First doctor visit

We had our first official outing today - to the doctor for Mason's first check-up. His weight was down to 7lbs. 14 ozs. when we left the hospital but just 5 days later he has gained back up to and beyond his birth weight! At 8lbs. 9.5 ozs., he is smack in the middle for his age. His head and chest size are also exactly in the 50th percentile - so all around perfectly growing.

Just one more week until I can drive again and get myself out and about! We are making plans for next week already and hope Mason can meet some of you all then! Thanks to all our church friends who have been or will be providing great meals - between lack of sleep and still recovering from my c-section, they are a lifesaver!

Scrub a dub dub

Scrub a dub dub, Mason in the tub. He was a trooper for his first bath. And followed it with some great sleep!

First week in pictures

Mason turned one week old today. So hard to believe! Here are some pictures from his first week.

Mason and his proud daddy. Could they look more alike?

Leaving the hospital. Time to go home!

My favorite picture - captured his spontaneous smile! Lights up his face.

Sleepy baby

Enjoying his swing

Welcoming Mason to the world: Our story

Five days ago, we thought we wouldn't have much of a birth story and just an amazing end result, but our son decided he didn't like our plans. After scheduling a c-section for Wednesday, I was excited to have the day before off work to go grocery shopping, put up his bassinet, do laundry and enjoy my last day before motherhood. Monday night - just a few hours after blogging about how his birthday was going to be on Wednesday - Mason decided to speed up the process. Around 11pm, we discovered my water had broke. We were both in shock. I kept saying, shaking, "he broke me," as Dash googled 'water breaking' just to confirm we weren't out of our minds. So we made a mad scramble to pack up the last things for the hospital and off we went. Contractions had started by the time we got to the hospital and they moved up my c-section to 8am the next morning - Tuesday morning. A restless night followed and then a standard c-section that delivered our beautiful bundle of joy.

We are all adjusting well and I am feeling better every day. Here are a few photos from Mason's birthday and you can look forward to more from his first few days soon. We can't wait for him to meet all of you soon!

meeting Grandma

Introducing...

Mason Samuel Connell

born February 17, 2009

8 lbs. 7 oz.

19 1/2 inches

Birthdays!

We will be celebrating a birthday this week! We are all set to welcome our little man into the world this Wednesday, February 18th around noon. He came in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces today and is set to cook a couple weeks longer if he has his way, so the doctor is opting for a c-section... as are we. We could use your prayers for a quick and easy delivery and recovery... and for help getting my wedding rings off my fat fingers before we go to the hospital. We're hoping to be home for the weekend too based on what my doctor told us. Can't wait to introduce our little one to you all soon!

Today is the day!

YAY! Today is the day that we will more than likely find out the plans for the arrival of our little one and hopefully his birthday is just a few days away! Our back to back appointments are at 3:30 this afternoon. At 39 1/2 weeks pregnant - and large and in charge - here's to hoping today is my last day at work!

39 week baby update

Our little boy is not so little. Yesterday at the doctor appointment, his measurements predict that he is already over 8 lbs 11 ounces. I am going back in on Monday to have a more detailed ultrasound and to confirm his size. At the rate he is growing, he could be a nine pounder by then! Oh and by the way, nothing is happening 'down there' so the doctor is leaning towards a c-section next week so our boy does not get too big. We are meeting with the doctor after our ultrasound Monday to "discuss our options." During the ultrasound yesterday, his bladder was really full and large so the doctor was a little concerned. Apparently in a small number of infants there is a valve that does not open and close properly and allow them to empty their bladder correctly. They are checking it again on Monday to see if he has been able to go pee. It is only a small procedure once he is born to fix it so it is good to know now that we need to keep an eye on it.

It is looking like this weekend will be our last weekend with just the two of us, so we are excited to be able to take this time to ourselves and relax!

Look for another update on Monday evening with our plans for our boy's arrival...

Time to break out my sewing machine again...

Dash and I saw a maternity outfit last night on the Grammy's that makes it hard to resist the urge to imitate and hard not to share if you missed it last night! What do y'all think? M.I.A. is only 2 weeks further along than I am now so I bet I can pull it off. Maybe in pink and white? People say black is slimming though. Search YouTube for her performance too if you missed it because I think she was trying to bounce her baby right out of her. I have my exercise (labor inducing) routine for tonight now.

Disappointment

So this is supposed to be the week that I find out how things are progressing and if my baby boy is still in the 90th percentile for his weight. But no, my doctor has to be on vacation this week! So basically, I will be 39 weeks pregnant (next week) and not have any clue how things are progressing. I hear first babies are patient so I bet our little one is still pretty comfortable in there. Our next appointment, when we will have a good ultrasound and check for progress, is February 12. Please pray for my patience until then. Luckily work is keeping me busy!

Can I brag on my husband? Dash is taking so much initiative as the due date gets closer. He has his bag packed, both car seats installed and he is really helping me out a lot with house stuff (and foot massages!). I am so proud of him... and thankful for him.