A Very Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for, all the more true this year with Jack joining the family.  It’s hard to believe little man’s only (already?!) 10 days old.  It’s been non-stop action since we brought him home though…the parade of visitors, 3am feedings, etc, and now hosting Thanksgiving dinner.  This was, of course, by our own design since the idea of packing up to go anywhere with a not-yet-two-week-old had less than zero appeal.   But we wouldn’t change a thing. 

Jack spends most of his days sleeping, and despite a full house with plenty of noise, today was no different.  Every now and then he cracks an eye or two and joins in the festivities…

All in all though, a rather smooth day.  Abby had one “demand” with a late-November due date: “I want to spend Thanksgiving at home!”  So as promised, I spent the day in the kitchen.  If not for my trusty sous chef in Grandma Kristine, it wouldn’t have happened though (I’m not sure how Grandma feels about ever reprising that role though).

Just a low key night at home with family.  Now, family +1.

Peanut’s Outta the Shell!

Introducing John Michael Mellon, our flawless new addition.  Baby “Jack,” as we’ll call him, joined us at 11:06 AM this morning, weighing in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces and stretching out at 20 inches long.  Abby and Jack are doing well, both sleeping peacefully as I write this.  Stay tuned for more to come as time, picture aggregating, and exhaustion recovery allow.

It’s GO TIME!!!

Something told me I should stay home from work today.  But wouldn’t you know it, as soon as I head out for a few minutes to run a couple of errands, I get the call from Abby that her water broke!!!  It looks like little “Peanut” is set on making his or her grand entrance a few days early.  So after setting the land-speed record getting home, the car is packed and as soon as Abby’s out of the shower, we’ll be off to the hospital to welcome little “Peanut” into the world!

And Still Ticking…

Much to Abby’s frustration, there’s just doesn’t seem to be any movement. At least she started maternity leave yesterday, so there aren’t any more go-go-go-go 16 hour days.   Hopefully that means a little R&R before the REAL 16, 18, and 20-hour days begin.

Meanwhile, I’m being told to think “happy labor thoughts” since Abby’s ventured further down the path of “ready to meet Peanut” over the past few days.  I think it’s safe to say she’s reached the point of discomfort. 

Regardless, the bags are packed and in the car, the nursery’s ready, we’re as ready as we’re going to be (I think)…now, about Sam and Gracie…

The Clock’s Ticking

We’re getting down to the wire now…37 weeks today.  This past weekend was spent assembling all manner of baby-related paraphernalia, putting the finishing touches on the nursery, and trying desperately to get my “honey-do” list down to only ten pages.  My two epiphanies?  I’m now convinced we (and our overly generous friends and family) have effectively cemented Q4’s profits for Babies R’ Us.  And I’m now painfully aware of what the phrases “some assembly required” and “batteries not included” mean.  A sign of many holidays and birthdays to come I’m sure.

Meanwhile, Abby becomes even more of a stunning mom-to-be every day.  She’s had a great pregnancy and while she’s enjoyed almost every minute of it so far, I finally heard “You know, I think I’m done. I’m ready to meet Peanut.” yesterday.  The stiff joints and exhaustion of the final month are taking their toll.  And I’m sure 60+ hour work weeks she’s still putting in aren't doing her any favors either.  Then again, the words “go slow” just aren’t in her vocabulary.  After much hounding though, she’s moved up the start of her maternity leave to this Friday which couldn’t come soon enough for those who know “waiting patiently” is a tendency neither of us really  possess.  While our “official” due date isn’t until 11/23, something tells me we’ll be seeing Peanut a bit early.