Three Johns!

It's been 2 weeks

It has officially been 2 weeks since Jack was born and he is getting so big. We went to the doctor on Tuesday and he weighed in at 7lbs 6oz and 20 inches long. We must be doing something right if he is happy and growing. He has started grunting and is eating a lot. He's sleeping well...the stretches of sleep aren't as long as I would like in the middle of the night but we're making it. It seems like we are doing really well. He loves to snuggle and I enjoy it too. As long as he has a clean diaper and a full tummy he is content. I find myslef just staring at him, waiting for him to do something new. Tyson still isn't sure what to think of Jack. Whenever Jack makes any kind of noise Tyson is right there sniffing him and then comes to get one of us if we aren't responding quick enough...he seems to be a great furry big brother.

Today is John's last day at his job here in Texas. He starts back at his job in KC tomorrow. He will be working from home for a few months and we'll be working on selling our home and getting things ready to move back to KC. We have both really enjoyed being in Texas and wouldn't trade this time for anything. However, we are both very excited to be back around all of our family and friends in KC...especially with Jack. We can't wait for everyone to meet him.

1 week and 1 day old

Yesterday officially marked the 1 week mark of Jack's arrival. We are still working on the feeding/sleeping schedule but it is going surprisingly well. He is eating well and sleeping okay. We had our first outing today (other than the doctor), we went to see Daddy at work. John wanted to show him off to his friends at work so we took him up there for them to take a peek. Needless to say he was a hit! My parents are still here but are currently packing to leave in the morning. It has been so amazing having them here to help. It has really allowed me to spend some quality time with our munchkin while they have done all the hard work around the house. It is amazing how every time I go to the closet there are clean clothes that have magically appeared and meals miraculously find their way to the table 3 times a day. I have a feeling I am in for a rude awakening starting tomorrow. My freezer is now stocked with homemade frozen meals and the laundry is all done...let's see if I can stay on top of the laundry, the meals, the munchkin and my sleep. I don't know how working moms do all of it. I look forward to the challenge and have a whole new respect for women with multiples and careers. We have lots of pics...too many to share but I'll keep posting a few here and there. The pic included in this one is my current favorite. Enjoy!

JJRIV is 6 days old!

The past few days have been amazing and action packed. Jack is now 6 days old and he is so fantastic. We came home from the hospital on Saturday evening and were grateful that my parents, John's mom and Uncle Cody & Aunt Ashley were here to help...we needed it. Since I had a c-section and went home right at the 48 hour mark I needed lots of help getting in and out of chairs and walking around. It was our choice to go home so early, we had asked the doctor when was the earliest we could go home and she said we were required to stay 48 hours. So...right at the 48 hour mark we were heading home. Since I had been on bed rest in the hospital for so long, was doing so well after the surgery and had lots of help at home she said I could go home as long as I promised to take it easy and let others do stuff for me. Therefore, right at the 48 hour mark we were being wheeled out the doors of the hospital with our new family on our way home.


We got home and just couldn't snuggle him enough. We are still working on our routine. However, so far I think we have done an amazing job. John and I are working great as a team and attacking everything from a tag team or team work perspective. Don't get me wrong, we've had a couple nights that were really rough with lack of sleep and trying to get feeding down, but the key has been that we have recovered well. My parents are here for the week having them here has been a huge help...I've actually been able to get some rest and have someone else doing things around the house so I can enjoy snuggling with our sweet little boy. Every day that goes by I thank god for John and our new munchkin. We are so blessed to have such an amazing family. I couldn't ask for a better baby...or husband.


We went to the pediatrician yesterday for his newborn checkup and the doctor said everything looks great. When we left the hospital on Saturday he weighed 6lbs 5oz and yesterday at the doctor he weighed 6lbs 9oz, so we are obviously doing something right since he is gaining some weight. He is sleeping well and starting to really focus on objects and study faces. He has the sweetest little grin that just melts my heart. So far we are doing well and loving every minute of it. I'll keep you updated so stay tuned!

Meet Jack (JJR IV)

Here are a few photos from today. He was born 4:29pm today weighing in at 6 lbs 15 oz and is 18.9 inches long.

http://picasaweb.google.com/john.j.ruhlman/JackSWebAlbum

Less than 48 hours

Well the big day is rapidly approaching and we couldn't be more excited! We will move down to labor and delivery tomorrow night and everything will begin at 8AM on Thursday. Pops and Mom will be here tomorrow night.

The specialist came for his last visit today and he said Jack looks GREAT! He said..."this is one beautiful baby". I couldn't agree more. He was able to get a 4D video of him smiling, breathing and puffing his cheeks. He doesn't anticipate us having any problems and has estimated his weight to be somewhere around 7lbs. 2oz. Today has been a great day and I know they are just going to keep getting better. I hope all is well with you and I hope you'll check back for some pics of our new addition!

3 Days to Go!

Today marks Day 20 of hospital bed rest and it is a gloomy rainy day outside and an exciting day in my room...we only have 3 days to go! In 2 days they will be moving me down to labor and delivery and getting me all settled in the delivery room. Tuesday evening they will start an i.v. with some meds that will help with the induction. Then at 8AM on Thursday morning we are scheduled to start the induction. I will have another visit from my specialist tomorrow and he will be checking the size of the baby and his breathing with a sonogram. We're sure looking forward to meeting our munchkin on Thursday and then updating all of you as soon as it all settles down. We'll keep you posted!

A goal in sight!

We have officially made it to single digits on our goal and I couldn't be more excited. Friday the 12th marks 38 weeks and my doctor is on call on Thursday the 11th so that is our new goal date. We want to make it to the 11th and if we do we will induce that morning. 7 days to go and we are so excited...one week from today we will be meeting our sweet little munchkin. This is all under the assumption that I don't go in to labor before then and as long as my bp doesn't spike in to the danger zone before the 11th. I'm continuing to take it easy, so that he can grow just a little more. We'll keep you updated!

Day 14 and he's getting BIG!

Today is a very good day! My specialist came in today and did a sonogram and Jack is looking great! He measured in at an amazing 6lbs 11oz. He said that if we make it to our goal (10 more days) we should have at least a 7lb baby. He is measuring right on target, not too big and not too small. He has been very active and it is fascinating. They are still monitoring my blood pressure every four hours, except at night when I'm asleep. They are monitoring his heart rate every morning and evening and he is perfectly active and has a great heart rate. We are so grateful for how well the three of us are doing. John and I both greatly appreciate all of the nice thoughts and prayers that you have sent our way. We'll keep you updated so keep checking back!

Day 13

We have officially started day 13 of hospital bed rest and I am still doing well. My blood pressure (when sitting up) is staying under the danger zone but still in the high zone. Jack has been VERY active the past couple of days which has been fun for John and I to experience. John spent the night Friday & Saturday night on his sofa/futon which made the room seem a lot less like a hospital room. My doctor stopped by this morning and she checked my cervix and Jack isn't coming today or in the next couple days. He is 25% effaced and I'm only dilated to a 1. He has not dropped yet, and apparently this is all normal and good for my current situation. She still doesn't have any kind of estimate for delivery and our goal is still 38 weeks which is 11 days away. I just can't believe that in 11 days or less we will be able to meet our little munchkin. I have really had some great nurses and I love my doctor and all of her partners. We have really been blessed with the care that we have received and the time that it has provided for Jack to get a little older. Let's all keep short labor and a few more days of growth in our prayers!