1 Week and 6 Days Old

Logan wighs just over 8 lbs now....

Alot has happend since the birth. We had the first doctor's appt. That went great. Logan is healthy as can be. His sleeping habits have been ranging from 3 hours to 6 hours of sleep a night. He's been feeding like a mad man....consuming over 2 ozs of breast milk at each feeding.

It's amazing how emotionally attached a person gets so quickly.... I'll try to keep a weekly update from here on out....

Week 39.5 News..The End of The Beginning

Well…Tuesday, June 24, 2008, Logan Alan Muisus was born. The story that led to his birth that day went something like this….Shannon and I had the weekly doctor’s Appt set up that day at 11:45am. Around 11:20 am, Shannon lost her Mucus Plug….so going to the doctor that day brought something else to look forward to. After the doctor’s office, we both went back to work. Shannon had contractions multiple times since the doctor’s office and they began to be repetitive. Around 5:30 pm, Shannon got home from work, still contracting, every 5-6 minutes to be exact. We were not sure yet to call the doctor. Shannon’s doctor told her weeks back that we should time the contractions. If the contractions are 5 minutes apart for at least an hour-hour and a half. Well it just so happens that Shannon’s doctor was on call that evening…so her getting back to us right away wasn’t her priority at that moment. So finally, I just said “Let’s just go!” We were almost out the door, and the phone rang. It was the Doctor. Shannon spoke to her quickly as the doctor instructed us to get in the car and high tail to RGH.
We arrived at RGH around 7 pm. I now stopped documenting the contractions, because they take it from here. Shannon’s contractions were fluctuating from 3 to 4 to 5 minutes apart. She was in a lot of pain…. I was giving her as much support as I could…almost too much as she yelled at me once because I messed up her breathing pattern. I know now for next time…I hope. Shannon was dialated 3 centimeters when we arrived at Triage. Triage is where we were for a good hour. The nurses instructed us to get up and walk the halls for another hour. Stopping at every corner of the hospital halls, we took it easy and made our way back to the Triage area. Shannon was checked again for dialation. 5 centimeters this time…as the nurses said, “Alright, let’s get you to a room.” My eyes lit up as she said that, b/c we weren’t leaving now as Shannon and I, but as a family now. Shannon was now just waiting for the newbane, a pain killer that makes you feel like you had a few drinks. At that time she also wanted an epidural. 45 minutes later we get to the birthing suite, where we will be to the end of the hospital stay. Once there, the nurses checked her dialation again, 9 Centimeters…WOW, we went from 5 centimeters to 9 centimeters in less than an hour. Shannon was screaming for her epidural, and everyone in the room knew it was too late for one except Shannon. So we all played it off. At this time it was 9:30 pm. 10 centimeters was among us, and the water hasn’t broke yet. From there, everything happened so fast… pushing lasted about an hour. In that hour, Shannon’s mom showed up and my parents, and my brother. My side of the family stayed in the doorway as Shannon’s mom was in the room with us. In the room was Shannon’s mom, Myself, Doc, a Midwife, and a nurse. At 11:23 pm on June 24th, 2008; Logan Alan Muisus was born. A beautiful looking baby boy. Shannon did so wonderful as did everyone else. I will never forget that moment when the doctor assisted on pulling him out and turned him towards Shannon and I , then he peed. He peed all over the place. I got to cut the umbilical cord, and after that, Logan was brought to the other side of the room where the curtain divided it. Shannon was getting sowed up on one side, and Logan was getting cleaned up on the other side.

Week 39.45 News

Well, we had the most action yet...staring 20 minutes before the weekly doctor's appointment today, Shannon lost "the plug" right before the doctor's appointment at 11:45am. So we knew something was going to happen soon. The doctor said that she's dialated 2 centimeters. So the doctor had us go into another room for a fetal monitor. Shannon had to lie down and strap this heart monitor across her belly. This was to basically monitor Mini's heart rate, movement, and contractions. Shannon had to press a button everytime he moved. Contractions started to brew. After spending about 1 hour at he doctor's office, we went to lunch. This is where the contractions began again. Every 10 minutes for an hour passed by....now we're down to every 9 minutes.

It's 4:06 pm now on Tuesday....more to come.

But we sense it's right around the corner.

Week 39.4 News

Less than 4 days to go until the due date...No changes.

Week 39.2 News

Today is Monday, June 23rd. We have less than 5 days until the due date. Shannon woke up this morning with a lower backache. Sleep is getting very uncomfortable for her still. We have the weekly doctor's appointment tomorrow.

Week 39 News

Today is Shannon's 29th Birthday. I got her a housekeeping service as a present when she's home with Mini. That'll definatly come in handy when she won't have to worry about the house being a mess. We went on a 2 hour walk today...just over 5 miles of walking the new lakeside trail along Lakeshore Blvd. We had some action! Shannon was feeling alot of pressure and pain in her pelvic region. If mini hadn't dropped yet, I beleive he did now.


And the waiting game marches on...

Week 38.8 News

Here we are...just over the 8 day mark. We're narrowing down the daytime babysitter who will watch Mini...starting September/October. We have a Top 10 list of names that we won't be releasing until the day he's born. "Jared Jr.", "Gary" or "Julius" did not make the cut. Middle names we have narrowed down to two: Alan, after my middle name, or Andrew, in memory of my close friend.

As far as everything else goes....The waiting game continues.....

Week 38.4 News

Another Trip to the Doctor's Office. Nothing has really changed. This was the third different doctor at her off that we've seen in 3 weeks. Her primary doctor is on vacation. Well, the doctor said Shannon can start contractions any day now. Shannon is still experiencing alot of cramping in this week. Mini is moving more frequently now, as well as the Braxton-Hicks contractions.

The waiting game continues...........

Week 38 News

Flag Day and Father's Day started the beginning of week 38 off. Mini has been giving Shannon some cramping and uncomfortable pains in the pelvic region. More movement out of mini is proving that he's just around the corner. He's gotta be thinking, 'I'm almost here Everyone, just a few more days."

We do hope soon.....These are the longest last few weeks we've ever experienced.

Week 37.4 News

Nothing much has changed...just anxiously awaiting the arrival. Whenever I speak to Shannon on the phone, I ask her how she's feeling....followed by "Do you feel any contractions?" She's gotta get sick of me asking her...but that's all part of the game. She picked up some Raspberry Leaf Tea at Wegmans yesterday. Yet another "natural" way to induce labor, I don't think it will be effective. Like Rocky Balboa said, "I gotta go out the way I gotta go out." Mini will be ready when he's ready.

This is by far has to be the hardest part of the pregnancy, the waiting game. Those last few weeks I'm by Shannon's side 93% of the time..I'll get her what she needs, if she tells me to do this, do that...I will, If she tells me to shut up, I will. It's about her and Mini.

Everyone close to us: family, co-workers, friends are all waiting for the wonderful news...so the suspense is built up around us.....

Then there's the suspense in waiting for the phone call from shannon when I'm not with her...."My water broke" or "I'm having contractions" "or even "Ooohhh"

Week 37 News

The Start of Week 37 was a hot one. Temperatures climbed to mid 90's. Shannon's feet were killing her...swelling slightly. We went walking around the block a few times throughout the weekend. It seems that Mini has dropped down a little bit more. He's been keeping Shannon in check by punching and kicking at her sides.

Week 36.9 News

We got The car seat installed yeasterday up at the St. Paul Firehouse. I'm glad we didn't attempt to try it on our own b/c there were some things we could've overlooked.

Week 36.6 News

Well...we had the ultrasound, it went great. Good news on mini's position...he's head down. He weighs about 7lbs-3 oz. right now. The technician said he's in the 85th percentile, which means he's gonna be a big baby....below is a picture.

Week 36.5 News

Last night, Shannon and I and 10 other soon-to-be-parents went on a scheduled tour of Rochester General Hospital's Birthing Units. We got to see first hand the birthing rooms. We also were given our free parking pass for outside the Discharge Entrance....It's nice to have one I Guess, but to me, that's the last thing we'll be worried about when I'm bringing Shannon in the day of....

We finished packing the survival bag and put it into her car..."just in case"

Yesterday's Doctor's apptointment went fine. Doc said that mini may be breeched (which means that he is feet down) It's not definate though, so we have yet another ultrasound scheduled for thursday, June 5th, at 10:30 am...This ultrasound is strickly for checking the position Mini is in. If mini is breeched, and Doc can't turn him, it may be a C-Section birth then.....If Doc can turn Him, natural birth will be given.

I'm bringing a dvd to just in case they can record more movement for us.

Week 36.3

We finished packing our survival kit for the hospital stay. Essentials include blowpops, hair ties (not for me), tooth brussh and tooth paste, shampoo, cahnge of clothes, magazines, Ipod, and some other things that willbe helpful in making our stay a little more comfortable. Tonight at 7:00 pm, we have our Hospital Tour where we will receive our Hospital Parking Pass the day we are admitted.

Mini had the Hiccups last night, it was wierd to feel them....It was like he kept punching at Shannon's tummy....but with a steady repitition.

Week 36.1

26 Days...

Today we went for 4 walks..about .8 miles each. We're going to put these other labor igniting theories into action today. Shannon and I are going to feast on spicey food at Monte Albans. We're going into this theory knowing the consequences, but I guess love hurts...and we're anxious. We picked up some pineapple slices at Wegmans this morning for an after dinner snack.

This morning we tried to get a pedicure appointment...all were booked.

Maybe Shannon and I are getting too ahead of ourselves, but we're having fun doing it. In the long run, we know that Mini wil come when he's ready.

Week 36 News

Saturday marks 27 days left. We had our last Lamaze class...the instructor just covered the basics again and left teh second half of class open for discussion.

Shannon and I began to walk more times each day. Walking is one of the things you can do to hurry the labor on. We are anxious for this little guy to come out. A few other things that are said to speed up the labor process are: pineapples, spicey foods, pedicures, yoga, and sitting on a bouncy ball. Shannon's been having some cramping in the pelvic area....and the Braxton Hicks Contractions are still in full gear.

Week 35.6

30 DAYS LEFT for Mini's big show to make the Due date.....There are some people I work with that think it'll be sooner than that. I guess I'm hoping for the same, because I can't wait for him to get here....Shannon want's him outas well. But what we've been taught, patience is a virtue. One thing that's been happening are the false labor contractions that Shannon is having. Braxton Hicks contractions seem to come more frequently now.

Tonight we have a make up Lamaze class...."Tour De Hospital" Where they take us on a quick run through where we'll need to go and what we need to do on the day of "check-in"

Week 35.4 News

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Shannon went to the store to pick up the essential items for the hospital trip the day of the birth. She picked up some snacks for myself as well, so I'm not passing out during..."Go Time" Right now Mini is about the size of a Honeydew Melon....he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore because his weight is gaining...room for him will be tight. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical developments are now complete.

Week 35 News

The start of week 35, Memorial Day Weekend...Shannon and I went to my cottage this weekend. We just needed a weekend to get away. It was very relaxing for Shannon and Mini. Shannon was having a few Braxton-Hicks contractions this weekend. The baby has been moving more now.

Week 34.4 News

38 Days and counting...We had another Doctor's Appointment today. I did not go with her to this one, it was considered "thee Appointment not to go to" Considering that it would make for an uncomfortable scenario...Everything looks great on the other hand. Mini's Head is in the right place, in shannon's pelvic area. He hasn't dropped yet, which is fine. We still think it's too early. Everything is on track as far as time goes. That also means that the hard spot just north of Shannon's belly button must be his butt. The kicking that he does is probably when he's turned around, lying on his back.

WEek 34 News...

40 Days to go....This Saturday was our 3rd Lamaze class. We watched 2 birting video stories on C-Sections...I'll tell you that they weren't as bad to watch as I thought they would be. We also practiced breathing patterns when pushing begins in the labor state of the pregnancy. We caught Mini kicking and moving on video through shannon's belly....t looks amazing, to see her belly move like that.

Shannon's swelling in her feet have gone down alot now.

Week 33.5 News...

44 Days to go...Mini weighs a about 4-5 pounds now....about the size of a pineapple, and has passed the 17-inch mark from head to toe. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. Looking forward to the 34th week. Shannon's tummy is changing forms adapting to wierd shapes as mini moves around.

Week 33 News...

47 Days left....We had our 2nd Lamaze class Saturday. This class we practiced breathing, and also sitting in different positions where it's relaxing for Shannon's back. We also watched two birthing videos....WOW do they show everything...I guess it's for us to get used to that scenario. Mini is kicking more frequently now, he's also moving around...he can't sit still, just like his old man. We had dinner last night at our friend's house, Kyle & Julie. Their baby, Gracie is doing great. Everytime we see her just gets us more excited for our baby's day to come into this world.

Today is Mother's Day. Shannon's Pre-Mother's Day. I got her a Scott MIller gift card to use at her own leisure. Today, We're going to visit Shannon's mother and go to dinner with my parents tonight.

Week 32.5 News

Well, we had yet another doctor's Aptt. this morning. IT went great. Mini's Heartbeat is stong. Doc said that he's got a great heartbeat. Shannon and I have some weddings in June, and depending on Shannon's pregnancy condition will determine the travel plans. Shannon and I started monitoring Mini's movements....kicking, punching, etc.

Week 32 News...

Well we had our first Lamaz Class on Saturday. It seemed like it took forever, only 2 hourws actually, but we have 3 classes left now. There are about 10 other couples in the room...and we are the first ones to have a baby, everyone else will be parents in july and later. We watched a slide show of what to do when you get to the hospital the day of the birth. Mini was kicking in the class, Shannon looked over to me and said he doesn't want to be here...because he's kicking...Funny. We did find out that there's is one last ultrasound that we get the day mini is born. The doctor's do this just to check on the position of the baby on the uterus.

Week 31 News...

60 Days and counting....Mini Muisus has been tossing and turning, driving Momma off the wall. Shannon's sleeping habits have changed dramatically. Mini has been keeping her up, making her uncomfortable to lay anywhere but on her side. Our dog Monte seems to know that something is going on.

Week 30.7

Nothing much has really changed this week at all. I finished a book my dad gave me called "Father To Son" and it basically fills you in on tips throughout life with your son. The very last page..the caption was "Let Him go" Those 3 words stared at me for awhile. I sure hope time doesn't fly that fast!

Mini Muisus has been kicking up a storm, and switching his positions inside Shannon. You can often make out how he's positioned in Shannon's belly. Right now he has 20/400 vision, which means that he can only see objects that are right in front of him.

The other day, when we bought the stroller and attachements, Shannon wanted to see how I looked pushing it. So there I was, looking like a goof ball walking around in circles in our driveway... Shannon was laughing.

Week 30.0 News...

T-minus 69 days... Saturday, April 19th 2008. We made yet another trip out to Motherhood... this particular trip was for the spring line of maternity clothes. You know it's a great trip to the Motherhood Store when Shannon wears the shirt she bought in the store out that same day... I remember doing the same with sneakers when I was little. Shannon's feeling fine. We bought the stroller and the extra base unit that was on the registry today... picked it up at Babies 'R' Us. Also, batteries for the crib mobile made the checkout item list a little bit smaller.

When we got back to the house I put one base in each of the vehicles, so next time I get to the St. Paul Blvd. Fire House, I'll have them officially installed.

Week 29.9 News...

Well, as of today it is 70 days until Mini arrives. Things seem to be moving quicker each week now. Our pregancy checklist is getting marked off... pediatrician, hospital, baby's room, yadda, yadda, yadda. Shannon's doing great, Mini is holding his own, and Shannon is holding her own. He's been moving alot, from side to side, up and down. The other night, Shannon took my hand and placed it on her belly....She had me actually feeling his little butt and it was pretty amazing! So awesome that you can actually make out his little body, and how he was positioned!

The OB/GYN appointments will now move to every 2 weeks.

I bought Shannon a dozen roses today representing 70 days to go, and because she's been a trooper since day #1. Everything is going wonderfully.

Week 29.5 News...

Other exciting news! Mini Muisus is going to have another Uncle-To-Be. My sister, Brittany, just got engaged. So we're all excited for her... and this could also mean another babysitting opportunity for us... Hahaha.

Today, April 15th, we had our second pediatrician interview. It went very well, and we're leaning towards this one. We liked everything they had to offer for Mini, Shannon, and I. So we're pretty sure of our choice.

Week 29 News

What has happened this week ... My brother turned 29 on our 29th week being pregnant. Mini Muisus has become quite the kicker ... indicating that soccer or swimming could just be his mojo. Shannon and I looked at a new vehicle for Shannon, and we found one that is reliable and safe for mini mui mui. "It will be easy to get him in and out of the vehicle." said Shannon.

Shannon's sleeping habits are getting difficult. Her heart burn seems to be showing up more frequently. More to come from mini mui mui.

Week 28.2 News

Shannon & I went to the Ob/Gyn again.... this was for the glucose testing and a regular checkup following that. The glucose testing involved a tiny coca cola bottle called "Glucola" which she had to drink 1 hour before the test. I guess the way the glucola works is that you have to drink it in the given time period to get an accurate reading.... hence 1 hour. Well the nurse on staff had a bit of an attitude, because she was only 2-3 minutes over one hour. It turns out that after checking with her primary doctor, a person actually has about a 10 to 20 minute buffer zone after that hour before it gives a false test result.

Something wonderful happened at the regular checkup. Right when Shannon laid down on observation bed, Mini muisus started kicking, kicking so much, that you could see Shannon's belly moving from side to side. The doc couldn't beleive how much he was kicking....it was the increase in sugar from the glucola that made him start kicking. We also heard his heart beat again... a beautiful sound....

Week 28 News

Well, A few things are new this week...Shannon and I bought a few outfits for mini muisus. We picked out his "home from the hospital" outfit. It's pretty cool...I was looking for an adult size for Shannon and I so we could all match leaving Rochester General. The other outfits we picked out are just cool. We got him a Jimmy Buffet concert outfit that he can wear...when we take him to see 'the king of Caribbean soul" ....maybe. I did some yard work today...my brother came over and we tore out a big pine tree bush on the front yard. This bush is a bee haven in the spring/summer, so we thought, tearing it out will increase curb appeal and at the same time, protect our Mini Muisus from getting stung. That's about it for Saturday....We are one day behind on an updated tummy picture from "yours truly" (Shannon) aka Momma-to-be, but we'll make it up tomorrow. Stay tuned......

Week 27.3 News

Last night I read 4 short story books to our son...including "Harold and The Purple Crayon." My parents chose that book because it was my favorites growing up. I read them directly to Shannon's tummy. I read them loud enough so our son could hear me. I think I read Shannon to sleep though.

Shannon and I went to visit my mom at Rochester General Hospital after work yesterday. She had some special surgery. Shannon and I will be in that same hospital in approx. 87 days; the Twig Birthing Center. My mom is recovering well...she's supposed to leave the hospital tomorrow or Thursday, but she's a strong woman, so I can see her doing cartwheels out the hospital doors when she gets discharged!

Today is April Fools Day, and I seem to remember an April Fool's joke that Shannon played on me last year . . . She has told me that she was pregnant and we weren't quite ready at that time to start our family. This year I guess it isn't a prank!
I feel so fortunate right now . . . I have a wonderful life with my wife!

Week 27.1 News

Well Week 27 has come and gone. Saturday, Shannon had her baby shower #1. We received some awesome things. I had the luxury of loading and unloading the truck with the gifts. Shannon had such a nice time and most guests were able to attend. Big thanks to everyone!
I read today that week 27, Mini Muisus weighs in at approx. 2 lbs. Interesting that when Shannon and I went grocery shopping, I picked up a chuck roast that weighed 2lbs. No, I'm not really comparing our baby to a chuck roast! I think Mini Muisus will be a little cuter though.

Sunday was the start of week 28, It also marks the start of the third trimester. . . Shannon and I have been keeping our eye out for a bigger house. Something a little more accommodating for a growing family. We really don’t know what we’re going to do yet... as far as a time frame goes. We would love to build, but right now we will adjust to our new baby and then see what happens!

Week 26.9 News

Well....Many new things happened in the past few days. On Wednesday, March 26th, we had our first interview with a Pediatrician for Mini Muisus. It was our first interview, so Shannon and I were not really prepared with all the right questions to ask...so the Pediatrician was very helpful. He suggested we "shop around" in the to make the right choice for mini muisus. We have another appointment with a different Pediatrician on April 14th.

Shannon and I have the dates for our birthing (Lamaze)classes. They are: May 3rd, May 10th, May 17th, May 24th, and May 31st. We've been hearing different things about the classes. Some say how boring the classes can be, others say it helps if the birth is natural. Shannon and I are going to take classes and hopefully get something out of them.

Tomorrow is the baby shower....It also represents 27 weeks into the pregnancy.....

Week 26.3 News

Our dinner last Sunday was a success. The food was delicious and we have enough leftovers to feed and army... well until I went downstairs at midnight to feast again. It seemed a bit easier on Shannon having dinner at our house. We also wanted to test our cooking abilties ... After Shannon's mom and sister left, my parents stopped by after returning from Boston. We fed them some of our leftovers. That night, Shannon and I had fun hanging up all of our new baby clothes; the closet looked like a tiny doll's wardrobe. Cute...

The next day..Monday... Mini Muisus kicked me in my ear...(I put my ear on Shannon's tummy, and sure enough, I felt a little poke.)

Week 26 News

This Sunday is Easter, and we're having Shannon's Mom and sister over for dinner. I get to prepare the string bean casserole. I've been craving them all week. Shannon is anxiously waiting for the baby shower(next weekend. I think she's getting a little anxious for the due date... weeks are going slow and steady. Mini Muisus'kicks are getting stronger...Shannon thinks he's doing the dolphin kick... just like his Dad! My family (Matt, Brianne, Mom & Dad) is in Boston where Brittany and her boyfriend Mike live. This is the first Easter where I wasn't with my family... More to come... eating a big meal today. Happy Easter From Mini Muisus.

Week 25 News

Another week has drifted by. This past weekend, we finished hanging the rest of the pictures in the baby's room. Shannon went to Lowe's to pick up the window shades, and I hung them up that same day. The shades are white, and lets a soft light come through. My mom came over and brought the material for the valences...they;ll look really sharp! I kept trying offer my help while my Mom and Shannon were hanging the pictures. I went out and specificall bought a laser level too! I guess we really didn't need it. Shannon has a pretty good eye for leveling! I'll take Shannon's eyes over a laser level anyday.....

So now I guess I'll return the laser level...

The baby has been kicking, as usual. Though it seems whenever I try to feel the kicking, it stops.....