Someone is Missing

As I read John's blog last night about grandparents, I thought to myself that someone is missing. I've thought this several times during my pregnancy and a few times since Jack was born. That someone is my dad. 

For a wedding shower, my dad was asked to write about me. I didn't have a mother to attend the shower, and fathers aren't asked to attend showers. So, Dad wrote about me, and it was read at the shower. I want to share one paragraph of his musings in which he speaks about my future child.

"Ellie has proved herself to be a fine daughter, a sensitive sister, a loving aunt, and a good friend. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be a good teacher, a loving wife, and a wonderful mother. I don't know anyone who has given more to the people around her than Ellie has. I love you and pray that life will always be good to you and the new family you are starting. We are all pleased to be adding John to our family. Take good care of each other and continue as a couple to try to be the very best you can be."

Though my dad can't be here to celebrate Jack's birth, he left behind something that speaks to his excitement about seeing me as a mother. My dad began building furniture later in his life. His last major project was a cradle, which he gave to me in hopes I'd have a baby to use it one day. Now it rocks beside my bed at night, used when I am too tired to put Jack back in his crib. So, even though Dad can't be here to hold Jack in his arms, something he built with his hands is holding Jack.

Grandparents

Tonight, Grandma and Grandpa stopped by to see the little one. We shared dinner together, and Grandma and Grandpa were quick to get up from the table to resume holding Jack. Before leaving, Marion quipped about having a car-seat ready to whisk Jack home. This is not an entirely fantastic proposition in that Jane has a nursery set up in Anne's old room. While we enjoyed living in Virginia, family brought us back to Tennessee.

Jane was not the first grandmother to arrive tonight. Ross's grandmother, Merc, visited with us prior to Jane and Marion's arrival. She took a picture back with her to show her family in Crossville. She is a wizard at embroidery, and you may see her work on at least four of Jack's onesies.

Homecoming

Today we brought little Jack home from the hospital. As I drove the few short miles from the hospital to our house, it occurred to me we were bringing Jack out into the world. I think I heard the term precious cargo come from the back where Ellie was sitting.

Jack is still pretty sleepy. He has demonstrated an uncanny ability to fall asleep at the ''dinner table". Regardless, Ellie and  Jack are learning how to nurse.

Winston seems to be the most interested in Jack. He has already planted a wetbeardkiss on Jack. The other dogs seem content just to watch us care for Jack. 

It is great to have company at the house. Eric and Tiffany were the first visitors today, and they brought some flowers and a picture frame which is already on our mantle displaying a photo of Jack. Sarah W. stopped by today and brought an outfit for Jack and a gift certificate for our first postpartum date night. She also gave Ellie some expert advice on using the breast pump. Anne came by this evening, and she held a baby for the second time in her life. 

Ellie and I are grateful to all of the friends and family that have called, emailed, and visited us over the past few days. We look forward to sharing Jack's life with all of you.

Some Quick Pics

Sleeping 

With Daddy

Going Home!

Showing Off My Hair

He's Here!!!

I went in for my 38 week appointment yesterday. I left with a baby! Surprise! Dr. Redden decided that my blood pressure was too risky. So they induced me, and seven hours later Jack arrived. He's beautiful, weighing 6 pounds 14 ounces and measuring 19 3/4 inches. 

Grandma and Grandpa Seaton were waiting anxiously for his arrival along with Aunt Annie and Uncle Eric. Our good friends Nick and Erin were at the hospital to help us celebrate too.   

The excitement of the day kept me wide awake last night, so I am hoping to get some good sleep tonight. I'll post more pictures soon, but here are a couple to give you a taste. 

Dog Paintings

These are the paintings that are hanging above Jack's crib. John got to know Sally Govan when he worked at the BERC while he was in college. She asked John for a picture of our dogs because she was doing a dog exhibit. When she showed us the painting of Winston, we had to have it. We asked her to do an accompanying painting of Lucy. We love her work, and I know Jack will love looking at the bright colors.

Lucy by Sally Govan

Winston by Sally Govan

How Do You Think the Dogs Will React to the Baby?

Everyone knows that John and I love our dogs. A few examples of this love- 1. My dogs get more expensive haircuts than I do. 2. I've never been to the emergency room in my life, but I've called the emergency vet MANY times. 3. Sometimes even though we aren't craving ice cream, we go through the drive thru at Dairy Queen just so the dogs can get their puppy creams. 4. We commissioned paintings of Winston and Lucy, and they are hanging above the crib!

So, knowing how much I love my dogs, friends have started to ask me how I think the dogs will react to the baby. I have to admit that I think they are going to be a little bit jealous. Lucy is going to be the worst. She's a little 14 pound Welsh Terrier who has become quite the lap dog in the last few months. Although since my lap barely exists now, she lays on top of my stomach. Anytime one of the other dogs comes close for a petting, Lucy licks my face until I stop paying attention to the others. Can I expect lots of face licking while I am holding Jack, too?  

John, the eternal optimist, continuously tells me that they dogs will adjust and be fine. He's right so often that I have to agree. Not long now until we find out for certain how the dogs will react to Baby Jack...

House Arrest Project

On Thursday when I went to the doctor for my 37 week appointment, Dr. Redden decided that it would be best if I went on modified bed rest. This means that I can get up and move freely around the house, but that's about it.  The good news is that she told me no cleaning or grocery shopping, two of my least favorite activities.  The bad news is that there can be no more last minute visits to Target or USA Baby, which makes John entirely too happy.  Setting up Jack's blog seems like a good thing to do while I am on house arrest.  

Hopefully this won't last very long.  On Thursday I was dilated to 4 cm, so I am optimistic that we will be racing to the hospital soon.  I'm scheduled to be induced on February 4th, which means that is the longest bed rest can last.