37 Weeks/ Christian is 1 Week Old!

What a difference a week makes!

Our Baby Story~ A Surprise Arrival

Well....looks like my contractions on Thursday were true labor after all. I began having consistent contractions that morning until 4pm when they suddenly became more intense and I called Steve at work, telling him we needed to drive to the hospital (40 minutes away.) I still wasn't sure at this point if it was false labor because while the contractions were consistently 4-6 minutes apart, they still only lasted about 20 sec. When we got to the hospital around 5pm, I was already 5 cm dilated (I had been 1.5 cm that morning at 10am.) At 6pm I was 7 cm dilated. (Barely in time for an epidural, which by the way, is the most amazing thing ever!) I didn't progress to 10 cm until 10:30pm and was in labor for about 40 minutes pushing.

Christian Isaac Raymer ("Little Stevie"- he looks so much like him) was born September 17, 2009 at 11:28pm. He was 6 lbs. 7 oz. and 19.5 inches long. Because he was born at 36 weeks, he is considered a late-term premature baby. They did lots of tests, was on antibiotics (so sad to see an IV in his little hand) and had to stay an extra day in the nursery for jaundice. Fortunately, we were able to take him home with us Sunday afternoon and he was on in-home photo therapy until just yesterday when his pediatrician gave us the okay to take him off. We were definitely surprised by Christian's early and very unexpected arrival, and feel so thankful that he is healthy.

Leaving the hospital...

Poor baby, barely fits in his carseat.

At-home photo therapy bili lights. So thankful that we had this option!

Overall, Christian is doing well. He is so sweet and cuddly, and we are in awe of God's miracle and this amazing little gift! Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers! We truly appreciate everyone's kindness and encouragement!

36 Weeks

Another drs. appointment today and I am still 1.5 cm dilated, but am now 70% effaced. I had some difficulties driving the 40 minutes into town because I have been having contractions all morning. (Going on 6 hours now.) They are coming every 4-6 minutes but only last for about 20 seconds. Waiting to see if they become more intense before going to Labor and Delivery. Maybe baby Raymer will come early after all? I will keep you updated...

This picture was taken this morning (36 weeks.) I had a little difficulty smiling...

Remembering September 11, 2001

Thinking of the families and survivors of 9/11 today....

Baby Update - 35.5 weeks

I went to the OB doctor yesterday afternoon and my belly is measuring right on target. I am also 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Everything is looking good, and I am feeling good! I can hardly believe that we are going to meet this little guy in only 4 weeks! Again, if he wants to come sooner, that is okay too. :o) My mom has made travel plans to come out to California hopefully for the delivery and to help for a couple of weeks. Please pray that the labor and delivery go smoothly and that everything will work out accordingly. So excited!

Labor Day in San Diego

This past Labor Day weekend Steve's parents kindly drove from Colorado to meet us for a fun long weekend in San Diego. I LOVE San Diego, by the way! There is always so much to do and beautiful cooler weather! (We are still averaging upper 90's here, so it was very nice to have a break from the heat.)

We kept busy in San Diego and went to the La Jolla Shores, Gas Lamp District (yummy Ghirardelli ice cream shop,) World Famous San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village, Coronado Island AND Balboa Park. Whew- a busy and very fun vacation!

This will probably be our last "hurrah" before our little guy comes along in ONLY 4.5 weeks now! (Maybe even a little earlier *hint hint*) Spending time with Steve's parents in San Diego was a wonderful escape and a great way to end the summer- although summer temps will probably stick around here for awhile longer. Thank you guys for a great time!

Hooray for Organizing!

I love to organize! Clean...not so much (especially when it comes to cleaning bathrooms. I also despise ironing!) But I really enjoy going through items, finding proper homes, and simply just getting rid of clutter. My mom can testify to this, as I often organize a random drawer or area whenever I am visiting back home. I just like order and for everything to be put away. We will see how this may drastically change once our baby comes along...I will have to relax some and go with the flow. :)

I think that as the weather becomes cooler (at least in some areas...grr) garage sales will be picking up a little. I am not a huge garage sale customer myself, but I have enjoyed having garage sales with my family in the past. I found this blog article today at "Money Saving Mom" with great tips on having a successful garage sale (click here.) Check out the readers' comments as well. We personally do not have a huge load of things to sell at this point in time as I am always trying to get rid of things via the thrift store on base (who takes consignments), eBay, and goodwill. In the future, especially with baby items and toys, I will totally be up for it. I especially like the idea of having a neighborhood garage sale. My sister-in-law, Kristi, takes part in an annual neighborhood garage sale in their community and they receive a ton of customers, plus what better way to advertise- people will totally go out of their way if they know there will be several sales in one place. The article also mentioned keeping a "yard sale box or boxes" throughout the year. I like to keep a box for donations so that whenever I find an item that we don't use or no longer fits (boo) I can start collecting for donation or for thrift.

Anyway, if you cannot wait until Spring for that "Spring Cleaning" consider some of the great ideas listed in this article for a "Fall Cleaning." I am sure holiday items would sell great right now!