Welcome Baby William

William James Cammack

Despite my fears of never going into labor on my own; we left for the hospital at 6 AM and welcomed William James Cammack into the world at 7:56 PM. He was a whopping 8 pounds and 12 ounces but only 21 inches long. The labor was a little longer than I expected but on the whole the experience was much easier than the first time around! The poor boy had the cord wrapped around his neck three times, but he is just fine and I'm also doing pretty well.

Mom and William

Maybe I'll get brave and post a picture of me and David at this point...it was a lot scarier!

My Three Boys

What a blessing and relief to leave David at home with my Mom. He was taken care of and happy with her while we were at the hospital. Brad brought David and Grandma Kathy to meet William before he had to go to school the next day. David wasn't so sure about the baby but Grandma enjoyed holding him.

One big kid! (Maybe he'll forgive us for this someday.)

Dad holding the brand new baby

The Adventures of Grandma Kathy

My Mom was here with us from Saturday, February 28th through Monday, March 9th. It was nice to have the extra help. Before the baby came she was able to do a few things around town along with helping me get a bit more organized.

Remember the horse from Christmas? This isn't the same one...it kind of got reincarnated since we couldn't really take it on the plane or have it shipped.

Grandma Kathy brought a badge for the horse that says "Arizona Sheriff" and has David's name engraved on it. He didn't notice but I thought it was a sweet little addition.

Monday, March 2nd
Touring the Gore Place in Waltham
This is the old mansion of one of the old Massachusetts Governors
It snowed so much today that BU canceled classes and this was the only thing we could find to do that wasn't closed down. March surely comes in like a lion!

Tuesday, March 3rd
Orchard House--Home of Louisa May Alcott
We also took grandma for a quick walk on the Old North Bridge
The path was snowy and cold; better luck in the spring!

Wednesday, March 4th
Legal Seafood
We told grandma that we were going for the inexpensive but wonderful clam chowder. Brad surprised her by ordering lobster instead...Grandma Kathy's favorite. David, Brad, and Grandma had fun. I didn't feel too great at dinner. Upper back pain and not much of an appetite. Little did I know those were signs of early labor!

The tasty lobster...

Sunday, March 8th
Holding baby William just one last time. My Mom watched David on the 5th and the 6th while I was in the hospital. She was able to tour downtown Boston and Cambridge a bit on Saturday and Sunday, luckily the weather cooperated. It was really wonderful to have her here with us.

Spa Night

The early arrivals awaiting an evening of pampering and relaxation...

My friend Laura hosted a spa night to help me relax and celebrate the impending little arrival...I was under the impression it wouldn't be a shower per se but in true Laura style it was a full blown party. I can't even describe how fabulous the night was.

Laura and I

Dress was strictly casual...jammies or other comfortable clothes were required! How many people are really willing to post a nine months pregnant picture? I should get an award.

The Refreshment Table

Everything was beautifully presented and carefully labeled with darling tags. Laura also made us banana smoothies as we came in. There were water bottles too.

Foot Soak

There were three stations--lips, hands, and feet. Each station was oh so relaxing and perfectly planned out. Laura and Janelle did me the service of a lifetime by giving me a pedicure. I appreciated that because I really can't reach my feet!

Laura getting her toes painted by Janelle

We didn't leave the party empty handed...there were favors to take home so we could continue relaxing. I left feeling completely unwound and spoiled. I was really touched that I was the guest of honor at such a great party. It meant a lot to know that I have friends here who care about me. Now we just need a baby...(!)

Operative

Drilling teeth is fun

After much going through much pain to find the perfect scrubs (Dickies brand made for men; everything else "feels weird" is "uncomfortable" or lacks pockets) Brad started his oprative class. It seems that this more hands on approach to learning dentistry has been a refreshing change for him. I think he looks really good in this picture but I imagine the novelty of helathcare garb will wear off...

Playing at the Mall

David on his ducky

We took a trip to the mall with our friends so we could play at the indoor playground. Even after a little February thaw there really isn't anywhere to play outdoors yet. Sad but true. David had a lot of fun running around and occasionally pausing to sit on a duck.

Valentine's Day

It may look like we've got our holiday wrong but look at the balloon. I have fond memories of my Mom giving us little Valentines. It was always something small but thoughtful. My most recent favorite is the year after I was married she sent me a mini wedding photo album for my purse and another for my backpack. With all the craziness last year (David's blessing, traveling to Grandma's funeral, the funeral, and then Brad immediately flying out to dental interviews....) we didn't do anything to celebrate. I thought it wouldn't matter but really it was kind of sad.

This year we made up for it! Brad picked up a really fantastic balloon for David from the Hallmark store. (All of the really good pictures are blurry--our camera is having serious issues) and I paired it with a book in the shape of a truck. It was fun to see David come down the stairs and find a little Valentine. We still aren't sure which part he liked better the truck book or the balloon.

Brad spent the afternoon studying but we did a few little things for each other and were able to have a date night at home. We even watched the Notebook...that has to be one of my favorite romantic movies ever.

Finally...he got to play in the snow

He didn't want to stay and play on our porch which was a problem because it really needed to be shoveled.

What is that stuff?!

He really liked it...much for fun than just eating the white stuff off of Mom and Dad's shoes after they come inside. (Yes he does that...sad but true!)

Look at those red cheeks!

Between the help and service of a neighbor friend and some swinging of the snow shovel that I was hoping would induce labor I got the last of the ice chipped off our front walk on Monday. I felt so great knowing that I wouldn't have to worry about slipping and potentially injuring two people other than myself. But it was not to be. Tuesday brought more snow. It didn't fall as hard this time but it seemed to fall all day. Luckily we got errands done before it started. One of my other neighbor friends watched David while I ventured out to a Dr's appointment. It was wonderful not to have to take him out in all that snow.

By Wednesday I decided that my poor boy who spends the day pointing out the window should actually get a chance to go outside. I needed to shovel anyway. The idea was that he was supposed to stay on the porch with me. Nice thought. He preferred to run around the apartment neighborhood. David really enjoyed himself until helping him navigate the stairs and monitoring him near the parking lot got to be too much for me. I brought him in kicking and screaming. I suppose we need to get outside more.