A Week of Firsts

This is our first week home alone. Meme has gone home. Daddy is back to work. The little guy and I are learning how to live and juggle feedings and life together. I must say that it's harder than it looks. I never dreamed mom's had such a busy schedule. I'm not sure where my days go but they definitely go somewhere.

In other firsts, Strickland is now able to focus on his mobil above his crib as well as various toys strategically placed on his car seat, bouncer, and swing. It's cool to see him gain more control of his eyes.

He is sleeping fairly well. He goes about 3 hours during the night. We can't complain although we are still adjusting to the lack of sleep.

Ed and I are loving having him here finally. He really is a good baby so we can't complain. Enjoy the pics of our last couple of days. I'm working on trying to get more pictures of him awake but it's hard to do.

Some Strickland Videos

Strickland's Stretching from Edward Priest on Vimeo.

Strickland's First Bath from Edward Priest on Vimeo.

Welcome to the world Strickland!

What a difference two weeks makes. We welcomed our latest addition to the family two weeks ago - Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 at 2:19 a.m. Strickland Campbell Priest was one month early. He is a healthy little boy weighing in at 6 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. He spent a week in the NICU as he had fluid on his lungs followed by jaundice. But he is home now and is growing like a little weed. He eats every 2-3 hours and sleeps in between. This week he has been more awake and alert which has been fun. Ed and I were definitely surprised with his arrival a month early. But we are adjusting to our new life and loving every minute of it. He is truly a blessing and we are so thankful to be his parents. We can't wait to introduce him to our extended family and friends in the coming weeks.

Jodykae's first poopie diaper...ever.

First Poop from Edward Priest on Vimeo.

Catching Up

Here are some pictures of our last few weeks. We have been busy getting ready for the little guy's arrival. I can't believe we're only 35 days away. Ahhhhh..... We spent the last few days working in the nursery. I've included a pic of the current state of the nursery. It's a work in progress but thanks to Mom, we're MUCH closer to having it completed. The little basketball belly pics are me at 34 weeks. And finally, here is our latest purchase - our new furniture. We went shopping for a rocking chair for the nursery and Ed bought new living furniture. I didn't even have the energy to protest so here we are.

We are very excited to meet our little man. But at the same time, I feel like we have so much to do. Can we say nesting?

Never thought I would love the word "Average" so much!

We had another ultrasound this week and the word of the day was "average". I have to say that I have never been so happy to hear that word. Peanut has dropped from being in the 95th percentile for his weight to the 60th. This is music to my ears. The doctor said that there are no concerns at this time, that everything looks fine, and that we can plan initially for a natural birth. This is exciting because up to this point all we have been told is that he's a big baby. So to say the least, Ed and I left the doctor's office in great spirits and looking forward to the arrival of our little man in just a few weeks. Where does the time go?

I'm heading up to DC this week for my last round of classes before the baby's born. I'm looking forward to wrapping this class thing up. Then mom is coming in to help finish up the nursery. Then it's a baby shower. And then it's a baby! Lots of exciting things coming in the next few weeks.

Thank you for sharing this exciting time with us. Happy St. Patty's Day!

Growing Like a Weed

We have officially hit the 32 week mark. And true to all the textbook definitions of the third trimester, we are growing like a weed. We can now see the little guy move in my tummy, causing my entire tummy to shake and move with him. We go to the doctor again on Monday for another ultrasound. They continue to track his growth to determine his delivery date (or window as it is now). So stay tuned for Monday's news.

As for me, I am still feeling good. Although the past few days have been rough as my feet are now hurting. They aren't necessarily swollen, rather just painful. So this has been a fun experience as no shoes seem to comfort them. Ed is getting more and more excited the closer it gets. He was a very good student at our birthing classes last weekend. He said that when April arrives, he is going to install all of the car seat bases. To say the least, I think he's excited to meet his little guy in a few short weeks. We just can't believe that it's almost been 9 months already. Crazy how time flies.