Flying Solo

Though I've been dreading this day for weeks, it had to come. Mimi had to go back to Austin today, and it was a very teary morning around here. We started our morning at Starbucks where Cam got to meet my barista buddies for the first time! Mimi fed him for the last time and showered him with snuggles and kisses.

After a waterworks show at the departures terminal, Cam and I were off to fend for ourselves.

We did tummy time:

 Clearly not Cam's highlight of the day. 

Then, Cam played with Freddie the Firefly on his playmat: 

He actually grabbed the toy for the first time! 

After all the excitement, Cam took a nap.

In general, today was a good day. I was fussier than he was. I cried more than he did. Luckily, whenever I felt a wave of sadness today, I just looked at this little face and everything seemed alright.

The Magic of Mimi

To say my mom has been a God send would be an understatement. I could think of a million words to describe her -- a saint, overly generous, unconditionally helpful and loving -- none of which adequately sum up the gratitude I have for her. She has spent the last month here helping me prepare for Cam's arrival and has made our transition to parenthood smoother than I could have ever imagined. I could never repay her for the sacrifices she has made to be here. I could never thank her enough for the hours she has spent rocking and holding and singing silly songs to my son so I could try to take a nap or a shower or just eat something.

I can not imagine what the last month would have been like without her, and I'm so grateful that I don't have to. I know I am fortunate, and I thank my lucky stars every day that I have a mother who drops everything to be there for her children and grandchildren.

I always knew I had a Supermom growing up -- she always had food ready for our friends when they came over; she came to every dance recital, gymnastics practice and birthday party that we had scheduled. She wrote notes in our lunchboxes and picked us up on time from school every day. She was never late. Not once. I just never really appreciated how amazing she was until I had a child of my own. Tears are forming as I write this, thinking about how much she has done for me and my sisters over the last thirty-something years that I didn't show my gratitude for. I've only been a mom for three weeks, and they have been the most trying three weeks of my life so far. But, I am confident that I am not going to ruin this child and he will grow up with a mom who knows no limits when it comes to love because I have had the best role model to pave the way for me.

Thank you, Mom, for all you have done for us -- this past month and all the months leading up to this. The only way I can think of to repay you is to try to live up to the standard you have set.

Gobble Gobble!

I love Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday and always has been. I love that it's the one time a year our entire family gets together under one roof. I love our family traditions (who wouldn't love wearing their pajamas all day, giving left overs to the homeless, and watching the parade together?). And of course, the food is to die for. Imagine my dilemma when I realized my Thanksgiving in Austin this year would no longer be because I was supposed to be 9 months pregnant! Well, the family came through and the whole gang came to Chicago to celebrate the holiday this year. They braved the cold, traveled from afar and while we missed Mama and Papa (hope you're feeling better Papa!!) our Thanksgiving turned out to be one of the best yet... mostly because we had a new family member!

Cam's first Thanksgiving was perfect... mostly. An ER visit (Mom's second kidney stone came at a quite convenient time!), Cam's first night of screaming bloody murder all night long, and some less than perfect weather aside... it was perfect. Campbell got some serious quality time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousin Izzy. He was spoiled with presents, love and cuddles for 5 days straight. His parents were even spoiled with two nights of restful sleep as Mimi, Ashley and Candy took over night duty!

 We are also so thankful for lots of visitors!

There is so much to be thankful for this year. Having a new baby makes you ooze with thanks. I'm so grateful for the immense support system Rick and I have. When they say, "it takes a village", they're not kidding. I am so grateful to have a sweet little baby who is healthy and happy. He brings more joy to our lives than I could have ever imagined. I'm thankful for a husband who isn't just helpful with taking care of his son, he radiates with happiness when he's holding him, changing him and feeding him. One of the things I was most looking forward to when Cam arrived was watching Rick as a dad. I had this vision of what he would be like, but my expectations were blown out of the water. Rick is a complete natural, and I fall in love with him more every day that I watch him bond with our little boy.

 

And, today, November 27 is another momentous day. Today was Campbell's due date. I can't imagine having to wait this long to meet him, and I'm so grateful he arrived when he did. These last two and a half weeks have been completely overwhelming in so many ways, but it's already hard to remember what life was like before him.

Happy Due Date Day, sweet boy! 

Cam's Bris

Yesterday was a rough day. More so for me than Cam -- he was a real trooper. I have never actually attended a bris before, so I really didn't know what to expect. Note to new moms -- expect to cry! I definitely weeped more than the patient did, partly from hearing his wails during the procedure and partly from hormonal emotions. Overall, it was a really special day filled with emotions I can hardly describe in words.

The ceremony was really beautiful as we got to honor many of our family members who have and will play a major role in Cam's life. Campbell's middle name is James which is also his grandfather, Rick's dad, name. When Rick and I were trying to pick a name for Cam, we knew we wanted to name him after someone we knew would have a strong influence over him. We wanted his name to remind him of where he comes from and to give him an example to emulate as he grows up. Despite going against the Jewish tradition of naming only after those who are no longer with us, neither Rick nor I hesitated for a minute when choosing his middle name.

Campbell's Hebrew name was announced at the bris. His name is Arnon -- after my late grandfather, Arnold Voticky. Though I never had the chance to meet my dad's dad, I know what kind of man he was because of the kind of man my father is. I know that my grandfather loved my dad more than anything. I know he was a man who held family close to his heart and who would do anything to make sure his family was safe and happy. Our hope for Cam is that he will always remember his great-grandfather's influence on this family and carry on our family traditions and values.

During the ceremony, many blessings were read. As Rick and I read the Parent's Blessing over our son, I couldn't keep it together. The tears streamed down my face as I realized my baby was already a week old. As we wished upon him health and happiness, I couldn't help but envision time flying by as he grows up. To try and describe the feelings and emotions I had and still have about this sweet baby boy is pointless. There are no words that could adequately encompass the amount of love I have for something I've only known for 9 days.

While I have to admit I was a bit traumatized by the whole ordeal yesterday, it was so beautiful to have all our family (minus some very important aunts and uncles!) in one room celebrating the arrival of our little peanut. He is one blessed little boy to have so many people who love him and who will watch over him for the years to come.

Our Baby Story

I can hardly believe it's been a week since Cam came into our lives. The whole experience from labor and delivery to coming home and getting settled into our new world has been like an out of body experience. I never really understood what people meant when they said motherhood would be the hardest but most amazing time of my life. But I so get it now. After just a week, he's already brought so much light and joy into our lives, it's hard to remember what life was like before him.

I intend to use this blog as a way to document our memories as a new family of three. Our first and most special memory thus far was last Wednesday, November 9 when my scheduled induction began and resulted in the most beautiful baby boy. Rick and I arrived at the hospital at 4:30 am to be admitted into Labor and Delivery. Of course, there wasn't much sleeping the night before and neither of us could stop grinning the entire drive down to the hospital.

Leaving for the hospital!

Waiting to be admitted...ahh!

My doctor told me to eat before I came in because I wouldn't be allowed to eat once I was admitted, so we stopped at the only place open at 4 am for our Delivery Day breakfast... McDonalds! Unfortunately, said breakfast was promptly puked up as soon as labor started... oh well!

I actually had a really great labor and delivery experience. Though the initial induction procedure was the most intense pain I've felt, the rest of the 17 hour day was really full of calm (thanks to Michael Buble CDs on repeat) and excitement (thanks to the room full of family cheering us on!) 

Drugs are good :)

 After two-plus hours of pushing, Campbell James Mathews was born at 11:50 pm on November 9, 2011. He weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and was 19 inches long.

We were blessed with a healthy little boy who came into the world in such a peaceful environment. It was magical to say the least. Rick, Cam and I got to spend about half an hour bonding and soaking up the moment together before our family came in to meet the little man.

We spent the next few days in the hospital, introducing our new peanut to his many adoring fans.

On Saturday, we were given the okay to take the little bugger home. We bundled him up and strapped him in, and as soon as our car pulled up to the house, the tears started flowing.

I couldn't believe we were actually coming home with a new baby that we were responsible for. It was such an emotional day... filled with so much uncertainty, so much excitement and so much love. My mom was waiting for us with a snack in the oven, flowers on the table and a fridge stocked with food to last us through the month. 

There is no doubt that the one thing keeping this household running right now is my mom. She has been here every minute of every day tending to diaper changes, laundry, cooking and cleaning. There aren't adequate words to express how grateful Rick and I are to have her here helping us get adjusted to this new crazy life. Thank you, Mimi, for the sacrifices you have made to help us welcome Baby Cam into our home.

So far, Campbell sleeps a lot. I'm not complaining, don't get me wrong. But, it's made nursing a bit challenging as he's always sleepy. Figuring out breastfeeding has definitely been the biggest challenge this week. We are both getting better at each day, but like anything else, every day also brings its new challenges (hello horrible diaper rash!)

Here are some more pictures from Cam's first week of life!

Lasts

Since finding out this week that we will be having our baby on Wednesday!!, it has occurred to me that a lot of my normal routines and day-to-day happenings will be my last as a single, responsibility-free person. I cried in bed Tuesday night when my two girlfriends left my house from a wonderful visit thinking that would be the last time I would ever hang out with them again without worrying about a baby or needing to excuse myself to call home and check on said baby. While watching Grey's last night (yes I still watch that) my mom said, "you know, next time you watch Grey's you'll be holding your son, too!"And, this morning I had my last doctor's appointment. I felt like I was graduating as the receptionists and nurses all congratulated me in advance and looked surprised when I told them they wouldn't be seeing me again next week.

It all seems so final. I know this is the end of a significant chapter in our life as a married couple, but I also get butterflies of excitement thinking about the new chapter that's about to begin. The emotions I feel about becoming a mom in five days are overwhelming -- elated, scared, sad, but mostly serious excitement.

This weekend, we will celebrate our last weekend as a family of two. We will go on our last date without needing to hire a babysitter. We'll watch the Michigan football game with friends and not worry that we are going to wake up a napping little boy. And, we'll soak up every minute of each other knowing for the rest of our lives, we will have to share the overwhelming love we have for each other with something greater than we can even imagine.

The time is here and I can hardly believe it. Stay tuned for the main event!