Bringing Home Baby

Jackson got to see his room yesterday when he came home from the hospital. His was welcomed by all of his grandparents. I have many more pics but I am so busy with baby! I'll post more later!

Jackson, mommy, and Mimi

Mimi and Poppy

Happy Baby

Jackson has had some smiles. This is the first one we caught on camera.

Snuggling on my daddy's chest

Jackson and Mommy

Here is our angel!

Here's Jackson! He weighed 8 pounds, 15.4 ounces!!! The delivery actually went really well. I pushed for less then 20 minutes and he came right out. The doctor seemed amazed considering his size and mine. We are both doing really well.

These pics aren't the best but we will be taking alot more! He actually has a head full of dark hair that I have not yet captured on camera. He also had a conehead from passing through but it is normal and has already gone down a good bit.

I love the picture at the top. I was trying to breast feed (which actually went quite well overnight) and Jackson fell asleep lying on his side. You can see his little leg propped up next to me and his arm next to his head. This picture was last night and he was so tired!

I promise better and more pics soon!

The Grandmas

Happy Family

As it turns out, today is the day!!!

We'll keep you posted . . .

1 week to D-day!!!

As you can see from the size of my belly, I don't think I can make it much longer! Luckily, I won't have to. Only 7 days until Jackson's official due date!

Jackson update

Thanks to everyone who has been calling and e-mailing to check on Jackson! Although I have had lots of pre-labor symptoms, Jackson has decided to take his time! We were up during the night with contractions but they must have been Braxton Hicks. We are anxious for the big moment but we are enjoying out time before his arrival, too. We'll keep you posted. One way or another, Jackson will be here in 11 days!!!

Finally! A few nursery pics!

In the nick of time

The crib is in! The crib is in! I got a phone call today to let me know that Jackson's crib has finally arrived. Russell will be picking it up this afternoon. We are very excited that the crib made it before Jackson and without much time to spare!

Since our doctor visit yesterday, I have had alot of contractions and last night I lost my mucous plug (sounds gross, I know, but it's a fact of life). Of my four pregnancy books that I am currently consulting, I gather that losing the mucous plug can mean that labor will be starting immediately or labor could still be a few days (possibly weeks) away. Nevertheless, these symptoms lead me to believe that my cervix has likely dilated more since my appointment yesterday.

All of this excitement is really wearing me out! My court reporter and I are close. She is Catholic and a mother of a 5 year old. She had a very difficult pregnancy and she has been very supportive for me. When I got to work this morning, she brought me a prayer book for mothers. I thought it was so sweet and it truly could not have been a better morning considering my exhaustion and anxiety. I read a few of the prayers and it really put things in perspective for me . . . God will take care of Jackson, Russell, and I and we don't need to worry about anything.

If that message doen't make someone feel relief, I don't know what would! Keep us in your prayers and pictures of the nursery will follow as soon as we can get the crib together. We'll see if Jackson can hold off long enough!

38 week check-up

This morning, Russell and I went to the doctor for my 9 1/2 month check-up. I have now dilated to 2 1/2 centimeters and 70% effaced. We are very excited about the progress. The doctor went ahead and stripped my membranes which was not bad at all. I did my own research about it over the weekend and I was a little nervous. But, it was fine. This can really get things going for some people so we'll see how it works for me. If nothing has happened by next Tuesday we will try again and I think the "procedure" will be a little more aggressive. As for the induce date, we are leaving it at May 6th. I think Russell really wanted it to be next week but I think Jackson will come by the due date if we give him time. If not, May 6th it is! This is very exciting!

9 1/2 months . . .

Only 14 days until the official due date!

Can anyone tell if I am dropping, yet? Russell and I think I have dropped somewhat. I am so short, there is really not far for Jackson to drop!

One way or another, our Jackson will be here in 16 days (or less since) we are inducing May 6th, two days after his due date.

As for me, I am hanging in there. The bathroom breaks have drastically increased but I did find a good sleep position that allows me to sleep a couple hours at a time without waking up. I also have tingly fingers as a result of swelling but the doctor says this is perfectly normal. My heartburn and Jackson kicking me under the ribs has also decreased. YEAH! These can also be signs that I am dropping. As usual, we'll keep you posted!

Baptism Class

This afternoon, Russell and I went to the Baptism Class for Jackson. I did not realize how excited I was about his Baptism. I guess with his birth there is so much to think about right now. It will be a great day. I got a few tears in my eyes when we were watching the video during class. I hope I hold up much better when his big day arrives!

Nursery Update

I have had many requests/demands to see pictures of the nursery. As many of you know, we are waiting on the crib. Last Friday, I was told that the crib would not be in until mid-May. My mom and Russell, trying to be supportive, said that was no big deal. After all, Jackson would be in the room with us.

Well, of course, that was not good enough for me! I made some phone calls and managed to end up on the phone with the Vice President of the department up in New York. It was late in the day and he assured me it would be taken care of to my satisfaction and he would call me Monday morning.

Monday morning, his assistant, Shelly, called and I have been dealing with her ever since. She has been fabulous. She found Jackson's crib (in Michigan) and got a truck to pick it up and bring it to Texas. The crib should be here next Wednesday give or take a day or two. She also called this morning to let me know she is issuing me a gift certificate for my trouble. Sometimes, you just can't take no for an answer! My Jackson needs a full nursery when he gets home from the hospital. Hopefully, the crib will make it on time. If not, we can wait a few days (not a few weeks!)

With all that said, everyone hold tight. I will post pics as soon as the crib arrives. I just can't bring myself to post nursery pics of a baby nursery without a crib!

Future Phi Mu Princess

Here are a few pictures on Meryl's precious little princess. Isn't she beautiful? She has the prettiest skin and pink lips! I can't wait for her and Jackson to meet!

Jackson doctor update

So, I went to the doctor this morning. I am 1 cm dilated and I am 50 - 60% effaced. The doctor and I discussed moving the induce date up a week but I have not made an official decision. There are pros and cons to both. Therefore, we are still scheduled for May 6th.

When I was at the doctor's office I was having a contractions. I did not even know it! The doctor could tell when she was measuring my belly. So, maybe Baby Jackson is getting ready on his own.

Life would be easier if he came on his own and we did not have to pick a date to induce. But, I don't want him to come before he is ready. There is alot to think about so keep us in your prayers!

Welcome to the World

Baby Mac is a girl! Russell and Meryl's bundle of joy arrived last night at 11:50. Her name is Claudia Christine McLendon. She weighed 6 pounds and 13 ounces and she is 19 inches long. I haven't seen pics (yet) but I am so excited for them!

Babies! Babies! Babies!

I am super excited to say that Meryl is in labor as I write this blog! Her water broke this morning but her phone was dead so I just got a text and e-mail from her. How am I supposed to get any work done now?!?! I am so excited for her and I can't wait to find out if Baby McLendon is a boy or a girl!

Also, I have to welcome to the world Luke Anthony Rocconi and Caleb Don Reynolds. These two baby boys were born this past Easter weekend. On Good Friday, Carrie and Matt Rocconi's little guy, Luke Anthony was born. On Easter Sunday, Shannon and Chris Reynolds had Caleb Don Reynolds join their family. Both families already had little girls to welcome the new additions!

9 months and 1 week . . .

Only 3 weeks to go until Jackson's official due date and Maggie is still amazed by my belly! Can anyone tell whether or not I am "dropping?" I feel like I am because my heartburn has gotten a little better and because Jackson has not been under my ribs quite as bad. But, after looking at my pic, I don't think I look like I am dropping. Who knows???

A few Easter pics

We had a great Easter weekend with my parents. Here are a few pics we took before my parents went back to Austin. This weekend my mom and I went shopping and my dad and Russell played golf twice. Russell's got the "Masters" fever!

Most importantly, we worked in Jackson's nursery. Everything in the nursery is ready to go except the crib, which is another story. Jackson even got a big gift from the Easter bunny. He got a 22" flatscreen TV for his room. Boy, is he spoiled already!

Happy Easter!

We hope everyone is having a very Happy Easter weekend!

Last week of trials

So, this was my last week that I am doing trials before Jackson is born. I think I was making everyone too nervous! Now, I am just doing office work. I ended on a great note. Last week, I won my last County Court case which was a DWI with a .078 and a .079 breath test (below the Texas legal limit). Yesterday, I won a JP Court case. I think it is a good thing we have the day off today. The trial yesterday wore me out!

Nine Month Check-up

So, yesterday I had my nine month check-up. It was the first visit Russell had to miss because he was out-of-town. He flew to Wisconsin yesterday morning and he will be back on Thursday afternoon. He did not want to leave at this time but he was confident Jackson would stay put until at least Thursday!

As for Jackson, it seems our little guy is not so little! The doctor felt my belly and is guessing Jackson is already weighing 7 pounds! Yes, I am 36 weeks pregnant and already 7 pounds. At least that explains why my belly is so big! So, the doctor suggested that we consider moving the induce date up a week from May 6th to sometime the week of April 27th. I really did not expect that! We did not officially move the date up, yet. We are going to wait to meet with our main doctor next Tuesday. That way, we can get another opinion and see how I am progressing on my own. I am already dilated 1 centimeter.

Keep us in your prayers and you know I will keep you posted!

9 MONTHS PREGNANT!

Can you believe it? We only have 4 weeks left until Jackson's due date. However, since we are 36 weeks pregnant, he could come at anytime! As you can see, my belly is huge! Even Maggie is amazed! Of course, I don't think there is anymore room to grow but I am sure Jackson will prove me wrong! Keep us in your prayers as Jackson's birthday creeps closer and closer!