Owen's Firsts - 2

Owen's 2-Week Doctor's Appointment

You would think something so benign would be uneventful, right? Well, not around here.

Of course we were still worried about Owen's biliruben levels, so Joe planned to meet us at home and we'd take our little family on up to Las Colinas MC for the 6th time since his discharge the Friday before.

I started gathering Mr. Owen's things and got a call from Joe. The truck was dead. It was raining, and Daddy Joe was not a happy camper. Knowing he could do nothing to prevent the situation, I said no worries and would get our little boy there.

I proceeded to get the pupster outside when I noticed that the world was preparing to end!!! The sky was black, thunder was rolling in and bolts of lightening could be seen in the distance. WHAT!!!

This was the first time I have driven in like three weeks, with MY BABY, IN A STORM, and I have to leave my fuzz-butt puppy outside. THEN, I would have to go rescue my husband.

HOLD IT TOGETHER!!

I was totally nervous driving, but we made it right as the first big drops were beginning to fall. We rushed in, signed in and sat down.

Then the power goes out. WHAT???

However, it was just a flicker, but really, my nerves did not need this.

We then got to see our awesome pedi, Dr. Conoley. Said Owen was looking good, she wasn't worried about his levels as much any more, just to keep an eye on them. Little dude was back up to 9 lbs 2 oz, almost his birth weight and had grown 3/4 of an inch! We are in the 50% for everything right now. And I couldn't be happier with my 'average joe' after a bit of a scary start!

We then decided to nurse at the dr's office since it was still monsooning and little dude was screaming bloody murder. By the time we were done, almost all the lights were off in the office and the nurse had kinda forgotten us. We had to have the doors unlocked to leave. Wouldn't that have been neat!

So, (big deep breath), we made it. Our first official check-up was a success. Joe got a jump from work, made it home to rescue the pupster and all was well.

Now all I ask is that this is not a theme for this child. I am not a fan of the dramatic in real life. Next time, let's just saunter out into the sunshine for a wonderful check-up and get an ice cream on the way home! =)

Owen's Firsts - 1

Today, Owen lost his umbilical cord. Hooray O'Bear!!

Today, we almost all tossed our cookies as a result.

You see, we didn't know quite where or when it fell off. We knew it had to be somewhere. And, as I was sunning my poor, sweet boy in the window, Ryker was a little too interested in something else.

Today, Ryker found the umbilical cord. He started a-licking, I started a-gagging! However, in quick diplomatic fashion, I scooped it up off the floor before it could go anywhere else, threw it away and died laughing.

Oh, to have a baby and a RykerDog. What craziness we have to look forward to.

On Owen's 8th day, we're still working on feeding between son and mama, waiting on better news for his jaundice and still trying to find the balance between sanity, sleep and love. My mom has been an awesome help. Joe has been a great hubby. Ryker has been an great big brother (besides the above weirdness). And our family and friends have showered us with prayer and encouragement.

Owen, we may not be there yet, but I think we are off to a good start!

Welcome Owen Daniel

Owen Daniel O'Brien made it into the world

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 at 3:05 p.m.

He was a whopping 9 lbs 4 oz, 20 inches long and a head the size of a coconut! (well actually 14.75")

Mommy had a rough, but natural delivery and Mr. Owen came out a beautiful little baby!

Owen then had a bit of a rough go with some fluid intake and high jaundice levels which landed him a stay in the NICU for 3 nights. We got to come home with Owen on Friday!

We are unfortunately still monitoring his levels at this point and praying for continued healing of the little dude.

Other than that, he is gorgeous, loves to sleep, not too keen on eating (unless from a bottle), hates to have his arms pinned, loves to squirm and toot. Today, Owen is a week old, and really it's hard to believe we've had the little guy for that long. We are still working out the scary kinks on this parenthood thing, but we're wishing, hoping and praying and getting on thanks to an awesome hubby, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends!

Oh, and we really weren't holding out on the name! Joe and I were still making lists on the Monday night of our induction.

D-Day!

That's right folks. We're there. We have it in our sights! We have a plan of action.

WE HAVE A DAY!!!

Tuesday, June 15th, to be precise!

We will be going in Monday night to prepare for the arrival of our little dude sometime Tuesday!

Um, crazy. When we first started talking about this with our doctor two weeks ago, I about had a heart attack when we left. I couldn't stop thinking of all the things we needed to do and hadn't gotten and would NEVER be able to do again...

But now, oh, I am sooo ready (well, in some ways). We are nervous and excited, but mostly pretty good with the whole thing. I can obsess about all the little things, or just relax and let God do what He's going to do. And so far, that sounds like the best plan.

So, Monday the parents are arriving, Ryker gets to go visit his puppy pals at the vet for a few days, I get to eat a last meal, and at 8 p.m., we go in to have our lives altered forever! EEEKK!

Please say a little prayer for our family, the doctors and nurses that will be looking after O'Baby and for things to go as smoothly as they can. If you are available to visit, just give Joe a call, but I'm sure we'd love to see you!

I think that's about it. Little dude, we are excited to meet you and I hope you will enjoy your new family. We already love you so much, we can't wait to hold you and tell you in person.

Alrighty, off to remind myself not to panic and perhaps finish packing my bag and maybe, just maybe, put the car seat in! =)

37 & 38 Weeks

Big things! And I do mean really big things!

Doctor appointments have gone well. No major concerns or bad things to report.

On the home front, man, I am so done. It is just hard. Hard to wake up. Hard to get up. Hard to get motivation. Hard to maintain energy. If this doesn't end soon, I do believe the dog will ask for a new family! =)

However, I do believe we've procured all the necessary baby gear - stroller, car seat (still needs to be installed), glider, crib, pack-n-play, diapers. So, we'll just see where that gets us. These poor neglected kids these days.

Big news coming soon to a computer near you, so I'll keep you posted! Until then, you'll just have to sit and wonder (if you don't already know, and if you do, don't spoil the fun!)