He's 24!

Hours that is!! I can't believe I've been blessed with such a beautiful little boy. (Sorry, I mean handsome.)

Right now he's sleeping and allowing me a few moments to post real quick. Thank you so much to everyone for your prayers and thoughts. We weren't expecting to post news for a couple more weeks. But we couldn't be more grateful that he's here and healthy. The pediatrician said he looks great and the only concern they have right now is a heart murmur. Lots of babies are born with heart murmurs and don't have any problems. He is scheduled for an echocardiogram today so continue to keep us in your prayers until we are out of here and in our own beds. We will keep you all posted as usual. The hospital and staff have been great. The nurses here are exceptional and probably don't get as much credit as they deserve.

Daddy and me giving Mommy some much needed rest!!

REALLY close up shot of me!!!

Not so close up but still cute as a button!!

Mommy took this while Daddy was snoring!! She's so talented!!

PICTURES!!!!

Before delivery, all smiles!!!

Still all smiles!! Even after an intense delivery!!

That's my boy!! (And me too!)

Our little miracle!!

WOOHOO!!!

August 27th 2008, 6:48 AM, God's newest miracle graced us with his presence. Tipping the scales at 8 lbs. 3 oz, and 20.5 inches long, James Daniel Huffstetler has got to be the most awesome thing I've seen!! I'm about as proud as I can be of both him and Elizabeth for enduring what can only be described as probably the most painful thing ever.

What cracked me up was he was crying (obviously) even when they gave him to Elizabeth. I grabbed him up and he stopped. That made me feel outstanding to say the least.

He looks just like me too. Hopefully he'll grow out of that and look more like his momma down the line. They just brought him back all cleaned up and good to go. Nana and Aunt Debbie are here visiting and just in awe. Good stuff all around.

Thank God for this miracle. If it wasn't for His presence through all this, I don't think I'd be typing this right now. We have truly been blessed.

Until next time!!

Michael, from here on out, known as Daniel's dad.

Hurry up and wait

Here we sit, in Labor and Delivery at the hospital, waiting on Daniel to finally get here. Libby's on a Pitocin drip and just chilling waiting on the inevitable. It's making her contractions a little more apparent and more often. She's not in a whole lot of pain, (from what I can tell) and is progressing surprisingly smoothly.


Hopefully, we'll be seeing him before the night's out. Which will be awesome because Aug. 26th is exactly one month before my birthday. Not like I would forget his birthday anyway, but if it's easier, it's all good.

I'll do my best to keep everybody updated as we progress, but I'm on the hospital's public network, so being able to access certain things is a bit of a hassle.


So, until then.


Michael

Week 38: Stuck in a holding pattern

Baby's development in pregnancy week 38: As you know, you've arrived at the final leg of your pregnancy journey, and if you're still carrying your little love around, they've just about reached their birth weight (somewhere between 6 to 8 pounds is average depending on whether they're a boy or girl). There really isn't a lot to report on baby this week, so lets do a quick recount of where we're at: all internal organ systems are pretty much ready for the outside world, they've got their meconium stockpile building up (their first black baby poo), lots of healthy baby fat, a rapidly developing brain (that'll keep growing with them for years to come), and they've more or less reached official baby status-- all they need to do is "head out" and say hello to the rest of the world and especially their ready-to-pop momma.

Week 37: And we're ready for take off!

Baby's development in pregnancy week 37: It’s the calm before the storm. Changes in your baby's weight have leveled off with only a few ounces of fat added this week. At this point your baby should weigh in at around 7 lbs and 20 inches (with boys somewhat heavier and longer than girls). Happily, as far as internal organs go, they are now developed enough to function in the outside world although the oh-so-important immune system is still developing and will continue to do so after birth. With a large boost of antibodies provided by breast milk when nursing begins. Fighting infection and staying healthy should be well within their physical capacity when your little fighter is born.

And how's mom doing? Your health care provider will assess the likelihood of where you are relative to your upcoming birthing process—seeing as you’ve now arrived at that waiting phase that could turn into labor at any time. Various charming indicators such as loose stools, expelling your mucus plus (along with the bloody show – see week 35), a dilated cervix and increased Braxton-Hicks contractions are all signs that labor is only a few days away. The infamous water breaking may or may not be your first true indicator that labor has commenced. However, water breaks for only 15% of mothers and despite what Hollywood would have us believe, is more frequently just a slow leak rather than a large gush.

Be patient: if labor doesn’t start this week, or even next, keep in mind that only 4-5% of women actual deliver on their predicted due date. What’s more if this is your first pregnancy, you can expect to be anywhere from two days to two weeks late. You can distract yourself by keeping track of fetal movements, mostly to reassure yourself that all is well with your little miracle. In the off chance that movements do start to decrease substantially, try not to freak out and instead, call your doctor of midwife and discuss it with them.

If you still haven’t decided whether to breastfeed or not, here’s a good reason: some experts estimate that mothers excrete between 400-700 calories a day while breastfeeding, and to compensate, you should be eating roughly 500 extra calories a day (mmm that’s like one spoonful of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream).

Much needed catching up!

Well, I have kicked Michael off the computer tonight so that I can attempt to catch up on blogging!

Michael and I have been so blessed these past nine months that we don't know how to properly thank everyone. We have received so many wonderful gifts for Daniel. This baby is so loved and he's not even here yet! We have had two showers that have provided a lot of our baby needs. If for any reason God saw fit to have him arrive tomorrow, we'd be set. The only big item we're missing right now is the travel set (stroller/car seat combo). It's the most important, we realize. But still it's the last important thing to get. How lucky are we? This baby is set for clothes up to nearly twelve months of age. We have tons of diapers, but we're still working on gathering more. You can never have too much of that! :o)

Michael and I also had some maternity portraits done last weekend after our shower. I'm hoping my feet aren't showing too much because they were so swollen! What was I thinking trying to do so much in one day? I'm an over achiever I guess trying to squeeze in everything before he gets here. But I had such a great time. For you "Friends" fans out there, I'm Chandler when it comes to having my picture taken. I don't do well at all! LOL If anyone is looking for a photographer her name is Natalie Busch and she was just great. She made me feel so at ease and have a good time. We've already started discussing Daniel's first photo session. (You may see pictures of my sister and her husband on her site.)

The nursery is basically done. My dad and "second mom" Lisa got us the changing table we had registered for. (It converts into a desk later!) Sadly, it's not put together yet. It was an online only item that had to be shipped. When it arrived the box was in horrible shape and one of the legs was split down the middle. Making it unfit to put together. So Michael immediately inspected everything else and made sure we at least had all the pieces before calling them. They told him we would have the replacement by Monday or Tuesday this week but we haven't received it yet. The email confirmation did say to give them 3 -14 days. So we'll give them a few more days to get it here. I'm just really anxious to get it done! Besides the table all I have left to do is purchase a slip cover for the couch in the nursery. Yes, I said couch. This is a very large room. I can't wait to post up pictures. But I'm waiting until it's all done. I can't post pictures of an incomplete room! :o)

My last appointment last week went fine and uneventful. After my appointment I did get a tour of the labor and delivery floor where we'll be. I made the mistake of doing this without Michael because the nervous excitement of it all took over on my way home. It all became very real! This baby is almost here and there's not turning back. My next appointment is on August 21st and Michael will be attending that one. I think he's just using the appointment to get out of orientation! :o) But we're going to tour L&D that day too so he can know where to go and such.

People keep asking me if I'm getting nervous and if I'm "done" being pregnant. I have to say that I have been blessed all around with this pregnancy. The fact that we got pregnant is a blessing. The fact that we're having the boy we've always wanted is a blessing. The fact that I've not had any problems at all with this pregnancy has been a blessing. I can say I've truly enjoyed being pregnant. I will admit that if I had my choice I wouldn't want to do it during the summer again. But it wasn't my choice, was it? Up until the past couple of weeks I've been pretty comfortable. But now the heat is getting to me and the lack of sleep isn't any better. All in preparation, I know!

Most of all, I can't wait to meet him!! I can't wait to see his face and all his fingers and toes. Who is he going to look like? How big is he going to be. Is he going to be a singer like his daddy? Is he going to have my temper? (I hope not!) I just can't wait to hold him and tell him how much I love him and see him in his daddy's arms! This is what we've been waiting for and it's just around the corner!

Thank you dear Lord for all of the blessings you've deemed us worthy to receive. I pray that we raise him to be the boy You want him to be. I pray that he grows up to love and worship you as his father and I do. Lord, I pray that our son understands one day just how much he was loved before he was even conceived. And not just by his parents, but by You Lord. I pray you guide Michael and me as we raise this boy to live for You and not of this world. Thank you dear God for everything. We love you and thank you!

Showers of Blessings

There were so many pictures to catch you up on I thought it would just be easier to do slide shows. If you slide your mouse over the pictures it will show the captions. Hope you enjoy!




Work Shower:

Family Shower:

Week 36: Wee fingers o' steel

Baby's development in pregnancy week 36: The countdown continues… and in baby developments: most of the bones (soft skull aside) in their little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which they can now make their grand debut into the world. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are structurally ready for a secure launch. In physical fitness news: their muscle tone has also improved over these past few weeks, and you’ll definitely be impressed by their steel-like Ulnar grasp (a newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm). And in genital development: if you’re having a girl, her labia are now fully developed. Finally, in the fluids/excretion department: the amniotic fluid-to-baby ratio has fallen over these past weeks, although they’re still swallowing fluid (building up even more meconium for that historic first poop), and some vernix caseosa. They will be more than ready to swallow and digest milk after birth. Just in case you didn’t get it quite yet: you’ve got yourself an adorable and hungry 6.5 lbs 20 inch baby—are you ready?

How your life's changing: Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

BAD BLOGGER!! BAD!!

I realize I have not been the best blogger. My posts have gone down to once a week and even then they're just the weekly development updates. But it has been absolutely CRAZY the past few weeks. I have tons of pictures to post and lots to catch up on. I'll will post an update soon!
I know you guys are just hanging on my every word! :) LOL

Week 35: Hey! It IS getting cramped in here.

Baby's development in pregnancy week 35: Congratulations! You’re now carrying nearly 6 lbs of baby not counting their amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, or the placenta itself. We’re impressed because that’s a LOT of work non-stop. Are you feeling proud of yourself yet? Well, get to it—you’ve done an amazing job! At this point, your little grower is almost busting out of the womb size-wise, which make their restricted attempts to move much challenging. Of course, your stubborn little sucker is still trying to move around as if they weren’t in a cramped space. And the accumulationg baby fat deposits are starting to level off so your little butter ball will be padded and warm when they head out of their super snug little home.

And how's mom doing? We’re sure you’ve noted that the contractions are picking up and despite the obvious appeal of getting the pregnancy over with at this point, try not to jump the gun too soon by declaring actual labor. Of course, if it’s getting to the point where you’re having contractions continuously— you’re in labor and yes, it’s time for the "grab your bags we’re gonna have a baby" rush. For the rest of you not yet in labor, your watermelon-betwixt-my-legs waddle is as charming as ever, not to mention the glorious ongoing back pain and fatigue. Hang in there! Once you’ve got your miracle baby on the outside, this will all be a dim memory. So, catch the cat naps whenever possible and keep yourself hydrated with water and try to imagine how all of this will (hopefully) be much funnier in hindsight.

Your doctor or midwife should soon start monitoring cervical effacement (thinning of the cervix) and dilation in order to predict labor. If your cervix is already dilated labor is probably not far away—although there are some moms who walk around with a dilated cervix for a couple of days prior to labor. And if you haven’t heard about the joys of discharging the mucus plug (which protects the uterus from infection) along with some spotting, commonly called “bloody show”—both are signs that labor is around the corner. Should you discharge anything unusual in consistency and/or coloration, don’t hesitate to call you health care providor, it’s probably nothing, but you certainly don’t need the extra stress right now.

Let’s talk about pain. Reports on the intensity of pain experienced during labor and childbirth are widely varied from woman to woman. The pain experienced depends on several things including your own natural pain threshold, medication, birthing position, fetal position, previous births, your general health and the actual birthing environment. Of course, there are natural births, cesarean deliveries, spinals, IV’s and other pain medications, all of which also play into how you experience pain during child birth.

Ideally, you should attempt to be as relaxed as possible and willing to accept the pain as part of the birthing process. In reality, your experience of the birthing process is unique to your body and how you choose to respond to it. Pain is a two part process: the first part is the physical experience of the pain and the second is your emotional reaction to your experience—and that is the part you have the most control over. Choosing to accept and endure the pain of child-birth (with or without medication) can be an empowering experience for any woman, as well as making the birthing process notably easier for those assisting you.