Friday, September 27, 2013

Isaiah's Birth Story Part 1

My parents arrived in Atlanta from Spokane on August 31st (5 days prior to my due date). Andrew and I had just moved into our new rental just a week before my parents came. We still had (and have) a number of little projects to do around the house, but for the most part we were settled. Immediately my parents and began working on projects and unpacking what boxes were left. We spent labor day weekend grilling, hanging out with friends, and exploring Atlanta. 

My due date came and went. Something I wasn't prepared for. Of course I knew the chances of me having the baby by or on the due date was slim especially since this was my first. But, what I didn't think would happen was the amount of pressure I would feel to have the baby. Since my parents had pre-purchased their tickets with a return flight time was ticking. It felt like all eyes were on me. AHHH!!! It took a good 5 days for me to relax and just recognize that this baby is going to come when it's good and ready!!


September 3, 2013

At the Food Trucks! One day over due!
Dad!!



King of Pops is an amazing popsicle cart in Atlanta and they have the best Chocolate sea salt popsicle that I couldn't get enough of while I was pregnant!!



On Saturday (September 7th) we woke up bright and early to head into Morningside (a killer neightborhood in ATL) to hit up the farmers market. This is one of my favorite markets. I thought a picture by this sign was appropriate!! 



OCTANE!! Aside from Barista, a coffee shop in downtown Portland, Octane is definitely a favorite. Once we were done at the market we headed here for a snack and some people watching :)


My parents!! 

We took lots of walks and ate all our meals on our screened porch! We had a lot of fun during the time they were here, but it was obvious that something was missing. WHERE IS THAT BABY?!?!?!

On Wednesday (September 11) I had an ultrasound to check and make sure the baby had enough fluid. They also told us the estimated fetal weight, 7lbs 2ounces. Unless he gained 11 ounces in a day and a half, they were a little off :)

The next morning (September 12) I went back to see my midwife. I was put on the monitor for 30 minutes to check for contractions and to get a reading of the baby's heart beat.



At this point I was 1 cm dilated and 100% effaced! My midwife was confident that she would be seeing me over the weekend to have this baby!! I felt hopeful and a little sense of encouragement from this appointment.  I felt even more more excited later in the day when I started having contractions!

To be continued...

Friday, September 20, 2013

Baby Isaiah

On September 13, 2013 at 6:31am Andrew and I welcomed Isaiah John Esqueda into the world! We couldn't be happier or feel more blessed. Everyday we look at him and say, "I can't believe he's ours" or "I can't believe we get to keep him". It has already been a week since he was born and we don't know where the time has gone. I can already tell he is going to grow up too fast. We are both trying to enjoy each and every moment with him!

Out with friends a few hours before heading to the hospital

Love this little guy!



Heading home from the hospital!


I do plan to do a pre birth post and a labor story post very soon. Even getting this posted is an accomplishment as I've only really been able to feed a baby, sleep, eat, change diapers, go to the bathroom and take a shower these days. Anything beyond that is an accomplishment in my book.

Dear Isaiah~
You are exactly one week old today! I feel so lucky to be your mama! You are precious in so many ways. Just in this past week you have already showed us how sweet, calm and exciting your personality is. Your daddy and I love you so much and we can't wait to watch you grow up!



You are already so active and alert. It's obvious why I was getting kicked in the side every minute you were in my belly! It's so fun to watch your facial expressions. At any given moment we can look over at you and your grinning or pouting. You love sleeping with your arms right next to your head.


One of the best things about your birth is that your grandma and grandpa got to come to the hospital to meet you! They were so excited to get to hold and snuggle you as much as they could while they were in Atlanta! We are so glad they were here to help out during your first few days of life. They love you so much!
So much love!

It seemed like grandpa never got to feel you kick while you were in mommy's tummy. He always joked that he calmed you down too much that you stopped kicking. Maybe there is some truth to that; after you came out he still had a way of calming you down!

giving grandma kisses
In the past week you have also met many important people in our life! So many people were waiting for you and love you! Your daddy and I are grateful for our community here and how much love and support everyone has shown us!

We love you Isaiah! Welcome to the world!