1/29/2009

It's almost impossible to get Alexa to sit still long enough for a good picture.

I think that Alexa misses going to daycare and playing with the other children,
so today our friends Elizabeth and Morgan came over to play.

Gavin- 2 weeks old

Alexa is helping us unpack the groceries.

1/28/2009

Someone is playing with her food...

Alexa is watching Matt shovel the patio out back.

Alexa recently learned how to give kisses.

His cheeks get bigger every day!

With the help of the head support, Gavin fits very snugly

in the new twin stroller he'll share with Alexa.

Tuesday, January 27th

On the Move

Tummy Time

Alexa loves to touch Gavin's head.

Alexa says "Baby" all the time.

Gavin loves Alexa's old swing.

We threw a blanket over it to cover up the pink :)

Alexa is still getting lots of attention even with a newborn in the house.

Gavin saw the pediatrician again today for another weight check. Today he weighed in at 8 lbs 7 oz. The doctor was very impressed. He was also pleased about his skin color. He told us to keep doing what we are doing, that Gavin was perfect, and that he's a keeper. Of course, we already knew that!

Sunday, January 25th

I think Gavin looks like Matthew except for the dark hair.

I can tell that he's gaining lots of weight. He sees the
pediatrician again on Wednesday, so it will be interesting to find
out how much he's gained. I think his yellow skin is fading quickly.

Alexa is very hungry after church and is ready for lunch.

Today was the first time we took Gavin to church. He was awake for
the whole service and didn't cry or fuss at all (unlike his big sister).
He really seemed to enjoy the music and the lights.

Mommy is finally feeling better!

Gavin's a week old already!

Alexa likes to pat Gavin.

Look how much his cheeks have filled out!

Big yawn

Where did Gavin get his long legs?

Update on Mommy

We are so thankful that Great Grandpa and Grandma Morse were here to help us out with Alexa and Gavin. Alexa really warmed up to them and enjoyed all the attention. She will miss them greatly when they have to go back home to Iowa.

Alexa is giving her baby brother a hug.

Gavin is an excellent baby. He's a great eater and sleeper. He rarely cries except during diaper changes- he hates having his clothes taken off!

All swaddled up and ready for a nap

Gavin- 4 days old

Alexa getting fussy :)

Baby Gavin went to his first pediatrician visit on Tuesday. The doctor was impressed that he was already back up to his birth weight. He had lost 7 ounces during his hospital stay which is normal for newborns. He said that Gavin is slightly jaundice, but wasn't concerned because he is eating so well and making plenty of dirty diapers. Gena is still suffering from the spinal headache. She decided that she wanted to try a second blood patch procedure on Wednesday. The anestesiologist explained that the prodedure has a 95% success rate the second time and we were hopeful for some relief. Unfortunately, after laying flat on her back for 2 hours after the procedure, she sat up and the headache returned with the same intensity. As if that wasn't bad enough, she had some problems moving her right leg which concerned the anestesiologist and he immediately sent us to the emergency room for a stat MRI. We were naturally very upset and worried because a rare complication of this procedure is irreversable paralysis. While we were waiting for the radiologist to read the MRI results, Gena received intraveneous caffeine which sometimes helps spinal headaches. Fortunately, the MRI results were normal and Gena was discharged to home at about 3:30am. When she got up to get dressed, she suddenly realized that the headache was much improved! Several hours later and $500 down the tube, it seems that caffiene was the answer. The headache isn't completely resolved yet, but Gena is able to walk around and function more like normal. She is very thankful for the oppertunity to change diapers and get up several times during the night for feedings :)

GAVIN JACOB BRIGGS

It is official!!! Our little buddy finally has a name!

Gavin Jacob Briggs
- born on 1/16/2009 at 6:40pm at The Ohio State University Medical Center

- weight: 7lbs 14ozs.

- length: 21.5 inches

- Gavin is doing well, a little sleepy though. He is struggling to stay awake and feed. He just recieved his circumcision (ouch...sorry little buddy).

- Mom has been struggling with a very bad headache since the birth. Her headache is being attributed to her epidural. She did recieve a blood-patch proceedure today but with only limited reflief. Hopefully it will take effect throughout the day.

- Alexa finally got to meet her little brother this morning. She gave him a kiss on his forehead but doesn't quite know what to do with him and has been playing with toys in the room.

- Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Morse are here as well and are enjoying meeting their new greatgrandson. They have gotten to hold him lots and are trying to stay warm in the frigid Columbus below zero temperature.

- Dad is a little sleepy and hungry but otherwise good :).

IT'S A BOY!

Its a boy! born 7lbs 8ozs at 6:40pm.

Unfortunately, or fortunately...whichever way you want to look at it, it has been very difficult to rupture Gena's water. So, Dr. Goist finally stopped by to see Gena and tried her own "stab" (no pun intended) at breaking Gena's water and was successful her first try. So now with Gena's water broken, she should begin to progress much faster. She is resting comfortably with the epidural and is able to move but is not in any pain. Hopefully we will have a baby in the next hour or two. More to come.

Gena was just administered her epidural. she was part of a clinical trial and used a new device...pain was minimal and she tolerated the procedure well.

Gena is currently 3cm dilated. she is on pitocin and is begining to feel stronger contraction. She is in good spirits and can't wait for things to progress.

Gena has been admitted to Labor & Delivery at The Ohio State Medical Center at ~8am. She is currently being set up in her room. Grandma & Grandpa Morse just arrived and surprised Gena. She was very surprised and excited. We will try and provide updates as often as possible.

Alexa's last few days as an only child

Alexa loves reading books.

These are some photos of the new baby's room.

It won't be much longer before we are bringing home another baby.
Gena will be induced on Friday morning, January 16th unless labor
begins naturally sooner.

Alexa is always trying to pull on Gabbi's dog tags. Luckily, the dog likes the attention.