Just Hanging Out

Here are the latest pictures of my little chunky monkey, who weighs over 9 lbs! We are not on any sort of schedule, just doing what Riley wants, when he wants. He must be going through some sort of growth spurt because he eats ALL the time!

Hanging out with blankie - cute outfit from cousins

Big eyes - I think he looks like me

That's it - done with the photo shoot

Update on Riley

Breastfeeding is not going well. I've seen a lactation specialist, Riley's pediatrician, and anybody else I can think of. Basically Riley was not bringing my milk in enough and wasn't getting enough nutrition from the breast alone. So the LC recommended that I use a SNS (supplemental nursing system). I tried that for 3 weeks and he still wasn't getting enough of the breast milk. So I made a hard decision on Saturday (6/27) that I would switch totally to bottle feeding. However, I have discovered that I can pump enough in 2 pumping sessions to feed him a bottle, so he still will be getting some breast milk. I cried over the decision, but in the end I have to do what's best for Riley. He's already up to 9 lbs, so we must be doing something right!

My best birthday present ever

A little more than two weeks before my birthday (June 22), I received the best birthday present ever...

Riley's Birth Story

Wednesday, June 3 2009 started out as a day just like any other. Well, except for the fact that I was 9 months pregnant, waddled everywhere, and could barely roll out of bed. I rolled to the edge of the bed and waddled to the bathroom at 8am. As I was using the restroom, I heard this loud plop in the toilet and I thought I had lost my mucous plug. I was so excited because this meant progress! Maybe I wouldn't make it to my induction date of June 8 after all! I was dreading an induction in the worst way possible. I was so afraid that the labor process would be long and drawn out during an induction. Or worse, the drugs would put undue stress on Riley and he would have to be taken by c-section. After coming out of the restroom, I climbed back into bed. This would be an appropriate time to mention I was on Robin's side of the bed because I was going to check my email and post to my bulletin board group that I thought I had lost my mucous plug. As I was just getting settled in bed (on Robin's side) I felt a gush. My water had broken (on Robin's side). I jumped out of bed, which ain't easy if you're 9 months pregnant with over an 8 pounder. I knew my water had broken. I wasn't ready! I called my dad and asked him to come over and get Dawson because Dawson would be staying with my parents. Next, I called Robin and told him to come home from work because my water had broken. He said he was on his way. After Dawson left and Robin had gotten home, I began to feel a few mild contractions. Robin and I had some last minute packing to do (we thought we had until Monday, June 8) and by the time we left around 9:00am, I could hardly talk through the contractions anymore. Neither of us had eaten breakfast and the plan was to stop at a drive-thru along the way to the hospital. When Robin asked what I wanted, I couldn't talk and just stared at him. He drove straight to the hospital. Once at the hospital, I had to enter through the emergency room and fill out paperwork. I was wheeled back to labor and delivery where I was checked at 9:30am and found to be 4cm dilated and 100% effaced. I was amazed! I was really in labor! We were really going to have a baby that day. The contractions became closer together and more intense. I asked for an epidural and received the wonder drug at 10:30am. My nurse came to check me at 11:30am and said "Let's hope for big numbers....like a 6 or 7!" I was thinking..."Wow, that would be great." She checked me and said..."Um, you're 9.5 cm dilated". I kept saying "But I'm not ready!" Too late for that, huh? My doctor had to perform a c-section and another minor operation and she wanted me to dilate that last 0.5 cm anyway so we waited until 1pm when the doctor checked and began setting up the room for delivery. I started pushing at 1:30pm and Riley flew into the world at 2:53pm. He came so fast and so furiously that we were all surprised. Robin and my mom were in the delivery room with me and it was absolutely amazing. Having Riley was a terrific birth experience. Here are some pictures from our adventure.

Oh, the contractions...look at the monitor in the background. This is pre-epidural.

Seconds after Riley was born.

Look at that face! He looks so mad!

All better because he's holding daddy's hand

Riley and his daddy

Me and my boys

Checking out the feet. He has my feet!

My guys

I didn't know it was possible to love two people this much. To think that this baby is half me and half Robin brings me to tears of joy. He is truly a miracle.

We are finally resting at home as we were discharged from the hospital today (Friday, June 5 2009). Riley has lost a little bit of weight and has a very minor case of jaundice. We are breastfeeding and supplementing with formula, so hopefully he begins to pack on the ounces/pounds and the jaundice goes away so we can stop the supplemental bottle. We have our first pediatrician's visit on Monday, June 8. I can't believe I'm a momma!

Introducing...

Riley Lee was born on June 3, 2009 at 2:53 pm. He weighed 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20.5 inches long. Both he and I are doing well and we can't wait to get home to start our new life together as a family! I'll post more details (including the incredible birth story) later.

From Office to Nursery

The transformation from office to baby's nursery is complete! All we need is baby, which by the way is scheduled to come via induction June 8, if he doesn't come on his own sooner.

Office closet - Robin picked the paint color, I promise.

Another shot of the office - before nursery transformation began


Nursery - changing table

Nursery - closet and glider

Nursery - baby's crib

Picture above baby's crib in the nursery

My Little Smarty Pants

I know all parents think that their kids are smart, but my child really is! He's exceptionally bright and I think it's about time the whole world knows. I realize this may come across as pompous, arrogant, and pretentious, but I don't care. When my child accomplishes goals and earns accolades, I feel it is my job to brag/share with everyone. Dawson finished 3rd grade last week, earning all A's. He's never made less than an A. He scores high marks on his standardized tests and is reading at an 8th grade level. Also, Dawson currently performs at a 10th grade math level. He's 9. Last Friday, the school held it's annual awards day program. I couldn't attend, as I was finishing up my last day with students and couldn't miss school. However, Robin went and I made him promise to take pictures. He did well. Dawson received the following awards: social studies, art, perfect attendance, and mentoring other students. He was very proud of his social studies and art awards, as those are his two favorite subjects. He loves anything to do with history and will talk to you about it for hours. Literally. The child watches the Discovery Channel and History Channel like it's cartoons. I have actually had to tell him to stop watching the History Channel (I thought the program was too graphic). Seriously, what parent of a 9 year old has to tell their child to STOP watching the History Channel. I am very proud of him for his academic awards, but I am most proud of him for his mentoring award. Dawson volunteered to stay after school 2 days a week to help tutor students who were struggling in math and reading. I picked him up at 4:30 on those days, so he spent 3 hours a week helping other kids. We used the opportunity to talk to Dawson about how important it is to help other people and to use the gifts/talents that God has given us. What a great life lesson. Dawson receiving his art award. This kid LOVES to draw and doodle.

Dawson receiving his perfect attendance award and t-shirt.
Dawson receiving his social studies award and his mentoring award.