Welcome Home Meyer!

Meyer Dean Ater

Born 1/26/09 3:08 p.m.

8 lbs 5.6 oz (don't forget the .6! ha!)

19 inches

We're home now and doing great. Meyer had his first doctors appointment today and just as we thought...he's perfect! He's a great baby so far - has his days and nights a little confused...but hopefully that will settle out soon. Parker is just in love with him. She is doing fabulously well considering all the changes she is experiencing right now. She loves to hold Meyer and is a great help to her Mommy and Daddy.

Meyer's room

So I thought I throw a few pictures of Meyer's room on here, seriously....why doesn't he want to come out and play in it?? Still no progress on the going into labor without assistance front. My mom is coming up today, my Dad will be coming up Sunday after he preaches (I think). Bob and Jeanie (Brandon's parents) live here in town - so they've been on high alert for middle of the night take care of Parker duty. So, Brandon and I (and our entourage) will head into the hospital Monday morning at 6:30 a.m. for the fun to begin!

A big thank you to my Grannie who performed many many frustrating hours of slave labor creating Meyer's bedding - didn't she do an awesome job!!!

Also, here is the fabulous snowman Park and Brandon made last weekend - he even almost made it through the day, but alas, his head fell off and most of his body melted - he was a good snowman and he'll be missed.

A little progress...

Well, I saw my OB today and I had made a little progress as far as dilation goes (I'm up to a 3 for those who want to know). My OB is on call tomorrow and offered to move my induction up to tommorow if I wanted - I was soooooooo tempted, but really want to try to see if this kiddo will make an appearance on his own! We walked nearly every aisle of Costco last night and will hit either the pavement or the mall tonight! I really should probably be cleaning my house - oh well! Here is a pic of Parker in her MiniCooper that Grammy and Papa got her for Christmas - I think we'll go cruise around the block (or two or three!)

Labor??? Just kidding

So I had hours of contractions yesterday - they were very tolerable -chatted on the phone w/ my mom through them - but also very consistent, coming every 3 1/2 - 5 min. So while I'm a second time mom, I was induced with Parker so I have no idea what this early labor stuff feels like. So called into my OB's office and the on call doctor had me go to the hospital to get checked out. Long story short(ish), I was having real contractions but they weren't strong enough or long enough to be productive, so home we went. Good news was I slept really well - as Brandon can attest to since I apparently was snoring most of the night! Bad news, contractions have disappeared, so here I am back at work, just waiting it out.

Castor Oil

Some of you may know that taking Castor Oil (which is a stimulant laxative) is an old wives tale for starting labor. The modern day view on the stuff is yes it works - if your body is ready. Apparently, my body isn't ready. But I can report that it is in fact quite therapeutic. Better than El Ranchito even.

I got some mild tummy tightening contractions out of it this morning, but nothing painful or consistent - dang. So here I am at work - I've been up since about 4:30 - that should make my afternoon super pleasant. I was quite grateful when I opened up my schedule and I do not have a 5:00 patient - which means I'll be out of here at/by 5:00. Woo hoo!!!

Well, another OB appointment and no change in my condition - I'm still pregnant. I've had the feeling all along that Meyer might make his debut early, so I'm just frustrated that it's not happening so far. I know he's certainly easier to take care of inside my belly vs. out, but I'm just antsy! Parker is doing fabulously - she's eager for her baby to come too! I think we finally have her back sleeping in her own bed without much argument after all the schedule-messing up fun of the holidays! Speaking of Park, I better go make sure she's doing ok.

An end in sight

Well, I saw my OB today for my regular weekly appointment, nothing new to report. Although I am set up for an induction at 6:30 am on 1/26 if little Meyer does not make his appearance before then. Dr. Newby is sympathetic to my not wanting my kiddos to have the same birthday (1/28). I'd rather not be induced if I don't have to, so here's hoping that Meyer comes soon, but at least I know there is an end in sight!

The Sun will come out....

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ya, Tomorrow...sorry got lost there.
Thanks to my fabulous Daddy, Parker and I went to the stage production of Annie Sunday evening. I'm not sure who loved it more, me or her. She did great for her first real theater experience - we were on the second row, so she's spoiled already! The gentleman sitting next to us (obviously a season ticket holder) commented on her good behavior - if only he could have seen the meltdown in the bathroom 5 min. later! But it was 10 pm, and for a girl who goes to bed at 8:30, that's pretty late...oh wait we're talking about Parker, not me! But anyway, it was great fun going to "see the girl who sings" - Park had told Brandon before we left that she was going to sing after Annie.
Brandon: on the stage?
Parker: yes
Brandon: Good luck with that...
after we got there, I think she had a better understanding of the situation and had no desire to sing on that stage!
fun times!
Well, back to my hard knock life,
Ab

New Year, new commitment

So, I'm the WORST at keeping in touch. I'm not much of a phone talker, I much prefer to read e-mails than write them, I occasionally remember to take pictures and occasionally think to upload them. But...I'm going to make an effort to do better, be better and at least make information about my little family available to those who desire to know such things. I'd love to tell you that I'll be witty and funny and you'll check everyday to see what humorous story I've blogged about now, but I just can't make those kinds of promises! At best you'll get an occasional update on our lives. Disclaimer: I'm soon to be a mommy of two - so most of my life revolves around them...if you don't want to see stories about kids - find another blog!
(Im)patiently awaiting the arrival of Meyer Dean,
Abbey