Our Forever Changing Life...

Thursday, September 15, 2011

First weeks home with Jared

Well our little Jared is now a day over being 2 weeks old. The first week was filled with lots of visitors which kept us busy and full of help. Some of the visitors are below but I guess I didn't get a picture of everyone.

We got a visit at home from: the Daly's (Auntie Christy and her family), the Wanduragala's (Auntie Debbie and her family), Grandma Myra and Papa Sohre, Auntie Wendy, Auntie Shelly, the Nibbe's (Auntie Denise and her family), Uncle Kevin and his family, Great Auntie Annie, and of course Grandma Betty and Grandpa Joe.

Week two has been just mostly us and I think we are adjusting to having a newborn around again. Gracie and Zach went to daycare and preschool most of the week, so this has really helped to not be so overwhelming on my part. We are going to have Baptism this coming weekend 9/17/11, so without the two older kids I could get the house in order and get ready for the wonderful celebration.

Looks like they are all taking a nap!

Papa Sohre.

Grandma Myra.

My Mom was so nice and came and stayed with us from Monday afternoon until Wednesday afternoon the first week we were home. We sure appreciated the help. We managed on Tuesday to go to Willmar to get Jared's newborn photos done and Wednesday we ventured to the grocery store and park in Redwood Falls. We were all sad when she left. Thanks for helping Mom!

Starting to do some 'tummy time.'

Hey you handsome fella... I think your Mommy likes you a whole bunch!

Auntie Wendy.

Auntie Christy.

Auntie Shelly.

Uncle Jim.

We have gotten in a few stroller rides.

We even had to put on a hat as some of the days it has been just a little chilly.

Family photo.

Mommy's little helper.

Little Jared has some competition in his pack-n-play, compliments of his big sister.

Notice also the fish. Gracie feeds her dolly and Zachy has taken to bottle feeding his stuffef animal, the fish.

By 2 weeks I already had to put the newborn sleepers and diapers away and move into the 3 month sleepers. He is a tall little boy!

Two weeks of maternity leave already gone. Only ten weeks left. It is going fast already.

Coming home

After a great 2 night stay in the hospital it was time to head home and face the real world. No more breakfast in bed and nurses bringing me my motrin and changing my bed sheets.

Jared had his first ride in the car seat and did wonderful for our 50 minute drive home.

It was time for this 'Little Brother' to met his home.

After we get him home, Marty went to get Gracie from pre-school. They made a stop at Wal-mart and picked up the adorable "Simba", who is bigger than Jared himself. Gracie was so excited to give it to Jared.

I think she was even more excited to finally have a real live baby placed in the little crib that has been ready now for several weeks.

Zach is just as excited and they are eager again to hold him.

They also want to take naps with him on his pillow.

Welcome home sweet baby!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Jared Dennis Malecek

The baby has arrived!!

The due date was 8/28/2011. The birthday ended up being 8/31/2011.

Labor was started with a planned induction. The baby was doing some goofy things during my weekly Dr. appts with the heart rate always going down so by the advice of my OB Dr. he suggested we induce.

I had wanted to be able to go into labor all on my own, but of course the health of the baby was a bigger priority, so I told the Dr. to then pick the day. He said Wed. 8/31/2011 would work good for him, so I agreed.

We were to arrive at the hospital at 7:30am on Wednesday, 3 days past my due date, to be induced. The medicine to start contractions, Pitocin, was started about 9am. For most of the morning I was having contractions, but nothing severe. Marty and I watched a movie, waiting for things to progress. I had really thought that by noon or at least early afternoon this baby would be born... but it didn't quite go like that.

My Dr. came back over the noon hour to check on me. I was dialated enough that he broke my water about 1pm. He told me that I would then be having a baby for sure sometime that day.

Breaking my water, perked things up a little. The contractions gradually got stronger. By 3pm they were getting worse. My other intention was to not get an epidural. To help with the pain I had my iPod filled with relaxation music, Marty was informed he needed to help me relax and distract me, and I used the birthing ball. Marty did a great job. He rubbed by back. Helped me breath. We talked about the best trips we had been on. I visualized the beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii that we saw on our Honeymoon (8 yrs ago). Overall the methods were working to help control the pain. Then about 4:30pm it started to get really bad. I opted to try some IV pain medicine that I had when I was in labor with Gracie. It makes you feel dizzy and kinda drunk, but it worked enough to tolerate the next hour. Then about 5:30pm or so the medicine was wearing off and again things were progressing. I was dialating more so no chance for an epidural anymore and then here we go.... 6:39pm we have a wonderful, healthy, baby boy. The Dr. delivers him, Marty cuts the cord, and then the baby is on my tummy for me to look and for the first time!

Marty was in charge of taking pictures and he got lots. This one was to show everyone the baby had hair just like his siblings. I think Jared has the least amount of the three, but still plenty to brag about.

Then we have the proud parents first photo with little Jared.

Amazing how fast the pain of childbirth goes away!

Proud Daddy. Proud Mommy.

Cute brand new baby Jared.

Jared's first bath later that evening.

Our sweet baby boy, just hours old.

The next day we get some visitors. First Grandma Myra Sohre.

Then Grandma Betty and Joe come along with Big Sister Gracie and Big Brother Zach.

They like their brother immediatly and are quick to give him a kiss and a hug.

After checking out their new brother they take a look at me and wonder where my BIG belly went and why I still have a little belly if the baby isn't in there anymore? They are so observant.