Road Trip

On Friday, we headed out to Memphis for Aidan's first road trip. We tried to time it just right so that he would sleep the entire way, and Aidan did just that. What a blessing that we had a quiet 3 hour ride to and from Memphis. He is such a layed back baby. 

We had such a good time. Aidan got to meet his Aunt Bethany and Uncle Ken, his Uncle Brian, and Uncle Steven, his great grandmother and his great granddaddy, and other family and friends. Aidan attended his first annual Hall Family Memorial Day Picnic and his first Saturday morning GG pancake breakfast.

Bethany is doing well. She has 2 more weeks of school before summer break begins. Then she will hopefully get to rest and relax and await the arrival of little William whose due date is in 9 weeks. Aidan can hardly wait to meet his cousin.    

Brian and the newest Tiger supporter

1 week old

It's hard to believe that Aidan turned 1 week old yesterday. He is so sweet and we are having so much fun. 

We've had many firsts this week. 

His first night at home was not bad. We

had a stretch from 12-3 where Aidan wasn't sure what he wanted, but other than that he was on an every 3 hour feeding schedule. Every night so far has been different from the one before. We are continuing to work on establishing a schedule.

The first day home, just me and Aidan, after Brandon went back to work was a special time and a hard one at the same time. You want to hold and protect this new little person, while questioning all that you do. You never worried so much about everyday things like driving a car and it's surprising these new things that make you so excited, like poopy diapers that make you think "maybe he is eating enough" or watching someone sleep or seeing a drousy or gassy grin. 

He seemed to enjoy his first sponge bath. He looked in the mirror most of the time.   

Our first week favorites:

- His Boppy bouncy seat (although it's hard to put him down; he's content in his seat and I can get a few things done)

- Newborn Pampers with the yellow/blue wet strip 

- Disposable changing pad covers (without these I would have had to do more laundering than I have)

- Miracle Swaddeling Blanket (it has a leg pouch so he doesn't come unwrapped)

- Everyone's love and support. We can't thank everyone enough for the visits, the dinners, the flowers and gifts.  

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