Welcome to this world!!!

Well, sorry it has been so long since we have updated. Last Monday night, my contractions started to become more regular and more intense for a couple of hours so we went to the hospital to sit on the monitor. At admission I was 4cm dilated and then things slowed down and the contractions became less regular again! UGH!!! I was hoping this was the real thing!! Anyways, the doctor came in on Tuesday morning and said that technically I could go home because I was only in early labor and needed to be 5 cm dilated to be considered active labor...or he gave us the option of inducing and helping this little guy along! We decided enough was enough...we were on the verge of 38 weeks and opted for the induction!! Wow....I've never had contractions that intense before...I opted for an epidural and what a feeling....to be numb from the belly down was the weirdest feeling!! But, oh what relief!!! After beginning to feel lots of wanting to "bear down" pressure, the epidural was turned off and we started pushing. I COULDN'T FEEL my muscles to push with as everything was so numb so we had to wait a while before pushing. At 2:32p.m. (Tuesday November 18th), Nathan David Voelker joined this world weighing in at 7 pounds 12 ounces!! He had the cutest red curls on his head (just like Ava did when she was born) and a great set of lungs. Nathan immediately set to work on nursing and was quite alert that first hour after birth.

We were released from the hospital on Thursday and have been trying to figure out life with a newborn and three other children since then. I have a picture of Nathan to post (hopefully it will work, I am quite computer illiterate!) The kids love having a baby brother in the house (although they are still waking up occassionally at night with the screaming) and mom is recovering well. Dad is doing well considering he is living with an extremely hormonal mother and working night shift to boot!!

Ok, will post pictures of baby and kids once we get this thing figured out!!

Getting Closer!!

Well, we have officially hit full term with this pregnancy!! We are 37 weeks along and at the doctors appointment today, I was 3cm dilated. Have been having intermittent contractions for two days so hopefully something will get moving here soon! I'd really like to have the baby this weekend while Dave is off work. Kids are very excited and can't wait for the baby to come out! Ava was talking to the baby belly tonight and asking her little brother if he could come out so they could play before she had to go back to school!!! Mom would love to have the little bugger out soon as it has become most uncomfortable!!

Ok, we'll let you know when the little one makes his grand appearance!!!

Holding Tight

Well, we had an ultrasound today and baby boy is roughly 6 pounds 4 ounces (I thought it was 4lb 4oz but Dave reminded me it was more)! Looks like this baby is going to be quite a big boy...his arm and leg bones looked very long! Wondering if we are going to have a 24 inch baby by the time he comes out!! Tomorrow will officially put us at 36 weeks and things are looking good!!! Perhaps we are going to go full term with this one!!! I am so excited, and thankful, we have made it this far!! Unfortunately, I don't have any new sono pictures to post...they couldn't get a clear look at his face today as he was holding his leg with his hand up to his face and sucking his toe!!! You could see his little lips going back and forth sucking away!!! Hope this is a good sign for nursing!!! Ok, we'll update as something happens!

Playing the waiting game!

Well, as most of you know, we are 35 weeks now and holding. We did have a scare yesterday, on Halloween, of all days but baby boy Voelker is holding on tightly. Lots of cramping and movement from baby...he is very low causing much discomfort but doc says things are looking good....just some irritation. It was a good practice run...able to get all my hospital stuff and an overnight bag for the kids packed in less than 10 minutes! Will post pictures of kids with the baby belly soon! Thanks for keeping us in your prayers....just a few more weeks to go!!