Jack is 1 month old!

Wow! I can't believe that Jack is one month old today! It seems like just yesterday that we were in the hospital having him! The past 4 weeks have definitely been filled with ups and downs and have included a very steep learning curve. But looking back, I wouldn't change a thing!

Like everyone warned us, the first two weeks were very rough. It is such a huge change and having a baby around definitely took a little getting used to. On top of that, I was having trouble breast feeding and so we had to supplement feed using a syringe and tubing, so that added to our stress. Thank god my mom was here for those first 2 weeks! I don't know how we would have gotten through without her!

Once my mom left and Shawn went back to work, we settled nicely into a routine. I started venturing out more on my own during the day, and still try to get out at least once a day to save my sanity. I have also started back at the gym and that is wonderful! Not only do I feel better, but I also have some time to myself and get to shower without worrying that he is crying!

Jack really is a very content baby. He very rarely cries, and it's usually only when he is hungry and wants his food NOW! He is up from about 5 pm to 9 pm everyday and is very alert. This is usually when he cluster feeds, as well, eating every hour or so. We have no idea where he puts all this food, but he is definitely growing! He is almost 9 lbs! He loves his change table and looking around outside.

It is so exciting getting to know him and we grow more attached and in love everyday. We can't wait for the day that he smiles! We'll keep you posted!


Our first trip to a restaurant - Grainfelds for brunch


Looking so big in his car seat!


Having a little nap with mom


One of my favorites!

The arrival of Jack Christian Dukart

Leaving for the hospital


Waiting in labour assessment


Minutes after Jack was born


The new family


Big eyes!

Well, Tuesday, March 30 started off with a visit to my doctor to see if I had made any progress since my last check up. At this point, I was 6 days over due and very ready to be done. To my dismay, she informed me that nothing had changed and said that if nothing happened by Thursday, I would be induced. What a relief! At least there was some light at the end of the tunnel. I was so ready to meet our little one!

After leaving the doctor's office, I started feeling cramps and stronger Braxton-Hicks contractions. I didn't want to get my hopes up, so I just went about my day. At about 2:00 pm, I went for a walk, hoping to maybe speed things up a bit. That seemed to do the trick because when I got home, the contractions were coming about 7-8 minutes apart. I phoned Shawn and let him know this might be it and to get things organized at work in case he wasn't in the next day.

By 10:00 pm, the contractions were 5 minutes apart and were lasting about 1 minute each. Those were the magic numbers they had told us, she we got our things together and left for the hospital at around 11:00 pm. The contractions were definitely getting more intense and I knew this was it for sure!

Once we got checked into the hospital, they checked me again and said I was only 2 cm dialated. I couldn't believe it! They suggested a bath and to walk around to help get things moving. Well, an hour and a half later, I was almost 8 cm!!! The contractions were coming almost one on top of the other and I gladly accepted an offer of an epidural, which came at about 3:30 am. After that, I was able to rest and just wait for things to progress.

At about 8:00 am, I started feeling the contractions again and the nurses told me that soon it would be time to push. I couldn't believe we would meet our little one soon! At about 8:45 am, I started to push and only 45 minutes later, at 9:34 am, our little Jack was born! Both Shawn and I started crying immediately. Shawn was so stunned, that he forgot to do his one job, which was to announce the sex of the baby, so I had to check for myself! A beautiful baby boy!

Both the grandparents were on hand and came in to meet Jack about 30 minutes later. I don't think he could have asked for more proud or doting grandparents!

After 41 weeks of waiting and wondering, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect or handsome little man. We can't wait to see what this new adventure will bring!