Introducing...

DEACON NELSON GARCIA

After a week of on/off contractions, they finally settled into a pattern on January 2nd- and they were really painful really fast! Since they were about 5 minutes apart right from the beginning and this was our third child, we were told to hurry to the hospital. We got there and were admitted around 4 pm, and Deacon made his appearance at 2:58 am. We were surprised at how long this labor was compared to Claire's, but it was a fairly easy labor and delivery.

Deacon weighed in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces- much larger than his two sisters. Gigi was born at 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and Claire at 6 pounds, 15 ounces. At first we thought he resembled Claire, but as he loses his newborn squishiness, he is starting to have some of Gigi's looks. Now we think he looks a little like each of his sisters. He's going to be a heartbreaker!

and for comparison:

Deacon

Gigi

Claire

Random Pictures

In a moment of boredom, I decided that Gigi and Claire needed to have some girlie time with their Mommy. I pulled out the flat-iron, and decided to see if the girls could get any cuter (as if!). These are the results...

I was also finally able to get the kids' bedrooms mostly decorated. I was beginning to feel like the poor kids would be in plain rooms forever, since I know there won't be much energy to spare once the new baby arrives. Now my girls are sleeping in surroundings that are pretty just like they are! There are still a few things left to do, such as pulling out the anchors that the previous owners left in the wall and patching the small holes, but that can wait until a more convenient time- maybe in a few months when we're not suffering from sleep deprivation!

Baby Boy's Baby Shower

The big day is almost here and to help us prepare for our little boy, wonderful friends threw us a baby shower. We got all of the women, men and children together for a night of fun and great food. We are now closer to being ready for the big arrival- and even more excited!

the Mom and Dad

Claire's not so sure about this

Miss Social Butterfly

the big party

dancing and twirling

he's already a "Babe Magnet"

Baby Boy

stay tuned to find out more...

sweet Pooh Bear feet

Pregnancy Update

Today I had my 24 week visit with Dr. Cowan. Everything appears to be perfect. No ultrasound today, but here's a picture of my 24 week along belly. We will see him again in 4 weeks and then we start our bi-monthly visits.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

For comparison purposes, here's how this pregnancy is stacking up against the last one:

• total weight gain: 14 pounds
• blood pressure: 138/62
• baby's heart rate: 150's
• cravings: cookies

• total weight gain: 6 pounds
• blood pressure: low
• baby's heart rate: 148
• cravings: chocolate

Baby Belly

I was inspired by a friend (who just had her 4th baby- and her first girl!) to give updates on the growing Baby Love. The stats are taken from my 12 week doctor visit- and now we are at week 14. Baby Love is in green, and for comparison, Claire's stats are in purple.

We go back at the end of the month for another visit and ultrasound.

1. weight gain so far: 0 (lost several pounds due to morning sickness and strep throat & now I'm back up to my original weight)
2. baby's heart rate: 167
3. blood pressure: really low (normal for me)
4. cravings: pizza

1. weight gain: -2 (really bad morning sickness)
2. heart rate: unknown
3. blood pressure: really low (normal for me)
4. cravings: Pei Wei
   
   

belly at 14 weeks

Baby Love

I had my 12 week appointment with Dr. Cowan today and an ultrasound. Everything looks great with Baby Love. S/He is growing just as expected, had a good strong heartbeat and would not stay still! It looks like Steve passed along all of his energy and athleticism to this third child! I go back in another 4 weeks for yet another ultrasound. (That's just one of the many reasons we love Dr. Cowan- so many ultrasounds and opportunities to see Baby Love!)

I don't have any good sonogram pictures this time, so here are some recent pics of Gigi and Claire instead!

Gigi (2 1/2 years)

Claire (14 months)

It's a Baby!

We had our first appointment with our OB, Dr. Cowan, today. He did our first ultrasound and we got to see the little baby bean. Baby Love has already grown so much that she (he?) already looks amazingly like a baby. She had little arm and leg buds and a very strong heartbeat. All stats are great and we'll be having an ultrasound again in 4 weeks.