Bodie's Birth Story, Volume I

Saturday, April 22, 2006 was a pretty uneventful day. Kristi wanted me to stay close so I decided not to go on the group bike ride with my triathlon club. Those rides usually have me out the door by 7:30 a.m. and back home at about noon, a considerable time commitment.

Kristi and I were up pretty early and off to Lowe’s for some household necessities. We had a nice breakfast at Allison’s. Anticipation was in the air, as it had been for a few weeks. We were so excited about our baby, we just couldn’t wait for him to arrive. But, we didn’t want to get ahead of ourselves -- the doctor had told us to view April 29th, our due date, as the first day we might have the baby.

I spent the day doing yardwork and other housework. Kristi relaxed and sat outside while I mowed the lawn.

We had an early dinner at Mimi’s and then went to Blockbuster to rent some movies. We chose Capote, Saint Ralph, and The Cave. That night we watched Saint Ralph and The Cave (not a good movie!) before going to bed.

At 1:30 a.m. I drifted back into consciousness. Kristi’s closet light was on and she was standing in the bathroom. Because the light was on I knew this wasn’t just one of her normal trips to the bathroom.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“My water broke,” she said.

The thought of seeing my son within 24 hours woke me up quicker than a double espresso! I jumped out of bed and we started to get ready for our trip to St. John’s, which is only four blocks away. Kristi’s bag was already packed and I quickly threw some items into a duffel bag. We called the hospital to let them know we were on the way -- I never told them who I was! I called our doctor’s answering service to let them know we were going to the hospital -- I never told them who I was!

After checking our lists a few times, we got in the car and drove to the hospital.

He's Here!

Bodie Austin Anderson was born at 5:43 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2006. Dad, Grandma Claudia, and Aunt Angela were all there for the big day! Mom and baby are just fine. More details to follow, but Dad has to return to the hospital right now!

Still Waiting

We’re still waiting for baby as I continue to grow bigger and bigger. According to the scale at the doctor’s office this morning, I have not gained any weight in the last week. But, it seems like my stomach keeps expanding! I have had a lot of cramps and tightness the last few days but still no active labor. According to the doctor, I’m now 1.5 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced. So, at least the pain of the past few days has been resulting in some progress. But, the doctor won’t give us any hints as to when he thinks the baby is really coming. Although the doctor did say he’d say us next Wednesday “if the baby hasn’t come yet.” Maybe that means he thinks the baby will be a few days early?     

Baby Shower

I had an awesome baby shower last month thanks to a very nice and talented friend of mine. I got so many great things - this baby is going to be really loved and spoiled. The baby got blankets, outfits, books, a baby album, toys, a monitor, a boppy, a pack and play, and more. My sister-in-law Jina gets a special mention - she couldn’t make it out from Birmingham but she was sweet enough to make the baby two blankets. Of course there were food and games too which everyone enjoyed. I especially enjoyed the angel food cake and had two helpings of that. Even though I didn’t have to any work, I was exhausted by the end of the day! 

Waiting For Baby

Twenty-one more days until our due date! We are just waiting for baby now. We are so excited to see our baby, hold our baby, name our baby, and bring our baby home.

I can tell Kristi is getting more uncomfortable every day, but she doesn’t complain too much. Our free time is spent relaxing at the house, enjoying our days together, and imagining life with baby. Oh, and trying to decide on a name!