Monday, April 27, 2015

Tae's Birth Story

Dearest Tae, 

You entered this world on March 19, 2015 at 12:59 AM in Campinas, Brazil.  You were a week early, I guess you couldn't wait to get out and see what was happening out here.  

Our little family of three 

On Wednesday, March 18th, I woke up and had some pains, but didn't think anything of it and went to school.  As I continued to teach I realized that these "pains" were coming at a regular pattern, about 30 minutes apart.  They weren't that bad so I just kept working.  Around 10:00 my principal told me to go home and just rest, I decided she was right so your daddy and I headed home to get some rest.  Little did we know that you were on your way. 

Getting your check up 
The pains continued and were getting closer together and a little stronger.  I got a couple short naps in and called my doctor, the fabulous Ricardo Barini.  He said I was having contractions and to call him back when there were 5 minutes apart.  We were so excited and figured we would be leaving for the hospital pretty soon so your dad scooped up the bags and packed up the car.  Well, then you just decided to take your grand old time.  From 10:00 AM until about 8:00 at night you finally started to make yourself known more frequently.  We eventually headed to the hospital.  Your dad and I joked that you knew Brazil already because you waited for rush hour and traffic to die down. 
Figuring each other out 
Your papa was so in love already

Once we were at the hospital the contractions were much stronger and closer together.  I was scared, but excited.  I honestly wasn't truly prepared.  You see, your mom worries a lot and I didn't want to really think about or worry about the birth so I just kind of ignored that it was happening. I figured it would hurt a lot and I would come home with you, what else is there to think about.  :) 

I finally got to hold you!  You were perfect.
They took us to our room and I just remember being in a lot of pain and your dad being amazing.  He was such a great support, funny when I needed him to make me laugh, sympathetic when I needed empathy, and firm when I needed a coach, "Come on Meggo you can do this!".  He was by my side the whole time and never let me give up or think I couldn't do it.  I fell in love with him even more through your birth.  


After about an hour in the room I was finally ready to get the drugs!  I was excited to meet you, but not excited for the pain I was about to face.  They took me down to the delivery room and gave me an epidural, God's gift to pregnant mamas. After the epidural was administered your dad and I had a couple laughs and were ready to welcome you into the world.  

We couldn't take our eyes off of you 

A couple of pushes and your head was showing.  Dr. Barini called dad down to look at it because you had so much hair!  A few more pushes and out you came.  Dr. Barini laid you on my tummy and your dad and I just stared in disbelief.  You were beautiful, and BIG.  You were calm and didn't really cry, which made me nervous, but they reassured me everything was fine.  You had a full head of hair, long legs, chubby cheeks, and a big belly.  Dr. Barini even called you the Buddha baby because of how big you were.  

Smushy little face
Your footprint 

After a minute on my tummy, the nurse took you to clean you off and give you all your tests.  The rest was a blur, I was exhausted and your dad went to be with you.  You were here and our world will never be the same. We were a family and you are our responsibility, God gave you us to raise and take care of.  

Sleeping the day away 

Your official weight was 8.2 pounds (3.9 kilos) and 20.5 inches (52 cm).  Welcome to the world baby boy.  We are so excited to be your parents and do life with you.  

You ate like a champ from the very beginning 
























Friday, April 24, 2015

Lately...


Tae is loving baths in the morning.  Mama got smart and gave him a bath after he ate and he was so content. 

He's loving being worn, I'm praying this continues for our trip home 

We are taking naps anywhere and any time we can. 

Lots of deep thinking going on, especially after a good meal.  
Smiles galore 

Hanging out with daddy after work 
Falling asleep on mama after he eats.

Learning how to grasp things (and melt mama's heart)

Keeping us on our toes with all his cute faces.


We've been laughing the days away

I also wanted to add that we are cherishing our time together as our little family of three.  I leave for the States on Tuesday and won't see Jess again until June.  Some people think we are crazy being apart for so long with a newborn, but it is what is best for our family.  I will have my parents helping and will get to spend some quality time with family and friends while Jess finishes out the school year, both as a teacher and a student.  The other night Jess and I hung out after Tae was in bed and it was the most I've laughed in a long time.  I felt like a kid again with butterflies in my stomach and laughing until I cried.  I sure love that husband of mine.  He makes me laugh and is so easy to talk to, it's so fun being married to my best friend.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Tae is One Month!

One Month 
April 19, 2015 


Weight: 9.8 lbs

Height: 22 inches (my estimate, we didn't ask at the doctor's office...parent fail)

Likes:

  • Movement of any kind (riding in the car, walks in the stroller, worn in the baby carrier, daddy's shotgun trick, etc)
  • Eating
  • Christmas lights
  • Gripe water
  • Being held
  • Sleeping on someone

Dislikes: 

  • Diaper changes
  • Waking up from naps
  • Getting stuck in traffic
  • Being hungry

The Jury's Out:

  • Being swaddled
  • Baths
  • Pacifiers
  • Daytime naps


Firsts:

  • Smile (without being followed by a poop)
  • Speaking of poop--we experienced the first explosive poop while changing him
  • Stank eye (I hope this isn't a sign of what's to come)
  • We had our first visitors--Grammy and Poppy.




Mommy Thoughts: This first month has flown by, we laugh looking back at how clueless we were in the beginning.  The first couple weeks were tough, but by the Lord's grace we are surviving day by day. We are smitten with our little chunky monkey. It is so fun to get to know him better and watch his personality shine through more and more.  He definitely takes after his papa with his calm and relaxed demeanor. I find myself just staring at him or creepily watching him sleep.  I just can't take my eyes off him!

Sidenote: Jess and I were talking today and how having Tae has made us fall more in love with each other.  I love seeing Jess interact and take care of Tae.  He is so gentle, patient, and loving with him.  He has been my saving grace and I appreciate all the diaper changes, water fill-ups, rocking to sleep, and dinners cooked.  Some of my favorite memories so far have been when I catch Jess staring down at Tae or when he is playing with him.

Friday, April 17, 2015

A Few of My Favorite Things...

His little chunky legs kicking while he nurses 

Mom and dad, linner's at Dou, and our little family 

His tiny fingers and all the little wrinkles 

Watching him grow each day, he is more and more alert

Watching Jess be a daddy.  He is amazing with Tae and is such a great support to me. 

Those lips, and nose...and baby fuzz.  I die.

Naps on my chest, in my arms, next to me...all of them.