Isaiah and Great Grandma Reichenbach

Today Great Grandma Reichenbach came to meet Isaiah. Since there was a snow storm after Isaiah's arrival, not many people were able to make it to the hospital to see him. Grandma, Aunt Susie, and Aunt Carol all came to see him. He was as pleasant as ever and welcomed the company.

Bringing Isaiah Home

Today we bring Isaiah home. We are all so excited to get home with our new bundle of joy. He is a wonderful baby, very calm and sweet. He looked like a little snow bunny when we were leaving the hospital, he looks so small in his carseat.

It's a Boy

Today I was induced, I was really scared as I have heard horror stories about pitocin (sp ?) and how hard and fast it makes your contractions. I arrived at the hospital around 7 AM, we registered and were in our room by 7:30 AM. The first thing they did was hook me up to an IV and pumped a bag of fluid in me. Then the doctor came in and checked my dilation, I was 3 cm. They broke my water at 10:00 AM, and then I began walking the hallways. I walked for 45 minutes, then the contractions started to come. They were definately getting stronger, but I was glad I did not need any pitocin, the labor came on naturally after they broke my water. I took a luke warm bath (I was disappointed - no hot water) It helped with my back somewhat. Then I could not take the pain anymore I needed my epidural. The doc came in and I was 4 cm. I could get my epidural. I waited about 10 minutes for my epidural and the epidural process took 30 minutes to complete, but once it was in, I was a much different person. Bill was glad for the epidural also. The doc came in later and I was 6 cm, they could not believe how fast I was progressing. I was glad for that also. Then around 5:30 I felt some pressure like things were getting closer. I waited a little while then called the nurse. The doc came and checked for dilation and I was 10 cm. They started rolling carts in and said this baby is coming now. I felt relieved. Sure enough after only 10 minutes of pushing, our baby boy was here. He arrived at exactly 6:00 PM and was 7 lbs 9.6 ounces, 20 1/2 inches long, with a head of 35 cm. He was perfect in everyway. The doc said what is his name, and I looked at my husband (since we still were undecided up to the birth) and he said, Isaiah. I smiled big. This was the name I wanted from the day I found out I was pregnant, it was the boy name I liked and felt was for this little one. His full name is Isaiah John Arthur Rahn. We named him John, after my Dad, and Arthur, after Bill's Dad. We are so happy and kids love their new little brother.

40 Weeks

How your baby's growing:It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.

39 1/2 week ultrasound

I had my bio-physical ultrasound today, it took awhile to get the little one awake but finally the little one gave a few good kicks. The breathing was good, heartrate was good at 146. The baby has remained in the birth position, so we did not get any good pictures. The baby is weighing in at 7 lbs 4 oz, with 1/2 - 1 pound margin of error. I had two contractions during the ultrasound, the baby does not move during a contraction. It was interesting to see the baby's reaction to my contractions.

39 weeks

How your baby's growing:Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

39 week checkup

I had my 39 week checkup today. The non stress test went well, the baby is doing good, heart rate strong at 140 range. I am measuring at 41 weeks, I go for another ultrasound on Monday to check weight and biophysical profile. If I do not go into labor naturally by next Thursday, they plan to induce me at 7:00 AM on Thursday, February 21st, 2008. I am hoping that the baby decides to make its debute before then though. I am still only 2 cm dilated, I was hoping to be 3 cm this time. I gained one pound since last week, so I am now at 14 lbs total weight gain.