Introducing Zachary Nathan Wollenberg, our handsome little guy.
As most of you know, I was very anxious to have young Zach out of my body. I wanted to meet him and I have been anxiously awaiting getting my gallbladder out as well. I was convinced that this baby would come early. I had been progressing and I was carrying him very low. Well, 40 weeks came and went. The doctor was going to induce a day before 41 weeks if the baby didn't come before. We had Easter services and still no baby. I was irritated, uncomfortable and I have been hungry for real food for months. At least we got a cute picture in on Easter.
Four days after my due date, we ate dinner and I sat down on the couch to relax and watch the Cardinals game. As usual, I started having contractions. Two weeks before I had false labor that had put me in the hospital. Since that night, I had false labor almost every night, so when my contractions started the night of the 18th I didn't think much of it. After a little while, I started timing the contractions. They were close. I showered and tried laying down to see if they would stop, they didn't. So, I called the hospital and they told me to come on in.
Nate was pretty nervous driving there. We had heard two stories of women having babies on the side of the road since we moved here and he didn't want to have to deliver this baby. He was relieved when we arrived at the hospital. It was about 10 pm when they hooked me up and checked me. They thought it was false labor again and were going to send me home. The doctor agreed to keep me and induce in the morning if nothing happened. Zach had other plans. About an hour later, my contractions were strong and painful. I got an epidural and it was wonderful. We turned off the lights and tried to get some sleep. I slept for a little over an hour and then my water broke at about 2:15 am. Things started to progress quickly after that. The nurses got everything ready and after about 8 hours of labor and 20 minutes of pushing Zach was born at 3:42 am. This labor was half as long as Zoe's an easier. He just came into the world on his own. There was no need for induction or Pitocin aka the devil's juice.
Meeting my little guy.
So snuggly
Getting his hair washed for the first time.
Getting ready to go home.
Ready for the ride!
We stayed in the hospital for a couple of days due to me being Group B Strep positive and his jaundice. We had a good deal of visitors in the hospital. Big sister and Grandma came first, we had Uncle Steve, Aunt Wesly and Uncle Will, friends from church and even more since we have been home. When Zoe walked into the hospital room, the first thing she said was, "I love you mom!" If that won't get a woman who just had a baby to cry, I don't know what will.
Meeting Baby Brother
I missed her.
Giving Zach his first Teddy Bear that she built him at Build A Bear
First Family Pic as a Family of Four
Zoe opening her gifts from Zach.
Grandma meeting Zach.
Big sister kisses.
Meeting Uncle Steve
Meeting Aunt Wesly and Uncle Will
Uncle Kurt and Aunt Victoria came to visit. They brought Nerf guns along. Uncle Kurt is teaching Zoe how to be an excellent marksman by shooting Aunt Vivi.
We made a special visit to see our friend Mrs. Cash.
Despite my gallbladder issues and some mild discomfort the recovery from Zach has been much easier than Zoe. Zoe broke my tailbone so I was in a lot of pain for a LONG time. I felt way more out of it with Zoe and more sleep deprived. She was just as good of a sleeper as Zach, I'm not sure why I feel better with this one. I'll take it though. The best news is that Zach is out and healthy and now I can get this gallbladder out. Gallbladder eviction day is scheduled for May 16th, a week for tomorrow. While I'm a bit nervous about having surgery for the first time in my life, I am so excited to feel better and eat something other than cereal, rice, mashed potatoes and Greek yogurt.
Zoe is adjusting pretty well. She is having some normal big sister struggles, like getting upset if we can't play because we're taking care of Zach. Despite those struggles she loves him so much. She gives him lots of hugs and kisses.
Here are some more adorable pictures from our first few weeks.
Daddy with his little sluggers.
Checking everything out
Zoe likes to be close to Mommy and Zach
Our first trip to Target!
Snuggles
He's just too much.
One Week Picture
We are so blessed to be a family of four now. We are happy and our hearts are full.
That's all for now. God is good.