He started out up at my chest and slowly slid down to my stomach. I think this must have been how we was on the inside, only upside down. Too bad you can't see how his legs were in this picture. They are totally curled up.


Ashlyn thought Brandon would like a book read to him. And what better book for him than a My Little Pony book. Of course.....

So Far, So Good

Ok, So I am fully anticipating some major meltdowns once Paul goes back to work, but so far, the girls are responding to their new brother quite well. They love to give him kisses and rub his head and Leah is surprisingly gentle with him. I didn't know she had a gentle bone in her body. Ok, not really, but if you know her, you know what I mean. 

Leah is very interested in Brandon's very small diapers, so this afternoon, she grabbed her baby doll and started changing his diaper. Very cute!

The look on Leah's face is so precious to me. I'm so glad to see them excited to have "baby brother" here at last.

And of course, I have to take advantage of some much needed nap time. After all, it will all go away once Paul goes back to work, right? I'm not sure how I'm going to do it all. Right now, I have my hands full just taking care of Brandon. Wish me luck!

Here's a picture from this morning. We are home now, and doing well. Just tired. Seems this little guy is starting to confuse his days with his nights. We're gonna have to fix that fast. 

Sorry the picture is fussy. It's just a scan of the "proof" picture.

Brandon Ray Schoeni Has Arrived!

This is Paul updating the blog today. Just a quick post this morning before I head back to the hospital.

We are proud to announce the birth of our baby boy, Brandon Ray Schoeni on April 22nd, 2008 at 4:06 in the afternoon at the Northridge Hospital.

6 lbs 15 0z.

20 inches long

Both Brandon and his mom are doing great and will probably be coming home on Thursday afternoon. He has just a tiny bit of hair, and it looks blondish and slightly curly/wavy. So far he has been a pretty calm baby, only crying when he's ready to eat. He even slept great last night (But we'll see if that continues! ha)

Later today, I'll be taking Brandon's two big sisters to go and meet him for the first time.

We are so excited to have this little guy in our family!!!

More Baby Updates

Well, I have officially made it further in this pregnancy than I have in my other two pregnancies, so I thought I would give another update. I always felt I would be more bugged about going longer, but I'm actually okay about it and doing quite well.  I had ANOTHER appt yesterday. The good news is that the baby is doing quite well also. We were a little concerned earlier because my amniotic fluid levels were low last week (at 10 cm) and then dropped even lower at the beginning of this week (down to 8 cm). But they are now back up (to 10 cm), so that is good.  

Just FYI: Normal is between 5-25 cm. Dangerously low is under 5. Borderline is 5-10.

I'm dilated to almost 3 cm and a little over 50% effaced. My doctor flies out early next Saturday morning for a week long vacation (which bumps up right to my actual due date of the 5th), so if little one doesn't come before next Thursday, she is going to induce me that day.

Oh and according to the ultrasound measurements, which aren't completely exact, he's about 6 1/2 pounds right now. So he should be a good 7 pounds or more by the time he's born. I'm definitely excited, but trying to enjoy my last few days with just my girls. I'll keep everyone updated if things change. 

My job is done

I went to put Leah down for a nap this afternoon and she DID NOT want to go. I told her I'd read her a book and she still wasn't happy. So I asked her what she wanted and she told me she wanted "Ashlyn to do it". So, I got Ashlyn (thinking I would just amuse Leah) and had her "read" Leah "Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see", while I went downstairs to do something real quick. I come back up a few minutes later and Ashlyn is quietly stepping out of the room and closing the door. I peaked in the room and Leah is laying in bed, falling asleep. Ashlyn just looks at me and says, "I did it. She's going to sleep now." 

Ha.....I guess my job is done. My children no longer need me.

For you Kristen...and anyone else who cares

This will be the LAST pregnant picture I post of myself. But since I'm missing the "Palms Annual Easter Picnic" this year (sorry ladies), here's a shot so you don't feel like you missed out on the big ole' belly. I'm at the end of the road...just a little more than three weeks to go. I'll keep you updated if little one decides to (hopefully) come early.