Cody Alexander is here!

As one could hope, the waiting for Cody was much like the long wait to Christmas morning; the joy and excitement that he finally arrived did not disappoint!

It was a Thursday, like most Thursdays recently – round and busy. Our usual work day from home was accomplished a bit early to head to a 38 week doctor’s appointment. It went smoothly as usual. My favorite midwife (can I say that? I love them all, but there is a special place for Ms. Jennifer Cheney, CNM, in my heart because she was there when Ryder was born) was there to greet us. Ryder measured my belly, Rory listened intently to Cody’s heartbeat, and stats were declared. Little contractions soon began after the appointment and we were told to just try my best to ignore them for three hours. If they increased then it could be legitimate reason to get excited.

So we headed home, thoughts of the potential of meeting Cody “soon” lingered in my brain as we settled down for afternoon rest. Those contractions were distracting to say the least. Poor Ryder, who insisted on skipping his nap and totally took advantage of my distracted state bore the brunt of my increasing grumpiness. We wrapped up a few work responsibilities and then I couldn’t stand it much longer. We were nearly at hour four after the appointment and the contractions were seeming rather legitimate to me. After the 25th time circling the dining room table, much like a poor version of those marching around Jericho’s walls, Ryder questioned my sanity:

“Why are we circling the table again?”
“Because I need to that’s why!”
“Well, that’s weird. This is 25.”
“Great, you have a problem with it then go do something else… Ug, I’m sorry…I’m grumpy okay…”
“It’s okay. I will stay with you.” (He then begins to mimic my laboring breath as if he has been trained in midwifery himself after all the appointments he has attended.)

Near six o’clock I had farmed my kids off to Grandma’s (thanks Melanie!), demanded my husband home from work, and was instructed by the midwife to take it easy and see how things progressed.

After seven o’clock, trying to distract myself with a movie, petting the dog (who oddly seemed very calm this time around…I think he is just over the kid thing. No sympathy for me like the first. Its more of a Gromit of Wallace and Gromit stare that says, “you did this to yourself.”), and trying to get some snack down I had declared myself hospital ready. With another call to the midwife who okayed my decision, we were at the hospital by 7:30pm. What commenced after is anything but beautiful in my opinion. I will neither confirm nor deny I mentally lost it at moments. I might have screamed a bit too loudly during a contraction. I was most definitely surrounded by THE BEST man on the planet and THE BEST midwife known to natural birthing woman EVERYWHERE. Somehow they didn’t throw me out the window or drown me in the birthing tub I camped out in for a decent amount of time. They even congratulated me after I declared myself “DONE. GET HIM OUT.” and lo and behold this kid magically appeared on my chest at 9.21pm.

Eight beautiful pounds and seven adorable ounces, this little man greeted me with screams of “What did you just do to me!?” and I loved it! I couldn’t believe it was over, that he was finally here.

Ryder was tentative to meet him but warmed up to him in his own quiet way. He didn’t seem upset that Cody doesn’t appear to have red hair, but he is still holding out for green eyes. And he did ask where Cody’s rope was…

Rory said hello but was busy to check out the hospital room.

Cody has been a joy since he came out. Calm and easy going (I think he has more of his Daddy than just his looks) but determined to do what he needs to do. This kid was already 8lb 9oz by his first doctor’s appointment yesterday! He’s just sweet like that. Easy on his momma.

Sleeps like an old man – dedicated no matter the surrounding. I love this kid so much. I have had great difficulty putting him down and constantly thinking about him when I do muster the courage to leave him to his crib. It’s really rather pathetic, but I will take it! Those fat cheeks are so fun to kiss, you just try putting him down!

Side note, doesn’t the above picture look like he could say at any moment “Give me a cannoli. Or at least a bowl of spaghetti.” His Italian side is totally showing and I love it!

I am so grateful. So thankful. Absolutely in awe that God has blessed me, yet again, with an amazing new pal. When I said the prayer over him for the first time, the same one I say to Ryder and Rory before bed, it took everything in me not to break down right there at his crib. My heart is full.

Thank you Lord for Cody
Please be with him as he sleeps
Show up to him in his dream
Keep Your angels around him
Thank you for who he is, and who he is becoming
Amen

Yes! It’s time to feed him again. An excuse to get him out of the crib!