Of A Different Spirit

Well, with the exception of having more blood work done, this has been a really great day. The photo-therapy lights are gone and we have don't have any more doctor appointments for a month! Needless to say, we are all very happy and will now be on a more normal schedule instead of one dictated by a noisy machine.

He's napping now and completely oblivious to the day he's had. Ahhh, isn't that the life?

The cats are getting used to him and are starting to fall into their own place with the adjustment. Churchill is mostly interested in all of the baby gear. He will sometimes get close enough to sniff at him, but he doesn't do too much more than that. Pippin on the other hand is taking the adjustment differently. He is somewhat...protective I guess. He spends most of his time sitting next to the bassinet unless he is preoccupied with Churchill or eating. He usually stays close when someone he doesn't know is holding Caleb. The situation dictates his involvement. These are some pictures of the cats. I'll probably do that from time to time because they were our first "babies."

I really think they are going to have a lot of fun together when Caleb gets older.

Yes, yes, I know...a very cheesy reference to Coldplay. I just couldn't resist. Anyway, I know I haven't posted in a while and now that Caleb is here the demand for posts has increased. I finally have some time to sit down and write for a few minutes while Caleb sleeps.

His jaundice is working out of his system and we are very happy to have a break today from doctor appointments. I am relieved that for the first time since he was born, Caleb doesn't have to have any blood work done. His blood work came back yesterday with a 13.2 count for his levels, which is wonderful because it is dropping and will continue to do so.

I have had some requests for more pictures, so here are a couple of him at one week.

His personality right now is pretty laid back unless he gets too hungry and even then it isn't hard to calm him down. He sleeps well, which is a blessing. He is quite an angel.

Well, enjoy the pictures and I should have a new post soon reporting that the jaundice is no longer an issue.

As you all already know we have a new beautiful boy and are so excited!!! Thank you all for your comments, they have been so much fun to read.

I have had some requests to give a little more detail about our hospital stay and his first few hours. So...here it goes.

We arrived at LRMC at 6pm and got all set up. They started me on a low dose of Pitocin at around 7pm and around 8am the next day the labor pains began. They increased the dose slowly throughout the day. Sometime in the late morning, I was in active labor and 14 hours later (all the while increasing the Pitocin) he was here. Breathing techniques and concentration were my best friends. My coaches were fantastic and added their own special touches to the day. Keith was my most important pain relief. He hardly left me and didn't leave at all once the active labor started which I am so very thankful for. He really hung in there as did the rest of my support team which is what enabled me to continue. I really owe a large part of the success of the process to my support team and to all of those that gave me advice in the months that led up to it. I also gathered a lot of strength knowing I had the support of so many others that weren't in the room. So, all of you that were thinking of us and supporting us were also a part of my support team. Thank You!!!!!

The experience was an interesting one that, of course, I won't forget. It was certainly a wonderful moment for Keith and me to see our son for the first time. It made the previous 9 months feel real. We couldn't wait to show his first few pictures with all of you so that you could share in the moment as well.

He is an angel. He is quite laid back, but we'll see as he gets older. He has done wonderfully at home. He sleeps well which means that, with the exception of feeding and changing, we sleep okay too. The only problem we've had is jaundice. He has a slightly sunny, yellow glow about him. Actually, as I am posting this he's on a photo therapy blanket. It isn't too bad, but they really do want to get it out of his system. We go tomorrow for another appointment to see how his level is. Please keep him in your prayers.

I'd also like to announce the birth of Caleb's newest cousin, Avery Hill. He is so very cute!!!! We are so excited for Shaun, Robyn, and new big brother Evan.

Aren't his "sunglasses" cute?!

Caleb Adam Kelso
Born: September 16, 2008, 11:02 PM
8lbs, 3oz, 22 1/2 inches.

Caleb and Juda are doing well, and should be released tomorrow afternoon.

Here are a few pictures. We'll have a lot more to post soon!

I have an update from my doctor's appointment today. And we have some big news! Sorry, no pictures though. Our work ups were good. Heartbeats and blood pressure were good. However, my doctor is anxious to get him here before he gets any bigger. He is now a healthy 8 pounds. If something doesn't happen before Monday, I will be reporting Monday at 6pm to the hospital. She will see if she can gently help me along. So, she won't be using any extremely powerful medications unless she absolutely has to. We will be sure to keep everybody informed.

No later than Tuesday, Caleb should be here! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers!