Who Is Who?

I have said that Gavin looks just like Devin as a baby. Now, see what you think. One picture is of Devin and the other is of Gavin.

2 Weeks Old

Gavin is two weeks old now and such a good baby. We took him back to the pediatrician for another "weigh in" and he was 9 pounds, 15 ounces. As a nursing mom, that was a very proud moment!

Gavin is still sleeping most of the day away, but when he is up, he is very alert. He can track you with his eyes and give a smile or sound. He also is pretty good with holding up his head too. He also is starting to get chubby legs and a good second chin. He is definitely not on the skinny side already! I can't believe how much he has changed in just two weeks. It is amazing.

Devin is a wonderful older brother. He really made it through the second baby transition really well. We've had a great time at home with Devin and are very excited for him to start preschool the Monday after the fourth of July.

We've been doing a really good job getting out of the house. For the last two weekends, we've ventured over to the Davis Farmer's Market. We also went out to Coldstone to treat Devin for being such a good boy this past week. We also made it to Devin's music class the last two weeks (including when Gavin was only 5 days old). It is amazing how much more mobile you are with a second baby. Or at least that is the case for now. We just wanted to make a good effort to not turn Devin's world/routine upside down with Gavin's arrival.

More Pics - Days 3-10

Rich, Devin and Gavin (four days old)

Auntie Des and Gavin
Gavin brought gifts for Devin. The firetruck was a HUGE hit.

Good Dr. Appts

We took Gavin to the pediatrician for a follow-up appt three days after his birth. The appt was more of a weight check than anything. We were happy to see our boy weighed in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces. So, he really was only down 6 ounces from birth. They really don't want newborns to lose more than 10% of their body weight or they get on you to supplement with formula. But thankfully, Gavin was doing fine on the scales and my milk was coming in so all was well on that front. Yeah!

Gavin Ethan Valdez

Here's some special pictures of Gavin's first two days. This one, in particular, was taken right after Gavin was born. What a special moment!

Gavin was a whopping 8 lbs, 12 ounces, and 20.5 inches long.Daddy holding Gavin for the first time.
Here we are headed to our postpardum room about 2 hrs after Gavin's birth.

Our first family photo.Devin has been giving his brother lots of hugs and kisses. Very sweet!
Devin was very intrigued with Gavin's little feet.

We are finally home!Piper checking out her new sibling. She pretty much gave Gavin the same sniff and look she gave Devin when we brought him home.

It's a Boy!

We welcomed with joy another son on June 11, 2009 at 2:11 a.m. It is with much excitement that we introduce you to Gavin Ethan Valdez. He weighed 8 lbs, 12 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. He was a whopping pound and a half bigger than Devin, but thankfully I had a really quick delivery.

I finished with work on the 10th, including some last minute emails until 10:45 p.m. at night. Then my contractions started at 11 p.m. I think this kid was waiting for me to officially wrap things up for my job. The contractions were very intense from the start and already 5 minutes apart. I told Rich after only a couple that it was time to go to the hospital. Thankfully my brother and sister-in-law were at our house for the night so Rich and I were able to just slip out the door without having to explain anything to Devin. And my brother was sweet enough to help me get my shoes on!

We arrived at the hospital at 7 cm and +2 station. Earlier in the day, my doctor said I was up to 5 cm so I knew things were going to go quick. I got a wonderful epidural (that worked this time) and was ready to deliver at 1:30 a.m. (only 2 1/2 hours after my first contraction). The doctor wasn't yet at the hospital so I had to wait....that was the longest time of my life. When the doctor arrived, it only took two easy pushes and our baby boy was born. It all happened so fast, I kept thinking, "I can't believe I just had a baby!"

Gavin screamed pretty good after he was born so we knew he was doing well. He had some heart decelerations during labor, so there was concern that maybe a cord was around his neck. But that ended up not being the case and everything was just fine upon delivery. We feel very blessed to have come through the delivery so well and our baby boy is absolutely perfect.

Friday is the Big Day!

I spoke with my doctor today and confirmed that they have an opening at the hospital for me to go in on Friday morning for induction. I really hoped that I wouldn't have to be induced, but I don't feel like this kid is planning to arrive on its own anytime soon. I have another dr. appt tomorrow, but she said that I don't have to go because I'll be admitted two days later. I may still go to my appt. anyways to have my disability paperwork signed and also see if the dr. can check me again and "stir things up" with hopes of getting labor going. I'm willing to try anything. :-)

Friday is my due date, so I feel really good knowing the baby is full term and ready to go. We had Devin also on a Friday, so this feels a bit like our old routine. Either way, I'm very excited to meet this little baby and know once and for all if it is a boy or girl. I'm still putting my money on boy. Once we know the gender, we'll get busy working on names. Both Rich and I have been wanting to meet our little one first. And honestly, knowing the gender cuts the name decisioning process in half.

I have pretty much nested all I can nest. The yard has been relandscaped, the laundry has been done several times over, and I'm finishing up at work tomorrow. I very much look forward to a day off work on Thursday before our little one arrives. Thankfully, I've had no problems sleeping so I feel as ready as I can be.

We will keep everyone posted on the news of our baby's arrival as soon as possible. And thanks to everyone for the well wishes.

39 Weeks and Counting

I saw my doctor yesterday and she said that I'm 4 cm dilated, 60%, and -1 station. So it is really just a matter of time for this baby to come. She does think my labor will go quick, which would be great! I had a ton of contractions last Saturday and then again on Wednesday night, but they faded both times. I don't feel the same as I did before I had Devin so it is anyone's guess as to when this baby will come. My doctor said that she'd induce me anytime I want, but I'd rather go into labor on my own. I have another appt next Wednesday and my doctor is on call next Thursday (the day before my due date), so I'll likely go for the induction on Thursday if the baby doesn't come before then. I am just eager to meet this little boy or girl. The mystery will be over very soon! I can't wait.

As part of our nesting project, we completely relandscaped our front yard and put in eight garden beds with a fountain in the back yard. It looks great. I'll try to post some pictures this weekend. Devin has enjoyed being outside playing in all the dirt piles while we made the final push to get the yard work done.

Devin has also crossed the hump to getting potty trained. We are using "big boy" underwear all day and just a pull up at night. He stays dry at night most of the time so we are all thrilled. He didn't want to poop on the potty for a while, but we made a fun song we sing when he does it and he finally got on board. Yeah. We are thrilled to have him out of diapers before baby #2 arrives. Devin also has been very sweet with our friend's little baby. At first, he did not like me holding a newborn, but quickly got over it when I asked him to help me pat his back or touch his feet. I think he is getting that he can be a good helper and not lose mommy in the process. I'm so proud of him.

Devin has really sprouted up in the last month. He has completely blown through a two sizes of underwear and is in 4T shorts and 3T shirts. I almost think he could go up to 5T in shorts. Thankfully I can do that with shorts. If he is in that size in the fall, I think we'll have to get Grandma Casaday hemming some pants. haha.

I received a promotion at work today, which I'm thrilled about. I can't believe I got this opportunity the week before my due date! I feel very fortunate and blessed in so many aspects of my life. It is truely a time to give thanks!