Home From the Hospital

There is so much to share!  I don't even know where to begin!  So I'll start by backing up a bit...

As I said in my previous post, Josiah appeared on the scene about 6 hours earlier than we had previously expected.  My c-section was a smooth and positive experience (very similar to my previous experience when Priya was born).  I was disappointed that it wasn't my doctor doing the surgery but was given good care by the doctor who was on call.  I also really appreciated the rest of the team who assisted in the process as well as the care that I received in the hospital during the four days that I stayed there.  On several occasions I felt like I was being pampered - kind of like being at a day spa!  Although the circumstances, of course, were quite different.  Day spas don't typically cut you open or put multiple needles in your hands and arms...

Josiah and I were fortunate to get a double room to ourselves which gave us a lot of space for visitors and peace and quiet (not to mention privacy) when we were trying to sleep.

One of the highlights for Ashish and I was seeing Priya and Josiah meet for the first time.  Priya was a little unsure of him at first and didn't really want to come close.  But it only took a few minutes for that wall to come crashing down and she has been a loving, doting (and very curious) big sister ever since.  She loves to hold him, give him kisses, and share her toys with him.  She also enjoys entertaining him by singing him songs and talking to him.

After 4 days in the hospital, Josiah and I were released on Friday, November 19 at around 5pm.  Priya was especially thrilled to be taking us home (as you can see if you look closely at her face in the photo below).

Our first night home couldn't have been much better!  We enjoyed some family snuggle time before putting the kids to bed.  And then Josiah slept a whopping 4 hours straight - two times during the night!  It was the best sleep I'd gotten in months!!  Sleep wasn't an easy thing to come by when Priya was a baby so this was a very welcome surprise.  I hope it continues...

No, Priya and Josiah didn't sleep in the same bed, but Josiah came by for a visit in the morning when Priya woke up. 

This evening (Saturday, November 20) we attended a Thanksgiving dinner put on by VIDA, the Hispanic Club here at SU.  I had fun dressing Priya and Josiah in coordinating outfits.  ;)  At the end of the dinner we were thoroughly entertained as Priya, her buddies Bella and Lucy danced with some of our Simpson students and then serenaded us via microphone with some rather fabulous songs.

Welcome to the world Josiah Austin Christian!

Josiah Austin Christian entered the world on Tuesday, November 16 weighing in at 7 lb, 10 oz and 19 1/2 inches long.  He threw us a minor curve ball and decided that he wanted to make a surprise grand entrance.  At around 3am on Tuesday morning I woke up and found myself in labor and arrived at the hospital at 5am.  My doctor unfortunately wasn't the doctor on call but Josiah and I were given great care by Dr. Oliva.  She checked me and confirmed that I was in active labor but gave me medication to stop the labor because they were short staffed and already overflowing with patients.  They didn't think they'd be able to deliver Josiah earlier than his scheduled 12:30pm appointment.  But about 5 minutes later they decided that I was still progressing too quickly so they immediately began prepping me and had him out by 6:30am.

Josiah is an amazing baby!  On the first day he only cried when he was first born and the rest of the day only made little squeaking and grunting noises.  He is so content and sweet!  Both of us are doing great!

More to come...

Two Days To Go!!

We are definitely in the home stretch!  I can't believe that I've made it this far and that baby Christian has stayed put this long!  We are eager and ready to meet him!  Priya seems to waver back and forth between being excited and...well...not so excited.  We're sure we'll have a transition with her as she gets used to sharing the spotlight.  But we think that overall she's going to be a fantastic sister and will be very excited once she realizes more clearly what is about to happen and how much fun it will be to have a little brother (especially as they both get older).

I'm excited about moving on from the not-so-glamorous side effects of being pregnant.  Just think, in two more days I won't be throwing up anymore (I'm VERY excited about that), I still won't be getting much sleep but I'm hoping and praying that the insomnia lessens as it did after Priya was born.  And I'll no longer feel like I'm walking around with a bowling ball between my legs.  TMI?  ;)  I'm also looking forward to being able to walk around more without worrying that it'll cause me to go into early labor! 

All-in-all I'm filled with gratitude and a thankful heart.  This pregnancy has been a difficult one but it's been such a blessing to have this extra time to really focus on Priya and to have that extra special mommy/daughter time.  It's been nice to feel that I have more emotional reserves for Ashish and to stand by him even more during the challenges he faces daily with his educational endeavors.  I'm thankful that I'll still have a job after the completion of my maternity leave - and that it's a job that I love and will enjoy returning to - despite the tug in my heart that will make it difficult to not be at home full time with my kids.  I'm thankful for the safety and health of the baby and for the excellent care that we have both received from our doctor.  I'm thankful for the supportive family and friends who have lent a listening ear, helpful words of wisdom and prayers that have been offered up.  We are truly blessed and are excited to meet our newest blessing face to face in less than 48 hours!!

Only 2 Weeks To Go!!!

37 weeks and counting...  I can hardly believe it!  It's 12:38pm PST on November 2, 2010.  Two weeks from today at this time Ashish and I will have the chance to see our son for the very first time!  I'm getting so excited!!!  :)

And boy oh boy, has the nesting instinct ever kicked in over these past few days!  I've been wondering when that would start.  :)  We're even getting ready for Christmas a bit early this year.  Priya and I put up the tree together this morning.  I know, I know, it's only November 2 but I don't think I'll be up for Christmas decorating after the baby arrives. ;)