Smithi-Kinch Birth Blog v 2.0

We were discharged late this afternoon. Got home, unpacked, and fixed ourselves a delicious meal for five. I popped open an Ommegang Three Philosophers Belgian-style ale. Life is hopefully returning back to normal, though how normal can it be now that there's two little ones going to cause havoc?

Judi and I are going to spend the next few days reflecting on our past week at the hospital (114 hours to be more precise). We had a scare with the baby near the end, but things worked out and we're so glad to be surrounded by the mess that is our home. And a foot of snow everywhere outside. Things won't ever be the same, yet the comfort of the mundane and the gradual fading of memory are happy allies as we move on.

One last thing before I hit the sack. Several of you wanted to know his name. So here it is: Aurelio Richard Thana Smithivas. Aurelio is Italian and means gold. Richard and Thana are his two grandpas. He was almost an Adrian. Who knows? Maybe we'll change our mind. But now it's time for bed.

Goodnight and thank you for all the good wishes and thoughts. See you soon. -Mark

Sorry about that last post. It was all I could muster from a cellphone in the middle of the night after a long arduous labor experience!

The good news is that we are now proud parents of a healthy baby boy (name TBD, watch this space...), 8lbs 3oz, 21 inches. Amanda met him for the first time today as you can see in the above photos. Mommy is doing well and recovering in the hospital. Can't wait to get our new foursome home!

Thanks for all the well wishes! We love you all!

2:46am. Visualize your cervix melting away.

Judi has been in early labor since yesterday. We're hoping to see some more progression tonight. Our midwife Sarah came by this morning for a check-in. Amanda has been happily watching the Wiggles (those guys must be insane), playing downstairs at our neighbor's house, and going to visit another friend's place this afternoon, so mommy and daddy can get some rest. Judi's mother Elaine is also here cooking up a storm. We have all this delicious food, but not really much of an appetite to eat.

Mark here again. Once the labor begins, we've talked about possibly turning off our phones, or at least severely limit who can call us during that time. Nothing personal, but there will be a lot going on without having to take a call from a telemarketer or opinion pollster. Here's one way you CAN call us safely and leave a message of support. Embedded below is a widget with instructions. Just click the call button and it will prompt you to call a number so you can leave a short message. It is not a local number, but the cool thing is your message will get posted right here on this webpage so that everyone else can hear it too! Give it a try.

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This is a good lesson on patience for all three of us.  Saturday is 40 weeks, and although he could come at any time - I had thought maybe last night's full moon would do the trick - Amanda's baby brother may still not be ready for another week or two! 

OK, nothing too earth shattering here. We're still waiting for liftoff. It's like the Space Shuttle waiting for the weather to clear. Like the Giants waiting to play the Patriots. Like the final episode of Dancing with the Stars. (Mel B wuz robbed!) Like waiting for a Democrat to take back the White House. OK enough already!

About 4 years ago at this time, we blogged while awaiting Amanda. The thing that got us through back then was reality TV (The Bachelor and Average Joe). Nothing has really grabbed us this season. Amanda is religiously watching her LeapFrog alphabet series when she's not memorizing the PBS kids lineup. (She does like Nature...educational! educational!)

We do have a new webcam this time round, so maybe you might see a video or three if things run smoothly.

-Mark

Henna hands and feet

Friends took me to Devon Ave. to get my hands and feet hennaed for a safe and comforting childbirth.  I was warned at lunch afterward that Indian food might start my labor, but I stayed away from the spicy.  If only it were that easy to start labor!

I've managed to avoid an order of bedrest.  My blood pressure is still normal and swelling isn't too bad.  Last pregnancy at this time the only shoes I fit in were Birkenstocks.  Very attractive (with socks) and practical in the wintertime :)

Baby Boy Smithi-Kinch decided he preferred the head up position several weeks ago.  Fortunately, the day before we were to begin intense accupuncture to turn him head down, my midwife found him in that position.  Here is Amanda demonstrating the slant-board technique, combined with a cold-pack, to turn a breech baby.