James Week 2 and 3

Jim started back to work this week after staying at home with his newly expanded family. James and I are figuring each other out and enjoying our time at home. However, we love it when Dad returns every evening to play with us.



James really likes to play on his activity mat. I am not sure if he means to or not, but he is great at hitting the hanging toys with his right hand. His favorite is a sun that rattles when he makes it move.

Unlike his absolute love for his activity mat, James is still deciding how he feels about tummy time. Some days he loves to be on his tummy and other days he hates it. As you can see below this was a day that he hated tummy time.

James also had another doctor's appointment last week. He weighed in at 10 pounds 7 ounces. We were relieved to know he is obviously still eating well.

James' Arrival and First Week

Jim and I were happy to welcome James Michael Hedrick Jr. on December 26th at 12:21 p.m. He weighed a whopping 9 pounds 13.5 ounces and was 23.5 inches long.

Contractions started Christmas morning and slowly got closer together and stronger as the day continued. During our childbirth class, the instructor recommended we remain active (without going overboard) to help labor progress. She used baking cookies as an example. So needless to say, Jim and I baked cookies ALL day Christmas Day. I think that we ended up with over 12 dozen cookies. I am not sure if it was the baking or the numerous walks, but we got the okay to head to the hospital around 8:00 pm. I was admitted even though I was only 2 cm dialated. Things were slow going even after they broke my water and give me an epidural at 2:00 am. I slept on and off all evening until around 10:00 am when I was told it was time to push. I must have been pushing pretty effectively because they asked me to stop until the doctor was ready to deliver. Finally, the doctor arrived and a short time later James was born.

We enjoyed a few hours alone with just the three of us before our parents arrived to meet James. Jim and I were overjoyed to be able to introduce them to their new grandson. All of my sisters soon followed to meet James. He was spoiled rotten by our extended family for almost a week. Jim and I appreciated all of the help cooking, cleaning, and of course cuddling James. We were sad to see everyone leave, but feel better knowing we will get to see them all again soon!

Jim and I also took James to his first doctor's appointment this week. We were happy to hear that he was quickly gaining back the weight lost in the hospital. He weighed in at 9 pounds 7 ounces. He is definitely a good eater, huh.

Finally, Jim and I enjoyed our first quiet weekend at home with James. We slept as much as we could in between feedings and fought over who got to hold James. Can you tell that we are both in LOVE with our little baby boy?