Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Talking to Birds

Good morning. 11:46 a.m. may not exactly qualify as morning, but on my new nocturnal schedule, it feels like it. Early this morning (9-ish), I woke from a deep sleep to a knock at the door. "Come in," I called, trying to sound awake. The knocking got louder and quicker, so again I called "come in", only this time with more lung behind it. Not even a pause in the knocking which was now so loud and rhythmic I was wide awake, wondering why the person on the other side of the door wasn't responding. One more try from me: "COME IN," I nearly shouted, thinking if the person didn't hear that, at least my neighbors did. And that's when it finally occurred to me that the knocking wasn't coming from the door at all, but from the area near the window....where a woodpecker was relentlessly pecking at the side of the house. Talking to woodpeckers. Ahhh, the sleep deprived state of a new mom.

So if my blogging seems to be lacking, I thank you for understanding. In fact, I have been working on this post for several days now, but as it only happens in bits and pieces, the new baby could be potty trained before I finish. Let me rewind a little and tell things in order.



Here I am ready to pop already, still with several weeks to go. Cairo got accustomed to his belly "seat" and I carried him around on it like it was his throne. Seems with a fourth pregnancy, the sky is the limit with belly expansion.


This is a surprised face at my surprise baby shower. I wish I had the footage from when I first walked in the door as I'm sure my mouth was opened even wider. I resisted having a shower for this baby, due to the fact that my friends have already done way beyond their share in helping this baby get here. The last thing I thought they should do after all the meals and childcare, etc. was shower me with gifts. But I am surrounded by friends who don't take no for an answer. So they went ahead and planned a shower, and threw it anyway. With the help of my husband and mother-in-law as accomplices, they lured me out of my house and into a celebration that confirmed once again the amazing nature of my friends.


Here we are on the way to the hospital. I went into labor at 4 am on April 23rd--three days before my scheduled c-section. The same thing had happened with Cairo, so it wasn't terribly surprising. It was tricky timing, though, since Brian was dressed and headed out the door at 5am that morning on his way out of town for job related meetings. He had simply come upstairs to say goodbye and was very surprised to find me awake and out of bed, sitting uncomfortably in a chair. I hesitated even telling him about the labor pains because I had experienced an entire night of false labor only a few days prior which amounted to nothing. I didn't want him to miss his meetings if this wasn't going to be the real thing. We spent an hour trying to decide if it was legit, but the deal was sealed with my water breaking at 6am. Yes, the baby would be coming that day, and Brian's trip had been intercepted in a big way. Within hours we were at the hospital, prepped and ready for surgery.


And since the best laid plans tend to fail, the doctor we had so carefully chosen to perform this fourth C-section was not available for our delivery . So the on call doctor, who we had never even met, delivered our baby. It was kind of cool that she was a woman, as was my anesthesiologist. I liked being surrounded by a team of women, with only one male assisting in the operating room. Oh yes, and my handsome Elvis. (See below.)


Elvis is in the building.


First look at the little man. Of course he didn't have a name at this point...but four days later he was Cayman Nilsson Maughan. He was born at 11:50 am, weighing in at 8lbs, 11oz (not as big as we expected, but pretty sizeable considering he was born nine days before his due date.) He was 20 inches and came out with the hiccups.


Staten with his new brother.


Windsyr with her new baby...I mean brother. She might as well be the mommy for how much she loves to hold and care for him.



Cairo--no longer the baby of the family. We thought he would be traumatized and feel dethroned, but really he is quite enjoying big brother status.



Cayman coming home from the hospital--first picture as a family of SIX.



The famous Natalie and Nori sign.



The kids worked hard to make sure Cayman was welcomed home in style.



Proud grandparents!


And here is a picture of Cayman with Jake. Jake who was Alice until Windsyr decided we should raise boys together. A simple outfit change and wah-lah. Jake. Anyway, we took this picture so that months from now (even just weeks) we can look back and remember that yes, our baby really did start out small. It won't last long, but those first precious weeks are so tiny, new and miraculous that I always want to remember them.

Cayman is now almost three weeks old. And because it has taken me a whole week to finish this post, I'm happy to report he is awake a lot more during the day now, and not nearly so nocturnal as when I started the post. Ironically, the woodpecker came pecking again this morning, but I am proud to report I never once said: "Come in," which I take as a good sign of progress.

17 comments:

Clayton & Company said...

Finally! I've been checking your blog daily to catch a glimpse of your new little man. I think it is justice that Brian had to cancel his trip. I was going to tell you that Cairo looks so big next to Cayman....but who am I kidding? Cairo is a big kid. I think he will tower over Ruby when we get back. Anyway, congrats from all of us over the ocean.

merideth said...

first off your kids are so beautiful....and congrats on baby #4. he is such a cutie too. wow four kids looks like a lot, which is what i am about to get myself into pretty soon...eeek!
well good luck with the sleep thing and the woodpecker thing and the four kids thing.

Natalie said...

Congratulations on your newest addition! He is darling. I've been meaning to call, but afraid I'd wake you if you were taking a nap. I'll talk to you soon.

Audra Bollard said...

Glad to see Cayman got his first official blog post, complete with the addition of a woodpecker (that was hilrious!). He is just as beautiful as the others, congrats! And you look very beautiful too--much better than my coming home from the hospital pic's. I'll be by with Gilmore #7 soon, since I'm sure you have absolutely nothing to do now that you have four kids and all :)

LollyGirl said...

yeah for baby Cayman pictures! I've been checking for updates of our new little baby!! It will be SO interesting to see what a 3rd maughan boy will look like! yes, you and your little family are as beautiful as ever. you have been in my thoughts so much and I'm hoping things are going well--we get lots of good reports! we miss you guys and look forward to seeing all of you and especially that new buddy.

do you know we're coming for a visit the week of june 2. do you have vacancy or are you booked?

con mucho amor!!

Tami said...

A blog post well worth the wait. I think you're amazing doing anything beyond the absolute bare necessities with Cayman not even 3 weeks old yet! I love the pictures, but you look way too good before, during, and after your hospital stay! Beautiful family.

Amy said...

I ditto everything Tami just said... Great post and such a perfect little baby. I'm willing to babysit any time you need a nap.

Mike and Shelby said...

Congrats! Welcome Cayman! A beautiful baby! I love that Baby Alice has become Baby Jake. That is cute.

Your "on call" doctor was MY doctor all through Brooke's pregnancy and did Brooke's c-section. Let me assure you, although after the fact, you WERE in good hands!

May you enjoy every moment. Woodpecker wake-ups and all!

byers babes said...

Amy - I love this post. I've been peeking at your blog for some time and I am so happy to see that your baby came! What a beautiful family you have. Love the woodpecker experience. Congrats!

Amy Coontz said...

Congratulations!!!! He is so beautiful!! Enjoy every minute!
Amy

Anonymous said...

So fun! Isn't it great to watch the older kids just hit it off so well with the new addition! As always - you look AMAZING!

Hey - what did Jennifer have - send me her home # and e-mail if you get a chance. I only have her work contact. Thanks - Stephanie

Robin said...

Amy, your little one is so beautiful. And for a second there I thought you put in pictures of Staten where Cairo is. I HATE not living there anymore!!! I am so happy he is here and you are on the mend!

Congrats! Thank heavens for nature's miracle--meaning the woodpecker.

Emily said...

Congratulations! Cayman is a little cutie! Amber fills me in on the happenings in the Maughan Home and I think it's about time for us to make a visit! Although you still haven't made it down to our neck of the woods. Avery would love to see Staten and Windsyr again! I'll call you.

The Titmi said...

A week really? Cuz for as much as you were running around like your baby was months old I wouldn't have thought it would take that long especially after you left a comment on someone elses blog like the next day. Slow down Lady!!
I love holding him! I hope Brian heals quick!

heymaughan said...

Yeah Kelly, unfortunately that whole slow down thing is not going to work so well with Brian's injury! And as for the blog taking a week...it may have taken that long with or without a newborn since I'm a very unpredictable blogger (feast or famine) but I need to blame it on a newborn while I have a newborn, right? That excuse isn't valid for much longer. :)

sandeebeaches said...

I can't wait to meet baby Cayman. We talk about you guys often and should plan a visit soon. Tell Brian we are thinking about him also. Give that baby smooches from his Auntie Sandee

Steve and Yara said...

Hola! Hermanita

Felicidades para todos. Me encata poder ver fotos de tu familia. Cayman is a cutie! He takes after mom and dad, beautiful family!
How are you doing?

take care,
Yara