One Whole Month Already??

Yes, Olivia is over a month old now! So much has happened!

Olivia lost her umbilical cord, and has been taking real baths now - pictures to follow.

Olivia had her first pediatrician appointment, and she is exactly where she should be developmentally. Dr. Knapp took one look at her feet, looked at Maria and I, and told us that Olivia would be taller than us! At her weigh-in, she was 8lbs and 13oz, and seems to be growing like a weed.

She can hold her head up fairly well, and follows people and voices amazingly! I love seeing her looking around for me when I talk and someone else is holding her!

She has also spent some time in the Bumbo chair, with mixed feelings, and in daddy's baby carrier while we walked around for a bit, and she slept the whole time.

Last but not least, we took Olivia to meet some of Maria's family, and she was the highlight of the party!

Here are pictures Maria and I have taken with our cell phones: Olivia Cell Phone Photos

And here are pictures we have taken since the last dump: Olivia - One Month Old

Parenthood is awesome! Stay tuned!

Starting Back...

Olivia has now been home with us for a week, and what a week it has been! We've learned the joy of a 24 hour feeding schedule, 10ish dirty diapers daily, and gas!

However, it has been a wonderful week! Olivia is a bundle of love - a pure miracle! We thank God daily for bringing her into our lives!

I've posted some more pictures of Olivia and us since she's come home, hope you enjoy!

Pictures of Olivia - Finally Home

Maria is recovering very well, thankfully!

In other news, I am finally headed back to work and am very sad to leave Olivia and Maria home alone. Look for more updates soon, as Olivia's first doctor's appointment is Friday.

More Pictures and a Video

Video of Olivia's Blue Eyes

Picture Album on Picasa

She's finally here!!!

Maria started regular contractions around 2:30 am this morning, and we decided to leave at 4:00 am for the hospital. We arrived at 4:45 am, and Maria was still at a 2, despite very strong contractions and considerable pain. Her water broke at 5:35 am, and she was quickly admitted to the hospital. She continued to have stronger and more intense contractions until the epidural at 7:00 am. By the time of the epidural she had progressed to a 4. By 10:00 am, Olivia's heart rate was not recovering as quickly after each contraction, and the doctor feared placental deterioration. A c-section quickly followed, and Olivia Aileene Gould was born at 10:39 am today, 1/21/09. She weighs 8 lbs 2 oz, is 19.5" long, is fiesty and has quite a set of lungs!

Maria and Olivia are both doing fine, and are resting at the hospital (with me) for the next few days.

Olivia Aileene Gould

Come and Gone

So Maria's due date has pretty much come and gone. Last night we thought Maria was starting to go into labor, but it was a false alarm. We spent the day resting and relaxing, and I caused havoc at work by not going in, but not having a child yet - long story.

Regardless, now it is a waiting game, at least until next Thursday, when Maria is scheduled to be induced - but we're hoping she doesn't make it that far!

Light at the end of the tunnel?

Dr. appointment again today. Basically, Maria is a 2 now, Olivia seems to have dropped, and Maria is having sporadic contractions - Dr. thinks today or tomorrow is likely, but we scheduled another appointment for next Tuesday and Maria to be induced on Thursday if Olivia hasn't shown her shining face yet!

Since then, Maria seems to be experiencing more cramping and contractions, so it could be tonight or tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Sonogram and the Shrinking Womb

Maria had a sonogram on Thursday morning to see how big baby Olivia is getting.

The verdict? 8lbs 4oz!

Her heart rate was great as well!

The pictures we got are very hard to make out, since she seems pretty squashed in her current living quarters, but we definitely saw some chubby cheeks!

Overall, everything seems to be right on track! Maria's next check-up is Wednesday.

Another Check Up, and a Little Progress

Maria had another check up today. She is now at a 1.5, which is a little progress. Dr. Walker also said she is more effaced now, but still will need some contractions to get the process moving. She also requested another sonogram for tomorrow to see how big little Olivia is now - and we'll post pictures!

Stay tuned!

10% of the way through this!

Maria and I saw Dr. Walker again yesterday, beginning her weekly check-ups. Olivia is right on length-wise, and her heart rate is in the 140s, as it should be.

Maria spent 20 minutes on the baby heart monitor, and Olivia shows complete neurological development, no distress, and in general is a happy and active baby!

And last but not least, Maria is 1cm dilated - 9 more to go! The birthing process has definitely begun!

Our next appointment is next Wednesday!