He's Here!!!

Ripkin Joshua Robbins

Born August 12, 2009
8 lbs 8 oz
20 inches

He arrived! I don't really know what to say about the whole experience, other than I'm a firm believer in epidurals. Magic. Sheer magic. After two days of painful and regular contractions, I'd like to be a spokesperson on how amazing an epidural is. I was due to be induced on the 13th, but considering I was having contractions 5 minutes apart pretty regularly, they admitted me. Pretty soon the nurse told me we were ready to start pushing, and after the initial push, she turned to me and said, "You want a C-section?" I told her 'no.' "Well, then you better be planning on pushing a whole lot harder than that." I quickly obeyed and 2 hours later, there was a huge baby blinking at me. I couldn't believe how big he looked to me. I was expecting a low 7 pounder... not so much.
He's kind of a chunk, and after a week, this boy has gained an additional 7 oz, making him just under 9 lbs. He also now measures at 21 1/4 inches, meaning they measured him wrong in the hospital. That or he's the incredible hulk and grows an inch and a quarter in the span of 5 days. Not likely... Anyway, that may not sound like a lot, but considering he gained 5 of those ounces in 2 days, I'd say the fella takes after his mom in the eating category. He likes to eat. He chooses to cry when he is not A) Sleeping or B) Eating while sleeping (we call this sleep-eating; it occurs when he falls asleep while nursing but then pretends to still be interested in eating when someone attempts to move him... such a fun game). We still love him, and as Josh pointed out to me today, "I really like that kid" (referring to his Rip).

On the second night at home, I woke up to find Josh and Rippy snuggled in together, both fast asleep (the cute part being where Rip is sleeping and not crying for more food). It sort of looks like two dudes just hanging out together.

And this is Josh working while gazing at Rip and his chunkiness. I seem to be the only one concerned that he's so chubby so fast. Apparently I make cream with a side of cellulite for milk. Figures.

I really do love this little creature. It was sort of a shock at first, seeing him and knowing I was now responsible for the little being, and it still is a shock, but a rather pleasant one. I think we're going to get along just fine, as long as I keep the milk coming, that is.