Happy Sweet 1st Birthday to my lil' monkey boy Cael ~

One year ago today at 7:40 am, this little guy was born ~ 6 lbs, 7 oz. and 17 3/4 in length ~ He was born a little early at 35 weeks giving us all a scare because one he was a little early, and two I most likely caused it by having a severe stomach flu ~ Not fun and I do not blame him for wanting out early! I most likely shaked, rattled and rolled him too many times and that was enough.

He was scheduled for a cesarean delivery April 16th, which was one week early from his actual due date. He wanted to come early and that was fine by me.....considering now that all went well. I remember that weekend, Kayleigh had a bad stomach bug and I of course got it from her, it was not good. I was nesting BIG TIME too, I just HAD to get things done and no matter how bad I was feeling... I just HAD to get things in place! My body KNEW!

I started contractions around 4:30 am, March 22, 2009... and the same exact process happened when I was having Kayleigh.. I thought.. UH OH... is this really happening?! Nathan was sleeping out on the couch... so he wouldn't get sick and I went out to tell him that it's happening.. and he said..."it's too early... are you sure?!" "Yes, honey.. I am sure.. this is it!" He slowly gets going and I say, I am gonna straighten up and pack some things. Because I was sick.. I had let dishes pile in the sick, laundry done but piled high to be put away and of course I needed to shower and pack our bag still. So, I did all these things while having contractions and getting a bag ready for Kayleigh too.

So, we get to the hospital and I am already at 4 cm. So, they start to prep me, give me some drugs, epidural......everything happened so fast for surgery. A friend came to watch Kayleigh because there was no time to for my family in Anthem and Phoenix to get there in time to be there for the birth. I was awake for this surgery, I was out cold for Kayleigh. So I got to hear the chitter chatter of the doctor and nurses and then Nathan came in and soon enough... I hear that first cry! OH! The baby's first cry, I so missed it with Kayleigh. My eyes filled up with tears and I became so excited to see him. Nathan cut the cord, then they cleaned him up and brought him over... I was so relieved and just overwhelmed, we took some quick photos and then off I went to recovery. All the while, new proud daddy of his son, went off to the nursery.

Cael had to be on oxygen for the first couple of days due to under developed lungs... just born a lil early but all was well and we got to go home soon after. Kayleigh was so so sweet with her newborn baby brother and she gave him kisses and asked tons of questions. Overall, it was a smooth delivery and I was glad... overjoyed to have him in my arms to love and kiss and nurture! Life is good......

Cael, the first three days. Top is the photo of him first born.

Middle is the announcement for the local paper.

Bottom is the first day home, he is all snug and sleeping on me ~