Labor of Love

Alex ate so much better today. It's amazing how much difference a day can make. We were both really frustrated yesterday, but today has been a completely different story. I can definitely understand why so many women choose not to breastfeed. It's a true labor of love!! We've labored a lot to get Alex, so we're always up for another challenge! Not to mention how can you not completely do whatever this cute little face needs of you?!

First Bath at Home

On Thursday (June 4), Alex had his first bath at home. He didn't much care for it, but managed to survive. It will be better once he can actually be in some warm water. Hovering above the water isn't much fun. We'll just have to wait for his umbilical cord to fall off!!

Time is Flying!

So, time is flying around this house. I truly don't understand where the days are going, but they are moving quickly. Thursday night Alex slept much better, so we didn't spend a good chunk of the day in bed like the day before. We didn't have a choice because Alex had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Veronica. He weighed in at 8 lbs 2 oz , so he gained an ounce since leaving the hospital. All in all things checked out well, and we'll go back in 2 weeks for another follow-up.

After leaving the Dr's office we made our first official visit to Target!! YEAH!! Adam told Alex to get used to coming here, because Mommy could spend hours here. We weren't there to terribly long, but got what we needed. We made two other quick stops and then we were on our way home. Alex had his first bottle in the car, and managed just fine.

I've been having to pump quite a bit, as I truly have turned into a mass producer of milk!! I have so much that Alex is struggling to latch on and feed. It's been a bit frustrating, but we are working through it. We both just need practice. Adam has been such a great help, and there is without a doubt no way I could get through the breastfeeding process without him. He's such an awesome Daddy!

Last night after our busy day, Grandma and Grandpa Kershaw came and brought us dinner. They also brought along both Ma and Grandma Furness (Alex's Great-Grandma's), as well as Alex's Great-Great Aunt Pat. We had a nice visit, and of course they were all in love with our little man!

We made it through the night much better than the night before. Got a few little things done this morning and then Aaron, Liz, and Seth came over for a visit. I think Seth ended up liking Alex a bit more than he thought he would. We ended up all going to Steak-n-Shake for lunch. Somehow the whole town of Springfield showed up to eat though. We got our table stolen from us, and had a sub-par waitress! Alex managed to sleep through it all!

We came home, Alex ate and napped and Dad mowed the yard. Then we got ready for our first trip as a family to go to church!! Alex did wonderfully again! Everyone at church thought he was so cute. Fr. Kemme said he was beautiful, and you know you can't lie in church!!!

So, that brings us up to speed. We plan on giving Alex a bath in a bit, but are going to chill on the couch for a little bit. Briggs is even inside with us right now. He's done really well with Alex today. He's just really curious and want to lick him a lot. He'll eventually get it all figured out.

Hope this satisfies everyone's blog desire. I've had quite a few request for new pictures and updates, and for the most part I think you all just got a play by play of our last few days!! Thanks for thinking of us. All in all, we are doing great!!

We Made it Home!!

Sorry, but yesterday was so busy we didn't have time to update. We were released from the hospital around 12:30 yesterday, after Alex was given the A-OK by his Dr. He lost 6 oz, but as you know is normal for a newborn. We go back to visit Dr. Savage tomorrow to make sure he is gaining weight and has not become jaundiced. The little man is eating like crazy now that he's figured it out.

Nana and Papa came over and cooked us supper last night and made another meal that we will be eating shortly. Grandma and Grandpa are coming over tomorrow night to bring us supper. This not cooking thing could get really easy to get used to, but I know it won't last!!

Alex was up most of the night last night and that made for a very very tired Mom and Dad. We both took turns up with him, and ended up not getting out of bed until 11:30 today! We all got a nap in this afternoon after Alex was awake for about an hour. The plan is to give him a bath later on and try to wake him up for a little while, so that maybe he'll sleep a bit longer tonight. I know he's on his own schedule, but I'd like to help him get on a schedule that works for Mom and Dad too!

Briggs is still getting used to the idea of having someone new around the house. We've brought him in several times, but for short periods of time. He really just wants to lick his face, which I know how dogs communicate but that is not acceptable! I know over time he'll be fine with him, but we are definitely going through a transition stage right now.

Overall, things are going very well. I'm interested to see how our first outing will go tomorrow. We have a few things we need to do after we go to the pediatrician. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well!!

As a side note. . . I think it's funny that I was so worried about getting the baby's room all finished and the little man hasn't even been in there for a split second!! Oh, well it's ready whenever he wants to go in there!!

Meeting the family!

Alex's 1st Official Birthday Cake!!

Singing Happy Birthday to Alex!

Well, we made it through the first night. Alex hasn't been interested in eating yet. I'm breastfeeding, and he just hasn't quite got it figured out yet. I've been assured it sometimes takes up to 24 hours before they get the hang of it. I'm not going to worry about, because he's got enough weight on him to keep him going for a little while. Plus, the staff here is awesome and said there is nothing to worry about!

Dr. Savage, the pediatrician came in to visit Alex this morning. She said he looks great and is doing well! He passed his hearing test last night, and his blood glucose level was good as well. The first blood glucose test came back very high, but is common with newborns.

Alex met quite a few people yesterday in his first few hours of life. Nana and Papa, Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Travis & Aunt Sara, Uncle Trevor & Aunt Ashley, Aaron & Liz, Trista, Manda, and Janis. It was quite a busy day for the little man, and we anticipate today will be just as busy. We're glad to show him off though!!

Uncle Travis brought in Twinkies and a candle and we officially celebrated Alex's first birthday. Travis says you only get one true birthday in life, and we were very glad to celebrate it!! We've decided this will become a Kershaw family tradition, and we are glad we were able to start it off celebrating the beginning of Alex's life!!

Thanks to everyone who has sent us well wishes and prayers. We truly appreciate it! This little miracle has truly been a very long time coming, but worth every step of the journey. Ok, I just started crying so I'm going to go now!!

It's a ...

...Boy! Alexander Stephen Kershaw was born at 5:10 p.m. He was 8 pounds 7 1/2 ounces, and 21 inches long. Mom and baby are doing very well. He is without a doubt the most beautiful thing this Dad has ever seen!! Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Today is the Day!!!

UPDATE: I'm adding my final belly picture. We took it right before we left for the hospital!!

Well, Molly has informed me that this is part of my job today. My job is pretty easy compared to hers. Anyway, Molly woke me up this morning a little after six and said that she thought this was the day. So, I called into work (Williamsville will have to make it through report card day without me, and Aaron, Steve, and Paul will have to make it through a round of golf without me, too.)

It's now just past noon. At last check, Molly was dilated to a five. We're in our "birthing suite," and Molly's contractions have been getting stronger...I just had to stop in order to help Molly breathe. She said it's the strongest one yet. In any case, Molly has not had an epidural yet, but she might be getting one soon. Dr. Putman should be coming in to check her soon, and we'll see how we've progressed.

Nana Meehan is here, and so are Grandma and Grandpa (Grandad?) Kershaw. Papa Meehan is at the store, a little annoyed that Molly would have the nerve to have a baby on the first of the month.

Ok, it's now past 1:30. Since I started this, Molly's contractions came faster and stronger until they were about a minute and a half apart. Then, the epidural doctor came in and gave Molly some happy juice in her back. Dr. Putman has been in and broken Molly's water. He says Molly is dilated to a strong six, almost a seven, and breaking the water should push things along a little further.

So, everything is coming along very well. At this point, we're just waiting until Molly can push. Anyway, I'm very excited, and I look forward to posting something later today!

Since we've been here, the baby lullabye chimes have gone off three times. It's a busy day here on the maternity ward!