First trip to the doctor

Mateo went to the doctor for the first time today. Since he is still a little jaundiced, they took some blood from his heel - he did NOT like that. But he is home now doing just fine. :)

Click HERE to watch a video of the trauma.

Just can't resist...

A few photos

Having my mom in town has been wonderful - not only does she help with the baby so I can rest and take care of dinner, but she is right on top of getting photos! :) Here's a link to Mateo's first bath photos. Mom also completed the baby blanket. It's really pretty, AND it stands up to machine washing and drying - always a plus. She has been working on it almost throughout my entire pregnancy.
So far Mateo has been a pretty easy baby (hate to jinx myself by typing this). He sleeps so much that I have to wake him up for feedings. One thing that has really helped was something I saw on Oprah about baby language. (The Dunstan Baby Language teaches five distinct infant sounds that have specific meanings each and every time they are made.) I can't believe how accurate this has been. It has saved us much trial and error I'm sure.
As for me, I'm slowly recuperating from my bronchitis, but I'm definitely getting better. I've been getting a little more sore lately, though, so I need to remind myself to take it easy. I'm also having a really hard time convincing myself that I'm actually NOT going back to work for a while. That seems so insane! I do miss my students and regret not having been able to say goodbye to them.
We've also enjoyed watching the dogs' reactions to the new baby. Marley has a new nickname - "Nervous Nana." She seems so concerned with the noises the baby makes and runs to my mom to "fix it." Pixel has really surprised us with how calm and accepting he is of the baby. He really seems to know that he's a person and not a plaything or other dog. As with grown people, he really likes to "clean" Mateo's bare feet. :)

It's 3 am...

... but couldn't wait to post some photos! :)

Click here for more photos!

Very, very quick update...

He's here!! Mateo Roy was born at 10:35pm on Wednesday, February 21. My water had broken that morning around 8:35. The labor and delivery really weren't *that* bad (thank goodness for epidurals). He weighed in at 6lbs 13oz and was 20.25 inches long. I'm feeling pretty good - a bit sore. And Rafi is handling his dad responsibilities like a pro. My mom is also here helping - which is MUCH needed.

I'll write more later and post a photo!

Update...

Well, I'm still at 1cm dilated. So no change there. In addition I've got some super harsh illness (feels like bronchitis), but my doctor gave me some antibiotics, so hopefully that will clear soon. She also gave us an induction date - March 5, 2007. The date is kind of cool, we think: 03-05-07. We hope he'll decide to come on his own before then... but not until after we're both feeling better (Rafi seems to be coming down with it, too). It was funny at the doctor's office that while she had a hard time finding the heartbeat with the doppler my entire belly was jumping around and bulging in all directions. She said there's definitely no need to worry about such an active baby! :)

Lately we're just trying to get last minute things in order - nothing too strenuous. I'm trying to learn to relax - something at which I'm not very good. It seems like every time I feel even the slightest bit better I get up and do laundry, work on stuff for school, or clean, etc. I'm going to attempt to do close to nothing tomorrow in hopes of a faster recovery. Anyhow, we put some finishing touches on the nursery this weekend. Rafi painted and installed these shelves and letters and then got crazy with his artistic photography!

Still 1 cm...

Had another doctor appointment today. No further progress other than that he's moved farther down. Bummer. I'm ready to get this show on the road!

One Cm Dilated and other news...

So the dilation process has begun. Do I think he's coming any time soon? Not really. At least not for 2 weeks, I think. I'm definitely in nesting mode - cleaning everything I can, keeping the laundry up, etc. I'm pretty swamped with work lately - getting ready for maternity leave.
Speaking of work, my coworkers threw me a lovely shower! My work family was very generous, and I appreciate all their work and thoughtfulness very much. Here's a link to photos. (Yes, I realize now that wearing large polka dots is probably NOT the best thing to wear when you are 9 months pregnant!) PHOTOS

Not much else going on other than baby preparation these days. I'll update next week if there is any change. :)