Jude Alder - 13 days old

We received a photo shoot as a generous gift from a photographer friend of ours (same person who did the prenatal yoga shots of me at 7 months).

Here are a few of my favourites.

Jude was awake for most of it - but had had enough by the end and we put him to sleep before the family shots.

We are adjusting to a new routine here in our household (one where mom is feeding Jude for one third of her time), interrupted sleep at night and snuggles from our cute little man. He's been a bit sleepless the last few days as he is going through a growth spurt. He has outgrown all his newborn clothing and is fully into 3 month clothing - he is so long!

Family Portrait

Jude Alder - 1 week old

4 Day old Cutie!

Here is some photos of Jude the dude with a faux hawk, thanks to Grandma Lynne, and a picture of him wide awake at day 4.

We are just settling into a routine and loving every second of our new family member.

The moment you have all been waiting for!!!!

It's a boy!!!!! Jude Alder Simieritsch was born on March 5, 2011 at 2:45pm.

He was a big boy weighing in at 8pds, 10oz and extra long at 22 inches. We are still surprised that he was able to fit into Terra's belly!

Terra started contractions early Saturday morning (4amish). After labouring at home for a few hours, we headed to the birth centre were we met our midwives. Things progressed quickly. After 5 hours of hard labour, mostly in the big jacuzzi tub, "little" Jude was born in the water. It was fitting that he was born in the tub, as he was also born with the caul, meaning that Jude was still inside the intact amnionic sack. Being born with the caul is a sign that the person is destined for greatness and has an affinity for water and can't die by drowning according to mythology.

Once Jude was pulled up on Terra's chest and the sac removed from Jude's head and chest, he let out a beautiful cry. We were so excited and in awe, that we forgot to ask whether he was a boy or girl.

Mom and baby got cleaned up and we were home in our own bed by 5pm that evening.

Our little family is now thriving at home with all the support and well wishes we have received.

A little blog game

Some of the blogs I read are doing a little photo essay type of thing where you post photos with some meaning to them. Here are mine

First photo:

A picture from last summer

An old picture of you (here I am in Yellowknife a few years ago)

A picture of you and your significant other:

Something that makes you smile

A picture from what you do in your spare time:

Only news to report is that I have been in pre-labour for a week (this can last for weeks so nothing to get too excited about yet). Sprout has dropped quite far into my pelvis, which means frequent trips to the bathroom (day and night), and lots of Braxton Hicks contractions.

We are getting more anxious by the day, but this baby will come when it's ready, and with the frigid temperatures we've been having here in Calgary, who can blame Sprout for wanting to stay in his/her nice warm swimming pool a while longer?

Another sweater for Sprout

With love by Little Mamma

Chilly and waiting

39 weeks pregnant and Rob and I have been trying to get out when the weather is above -20 Celcius to walk and hopefully get this baby out on time (late in the first week in March is our due date).

As you can see my jacket is working extra hard to cover the ever growing baby bump. We are ready to welcome Sprout into our lives, but Sprout is obviously comfortable just where he/she is right now as this little one is staying put for now.

We are also ready for better weather to come our way...we are getting sick of winter around these parts.