The Great-Godparents

These wonderful people are Scott and Susie Ellsworth- they are my Godparents. They live around the corner from us here in Boise and we love having them so close- I'm constantly inviting ourselves over to their house for dinner- you might laugh, but it works every time. From the picture below, you can figure out that I've known them my entire life. I was only a few weeks old in this picture. Within a few weeks of Keegan being born, we were able to take the next generation of this picture. It's awesome being able to have pictures like this. Susie and "Scooter" mean so much to me and my family, and now they'll start their impression on the next generation of my family. I love you both, and can't wait to share Keegan's life with you. He will be as lucky to have you in his life as I have been!!

Me and My Man

I realized that I don't have any pictures of me and Keegan lying around- that had to change fast. He finally fits into his jammies (jim jams, Drew calls them) so we're gonna make him wear the crap out of them. Note to self for future babies: jammies with buttons work better than those with zippers- easier to change if I only have to unsnap the crotch, rather than the whole thing!

Baby's Blue Eyes....for now

I also realized that of all the pictures I have posted of Keegan, his eyes are closed in nearly all of them. He was nice and awake this afternoon, so out came the camera. And yes, that blanket IS blue and orange- getting him off on the right foot :)

Megan Time

When Drew and I first got together, we made it a priority that we each maintain our individual interests and kept time for ourselves. Drew went to weekly "Boys Night" outings where he would be as nerdy as he wanted, for several hours at a time. I enjoyed participating in a Book Club, having coffee and cocktails with girlfriends, and sometimes just being at home by myself. I also started taking time for myself at the gym, and in running. This was important to us because we knew that taking time for ourselves is what would make us better partners for each other. If Drew's needs weren't met and my needs weren't met, there was no way that we could contribute to the needs of combined relationship.

Once we found out we were pregnant, I knew we would have to focus even more on the time we had as individuals, and as a couple, before we became parents. I was able to join apre-natal water aerobics class, which turned out to be the absolute BEST thing I would do for myself my entire pregnancy. I not only got "Me" time, but I met some amazing women, all of whom were experiencing the exact same thing I was, and could relate to what I was going through. I came to look forward to this bi-weekly event even more than I had appreciated working out before, adn when I couldn't make it to class, I was truly disappointed.

Now that the baby is here, Drew and I may be challenged to find time for ourselves in our day, but I know that it is as important as ever. I look forward to taking a regular water aerobics class and getting back into my running routine, and I know Drew will want to get back to his boys night as soon as he can. I know that we'll need this time for ourselves so that we maintain our sanity and our individualism. It may be hard to do all the time, but I know that this time will be nothing but good when we do get to it. And I can't wait for coffee and cocktails again!!!

2 weeks old

First Bath at Home

Well, the bath in the hospital was a little more successful, but we had a good time. Keegan wasn't the biggest fan, but we'll get better!! Now, if we could only get his mom out of her jammies and into the shower!!!

Keegan & Kyrie

The process of introducing our dog to our baby began long before Keegan came home.

While reading our weekly pregnancy book, they suggested that we finish preparing the baby's space and then start removing the pooch from that space. So we finished the nursery and then tride to start Kyrie out of that space. We also set up the pack n' play in our bedroom and wouldn't let Kyrie sleep in our room- this one was really hard for all of us. For the past year and a half, our little four-legged baby would sleep at the end of our bed, and trying to kick her out was tough. But now that Keegan is here, it's a whole new ball game.

When we brought Keegan home from the hospital, Kyrie was VERY curious as to what/who he was. She wanted to be in the same space as him, no matter where he was, for the first few hours. When we all tried to go to bed, Keegan discovered his lungs and his vocal cords and he USED them for several hours. When he first started crying, Kyrie was quietly growling and whimpering- but after several hours of hearing Keegan cry, Kyrie moved on and was no longer interested. That was fast!

Since then, Kyrie is very curious about this little man. Whenever we put Keegan in his swing, which is right at eye level for Kyrie, the dog wanders over and sniffs and sniffs until we tell her to move along. She is so interested in him.

Honestly, the hardest part for me and Drew, and anyone else who knows both Keegan and Kyrie, is getting the names right- with two "K" names in one house, it's often difficult to get them right with the right being. Makes us laugh as we try to get it right!!

Keegan's Statistics

We had Keegan's two week appointment this last Friday, when technically he was 11 days old. Oh man, is he growing already. In two weeks time, he weighs/measures:

7 lbs & 15oz (which puts him in the 25%)
20 1/4 in. long (also in the 25%)
and has a head circumfrance of 36 1/2cm ( the 30%)

I really don't know what the percentiles means- I've been told that of all the babies that are his age, 50% is average, so we should be looking good. I couldn't believe he gained 12 oz in a week- if I had any doubt that he wasn't eating enough, my worries have been put to bed. Our next appointment is at the two month mark, which is right before I go back to work and he starts daycare. A perfect time to make sure he is well and ready to party!!

Signs of Growth

The second and third nights we were home, Keegan got about three hours of sleep inbetween feedings- which means we got close to the same. the last few nights however have been much different. Two nights ago he was up every 45 minutes, every hour and a half, every 30 minutes, and each time wanting to eat. I know I'm the 24 hour diner, but seriously?!?! not only was it frutrating, but it got painful. I grit my teeth and remembered the amazing gift I was able to provide my son, and I got over it. Last night he was awake every two hours- which is better, but I really liked the three hour game.

I was talking with one of our favorite Labor & Delivery nurses today and she simply told me that Keegan was going through his first week growth spirt. I just hope he grows quick so that I can have a night or two of better sleep.

(I have to tell you this story in order to tell you the next story)

This morning, while on the phone with my personal nurse, Drew comes hauling into our bedroom holding Keegan out at arms length, yelling for me to come help. Keegan was COVERED in vomit, as was Drew. Puke was everywhere; I had no idea so much could com out of something so little. Both boys got a new outfit and underwears- kinda funny. Just glad we were at home when it happened- although I await the day when it doesn't.

(Ok, second story)

I was on the computer later this evening when again, Drew was hollering for me to "come quick". I of course, thinking there had been a vomit repeat, go running into the bedroom. Drew was just standing there, and Keegan was lying on the changing table. Assuring me that everything was ok, Drew asked me if I noticed anything different. It took me a second, but I soon realized that I could see Keegan's belly button- his umbilical cord had come off. The doctor said this would happen in 10-14 days, and that was just about right.

Small things I know, but I've got a small boy to gain these simple pleasures from. So precious!

Our days at home

Drew and I have been on our own with Keegan since Sunday evening. We still have the occasional visitors, but most of the day, and all night, it's just the three of us. We're certainly trying to figure out how we all work together, but it's going well. Drew has been the most amazing helper/dad. Once I finish feeding Keegan, Drew is up and ready to change diapers, get me a snack/drink, and anything else that might be out of my reach.



Today we pulled out our breast pump for the first time and were successful in using it too. Drew got to feed his baby and it was awesome to watch. Drew just had this little smile about his face the entire time. We're certainly not going to switch to bottles completely, but having that option for in the middle of the night, or driving around town, or just to give me a break, will be fantastic. And I love the idea of getting Drew more involved in Keegan's everyday needs.



We had a friend come over and take pictures of Keegan this last weekend and although we don't have them all, I thought I'd give just a little teaser. Check out my precious boy!!!

My Boys

Keegan Wayne Case

Well, with a long awaited ending, we are so pleased to finally welcome our little man, Keegan. After the weekend of our due date had come and passed, Drew and I decided to stay home Monday morning (March 7) to call our doctor's office in order to find out what we would do next in the process of waiting.

While waiting to hear back from the doctor, Drew and I passed the time by checking emails and having breakfast. I decided to paint my fingermails and Drew was such a sport, he even let me paint his toenails- Bronco Blue, of course. While sitting on the sofa finishing his toes, I realized that my water had broke (9:10am). It wasn't quite what I had expected it to be (very light) so I wasn't sure what to expect next. Drew got SO EXCITED!!!! We both decided to take a shower and that we would go ahead and head towards the hospital. While packing the car, I heard back from the doctor's nurse and she agreed that we should head in.

We got to Labor & Delivery around 10:30 and were sent on a walk around the floor while waiting for a room. My water continued to leak, the most awkward feeling in the world, so we knew we were on our way. We got our room and met our nurse, Tia, around 12. Tia would come to be one of the best people we encountered the entire stay. She knew we wanted to have a natural birth and was quick to offer all the options we had to make that possible. She checked to see what kind of progess I was making and discovered that my water had become plugged so she re-broke it- again, feeling pretty weird. I was 4 centimeters, exactly where I had been the Friday before during our final doctor's appointment. I was frustrated that I wasn't farther, but we would soon learn that things happen all in their own time.

After Tia rebroke my water, I really started feeling my contractions and they were VERY close together, only 2 or 3 minutes. I asked to get in the soaker tub and to use the bathroom. While in the process of doing this, a huge wave of nausea and dizziness came over me- it really freaked me out as I had already had issues with dizziness earlier in my pregnancy. I got in the tub and began to relax but was very anxious about the side effects I was feeling. I told Drew that I didn't want to be sick the entire delivery and Tia quietly offered that an epidural would help with this. As much as I wanted to birth naturally, I had told Drew from the beginning that I wanted a positive birthing experience and at this particular moment, that meant getting an epidural. I was barely out of the tub when the drugs showed up. The nurse who delivered them was so much fun and made it easy to relax and within 10 minutes, I was a VERY happy camper.

Shortly after I got my shot, Tia checked where we were at and I was nearly 7 centimeters. We were moving right along. Drew and Tia and I just talked and joked around for the next bit, having a few visitors along the way. Within 45 minutes I was completely effaced and 9.5 centimeters. Tia started getting things ready, thinking she had a bit of time before anything actually happened. Almost immediately (4:45pm), I was 10 centimeters and ready to go. I was even feeling the urge to start pushing, something I was nervous I wouldn't feel with being drugged up. So, pushing commenced. I was scared of tearing so Tia took some great precautions in making sure I was taken care of. Things progressed so quickly, and Keegan was dropping so well, that our doctor nearly didn't make it in time to "catch". I started pushing at 4:45 and Keegan saw light at 5:47. It was all so amazing and "easy" that I couldn't believe it was over.

Keegan Wayne Case weighed 7 pounds and 7 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. Drew was so excited to cut the cord. Keegan had some baby poop all over him so the NICU nurses were called to evaluate him, but there was no need- all was well. I got Keegan almost immediately after and he was beautiful. He laid so wonderfully on my chest- he just fit perfectly. Drew and I got about an hour and a half of time with Keegan, our little family of three, before we were moved upstairs to our recovery room. Of course, we were greeted by new aunts and grandmas and grandpas. It was so great to get to share him so soon.

We stayed in the hospital until Wednesday morning and then brought our son home. What an amazing start to what will be one of most amazing loves of my life. Welcome Keegan, your Mama loves you!!

What I Love Already....

About Keegan being here:
-the little noises he makes when he sleeps or eats or rocks- they're positively precious
-how he smells
-how he sucks on his fingers already- so cute
-finally getting to use all the wonderful gifts and outfits that we have
-being able to see my feet again (and seeing what I'm doing when I shave my legs)
-having my old clothes ready to wear (at least ready in a few pounds or so)

He is so much fun to have around; to watch, to hold, to smell, to kiss- I love it all. So looking forward to everything else that we get to experience with him!!

It's Go Time....

At least that's what the little time-tracker says on the right side of the screen, and yet, on the eve of our due date, here I am, sitting at home, watching a movie, and playing on my computer.

After 40 weeks of the most amazing process I've experienced in my life, I have a thousand thoughts running around in my head, mostly "Why isn't he here yet? What am I doing? What am I not doing? How much longer?" After finding out on July 2nd that we were pregnant, I never thought this day would come, and funny enough, it hasn't.

I don't want to be a party pooper so I'm not gonna drag this out... I don't know what tomorrow will bring, or won't bring, but I do know that it's all about the process and the journey, not just the outcome- because no matter what or when (still trying to actually convince myself of this) it will be the most amazing outcome ever!!!!