1st Mother's Day

Braxton got Mommy a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a balloon for Mother's Day! We took Braxton to his first lunch out (mom's too since getting out of the hospital).

Braxton was giving Daddy kisses!

Thanks Uncle Josh & Aunt Wendy for the cool swing. I'm "learning" to like it!

Regina visits frequently to keep Mommy sane! Thanks for the monkey outfit! Braxton has a cute tush like his daddy! :-)

I can't decide if I like this thing in my mouth.

Chilin with Mom!

Nap time!

The last couple of weeks have been a rollercoaster! We welcomed Braxton Lee to our family on Tuesday, April 21st! He is so perfect and we love him so much! 14 days after my "botched" epidural, I am finally starting to feel better. I debated back and forth whether or not to get the epidural and I wish I would have decided against it because when the Dr. was trying to give it to me, he "missed" and an air sack formed. I was informed that this happens to 2% of patients. I should have known that as soon as I heard him apologizing something was up. After 45 minutes of the worst pain, I was told that I would be getting a very intense headache and that the epideral would not be given. Within minutes, the headache came. By the time he left the room, I was 9 cm and pushing soon after so fortunately, I did not have to endure the headache and the pain of a natural childbirth at the same time for too long.

I felt well the first night but by the next day, I could barely lift my head or get out of bed. On Wednesday evening, I received a blood patch in my spine. They took blood from my arm and tried to fill the hole that was created in my spine. I instantly felt some relief but by the next morning, I was in a lot of pain again. We went home Thursday afternoon and I was unable to even leave the bed. Friday, Lee and my mom took me to the emergency room. Lee had to basically carry me into the hospital. After receiving fluids and a catscan, I learned that the "hole" was still open and Lee and I chose not to receive another blood patch. Friday evening I went home and was on bedrest for a week. I do not know how I would have made it through the week without Lee and our moms! Lee was amazing! I have no neck or back pain and the headache is no longer unbearable. (My eyes are still bloodshot though which is quite the sight.) I really appreciate all of the support we received from friends and family. It was all worth it because Braxton is an angel!

Baby Braxton

Braxton loves to lay on his tummy!

Family Photo!

Grandma Peterson's first look at her first grandchild! Tammy flew in for 5 days. We wish those grandparents lived closer!!

Daddy LOVES his baby boy!

Braxton's First Bath

Lee and Grandma Welsh gave Braxton his first bath. He actually liked the water (or at least he did not cry) but he didn't like the "afterbath."

Welcome Home Braxton!

Braxton and Daddy love plaid!!

An instant love affair!

Mr. Popular!

Viki

Dave, Megan, & Eric


Jenn, Kay, Macaire, & Ashley


Regina & Dave

Grandma Welsh booked a flight as soon as she heard we were heading to the hospital. She was able to stay for a week. It was great to have her here and it was very hard when she left! :-(

Missing photos: LeeAnne and Braylen

OOOOHHHH BABY!

Tueseday, April 21st

12:30 a.m. - Contractions begin, 15 minutes apart

2:00 a.m. - Contractions continue, 10 minutes apart

4:00 a.m. - Contractions get more intense, 7-10 minutes apart

4:00 a.m. - Wake Lee up

4-4:30 a.m. - Lee showers, cleans showers, unloads dishwasher, makes bed, cleans living room, takes garbage out, gets gas, gets money, takes suit case out... all while I am still on the couch trying to figure out if I'm really in labor.

7:00 a.m. - Call midwife, contractions 5-7 minutes apart

7:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Contractions continue every 5-7 minutes. I slowly get ready while Lee nervously awaits.

9:30 a.m. - Leave for St. Mary's Hospital

10:00 a.m. - Arrive at St. Mary's Hospital, contractions consistently every 5 minutes

10:30 a.m. - 5 cm dialated, admitted to our room!

11:30 a.m. - Regina gets to hospital to keep my mind off of the contractions and helps calm Lee's nerves!

3:15 p.m. - Water broken

3:40 - Pushing begins

4:06 p.m. - BRAXTON LEE PETERSON IS BORN!!!

7 lbs, 3 oz

19 1/4 inches

DUE IN SIX DAYS! OH BOY!!

The bags are packed and every morning we wake up and say, "today could be the day!" I feel great. I am a little uncomfortable sleeping so I am catching myself a little tired duirng the day. Everyone says it's just practice for when he arrives. Lee spent three days at the beginning of last week in the Keys at Sea Camp with his students. He drove separate just in case. Before he left, he had direct orders for BP not to come until Daddy came home. He kept his phone with him 24-7, except of course, when he was snorkeling. This morning we walked about three miles, went to a movie, and took in some sun at the pool. We are getting anxious, nervous, excited and every other emotion one would expect. I'm still working and coaching. In fact, the first boys volleyball game is Tuesday. I think it's good I'm staying busy. We will keep everyone updated!

Lee got very creative with the camera. This was my favorite pose from our neighbor Emily's pregnancy photo shoot! We can't wait to meet our baby boy!


39 Weeks! 6 Days until my due date!!!

A look back at what I thought was a baby bump at 3 months! Haha! I almost forgot that I really do have ankles!

Mr. Peterson's Surprise Shower

Lee's students threw him an awesome surprise shower. They were so excited and he was very surprised! The students brought in their favorite childhood book for our baby's library. What a cute idea! A few of the students read their book aloud. They also entered a baby pool, chosing the date of BP's arrival as well as his height and weight! We received a travel system (stroller and car seat) as well as a generous gift card and some cute baby clothes. Thank you so much to everybody that helped pull off the surprise! We appreciate your thoughtfulness! (FYI: Go Dog Go, pictured below, was my favorite childhood book!)

LOOK AT THOSE CHEEKS!

I had my weekly check-up today and first internal exam. I am 1 cm dialated, right on track, according to the Dr. I also had a sonogram to see where BP is positioned. His head is down and Lee says he can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here's our baby boy! It was kind of hard to get a good picture because his face was smashed against my uterus (poor thing) but look at that face! Surreal! The technician said he had quite a bit of hair. Lee's jealous! We can't wait to meet him.... still working on that name!

Here is the first ultrasound pictures we received. What a difference!

37 Weeks

3 weeks to go! The nerve pain has been gone now for a couple of weeks. I have a lot of swelling in my feet and legs but I still feel great! It's certainly getting harder to manuever.

"The Nursery"

Our once "makeshift" nursery has come to life. We may not have a crib yet but I think we have everything else we need. I have been on spring break this week so I was able to do some "nesting." The frames are awaiting pictures of the baby.

March Madness

A shout out to our friends and family in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Our friends Betsy and Travis had these baby gifts specially made for tourney time. I think they should market their Tubby (Smith) Time/Town and Bo (Ryan) liever infant gear! Of course, BOliever will sell a lot more! Thanks Bets & T-Rex!

Lee took this picture from our back balcony.