Day 544 (July 13, 2012)

Ammy Time

Mamo Time

Meeting Kimmy

Spending Time with Auntie Shawna and Uncle Marc

At one week old, here I reminisce all the time Everett spent with the grandmas since his mommy needed lots of help after the c-section.  They were such a big help with one of them coming over each day to drive us around and to help around the house.

Also during that week, Everett had lots of visitors.  He is so loved!

Day 543 (July 12, 2012)

Happy 9th Anniversary

How times have changed since our wedding day 9 years ago...the BEST change!

For our anniversary we headed out to dinner while the grandparents watched Spark.  And, I had my first and only beer since Thanksgiving of 2011.  

Day 542 (July 11, 2012)

First Outing

We had our first pediatrician appointment which resulted in Everett needing a blood test for jaundice levels.  After, we topped at "The Cheesesteak Shoppe" for a special treat.

Day 541 (July 10, 2012)

All Dressed to Go Home 

Mama's Ready to Go Home After 4 Nights

Our Family of THREE! 

And Now...We Ride

While I had been nervous to go home, when the day came...it felt so good!  

Day 540 (July 9, 2012)

Auntie Felicia Went Back Home

Celebration Dinner

Cheers to Sparky

Our Lives Have Forever Changed

Everett and I had survived our first night together, but it was a rough one...at midnight they came to do a weight check and vitals on Everett.  We did not get back and settled back in the room until 12:45 and then just a few hours later in came the nurse to do blood work to check for jaundice.  We got little to no sleep that night!

But the next day brought more visitors and we had to say goodbye to Felicia.  That night, Chris, Everett and I had our celebration dinner given to us by the hospital.  The meal, like all the food that visit, was excellent.  We were given some gifts and had a wonderful time sitting back recalling the world wind events.  Chris and I couldn't stop staring at Baby Everett in amazement!

Day 539 (July 8, 2012)

A Sign Made By Daddy

Everett's Baby Shower 

Diaper Cake with a Champagne Bottle in the Middle :)

Cupcakes By Felicia

Baseball Signed Pillow

Favors 

Proud New Daddy

Me on Skype

Chris, the Guest of Honor

Since I had Baby Everett, I could not attend my Baby Shower.  So, instead of a canceling or re-scheduling Chris attended as the guest of honor.  

I "attended" via Skype.  Watching Chris open gifts nearly split my stitches because he was hilarious.  I think all the women were quite entertained by his comments and confusion about all the baby products.  

At the end of my Skype session, Everett was brought in to stay with me in my room, no more NICU...YAY!!!  Everyone was able to steal a glimpse of the wonderful baby boy.

The beautiful photos are compliment of Felicia.  (Felicia Perry Photography)

Day 538 (July 7, 2012)

Spending Time with Baby Everett

Lots of Love

The day after the c-section was no day in the park but I had some serious motivation to get up and get moving...I had to see my baby in the NICU.

The top picture is when I saw Everett again after he had been born the night before.  It seemed like forever before I was able to see him again.  

My mom and mother-in-law brought in the wonderful flowers.  The little train for Everett is from my mom and is now on his window sill in his room.  

Day 537 (July 6, 2012) The Most Amazing Day!

Meeting My Little Boy! 

Everett David Walker
7lbs, 2 oz
21.25 inches
AMAZING!

Proud Dad

Ecstatic Grandparents

It was a regular Friday.  I worked Summer School and then went to my OB appointment where I was told that Sparky was head down, I argued.  I then went for my non-stress test and all seemed normal.

I was waiting for my friend, Felicia, to get into town from LA to be a part of my Baby Shower that was to be held that upcoming Sunday.  I decided to go shopping.  

After a few hours out and feeling quite sore with some back cramps, I decided to stop for a snack and coffee at Starbucks.  I then headed home.  On the way in I saw Chris and Kona coming in from their run. 

When I walked in to the house Felicia was there and as I reached to give her a hug...a surge of liquid wet my pants and left a puddle at my feet.  MY WATER BROKE?!?!?!  

All I could say was, "Oh My God!"  I said that over and over again.  I was instantly worried because I was not due for 4 more weeks!  

Felicia calmly went outside to find Chris and I called the doctor.  We were going to have a baby!

I did not have a bag ready for the hospital so I just grabbed my purse and glasses.  I waddled to the car with a steady flow of my water breakage, it was quite a bit.  

Chris was wonderfully calm as we checked in to the hospital.  But once we were in the room and we realized this was going to happen, I worried that Chris needed to eat!  I needed Chris at his best so that he could be at my side.  

The nurses did their thing...checking my vitals and checking on the baby.  I was extremely stressed when it they had difficulty finding Sparky's heartbeat but he was just fine and ready to meet the world.

A c-section was needed because Sparky was transverse (sideways).  And, I threw a few wrenches at the doctors...I have a bicornuate uterus (heart shaped), I am allergic to a certain antibiotic and penicillin (which they wanted to use), my blood pressure was on the high side, and I was coughing (and am asthmatic).  Not to mention I had JUST eaten which was a major no-no before surgery.  

Meanwhile, we got some food ordered for Chris and he was yelled at by my nurse when he moaned in enjoyment as he took the first bite of food.  I didn't care but I sure wanted water!

The doctors and nurses were amazing and took every precaution to make sure Sparky and I were healthy and safe.  We all prepped for surgery.  The doctors got started and Chris was my rock by keeping me calm during the surgery.  

At 8:32 p.m. Everett David Walker changed our world forever when he was born!  His cry was music to my ears since I was so very worried with him being early.  

Before the c-section we were informed that he would get a ticket to the NICU since he was 4 weeks early and because they were taking precautions since my water broke without contractions (but I think I actually was having back labor looking back on that day).  I was first able to kiss my sweet boy and Chris cut his umbilical chord.  Then, Chris followed Everett while they checked him out and cleaned him up.  

Meanwhile, the doctors finished up with me and they were fascinated with my uterus, bringing all the doctors and nurses over to take a look.  Then, I was off to recovery.  

While I was recovering, there was a party in the NICU that night.  The rules are that a parent of the baby and one other guest may go into to visit a baby.  But, when the grandmas were battling it out to see the baby...the pediatrician graciously allowed both grandmas and grandpas in to meet Everett.  Later on, Auntie Shawna and Uncle Marc came by to meet their nephew.  

Chris and I have a favorite song by 311 called "Sunset in July".  This is now Everett's song since he came into our world during a July evening during the time of the sun setting.  He loves when I sing this song to him.  :)

What an amazing day!