Derek and I are so happy to announce the arrival of our new little guy, Devin Robert Schmehr, born at 12:03 am on March 29, 2012. He weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long. And he is so handsome, if I do say so myself. After much anticipation and many attempts at putting myself into labor (spicy foods, bumpy roads, even labor-inducing cream cheese) and he decided to come when he was good and ready. It's actually funny, he's had 2 due dates my whole pregnancy. The 28th is what all he apps said when I plugged in my info, but the doctor said that the due date was the 29th. I just figured she had not accounted for the leap day, and have always considered the 28th his due date. So, when I went into labor at 2 in the morning on the 28th, I assumed that he would be born on his first due date. He wanted to prove me wrong, however, and held out until 3 minutes past midnight.
In any case, he's home with us, as of Saturday, and what a couple of days it's been. I never wanted to be one of those panicky moms who worried about everything, but I guess I just couldn't escape it. Already, we called 911 because he had choked a bit on some mucous, and got to sit with this amazingly nice and understanding paramedic who told us that most of the time when they get calls for a newborn they meet first-time panicky parents just like us. Then last night, I decided that he probably had diarrhea, as he poops like no other baby I've ever seen, and so we went to the doctor's a day early for that. Turns out, my milk just came in faster than expected, and his body is adjusting. He got a clean bill of health, and then some. He's already gained 4 of his ounces back from leaving the hospital in 2 days. The doctor said babies are still losing a bit at this point. So, he's ahead of the game.
So, about Devin. At 4 days old, we've been learning a lot about him. He is so much more alert than we expected, and even the doctor was impressed with his alertness today. He will sit for quite a while just staring and making faces and looking around, and wiggling, and he loves it when we just talk to him. It's so cute to see Derek having a little conversation with his son. I tear up every time. He also hates diaper changes, which is very unfortunate for him considering we've gone through 12 diapers today and it's only 6 in the afternoon. And he hates being on his back, and yesterday, at 3 days old, started rolling himself to his side. Completely onto his side. Pretty cute. He's also really good at tummy time, and today, held his head up to look at me when he was on my chest for a full 6 seconds! Oh, and one last thing, he has the most beautiful eyes. :)
There are other things I'm also learning, about parenthood in general. First, I need to let him put himself to sleep, and I can't jump at every noise. After 2 nights of complete sleeplessness, I need to just let him figure out how to sleep without being in my arms. This may be a challenge. Second, I really can't worry about every little thing. Quite a few doctors and nurses have told us he's fine, and I need to just relax and not worry so much. Third, and most important, I could not have married a better man, as he is making the greatest daddy. He's so willing to jump in and help, or even just sit and keep me company while I feed Devin. He is not only willing to take care of diapers, but usually just jumps in and changes them without my knowing that Devin even needs a new one. Derek has probably changed more diapers than I have at this point. I have no idea how I got so lucky.
Devin has many adventures coming up, and I can't wait to be there for them!
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