No baby yet.

We went in Tuesday night and after 5 hours of the run around, they gave Carrie the standard Oxytocin to induce labor. (They skipped the pill to soften her cervix because she was already having small, weak contractions.) It was a bad night of sleep, the room was making weird noises with all the equipment, the IV was uncomfortable and her contractions were never really that strong. (We did eat great burgers from Tony's Cable Car though.) Wednesday they kept increasing the dosage but things never really progressed. We walked small laps around Labor and Delivery saying hi to the same people trying to help move things along but no luck. Finally around 2pm today they suggested stopping the induction and sending us home. They would like to avoid a c-section if possible. The baby is healthy, Carrie is healthy and there is no risk in waiting. We wait until Friday for induction again. Let's just count on that for now. I know I said we would be three by the time of the next update but who knew? Only God and a little baby cuddling. Ciao.

It's time.........

...to go to the hospital. Carrie went in for testing today and they monitored a contraction. She felt a few more tonight during the Cowboys game. Maybe that was just the excitement of the game, not really sure. Anyway, she is scheduled to be induced tomorrow. We are a little nervous pacing around the house, packing like we are going on a cruise to the Caymans. But we will try and get some sleep because we are going to need it. It has been a long 9 months for her and she is ready so direct all the peace and positive energy you can share her way. The next time we update we will be three!

2 days over and counting

Well, despite being swollen to three times my usual size, despite the fact that I have pregnancy induced carpel tunnel and my fingers are constantly numb... I can't sleep and no position is comfortable, standing or sitting...... we all are SO ready for this baby to arrive- but despite all of this, the baby obviously is not yet ready.
This is a good lesson for me and Jason. This is the first of many things that we will have no control over with this child.
So- we wait. I try to be patient and positive. Luckily I have Alina to occupy most of my days. Thankfully my Mom and Dale are here cooking and entertaining and keeping things fun.
It could be much worse!
I will keep walking and walking and just hope this little one finds it way sooner rather than later!
If I haven't gone in to labor, my next appt is Friday at which point we will see how things are progressing. My dct says we will then schedule induction. Yikes! I want this baby to come naturally.
Think good thoughts of naturally coming- coming SOON and hopefully as pain free as possible.
:-)

a few updated Alina pics...
with Dad

Alina with Uncle Jason in her favorite position

Alina Carolyn Noyes

I am completely totally 100% in love with my new niece!~

Meredith and Roger are settling into newborn routine and I am getting a great crash course! Tuesday Alina had her first walk and her first bath!

Only 2 days to go for me. I am so swollen and uncomfortable and I am very anxious for this little one to come out!

What are the chances it will actually happen on our due date? probably zero.
We will keep you posted.
Much love to all and thanks so much for your good wishes!

Sweet Alina asleep on my chest...resting on the belly which holds her future cousin!

Final Week

So it is hard to believe that we are in the final week~ My due date is Saturday but who knows if this baby will be on time.

I think I had a contraction last night but only one and it didn't really amount to anything.

Still, today I am rechecking our bags and our lists to make sure we are ready to go. I have this feeling it will be a middle of the night affair. Jason just had the bag conversation with me- which was basically emphasizing that I have too many- so I am trying to consolidate. I only have 1! But then we need to have a few extra things- like the cooler with snacks for him etc. etc. No matter how I try to streamline, we will end up with a couple bags. I just want to be prepared and have everything we need. (ok, so mabye I do have a small overpacking problem)

My Mom and Dale arrived yesterday and were very excited to get their first glimpse of baby Alina. Jason made an awesome Italian dinner for everyone.

So now we settle into this week. Mom and Dale will be staying with Mere and Roger and helping them get settled with Alina and we will wait to see when this little one is ready to make his/her appearance in the world.

WOOOSAH

Suspense...

..is building. Just days away from our newest addition. The preperations continue. We have the hospital bags ready and stocked with all the things for a trip around the world. They don't call Carrie the bag lady for nothing. The baby clothes have all been washed. They are so little! And the car seat is going in today. I'll be using a technique I learned by watching Roger. He was standing on it. Have you ever seen a 6'5" man stand in the back seat? The biggest suspense is not knowing what we are getting? Is it a boy or a girl?

Labor and Golf

Our family sky just got brighter with the addition of a new star - our beautiful niece Alina Carolyn Noyes. Carrie added wonderful support to Meredith throughout the labor. However, at the end Carrie seemed a little scared. Typical male, I responded, think of it like Golf, You are on the 18th green, and your partner is away so he has to go first. This is great because you get to watch his putt and his read. Is the green fast or slow? Does it slope left or right? Carrie got to watch the whole labor process and learn from her partner. Same thing right? Ok, Meredith will probably agree, labor and golf are nothing alike. But its a good crack eh?