The D-Backs' Newest Fan!

Today we brought Davin on his longest road trip so far to Phoenix for Fandimonium weekend at Chase Field. We had season tickets to the D-Backs this year, but didn't really get to use them because I was on bedrest, and then we had Davin who was just too young. We finally decided that Davin was old enough to tote along, even though he probably won't remember it! He spent the first inning staring at everything and everyone around him (lots of visual stimulation), then he fell asleep until about the fifth inning. When he woke up, he had some good ballpark food (a bottle), then enjoyed a walk around the park. I think it all went pretty well! And, Davin has a new Mark Reynolds bobble head for his bedroom!

Turtley Cute

Just in case you forgot how cute he is...

Footie Pajamas

In an effort to start a bedtime routine, we've started puting Davin, who has outgrown that swaddle stage, in pajamas, feeding him one last time, then going to sleep. I'll be the first to admit that the routine is far from perfect, and far from mastered, but it's a start. I realize he's only 2 1/2 months old, but he's started getting this tired cry at the same time each night, then eventually falling asleep. So, I guess what we're trying to accomplish is a shortening of the crying period and making bedtime a happy experience for all. Possible? We'll see, but for now, the footie pajamas are the sweetest thing!

The Adventures of Davin and Daddy

Thom has been dying to share his love of the outdoors with Davin, so on Saturday while I was at work, they packed themselves up and ventured up the road to Bonita Creek. I wish I could have been there, but at the same time, I think it's awesome that they are so into father/son time.

Big!

Took Davin for his 2 month checkup on Tuesday, he weighs 9 pounds 14 ounces and is 22 inches long! 25th percentile (up from the 5th percentile)! He has such a personality now!

Had to get a huge round of vaccinations, not fun. He was fussy with a low grade fever all day yesterday, poor guy. Feeling better today, though! Now Thom and I get to go get our flu shots today. Wonder if Davin is thinking "haha, karma!"

Labor Day

Hope everyone is having a great labor day! We had a fish fry at Brenda's house last night, also used it as a little birthday celebration for Dad (his actual birthday is tomorrow).

As soon as we walked in, Davin was whisked away... how must it feel to be the most popular man in the room?

He got to meet Sharon Greene and Nana & Papa Cowan for the first time, but he spent most of his time with Erick...

This has been such a cute relationship to watch. The teenage boy in the family, the one who would steriotypically be the least interested in a baby, walked up to me and asked "hey, Nicole, can I hold him?" So, carrier strapped onto the front oh him with Davin inside, Erick walked, danced, and made funny noises, whatever would make the baby happy. Love it!

Just because...

Just because we have a new favorite thing to photograph...

Davin is 6 weeks old now, and getting bigger every day (at least it seems like it to me). He's starting to work on his smile (not just a gassy one), and figured out that he actually loves bathtime (I think it's the warm water). Although he is becoming more alert each day, and a little more independent, he still loves to be held, snuggled, and carried (yes, many miles are being put on the carriers and slings). I have to go back to work next week and I am not looking forward to it, I'm gonna miss my baby boy so much!

1 month

Davin is 1 month old today! I took him for his wellchild checkup and he is 7 pounds 9 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

3 weeks old

Davin is 3 weeks old now, and we've finally reached his due date as well!

He's so much more alert now, too, which I am loving, and we are finally getting used to his routines. Except, it seems like every time we think we have his routines figures out, he changes them. What an adventure we're on!

Born on the 4th of July

At last, we introduce our new little bundle of joy, Davin Thomas Dupont, born July 4 at 10:27 am, 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and 19 3/4 inches long.

After a month in the hospital on bedrest, my doctors decided the best course of action would be to induce labor at 37 weeks. I was in labor for 26 hours, starting on the morning of July 3, however the baby's heart rate began to drop with my contractions and it was decided that a c-section would be the best route. By that time I was exhauseted, and Thomas said the anesthesiologist kept marveling at the fact that I was drifting in and out of sleep. I was awake, however, for the birth of our beautiful son, who was not breathing well at first, and was taken to the NICU. I was so sad that it would be awhile before I could see him (Thomas was going to be able to go back after they had Davin settled), but as we sat in labor and delivery to recover after the surgery, they brought the most handsome baby boy into my room and said he was healthy and did not have to stay in the NICU, he could stay with us! And now, after a four day postpartum stay at TMC (and one trip back up there for Davin's allergy to the cow's milk in my diet) we are home and so happy to be here!

35 Weeks

So, we've made it this far in our pregnancy, but not without a few bumps in the road. Let me just say, this is not how I saw things going when we planned to get pregnant! At 33 weeks, I was admitted to our local hospital, where I work, because my blood pressure was elevated and I was having some contractions. After about 2 days there, they had stopped the contractions and administered a full cycle of steroids to help Pickle develop should we have to deliver early, and I was discharged to home on bedrest... so officially no more work for me until after Pickle makes an appearance in the outside world.
I had an appointment for a Non-stress Test the day after I was discharged, so I went in for that, and started vomiting and my blood pressure spiked, so back into the hospital I went. The end result of that was me being shipped to Tucson via ambulance with mild preeclampsia, and being told at the time that we may have to deliver the baby at 34 weeks.
And, here we are, at 35 weeks, still pregnant, still at TMC, and being told that I am "super stable," and that I will be here, on bedrest, until they deliver the baby at 37 weeks unless something goes downhill. Last unltrasound said Pickle is around 5 pounds 13 ounces. And, after all this bedrest, I have ankles again (still swollen, though).
Thomas is still working, of course, but has cut back on his hours a little so he can come to Tucson at the end of the week to be with me, which is wonderful, because I miss him so much. My family has come to visit quite a bit, also, they keep me from getting too lonely up here.
For now, though, with my super stable status, I am being the best incubator I can be, and I know it will be totally worth it when I see this little boy for the first time.

Still no great pics...

but if you could have seen him in person, you would have seen what looks much more like a baby now at the ultrasound today (sweet chubby cheeks, the works). I think he may have Thomas' nose. Thomas could see the screen a little better than me, but I guess I'll get to see him in person soon enough. We're at 32 weeks now, so not long to go! According to the ultrasound tech and her extensive technology, Pickle is already weighing in at roughly 4 pounds 8 ounces. And, Dr. Tran says I'm measuring at 34 weeks, so looks like we may have a big baby on our hands. Only time will tell.

Now, speaking of time, I'm not sure I fully realized how long 40 weeks can be to anticipate the birth of a child. Especially in light of all that pregnancy puts your body through during those 40 weeks. Most of it I expected (nausea, weight gain), but I was not prepared for the fatigue and the swelling. I'm sure I had heard about them in passing, and didn't give them much thought, but they are a pretty big deal here at the end of this pregnancy. There are so many things I want to get done every day, even fun things, but all too often a good long nap wins out. And the swelling will go down part of the way overnight, but one hour out of bed and I'm the Michelin Man again. I hate that I can't wear my wedding ring, and even my nose is swollen. My nose!

Not that I'm complaining (ok, maybe a little). I fully realize what the purpose here is, and look forward to seeing my little miracle very soon. And I would do it all again. My favorite thing about pregnancy? Feeling him kick and move and squirm inside my belly. It's like our own little reassuring form of communication. But I am so ready to have a beautiful, healthy baby in my arms and not be pregnant anymore. This waiting is killer!

By the way, Thomas just asked me if I had ever mentioned (which I didn't because it happened during that long dormancy this fall/winter) that he passed his test and is now an LSIT (land surveryor in training). So proud of him! My man is goin' places!

For those feeling cheated...

Here is the 20 week ultrasound pic, which Thomas swears he scanned long ago and I just didn't look hard enough for.

As you can see, not a very photogenic child thus far, but we think he's darling, and hold high hopes for a great picture of him someday, maybe when he's not surrounded in fluid.

Also, I would like to give a special shout out to Jennie and Josh Clonts who finally had their beautiful baby girl yesterday! A huge congratulations to them, and many blessings to their expanding family. If Thomas wasn't feeling under the weather, I could be over there playing with the sweet girl!

Back from Dormancy

Wow, are we bad at updating, or what? Once again, though, no worries, you haven't missed too much. I think we just go dormant for the winter. *wink*

And, in case you were wondering where all that time at home with nothing to do gets you, here's a peek at what we're expecting in July...

This was at about 12 weeks into the pregnancy, and he looks a bit like an alien here, but this is Pickle, so called because he resides inside the Pickle Barrel (that's me, a part of a nickname given to me in childhood). You'll note I said he, because the 20 week ultrasound (haven't scanned the pictures yet, sorry) showed we are expecting a healthy baby boy, and he should arrive sometime around July 24th. Now, here we are at 29 weeks into the pregnancy, and I really hope there is nobody major we forgot to tell, lest you be super shocked as you read this post!

Took Mom to the two D-Backs games this weekend for Mother's Day, and had a blast! I absolutely love our seats.

So, guess we will try to update more, especially with a little one on the way!

I own season tickets!

Been so long since I last posted, sorry about that, guess I was a little preoccupied. Don't feel cheated, you didn't miss much!

So, we are now the proud owners of D-Backs 2009 weekend season tickets - 4 seats! So excited! We also own tickets to all of the prospective postseason home games for this year, but looks like our money may be refunded, since the D-backs appear to have decided that they don't want to play into October. At least they havn't been playing like the championship team I know they can be! Pick it up, guys!

Last weekend, labor day, we had a flash flood - we're talking washes running, roads washed away, and one big hole in my yard:

Hot mamas Kiley and Ashley were in town this weekend, so much fun! Reminded me how much I miss them and want to see them more often.

Dad celebrated his 61st birthday this week! Did I mention he is in remission? Happy Birthday, Dad!

Durango

Such an amazing getaway, just a little late with the post! So, at the end of May, we made our way to Durango, CO, to stay in the Rincon Lodge that Grammy rented for the week. Gorgeous lodge, gorgeous surroundings, the works. We went fishing, took a day trip to Silverton, and wandered around town a little to hit up some of our favirite haunts. By far the best part of the trip was whitewater rafting down the Animas River, and so cool that everyone came along with us for that! As always, here are some pics: