2 weeks...Seriously?!

Wow! Where have the past couple weeks gone? Mark has been fussing at me to update, so here goes...

I know you've been on the edge of your seats waiting for a labor and delivery story, but I just can't think that cohesively right now. Maybe one day I'll get around to that one for those who are interested. Let's just say it didn't go like I expected, but it got Reed here.

Reed had his 2 week dr. appointment today...yup, 2 weeks! I was shocked when I found out he now weighs 8 pounds, 9 ounces. The goal of this weigh-in was to make sure he had gained his birth weight back. Which he had plus an addition 1 pound, and 1 ounce! He is now 21 3/8 inches long, up from 20 inches. I know the goal is for him to grow up and get bigger, but I really wish he would just stop it right now!

As for me, one minute I'm ready to get out of the house and go back to aerobics and running and the next minute, all I want to do is stay home, lay on the couch, and sleep (but not for more than an hour and a half at a time!). After being so active during my pregnancy, this two week break from exercise is making me feel really blah. I'm trying my best to be smart and not get in too big of a hurry to get back to normal, well, my new normal. According to all I've read, I will be better off waiting a little too long rather than starting back a little too early. I can't wait to see what it feels like to teach aerobics and go run without my big belly!

Okay, I've changed my mind. Here's just the labor and delivery highlights. Monday morning - taught aerobics class (had to mention that b/c I'm kinda proud of it!). Monday night, 9 pm - water broke, went to hospital, was told to settle in for a long night. Tuesday morning, 6 or 7 am - still no progress, induced with pitocin. Wednesday, 12:44 am - Reed was born.

Here's a few pictures. Now, I'm off to watch Reed sleeping...it's one of my favorite things to do these days!

One Healthy Little Giggling, Dribbling, Baby Boy...

Caden "Reed" arrived Wednesday, July 16, at 12:44 AM. Momma and Baby are doing awesome. Momma and Daddy are making adjustments...for the good! We will update soon. For your viewing pleasure, here's a few pics of our miracle.

(This is Mark. Mandy said the blog is the least of her concerns...her goal for today? Take a shower!)

Our Big, Brown Baby

I wanted to give a little bit of attention to our first baby....

His life is about to change...

The finish line is in sight...or is it another starting line?

Unfortunately, I hadn't changed any as of my doctor appointment yesterday. I go back on Thursday of next week, and if I still haven't changed any by then she will induce Saturday night the 19th with hopes of having him/her the 20th. If I've made any progress on my own by Thursday's appointment, I will wait and go in on the 20th. I'm not at all crazy about the idea of being induced, but I do like feeling like there's a plan in place. My original intention of using as little pain meds as possible may go out the window with the induction! Either way, I think I'm ready.

All along I've been thinking of labor and delivery like a marathon. There are just so many running comparisons to be made. Even with the right training and preparation, it's going to hurt, but the pain is just temporary and will end eventually. I'm in the best shape I could possibly be in right now. I'm still teaching 5 aerobics classes a week and feel great doing it. My body is as ready as it's going to get. As far as the pain goes, most athletes/runners realize and appreciate the difference between "discomfort" and "pain." You've got to keep perspective on those two because it makes a big difference in how you handle the situation. (Don't be mistaken though, I'm not a big fan of either!) During a marathon Mark and I (and probably lots of people) tend to think "I'm never doing this again!," and "I think I'm going to die!" BUT, as soon as I cross the finish line it never fails that I'm ready to start training for another one! Race finish lines just have medals and food (which is great!), but this finish line has a baby! The baby we've been waiting for such a long time. Another similarity is that Mark will be there with me. Running is so much easier with him running beside me. Sometimes you talk and have fun, and sometimes you have to be quiet and focus inward, but the support is still there. He's helped me through some tough runs, and I'm counting on him to help me through this, too. He's seen me in pain, knows how to read my signals, and knows what I need to push through it (no pun intended...seriously!).

So, all that to say that the training schedule is almost over and the starting line is fast approaching. Ironically, the "finish line" for this one is really just another starting line! Hopefully, this rambling made sense on some level because I really don't want to go back, re-read it, and write anymore! Happy Saturday!

Quick Update (don't get excited!)

It's looking like I'm going to get to keep my birthday to myself. The day is almost over, and I definitely don't see any baby deciding to show up before tomorrow! I was pretty convinced that I would deliver on the early side of term because I've exercised consistently (or constantly!) throughout my whole pregnancy. Seriously, research supports this, but it's possible I am one of those exceptions. A little early would be a great reward though! I've been told that I'm not "ready" to have this baby until I'm miserable which concerns me because I feel so, so good! I definitely can't complain. My feet and ankles swell during the day, and I don't get to sleep more than a couple hours at a time, but other than that I'm good. This morning my aerobics girls seem convinced that I'm going to go a little early, but they said they'll definitely see me tomorrow! I'm very ready to go to the doctor on Friday to see if I've changed any, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. Happy birthday to me!

More Pictures

cardio aerobics at 37 weeks

step at 37 weeks

toning at 37 weeks

Country Music 1/2 Marathon at 28 weeks

CMM 1/2 at 28 weeks...I think I deserved 2 medals!

I don't have a lot to say, but here's a few preggo pictures for your viewing pleasure.