Great joy...and sorrow

This last week has absolutely flown by with the addition of our new family member. The excitement of Caleb finally being with us is only increasing each day as he does something new or gives a new look. He has so many facial expressions that we are just doing our best to try and catch each one. He has changed our hearts and has already given both of us a fresh outlook on everything we do. While we have learned that this is not going to be easy; we have also learned that each day our love grows stronger for him and each other. I see Allison in a completely new way and love her with an increasingly deeper love. There is nothing sweeter than to watch her with Caleb. I have seen a softer side and stronger side to her that makes me even more grateful to share each day with her. I could not have even come close to imagining how great all of this would be.

The sorrow. This morning I had to face the facts that most bosses won't pay if I'm not at work. As I was getting ready for work and drinking my coffee I thought about how nice it was to get back into my routine. I ate my breakfast, grabbed my lunch and put on my "nice clothes". I told my mom goodbye, as she was flying back to Arkansas today. I kissed Allison goodbye and kissed Caleb goodbye and headed out to the car with a new confidence and pride. Then I got in the car and drove off to work and it all started...I was leaving for work and I wouldn't see my son for over 8 hours! I felt a pain that I have never felt before. I had no clue that it would be so hard to leave. All I could think about was how much I was going to miss today not being able to stare at him every second. This guy has made me a complete mess!! I know that everyone has said that "it will get easier" and trust me, I do appreciate the encouragement, but it sure didn't make things easier today!

5:00 has always been one of my favorite times of the day but has never been so sweet to see as today!

Before and After

This was then...


....and this is now!! This picture was taken this morning after an "all nighter" with Caleb. I believe that we both were able to get about 2 hours of sleep all night. Thank God for Sunday afternoon naps!!

Here is how Caleb wakes up during the day. Watch for the "old man face" towards the end. It's one of Allison's favorite faces.

Bath Time Fun

Week One!!

Well we have survived the first week. It's amazing to think that as of 12:15 tomorrow our newborn boy will be a week old. It has certainly been a crash course in life in just a matter of days. All of the books and advice were very helpful but nothing compared to the real thing. I can change a diaper in a matter of seconds and have learned already the hazards that come with a boy and diaper changes. Lets just say that there have been several outfit changes in a 24 hour period(including my own). Allison can already distinguish between each cry and has mastered the art of soothing a baby. There have definitely been some moments of frustration, overwhelming exhaustion and a little of both at the same time. Through it all we are so amazed at every moment. We have learned that a tv is only something for background noise and that sleep is not really all it's cracked up to be. You can really accomplish a lot when you aren't sleeping...although not too sure of the quality of work. It's incredible how in one week we have become so deeply attached to our little man. It's also incredible at how much range a man's voice has when he is trying to soothe his baby.

So thank you all for your prayers and words of support. They have carried us successfully and confidently(at some points) through our first week of parenthood. While there were long nights and stressful days they are certainly outweighed by the great moments. From the first bath to some hints at smiles, he has brought us so much joy.

Hangin out

Here is a short video of Caleb and dad hanging out.

Handsome Man

So Caleb is continuing to grab all of the attention from his mom and dad. We both cannot stop looking at him. He has blessed us with some good quiet time during the day and very eventful evenings.

It's amazing how your mind still works without sleep. We sleep in shifts for about 20 or 30 minutes each and then take care of Caleb when he wakes back up. We finally gave up sleeping about 5:00 this morning and fixed some coffee and breakfast. Of course now that we have been up for several hours, he is sound asleep. So far it hasn't been too bad. We have had a few moments of great frustration but even when we are so exhausted we can't help but smile and watch his every move.

Sleepy Boy

Welcome Caleb Riley!!!

Caleb Riley was introduced to the world on March 22nd at 12:15 p.m. We showed up to the hospital about 2:30 in the morning and were moved to our own room around 6:00. Of course after a few "false starts" over the last couple of weeks we were very surprised when they said that they were going to keep us. Allison was in labor for about 10 hours and pushed for about 30 minutes. Caleb was born at 12:15 with the help of his proud daddy. He weighed 7.8 pounds and was 20.5 inches long. Perfect!!!

The first night was a blast. So many emotions ran through the both of us. One minute we would be happy and excited and the next frustrated and nervous. We spent a couple hours trying to get him to stop crying and finally had to turn to the nurses. I can honestly say that all of those people saying that the first night is very difficult....you were so correct! Next day was not all that bad. He is a day sleeper which meant that we were day sleepers too. We were really able to get some good quiet time with him as he was pretty calm all day. Last night wasn't nearly as bad as the first so here is hoping that our first night home is not going to be all that bad.

Allison and I are so very grateful for all of the prayers and support that we have received over the last nine months and our beautiful little man is a testament to them all. We cannot wait to introduce him to you all!! We will be keeping you all posted with pictures and fun little stories.

Not on time!

As many of you know, Allison is one for punctuality. Unfortunately our son does not share that same disposition. Caleb was due yesterday and despite all of our "efforts" he is staying put for now. We met with the doctors yesterday morning(and afternoon) and found that she was, in fact, still pregnant! 5 hours of waiting, testing and dealing with a little frustration led us to find that he just doesn't quite want to come out.

We were able to set a date to induce for next Thursday the 26th. We are also "on call" if one of the women who are holding a much coveted spot goes into labor before their inducing. So here's hoping that one of them will go into labor soon or better yet Allison does.

We have tried everything that everyone recommended to get things going and have come to a realization that all of those things, while fun for me in some ways, do not match up to his own will. He is now measured at 8 pounds and has cute chubby cheeks. His heartbeat is strong and his movements even stronger.

We will keep everyone posted! Please pray!!

GREAT NEWS!!!

Ok. So, I'm still with child but I heard from my Commanding Officer today. This actually had me quite nervous because I HATE Friday the 13th. Nothing good has ever come out of it for me...until today.

Yes, my orders have been revoked! No Iraq for Caleb's momma. At least not yet. I can, of course, still get deployed but not this round. What can happen is basically after this deployment is over with they can call me for the next round. Which would probably be to Afghanistan. But here's hoping not.

Chris and I would like to deeply thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers because I have no doubt that this is the reason we got what we wanted. I just couldn't bear the thought of having to leave my sweet little boy months after his birth.

Now I can truly concentrate at the large task at hand.....getting my dang cervix dilated past a measley little 1!!!

Thanks again and God Bless.

Lucky Me!

I'm still pregnant. It's not bad that I'm still pregnant. Everyday he stays put is another day he gets a little stronger. BUT, it would be nice if he could be a little bit more gentile with his poor momma's insides.

His sweet little nudges are now just downright painful. Not sure if this is the same for everywoman or if he has daggers for legs and arms. Pretty sure it's the latter.

But seriously, we had to run to the hospital early Sunday morning around 1 am with, of course, contractions. Once again, we thought this was it but I knew better. After a few hours the nurse informed me I am in early labor but not quite active labor. Early labor basically means the same as everything else they've been telling me. It could be a day or a week. I am having labor contractions, which I all ready knew, but they are finally helping my body to prime for active labor.

Now all I need is to begin dilating and I will be a happy camper. Well, not at first because of the pain, but at least I know it will result in our little boy FINALLY being here. Plus, the sooner he gets here the sooner I will stop having Chris buy Girl Scout Cookies!!! Man they're good!!

False Alarm

At this point, we are playing the waiting game. Trying to distinguish the difference between labor contractions, braxton hicks and just being in old fashioned pain!! It's not been too bad, I'm not uncomfortable like most women say they are at this point so I'm pretty lucky. I'm just getting pretty impatient waiting on my sweet boy to get here!!!

I am starting to efface nicely but no dilation at this point. Once again, we are hoping today is the day. The doctor on call if FABULOUS and the weather is a perfect 75 degrees...a perfect day to bring our little fella home.

We will, of course, keep everyone posted. And if you get a text message in the middle of the night, don't get mad. That's just Chris filling in our loved ones that Caleb has decided to stop being stubborn..which he no doubt got from me!!!

Thanks for all the well wishes!!!

Today is the Day...maybe

Well yesterday we thought that we were going to meet Caleb. Allison had several hours worth of pretty severe contractions. Unfortunately we went home with no baby last night. Although I will say it provided me plenty of time to rome around Target trying to get everything that we "need". It's amazing the things that I could justify buying when I thought he was on the way.

Allison and I both woke up this morning with a feeling that today is going to be the big day. We decided that we just don't like Mondays and neither did Caleb. Not to mention all of the "signs" that the doctor said to look for have occurred this morning. So I am predicting that we will get to meet him today...maybe. I am at work trying to wrap things up and Allison is at home ready to go. We'll keep everyone posted.