Ok....so I slacked off and haven't followed up on my first post. I will be brief in describing the events that have taken place in the last seven weeks. The doctor decided to postpone inducing labor, however, my wife started having contractions the next day. Late in the evening she went it to be checked, and after several hours they decided to keep her overnight for observation. The woke us up at 6:00 in the morning with the decision to go ahead and induce based on the observation. Inducing medications started at 9:00, followed by an epidural at 9:45. The broke her water at 10:30. She then took a nap for a couple of hours before contractions started picking up strength. Around 2:00 things really started picking up, and around 2:30 the nurse did a check, and said it's go time!! Doctors and all kinds of people soon filled the room. My sister and a friend of my wife were in the room as well. It was special for me to have my sister in there for the occasion, as I'm sure it was for her as well. The hard part of labor actually went fairly quickly and smoothly. Kiya Mae Hopper made her arrival at 3:15 PM, officially weighing in at 7lbs 4.6 ozs and measuring 20 inches. I can't even begin to describe the feeling of watching my daughter being born. It's a very incredible, emotional, awesome feeling. I don't know how else to describe it. I don't think it can be put in words. That being said, just watching the miracle of a child being born is quite an experience in itself. If you don't have, or will not have children of your own, and ever have the chance to be in a room with someone that does give birth, I highly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity.
After Kiya arrived, there were some minor complications and she had to be trasfered to Childrens Hospital, since the small hospital we were in is not equipped to deal with much. We had about a two week stay there before coming home. It was a trying time on my wife and I, as well as other family. Only parents and grandparents were allowed to visit due to H1N1 precautions. My stepson did not get to see his sister until those two weeks were over. Most of our other family got to see her before she was transfered, but not able to hold her or anything of that nature. We were so thankful to get home, and for Kiya to be healthy!
Kaden was absolutely thrilled when he finally got to meet his sister! It was a great moment for us all. He has been so good with her. He loves to hold her, help feed her, and gives her plenty of kisses. He comes running whenever she cries, kissing her and whispering "it's okay sissy."
As for my thoughts on being a father for the first time, I wouldn't trade it for the world! I love every minute of it, dirty diapers and all!! Yes, I have changed a few diapers here and there, and it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I don't even notice the smell much anymore, I guess you just get used to it! My wonderful wife, Krystal, takes care of night time duties, so I am able to get decent sleep most nights. This works out great because I am fresh for work. I try to give her some extra sleep time on the weekends and nap time in the evening if needed. I am glad she is able to stay at home with Kiya. We both had stay at home moms when we were young, and wanted to be able to have our children have the same experience. Krystal does baby sit two young girls a few days a week, and a 7 year old boy in the evenings, so she is still working to some degree. I guess I shouldn't say to some degree, because the baby is a FULL time job. Makes my 9 to 5 look like a walk in the park.
Kiya is more alert and developing with each and every day. She it now "playing" a lot more, and making many new sounds. She is growing so fast! I don't really have much more to tell about as far as fatherhood exeriences at this point, as it has really just been the basic eat, sleep, and dirty diapers to this point. Although I have a feeling we will be having some new things going on in the near future. We are working on making sounds and smiling for daddy....so stay tuned for more!! Also, pictures will be coming soon.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My Fatherhood Adventure is about to begin!!
I have contemplated starting a blog since the early stages of my wife, Krystal's pregnacy, but put it off until now....the night before our big day. Actually, it is now after midnight, so the day has technically arrived. In a little less than seven hours, we will be checking into the hospital to begin the journey.
This is my first attempt at blogging, so hopefully all goes well. I have several reasons for starting My Fatherhood Adventure blog. One, to share my experiences, thoughts, and feelings with my family and friends. Two, to share experiences and give/receive advice from other fathers. And last, for my children. Hopefully someday they can read about their childhood and all of the adventures we go through together as a family. I am starting this blog as I get ready to experience the joys of my first child being born (her name is withheld until after arrival - sorry Mom, Grandma, Julie, and Barb...you still have to wait!). I also have a wonderful five year old stepson, Kaden, who has been a part of my life for the past two years. I plan to devote space in my blog to both of these children (and any future children of course!). I would expect at times I will share my serious thoughts on fatherhood and raising children in today's society. While other times, I hope to bring out the lighter side with a little fatherhood humor. In all, I guess you can expect a little bit of everything. It will probably all depend on the events that have taken place, and the mood I am in at the time! Hopefully over time, my rusty writing skills will improve and be less of a bore and more entertaining...so bear with me until I get to that point.
That being said, we are now fast approaching the check in time...a little over six hours until we are set to arrive at the hospital. I have experienced some great joys over these last nine or so month, such as learning that I was going to be a father, seeing the first ultrasound, learning that we were expecting a girl, and all of the other things involved with planning and getting ready for the new arrival. The past couple of days, the emotions have been crazy for me. Excited, anxious, nervous.....all three can be used to describe how I have felt for the past couple of days. I am looking forward to what our big day is about to bring us, and hope to enjoy the moment as much as possible!
Before I sign off for the night, I want to share some observations and experiences with Kaden through the whole pregnacy. His reaction to this whole thing has been amazing. He constantly talks about his baby sister and says he sees her playing with him in his dreams. His rubs his mother's belly, while talking to his future sister. He sings to her, kisses her through mommy's belly, and tells her he loves her. It is such a precious thing to watch. I hope he continues to feel this way once she arrives. My wife and I have talked about making sure we go the extra mile to give him plenty of attention, as to not make him feel left out. I believe if we stick to that plan, it will be an enjoyable experience for us all.
One thing that has shocked me with Kaden, he has kept the name a secret. He is the only person besides my wife and I that knows his baby sister's name. We told him we wanted it to be a surprise, and to not tell anyone until she was born. But come on...who seriously expects a five year old to be able to keep big news like that to himself? Well, much to my surprise, he has kept it to himself for a couple of months now. I can't wait for the moment when he gets to see his sister for the first time...I will be sure to capture some on this with the camera and post pictures. This is one of the moments I am really looking forward to the most. Sadly, we will have to wait until mommy and sissy get released from the hospital for this to happen. Due to the H1N1 flu, children under 16 are not permitted in the hospital unless the are being treated. Hopefully the hospital stay will be short, and he will get to meet her within a day or two.
Well...my wife is wanting me to come to bed, and try to get some sleep before our early morning departure to the hospital. Hopefully you found my first post somewhat interesting...like I mentioned before, I will need some time to shake off my rust as a writer. I haven't written anything more than an e-mail since my college years, as I spend my days crunching numbers for a living! I will post some pictures and write about my delivery day experiences as soon as time allows. My Fatherhood Adventure is about to begin.....
Jason
This is my first attempt at blogging, so hopefully all goes well. I have several reasons for starting My Fatherhood Adventure blog. One, to share my experiences, thoughts, and feelings with my family and friends. Two, to share experiences and give/receive advice from other fathers. And last, for my children. Hopefully someday they can read about their childhood and all of the adventures we go through together as a family. I am starting this blog as I get ready to experience the joys of my first child being born (her name is withheld until after arrival - sorry Mom, Grandma, Julie, and Barb...you still have to wait!). I also have a wonderful five year old stepson, Kaden, who has been a part of my life for the past two years. I plan to devote space in my blog to both of these children (and any future children of course!). I would expect at times I will share my serious thoughts on fatherhood and raising children in today's society. While other times, I hope to bring out the lighter side with a little fatherhood humor. In all, I guess you can expect a little bit of everything. It will probably all depend on the events that have taken place, and the mood I am in at the time! Hopefully over time, my rusty writing skills will improve and be less of a bore and more entertaining...so bear with me until I get to that point.
That being said, we are now fast approaching the check in time...a little over six hours until we are set to arrive at the hospital. I have experienced some great joys over these last nine or so month, such as learning that I was going to be a father, seeing the first ultrasound, learning that we were expecting a girl, and all of the other things involved with planning and getting ready for the new arrival. The past couple of days, the emotions have been crazy for me. Excited, anxious, nervous.....all three can be used to describe how I have felt for the past couple of days. I am looking forward to what our big day is about to bring us, and hope to enjoy the moment as much as possible!
Before I sign off for the night, I want to share some observations and experiences with Kaden through the whole pregnacy. His reaction to this whole thing has been amazing. He constantly talks about his baby sister and says he sees her playing with him in his dreams. His rubs his mother's belly, while talking to his future sister. He sings to her, kisses her through mommy's belly, and tells her he loves her. It is such a precious thing to watch. I hope he continues to feel this way once she arrives. My wife and I have talked about making sure we go the extra mile to give him plenty of attention, as to not make him feel left out. I believe if we stick to that plan, it will be an enjoyable experience for us all.
One thing that has shocked me with Kaden, he has kept the name a secret. He is the only person besides my wife and I that knows his baby sister's name. We told him we wanted it to be a surprise, and to not tell anyone until she was born. But come on...who seriously expects a five year old to be able to keep big news like that to himself? Well, much to my surprise, he has kept it to himself for a couple of months now. I can't wait for the moment when he gets to see his sister for the first time...I will be sure to capture some on this with the camera and post pictures. This is one of the moments I am really looking forward to the most. Sadly, we will have to wait until mommy and sissy get released from the hospital for this to happen. Due to the H1N1 flu, children under 16 are not permitted in the hospital unless the are being treated. Hopefully the hospital stay will be short, and he will get to meet her within a day or two.
Well...my wife is wanting me to come to bed, and try to get some sleep before our early morning departure to the hospital. Hopefully you found my first post somewhat interesting...like I mentioned before, I will need some time to shake off my rust as a writer. I haven't written anything more than an e-mail since my college years, as I spend my days crunching numbers for a living! I will post some pictures and write about my delivery day experiences as soon as time allows. My Fatherhood Adventure is about to begin.....
Jason
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