Proud Daddy

Andy loves his little boy. Nicholas looks soooo much like his dad!

New Cousin!

New Arrival

Wow. It is so strange to go back and read my posts anticipating the arrival of little Nicholas. I couldn't wait to meet my little man, and now I can't imagine not knowing him. There is a lot to catch up on since my last entry... where do I begin?

I'll start with the birth story.

A week before my due date I was diagnosed with preeclampsia, which meant I'd had to be induced a week early. Although I would rather have had a natural birth, the silver lining to the induction was that Andy was able to fly home and be there for the birth. Praise God for that!

To make a long story short, I was induced at noon on Friday, and Nicholas was born at 6pm on Saturday, September 12th! The birth was very difficult--I lost a lot of blood, and Nicholas wasn't very responsive at first, both due to the magnesium I had to be on for Preeclampsia. Miserable drug. But we both recovered during the next three days in the hospital, and we were released to go home at last on Tuesday, September 15th.

Details of the birth...We were so blessed to have had amazing doctors and nurses at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Three doctors worked together to help me deliver Nicholas. The medicine had worn me out, making it harder to push, so the doctors took turns holding a towel that I could pull up on and help elevate my body so that I could push. Both mom and Andy were in the labor room, while Dad, Kendall, Ricky, and their children were just outside. I labored for 2 1/2 hours before Nicholas finally arrived. I have never been that tired. Ever. Andy said the most fearful experience of his life was watching the doctors try to stop my Hemorrhaging while simultaneously Nicholas was not responding well to the Apgar test. But the doctors were amazing, and God was watching over us, because we both recovered quickly from the difficult birth. Now, it seems like another lifetime ago...almost like I wasn't the one going through that experience, but when I replay it in my mind it's like I was watching someone else go through it.

After the birth Ricky, Kendall, Penelope and Jaxon got to meet little Nicholas. Just as I had prayed, he was perfect, and cute to boot! He has such a full head of hair, and he looks like a little angel when he sleeps. So glad to finally meet you Nicholas!

Just a little bit closer...

Pre-baby thoughts...

According to my Dr., I'm 1-2cm and 50% effaced. Amazing how your body begins to prepare for labor and you don't even know it! I've had a few other tell-tale signs that labor is approaching. It's amazing to see my body follow the same routine that billions have followed before me. So all of these pre-labor signs mean...that it could be a day or another week or so! Mom and I picked out Nicholas' coming home outfit yesterday--can't wait to bundle him up his cute clothes.

Now that everything is mostly ready for his arrival, I'm spending my days thinking of the really important details--like the fact that both Nicholas and Marks ends in an "s" --so every time someone says--I'm going to Nicholas' house or that Nicholas Marks' pencil--they'll have to add the "es" phonetically, but spelling will just have the apostrophe! Hope he won't get beat up for things like that ;). Those are the deep contemplations of a former English teacher :).

Two of my girlfriends just had their little boys-- Bonnie with DB and Shannon with little Christopher. As I think of those precious little boys nestled up against their father's chests, I can't wait to see Andy as a dad. He'll be amazing!

So I'm ready already.

No, I didn't finish washing the socks. I'm mostly packed. There is always more to do.

But I am ready to meet Nicholas!!

My parents and I took a childbirth class at the hospital which lasted allllll day long, but really got me in the mindset of getting this whole labor thing over with :).

I visited a friend of mine who just had her little one a week early, and I'm so jealous! He is just precious.

I so long to hold my little one.

But, I will enjoy the peace and quite that I do have in my remaining days, and soak up all of the sleep and personal time I can. I will sleep in, watch movies, read books, and take walks! Soon enough I will have this little boy 24-7...so patience :).

Washing little socks!

Two major things that I've been putting off which I no longer have any excuse to avoid: washing the baby clothes and bedding and packing for the hospital. I keep thinking I'm ready for Nicholas to arrive early, but I think there is a little bit of me inside that says, as long as these things aren't done he won't come, and you have a little more time all to yourself! But I love to be prepared, so the thought of not being completely ready for him can keep me up at night. So I have my suitcase on my bed, and I pulled out out the hypoallergenic dye free all clear detergent...and I had to take a break to check my email and update the blog :). Just minor procrastinations. I know I'll get it done today! Nicholas--just hold out a little longer!!!

And so it begins

I am officially joining the blogging world. I've been fighting it for a while...but I've given in. So why start now? Well, I am three weeks away from becoming a new mom! I can't think of any better reason to blog, can you? I'm pretty sure it's a requirement now for all moms to post pictures and videos and funny stories of their little ones!! Hopefully I will be faithful to keeping friends and family up to date on the happenings and adventures of the Marks family as we welcome little Nicholas into our lives.

I've been busy this summer preparing the nest. New carpet installed, cleaned the house from top to bottom, cooking, baking (definitely new things for me!). Crib, check, car seat, check, diapers, check!!! I've been reading books about pregnancy, motherhood, scheduling...okay, at least I'm about 1/3 of the way through at least three books. The baby room is ready but am I?? How do you really prepare for an event like this? Everyone keeps telling me that my life will never be the same. I'm excited, nervous...okay, scared--especially about the labor part. But I have a feeling once he's placed into my arms that all of that will go away.

Thankfully I have several pregnant girlfriends to share complaints and worries with. I have a wonderful family and loving husband who are all here ready and excited to welcome Nicholas. I have so many people praying for a safe pregnancy and healthy baby, and a faithful God who walks with me through it all.

Can't wait to see what you look like little one! I have a feeling you're going to have a big personality, right away. Come soon!

So...that wasn't too hard. :)