Oh, so similar

These two could not look more alike. It's like looking at twins, only their 2.5 years apart. I can't wait to put a baby picture of Caleb next to a picture of Riley and have everyone guess who's who.

Some great labor details

I know many of you are wondering how labor went....considering it was labor, it went fairly well. Shawn and I checked into the hospital at 11:00am and I was started on Pitocin to increase contractions. I got an epidural around 4:00pm and Riley was born at 6:14pm. There was no tearing or cutting and Riley came with about 6 good contractions. I did have an abundant amount of amniotic fluid that was nicely released when Riley came out and soaked the midwife and nurse as well as showering the wall behind them...and as soon as Riley was born they placed him up on my chest where he decided to pee all over me. Caleb came out pooping and Riley came out peeing.

It was a great experience. I couldn't have done it without Shawn. He was the best labor coach ever!! He kept me breathing when I didn't think I could and kept me laughing when I just wanted to cry.

Caleb stayed with a friend the night we were in the hospital, but then came and stayed with us the whole next day. We were released 26 hours after Riley's birth. It was nice to come home.

Caleb has taken to being a big brother very well. He loves his baby. He likes to help out with diaper changes and helping get Riley dressed, but he doesn't like when Riley cries, especailly if he's holding Riley. Caleb also likes showing off his baby brother to anyone who wants to look.

Welcome Baby Riley

We would like to announce the birth of our newest family member, Riley Aaron. Riley was born on April 10th 2008 at 6:14pm. He was 7lbs. 11ozs. and 20 inches long.

Waiting out our time

Well, there is no baby yet....we are waiting. In the meantime, we have been walking and planting flowers and giving haircuts.

Caleb wasn't too patient during his haircut until he was given a Thomas the Train catalog book to look at. And then he was happy to sit as long as I didn't get near his ears.

He is so handsome with his hair short, although it makes him look a little more like a trouble maker. With the weather being nice we've been hanging out in the front yard and Caleb rides his tricycle up and down the sidewalk.

Daddy tried to show Caleb how to use the peddles on his tricycle and Caleb had a fit. He doesn't like for anyone to tell him what to do....

Still Pregnant

Okay, I had a doctor's appt. yesterday and I'm measuring 39 weeks. I am currently 2 cm dilated, but my cervix is still thick. I have had lots of pressure and cramping today. Thankfully, Shawn will be home tomorrow night, so if I can just get through tonight and tomorrow I'll be good. Riley better be here by early next week. I am soooooo READY!!! I am getting anxious to meet Riley and to bring Caleb home a little brother.

Caleb has been a trooper the last couple of days. I've been slow moving and he's been my little helper. Last night he helped me bring in groceries and take items out of the bags. He's been as patient as a 2 year old can be with a mommy that doesn't want to do ANYTHING!!!

Please Wait Riley

Shawn is gone again now till the 7th of April. The big question is, will Riley wait till his daddy gets back to be born???

More Easter Fun

We had dinner at our friend's house and then had an easter egg hunt. This time daddy was in on the fun. Caleb found 9 eggs filled with more candy!! He was running on pure sugar at this point and thankfully daddy was able to keep up with his madness.

We had a wonderful time being together as a family and fun spending time with friends.

These are two of my silly friends that I've made here in Japan. They keep me laughing and chase after Caleb when Shawn is gone. They are really my blessings. On the left is Jen and on the right is Liz and of course I'm the whale in the middle....