New Family Pics

We are loving being home with Hank. He is precious. The kids adore him (enjoy it while it lasts). I am glad to sleep in my own bed and hold my children (not necessarily in that order).

I am recovering--slower than I would like. But I'm no spring chicken ladies. And the 4th c-section was a little more difficult than I imagined. My skin seems to have lost all elasticity. I hurt in weird places. But--we got Hank!

The jury is still out on who Hank looks like. Seriously, he changes everyday. Here are some pics of Hank with his family!

Thanks for checking in on us!

He's Here!

Here is a brief introduction to our new baby!

Henry Bascom Richardson

"Hank"

or as the nurses here nicknamed him "Hank the Tank!"

He was born on Saturday and weighed in at 9 lbs and 14 oz!

I was actually in labor while writing the previous post. I remember having contractions while writing it--probably why it is not as long and random as usual. Well, it wasn't very long.

We are so excited to finally meet Hank and hold him. We can't figure out who he looks like. But according to Bo who just saw him today for the first time, "Hank looks like us!!!" I guess "us" means all of the kids. Pretty cute.

We will post more later but here he is. . .

And it clearly takes a village to raise our children. Thank you to the grandparents for caring for the big kids for over a week now. And to all the friends who have helped with caring for them, sending emails, notes, gifts, prayers. We love our "village."

Thank you!

I'm Old

I am home sitting in my bed. Super pregnant. Literally, never been this pregnant before (this many weeks).

I have been thinking in the last couple of weeks that pregnancy has an interesting effect on me. It ages me considerably. (Of course, the last few days has only solidified this thought)

I feel and act like an 87 year old. Not a 37 year old.

I move slow and sort of hunkered over like an old lady. Really slow.

I eat small meals that are bland (not too spicy). I would be happy eating dinner at 4:30 pm--to prevent heartburn.

I go to the bathroom all thru the night (and day).

I probably have unwanted facial hair but haven't had a chance to get to it.

Did I mention how slow I am moving? And the bathroom issues?

Hoping that I will start feeling my age in just a few weeks!

Plus, I will get to hold our baby soon.

Still here!

I am still here at the hospital. I will be here another night. I feel a lot better (unlike yesterday when possibly a Mac truck could have hit me and I would have felt better). But I still have a crackling sound in my lungs. Or better said from my doctor and nurse, "your lungs sound like crap."

I am pretty sure that is not good.

The doctor thinks this is the safest place for me to be. For me and Hank.

We are basically not sure about Hank's arrival. It might be after Friday--just to give me time for a full recovery.

Some other random thoughts:

The post from yesterday was short and a little random. Could be because I was incredibly uncomfortable and using one thumb on an iPhone to enter in that post. It took 25 minutes for like 4 sentences. Wow. Good use of time. I seem to have a rather large and awkward thumb.

I might have experienced some slight brain damage from watching 12 hours straight of Lifetime movies on Saturday. Would you ever think a movie called "Weather Girl" would really be good?

I had an "ambien" dream last night that involved the pillows on my bed having names and personalities. And it seemed like a reasonable thing to happen. It wasn't until 10 am this morning that I realized that my pillows are inanimate objects and do not have it out to get me and keep me from falling asleep. (can you say "run on sentence?") 10 am would be several hours after being awake. I am just a slow learner.

I have a lovely view from my window--of the top of the building adjacent to this one. Lots of air conditioning ducts involved.

I got complimented on my hair last night. After a full day of feeling like crap and laying (or lying) in a hospital bed. At least my hair looked good. Because that is really what matters!

Seriously. . .

Thank you for all the prayers for me, Hank and the rest of my family. They are so appreciated and needed. We feel loved!

Thank you for all the offers to help--with kids, food, everything. I have the best friends ever! We will definitely be reaching out for some help. I know it is tricky because we need to try to keep our kids healthy and all my friends have kids (aka--little petri dishes for the flu and other diseases!).

Thanks to Jenny--best darn communicator ever. Who knew that in her job description was being my voice, answering-machine and everything else. Thanks Jenny! I owe you. How about some major baby-holding in a week or so?

Gotta go back to put my feet up and drink some more fluids!

mis

From the hospital...not what you think

I am sitting watching the cowboys from a hospital room. Maybe not what I planned for this sunday afternoon!

I have the flu--type A. Which probably means H1N1. And I am super pregnant. Supposed to have a section this Friday.

They are looking at my respiratory system. Evidently, this large baby boy is compromising my lung capacity!!

I like Romo but come on!

We would love to be able to wait until Friday to have Hank. Can't believe I am saying that! I would love to feel a lot better when he is born!

Gotta go do nothing!