Growing up already

It was three weeks ago today that we were checking into the hospital for Ali's induction, although it still seems like that was just yesterday. These last three weeks with Henry have flown by, and just like so many seasoned parents have warned us, he is growing up fast.
Last Tuesday, Ali took him to his two-week doctor's appointment, and he weighed in at 7lbs, 11oz and measured at 21.5 inches. Just this past weekend, Grandpa Hooper weighed Henry using an antique food scale, and Henry weighed over 8lbs! Additionally, Henry is starting to 'notice' more faces, lights and sounds. It seems that his vision is improving, and he spends much of his awake time happy and alert. We are trying to savor every moment with this special lil' man.

First week home

We have officially been home for one week, and Henry is proving to be an excellent baby. Most nights he sleeps 4-5 hours straight, and he is nursing beautifully. Last Tuesday he had his first doctor's appointment. He weighed in at 7 lbs., and the doctor assured us that his jaundice was clearing up (Henry was slightly jaundice at birth). Additionally, Ali weighed him Friday (at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center), and he weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz.! Ideally, babies are back to their birth weight two weeks after birth - Henry is well ahead of the game.
He has stayed busy this week with bath time, napping, shopping, visiting with family and friends, and the never-ending cycle of nursing-pooping-nursing-pooping-nursing-pooping.
Overall, it has been a wonderful first week home.
As for Mom and Dad - we are loving every minute of parenthood. Ali is recovering well, and Matt is back to work. We are far from having a "schedule," but we are embracing the un-expectancies that our lil' man has to offer.

Jaeger approves.

After much sniffing, our seven month old lab, Jaeger, gave Henry his approval. It wasn't long after bringing Henry home that we put Henry down on the couch, and Jaeger jumped up next to Henry to snuggle. When Henry cries, Jaeger is the first at Henry's side. Last night, while Henry slept at the head of our bed, Jaeger found a cozy spot near our feet. It seems that Henry and Jaeger are going to be great pals.

Henry's Homecoming

Henry's home! We were discharged from the hospital yesterday (Saturday) at noon. He slept soundly during the car ride home, and once home, we were greeted by Grandma and Grandpa Hooper and, of course, Jaeger. Oma, Opa and Aunt Mo stopped by later in the evening to celebrate the lil' guy's homecoming. While we are so thankful to be home, we are also very grateful to Riverside Methodist Hospital for taking such great care of us this past week. Our time there was wonderful, and we will miss the kind and attentive doctors, nurses and staff.
*We should mention that Henry had a great first night. While he struggled to fall asleep in his bassinet (we are suckers and ended up letting him sleep with us in bed), once asleep, he slept soundly for five straight hours!

Mommy and Daddy love me.

We are obsessed. Enough said.
*notice the picture of mommy updating the blog...so eager to show off the lil' man!

The first 48 hours

The first 48 hours with Baby Henry have been surreal. He has brought us joy beyond joy, and we are continuously falling more deeply in love with him. The blessings that he is already bringing into our life are countless.
It has been extra special getting to share the lil' guy with our many friends and family. Thank you to all who have paid him a visit - he is spoiled with love. And thanks to all of you for sending your thoughts, prayers and encouragement.
Here are a few pics of the first 48 hours with Baby Boy Hooper (that is what the hospital calls him).

Our blessed delivery

It's been a long 24 hours, but worth every second of it.
Henry Duran Hooper arrived today (April 1st) at 2:59pm. He weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. (not the moose we expected), and he is 20 inches long. He is our perfect gift sent from above.
Here is a brief rundown of the last 24 hours:
We checked in at 9:00pm Monday. Ali received a foley (a catheter inserted to dilate the cervix) at 10:30pm in addition to Pitocin. By 1am, the contractions were coming hard and fast. Shortly after 1am, Ali lost the foley (meaning she was dilated to 4cm). That 'release of pressure' helped Ali to relax making labor more tolerable. At that point they upped the Pitocin, and by 3:30 the doctor broke Ali's water. Unfortunately that caused Ali to experience very painful contractions, and she requested the epidural around 4am.
The epidural was a wonderful relief although it meant that Ali would have to stay in bed for the rest of labor (Ali's legs were completely numb). With the help of our amazing labor nurse, Ali was able to maximize the contractions (Ali was placed in various labor positions including one similar to the yoga pose Cat Flow) in the hopes that Henry would begin to drop into the birth canal.
By late morning, Henry had still not dropped. After further assessment, it was evident that stubborn Henry was not going to make it into the birth canal. At that point they decided to go with a c-section. Ali's surgery began shortly after 2pm, and the little guy entered the world just before 3pm. It was an absolutely beautiful and emotional moment for both Matt and Ali.
We've posted several pictures - a few of before and during the c-section and a few of our blessed little boy.
Thank you for all of your love, support and prayers. It is because of our amazing friends and family that we have had such a wonderful pregnancy, labor and delivery experience.