fun beating each other senseless with these big balloons!
Steven loves "Cars", so that was the theme of the party.
The gift Rob picked out was a hit... a big tool set. How cute is my nephew in his little protective ear things with his drill! Too cute!
The boys are very busy with their tools!
Noah was equally surprised!
Erinn (and her assistants) made this adorable diaper cake! Didn't they do great?
