Kaden Hearon

We've been relaxing at home since yesterday evening and this has been the first chance I've been able to get a hold of a computer. Our family is doing great and Ryan is taking great care of me and Kaden. Here are a few pictures of the much anticipated new addition:

As Lori mentioned, I went in to the hospital Tuesday evening to be induced. Kaden made his debut at 8:28 p.m. on October 1st. He weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces (8/15 is Ryan's birthday). He's 20 inches long, with very long fingers and toes. He also has very long fingernails that we had to put some mittens on him in the hospital to keep him from scratching his face.

I'm sure there will be more pictures to follow, but it's time to get back to my son. I'll be posting later, but I hope this will tide you over for now.

Yeah, so that sucked.

I had my 40th week appointment today. I'm overdue by 4 days and it doesn't look like Kaden will be making his appearance any time soon. The doctor said that if I wanted to do an induction this week I'd be looking at having a 36 to 48 hour long labor easily. Needless to say we opted to wait until next week. So much for everyone's predictions that my little bundle of joy would come early. My next appointment is Tuesday and if I make it that far, we'll revisit our options for getting Kaden to come out. On the plus side we did have another sonogram today. His face is so cute and squishy looking. We also got confirmation that everything is still in working order so it's safe to let him bake just a while longer. Who knows, maybe I'll go into labor before next week. If not, I may just have an October baby.

Still wondering about me?

Well I'm still pregnant.  Kaden wants to stay where he is for now.  I keep trying to tell him that it's much more fun on the outside of mommy but I think he's inheriting an Irish stubborn streak.  We'll see what the doctor has to say about that tomorrow!

Eviction Notice

I'm still here and still pregnant. My doctor's appointment yesterday got cancelled because the doctor was out deliverying a baby. My next appointment (provided I make it that far) will be Wednesday. I'm beginning to think that Kaden is just too comfy and doesn't want to come out. You're not being very nice to mommy!

Since Ryan works nights my dad is on baby watch. Well, maybe baby taxi sounds a bit better. The hospital where I'll be delivering at is on the east side of town. We live on the north west side of town and Ryan works in the south end of town. Ryan has is daddy bag in tow with him at all times now and I have my bag and a baby bag all packed and waiting by the door. I really hope that we get to use them this weekend.

This is also my 100th post on my blog! I haven't decided quite yet, but I think once Kaden gets here, it might warrant a title change. Maybe Happy Family?

Full Moon, No Baby

Yesterday's full moon apparently had no effect on me.  I'm still here.  Pregnant and waiting.  I guess Kaden is just trying to tell me that he won't be a part of old wive's tales.  I did end up catching Ryan's cold so I've been tolerating coughing, a sinus infection, drainage, and sleepless nights (waking up almost once an hour during the whole night).  And if you look at the picture in the previous post, imagine being that big and coughing.  Not my idea of fun.  Thanks for sharing baby.

I am hopeful since today I've felt better than I have since Friday.  And I'm not sure what this means, but Kaden has been awfully quite today and I feel like I have a ton of energy.  It could mean that I'm starting to get over this cold or it could mean that Kaden could be here soon.  We'll see what happens.

39 Weeks

I've made it to 39 weeks and past pretty much everyone's predictions on when Kaden will get here. My predictions have always been 9/15 (full moon) and 9/21 (4 year anniversary of our first date).

I went to the Baby Fair with my friend Suzanne today. The fair was disappointing - we went through the whole thing in about 20 minutes. We did go to the Newton outlet mall and all the walking around made Kaden drop a little more. Maybe he'll show up tonight? Only time will tell when my little man chooses to grace us with his presence.

Single Digits!

There's only 9 more days until my "official" due date.  Based on various sonograms and calculations throughout my pregnancy, September 11th, 13th and 20th were all "possible" due dates but the doctor still thinks the 20th is the day to shoot for.  I also asked (more out of curiosity) what's the farthest he'll let me go and he said a week or so over and that he doesn't want me to be pregnant forever.  Maybe Monday's full moon or all the stormy weather that we're schedule to have today through Saturday will encourage Kaden to show up.

On the other hand I have a sick husband at home.  Poor Ryan has been enduring a nasty head/chest cold for the past few days with no sign of relief coming.  I'd really hate to go into labor when he's feeling so under the weather, but again I recognize the fact that I don't have control over such things.  One can always hope though.

38 weeks and Karma

I hit 38 weeks today or 9 1/2 months. My doctor's appointment went smoothly yesterday. Weight gain and size are both on track. The doctor estimates that Kaden will arrive on or after his due date (September 20th) and will weigh about 8 pounds. I'm still hoping that he'll show up early, but I can take comfort in the fact that he'll at least get here sometime.

I did have a few contractions today. They were only about one an hour and during the entire time I was sleeping! It feels like it's getting closer every day. We installed the carseat in Ryan's blazer this week. It's all set to go and seems a little strange that within three weeks our little bundle of joy will be riding around with us.

Earlier this week I couldn't get the songs from Annie out of my head. Complete with singing them in the shower (thank goodness it was one of the days that Ryan wasn't home from work yet). Imagine my surprise when I turn on the TV and see that Annie is on the Hallmark channel! Yay for Karma!

2 more weeks?

Unfortunately, half of the dates in the baby pool have come and gone with no result. I have another doctor's appointment this afternoon and I have a feeling that he'll say that I still have another two weeks to go. I'm starting to get anxious for baby Kaden's arrival. The anticipation feels like waiting for Christmas morning when I was little, but I don't get to know when that special day is.

Thursday morning I told Ryan that I had a dream about being in the hospital in labor. His response? "That's weird. I dreamed I was fighting the new Transformers!" My sweet, silly husband.

As Bek commented on one of my previous blogs, I can't wait for the next post to say that I'm not pregnant anymore. We'll see what the weekend brings.

I'm still pregnant!

Unfortunately Kaden didn't grace us with his presence yesterday which means that Dad's prediction in the baby pool has come and gone. Maybe Uncle David or Aunt Colleen (Sept. 1 or 3) will be closer?

I was looking at the Sunday ads with my mom yesterday. The furniture we bought for Kaden's room went on sale and I was able to get a price adjustment on it. Yay for saving money! Also with the price adjustment and the sale price, we were able to purchase a matching nightstand for under $10. Wahoo.

Mom and I have also been working all weekend on baby stuff. I found patterns online for crib sheets, hats and burp cloths. We found some cute jungle fabric a few months back that I couldn't live without. This was also back when I thought we were going to do space themed nursery and thought that it was OK to have a sheet with animals on it. I never thought we'd end up with a jungle themed nursery. We went "shopping" in mom's fabric stash to look for cute baby/kid fabric too. It was fun going through all the fabric and running across an older piece of fabric that she's had from my childhood.

I have a ton of bibs, but not a whole bunch of burp cloths and figured that it couldn't hurt to make a few. The pattern I found online is actually larger than the few burp cloths that I purchased. It looks like a big bone when you unfold the cloths. Anyway, mom and I had fun making them - they were so easy! I think I ended up with over a dozen. We even picked out a few special ones for Ryan including a Halloween print with faces that glow in the dark. As mom said, even if they don't work, we had fun making them.

37 weeks

I've made it to 37 weeks! This means that Kaden is a term baby (full term is 40 weeks) and can come whenever he feels like it. It also means that I'm now qualified to go to the Birthing Center rather than the hospital to deliver. It's Labor Day weekend and I'm optimistic that there might be a chance that Kaden will come soon. I do know that he'll come when he's good and ready - and not a moment before.

Week 37 to Delivery: At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

36 Week Appt

I had my first weekly doctor's appointment yesterday. Everything is going smoothly along the right track. I only gained 2 pounds over the last two weeks for a total of 24 pounds. Not too shabby. The doctor is happy with that weight too and it's nice to think that 9 - 13 of those pounds account for Kaden and his cushy home.

The doctor also thinks that I have 4 more weeks left before I deliver. Granted I'm 37 weeks on Saturday, but I don't think that Kaden plans on sticking around that long! We'll see what his plans are. Dad's guess in the baby pool is coming up in 3 days. Could Labor Day weekend have a new meaning for my house?

Kaden's Room

If you want to see the unofficial baby pool bets, scroll down to look at the previous post or look at the post on the right.

As I had posted earlier, we finally got furniture in Kaden's room. Here's a quick peek of what we have setup so far. The theme of his room is rainforest/jungle (which explains the mint green paint). We have a lot of the Fisher Price Rainforest collection (crib set, high chair, blanket, music thingy) and of course lots of stuffed animals and decorations to go with the theme.

Mike and Ruthie - you probably can't tell from the size of the picture, but the Jackhorn has established his home in the top shelf of the bookshelf next to his book!

The crib is convertible to a day bed and then a full or twin bed (I don't remember which). Kiel, Ryan's younger brother, is also going to help us put real bamboo in the corners of the room to make it look even better. It's so nice to be able to walk into his room and see everything setup, ready and waiting for his first day.

Very soon (27 days or less) life will change for the better. There will be no more "quick trips" to the store or good night's sleep for a while. Travel plans will include "Did you pack the stroller?" No more going to a restaurant and asking for a table for two (unless it's date night). Our house will go from the Happy Couple to the Happy Family and I can't wait!

9 months!

Today marks my 36th week of pregnancy. I have made it to 9 months and in one more week I'll be considered term (full term being 40 weeks). I've felt more tired today than days past and it feels like I'm wearing down energy wise quicker each day. Kaden's room is nearly complete - we have a crib, dresser and a book shelf (that's full of books, toys and blankets). His car seat and diaper bag are sitting by the door. I haven't packed a hospital bag of my own yet, but I think I may do that Sunday.

Here's a rundown of possible dates from family and friends when Kaden will arrive. (Let me know if I got your date wrong or if I missed you!)

• August 31st - Dad
• September 1 - Uncle Dave
• September 3 - Aunt Colleen
• September 4 - Mom, Lori
• September 5 - Evan
• September 7 - Shawn, Devon
• September 9 - Amanda
• September 14 - Jenn F.

I have had some people guess that he would come last week. That didn't happen. :0) The doctor said as long as I make it to 37 weeks, it shouldn't matter when I deliver. That's exactly one week from today. We'll see who guessed the closest to his birthday! I can't wait to meet my baby boy.

Last box!

I usually check my favorite blogs in the morning before I head off to work. It's my little bit of peace and quite while I eat breakfast (Lucky Charms today). I looked at my ticker at the top of my blog and, unless I'm seeing things, I'm in the last box! Yay!

Ryan and I went on a tour of the Wesley Birthcare Center last night. I'll have to make it to at least August 30th (37 weeks) to be "eligible" to deliver there. It's getting closer and closer.

New delivery date guesses in the baby pool include September 4th, 6th and 7th. We'll see who gets closest. I have a feeling it might be within a week of Labor day.

Full moon, still no baby

I had quite a few relatives (as well as an Eagle photographer) predict that Kaden would arrive last week.  Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but that little bun is still in the oven.  I have at least 2 weeks until September 1st (Labor Day, ironically) which is the minimum date the doctor would like me to make it to.  Any predictions as to which date Kaden will get here?

I did buy some baby detergent and fabric softener this weekend.  It's actually just free of perfume and clear of dyes (which means a whopping $7 cheaper than the "baby" detergent).  I've washed about half of Kaden's clothes today and will be finishing the other half along with some receiving blankets and bedding this week.

34 (35th) week Dr. Appointment

I had my 34th week doctor's appointment yesterday and I hit 35 weeks today. My weight gain is right on target and Kaden had dropped a few times. I'm measuring a week ahead - the doctor attributed that to me measuring ahead for the past few appointments. I've only measured ahead 1 out of the last 3 appts actually, but who's keeping track. The doctor did say that it'll be fine if Kaden gets here early, just as long as I make it to September 1st (37 weeks or term; 40 weeks is full term).

There's a full moon tonight and the next one is September 15th. At this point, I don't think it will have any effect on when Kaden does decide to arrive, but we'll see what happens.

40 Days and Counting!

There's only 40 days left! It really hasn't hit me yet that I'll be a mommy next month but it does feel like my pregnancy is coming to an end. I've loosely packed Kaden's diaper bag. I still need to wash the three outfits I've picked out, but at least I have them in the bag with diapers, wipes and burp clothes. Saturday was Amanda's wedding - which went off without a hitch. Check out Lori's blog for a play-by-play rundown. It also marked 34 weeks or 8.5 months. Time for another fruit!

Month 8: Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.


It did feel like Kaden dropped a bit on August 1st (at Ryan's high school reunion). Compared to a few days ago, I can tell there's a bit more breathing room. I personally think that the picture just makes me look huge and I feel much smaller (and am carrying lower) in person. I've had a contraction or two over the past week, but nothing to complain about just yet.

My next appointment is Friday - which is also Ryan's 29th birthday. He has to work, so I schedule a late afternoon appointment so we can at least squeeze in a birthday dinner and maybe ice cream from his favorite bakery Cameo Cakes (vanilla flavored cake of course!).

I'm going to drag my tired body to bed now. I can't believe there was actually a time when I could stand staying up late and getting up early. I guess I need to get all the sleep I can get while I can!

Bumps and Jungles

As promised, here's my latest bump picture! Kaden is stretching and getting bigger. I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow. We'll see how much I've gained. The other picture is his new crib that we setup on Sunday. It's starting to feel more real.

It's almost done!

Friday we had the last of the new carpet installed upstairs.  We finally have new carpet throughout the house!  Yay!  The last bit was installed in our bedroom and in Kadens, the top three steps, hallway and hall closets.  We had to pull everything out of the closets and all furniture and baby stuff out of the rooms and were piled up in the living room from Thursday to Saturday.

Jesse and his brother (the carpet guys) helped put our bed back in place - it's a Tempur Pedic bed and is very heavy.  Ryan was a sweetheart and instisted on putting at least my dresser back in the room before he left for work.  Saturday was Amanda's bridal shower/bachelorette party.  While I was out of the house enjoying the festivities, Ryan was able to put everything else away.  What a good husband!

Sunday we were able assemble the crib we got last week.  It's exciting walking into his room and seeing the crib with the bedding set up, blankets hanging over the side and the musical giraffe tied to the frame.  I'll post pictures when I get a chance.  

I informed Ryan that I'd like to have the car seat installed in his Blazer about a month before (or at least have the base installed) just in case Kaden decides to come early.  What a great birthday present for him!