Julian meets uncle Matt

My brother Matt flew in from NYC to meet his new nephew this weekend.  He was a natural with the baby, as you can see from these photos.

Saved by the Moby Wrap!

Yes ladies and gentlemen it is indeed Baby Mama herself posting for the first time. My hands have been FREED finally thanks to the bizarre but wonderful Moby Wrap. The news: Julian has passed his birthweight (as of Tuesday, 6 days old, he was 7 lbs 15 oz) and acquired a bellybutton. Meanwhile, we parents have graduated to a night routine involving a very early bedtime, adequate snacks next to the nursing rocking chair, and our handy log for recording nursing times (and which side I finished with last) and my sleep-hours. 

The birth: the quick version is that we went in for our 41-week induction ready to do an unmedicated vaginal birth. Morgan and I had trained and practiced and were ready to go. 4 hours got me from 1 to 4 cm and I was very energized and not hurting too badly. But then we slogged through 8 hours locked at 4 cm-- the last 3 or so of which were so hard that I needed the narcotic to help me. We were a great team throughout. At that point our amazing doc said: OK, we may be heading for c-section here, so why not try the epidural because in some cases it can help women dilate, and worst things worst you can keep the epidural for your c-section. I said OK!! It sounded great at that point. The epidural gave me an amazingly wonderful break, and in 2 hours it allowed me to reach 7 cm! Then 2 more hours to 10 cm!! And then it was time to push-- and in 15 minutes little Julian made his entry into the world.

We love him so, so much.

like mother like son

Getting into the groove at home

Here are a few more pics of Julian getting the rest he needs.  As for his parents?  That is another story.

Happily at home

We came home from the hospital on Friday, and have taken the last few days to settle in.  Mother and baby are doing great, though everything they tell you about being up all night is totally true.  Here are a few early photos of the little guy, with more to come.

Introducing Julian Albert Luker

Our son Julian Albert Luker was
born this morning at 1.13 am at Meriter hospital in Madison, WI.  He weighed in at 7 lbs 13
oz and 20 inches in length.  Ruth had a hard delivery, but made it through
it all with an incredible depth of courage, and both baby and mother are now
resting comfortably.  The extent of our joy is inexpressible; it is amazing to finally get to meet the little guy.

More updates soon

We are going in

More updates to come...