The day that changed our lives forever...

Was May 29, 2009 at 5:53pm. Nicholas was born 8 lbs, 8 oz and 22 1/4 inches long.

Friday morning we had a regular visit scheduled at 8:15 am. They performed an ultrasound and everything looked great - they estimated his weight at 8 lbs 12 oz. Dr. Gregory checked me and I was only 2 cm dialated. She said everything was great and went ahead and scheduled me to be induced on Monday at 7am. In the meantime, they hooked me up to the fetal heart monitor. During that time I actually had three contractions. Dr. Gregory looked at the monitor and didn't like that his heart rate dropped everytime I had a contraction. She then told us she was going to go ahead and send us to labor and delivery right then to start Pitocin and break my water.

Needless to say we were both in shock as we were both expecting to come back the following Monday. Luckily we brought all our bags with us just in case. The entire walk to labor and delivery was a long one. We got settled into the labor room and got me hooked up to all the monitors, etc. I progressed fairly quickly and the contractions weren't too painful. The nurse asked when I was around 4 cm if I wanted to get the epidural. I wanted to make sure it wouldn't wear off before it was really needed, but the nurse reassured me it wouldn't. Epidurals are wonderful and immediately worked.

Around 4pm they told me to start to push. About an hour and a half later, they told me to stop because Dr. Favor - the one to deliver Nicholas - was in the middle of another labor and I would have to wait. NOT what I wanted to hear. Luckily it was only 5 or 10 minutes before Dr. Favor came in and we started pushing again.

So at 5:53pm Nicholas Brent Davenport made his entrance into this world. Daddy was able to cut the cord (that was actually wrapped around his neck). Immediately Dr. Favor and all the nurses said he was a large baby, so I was dying to know what his stats were. They immediately took him to suction out some fluid that he swallowed in the delivery process. He hardly ever cried during his bath and other tests they performed.

It turns out that Nicholas is in the 95th percentile for his length. I had never heard of a baby being longer than 21 inches. The entire process was much better than I expected and I'm just so happy he is healthy and finally here!

Due date is here and yet Nicholas is not

Well today is the day that Gabe and I have been looking forward to for 9 months and yet we don't have a newborn son to show for it. I was always aware that he could very well be late (especially for first time moms), but I guess I kept thinking he would be here by now. The main reason I'm excited about our appointment on Friday is because Dr. Gregory will tell us when she will induce me.

I'm still doing really well, considering the circumstances. Gabe and I have frequented the walking track at our local park several times recently, which probably helps since I haven't really exercised since becoming pregnant.

Stay tuned for the latest... Hopefully we will have more news soon.

No progress...

Our doctors visit this morning went much better than our last visit. However, Dr. Gregory said that I haven't progressed at all. We are scheduled to go back next Friday the 29th. They will perform an ultrasound again and then check my progress. If Nicholas doesn't arrive by next Friday, Dr. Gregory will schedule me to be induced (we are thinking probably the next Tuesday - June 2).

I'm really trying to be patient, but I'm so anxious to meet our son! I just need to put everything in God's hands and trust that He knows best.

Belly Pics

We have documented my belly pretty much throughout the pregnancy. You can tell from the pictures below that some days are better than others. I have to say I'm blessed to be so tall as I can still reach my toes, shave my legs, etc even with my gigantic belly. Our next appointment is on Wednesday (exactly 39 weeks). I'm hoping to get an update on my progress since I didn't get one last time.

We did have an ultrasound at my last appointment. Apparently Dr. Favor (not my doctor) is super cautious and when I told her Nicholas wasn't moving as much, she was concerned. Everything measured great on the ultrasound and his heart rate is normal as well.

Happy Mother's Day!

We would like to wish a special Happy Mother's Day to Gigi, Mimi, Grandmother, Mamaw, Beth and Nancy! We went to Mimi and Pop's church today to celebrate. At one point the preacher had all the moms stand up. The sweetest old man sitting in front of us told me to stand up half-way. The countdown is definitely on... It will be interesting to find out my measurements at this Friday's appointment.

Has Nicholas "dropped"?

This morning I woke up to realize that it had just become much easier to turn over in bed. I had read in a few of my pregnancy books that the baby will "drop" 2-4 weeks before he's due. This just means that he's getting ready for the real thing and it will be easier for me to breathe and eat larger meals with out the heartburn - woohoo! We go back to the doctor on Thursday, so I will ask her to verify that Nicholas has in fact dropped.

Fantastic Birthday and Shower!

Yesterday was my 28th birthday and our last baby shower. Brad and Beth (Gabe's sister and our brother-in-law) hosted a football themed couples diaper shower. All I can say is they went way above and beyond any expectations and we had a wonderful time! We are so blessed to have Beth and Brad in our lives that care so much to put so much time and effort into the wonderful night!

We played several games that included taking me out of the room and everyone had to write down what I was wearing - whoever remembered the most accurately won. After that they had the guys compete by seeing who could drink tea the fastest out of a baby bottle without taking the top off. Mike (Gabe's dad) won easily by ripping a hole in the nipple of the bottle - very creative! Then we all played a game where Brad read several questions and the answers to the questions were a candy that had been placed on the coffee table (What will the hospital bill cost? 100 Grand candy bar, etc). It was so much fun!

Thanks to everyone who came to the shower! We are loaded up with diapers and wipes! It's hard to imagine that we will ever run out, but I know that is far from the truth...