Tyler is Here!

Tyler Andrew Keefer was born this morning at 6:40am, weighing in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and measuring 21″ long.

He seems very content and we’re so proud, excited and satisfied on his strong and healthy arrival on this great day — September 17, 2009.

More details and posts to come, but in the meantime, thanks for eveyone’s messages, calls and visits!

Any Day Now…

So today’s appointment was an exciting one AND one we have both been anticipating for some time now. I’ve dilated to 4cm and the doctor couldn’t believe I wasn’t already in labor and/or that Tyler wasn’t already here-given my progression and current condition. She said, “my water was about to break at any moment and it was very close…”, so we’re hoping in the next few days we’ll have our little man here!

If he doesn’t decide to come on his own, they’ve set a induction date of September 23rd.

Any day now…we begin to count the hours…

Moving Ever Closer to Tyler’s Arrival

Wednesday afternoon we had yet another bi-monthly check-up with typical checks of urine, blood pressure, weight, and blood work. All tests and checks were great. We also learned that I was 2 centimeters dilated and effacing (or thinning) has begun, which is just further confirmation we are getting closer to Tyler’s arrival.

I still feel great with occasional back pain or acid reflux. I know we’re both ready to meet our son and begin our journey as a Mommy and Daddy – a life changing role that we are both excited about and have anticipated for a very long time.

We’ve got the house ready, most of the essentials bought, house has already undergone the childproof transformation and I’ve been “nesting” for a few months now…

Our appointments have now increased to once a week, so we should have another update soon!

T-minus 21 days and counting to the due date.

Another Sign Tyler’s Birth is Getting Closer

So here’s another sign that Tyler’s birth is just around the corner for us. Just before bed, we installed the car seat “docks” in both of the cars. Luckily, both of our cars had the little attachments between the seatback and the cushion, rather than having to utilize the actual seat belt.

We started out installing via the seat belt, but it definitely feels a lot more secure with the other connections, not to mention is a lot faster to connect and disconnect.

Labor Support, Preparing for Childbirth Class 1/2 Complete

So yesterday morning, Amanda and I attended our first of two classes out at the birthing center of the hospital Tyler’s going to be delivered at. The class was taught by a registered nurse at Rex Hospital and was roughly 4.5 hours of information — some of which was common sense, while some of it was great and new information. The class was a combination of some old school technologies — overhead projector slides, workbook-based reading, hand-written easel sheets and some VHS video — all chock full of birth-related information.

The whole birthing center is getting an overhaul and it seems the multimedia equipment for the classes is last in line for an upgrade. Regardless, the information was up-to-date and useful.

Belly @ 30 Weeks

Thanks to Roger and Joanne for an outstanding photo shoot this past Saturday! I was so pleased with my 30-week pictures. Ryan even got in the action and took a few with me!

A Big Day for Us

Today we had the pleasure and delight to see our little man in 3D and 4D! What a truly amazing sight and experience. He was extremely cooperative and not too camera shy! All measurements and readings were perfect. Doctor was pleased with his size, measurements and how I was doing. I passed the glucose test and my iron was good. All in all, a perfect appointment.

We were also able to share in the joy with Ryan’s Mom, who accompanied us to the ultrasound appointment today. This was her first opportunity to see Tyler moving and kicking and being active…

We return in 2 weeks, but unfortunately don’t get to see our little man again until September – and his arrival!

Day Care Plans Setup

Even though we’re still at T-minus 3 months till Tyler, we’ve still been doing planning and preparation for his very much anticipated arrival. About two weeks ago, we found a pediatrician local, convenient and suitable. We then polished off the finishing touches on Tyler’s nursery.

Then, this morning, we started the process of touring day care facilities. Like the pediatrician, we were looking for one that was local, but more importantly that we felt completely comfortable trusting with our first born. Much like, the pediatrician, our first visit fit the bill — and we were impressed, satisfied and relieved to find a quality facility for Tyler. In this case, we found it in The Goddard School

Finishing Touches in Tyler’s Nursery

Tonight we finished up Tyler’s nursery with my Mother’s help – we’re so grateful for Mom’s visit this week – we’ve had a blast. We’re so very pleased with the outcome and can’t wait to add the final touch – our little man, Tyler Andrew. Hope you all enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed decorating it all.

Bedside Reading

Ryan and I both are so so excited about Tyler’s arrival and his lifechanging presence in our lives – even now – and as all great parents we’re trying to gain as much knowledge and understanding about what’s to come. Knowledge is power, right?

This morning this is what Ryan’s nightstand looked like: