I'm finally updating my blog! I thought I could get back on the bandwagon by introducing the newest member of our family, Cooper. Cooper surprised us and came 12 days early. I went to the Dr. for a regular checkup last week, (my 38 week checkup) and he told me I was already 5 centimeters dialated! The night before, I had had a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions that were happening every minute for about an hour. I wondered if it meant labor was going to be really soon, but I ended up falling asleep for the night, and when I woke up in the morning, everything seemed normal. I thought it was just a false alarm. So I went to my appointment, and the contractions started again while I was there. My Dr. suggested I either check into the hospital or stay close by (I live an hour away from the hosptial). I chose to check in, and it was a good thing I did because my labor really started to progress that afternoon. Cooper ended up being born that night, Jan. 27th at 7:08pm. He weighed 7lbs. 14oz and was 20.3 inches long. With this birth I did it naturally, which is something I never really thought I could do in this day and age with epidurals, but because they are very uncommonly used here I went without it. I'm so happy to be able to say that I did it, and I didn't die or completely go bizerk (only a little). I thought maybe I would do both! My whole experience of giving birth and recovering here in Japan was a great one. My Dr. and nurses were great, and the facility I stayed in was great. We have been home now for a few days, and Cooper is eating, sleeping and pooping well. :) Brayden is also adjusting well. He likes to hold the baby and is very sweet and gentle with him. He has been acting up a little bit, which I think is his way of dealing with the new addition, but for the most part everything is going great. We could not be happier! Here are some pics:
(Some of the pictures are out of order and turned sideways-I'm sorry, I don't know how to use blogger well enough to know how to fix it!)
This was one of the meals I ate while in the hospital. All of the food was different Japanese dishes and it was so fun to try all of them. I was surprised how delicious it was for being hospital food!
My tutor and her family were so sweet and came to visit.
