March 17, 2008 Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Today we celebrated Liam's first Saint Patrick's Day.

He got all dressed up for the day in his shamrock outfit and wore his new bib that his cousin Sydney bought him. What a handsome little Leprechaun!

March 13, 2008 Grandma Jean Comes to Visit!

Today Grandma Jean flew to Birmingham to meet Liam! Liam and I went to the airport to greet her. I could see her walking toward us from the gate, when she got to us it was an emotional moment...we both needed some tissues.

It was so exciting to watch my mom holding him for the first time, she thought he was the cutest little guy ever. She held him all the way to baggage claim and had a big smile on her face.

She stayed through Sunday and was a big help; Mike came down with a bad cold and was out of commission for her entire visit. My house was magically put back together and cleaned from top to bottom...thank you mom! Don't get the wrong idea though she had plenty of time to spoil Liam. Basically if I was not nursing him she was holding him and loving on him.

It was sad to see her go back home but her and Grandpa Bob will be back in 2 weeks for another visit. We are looking forward to it!

Homecoming, March 1, 2008

Today we came home from the hospital with Liam. We did some newborn pictures before we left, he looked so handsome in his little going home outfit...thanks to Amanda J!

It was a relief to be home and for the dogs to meet the newest member of our family. Overall the dogs did well, lots of excitement, sniffing, licking, and whining but they settled in quickly.

Welcome home Liam!!!

Liam Hugh Boyle

On February 28, 2008 Liam Hugh Boyle entered the world at 5:17 PM weighing 7lb 0oz, measuring 19 inches long and is the cutest little guy! After 37 weeks and 3 days we finally found out the sex of the baby, what a moment his birth was!

Here is a short version of events, on Wednesday the 27th I worked 12 hours in the NICU, although exhausted I felt good that night when I went to bed. Around midnight I work up to a trickling feeling and went to the restroom...had some more trickling but I still was not sure what was going on. I woke Mike up and told him I thought my water might be breaking and told him what happened, he asked if I was having contractions and told him no. He told me to go back to bed and that I probably had a weak bladder and was peeing myself. So off to bed I went, this same situation happened a few more times during the night and I started to have some mild contractions (I wasn't even sure they were contractions!) but other than that nothing really happened.

In the morning Mike and I decided that I would just keep my normal doctor's appointment scheduled for 9 that morning. I was so sure that this was a false alarm I sent Mike to work and went to the doctor's by myself (although I must of had some doubt because I did bring my overnight bag with me).

Once at Dr. Kennedy's office she examined me and did a slide to see if my water broke...she came back into the office and said "Jennifer, your water is broken!" I asked her what that meant exactly and she said "Your gonna have your baby!" I was terrrified at the realization that today was the day and said "Like today as in now?" She had a good laugh over that one and the deer in the headlight look I had on my face and nodded her head yes. I told her I wanted her to know that I was terrified and she just smiled. Luckily before I got to the doctor's Mike called and said that he was on his way to meet me there...so I called him and told him that this was the real deal. So much for me being a nurse and Mike a doctor...it just goes to show that once you get out of your specialty you really are lost.

Mike met me downstairs and we headed to Labor and Delivery. Things moved quickly, around 10:30 pitocin was started, shortly thereafter I was ready for a epidural. By the way Dr. Nag is a lifesaver...that epidural was the best thing ever! By 4:30 I was complete and ready to start pushing...and at 5:17 PM our little angel arrived!

I was not prepared for this miracle...it was amazing to see him laying on my stomach and screaming his sweet little head off. As a NICU RN it was the best sound ever! I always had a feeling that it was a boy, it was so exciting to find out when I delivered...definitely worth the wait. We had a nursing student with us for the day and he took all the fabulous pics, thanks Ben!

Watching Mike hold Liam for the first time was also overwhelming, I could see the love in his face for our new bundle. It is unbelievable to see the two people you love most in your life together for the first time.

Pregnancy Photos Arrive!

About two weeks ago (I was almost 35 weeks) Mike and I went to a photographer in town (www.amandatraywick.com) and had some photos done. I was not sure if I would like them or not but they turned out awesome.

In years to come I am sure we will look back and really appreciate this time in our lives and be grateful that we had it captured on film.

This picture is my favorite, who knew that I could be so serious!

36 Week Check up!

Today Mike and I went to see Dr. Kennedy for my 36 week check. Mike had a rare afternoon off and was able to go with which was a special treat! I can proudly report that I am a fingertip dilated and 70% effaced (which is the percentage that the cervix has thinned out). I don't really think this means a whole lot...I can stay like this for my remaining 4 weeks or progress and deliver tomorrow. If only we had a crystal ball!

I am getting anxious about delivery, the pelvic hurt quite a bit today and I am wondering if her hand hurt that much how the heck will I get a baby through there! Details, details!

AOA and Resident's Showers

Mike works with Dr. Long at Alabama Ophthalmology Associates and they too gave us a shower! It was at the office and catered by Homewood Gourmet (which I happen to love!). It was great to get to meet all the staff and put some faces with the names that I hear so often. We really enjoyed ourselves and are still amazed at how generous everyone has been.

The residents also had a baby shower for us at Josh and Mandy's house, Brian and Anna also helped to host it. I feel like all I do is repeat myself about how fortunate we are to have so many people that care about us. We had a great time and can't wait for everyone to meet this baby when he/she arrives! (Sadly I don't have pictures for the AOA shower and hopefully will have some pics from the residents shower soon...sorry).