Welcome to the World Baby Boy...We're so Happy You're Here!

Ryan Patrick Bland was born on June 22, 2010 at 2:35 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. What an amazing day! Just to re-cap the wonderful event...

Peter and I went into the hospital at 7 a.m. on the 22nd. At 8:30 a.m. I was given petocin to start the contractions (this was after starting a does of antibiotics for Group B Strep). At about 10:30 a.m. I received my epidural. at this point my blood pressure dropped significantly, which caused the fetal heart rate to drop. So then I was administered ephedrine. Yes, this is all very similar to what happened when Charlie was born. All seemed to be going pretty well. We got to the "it is time to push part" and push I did. Thank goodness for strong ab muscles! We had some complications, as Ryan's head came out but his shoulders seemed to be stuck. Not to mention that the umbilical cord was wrapped around his head and chest. At 2:35 p.m. he arrived, but the poor little guy was not breathing. The NICU staff was called in to resuscitate him. I was an emotional wreck...in fact, I tear up when I think about it. My heart felt like it might just break. Thank goodness for the NICU team. They were amazing and had him breathing in no time. Both of my boys liked to give me a big scare after being born.

Ryan is absolutely perfect! He has lots of dark brown hair and these big, beautiful eyes. I am not quite sure who he looks like at this point. All I know is that he is truly perfect. I always wondered if I could love another child as much as I love Charlie. It almost seemed like an impossible feat, but as my friend Heather said, "Your heart expands to this huge capacity." I know mine certainly has. One night in the hospital, Peter came by with Charlie. I was sitting there with all of my boys, and I thought to myself that I was the luckiest person on the face of the earth. I really do feel blessed.

One week left to go, and I am ready (sort of)!

I am 39 weeks today, and I am definitely ready on a mental, physical and emotional level. The little guy, however, seems to be quite cozy where he is, and how can you blame him? I went to Dr. Y this morning only to be told that I am still 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced…no changes from last week. Then I find out that Dr. Y is going to be out of town from June 16 until June 20. Really? He did not clear his vacation schedule with me! So, my hope is that the little guy makes his appearance this weekend, or he waits until my mom is home.

Charlie is certainly feeling the changes, but at least now he does not keep saying, “I am going to shove Baby Brother and push him down.” Now he tells me that he is going to teach Baby Brother how to play basketball and baseball, and he hopes that Baby Brother will not try to bite him. Once again…the mind of a two-year-old!

Think good thoughts for me. June 12 would be a great day for a birthday, right?

Changes are Coming...

We went to the doctor today to see how everything is going with Baby B. And the first thing Dr. Y said was, “I hope you are ready because this baby could come any day now.” What??? Are you kidding me? I am just about 35 weeks along. What he meant was that if the baby was born now, we would not be in a “danger zone,” so to speak. Ahh, a sigh of relief. Although I still find myself to be neurotic and crazy at times and feel like I may never sleep again.

So, yes, I think we are ready. It is amazing how the time has flown by. I have felt great, and we are all so excited to meet the little man. Yes, we have a name. No, I am not going to tell you. We like to do this just to bug my mom…sorry, Mom! But it is a great name, and we are excited about it. More on that later…

Charlie, however, is going through a phase of being overly sensitive and acting out a bit at school. What to do? It is not like we can show him more affection and love – the poor kid would be smothered. I said to him, “I hope Baby Brother has hair like yours.” His response…”Nooooo, Baby Brother cannot have my hair, Mommy!” The trials and tribulations of being two!

Let’s Rock and Roll, Mommy!

Really? Is my two-year old really saying “let’s rock and roll” to me? Although he meant something else by it, I decided it was my cue to start up a blog – something I have been meaning to do for two years.

I am entering week 30 of my pregnancy and what a week it has been. I think my emotions are getting the best of me at times. A friend/co-worker told me two days ago that I have been rude all week. Hormones, right?

Anyway, life is good. Charlie is growing like a weed and keeps me and Peter entertained by the silly things he says and does. His vocabulary amazes us…and sometimes frightens us. Where did he learn that four-letter word? He is a sweet, good natured boy and will be such a good big brother.

Baby 2 is supposed to arrive on June 17, which means we have ten weeks to go. Oh boy! I have been feeling great, and I cannot wait to meet the little guy. Although, nothing has been done to prepare. At least we have the clothes already.

Peter is doing well. The Jazz are playing well, and we are looking forward to the playoffs. Amazingly enough, the season has flown by! Go Jazz!!!

What Charlie phrase will be my next inspiration??? We shall see…