2-week Check-up

Tobin had his 2-week check-up this week. The Dr. is very happy with his progress- he's gaining weight well he's up to 8 lbs and has grown to 21 inches in length. We did not have any vaccinations this visit- Mama says "Thank goodness!"

Little Toby has been upchucking quite often, though, which apparently is
pretty normal as they grow, parts develop at different rates- and the esophageal sphincter tends to be weak. We are watching very closely, though, in case he has pyloric stenosis, which is a extra-strong valve at the bottom of the stomach (as it empties into the small intestines). Our strategy is to feed smaller volumes more frequently, slow him down by taking breaks, and hold him 20 minutes after feeding. So far, so good- we have plenty of diaper changes to show that food is getting through him and Mama is building upper arm strength holding him all day (but really not getting anything done).

Nate's week of blessed paternity leave is over, but he calls frequently during the day. I put him on speakerphone and Tobin's eyes lock on the phone- wondering how Daddy got in there. But he always listens to what Daddy's saying and loves Daddy's silly songs.

Love from here,
Erika, Nate, and Tobin

He's here!

Hi All-

Our baby was born on precisely on his due date: 11/22/06 at 7:15pm. Labor was very fast- only 1 hour and 45 min from water breaking to birth- so fast, in fact that we almost didn’t make it to the hospital in time! It was fairly intense, for Nate most of all. We barely made it to the labor and delivery ward, and believe it or not, I had the baby right then and there in the hallway in front of the nurses station. So no doula, no doctor, but I did get about 10 nurses to huddle around me and Nate delivered the baby.

Toby weighed in at 7 lbs 9 oz, measured 19.5 inches long, and very healthy. We were sent home Friday and adjusting to our new situation- Luckily, as you know I have lots of help, not only daily visits from my Mom, but Nate has a whole week of paternity leave off!

Best,
Erika, Nate, and Toby Segraves

Baby Watch

Hi All-

Sorry we haven’t written in a while- I continued working until Monday of this week, and I just didn’t have any energy at the end of the day! I have really enjoyed the last 3 days off and especially the nice noon-time naps!

The last month has gone by well, with baby and me getting bigger and bigger. We have been trying to interact more with children- so the transition between adult life and family isn’t so extreme. To this end, please see the photo of Halloween- Nate was Robin Hood and I was a PeaPod. We oohed and ahhed over all the little munchkins that came to the door and imagined touring the neighborhood with our little one in 3-5 years.

We are finishing everything up and getting ready for the big day. We had our final birthing class on Sunday, which included a tour of the hospital (a little scary). The birthing class was a great experience for us in terms of preparing couples to be partners in the birthing process. Although they recommend you take the class in your 7th month, I was really happy that we took it so late in the game. My body is so big now, that the different laboring positions really made a lot more sense now!! The other member of our team is Deidre, our doula labor coach (http://www.bundleofjoydoulacare.com), and we had our final pre-birth session tonight. We finalized our birthing plan and she even took a look at our bag to make sure we were packed properly!!

We had a little excitement at our Dr’s visit today. Our first internal exam since the very beginning, and I’m already 3 cm dilated. She offered to “sweep” my membranes, an induction method that separates the amniotic membrane from the cervix. I said no- let the baby choose his own birthday!! She was quite certain, though, that labor is imminent.

So we are right on track with everything! I hope the next time we talk I can send you a picture of our bundle of joy!!

Love,
Erika, Nate, and Baby Segraves