How Timothy Got Here

Several have asked about Timothy's arrival, so here's the scoop. I'm not offended at all if others of you skip this section. I have naturally sanitized it as much as possible.

I went in for my 40 week (full term) check-up. There were no signs of contractions, and I felt as I did with Jacob at that time, i.e. like we still had a ways to go ahead of us. The doctor did and exam and informed me that I should head straight to the hospital. Although there were no contractions, he said the labor was progressing and he needed to give me a small dose of medicine to help induce the labor. He said the whole process could take 2-3 days.

In shock, I called Santiago who came immediately to the hospital. (I had a full week of errands and meetings planned!) Jointly in shock, we had lunch to postpone going to the hospital, to give me "one last meal", and to take in the fact that we were expanding the franchise soon.

I was admitted to the hospital around 2pm and given a very small dose of induction medicine. At my 4pm check-up, not much had changed. By 5pm I was having noticable contractions, and they took me to the delivery room. Everything progressed very rapidly, and the epidural was given quite late in the process. (Read: PAIN.)

The labor and delivery room was quite a sight to see, as much as I remember. There were at least 4 doctors and 5 nurses buzzing around at any given time. I speak German with my doctor, so he was coaching me through in German. I was translating for Santiago as needed. Other doctors and nurses were providing guidance in Spanish, and Santiago was helping me with those things I didn't understand. There was some other doctor who was adding commentary in English. Santiago and I were speaking in English, and I hope no one was translating some of the things I was saying. All in all, everyone understood their role, since it's basically the same regardless of whether everyone was conjugating their verbs correctly. Around 720pm I began pushing, and by 740pm our little boy was born.

Everyone was amazed at our "grandote" (enormous) baby who was very average by American standards. (This is unfortunately usually followed by "Of course, look at the mother." When you're pregnant, you just don't want to be called grandote. Trust me.) Santiago remarked at how much hair he had at birth, which was quickly dismissed by a nurse who said it wasn't much. Santiago glanced around and noted that all of the Ecuadorian babies had full heads of hair, so Timothy's peach fuzz wasn't impressing anyone.

After an hour in the recovery room and Timothy's first check-up, we were all reunited in our hospital room a few hours later. The room had a gorgeous view of Quito and snow-capped Cotopaxi mountain, so was a relaxing place to recover and start life as a family of 4.

Fun with Four

Thanks to Tia Lynne, our boys are well outfitted at bathtime. Timothy found this exercise a bit less amusing than Jacob. Maybe he wanted the duck towel. Timothy spends most of his life (of 8 days) napping, and Jacob spends his in constant motion, particularly with Papa.

Our Quiteno Pequeno

As many of you have heard, our beautiful little son, Timothy Luke, was born Monday August 13th at 740pm. He weighed 7 lbs 9 ozs, and was 20 inches long. He is very healthy, and all 4 of us are loving getting to know our newest family member.

Thank you for all of the warm wishes, support, and advice.

Jacob has done surprisingly well with his new brother, who he loves to "pat" on his head. He is very interested in this squirmy, squeeky little bundle that is in his house.

Here are some photos of Timothy and the family. Enjoy! (We just got home so more details and info once we are settled. Sorry, Alisa!)
Timothy Luke Sedaca
Family of Four!
Baby and Mom just after birth
Two sons!
Jacob admiring his new little brother

40 weeks, Still Waiting

Tomorrow marks el bebe's full term. The doctor will be checking every couple days to see if he is ready to make his grand entrance into the world. As of right now, it seems like he is happy as a clam right where he is. More news as it develops.

Jacob - 15 months going on 12 years!

Shower, 39 weeks, and Papallacta

Santiago and Jacob in Papallacta

Nicole and the boys

Well ... we're at week 39 of this pregnancy. No sign that our next little one is ready to arrive. Like his brother, he seems pretty content where he is. That said, all is well, and he and I are healthy. If he doesn't arrive by the 13th, I will be induced shortly thereafter, as doctors do not recommend waiting more than a week after the due date, given the high altitude.

Santiago's coworkers threw us and el bebe a wonderful shower. They have been a tremendously gracious and welcoming group of folks, and we are blessed to have them as our team/family here. Little did I know that shower party games are not solely a US-American tradition. So, alas, I enjoyed having people guess how many squares of toilet paper it would take to wrap my orb of a belly. (I now like the people who guessed fewer more than those that guessed more!)

We spent the weekend in Papallacta, a town about 90 minutes away. It is the home of many nice hiking trails and several thermal springs. So after a chilly but beautiful hike along the river, which was a sheer delight to Jacob who laughed or "ooh-ed" the entire way, we soaked our bones in outdoor springs. How invigorating to see the clouds hanging on the lush green mountains, feeling the freezing air, and being toasty warm in the pool. (OK - I'll admit: Getting out of the pools in the freezing air.... not so nice.)

All is well. No more than 15 days until we have news about our newest family member!!