About a Boy

I'm finally getting around to writing about Luke's birth. I think it is pretty much your typical birth story. I tried to anticipate the questions people might have, for example:

Q: How long were you in labor?
A: I'm not sure. It depends on when the labor started and I can't be sure about when that happened. The night before, we made the long 2 hour trek to IKEA in Cincinnati to buy some furniture. Of course, it took us so long to decide what to buy that the store closed and the employees were trying to kick us out. I'm pretty sure that experience might have thrown me into labor. The next morning (Thursday, Aug. 28) I woke up with pains that I could only guess were contractions. By 9:30 pm I had checked into the hospital and Luke was born at 7:00 am the next morning (Friday, Aug. 29).

Q: How did Andrew respond when you told him it was time to go to the hospital?
A: Well, I had to text him because he was at an AA meeting. He had to walk out in the middle and missed the Lord's Prayer. That will be a fun little tidbit to tell future generations. Of course, Andrew isn't a recovering alcoholic, but he had to attend as part of a medical school assignment.

Q: Did you get an epidural?
A: Heavens yes! It was a public service to everyone at the hospital. After they broke my water, I asked my nurse why I was the only one screaming on the floor. Was I the only one in labor at the hospital that night? The answer was no. I guess I just have a low pain tolerance. I also must thank the two pregnant women who were scheduled ahead of me to get an epidural. They patiently waited because my nurse requested that I get the shot first. I will forever be grateful.

Q: What were the first moments with Luke like after he was born?
A: The doctor immediately laid Luke on my stomach while they were preparing to cut the umbilical cord. I couldn't get a good look because I was still laying down. But I did rub his cute little bloody head. Then he went to the bathroom all over me and I started throwing up. So tender. It's okay, we had some great bonding time shortly after that. Incidentally, going to the bathroom on me is still one of his favorite pastimes. It happens daily :)

Q: How's the recovery?
A: Not bad. They think I might have broken my tail bone, but I feel exponentially better each day. It feels good to have my ankles back and sleep on my stomach again.

My family has been asking for some more pictures of Luke. I will try not to turn our blog into an endless parade of baby pictures (although it's tempting). But today I can't help it and don't have any other interesting things to post about. He's pretty much our life right now (of course we take time outs to watch BYU football). Sorry if I go a little crazy with the pictures. We take about 100 a day.

The Sunday before Luke was born (I'm still not sure how he fit in there)

He's still not totally sure which hole to put the pacifier in.

He really likes to have that hand on his face at all times.

There's that hand again. I promise I fixed his head after I took this picture.

Luke likes his sleep.

Is it child abuse to make your baby wear a robe after his bath? He wasn't too happy with us, but he looked so cute!

Grandpa and Grandma McCann came out to visit for a week. I think Luke has them wrapped around his little finger.

Grandpa and Grandma Stacey also live close by and have been a huge help (sorry, you can't see Grandma Stacey in the picture).

His dirty blonde hair is beginning to look more and more red everyday. Sorry kiddo, you got that from me.

I go a little overboard when we go on our morning walks. I know, it's only September.

I have to admit, he really likes Mom.

He really likes Dad too.

You can't tell in this picture, but he's looking in the mirror. We find him staring at it often.

Already a deep thinker.

He's growing up so fast!