Becoming a mother...

Hello everyone, long time no talk for me. I have been pretty busy lately as you all probably know. Well I can say that I have underestimated motherhood. I thought I would know everything about everything. Turns out there is a lot you just pick up. Instincts kind of just kick in. I love that I'm a mom now. Brendan is beautiful and we already have that bond that all mothers talk about having.

Brendan is pretty advanced if you ask me. He found his thumb, holds his head up for a couple of seconds and knows mom and dad. Not bad for being just under a week old. Amazing the little things he does that I find my self just staring at him for. I do miss the feeling of him in my belly but nothing can describe the feeling I get just holding him. Knowing that I'm his mother. Scott and I really made a beautiful baby.

The look on Scott's face is really priceless. We have talked many nights about the future and what we want for Brendan. We know everything well fall into place. To all of the family and friends that stopped by while we were in the hospital thank-you. The gifts were not necessary but so thoughtful.

Birthing process... Well to be honest 12 1/2 hrs labor was not bad at all. My contractions started coming at 4:03am. I woke Scott up around 6:00am. My contractions were coming ever 4-5 mins for about 90 mins. I called the doctors and they told me to go ahead and check in to Crozer. They started me on the pitoson ( a drug to bring on labor more) around 9:00am. The contractions came very hard and really hurt. I wanted the epidural. So around 1:30pm I had the epidural done. It was great i did not feel a thing. They checked me shortly there after i went from 6 cem to 10 cem in a hour. I started to push about 4:00pm and at 4:37pm Brendan Patrick was here. He was so precious. So overall Friday the 13th was a miracle not another horror story.

Well what can I say just about a week later and the recovery is ongoing. Breastfeeding is more of a challenge then what i thought, but I'm sticking with it and truing real hard. Motherhood is great. My words can not describe the enjoyment that i have in my life with Brendan and Scott. I really love starting a family and have a man like Scott in our lives. Were very luck and so proud.
Well talk soon Love Lauren

Brendan in the Nursery

Recorded a couple hours after Brendan's birth.

Brendan Patrick Carroll

Brendan's Birth

Born at 4:37pm.
7lbs 4oz.
21 inches

Epidural Time

The contractions were getting so strong that Lauren decided to get an epidural. The hospotal staff has been great so far. Lauren loves the head nurse Eileen(curly red hair). The contractions are about 3 minutes apart and are last for 50 seconds. She's about 6.5cm dialated and 90% effaced and the cervix has moved up.

Water Broke

They just broke Lauren's water, the labor pains are becoming more frequent and intense. She's 4cm dialated and 90% effaced. I got in trouble a couple of minutes ago trying to sneak Lauren's Mom in. She is still holding out on getting the epidural.

In the Hospital

We're at Crozer right now. Lauren started having contractions at 4:03am and there were about 5 minutes apart. She woke me up at about 6am adn then she got in the shower and we headed to the hospital. We've been here since about 7am. The contractions have been a little less frequent but she is 4cm dialated so they said the weren't going to send here home. They just gave her some pitocin to increase the contractions. I'll try to update as much as I can.

Due Date

Today is Lauren's due date. While I would love for Brendan to born today, Lauren and I don't think its going to happen. Lauren told me yesterday that only 5% of women give birth on their due date. If Brendan is anything like his mother and father he is going to be late. Lauren had a doctor's appointment yesterday and the doctor told her that she was 3cm dilated, at 4cm they admit you to the hospital. So he could really come at any time.

I'm more anxious than I am nervous. I'm the type of person that likes to peek at Christmas, and this anticipation is killing me. I want to know if he's going to have Lauren's pug nose or my big ears, if he'll have her thick hair or be bald like his daddy(we're thinking bald because she hasn't had much heartburn). I just want to hold him and let him know how much I love him.

Everyone loves keeps telling how much my life is going to change and how I won't get any sleep. They like to ask me if I'm ready and tell me my life I as I know it is over. Just to let everyone know, I am ready. I'm ready for my life to change, I've been cruising through life and I am glad to take on the responsibility of raising a child. I can't wait to tell him my dumb jokes, share all my useless knowledge, and teach him about life.

I am so proud of Lauren. She has been great throughout the whole pregnancy. She quit smoking and drinking. She had to deal with moving during the hottest week of the summer and the house being a total mess while I was working on it. She has put up with me going out drinking and my friends coming over all wasted, while I gave her the excuse, 'I need to do it while I still can.' She has made it through Brendan drop kicking her ribs, messing with her hormones, and stretching out her belly. I can't even imagine the pain she will go through during labor. Lauren, I want you to know how much I appreciate what you have had to go through, and I love you more than you could know. Now give birth already!

For most of you, the next time you see me and Lauren, you will see the proud parents of Brendan Patrick Carroll.

Baby Shower Photos

Lauren's Baby Shower

Sep 19, 2006 - 65 Photos

One Month Left!

Wow, Can you believe that Brendan will be here so soon. I thought that I would be ready but now I don't think I ever will be 100%. Brendan's movement are much more intense and I'm starting to feel some pressure pains and sore stomach muscles. Yeah.. I thought that I had it easy and now it hurts a little.

My Doctor's appointment went well my weight gain is still in the average. The baby has now move to the birthing position (head Down). The baby heart rate is 138.. > normal. He is still very active and moving constantly. I have dropped a little to. (carrying lower in my belly). I get a little heartburn but really not much. I think that Brendan will take after Scott and have no hair. haha

The nursery is pretty much done the crib is set up as well as the changing table. My girlfriend Melissa painted a mural on the wall and it turned out beautiful. I can't wait to show everyone. There are pictures up on the internet if you just can't wait to see. The theme is all out. The bed is already made and looks great. I just can't wait to see him sleep at night in evidencing. I can't wait to take pictures of daddy, baby and myself.

The house is almost done. The bathroom is really the only thing that has to get done soon. The
pictures of what the house looks like are also up on the internet. Pay close attention to what the house looked like before we did anything to it. Let us know what you think.

Well the next appointment that I have is the 21st. This appointment I should get to see his body.
Time is coming so close to his arrival I'm starting to get nervous. The questions that run though my head are just nuts I think. All I do now is worry if I'm going to make the right choices for him. I know that Scott will be the best father. He seems so excited about everything. The look on his face about Brendan's room and things are PRICELESS!!!

Well that's all for now talk soon ... Don't forget about the lottery!!! LAUREN

34 weeks!!

Hello all.. Long time no talk. I know I've been busy lately. Scott has been real good getting so many things done. It really has come along our house, and it looks so very different. Well the baby is getting big and weighs about 5 pounds and in between 16-19 inches. I still feel good for the most part more bunched and uncomfortable. I now can feel distingtive body parts poking though my belly.
I will say this that it is a feeling I will never forget. Scott feels him move and is so amazed by feeling the body and movements. It is coming up so very fast that I can only feel so anxious and excited. The nursery is coming together and Melissa will be over on Saturday to start painting the baby's mural. It's will all be done soon. Can you believe that it is only 6 more weeks away.
Well I thought I would put it out there to see what people will say... What do you think the baby will weight and how long do you think it will be? I'm calling it "The Baby Lottery". My dibs are 8 pounds 3 ounces 21 1/2 inches. So don't forget to let me know. Oh I should tell you that the prize is getting my son for a week to. haha!! Just kidding
Well other then that wish me luck on my next appt. Sept 5,06!!! Talk soon!! Lauren