Aidan is here!!

After 39 1/2 weeks of anticipation, Aidan has finally arrived. We couldn't be happier. It all started last Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo. As I was walking up to the house following a day of work, my water broke. We headed to the hospital. Following 12 hours of labor, Aidan arrived. 

Wednesday, May 6th at 6:48 a.m. 

8 lbs 11 oz

21 in long

Proud Daddy

Nanny, Paw Paw, Gran, Papa, and uncle Shawn all eagerly waited through the night. 

Nanny and Aidan

Paw Paw and Aidan

Uncle Shawn and Aidan

Gran, Papa, and Aidan

I can't wait to share all our new adventures with you. 

May 1st appointment

Brandon and I went back to the doctor on Friday. We are still at 2 cm and 75%; same from the week before. I'm feeling well. Brandon and I went and ate spicy food last night for dinner; we'll see if that helps. We are still walking and I even tried eating Eggplant Parmesan-- all the old wives's tales. We're hoping for a soon arrival! Brandon's brother, Shawn, comes in town on Monday. He'll be in Nashville for 7 days. I hope he gets to meet his nephew. I think Brandon might be getting a little antsy. He's put the car seat in my car, put the jogging stroller together, as well as the Graco stroller, and the bouncy seat. I don't know where we are going to store all these things. 

Aidan Is Growing

We are in weekly md visit mode. As of Friday, I had not progressed any further from the week previous. I did ask my doctor if she could tell how much he weighs..... and she laughed. You know, it's never a good sign when your doctor laughs at your questions. She said she was sorry to tell me, but Aidan is solid and taking up all his space. She said to prepare for him weighing at least 8 pounds at term, probably more. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting to hear. But after a minute, I accepted what she had said and realized that 8 pounds is still so tiny. We'll go back to the doctor on Friday to see how things have progressed over this week. 

This past weekend we had a couple's shower with friends at work. We got lots of diapers, which I know will come in handy soon! Everyone has been so wonderful and generous. We're all ready for Aidan!

Progress Update

We had our first progress appointment. Mommy and Baby are doing fantastic. We are 1 cm and 70% effaced. I know I could stay at the same place for weeks, but getting the news that Aidan is in position and starting to progress makes this all seem oh so real and fast approaching. We are very excited! Today our plans are to wash, put away, rest and run some errands in order to check some items off of our list. All this after Brandon treats Aidan and I to a wonderful smelling pancake breakfast-- he's the best!  

Aidan's daddy has been hard at work. He made a beautiful bookcase for his little one. 

Now Aidan has his own little reading station. Auntie Ashley couldn't be prouder. 

Bethany update: 

Bethany and Baby are doing great at 24 weeks. Cousin Will is currently measuring right on target for his July 25 arrival date. Bethany and Ken have started working on the nursery and it is turning out so very sweet.  

Getting Ready

~ 6 weeks to go, but does anyone really know for sure? One of the scariest things is the not knowing. Do I have 6 weeks left to prepare-- clean house, pack, wash sheets and sleepers, get meals prepared and frozen? Or do I have 2 weeks or 4? Aidan will arrive when he is good and ready. I guess it is all a part of the change I am fixing to be faced with; it's no longer all about me. 

34 weeks pregnant--- your view of Aidan Michael

34 weeks pregnant---- my view of Aidan Michael

First Baby Shower

I opened presents for over an hour.

Now all we need is little Tuff man to arrive.

We had a wonderful weekend. Mom and Dad came in town on Friday and once again helped out tremendously around the house with the nursery among other things. Aunts, cousins, and GG also came in town to celebrate the coming of Aidan. I was so thrilled to have them all a part of our first shower. Brandon, Aidan and I are so very blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful, loving, and giving friends and family. 10 fantastic hostesses- Beth, Emily, Stacy, Heather, Jenni, Peggy, Christy, Sherrie, Libby, Melinda- threw a great celebration at our church. The room was so cutely decorated with jungle animals galore, Mrs. Sherrie made a prayer book that we will forever cherish, Mrs. Libby outdid herself with adorable candy bar wrappers, Paul's sister-in-law, Flo, made and decorated a wonderful cake. I thank all of you again for the hard work you put in to give us such a memorable party. 

The wonderful hostesses

Visiting Family

     

Counting Down

There hasn't been a whole lot to report in the last couple of weeks. I am at 32 weeks and starting the count down. I've been feeling good with just more tiredness then before. Aidan is getting stronger judging from the kicks I receive. I think he stretches from my bladder to my ribs. It's amazing to feel him move around somersaulting from one side to the other and feeling a little foot or elbow sticking out of my side. 

Brandon and I started birthing classes. We are going a couple of hours a week and have 3 classes left. We've practiced fun things like massaging the moms and things like relaxation techniques, breathing, how to keep up with contractions, what to take to the hospital.... Week 2 we watched an actual birth- I think Brandon is now scarred for life. There may have been good reason men were not allowed in the labor rooms in years past. But when the big day comes, I know he will be an excellent support. I have a feeling that the next weeks will come and go quickly. We have our first baby shower at the church next weekend. I am looking forward to the fun! I'll be sure to post some pictures.