It's hard to believe that CJ is almost three weeks old. I have not be great about updating this blog, but I'm hoping to get better about posting new stuff.
I don't even know where to begin other than to say that this new life of ours is amazing. I knew that life would change once CJ arrived, but I don't think I was prepared for how much. Don't get me wrong, I love him in a way that I didn't know was possible, but that definitely doesn't mean that it's always been easy.
When we first brought him home, I really felt as though we were babysitting a friend's baby. It didn't feel real. I didn't feel like a mom...whatever that means. Over the past few weeks, I have slowly started to realize this new role. I don't know that I fully feel like a mom, but I know that I am well on my way. It really put my mind at ease when a friend (with a biological baby) told me that she had experienced the same thing. It takes time. We're building a relationship.
One of my first "mom" experiences came during a dr appt. CJ was crying pretty hard while our pediatrician (who is amazing) was examining him. I can't say that I blame him. The room was cold and he was almost naked...I'd be upset if I had to go through that. Anyway, the doctor had tried a few things to calm him, but it wasn't working. I leaned down, touched his head and started talking to him. Within a few seconds, he had stopped crying. Talk about a rush of emotion; it was awesome. Since we're on the topic, I just have to mention how incredibly blessed we are that he is so healthy. We were not sure if he would have any issues, and are extremely relieved that we are in the clear so far. At each of our appts, our doctor has shared her excitement for his continued good health and development. We pray that he continues to stay healthy and strong.
I've always heard people talk about how amazing babies are, and how you marvel at everything they do. I had experienced that a little with my friends' children, but am at a whole different level now. I could literally watch him for hours. I love how his face crinkles up at random times, and how he goes into a milk coma after feedings, and the noise he makes when his sneeze doesn't come out all the way. Matt and I have talked about how excited we are for the day when he smiles at us because he is happy, and not because he has gas. I cherish each moment I have with him, but look forward to when he is able to interact with us more.
I guess I'll end with what I miss the most...sleep. I am learning how to survive on around 5 decent hours of sleep each night. He typically goes about three hours from the start of one feeding, to the start of the next. Between feeding, burping and changing, it takes about 45 minutes per feeding. That means that I get about 2 hours of sleep at a time. Unfortunately, his sleep has become more restless in the past few days, so he is constantly groaning and making little baby noises (which actually sound more like animal noises). I feel worse for Matt because he has to get up each morning for work, so he really needs a good night's rest. We'll get used to it...soon, I hope. :)
As we adjust to our new role as parents, we look forward to showing CJ off to each of you. You have all played an important role in our lives, and in this process. Now that he is here, I am even more grateful for the support that you have given. We have been truly blessed!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Simply amazing!!!
I realized this morning that I should probably write down all that happened one week ago. Please don't feel as though you have to read this; I just wanted to make sure that I don't forget any of the wonderful details.
Monday, January 10th
3:00pm - Got a call from Brooke that she was dilated 4cm. Her doctor told her that it could be any day, but that they would induce on Thursday (1/14) if the baby hadn't arrived sooner.
8:45pm - Got another call from Brooke asking us to head down to the hospital.
8:47pm - on the road - just kidding, but we were on the road within 10 minutes
10:45pm - arrived at Tucson Medical Center
Tuesday, January 11th
12:30am - Doctor stopped by and was pleased by Brooke's progress. He said that if her labor slowed down at all, they would give her pitocin to speed it along. He ordered her epidural, which helped her out a lot.
4:00am - Contractions slowed down quite a bit, so they gave her pitocin to get it moving. It immediately started the contractions again.
5:00am - She was ready to start pushing, but had to wait a few minutes until the doctor could arrive.
5:24am - Our little angel arrived, after only two pushes from Brooke. He was ready!!
7lbs, 4oz
19.5 in
The only way that I can describe the birth was amazing! To witness a new life join this world was incredible. I thought I would stay back a bit, but I was right up at the front throughout. I even cut his umbilical cord.
After all of the various tests and assessments, it was determined that Caleb was in perfect health...praise God!
We spent all day Tuesday in the nursery and visiting with Brooke. In the early afternoon, we had the entrustment ceremony (which was awesome). Brooke's cousin, Justin, wrote a special prayer for the occasion. As he finished the prayer, Brooke handed Caleb over to us, entrusting him in our care. It was very emotional, but simple and beautiful. During this time, we were also able to meet Brooke's aunt and uncle. We spent as much time with Caleb as possible that day, to really start developing the bond. The nursery staff were nice enough to get us an extra wristband for Matt (required for entry into the nursery). At about 9:30pm, after 40 hours at the hospital, we went over to our hotel across the street to get a little sleep. We had hoped to stay at the hospital, but they had a lot of women come in to deliver and did not have any extra space for us. We slept for 9 hours, and probably could have gone a couple more if we weren't so excited to get back to see him.
Wednesday, we again spent most of the day with Caleb. We got to visit with Brooke for a few minutes, but she was released a few hours before Caleb. They let us use the waiting room in the maternity ward as a room for the day, since not a lot of people were in there. Matt's dad drove down during lunch and got to spend a few hours with his grandson. Very special!! In the mid-afternoon, Caleb's nurse informed us that he was ready to be discharged once our counselor could come and sign the documents. The baby was signed over to Christian Family Care's custody, and they turned him over to our care. We are technically foster parents until we are able to get our court date to finalize the adoption. At around 5:30pm, the nurse escorted us out to our car, and we were on our way home. It was very surreal to drive to Phoenix with a newborn baby riding with us!
Monday, January 10th
3:00pm - Got a call from Brooke that she was dilated 4cm. Her doctor told her that it could be any day, but that they would induce on Thursday (1/14) if the baby hadn't arrived sooner.
8:45pm - Got another call from Brooke asking us to head down to the hospital.
8:47pm - on the road - just kidding, but we were on the road within 10 minutes
10:45pm - arrived at Tucson Medical Center
Tuesday, January 11th
12:30am - Doctor stopped by and was pleased by Brooke's progress. He said that if her labor slowed down at all, they would give her pitocin to speed it along. He ordered her epidural, which helped her out a lot.
4:00am - Contractions slowed down quite a bit, so they gave her pitocin to get it moving. It immediately started the contractions again.
5:00am - She was ready to start pushing, but had to wait a few minutes until the doctor could arrive.
5:24am - Our little angel arrived, after only two pushes from Brooke. He was ready!!
7lbs, 4oz
19.5 in
The only way that I can describe the birth was amazing! To witness a new life join this world was incredible. I thought I would stay back a bit, but I was right up at the front throughout. I even cut his umbilical cord.
After all of the various tests and assessments, it was determined that Caleb was in perfect health...praise God!
We spent all day Tuesday in the nursery and visiting with Brooke. In the early afternoon, we had the entrustment ceremony (which was awesome). Brooke's cousin, Justin, wrote a special prayer for the occasion. As he finished the prayer, Brooke handed Caleb over to us, entrusting him in our care. It was very emotional, but simple and beautiful. During this time, we were also able to meet Brooke's aunt and uncle. We spent as much time with Caleb as possible that day, to really start developing the bond. The nursery staff were nice enough to get us an extra wristband for Matt (required for entry into the nursery). At about 9:30pm, after 40 hours at the hospital, we went over to our hotel across the street to get a little sleep. We had hoped to stay at the hospital, but they had a lot of women come in to deliver and did not have any extra space for us. We slept for 9 hours, and probably could have gone a couple more if we weren't so excited to get back to see him.
Wednesday, we again spent most of the day with Caleb. We got to visit with Brooke for a few minutes, but she was released a few hours before Caleb. They let us use the waiting room in the maternity ward as a room for the day, since not a lot of people were in there. Matt's dad drove down during lunch and got to spend a few hours with his grandson. Very special!! In the mid-afternoon, Caleb's nurse informed us that he was ready to be discharged once our counselor could come and sign the documents. The baby was signed over to Christian Family Care's custody, and they turned him over to our care. We are technically foster parents until we are able to get our court date to finalize the adoption. At around 5:30pm, the nurse escorted us out to our car, and we were on our way home. It was very surreal to drive to Phoenix with a newborn baby riding with us!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Showered with love!
Our family and friends are such a blessing. Over the past two weeks, we have had a few baby showers. Friends at West campus planned a shower for me just before Christmas, and we were able to stock up on receiving blankets, onesies, and other amazingly cute items! Yesterday, my girlfriends hosted a shower for me while Matt's friends planned a "man shower." We now have a great stock of baby toiletries, diapers, wipes, and other essentials. The wonderful faculty and staff at Shepherd all pitched in and bought us our travel system. The remaining items we've needed have been given to us by friends who are no longer using them. I don't know that we are able to fully thank everyone, not only for the gifts but also for the prayers.
As we move into the final days before the baby arrives, we want to let you know that we'll do our best to keep you updated. Once we get the call to head down to Tucson, we'll have my sister post updates on Facebook (once our family gets a call, of course). As soon as we get internet access, and have the time, we'll post updates as well.
For friends that live nearby, we hope you understand that we'll go into seclusion for a few weeks once he arrives. Family - you are obviously welcome anytime. Once we adjust to life as parents, we'll start inviting people over.
Please pray that we have patience as we wait through these final days, pray for Brooke as she prepares for childbirth, and pray that Baby Fischer is healthy.
As we move into the final days before the baby arrives, we want to let you know that we'll do our best to keep you updated. Once we get the call to head down to Tucson, we'll have my sister post updates on Facebook (once our family gets a call, of course). As soon as we get internet access, and have the time, we'll post updates as well.
For friends that live nearby, we hope you understand that we'll go into seclusion for a few weeks once he arrives. Family - you are obviously welcome anytime. Once we adjust to life as parents, we'll start inviting people over.
Please pray that we have patience as we wait through these final days, pray for Brooke as she prepares for childbirth, and pray that Baby Fischer is healthy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)