Baby Boy

We knew he was going to be a boy in March, not because the ultrasound told us so, but because that's when he started giving his mom trouble.  Boys are always the trouble makers.

Not due until June 7, my nephew couldn't wait to join his wonderful family, and arrived at 10:29 PM on Thursday, May 2 - 5 weeks early.  And oh boy, is he a stud.

Let me formally introduce you to my favorite nephew: Joshua Thaddeus Schwarz.  

He weighs in at a whopping 5 pounds 0 ounces and is a shortie at 17.5 inches long.

The first few months of her pregnancy went really well.  Jenna was feeling great, and looking even better.

26 weeks

But then in the middle of March, when she was 28 weeks along, Jenna had some bleeding that put her on bed rest.  She was in the hospital for a week, and then got to go home on a "modified bed rest" that basically meant that she could do things that required little movement.  I went down for a few days to help her out with cleaning and laundry and Nora.

After being at home for only a week, Jenna had to go back to the hospital.  This time, she was at 30 weeks, but they told her that she had to stay in the hospital for the rest of the pregnancy.  

Then, about 10 days later, they let Jenna go home again.  This time, on FULL bed rest.  As in "don't you do ANYTHING except walk to the bathroom to use it!"  They scheduled for her to have a c-section on May 17, when she would be at 37 weeks.

 And, continuing the pattern, Jen had to go back to the hospital after being home for a week on April 29.  This time, she REALLY was going to stay there until the end of the pregnancy.  They moved the c-section up to May 10, because the baby would be just fine being delivered at 36 weeks.

But Joshua wanted to join the family sooner than May 10.  So he decided on May 2.

And he has been a champ since he was born.  No need for a feeding or breathing tube!  But I'll tell you what - he gave us all quite a scare for being such a little peanut.

On Saturday, my mom and I went down to clean the condo so that everything could be perfect for when Joshua and Jenna got home.  Nora was a big help with the cleaning.

And the distracting.

Jenna got discharged on Monday, but has been staying at the hospital so that she can be with Joshua.  Who wouldn't want to snuggle this little guy?

Nora's already being a great big sister.  Doesn't it seem like just yesterday that we were visiting her in the hospital?

And to everyone's surprise, Joshua got to go home today so that this little family of four can start their new lives.

I wonder if Nora is going to like Joshua as much now that he's home and invading her space...

I personally can't wait to snuggle the little cheese puff again.