Please Stay Tuned!

We're here! Trying to get this new person/new mommy thing figured out! I told my friend Cassell that it's stressful but it's like the best stress in the world. I have tons of pictures and tons of commentary to come. Every day brings a new challenge. Today, we don't understand exactly why he poops so much! Like twice what all the books say he should be pooping. I'm sure it has something to do with him being really good at everything he tries but I'd like to talk to an expert about it. The most horrible part of it all is that my mom leaves today (I'm tearing up as I write) so I'm officially thrown to the wolves and scared to death. Luckily, I have good friends and a knowledgeable sister just a phone call away to keep me afloat. Blogging is a priority though so keep checking back. I know I can do this!

Cash Leo Penick

Well the Penick clan is doing great. Jordan is a little tired and in some pain, but nothing out of the ordinary. And I only know that because I heard her talking to the nurse. You would never know it by looking at her because she is ALL SMILES. Derrek too. And Ashley and Blake. They are all so proud and so in love. I wish I would have gotten a photo of the whole family, but I couldn't coordinate it. I'll leave that one to Jordan.

Cash is Here!

Derrek just let me know that Cash was born about 30 minutes ago.

7 pounds, 5 ounces
19 inches long

I'm heading up to the hospital now, and will post more info and a family photo a little later.

Making Progress...

Just got another text from Jordan that read, "epidural time!" They haven't checked to see how much she has dilated. (She was 1 centimeter this morning at her appointment.) Apparently, it will cause too much risk of infection since her water has already broken. But her contractions are about 2 minutes apart, currently, sometimes less. Keep in mind, she is actually texting all of this to me, through the pain. (I can't even imagine.) She also said that they are talking about possibly giving her some Pitocin after the epidural to move things along.

Here He Comes!!!

Hi there, its Cassell. Jordan has asked me to be her temporary guest blogger for the time being. I heard from her just a little while ago via text message, and here's what I know:
This morning, after she woke up, her water broke. She went on to the doctor's office for her appointment. They went through with the scheduled sonogram and were able to determine that Cash is in the proper position for his short but arduous journey. Jordan also mentioned that they got a great final picture of Cash in utero. For the next one, he'll be in her arms. I'll head up to the hospital with my camera, so you can expect it here, later today.
She has been having mild contractions for the past few days, as she wrote in her previous post. But now that her water has broken, they have changed to a more intense pain. She assured me, though, that she is having "good breaks in between." She's so tough! And they just arrived at the hospital in the last half hour. Derrek is so excited, doting on Jordan and keeping her relaxed and in good spirits. Check back often, I'll keep you posted!

Still Waiting

Well, I've been having light contractions since Friday night but they taper off at night. And they just aren't really getting more intense at all even though I've had up to 8 or 9 in an hour. So, yeah, we're still here and Cash is still in my belly. If I make it until tomorrow, I'll have a sonogram in the morning and they'll monitor Cash a little bit. If he's still comfy in there and not too big I'll have the choice to just keep waiting it out or we'll see if we need to pick a date to induce. I'd like to avoid being induced even though I'm getting an epidural but at the same time, this waiting game is getting really old. The best part is I've gotten some really good sleep and rest this weekend so, hopefully, that will be a good head start for me into the sleep-deprived life of a new mom.

Cash & His Great-Grandmother

He's not one day old because he's not here yet. I'm not sure why he's decided to be a little stubborn but that's okay. My grandmother passed away two nights ago (October 30) and I like to think the two of them are having a little pow-wow before he gets here. I hope she's passing on her 94 years of grace and wisdom. My grandmother was easily the most magnificent woman I know and may ever know. Her faith was steady and her patience was infinite. She was a simple woman and as I get older and reflect on her life, I realize we all need more simplicity in our life these days. I'm so blessed that she was my grandmother and I'm sad that my children will not know her. I pray I can pass on some of her to them anyway.

I thank the Lord that Grandmother doesn't have any pain anymore. Just a week ago, we moved her to a nursing home but, until then, she lived very independently and in really great health (considering she was 94). I don't have a memory of Grandmother being frail or even a little bit not "with it". She was easy to talk to and sharp as a tack and I can't really imagine her going on any differently.

I also hope Cash can hold on just a couple more days so my mom can be here after saying good-bye to her mother. The circle of life is definitely going to be bittersweet this week...as it always is.

Grandmother and her girls at my wedding.