Been a long time....

Our beautiful boy at 12 weeks. I knew this was a great pic the second I snapped the picture...it choked me up. How'd I get so lucky? He is so handsome. I can't help myself. And it's not just me, everyone says so. Even the cashiers at Safeway :)

Shower-free zone...

Beto had to go back to work this week. Max and I are learning to do stuff on our own. I haven't tried to leave the house yet, but I couldn't anyway because I can't seem to figure out a good time to take a shower. I can't leave the baby by himself! I'm lucky if I can make myself a sandwich, let alone worry about such trivial things as smelling shower fresh. Hy hair is a rat's nest because the last time I did manage a shower, I had no time to blow dry my hair.

I guess I could put Max down and let him fuss a bit as he is now as I am on the computer, but I choose to not make him fuss if I can at all help it. He's a good baby. The routine starts with a fresh diaper, feeding 'til slumber sets in (more about that later), burping and holding while sleeping. I know, I know...you're going to say put him down when he falls asleep. I've tried that and he wakes up and then messes up the whole routine. The only time that works is at night. Somehow he knows it's night time and allows me to put him in bassinet once he falls asleep. During the day he wants to be held and cuddled. Which I gladly oblige, but I'm glued to the couch or the rocker all day. Oh and about the feeding, he's a monster. We at first thought he had gas problems because right after eating he would cry bloody murder and could not be consoled. Turns out he was still hungry. He takes breaks while feeding and I didn't know that he was taking a break, I thought he was done and closed up shop. Beto mentioned maybe he's still hungry so I put him back and off to town he went. I have to let him feed until he quits, which usually means falling asleep. That has all but alleviated his crying. So we do this routine every 2 hours or so, at night he stretches it to every 3-4 hours. Oh how I love the 4 hour nap he gives me!!

Here's yet another precious picture...

Lakers in 4 !

Gee, my hair smells terrific !

Grandma and Mom gave me my first bath (Dad took pictures), aren't I the cutest thing you've ever seen?

Introducing Maximus Tapia Jimenez....

...born Saturday May 23rd, 2009 at 11:21pm by cersarian. Weighing in at 8 lb. 6 oz., measuring 21 1/4 in. long (now upgraded to 21 3/4 in. long).

I can't begin to explain the joy Beto and I feel. We also can't contain it, cliches are cliches for a reason. I've never known love for anything like I do for this baby. He's absolutely beautiful.

We are home from the hospital, as of yesterday (Wednesday) at noon. We are trying to stay strict on our feeding schedule and rest in between. Beto and I are also taking naps whenver possible to try and relieve the exhaustion and sleep deprivation of our hospital stay.

He is already very alert and his eyes are constantly scanning what's going on. He is also surprisingly strong, he'll grasp a finger and not let go for anything. He's eating good and gaining weight.

I know everyone wants pics, so I will post a few for now...

Overdue....

May 19th...today was supposed to be the day. The finish line, the light at the end of the tunnel, the day I've had my sights on for 35 weeks / 245 days. Ahhhhhh! I did everything I was supposed to do. I followed all the rules. I'm done, I can't do no mo'!
Saw the Dr. today, told her as much and (drum roll please) we have a date !!! If nothing happens naturally the next 3 days...we have an appointment on Friday 9pm to induce. Birthdate will be Saturday May 23rd.
The anxiety level has been lowered from DEFCON 5, to DEFCON 2. I feel better knowing I have a definitive date. So tired of all the not knowing. Especially because I've been off work for a month now which sounds like heaven, right? Well, it's not! It's purgatory. Just waiting. Waiting for the unknown.
I know how I sound, poor Beto, he's had to live with me, no wonder he golfs so much.
OK, my rant is over...like I said, I can see the finish line and I feel better.

Date Predictions

As Ron stated, everyone except him predicted the baby would come before the due date.
There are only a handful of predictions still in the running. Out of the 18 I collected from various baby showers, here's who's still standing:

Pam 5/17
Cindy & Nancy 5/18
Dad 5/19
Ron 5/22

That's it, looks like Ron just may be the winner.