Jellybean arrives

Sorry for the lag in posting.  Between adjusting to life with a newborn and a houseful of visitors, we've had our hands full.

As you all know by now, Nathaniel James Davis arrived on Tuesday, July 27th.  Nathaniel is Hebrew for "God has given." We thought that was a very appropriate name for such a beautiful gift.  James is after my Dad and my Pop Pop (both James Harris) and the "J" is for Aaron's Grandpa Joe.

He was 10 days late and had to be coaxed out by the doctors and some pitocin, but he was worth every minute of waiting!  He came home on Thursday the 29th and we've been settling into life at home and our new routine.  He sleeps and eats on a pretty regular schedule, we have been very lucky to get 4-6 hour stretches of sleep most nights.

Last Monday Nate had his one week check-up.  He was 9lbs 3 ozs at birth, 8lbs 12 ozs when we left the hospital and by day 6 he was back up to 9lbs 2ozs.  The pediatrician said he's perfect and growing on track.  We head back to the doctor tomorrow for his 2 week check up.  Based on the rate he has already outgrown most of his newborn sized clothes, I'm betting he surpassed the 10 pound mark.

On Tuesday, August 3rd, we had Nate's bris here at the house.  We had about 20 people to help us celebrate.  It was my first bris and considering it was my baby being circumsized, I was very nervous.  But the Rabbi was very reassuring and in the end, I (and Nate's Bubbie) cried more tears than the baby did.  The ceremony was lovely and it was a nice celebration of our newest family member.

On Thursday we had his very first playdate.  I'm in a book club with 7 women.  There are a total of 7 kids with one more due in October.  All boys!  My friends Lydia and Danna brought their little ones over for lunch.  Here's a picture of Charlie and Cooper Teal and Ramsey Stanyard.  All three boys were born in March.  They look so much bigger than Nate, it's hard to believe they'll be the same size, chasing each other around before we know it.

Nate's already been out to the park, a couple of restaurants and visited Kate and Anthony's new apartment.  A busy baby!  Here is the album capturing his first couple of weeks.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajdavis/sets/72157624556865493/show/

Could have been a dramatic birthday

Baby's still holding out!  Apparently it is very comfortable in there although I can't imagine there is any room left.

Yesterday we had a lot of excitement around here with a major storm.  Unfortunately the storm hit hard and caused significant damage to our neighborhood including a tree right through our neighbor's roof.  I can't help but think how lucky we are not to have a tree right in the middle of our new upstairs addition especially when we're about to bring home an infant.

While we managed to avoid damage, we did lose power and with that we lost our air conditioning.  Frightening when it was over 100 degrees all weekend.  But leave it to Aaron to make the best of a situation, he got our neighbors together and we had an impromptu cookout in our backyard.  Everyone brought perishable food from their fridges and freezers and we had a really nice dinner.  And to make the night even better, our power came back on shortly after everyone left.  So no baby but all in all we've been pretty lucky.

We go to the hospital tonight at midnight and they'll induce me Tuesday morning.  Hoping for a Tuesday birthday, we'll keep everyone posted!

Still waiting

A good appointment today, we got to see his or her little face up close on the ultrasound.  Baby's heartbeat is strong and everything looks great.  Of course, this means I'm still pregnant but as long as baby's healthy we can't really ask for more!  If nothing happens this weekend, they'll induce me on Tuesday morning.  Here's hoping baby comes on his or her own before then.

40 weeks+

We were not surprised to see our due date come and go without baby's arrival.  But we're ready!  Had an appointment this morning with the doctor and things are looking good.  They did an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid levels.  There's plenty in there which means baby's good and comfy and there's no reason to induce earlier than planned.  They estimate the baby weighs about 9lbs 4ozs as of today.  She told us that could be off by about 5% in either direction.  Me, "So you're telling me I'm definitely not having a 6 pound baby?"  Technician smiles and says, "I'm telling you that you're not likely having an 8 pound baby."  But he or she is healthy and content, what more could we ask for?

I'm currently scheduled to go into the hospital the night of Monday, July 26th and they'll induce me Tuesday the 27th.  But I think we're all hoping we don't make it that far.  I go in to the doctor's office again on Thursday the 22nd for another appointment and ultrasound.  We'll keep everyone posted!

Full Term

I don't think we knew how grateful we'd be to hear those words one day. At 37 weeks, this baby is officially full term. Meaning he or she can survive on his/her own outside the womb and can arrive any day. Aaron and I are hoping for at least three more weeks before the birthday.

We had an appointment this morning with Dr. Lizardo. He's happy with our progress and the baby's growth. He had some trouble when he tried to get a heartbeat because the baby was moving too much. He commented on what a very active baby this is (I could have told you that by the constant kicks and punches I get all day long) and that we might have an athlete on our hands. Taking our natural athletic ability into account, that's pretty funny. Maybe little Jellybean will be blessed with his/her Uncle Cullen and Aunt Meghan's talent and not my total lack of coordination.

We're looking forward to the long holiday weekend and a visit from the Healy family including baby Meredith!

A wonderful celebration weekend

On Saturday we were blessed with family and friends helping us celebrate Baby Davis at a cookout in Rockville.  The day was hot but thankfully it didn't rain.  A few pictures of the fun.

On Sunday we had Maura's family over for a Father's Day lunch in our backyard.  It was a gorgeous day and a nice way to end our family weekend.  We can't wait for people to come visit again when the baby's born!

One month!

It's June 17th which means our baby is due one month from today! Had a great doctor's appointment this morning, everything's looking good and progressing on track.  My Mom was able to be there and heard her grandchild's heartbeat.  It was really special to have her with us.

A lot of progress in our family these past few weeks.  We moved to seeing the doctor weekly, took a tour of the hospital and preregistered at Holy Cross.  Baby's furniture is here, the room is painted (Aaron is already the best Dad ever) and we'll get bedding, etc. set up.  And after 19 months of work, we finally moved into our new addition!  Still a little work to do but we're 98% of the way there, enough to settle into our new master bedroom.  Pictures to come one of these days.

This weekend we are so lucky to have friends and family coming to town to help us celebrate Baby Davis at a baby shower cookout.  My Mom flew in last night to take care of the food and other arrangements.  My Dad, Megh, Will, Conor, Amy, Flann, Ashley, Kate, Jackie, Anthony and Dave all come into town on Friday.  Aaron's family and most of my cousins come down on Saturday.  Put our family together with our wonderful friends, a moonbounce and beer and I think we're in for a great day!  Just praying for no rain.