He's Here!!!

Tyler Scott VanDewater arrived at 2:20 a.m. on his due date 8/17/06!! I went into labor at 11:30 p.m. on the 16th with contractions about 6 minutes apart. We called Tracy, my midwife, at midnight and told her I didn't think this train was stopping. Little did we know that it was going to go warp speed. By the time we left for the birth center about an hour later I was having contractions I had to stop for and breath through about every 4 minutes. We got to the birth center around 1:30 a.m. and my midwife quickly welcomed me (as I was in the middle of a contraction) and rushed away to another Mom who was also giving birth that night. I got in the tub a few minutes later and starting having incredibly intense contractions. We did most of the process on our own other than a nurse who came in for a few minutes here and there. About 35 minutes later I felt the need to push and my water broke. Three pushes later I birthed his head - looked up at the nurse and said "his head's out, now what" at which point she left the room and Tracy came rushing in right after. The next push got his body out and Tracy quickly removed the cord from around his neck and handed him to me. Labor and delivery lasted a total of 3 hours. Amazing!

He needed just a little oxygen right after birth, but otherwise he was perfect and doing great. He weighs 7 lbs 15 oz and is 20 inches long with dark hair. We can't tell what color his eyes are for sure - he doesn't like to open them very far. He loves to suck and we're working on the breast feeding. I am hoping my milk comes in tomorrow so I can get that worry behind me.

Matthew is doing ok with the new brother. I think he is feeling some insecurity about not having my undivided attention and is acting out a bit - especially with Daddy. Hopefully we'll figure out how to meet his needs. I'm sure he'll get a little better when I am back on my feet.

Overall I'm feeling great - just the normal post delivery discomforts. I'm so thankful to have him here and be able to see his sweet little face!! I'm having lots of fun getting to know him. Love truly does multiply!

Any Day Now

Well...any day now I am hoping to be able to post on this blog that Tyler Scott VanDewater has arrived, but not yet. My due date is next thursday, August 17, but I'm hoping to go earlier in the week. I see my midwife today for my weekly checkup.

My last day of work is tomorrow and besides packing my bag and Matthew's bag I think I'm ready to go.

Last night was tough, I had the worst heartburn and had to sleep on the couch so I could be more upright. I will not miss the hearburn!!

Steve is still looking for a job, but God has blessed him with steady electrical contracting work for the last two weeks which keeps him busy and will help supplement when I am off work for 8 weeks. I'm still praying that we will have a definite direction and decision by the end of the week or early next week so we can put that pressure behind us when the baby comes.

Waiting expectantly.....