Fingers to Toes Photography

On Friday, we had the joy of having Jennifer from Fingers to Toes Photography come to our house for a few hours and take pictures of Chase as well as a few of us! While she is still working on the full gallery she did give us a sneak preview of a few pictures which are attached here.

Her website is http://northern-va-photographer.com/fingers-toes-and-a-cute-little-nose/

Life in the Nursery

Decorating has never been one of my strong suits but in this case I spent quite a bit of time creating the nursery.. As most of you know, Danny and I both love Disney and particularly Pooh and Tigger - and therefore went with that theme.. and after this first week.. I must say I am glad we spent that time for a few reasons

1) the last thing you want to do when you get home is organize things

2) At least in my case, I feel like I have spent more time in that glider feeding than I have out of it..

Here are a few more pics from the nursery:

Chase is doing great but as a growing and relatively big baby his favorite activity when he is awake (and sometimes when sleeping) is to EAT!!

He also has not quite figured out the difference between night and day.. and seems to sleep his way through the day and then is up half the night...

But we are working our way through the 5 S's according to "happiest baby on the block" and will let you know how that works out :)

You had me from Hello.. (or the first cry/scream)

As I spend quite a bit of time in my glider listening to music.. I began to laugh to myself this morning as I started thinking of the country song by Kenny Chesney in relation to Chase rather than just a love song...

"Well you had me from "Hello"

I felt love start to grow...

The moment that I looked into your eyes, you won meIt was over from the start

You completely stole my heart

And now you won't let go

I never even had a chance you know

You had me from "Hello"

Which led me to my my top 5 list that made me realize I am now a Mom

5. Thinking of country love songs in terms of a child

4. You can hold a full conversation on poop (and you get excited when the baby poops change from black to yellow)

3. Your schedule revolves around when he needs to feed

2. You can stare at him all day long and still think he is the absolute cutest kid ever..

1. When you put him to bed you are hoping for four straight hours of sleep but when he does finally sleep that long you wake up after 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours and 3.5 hours and then actually wake him up to make sure he is ok...

Few new pics..

Walking in as 2 - Wheeled out as 3

Someone once said to me "The oddest thing about the trip to the hospital is you go in two and you come back three.. and your life will never be the same." At this point it seems nothing was ever truer...

Since there is so much that has happened both emotionally and physically in the past few days - I thought I would highlight just a few things..

1) The birth of a child takes marriage to a whole new level. Without getting gory - Anyone that can watch you in labor and still love you - loves you for alot more than looks....

2) Instant love - It is something you may only experience at the birth of your own child

3) Breastfeeding is not a simple task but definitely possible and rewarding (and i highly recommend requesting a lactation consultant at the hospital if at all possible.)

4) It is possible to function on 3 to 4 hours sleep but I still am not sure what I think about waking the child up to feed.. but that is whole other blog..

More to follow in a few days but some additional pics are at

http://picasaweb.google.com/stephanyspahr/ChaseOct2008#

Chase Foster Spahr - Welcome to the World

Chase Foster Spahr

The day has finally arrived!!! Chase Foster Spahr was born into our family at 4:19pm on 10/30/2008. Chase arrived weighing a healthy 9lbs 1oz a full one week early. (Good thing we didnt go to term!)

Steph was absolutely amazing and I couldnt imagine having a more perfect mother for our boy. We will be staying at Holy Cross Hospital until Saturday afternoon when we get to venture home to go it alone.

We can not wait for Chase to meet all of our wonderful friends and family. We will be home for the next 8 weeks together so if you are in the area, give us a call and stop on in... I know Steph would love to see everyone.

We are truely blessed and are excited to see what this little life has in store for all of us...

Living the Dream - dSpahr

Latest Doc Appt...

Just thought I would provide a quick update.. based on the Dr. Appt yesterday I am now between 2 and 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced.. and as of this morning the mucus plug is gone (ok may be too much info for some of you).. :)



For the most part feeling good.. but have been having quite a few braxton hicks contractions.. for awhile yesterday I was really convinced I was going into labor.. but after a nice long hot shower at home all was back to normal.. except that I had a burst of energy and washed all the babies clothes and organized a little more.. again leading me to hope he was on his way... but no such luck yet :)



I just can't believe the time is really here.. the doc did confirm yesterday it is a big baby (not sure exactly how big) but she is not going to let me go too far past my due date and will set be up to be induced likely the week of Nov 10th if he has not arrived on his own..



Well that all from my side.. hope all is well!!!



love ya!

Steph

Steph's Baby Belly

Just thought I'd give everyone a peek at Steph with a huge belly :)

Less than 3 weeks away now, it is amazing how fast the time flies. Junior has a heavy kick and feels like he is going to kick his way out if he doesnt come soon...

Later - Danny