Last pre-baby posting

Hey all,

This is Todd. It's 6:23 AM on December 31st, 2008. I'm sitting in a delivery suite at Bergen-Mercy hospital. Let me recap the days events for you

Tuesday Dec. 30th

2:15 PM - We met with Dr. Kenna for Lynda's weekly appointment. She was 2 cm dialated and thinning. We took an ultrasound that showed that Baby Boy Laird weighed in at 8 lb. 11 oz. Her protein levels in the urine sample were elevated so we were ready to take a 24 hour collection and if they were still up then she was going to induce, well, today! If not, then it would be next Tuesday.

5:00 PM - Lynda feels a bit of, what she thought to be, cramping. It turns out to be contractions that are about 15 minutes apart. This is a good start. Nothing to be really alarmed about.

7:00 PM - The contractions are now 5 minutes apart and are coming more regularly. Lynda decides to call the Doctor and see what to do. With Dr. Kenna's advice, we decide to go to the hospital soon.

9:15 PM - We arrive at the hospital and check in only to find that all birthing suites are full or need to be cleaned so we are put in an overflow room that is kind of small. No problem except the contractions are coming more regularly. 2-3 minutes apart and are growing in strength.

1:00 AM - We are moved to our suite where we've been since. Lynda has had enough of the pain. I can't blame her one bit. It looked excruciating for sure.

1:30 AM - Epidural goes in and things are much more smooth sailing. Lynda is able to rest a little throughout the night and is doing quite well.

6:00 AM - We're at a little stand still. Pitosin is used to speed up contractions. It just so happens that the baby's heart rate dips below 100 for a while which scares us all. A scalp, heart monitor is inserted and it turned out to be a coincidence. Turns out he may have rolled over and cut off his blood supply for a moment. Minor crisis averted. No other major problems.

Rosemary, our nurse, is a pro. She has attended to Lynda's every need. It has been a long exhausting night (don't forget sleepless) but it will all be worth it in a matter of hours.

So this ends a chapter of our lives. PRE-BABY. I'll be posting some pics and an update as soon as possible after this little one is born. Oh, and the name...... you can wait one more day, or a few more hours at least right?

Love to all,

The Lairds

New hefty info arises

Lynda went to her, now weekly, OB appointment. In order to tell if he was facing head up or head down, they did another ultrasound. After some measurement, it turns out that he already weighs in at a hefty 8.5 pounds!

This has Lynda (probably rightfully) concerned about childbirth. What are your thoughts?

Let the Poll's open...

I've added a poll to this blog. Please cast your vote to when this baby's going to be born. We've heard from some people saying he'll be later than the due date. Some that say he'll be early. Let's see what the numbers add up to and who is right.

Todd

Showing a little love to my baby momma...

Hey all,

This is Todd. We had a big day on Tuesday in the baby department. Lynda went to her appointment and things looked great. She was even 1 cm dialated, which come to find out might not mean anything but we're hopeful for a 2008 child. We also met with our pediatrician.

Dr. Kody Moffatt at Children's Physicians in Bellevue. I'm thinking we'll like him. He put our mind at ease about vaccinations and them having no link to autism. That was something Lynda was a little uneasy about considering she works with kids with Autisim. One good word of advice he gave was to make sure to find ways to make his Birthday celebration completely different from Christmas celebration. I'd never thought about that but am glad we were told that. Good things to know!

We also went to the new parent class last night, which is the next class in line after four weeks of learning how to breathe correctly and relax during contractions. You know all the stuff she'll do during labor. So last night we actually get to the part where we really have no idea of what is going to happen.... what to do when we bring this little guy home.

It was nice to learn what to expect when he gets home. Those things noone tells you about. Like the skin on his head that peels away like dandruff within the first few weeks, or not to worry if he comes out with a little rash on him. It'll clear up in a while. Good things to know for sure but the thing that was touching to me was something else.

We're having this child at Bergen-Mercy hospital. Each time a baby is born, throughout the whole hospital, over the speaker comes a recording of a lullaby played by, who I think is Kenny G. You know the saxaphonist with the crazy curly mullet. Well, last night was the second time we've heard that song played during our class and like a switch was turned on, Lynda started tearing up a bit.

Let me tell you, that the mother of my child was moved to tears by someone else's child being born was one of the proudest moments of my life. She is going to be such a great mother. I can see, and have seen these last 8 months, a willingness to sacrifice her own comfort and needs for the good of my unborn child. It makes me love her more everyday.

If you have a word of encouragement for Lynda I know she would love to hear it. Please let her know how much you care for her in the coming months. Find ways to love on her and lift her up in prayer most of all.

Lord, surround her with angels even more this last month as we draw near to the end of pregnancy. Let her know she's loved and cared for by a heavenly father who sent his son we celebrate this time of year.

Lastly, thank you to all who have been by our side to help out already. To all who came to the baby showers. To those who couldn't but sent your love inspite of your presence. It is much appreciated to know the three of us are loved so much!

Thank you,

Todd and Lynda

Baby Classes!!

And so.... with time quickly slipping away until the arrival of said baby to be named later, it's time (I guess) to start learning how to be a parent.

For the rest of the month of November, Lynda and I are attending parenting classes. All they told us so far is to bring to bed pillows. So.... maybe that means we'll be able to catch up on some sorely needed sleep. From what everyone tells us, we better do it now because there's no such thing as sleep when aforementioned baby comes.

On the subject of names.... we have one picked out. But no, we're not telling. Please feel free to guess all you want. I just can't tell you.

So, I'll let you know how those baby classes are. I'm sure they'll be completely enlightening. We're sure to be ready for this little guy (sarcasm duely noted).

-Todd

Baby boy is a soccer player!

Well, we've certainly been enjoying a wealth of new feelings ... kicks & squirms! Todd has even felt a few lately ...baby boy must be figuring out he can stretch those legs! It's fun and reassuring to feel him kick every day - but somewhat frustrating at night when he's most active and I just want to sleep!!!

We've also been developing ideas for the nursery and cribs and stuff! Babies 'R' Us is amazing! If you've never been, it's pretty much the mecca for all things baby! Of course there will be lots of blue ... but some browns and creams, too! We will be painting and getting all the essentials soon.

It's been a blast hearing from all of you! Thank you for all the congratulations on having a baby boy! We are so excited!

Big News...

There have been many bets between the two of us ... let's just say that Lynda is buying Todd's dinner tonight because ...

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so excited to finally bring a boy into the Ewell clan ... and add to the droves of boys of the Laird clan! He's going to be perfect! 11 oz. and 10 little fingers and toes. Everything looks great & "normal" as the technicians say. :)

Due date is still January 5th ... give or take ... so pray for a New Year's Baby so Lynda doesn't have to go back to teach just a few days before the baby boy is born!

Here's a few pictures to dote on ... Enjoy!

Love, Todd & Lynda


Peek-a-boo! This is his face & belly ... notice his hands are right next to his face ... so cute!















Perfect little profile ... head, face, body, and little feet! He was swimming around a lot so we had to chase him a little!

Boy or Girl?.... Tell ya tomorrow!

So the million dollar question that seems to be at the forefront of every conversation is.......


Are you having a boy of a girl? There haven't been too many predictions.

Lynda and I are split 50/50 on the issue. (though we'll love whatever the little thing comes out as equally! )

I come from a family of three boys. Lynda, three girls. So, you can see the hesitation. We're not really used to those "other" parts as they were.

So tomorrow, be looking for another post!


So long for now,

Todd

Baby's First Major League Baseball Game!

So, we made a little road trip with Bob & Judy - to St. Paul, MN and surrounding area. Lynda's sisters Rachel and Martha live there so it has been nice visiting them and seeing some of the cool stuff in the area. We of course made a short visit to the MOA (Mall of America) and IKEA. We also spent a day on White Bear Lake - pontooning!! Very fun! We made a short little trip to a beautiful little town on the St. Croix river called Stillwater - lots of fun antique stores, boutiques, and a lovely winery where we got to sample some great wine - not the baby momma, of course! Then we celebrated Judy's 60th birthday at dinner and after with cake. Today we went to the St. Paul Farmer's market - amazing! We split up - Judy and Martha went to Neil Diamond and Bob, Rachel, Lynda and I went to a Twins game - they blew the Rangers out of the water! Overall, it's been a great trip!

Tuesday's check up

Hey all out there,

Lynda went in Tuesday for the 12 week check up. No new pics yet of the "Bean". They did the Doppler, for those who've had kids, to hear the heartbeat. Everything sounds normal.

Please pray for Lynda. She's still feeling nauseous. It's kind of hit and miss from day to day. So, keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

In 4-8 weeks, we'll know if we're in for having a boy or a girl. The things is..... Lynda comes from a family of all girls. Me..... all boys. So, it's kind of in God's hands whether it comes out with an extra appendage or not.


So, please come again. Love to know who's been stopping by to see the updates. Let us know.


Love to all,

Todd and Lynda

We're in Hastings. It seems like the three of us boys don't get down to see my parents at the same time anymore. My grandma Moore (Joplin, MO) and my aunt George Ann (Tempe, AZ.) are here as well. It's been fun to share with everyone the good news as well as the picture of our little bean!

Travis' daughter, Kamrie, just turned 3. She's as cute as ever. Man can she talk. Even hold a conversation. My how time flies. Not too long ago we were celebrating her birth. She's super excited about the possibility of having someone close to her age to play with when we all get together.

We have two weeks until our next ultrasound appointment. We can't wait to see the progress and how our little bean is developing. We're sure to let you know.

Goodbye for now.......

Todd and Lynda

First visible sign of life

We've known for a few weeks that we were embarking on this thing called pregnancy. Three home tests and a feeling in the pit of Lynda's stomach gave us a good indication that there was a change happening.

The thing is, we just weren't sure. It just didn't feel real yet. At least until our first ultrasound. TRULY AMAZING! Only 7 weeks and a few days old and there's a heart beat. Everything looked ok to the doctor so far.

Here's a photo of the little "Bean".

Please check back in from time to time. I'll keep you all updated on how things are going. Please pray for health for Lynda and the new addition. As well as wisdom in the coming days for me.