Alex's First Tub Bath

Alex got his first tub (water) bath on Tuesday since his umbilical cord stump fell off on Monday. He didn't seem to enjoy it all that much as he cried pretty much the whole time. But it was definitely cute and funny for mom and dad! I'm sure someday he'll appreciate these pictures.

Alex's First Tub Bath

New Way to Share Pictures

Well, I am overwhelmed already with trying to get all the pictures uploaded to share with everyone, so I've stolen my friend Maria's idea and am going to put links to Kodak gallery albums here rather than try to upload pictures one by one to the baby website as well as this page. You can also order prints from there if you want to. Here's the first several albums. Enjoy!

Alex's First Hours

Days 1 and 2 at the Hospital

First Week at Home

Sunbathing (We put Alex in the sun to help with the jaundice...it turned out to be prime picture time and Sammie the cat joined in the fun too!)

First Sponge Bath

One Week Birthday

My One Week Birthday

Happy one week birthday to me! I turned one week old today. My mom and dad are excited but think that I am growing up way too fast already! Here's some pictures of mom and I seeing eye to eye (how long will that last?), 3 generations of McElvaine men, my mom and dad and me in my birthday picture, and my picture alone to show how much I've grown up since last Sunday.

As for my jaundice problems, I am happy to say that I am doing much better. I went back to the doctor today to get my foot pricked for a bili level and was down to 12. It hurt but I made a nice stinky diaper for the lab tech to show her how I felt about it. The doctor says I am doing really well and don't need to be checked anymore. Mom and dad are very happy that I am not looking yellow anymore and I am eating and making dirty diapers like a champ!

My First Bath

I got my first bath on Saturday evening...a sponge bath for now. I can't say it's been my favorite part of my new life, but I did enjoy peeing on my new bathtub! The hooded towel was pretty much just for mom's enjoyment but I really looked cute in it!

6 Days Old--First Few Days at Home

We've been home for a few days and little Alex is doing well with some small difficulties. We've had a little rough time with some jaundice and saw the pediatrician on Friday to assess. He's lost about a pound since his birth and is sleepy and struggles to eat. He had to get his foot pricked for a blood bilirubin test on Friday and will have a second one on Sunday. He has started eating better and more and is getting stronger and doing better, so we expect improvement in his bili level.

He is as sweet as can be and enjoyed meeting Grandma and Grandpa McElvaine on Friday for the first time. Pictures to enjoy...we'll post more on the baby website soon. Thanks for all your well wishes!

Who do I look like?

Well, we're about ready to get out of the hospital! Baby has been in the nursery most of the morning, mommy is packing up her stuff and dad is getting fidgety.

I'm pretty sure that little Alex has picked up Daddy's chin. Let's hope he got his mom's good sense. Who do you think he looks like?

Alex's First Day

Well, Alex is now about 36 hours old and mom and dad couldn't be prouder. We have had a few visitors and a chance to bond with our baby. Mom and Alex both continue to improve and get stronger. Mom has been up and moving around quite a bit today. Dad has had the chance to chnage 3 diapers thanks to mom's good feedings. We will spend one more night in the hospital and take Alex on his first road trip tomorrow morning. We are pretty excited to introduce Sammy and Muchkin to their little brother. I'm sure they'll be thrilled.

Thanks so much to all who have visited/called/emailed/texted to wish us well. We are blessed with a great family and wonderful friends!

Happy Birthday to Alex!

Well the long awaited day has finally arrived! Alex Richard McElvaine made his entrance into the world this morning, Sunday, February 17th, 2008 at 3:57 am central time. He was 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 19.25 in. long. Here's Alex soon after his birth and the happy family a few hours later. More pictures are posted on Alex's website at http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/SA/3289782/.

38 Weeks

Happy Valentine's Day! Had my 38 weeks checkup on Thursday. Not too much change from last week, still about 2cm and 85%. I did find out my doctor is going to be gone the second half of next week and on my due date, so he might not be the delivery doctor depending on when it happens. :( We thought the baby might come last night since we got a lot of snow and it was really cold, but maybe he's holding out for the balmy 30s forecast for next week! I go back to the doctor on Monday since he'll be gone on my normal Thursday appt time.

37 Weeks

I went to Dr Madland for my 37 weeks checkup on Thursday, Feb 6th. Baby is still head down and heartbeat is strong in the 150s. I am 1-2 cm dilated and 80% effaced.

The picture is from Sunday, Feb 10th.

36 Weeks Checkup

36 Weeks!

Went to Dr Madland for my 36 weeks checkup on Thursday. All is well...the baby is head down, partially dropped. Mom is less than 1 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and having contractions (just Braxton Hicks practice ones for now!).