Day Two from Baylor Hospital

Yesterday had to be one of the best days that I have and may ever experience in my life. Although I wasn't thrilled about being awakened at 2:30 in the morning, I cannot imagine anything that I would have rather done besides meeting my son for the first time. It has been surreal (and a little overwhelming) to think that I am a father. But when I look into these eyes, the rest of the world seems to fade away and become much less important, and I am humbled by such a perfect and amazing gift from God!

Brandi has been absolutely amazing through this whole process. I have seen a side of her that I knew existed but had not seen first hand. She is so patient and loving with him, and I am convinced, after less than 36 hours, that she will be a terrific mother.

Mommy and son are both doing well and trying to get as much rest as possible before the next wave of friends and family arrive later this afternoon. We have been so blessed by the love and support that has been showered on us over the course of the last nine months. We are very much appreciative of the time that our friends and family have taken to visit us and share in this amazing experience. Brandi and Will spent some quality time bonding this morning, and I've already lost count of the number of kisses she's given him.

Will has been much more alert today than yesterday, although he's guaranteed to fall asleep as soon as Brandi attempts to nurse. Here is Will shortly after nursing this morning:



Will and I were able to spend a little time together in the delivery room yesterday but have had much time today to discuss life and what to expect. We have already talked about all the good times we're going to have, especially on every Saturday in the fall.

We have been so fortunate to have our family living close by and were very excited that they were able to be here to witness yesterday's miracle. Will is lucky to have family that already adores him so much and cannot wait to spend more time getting to know him. Little does he know that he has two aunts and an uncle that haven't met him yet, along with great-grandparents who are dying to hold and kiss him.

Here's Will meeting his Mimi (Brandi's Mom) for the first time:

Ally (my Mom) experienced love at first sight in the delivery room with her first grandbaby. She has been so excited about getting to meet Mr. Will Ryan and has been working hard to get her house ready for his arrival.

GJ (my Dad) and NeeNee (Daneille) rushed up to Baylor yesterday morning to make sure they didn't miss Will's arrival and could not wait come back up here today.

It didn't take long for Uncle J to meet his new little buddy before making plans to take his two nephews out to see the Rangers as soon as possible.

Uncle Dustin and Aunt Tricia are enjoying their new roles and are looking forward to living close by to watch Will as he grows up. We're all curious as to Dylan's reaction to meeting his new cousin for the first time. I have a feeling the two cousins will have a great time growing up near one another.

Right now, the plan is to check out of the hospital tomorrow morning and head home for what I can only imagine will be a scary first night with Will. We are so thankful for all of the love and support we have received and will try to keep updating the blog as much as possible over the course of the next several days.

Here's to hoping Will learns to sleep through the night very quickly!

Live Report from Baylor Hospital

WILL RYAN HAS ARRIVED!!! Brandi and I were finally able to meet our firstborn son, who came into this world at 8:50 this morning weighing 7 lbs 2 ounces and measuring 21 1/4 inches.

Delivery went about as well as could be expected. Labor progressed quickly with contractions starting around 1:00 this morning. We checked into the hospital at 5:40 and began pushing around 7:15. Needless to say, things progressed very quickly and before we knew it, we were looking at this beautiful little boy!

Mom and Will are resting comfortably in their post-partum room, and everything seems to be going really well. We are expecting to stay in the hospital through Saturday morning, but will try to update the blog when possible.

Nursery Update

Well, today is a new day. Yesterday I had a little mini melt-down as I faced the reality that I may not meet this sweet child that has taken over my body for another week. Now that I have adjusted my expectations, I feel much better today. :) I know it is best for Will to come when he is ready and I really don't want to have to be induced if at all possible. So, for now I will wait...as patiently as I am capable.

We hung a few more things in Will's nursery and it is really starting to look like a ready to go, fully functional nursery! Here are some pics!

This is just a fun picture for Uncle Justin. We call him J. He got Will this adorable monkey and several clever bibs such as this one...

The crib now complete with the mobile.

So I had to put up picture of this beautiful blanket my mom made for Will. I love the colors and am so impressed at her recently resurfaced skills!

With the back side of this gorgeous blanket...

My sister in law actually gave me this several years back. How appropriate is this for Will's room?

So this is still the not-so-finished wall. I figured I could leave it as is for now and will probably find something to fill it up in time.

This is just a fun picture of Will's toy collection so far! We need a toy box!

Doctor Update

Well, unfortunately the update is that there isn't much of one! I went to the doctor this morning and was hoping (a little too much) that things would be at a point to where he would get this party started. Not so. Still dialated to a 1...still hasn't dropped. I go back in on Friday morning to check my blood pressure again. It was still elevated today. Not alarming, but border-line he said. So, he called the hospital to try and put me on the schedule for Monday or Tuesday if nothing happens this week and they were booked solid! I am on the wait list. Seriously? I know I can go into labor at any time, but it just doesn't look promising right yet. As pathetic as this is to admit, I cried when I got in the car! Kevin wasn't quite sure what to think but I think he realized that I really am at that point. You know that point when you're pregnant and you think I need this kid out!!! Pray for my patience. Pray Will decides to come into the world soon and pray that I will be patient if he doesn't!! Thanks!

I'm so ready!

Did I mention that I am soooo ready to meet Will?? Well, just in case I didn't...I am! No labor yet. I went and got a pedicure - I heard foot massages help induce labor. That hasn't worked, yet. When Kevin gets home we are going to run and grab the last things we need for Will. I'll try to walk a bunch. What else can I do? Spicy food? I may try that, too!! Come on baby!!

39 Weeks...Waiting on Baby

We had our 39 week appointment yesterday. Still no baby! I am officially dialted to a 1cm. That's not much and doesn't mean much but it was nice to at least see something happening! I lost a pound, which is probably a result of not working this week. My swelling has gone down dramatically this week. It is amazing what not sitting at a desk will do for that. My blood pressure was elevated this week - which was unusual. I usually run pretty low, so the doctor was a little concerned about that. He is having me come back in on Tuesday morning to check it again and see how it is looking. Tuesday seems like a good day for a baby to me. So we'll see if anything happens. I am officially ready and would be happy to go into labor anytime now!

We have had a good week. I've gotten caught up on a lot of little things I thought I needed to get done before Will arrives. I feel really good about that.

On Thursday, Kevin's work suprised him with a daddy baby shower! It was so nice and he was totally suprised. Kevin goes out to his owner's ranch once a week and we were all there waiting for him when he got back to the office. He was not expecting that. His co-workers were so sweet and Kevin got to experience being the center of attention at a shower. He got to open all the gifts and feel the pressure of everyone watching. I loved it! We got some cute stuff and to say Will is all set is an understatement. Have I mentioned how blessed we have been by everyone?

Then, Thursday evening, one of my wonderful friends from college came into town to visit me. I met Jennifer my freshman year, her softmore year at Tech. She lives in Austin, so while we don't see each other as much as we would like, we always seem to just pick up where we left off. She stayed the night with us Thursday night and spent Friday with me. It was so good to catch up with her and hear how much she is enjoying being a newlywed! I am so happy for her and seeing her just makes me wish I saw her more frequently! Thank you for coming to visit me Jennifer!

I have been crazy tired this week. I guess I am just tired of carrying all this extra weight around! Today has been so nice with the rain and college football on the tv. I even took quite a nap earlier today. I love lazy days like these. I am making a point to really enjoy this one as I am sure it will be awhile before I get another one!

38 Weeks & On Leave!

We had our 38 week appointment today. The appointment was much the same as last week...no progress, yet. He said I had softened up quite a bit, but it really just didn't look like Will was arriving anytime soon. I did ask him what happened if we made it to the 18th and there was no baby. He said he didn't like to induce unless we were up at a week past my due date. While I really don't want to be induced, I really don't want to go a week past my due date! He did say he wouldn't let me go more than a week past the 18th. So, I guess that's good.

Today was a huge day...it was my last day of work!!!!! I can't tell you how excited I am about that! I don't have to go back...for the rest of the year!!! My back hurts so bad sitting at a desk and my feet...well, I've told you about them - swollen! I am fortunate to work for a firm with great benefits - they allow me to take time off before the delievery, not just after. I am also taking advantage of their sabbatical program - which means I stay employed with full benefits (which is great because Will and I need insurance!) and get paid 20% of my salary...without working! Can't really complain about that! I am so glad that Kevin has been so supportive of me taking the extended time off. It works out well with my job as the end of the year is usually pretty slow anyway. So, I'll get to spend a lot of time with Will through the end of the year. Since I do have 2 weeks before my due date, I am hoping to at least have a little down time before he arrives. I don't really feel organized and feel like I just need to relax and mentally prepare for what is to come. Many of you are laughing because you have already told me...I can try but I really can't prepare for the ups and downs of being a new mom. At least I can relax a little, right?