Welcome Liam Andrew Brown

March 9, 2010

Liam Andrew Brown arrived this afternoon weighing in at 9 pounds and 15 ounces. Liam measured 22 1/2 inches long. I know what you are thinking, what a big boy. ;)

I feel in love with Liam instantly. He is adorable with his big brown eyes, red hiar and pink lips. Yes, that is correct, I said red hair. Once we met Liam with his red hair, JB and I agreed that the name fit him perfectly. As a side note, Liam was the only name that both JB and I both liked. Believe me there were many suggested, but we always came back to Liam. Andrew is after my sisiter Andrea. For those of you who do not know, I lost my sister when she was eight years old (I was twelve) in a car accident five days before Christmas. This was a great way to honor her and I was touched with JB's thoughtfulness.

Final Dr.'s Visit - March 8th

Today is our final Dr.'s appointment regarding Baby Brown. Dr. Clinton confirmed that there is no change in Brown's status. Therefore, we said goodbye to Dr. Clinton until Tuesday morning for delivery. In the meantime, we are heading home to relax before going to the hospital at midnight for inducing.

March 7th

This evening I started to feel what I would consider contractions and back labor - at least that is what my book says. ;) However, the contractions are so erratic (every one to two hours). May be I will go into labor on my own and will not have to be induced. I am not worried about the pain, it is the unknown that has me nervous.

March 8th officially starts my maternity leave. Tomorrow will be a day of rest and waiting for midnight to arrive. My parents are planning on being here in the afternoon and are going to the hospital with us for inducing. It is nice to know that my mom will be close if I need her.

March 8th is my final Dr.'s appointment with Dr. Clinton regarding this pregnancy. I have to admit - I am glad to be done with the weekly appointments. ;)

Stay tuned . . .

March 2nd = Due Date

March 2nd was our 40 week appointment with Dr. Clinton. We headed to the Dr.'s office with my bag and the diaper bag in hand just in case we were sent directly to the hospital. Originally we were told that we would not go four days past our due date, so worse case would be that I would be induced on Friday.

Our visit was short and to the point with Dr. Clinton. Unfortunately, we did not receive the news we were hoping for. Dr. Clinton informed me that I would have go 41 weeks and 4 days before she would recommend inducing me. At this point, what is a few more days?

So, here I am back at work as we continue the waiting game. To be honest with you - I am ready for Baby Brown to come. With that said, Monday evening (at midnight) I will be induced at Northwestern Hospital. Baby Brown will be here one way or another or March 9th.

Where is Brown?

Sunday, February 28th

I was hoping that Brown would be here this weekend. I thought this would be perfect timing - I would have him on Sunday and then my maternity leave would start on Monday, March 1st. I know that I have no control over this, but a girl can hope, right?

Today was a great day. JB and I went to church, exchanged a few baby items at the stores and took a nice long walk around the neighborhood. It was cold out, but nice to be out in the fresh air.

It looks like I will be head to work on Monday.

Saturday - Feb. 27th

On Saturday (February 27th) I spent the day organizing and getting myself prepared for Brown's arrival - AGAIN. I woke up early and cleaned the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, washed and folded clothes, mopped, and the list goes on. Everything was done and there was nothing else to clean. I looked at the clock and was shocked to see that it was only noon. I thought for sure that it was at least two or later. Great, now what do I do for the rest of the day?

So, I made lunch and was sucked into an MTV show entitled "16 and Pregnant." After watching T.V. I then decided to read more of my parenting books and "What to Expect the First Year." The day seemed to drag on as I looked for things to do. I went into the nursery and inspected the shelves that were previously hung up and thought one just wasn't right. Therefore, I pulled the shelves out and rehung everything. What else could I do in the nursery? Everything was washed and folded - we just need Brown.

I then decided to make chicken parmigiana for dinner. It turned out great and thankfully helped passed the time.

The countdown continues . . .

40 Weeks

We had our 40 week Dr.'s apt. on Tuesday, March 2nd (our expected due date) and were informed that there is no sign of Baby Brown's arrival.

The visit included our final ultrasound, at least that was what we were hoping. I have to admit that I never get tired of seeing the ultrasound images. It is amazing to me what we can see with technology. Our visit was normal and we received good news according to the status of Brown. There is no loss of amniotic fluid, Brown is head down and in position, and he is estimated to be 8 pounds and 10 ounces. Of course this is an estimate and he could be a pound either way (9 lbs. 10 oz. or 7 lbs. 10 oz.). I prefer to go with the estimate or smaller.

JB really thought this was going to be our last appointment with Dr. Clinton, but that was not the case. Therefore we thought I would be induced on Friday, March 5th (at the latest) due to a previous conversation with Dr. Clinton. When JB asked her about not letting me go four days past the 40 week mark, Dr. Clinton informed us that we would have to go 41 weeks. At 41 weeks we would evaluate inducing, but by the hospital's standards I could not go past 41 weeks and four days.

So, here is to another week of waiting for Brown's arrival.