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!