6 days old...

I can't believe that Evan is almost a week old! We went to the doctor today and Evan is doing fantastic. His jaundice levels were super low, so no need to worry about that. He is a little chunker and already back to his birth weight. *Yah Evan* We go back in two weeks for a checkup.

Yesterday, Evan lifted his head up. It was really exciting! He has also been really alert and checking everything out around him. He does have a dimple on each side, but we have yet to catch them on the camera.

We have now had two nights where he has slept for four hours. We are actually getting some sleep and it is really nice.

Mark went back to work today. Sad to say goodbye to him in the morning, but we knew this day would come. Thankfully, my mom is here to help me around the house and get used to doing this on my own for a while.

For those of you wondering, cloth diapers are going fantastic. We have had a few accidents here and there, but we just have to learn what works. Poor Mark got a foot full of poo the other day. He survived and lesson learned....haha!

Our little red raider! (3 days old!)

Lovin' my little man!

Chillin' at home (6 days old!)

At the doctor (6 days old!)

Introducing Evan James Hopper!!

On Monday, Mark and I went to my normal weekly check up at 3:45. We weren't really thinking much about the appointment, but knew that we would be scheduling our induction sometime later that week or early the next. We went in and did the normal blood pressure and weight check. The nurse said my blood pressure was a little high, but did not seem concerned. The doctor came in a checked me. I was 3cm and still 80% effaced. She stripped my membranes again and told me that the office would be calling me to set up my induction for later that week. Overall, Mark and I thought the appointment went well.


As we were walking out of the exam room, the nurse and doctor stopped us because she wanted to check my blood pressure again. The nurse checked it twice. Still high. The doctor decided that I needed to be induced tonight or tomorrow. WHAT?! We waited for a few minutes while the nurse called L&D to set up the induction. Mark and I were just staring at eachother. This was not how we expected our day to end. While we were waiting, I went to use the restroom. I come out and the nurse and Mark are just standing there looking at me. Mark says, "I hope you are ready! Unfortunately, they were full on Tuesday, so they are going to start the induction tonight!"


I was in shock to say the least. I had left the house that morning for work and had all intention to go back home. It was a surreal feeling knowing that the next time I went home, I would have little Evan with me.



Mark and I went out to the car to grab my hospital bag out (now I am glad I have had that thing in my car since 36 weeks!) and then went and checked in to L&D. I was in the room and hooked up to my pitocin by 6pm. Sadly, I had not eaten since lunch. I was so hungry and all I could have was ice chips and Popsicles.


At about 6:30pm the doctor came in to check on me. Everything looked good. I was 4cm, so she decided to go ahead and break my water. That was interesting feeling! By 8pm, the contractions were getting to be unbearable. Let me just say, I do not like contractions. All those women that go natural, YOU ARE AMAZING! At 9pm, I finally had my epidural and I was feeling great. That is some wonderful medicine. I took a nice little nap and the next time I was checked I was fully dilated. The only problem was Evan was face up, so I was put in some crazy position to try and have him rotate. Low and behold, it actually worked. I starting pushing right about midnight and then at 1:26, Evan greeted the world. We tried really hard to get him out at 1:25, but I guess that was just to early for him. I feel like I had a wonderful labor (as far as labor goes) and I am so thankful Evan and I are healthy and doing well!!


Evan weighed 7lbs and 11oz. He was 19 inches long. He is such a joy to have around and has been such a wonderful baby. We love him!!

38 weeks!

Well, here we are at 38 weeks and 6 days! Tomorrow I will be 39 weeks! Finally, in the home stretch! I went to the doctor today. Boy, it is so much better going in the morning. Usually I wait over an hour! This time Mark and I were in and out! So nice!

I am 2-3 cm dilated (see said about 2 1/2) and almost fully thinned out (so I am getting close to 100% effaced)! All pretty good news. She also decided to strip my membranes, which is suppose to help encourage labor, but doesn't in all women. She is hoping I don't make it to my next appointment (that would be next Monday), but we can never know. Mark and I are hoping it will be this week, but only time will tell!!

Meanwhile, being in the home stretch we made a few last minute baby purchases and put together all of Evan's goodies for the shower. I had to show off Mark's hard work!!

Pack n' play! Thanks grandmommy!

The bassinet! Thanks Sally and Bettye!

We got this swing for $26 dollars thanks to gift cards and coupons!!

It is a bunny! SO cute!!

Here is a close up! What a sweet little bunny!

Bouncer! Hoping Evan loves this! Thanks Nat and Michelle!

The mobile finally up in Evan's room! Elephants of course!
What a cute elephant!

We finally put up his name! Mark was great about getting it straight!

Not the easiest thing to do!

Anyone remember these? Yep, the lanterns from our wedding!

It is a nice touch to Evan's room!

Here is my best shot trying to get all the new stuff in!

Mark worked VERY hard!!
Of course, here is me at 38 weeks!

He is really growing in there!

Hopefully more news for you soon! Otherwise, look for another Monday post!

Have a great week!!

Wanna guess Evan's birth stats??

Click the banner below to guess Evan's birth information!



Have fun!!

37 weeks!

Well, I went to the doctor today and after an hour and a half wait I got good news. Evan's heartbeat is 145 bpm. He is roughly 5 1/2 pounds. His head is down. I am 1-2 centimeters dilated and 75% effaced. For those of you that are not used to the medical lingo, that means that Evan is getting ready, but not coming just yet. When? Your guess is as good as mine. We have our hospital bag packed just in case. The good news is that Evan is considered full term at 37 weeks!

Had an amazing baby shower! I couldn't have asked for a better time. Special thanks to the hostess': Marilyn, Bettye, Pat, and Valerie. We had a great time and got some wonderful things for Evan. I think we can officially say we are ready for this little guy to arrive!! Here are some pictures of the beautiful day!!

The yummy food!

Evan's cute cake. It was delicious, too!!

The Longview Ladies!

Some of the Hoppers!!

Jen, Me, and Valerie!

Ann, Me, and Mom!

My ever growing belly almost 38 weeks!! :)

**Thanks again for all those that have been so generous to Evan! We really appreciate all the nice things we have to help us get ready for his arrival!!