Nicholas Maravillas’ Blog

It was a long night, but he’s finally here!

Laurie started feeling contractions Sunday morning. Around 5 PM, they were at the right speed for us to go to the hospital. About a half hour after we arrived, we found out that she was already 7 – 8 cm dialated! Her water broke very soon after. She was doing really well without drugs, but there wasn’t much progress for several hours. About 9 or so, the doctor put Laurie on pitocin to help speed things along, and Laurie decided to go ahead and have an epidural. Once she was on the painkillers, things settled down for a while. We both grabbed a little sleep (and I was able to grab a pretty decent burger from the cafeteria, thanks Mom). Finally, around midnight, the doctor decided that things weren’t moving along very well, and so she put Laurie in for a C-section. We didn’t have to wait long, thankfully, and not long after, he was free!

Laurie spent some time in recovery while Nicholas and I hung out in the nursery. A few hours later, they were reunited in the post-partum room. After some bonding, we all got some much needed sleep.

So, the stats: Nicholas weighed 8.79 lbs, was 21.75 inches long, and was born at 12:53 AM on December 31st.

Welcome Nicholas Matthew!

Continued…

We’ve finally reached the finish line of this adventure but it seems that our little guy is going for bonus points! He must be too comfy in my belly and thus has not decided to greet the world quite yet. I am really thinking its all the Christmas cookies… maybe I have him hooked on sugar!

If I don’t go into labor by next Friday, my doctor will induce me and Nicholas will be formally evicted. At that point past my due date, it’s the safest course of action for Nicholas and me. So if he doesn’t come sooner, looks like he’ll be here late January 4th or early on the 5th! But if he does decide to come before then, we will certainly let you know. We’ll post it on here as well as an email most likely (gotta love hospitals with wi-fi!). If you don’t think we have your current email, let us know.

Stay tuned…

It’s my due date! But it looks like I am going to be late to my own birthday party. I am probably about 7.5 pounds and 20 inches long. My body is already 15% body fat so I am all plump and adorable with chubby cheeks. I am all ready to be born but am waiting for just the right time. My grandparents really spoiled me this Christmas, so I better come soon to enjoy all the goodies!

Here is a picture of mommy’s tummy. She is starting to think that I weigh more like 15 pounds…

So the “two-leggers” are pretty excited around here lately.  They keep talking about some big guy in red named Santa bringing me catnip and treats.  Then they say there will be all this pretty paper all over the floor for me to play with. Sounds like my kind of day!  They made me take a picture last night, I cooperated but wasn’t happy about it.

No mini two-legger yet.  We’ll keep you posted of course.  Meanwhile I am still enjoying being the center of attention around here.

We all wish you the most joyous of holidays this year!

Love,

Zoë (and Matthew & Laurie of course!)

I measure about 20 inches long and could weigh in at or more than 7 pounds. The lanugo, the fine hair that once covered my body, is now gone as I am developing a new layer of skin cells. I am also building up an extra layer of fat under my skin to help me regulate my own temperature after I am born. Which could be any day now! It all depends on how much longer I want to make my mom and dad wait.

Click on the link below to take a guess about when our little man will make his big debut!

I am at least 6.5 pounds and about 19. 5 inches long. I will continue to gain up to an ounce a day the longer I stay in here. All of my major organs are done and able to function on the outside. My brain and lungs are ready too but they will continue to mature for years as I get older. I am all ready to be born, I am just waiting for the right time. Mommy and Daddy hope that is really soon. 2 weeks or less till my debut.

Here is the latest picture of Mommy’s belly.

The best photographer I know, who just so happens to be a best friend of mine, Kathy was gracious enough to take some maternity portraits for us a few weeks ago. We went to a local nature park back in Hampton while we were all together for the baby shower. I was just about 31 weeks along then.  It turned out to be a really nice day outside. We got the pictures yesterday and I am so excited to share some of our favorites! Kathy did a beautiful job and I am sure we will treasure them for years. Thanks, Skyscraper!!

I weigh close to 6.5 pounds and measure around 19 inches long. I am now considered “full-term” by the doctors. That means that my lungs are ready to breathe on their own and I can be born anytime now. I am still practicing breathing and moving around as much as I can though. My grasp is pretty firm now, easier to grab daddy’s finger. The longer I stay in here, the more weight I put on to round off that cute cherub appearance. So keep those sweets coming, mom! 3 weeks or less till my debut!