GPO His first bath. Photo by my eldest.

Stormageddon’s umbilical cord finally fell off so we could give him a good washing. He hated the bath. HATED IT. But now he is sleeping very soundly and smells better.

He checked out great at his doctor’s appointment on Thursday. He already weighs nine pounds, which is nearly a full pound more than the midwife weighed him last week. He nurses like a champ.

I can’t believe how fast he is changing. The first time around I couldn’t wait for all the new things kidbite would do. I couldn’t wait for him to grow up. Now, with Stormageddon, I just want him to stay little. I never thought I would feel that way.

Two weeks old. Sleeping with daddy.

Baby naps

Little men.

I accidentally caught a sleep smile while taking one of Stormy’s daily photos!

Little Stormageddon, born 1-27-12 at 7:22 pm, weighed in at 8 lbs 1 oz, was 21 in long, and has a full head of gorgeous hair.

I love it when you call me Big Poppa.

Daniel snuggles with our new son.

thedza:

90% effaced and a stretchy 4 cm.

And now I will lie down and rest between contractions. If my bed weren’t covered in plastic sheeting a la Dexter’s kill room, I might actually be able to sleep. 

39 weeks 6 days - All pretty for my pedicure

Early labor is starting, and there is lots left to do. This is me breathing through a contraction. Birth may still be a day or two away, but the arrival of Babybite will be sooner rather than later!

liquiddiamonds:

frageelay:

nicky36:

If you are reading this, then I’m sure you know Elizabeth and Daniel.

In the time that I have known them they have both gone through a lot, both separately and together. They are both amazing people with big hearts and complicated lives who work hard to be good parents and good partners. 

And now they get to be good partners to each other and good parents together. 

In celebration of this awesome internet arrival, and in conjunction with Elizabeth’s family in friends in Kansas, who are having a shower for Elizabeth on January 8th, I’d like to invite you to join me in being part of an “internet” baby shower!

Elizabeth and Daniel have chosen to go to a local midwife for care. A ChipIn has been set up to help offset the cost of that care.

If you have been following along with Elizabeth and Daniel and were wondering how you could show them your love and support, please consider helping them with a donation toward the gift of great medical care!

Please feel free to reblog as much as you would like!

I love this idea, I love Elizabeth and Daniel, and I am as excited to spread the word as I am to shower their baby-to-be with love!

Elizabeth and Daniel are good peeps. Happy to share the love.

oh, you guys are great! I’m going to cry. Thank you so much.

Change and unexpected surprises can be incredibly difficult to work through financially, emotionally, and physically. This pregnancy was a surprise to say the least, and it would be wonderful if i could say it’s been nothing but unicorns, cupcakes, rainbows, and sunshine the whole way through, but the truth is that it’s been hard. Physically it’s been good. Much better than my last. Emotionally and psychologically it’s a struggle. We’ve had to learn to take everything one day at a time.

We don’t know what the future looks like. We are just now getting to the part where we can plan for at least the birth of the baby. We aren’t much beyond that, but we know that we want this baby to come into our lives at home surrounded by support and love of family, midwives, and doulas instead of a hospital.

Everything about this pregnancy points to the success of a home birth. I am healthy and in-shape. The baby is doing great. He is head down and in the best position for birth. Something my first never was. Our family is supportive. And above all else, I know that I can do this.

All of you have been so sweet with kind words of encouragement and congratulations through this pregnancy, especially when I was at some very low points. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to all of you. Thank you so much.

GPOY - haven’t done this in a while.

33 weeks. Surprised this shirt still kind of fits.

The detergent arrived! Time to wash the diapers!

This is just the newest part of my stash. I still have others that my son used and more from my sister.

I cloth diapered my first out of necessity. He was allergic to nearly every disposable except for very expensive ones. As he grew up cloth diapering was just part of the routine, and then it became a “habit.” I bought ones with cute patterns, bold colors, and tried all different kinds. It was nearing an addiction before he potty trained. 

This time around, the baby is starting out in cloth. I am so excited!

GPOY - Waiting for the doctor

31 weeks