Cora's First Checkup

Cora had her first checkup with Doctor Pickral today (Doctor Pickral was Amanda's Paediatrician). She's continued her healthy start and now weighs 9lbs 4oz.

In addition to h a picture of her being weighed at Dr. Pickral's office, there's also a picture of her with Dr. Chewning; the Doctor that delivered Cora!

First Bath

Well, after much debate we chose the kitchen counter as the best place to put the small tub for Cora's first bath at home.

The whole process passed without too much bother. Mum and Dad were nervous (Grommy was assisting in the procedure), Cora seemed befuddled by her interesting surroundings, and the dog waited anxiously for a clean sister to appear.

Life at Home!

The first night wasn't plain sailing, but it wasn't a nightmare either...

...regardless, everyone slowly settling in!

Home at Last!

The Doctor gave us great news today; Cora is gaining weight, and the signs of jaundice are fading...

On that great news the car was loaded up and the girls finally got to come home.

Tuesday's The Day!

Both Amanda and Cora were both cleared to come home today, but with the Doctor wanting to see Cora first thing in the morning it seems sensible to spend one more night at the hospital before coming home tomorrow.

Cora will be getting a final check-up before lunch and then we are all coming home.

All of the animals seem to know what's in store; Gemma, Boo, and Xena are all getting their beauty sleep while they can!

Stay tuned; pictures of the homecoming to follow soon...

Coming Home?

We don't expect Amanda and Cora to be released to come home until Tuesday. This gives Dad plenty of time to get nervous about the state of the house before his girls come home.

After all the effort in labor it just took longer than anticipated, and a little more work than anticipated to perform the C-Section.

Nonetheless, Doctor Chewning (who was FANTASTIC) sprung in to action, safely delivered Cora, and then took his time ensuring Amanda had all the care she needed.

Dad was nervous until he got to be with his girls together in the same room...but it was the greatest sight on earth.

The entire nursing staff at the hospital has been amazed at Amanda's grit and determination, and with her speedy recovery from a full day of labor and a C-section!

Amanda became fully mobile and independent later in the day when she was finally unhooked, unwired, and untethered from numerous gadgets. The first order of business was a LONG, hot shower!

More to follow, meanwhile Dad has a quiet celebratory drink, and gets the photos ready to show off tomorrow!

Please feel free to leave comments...

Welcome Cora!

Welcome, Cora Mae Conway!

Born at 8:32pm on Friday February 22nd, 2008.

Cora weighed 8lbs 9oz, and was 22 3/4" long!

Mum is doing well after a tricky C-Section, but both Mum and Dad are deliriously happy!

Ah, The Night Before

Mum is snoring sleeping, pondering life without a 10-point procedure for rolling over, without a large pillow in bed...

...and dreaming of life with Cora.

Dad is regretting taking a late shower. The planned "sleepy" feeling just hasn't materialized. So, passing some time with a little typing just seemed like a good idea.

On a small side-note: the weather forecast is very poor for tomorrow morning. An original forecast of snow has changed to a wintry mix as the temperature seems destined to drop below 20°F for a long period overnight.

Amanda feels that this gives cause to leave for the hospital, well, now(10pm the night before), whereas I feel that theres no need to worry about it.

I dropped in a little slideshow of a couple of pictures. I hope you enjoy them; I'll be putting pictures of Cora up just as soon as I can!

So Much For That!

You guessed it; still no baby!

Mum-to-be is about to embark on a hike of biblical proportions in an effort to "go natural," but it would seem to be a last ditch effort...

So, if all things stay the same we will be getting up bright and early tomorrow and heading in to town for the main event, D-Day, game day, the big enchilada, lift off, and any other suitable phrase you can think of...

...for the birth of our daughter, Cora

Advice

The imminent full moon and lunar eclipse seems to have brought about some of the more interesting pieces of advice to kick-start labor.

The cream of the crop has to be: Lay down in the front yard under the full moon. This can be added to other pearls of wisdom:

• Eat egg plant
• Drink Castor oil
• Drink prune juice
• Take a bumpy drive

Regardless, tomorrow is Cora's last chance to make an appearance before the Doctor helps us on Friday!

The Perfect Storm

The weatherman is calling for some snow overnight, combine that with a full moon tonight, and a lunar eclipse this evening, and it almost seems like the perfect storm for labor.

Dammit kid, stop waiting around and come out.

Due-Date Checkup

Due date is here; the day we thought would never arrive.

Doctor Troise says that the Mum-to-be is progressing well, but still no sign of labor.

Friday, 22nd February has been arranged as the day on which labor will be induced...assuming she doesn't make an appearance between now and then!

Amanda was still dilated just over 2cm, but she's now 75% effaced.

Dr. Troise said it would be good to give Mother Nature a few days to make her move, but we should go to Stonewall Jackson Hospital at 6am on Friday if there's still no sign of labor.

BC - Before Cora

Well, Mum and Dad are sitting at home. Thumbs are being twiddled, crosswords are being completed, and impatience is the name of the game.

We will put a few pictures of our baby up in the coming days - we'll even try to get a few ultrasound pictures up...all in the hope that a certain someone decides to make her appearance.