Here We Go...Day 1

So I'm really behind and everyday I wonder how am I going to say it all? So, instead of one big post trying to say two weeks worth of motherhood, I'm going to break it up.
Here are my pictures from labor and his arrival.
And thank you, Cassell for being my guest blogger on the big day and keeping everyone updated. I probably should have commissioned you for the last two weeks since I've done such a crummy job of keeping up.
My water broke at home so I was having mild contractions at this point. We had just gotten settled into the room and ready for the wait.

The wait got a little painful so we didn't take any more pictures until here...right after the epidural. I was doing great.

The kids got out of school right after my epidural so they hung out a little bit in the room. I heard the waiting room was a mad house...they opted to hang out there most of the time with all of the other kids.

I had to have a double-dose (of sorts) of the epidural so I got a little nauseous a couple of times...so glad my mom was there:) They also had me on a small drip of pitocin so labor was progressing...it actually progressed much faster than we thought.

Here he is! All swollen and slimy!

He hated the footprints and then stopped crying when they gave him a big shot in his leg!

Daddy calmed him down.

I can't believe I'm a mom! Just like that.

Ashley & Blake came in to meet their brother before the rest of the family. We got a few moments alone just the FIVE of us!

Mimi

Mammaw and Pappaw

Granddad and Sandy

Aunt Lea and Aunt Happy (my sisters-in-law)

Auntie Jayne and Uncle P

Monica

Cassell

After his bath....

Unfortunately there were so many babies born that day at our hospital, there wasn't enough staff to send Cash to the nursery for the night so I could get some rest. So here he is sleeping with Daddy. I still didn't get much rest. I had to check for breathing and I woke up to every grunt or sound he made. Still the best night of my life.

Tomorrow, I'll tackle the rest of the two weeks. Right now I'm not sleeping when Cash is sleeping. Big mistake!

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.