We're Back

Ok-

So after a (very) long hiatus I have decided to resume the blog. My goal is to chronicle Matthew's weekly changes so I, and everyone else, have a record of his growth and changes. I am not going to backdate the blog- it's been too long- but I will start with a brief synopsis of the past six weeks. So here goes:

Our Angel, Matthew Steven, arrived at 1:47pm on October 23, 2008. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounce and measured 21 inches. He was born with a full head of blond hair and big blue eyes. He gave us a scare by dropping his heart rate and had to be born by emergency c-section but came out just fine in the end. See him being pulled out below:

After 4 nights in the hopsital we took the new member of our family home:

Red Wing

Steve's Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ian are in town from England. We've enjoyed having them over and took them down to Red Wing and Winona on Saturday. We were pleasantly surprised when we came across the American Queen Steamboat docked in Red Wing. Here are some pics:





We've had some lovely meals, went to a Twins' game, subjected Joyce and Ian to a Mahoney family bbq, visited the lakes, and pretty much just hung out and relaxed with them. Roxy has, of course, won over their hearts and has been a great source of entertainment!!

Clarification

We just wanted to explain about the scheduled c-section. We did not elect to have the c-section voluntarily; it is being performed for medical reasons. It turns out that Molly has a massive fibroid ( a non-cancerous fibrous growth) in her uterus that is blocking the baby's way out. Unless Bumpy shifts dramatically and moves the fibroid, his only way out will be via c-section. The final decision will be made in September regarding the best way for him to be delivered.

We know a lot of people often opt to schedule a birth for vain reasons, but we guarantee that is not the situation in our case. The date has been chosen because Molly's doctor only performs scheduled operations on Tuesdays and the c-section has to be performed in the 39th week. Therefore, the 14th is the Tuesday that falls during the 39th week of Molly's pregnancy.

Obviously, we want Bumpy to get here as safely and healthily as possible. While a natural delivery would be ideal, in our case it may not be the safest option.

We hope that explains it!

Key Lime Pie, anyone?

The nursery is painted. Steve and Molly spent all day Sunday painting bumpy's room, and we have to say, apart from the color, it looks great!!

We had decided to do a very pale, warm yellow to compliment the blue of the bedding and border (alliteration anyone?). The inital color chosen was quite lemony, so we took it back and had it toned down and warmed up. A tester size on the wall revealed a lovely shade, so we went with it. Well, the first coat looked okay, the second coat revealed a slight green tinge to it. Not being able to turn back, we finished the whole room. And it looks lime green.



Only the two of us would be able to choose a shade of yellow that has green in it- considering the last color we wanted was green because our entire house is green. Steve and Molly have numerous talents, but choosing paint color is NOT one of them. Oh well. We're hoping once the crib goes in and the border goes up and the wall stuff is hung, the lemon/lime walls will not be so overpowering.





Here are before and after pics, and one of Ste thrown in:

Before: Bland and Boring

During: The self-proclaimed Painting Master

After: Citrus Delight

A Boy and his Dog

Here are some cute pics of Steve and Roxy--They truly are the best of friends: Steve was, no joke, passed out asleep on Roxy's bed. She was a bit put out.

She's too funny
What a pair!!

Belly Pics

24 weeks

26 Weeks

Molly on the couch 28 weeks pregnant.

Tuesday, October 14th!!

It's unofficial-- Bumpus Grisdale will be making his appearance on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 sometime in the morning!!! The c-section has been scheduled, tentatively, for that date. The final decision about the c-section will be made in mid-September, but chances are it will be done.

We find it ironic that the two people who can't even plan for tomorrow will know the exact date and time their son will be born.

11 1/2 weeks and counting.....

Other than that, Molly and Bumpy are doing well according to Doctor West. Bumpy is about 2 lbs and 15 inches long. A big, growing boy!! Molly and Steve are having a weight swap....as Molly packs it on Steve sheds it off. Ste is proud to weigh 173 lbs (that's about 13 stone?) and Molly is in denial about hers. We won't divulge the number but will say that it is still significantly less than Steve's.

Molly passed her glucose screen which means she can continue her weekly Dairy Queen run. For those of you in the UK who don't know, DQ is an ice cream store and it's fabulous. Molly would live in one if they'd let her.

We have another ultrasound in about 3 weeks. We can't wait to see how Bumpy is growing. We were able to play with him a bit last night. He was obviously stretched out because we could feel his head and his bum. We would push on one end and the other end would pop out the other side. Steve played guitar to him and he LOVED it! The kid wouldn't keep still. Molly thinks Bumpy's going to forgo the drums in favor of the guitar....or at least she's hoping.