He's a Growing Boy!

Joshua went back to the pediatrician on Tuesday to have his weight checked. At his last visit he weighed 7lbs 6.4oz. At this visit we hoped he had gained about an ounce a day to get back to birth weight. Joshua did much better than that and gained over 2oz a day for a whopping 8lbs 7.8oz! That's a lot for a breastfed baby! The pediatrician also removed the rest of Joshua's umbilical cord. Afterwards Joshua, his mommy, and his grandma went shopping and found some Alabama onesies that should fit just right for the game this weekend. Roll Tide!
On Monday Matt, Joshua, and I went to our prepared childbirth/lamaze reunion class where we got to see our friends and their baby and then all share our birth stories with the current class of expectant parents. It was great to be sitting on the other side of the room and share our experience and answer the class questions.

Currently we are all watching the weather to see what Hurricane Gustav is planning. I don't wish poor weather on others, but I'd prefer that the storm take a hard turn to the right or left when it hits the open water. We'll wait and see what happens.

Lastly, the nursery furniture arrived today! Yea!! Better late than never. I'm so glad it's in. Matt plans to assemble the crib and remove the boxes in the evenings, but now we can fully dress the room. I'll post a picture when everything is assembled.

Life with Joshua

Joshua is the perfect baby! I know I am biased but I'll stand by that statement. Besides being adorable, he is really good natured and hardly ever cries. It has been an exciting week for all of us. Here's a recap of events from his birth to the present. On Saturday, Aug. 9th, Matt and I decided to go out to lunch and run some errands. Shortly after we got home (~4:30) I thought my water had broken. We weren't sure at first and ultimately called my doctor who sent us to the hospital. We arrived at 6:30 where it was confirmed we were in labor. Since the contractions were small, they decided to start pitocin. In total I labored about 24 hours before the doctor decided to perform a cesarean section. Joshua was born at 4:50pm on Sunday, Aug. 10th. He had a healthy set of lungs on him. I remember hearing him cry in the OR before we got to see him. Joshua met lots of family and friends at the hospital and was showered with kisses and gifts. We left the hospital at 1pm on Tuesday Aug. 12th and Matt drove extra careful through scattered showers to protect his precious cargo. At home we were greeted by family who had hung a welcome sign and a blue wreath for Joshua. My Grandma cooked a welcome home meal which all of us except Joshua enjoyed. The rest of the week Matt and I spent quality time with Joshua and introduced him to our dogs Hardy and Ridley. (Currently Ridley is depressed and Hardy is a little jealous.) Matt has been a wonderful husband and father caring for Joshua and me. Joshua has changed our lives so much already and yet the best is still to come.

Born 4:50PM (Joshua with Dr. David)

First Family Photo

It's cold outside!

Watch over me Daddy.

Little Man of the hour!

Getting ready to go home

Leaving West Florida Hospital

Welcome Home!

Monday Joshua had his first doctor's visit. The doctor said he was impressed with how strong Joshua is. He tried to turn onto his side and also tried to hold his head up. Here are his stats: 25th % weight, 75th % height, 25th % head circumference. Overall he is a healthy baby boy! Currently his hobbies include eating, sleeping, and peeing on anything and anybody within a 3ft radius of him. Here is a slide show of some quality time with Joshua. Enjoy!

My first bath

He's Here!

Joshua Andrew Chatham was born on Sunday, August 10 at 4:50pm. He weighed 7lbs, 14ozs and was 19-1/4 inches long. Baby, Mommy, and Daddy are all home from the hospital and doing well.

Still waiting...

Emily in the Nursery

Where's Baby Chatham? Well it looks like he missed his due date. To be fair this is not a complete surprise as he does get half of his genes from me (Emily) and I'm not the most punctual person. Although my style is to realize I'm running late and then rush to get where I'm going as quick as I can so I'm not too late, which would translate into a shorter labor so hopefully he'll take after me in that respect as well.
We had a doctor's appointment yesterday and found out I am now 2cm dialated and 25% effaced. It's definitely a sign of progress. The doctor also scheduled an induction for Wednesday, Aug. 13th so there is an end in sight, though Matt and I are still optimistic he'll come on his own. We also had a non stress test done in the L&D department. They strapped two sensors on - one to listen to the baby's heart and the other to measure contractions. The baby spent most of the time squirming around and occasionally kicking the sensors which showed up as spikes on the monitor. I have been having contractions, but must have had a case of stage fright because nothing happened when I was on the monitor, but as soon as I was unstrapped and stood up I had a good one. Lastly here is a picture of the new car.