Baby Love

Lucas is now ten days old and I thought it would be nice to post a couple updated photos: Above: Lucas is one week old. Above: He loves to sit up and look around. When he's awake... he's awake! Above: Sleepy time. Above: So far, he has Matt's feet and hands. Let's hope it stays that way.

Lucas Matthew Tibbs - 07/16/2009, 3:55am

It's been four days since Lucas' arrival into this World and I must say I am pleased with the way things are going. It seems there is so much to tell... so I'll start with a few pics (I'm always dying to see pics of new babies... leave the chit-chat to the end!): Above: Lucas first day of life. Above: Julie & Matt helped me labor and deliver... nothing beats having a sister there to support you through it all! Above: Matt was exhausted, but incredibly strong throughout the entire process. I don't know if I've ever loved him more. Above: Grandma Lisa was SO excited to meet her first grandbaby! Above: Grandpa Tibbs Above: Grandma and Grandpa Cates... Lucas was wide awake for the two of them! Some fun details:

• Labor began Tuesday morning... 1:00a. Contractions strong, but bearable and three minutes apart. We went to the hospital at 4:30a to find that I was only dilated to a four. Six hours later, I had not progressed... so we went home to labor... rather than induce with pitocin.
• Wednesday night... no sleep. Contractions increased in intensity... I took showers and a bath (which were dreamy) and prayed every hour that God would dilate my cervix.
• Wednesday afternoon at 4:30p we went back to the hospital and I had progressed to a seven! I cried with elation and nurses who remembered me from the day previous kissed my cheeks (literally!). They were all incredible.
• My one request: please break my waters and get this show in the road! Prediction was Lucas would be born by sundown.
• Prediction wrong... his head was turned in such a way that my last centimeter of dilation was not taking place. I was transitioning, but not dilating (which is incredibly frustrating) and painful. I had been in labor for 48 hours at this point and my body was beginning to turn on me. I was losing the battle of mind over matter.
• Thursday, 1:00a... epidural requested. 15 minutes later, Lucas turned and I fully dilated.
• Thursday, 2:15a... pushing begins and Lucas is born an hour and a half later.
• Weight: 9.2 lbs
• Length: 21 inches
• Head: 14 inches

Overall, I have no regrets. I could do it all over again, and I wouldn't change a thing. Labor was much longer than I had originally anticipated, but the entire experience was very positive. Giving birth was very empowering for me and convinced me that I am a much stronger person that I ever thought I could be. Granted, I cannot take all the credit as I have been continually supported and loved by friends and family members throughout this entire process. I have much to be thankful for and I look forward to the continual moments of gratitude and thanks to follow throughout Lucas' life to come.

Almost 41 weeks...

... and counting. I am forty weeks and as of Monday will be one week overdue on Lucas' assumed arrival. I know that there are concerns in the medical field for overdue babies, but I really don't want to be induced with pitocin. As of last Monday, this was the scoop:

• 3 centimeters dilated
• Lucas is fully descended (at least as far as he can go for now)... my OB could feel the entirety of the top of his head
• I am having random contractions that are growing more painful, but not consistent
• I haven't gain any weight (total weight gain thus far... 40 pounds)
• If Lucas does not arrive before then, I will be induced July 17th
• I have tried everything to encourage his arrival... suggestions are welcomed.

Here is a photo of my greatness....

Matt convinced me to have maternity photos taken, which I'm glad he did. We met with Ashley Sturm in Salem, and enjoyed an evening together. Please enjoy these proofs, and feel free to visit Ashley's website. She is quite gifted and so much fun to work with. If you want to view additional proofs of Matt and I, please feel free to do so. Click on this link: http://www.ashleysturmphotography.com/index2.php Password (at the bottom): july6