Constant Beginnings

These two could pass as twins. Gavin on the left, Claire on the right.

Three weeks post-partum and I am down 30 pounds. Phew. Thankfully those 30 came off quickly and pretty easily. I suppose it helped that my child has been latched on, literally drinking those pounds away, for what seems to be 24/7 for the past 3 weeks! Finally, I can say, breastfeeding has been my friend or at least this factor has been my friend. Well, I have another 15 pregnancy pounds to go in addition to another 40ish that I'd like to lose to get me back down to my weight before children. And so it begins. My weightloss journey. Here are a few things that I am doing… 1. Substituting one meal per day with Shakeology. 2. Cutting out refined sugar, dairy and limiting carbs. 3. Walking 30 minutes per day.  I am not starting training with Robyn, my personal trainer, quite yet. I want to get a better grip on my eating before working out. Finally, when I feel like I've given it my best effort and am satisfied with my results, I am cashing in on my agreement with Chris ...

Week two came and went. Chris was home through day number 13, which was really nice. We were able to enjoy some quiet time with Gavin, lunch dates, naps and lots and lots of snuggling. We had his newborn photos taken on his 8th day of life. Gavin also had his two week well baby check and his stats greatly improved from the week before. Height: 20.08 inches; 33%ile Weight: 8.16 pounds; 37%ile Head Circumference: 36.75 cm; 47%ile Gavin's second week was much like the first. He slept most of the days and nights. He woke every 3 hours or so to eat, but then returned to sleep immediately afterwards. Gavin accompanied us to marathon club with the girls where friends, students and parents oo'd and awe'd over him. Thankfully, he had a second great week. He is loved by everyone. We are truly blessed.

On March 21, 2014, our lives changed forever as we welcomed our son, Gavin Christopher into this world. The morning was a rush as I had to call the hospital at 5:00 am to ensure we were still on for the 6:00 show up time. We were. My bestie, Erika came over to help Claire and Mya get ready for school. She also dropped off Mya, while our friend & Claire's teacher, Ana, picked her up. Chris and I rushed to the hospital, filled with nerves and excitement. We arrived in the Labor & Delivery ward a few minutes after 6:00 am and I was in the bed, being prepped shortly after. I walked to the operating room at 8:15 am, Chris was escorted into the room minutes later and at 8:53, we heard the beautiful cries of our son. It was a whirlwind. Gavin weighed in at 3780 grams, which equates to 8 pounds, 3 ounces. He was 20 inches in length. His apgar scores were 8 & 9. He is absolutely perfect in everyway. When I arrived in the recovery room, we immediately did skin to skin and I nu...

One week has passed since we became a family of 5. Overall, life is pretty wonderful. We've been well taken care of by friends who have provided meals. We have more coming in the upcoming two weeks. We've introduced Gavin to Chris' office crew and my work friends. He is well loved by all. We are so thankful for our family overseas who truly love our children like their own. It was gorgeous yesterday, so we spent most of the day outside with our neighbor friends, digging a garden and enjoying a barbeque for dinner. Gavin's first week was filled with alot of sleeping, eating and pooping as are most newborns. He also underwent 3 weight checks and a heel prick for jaundice. Unfortunately, Gavin's weight was down 8% when we were discharged, then dropped 11.5% at the check on Tuesday, remained the same on Thursday. The doctor recommended we supplement with formula. I wasn't game for this plan. I sought the advice of my more experienced friends, who provided me wit...

I have had an interesting past few days. They have been filled with to-do lists, wrapping up another Graduate class, finishing the nursery, arranging care for Claire & Mya, picking up and packaging the cookies that the girls will bring to share with their friends at school and favors for visitors/nursing staff, packing my hospital bag, packing baby's bag, continued waiting and praying for news on Chris' retirement (numbers have been cut dramatically and the odds don't look great) and trying to soak up some time as a family of four. I thought for sure this little guy was trying to bust out on Tuesday evening as I started having contractions at 7 pm until 6 am the next day. I slept for about three hours, then moved to the couch where I learned of the great late night/morning line up on AFN. Seriously, it felt as if I was in the States--the Today Show, Hoda & Kathy Lee, Queen Latifah (had no idea she had her own show), the View, and Young & the Restless. It was lov...