We wish you a merry christmas

Merry Christmas from Baby Jude & the Whole Family

*(Being snowed in has made us extremely creative... poor Jude)*

4 Weeks Old

Jude is officially 4 weeks old today. He's getting bigger every day. I can't believe it's been a month since he's joined our family. He fits right in and I don't know what we'd do without him. Here are a few pictures from my cell phone, they're not the best quality but they're cute:

Asleep in his carseat .. so cute.

Snuggled up with Mom.

"No, nose goes." He fell asleep with his finger on his nose. This is a joke in our house because the last one with their finger on their nose has to change his diaper.

All dressed up in his overalls and jacket.

Jude's new "little man" shoes... He kind of looks like Peewee Herman but they're pretty fun.

Jude's "Nana" Sassy Roo all dressed up for Christmas... had to share this one too!

12 days old... Jude's new best friend

Its hard to believe Jude will be 2 weeks old this Saturday. He's becoming very alert, opening his eyes, raising his head, and making lots of little noises. Sassy has taken quite a liking to Jude and is very protective of him. Every time he cries Sassy goes to get mom and then waits by Jude until he is taken care of. No word yet on whether or not Toto really cares.

Sassy Roo makes a great snuggle spot...

Hanging out with the Best dog ever...

"New baby... what new baby?... I am the baby..."

Welcome to the World Jude Michael Strong

On Friday at 6:30 am I went in for my induction. At 7 am they started me on an IV of pitocin and contractions slowly started to build. At 8:30 my doctor came in and broke my water. The contractions still weren't bad and I even walked around a little. At around 12pm contractions began to get painful so the nurse recommended getting in the tub. While in the tub Jude came off the heart monitor and my contractions became the most intense pain I've ever experienced in my life. I was given some pain medication via IV but it didn't help at all. After crying my way through the pain the nurse informed me that Jude was turned so that his back was pushing up against my pelvis... which was causing all the pain. At this point I was hurting so bad I sent for the anesthesiologist. At 2pm I signed the papers and everyone but Chris left the room so the doctor could run my epidural. I was going through so much pain but Chris just held me tight and talked me through everything. Once the medicine started i felt so much better and could finally get some sleep. I could've kissed the anesthesiologist.

After my nap my doctor came in and checked me. I was only dilated to 5cm .. so I still had a ways to go. I fell asleep again and the rest of the time kind of passed in a fog. The nurses changed shifts and my new nurse a former midwife decided to try a few tricks to get Jude out. The nurse checked me at 8pm and I was dilated to 7cm. At this point we were pretty sure it would be close to midnight before he got here. At 10 they checked me again and I was finally at 9cm. Then at midnight I was at 10cm... it was time to start pushing. They called the doctor and things started moving pretty fast.

After 9 long months, 19 hours of labor, and 1 hour of pushing; Jude Michael Strong officially entered the world at 1:22 am on November 22nd, 2008. He was 8lbs 8oz and 21 inches long. He is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. I am so grateful for the people that were there with me at the hospital. My mom, dad, Chris' mom, Jason, Mike, and especially Chris. I feel so blessed to have these people in my life. They took such good care of me while I was in pain and they kept me motivated right through the very end.

Chris is doing amazing as a dad and we are both adjusting well to being our only little family. Jude is doing great and he's very healthy and happy.

Welcome to the World
Jude & Mommy Snuggling Together

Gorgeous Eyes

Totally at Peace