Graham Heads Home

OKAY! After a bit of a blogging break, ready to get back to it and share some of our birth experience and pics of the little nugget over the past few weeks... I can't believe he is WEEKS old already! They say time flies when children are involved, and cheesy as it may be it's absolutely true. Sometimes it feels like time is standing still (hello middle of the night feedings!) and sometimes it feels like it's flashing by (some dude asked me in a coffee shop this morning how "new" he was and I welled up with tears hearing myself reply "18 days"). Hello emotional!

After two days in the hospital, we were ready to head home. We originally were scheduled to stay one additional night and be discharged first thing the following morning, but had had a terrible time the prior evening (people in the room next to us had a bazillion guests making a ruckus until all hours of the night) so decided we preferred to just head home. Since Graham was doing great and I was recovering nicely, our doctors cleared us to leave on Tuesday evening. After G's 8pm check-in at the nursery for a weight check and sponge bath, we packed up all our gear, had the nurses check our ID bands one last time then clip G's ankle bracelet and out we headed!

Dressed in his own clothes for the first time and placed in the car seat, it was suddenly striking how tiny Graham was. He was a champ though, and zonked out immediately once we loaded him up.

When our uber ride arrived, the hospital doorman installed the car seat base for us with the speed of a pit crew pro, which was a lifesaver as it surely would have taken us ages to figure out. And though our driver was plenty careful, those 16 blocks home were the most terrifying of my life. White knuckles aside, we made it home in one piece and walking into our apartment as a family of three felt fantastic! It would prove to be a long night, but that was to be expected and was much easier to handle in the comfort of our own home. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent Graham's first Thanksgiving relaxing at home and just enjoying our time as a family of three. We don't have cable, but Dave figured out how to watch the parade via live stream so I could see the Paddington Bear balloon. It was really nice to have him at home today and I'm looking forward three more days of the same. After late afternoon naps, we went to a local diner for turkey dinner with all the fixin's. Only bummer was they'd run out of pie by the time we got to dessert, but they kindly packaged up some carrot cake and cheese cake for us to take home. Perfect 3am snack. Graham fell asleep in his sling on the way there and slept right through dinner (so well behaved! *knock on wood*). Lots to be thankful for. My heart sometimes feels overwhelmed.

Graham O also received a delivery in the mail today from Grandpa Chris.

Very upset that it doesn't quite fit yet...but he'll grow into it!

2 Weeks Old

Graham has now been a resident of this earth for 14 whole days!  Wow, I can hardly believe that as I type it.  He currently weighs 7.2 oz and is working like a mad man to try and pack on the pounds. Eat sleep poop repeat!

What is Graham up to this week? Sleeping and cuddling are his number one activities! He eats about every two to three hours and is starting to sleep longer stretches (though the middle of the night is still his favorite party time). His neck has gotten significantly stronger the past few days, and he's begun lifting and turning his head. It's delightful to watch him kick his legs and discover his hands are attached to his body. He's working on getting and keeping his fingers in his mouth, and he's got an incredible grip. His eyes are focusing better each day and he's constantly coming up with hilarious new expressions. Pretty fun stuff!

My mom has been here since Saturday and it's been incredibly helpful. She's so supportive, kisses the top of my head during my weepy, uncertain moments and constantly assures me that I'm doing the very best I can. And I absolutely love watching her hold Graham. It's really special to see.

Happy two week birthday, Graham O!

1 Week Old

Mister Graham Oliver is one week old today! Monday posts will now be a count UP rather than a countdown!

Graham currently likes bouncing, cuddling, sleeping on dad's chest and his halo swaddle sleep sack.
He wasn't entirely sold on the frog outfit, but was a good sport and let mom take his picture.

I can't quite believe we've been a family of three for seven whole days now. Our lives have changed so drastically over the past week and we've all been learning at a rapid rate. It feels like we were just heading to the hospital yesterday. And yet it also feels like this little dude has always been part of our family. My heart continues to grow with each moment I get to spend with him (yes, even when he's wailin' like crazy). Can't get enough of that darling face.

Happy one week to you, GOC!

Graham Oliver Cederquist

AKA the 40 week post!  Baby C is now the size of... a baby!!

Our sweet little bundle was born at 3:30 am on Monday, November 10, 2014, at Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC. 

He weighs in at 6 pounds 9 ounces, stretches 20.5 inches long and is perfect in every regard.

Welcome to the world, my darling boy. You are at the same time everything I could have hoped for and more than I ever could possibly have imagined. My heart is so full of joy, gratitude and awe. I love you dearly.

My family miraculously all made it into town for the birth, the timing couldn't have been any better. My mom and sister were both here to help me through early labor at home, then my dad dramatically screamed into town at the last minute. After being delayed and then rebooked an entire day later, pop's flight finally landed at 8pm - just as my water broke and we headed in to the hospital.

We've been home 5 days now, Graham is nearly a week old and today is DVC's birthday! My two Scorpio boys. Happiest of birthday wishes to my wonderful husband - watching you with Little G this past week has made me fall in love all over again. You are amazing and have taken such monumental care of us. I can't imagine doing this with anyone else as my teammate.

Dear Baby C

My darling little punk - gosh, you’ll be here any minute! We are ecstatic to finally meet you. On one hand, it feels like we’ve been waiting forever; on the other, I’m not quite ready to have you leave my belly. That may sound silly, but it’s been nice having you so close to me every day, those sweet wiggles and flips a constant reminder of your presence and impending arrival. Your dad and I have been wondering for nine long months what you’ll look like, smell like, sound like. We can’t wait to hold you, count your fingers and gobble up your sweet little toes. It’s crazy to think that we’re getting a whole new family member so soon. I’m especially looking forward to seeing who you look like – predicting a big, messy mop of dark hair.

People keep saying what a lucky baby you are, which is incredibly kind. I’m one of the luckiest people I know and if that’s the one thing I get to pass down to you, I’ll be ever so grateful. I can’t wait to be your mom. As a true nerd, I’ve studied everything I could to prepare for parenthood, read (what feels like) hundreds of books on how to best help you learn and grow and sleep and be happy. I’ve had plenty of practice taking care of other kids, but now that you’re coming so soon I’m NERVOUS! Mostly excited, though. We’ll figure it out together. We are a team.

Just wait ‘til you meet your dad. He’s absolutely terrific. I have no doubt he’s going to be a wonderful father to you. He has taught me about patience and understanding and going with the flow; he’ll have lots to teach you as well. I love his honesty and passion, how deeply he cares and how openly he shares himself. He’s good at planning creative surprises and keeping them a secret (mom not so much!). Perhaps most importantly, I completely trust him to take delicate care of all of our hearts. And to top it all off, he’s hilarious! With your dad in our lives, we are sure to enjoy endless laughter and goofy fun.

Welcome (almost) to your family and to life in New York City! It’s fast and loud and can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s so much fun. You have people all around the world who love you already and I can’t wait to introduce you to them. Get ready to be a “go-baby” because there are so many places to visit and friends to meet, we’ll be constantly on the go go go!

I love you dearly,
Mom

39 Weeks

 

ONE WEEK OUT!! Can you believe it?!

Sometimes I feel totally ready to meet this kid and welcome our new family member.
And sometimes I think, "they're seriously going to let us a take a baby home from the hospital?!"

At our last appointment, Baby C weighed in at 6 lbs 14 oz, a nice plump watermelon!
I go back in on Tuesday to make sure my fluid levels are still looking good.

 

Took an Infant CPR & Safety class this weekend, which was incredibly informational and made us feel much better about keeping baby alive and kickin'.  Plus we got to work out some nervous energy on the dummies.

Now it's just a waiting game! My mom flies in on Friday and then my dad and sister fly in on Saturday. Would be super fun if little punk arrives when they are here or even comes early and is here waiting to greet them. Only bummer would be if he waited until just after they all left to make his debut (which I probably just jinxed us on).  But in any case... ten fingers, ten toes, a cute little nose and we'll all be as happy as clams!

Team Rickie

 Guess who won the office costume contest??  What what!

 Hope your Halloween was happy!