Meet Baby Max

The new baby has arrived!  (Get ready for picture overload . . . )

His full name is Maxwell Joel Peterson and he weighed in at 7 lbs, 6 oz and was 20 1/2 ” long.  My water broke at 12:45 am and the he was born at 2:14 am so the delivery was a little quicker than we anticipated.

We have a 20 minute drive into town, and although my water broke, I just couldn’t really think straight.  Thank goodness the bags were packed and Joel was there to help get me and everything else into the car.  I only had 2 or 3 small contractions on the way into town.  Our plan was to drop Carter off at my parent’s house before heading to the hospital.  Then, in a matter of a few minutes, I had several more contractions.  Again nothing that I thought was big, considering I had been having worse contractions for the last 6 weeks.  (You may remember that I was already dilated to a 4 and I had also been having lots of pressure, so I didn’t feel alarmed until those 3 came more quickly.)  We decided to head back towards the hospital – but were immediately pulled over by the cops for speeding!  As one of my friends said, you hear of this happening, but have never met anyone that was actually pulled over on the way to the hospital.  He let us go with a warning to slow down (we were going 40 in a 30).  Joel dropped me off at the hospital to get checked in and then ran Carter over to my parents.  By the time Joel got back, I was at a 9 and ready to push.  Max was born 20 minutes later.  It was an intense 45 minutes or so, but we are so happy we made it to the hospital and Max was healthy.  I’ve been telling people it was either a quick delivery, or a long delivery, depending on how you look at.  Considering that I had been feeling miserable for the last 4-6 weeks and was dilated, it could be looked at as a slow, 40 day delivery 😉

So, that’s our birth story.  Here are a few pictures from the hospital –

 

Only a few hours old . . .

 

Meeting big brother Carter

 

My 3 boys

 

A full body shot –  and his first fist pump

 

And one with Mom

 

The next shots are taken on our first and second days home

 

 

He isn’t quite as alert as his big brother Carter was the first week home (see photos here), but considering that Max arrived 2 weeks early, that might have something to do with it.  I think you can definitely tell they are brothers in these next few shots.

 

 

 

This picture was taken this morning.  I already think he looks bigger!

I guess you forget just how tiny they are when they first arrive.  Carter just seems huge in comparison.  So far Carter is adjusting pretty well, all things considered.  This morning he said “Momma put the baby away.  Momma play with Carter,” so he is noticing the lack of attention for sure.   Luckily Joel has been around to help, so we are each taking time being with him alone – it just might not be exactly when he wants it.  Max has been a really good baby so far and is sleeping well, which I am grateful for.  I am not a good sleeper, so it sure helps that he is.  He has also been a good eater, so that helps as well.  I think I forgot how relaxing having a newborn is – well in comparison to a busy 2-year-old.  In fact, I was a little alarmed that he was sleeping so much.  My sister said to enjoy it while it lasts – and I am.  There has been lots of cuddling and snuggling.  I feel like Carter was only a newborn for 2 weeks, so I don’t want to miss it!  And with that – I will sign off and go back to my baby holding.