Bradley Scott Reuter

As most of you know, I was induced on May 14th at 39 weeks. The doctor thought the baby was a pretty good size and I was showing signs of going into labor early. Since my doctor was going to be out of town for 4 days, he thought it would be a good idea to be induced before he left. Therefore, we arrived at the hospital Wednesday morning at 5am and Bradley was born at 1:42 pm. Everything went well. The only complication we had was that my epidural wore off at 7cm, so the last 25 minutes of my labor were pretty exhausting. Thankfully, I only had to push for 5 minutes before he was out.

Bradley was born weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. He looks a lot like Ella did when she was born. He is only 3 days old, but has been pretty easy so far. However, I know as each day passes he will stay awake more and will slowly reveal what temperment he will have as a baby. We are praying that he stays pretty easy.

Ella is doing very well as a big sister. Of course there are moments of jealousy when I am holding the baby, but all in all she has really taken to him. She loves to show him off when people stop by the house and she loves to help me with diaper changes. When he naps in his pack n play she will run around the house and collect toys to put in the pack n play with him. She also likes to try to put stickers on him when he is sleeping. It is so fun to watch her admire him.

In the past few days I have come to these conclusions:
1. My house will never be clean again & house chores will always be left half undone.
2. I don't think I will ever master diaper changes w/out Bradley peeing everywhere.
3. Having a 2nd child guarantees me no personal time for at least the next 2 years.
4. Shopping will never be the same again. In fact, internet shopping is the way to go.
5. I will never be anywhere on time again and if I am on time you can guarantee that I will have spit up, pee or poop on me.
6. Time goes by too fast.
7. I am happier now then ever before and wouldn't trade being a mother of 2 for anything.

Ready Or Not Here I Come!

Well, Ella and I just got back from my 38 week doctor appointment. It's always an adventure to find new ways to entertain Ella as we wait in the lobby for our name to be called, then wait for the doctor in the exam room, and then while the doctor is in the room checking on the baby. Thank goodness those days are coming to an end. A little over an hour is a long time to enterain a 22 month old.

Anyway, the doctor said everything looks great. The baby is proabably going to be a good sized baby and he is in position to come out. I am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. The doctor thinks I could go into labor at anytime now. Unfortunately, he is going to be out of town in a week, so if I haven't had the baby by next Wednesday, then they are going to induce me. The doctor I go to is highly recommended and we don't want to go into labor when he is out of town. So, if I don't go into labor in the next 5 days, then I will be induced on May 14th for my 30th birthday. I'm not sure how I feel about being induced or about having the baby on my birthday, but the priority is obviously to have a safe and healthy delivery. The doctor said there is a possibility of going into labor before then, so we'll see what happens.

When I finish this I will be letting my work know that this is my last week of work until after my maternity leave. Scott and Ella and I will be spending some quality time together this weekend and Ella and I will be spending Monday and Tuesday playing together before little brother arrives. Our next posting will probably include pictures of the new little Reuter and Ella the big sister!!!