April 12, 2007 by mama.

The last few weeks have been very busy- unfortunately, leaving little time for blogging!  Ernesto was born on Sunday, March 18th and we spent four days together at the hospital before returning home on Wednesday the 21st.  My mom and Aunt Kate helped us get home safely and then my mom stayed for several days to help with the cooking, cleaning and childcare.

 We really did need help!  After a challenging delivery and c-section, I faced some additional challenges- a complication with my incision and thrush which has made breastfeeding very difficult.  Happily, both of these challenges are improving every day and I feel like I can finally focus on Ernesto as my baby and as a little person.  He is spending lots of time eating and sleeping with just a little time for playing but I know that balance will change with time.

Alvaro has been an amazing Daddy and husband.  He has taken care of me and Ernesto with patience and competence that is incredible.  I feel like for the first two weeks, he was doing the bulk of the work as I was just trying to recuperate and keep Ernesto fed.

So far, Ernesto has thrilled us by lifting his head and pushing his body along the blanket during tummy time.  He has also given us little smiles- though maybe its just gas!  Best of all, he seems to be an incredibly relaxed, laid-back baby who has helped mommy recover.  He has also been gaining weight very well and at his last doctor’s appt, he was 8 lbs, 9ozs and 21 inches long- great growth since his low of 6 lbs, 7ozs just before we left the hospital.  He is such a beautiful joy in our lives.

Today, he went with Mommy to a new mom’s support group and, aside from a few waking moments, he slept calmly through the whole thing!

- Mama

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February 18, 2007 by mama.

Last night, mama and papa decided it was time to get a bed ready for Ernestito.  We still have 5 weeks until the due date but it never hurts to be prepared.  We put together the cradle that cousin Abigail used for her first few months and now we have a cozy little bed ready.  This morning, I looked in at the cradle, sitting under the window.  The sun was coming in right next to the cradle giving the room a warm glow.  I felt very happy that we have such a nice place to welcome our baby.

The past few weeks have been full of ‘preparations’.  Last week, Alvaro and I completed our lamaze classes and I also took a class in breast-feeding.  We have just one class left, in baby care, but already I feel much more prepared for when the time comes.  In lamaze class, we learned lots of breathing and pushing techniques as well as learning about the medical options that we will have to relieve pain or deal with any complications that may arise.  I hope that I might be able to have Ernestito without any of these medical interventions but I also am prepared to accept any help that I need when the time comes.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a tour of the hospital where Ernestito will be born.  I really liked the delivery room.  It had a couple of nice comfy chairs as well as a bed that also can be a chair.  Alvaro will be able to monitor my contractions on the computer screen and be with me throughout it all.

I was a little surprised by the recovery rooms- I knew that these would not be private rooms but I thought they might be a little bit larger!  I think it will be impossible for Alvaro to stay with me and Ernestito in the hospital so I really hope we can leave quickly and come home and be together.

 Ernestito- if you decide to come now, don’t worry, we are ready and anxious for you to be with us!  We also understand if you want to wait for a few more weeks to gain some weight in peace- but know that we are hear, waiting!

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January 20, 2007 by mama.

Even though Ernesto hasn’t been born yet, he has already made lots of visits to friends and today he is receiving a visit from his cousin.  The week before Christmas, we visited Nicolas Bermudez (Joanne and Jaime’s new son) just two days after he was born.  Last weekend, the 14th, we journeyed to Poughkeepsie to meet another new friend, Quinn Heinly.  At two months old, Quinn wasn’t too talkative yet but he gave us lots of smiles.  Ethan and Gavin Heinly were very interested in the new little boy that Mama is carrying and are looking forward to another friend who can help them play with all of their many ‘boy’ toys!

Today Abigail and Auntie Jenn are arriving to spend a night here in the city.  Auntie Jenn has already told Abigail lots about her new cousin to-be but I am not sure if you will seem real to her until you arrive.  And soon, Jen Litman will have another new friend for Ernestito!  We are expecting to hear something any minute since her due date just passed this week.

For Papa and I, you already seem real.  Compared to the little kicks I used to feel, your movements now are huge!  If I am walking, it can almost take my breath away when you roll around in me.  Since the doctor says we should now pay attention to your movements, it is good to have lots of frequent reminders.  If we don’t feel you for more than 6 hours, we need to let the Doctor know- but I would say I never go more than an hour without noticing some little movement!  In fact, you just gave me a little triple kick, I think I was leaning too close to the keyboard and you were fighting for a bit more space!

Just 11 weeks to go- yeah!

 - Mama

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