Auntie Mel and Grammy & Papa Moeller Visit

We were fortunate enough to have our parents near and dear when Kaison was born.  They were extremely supportive and helpful during the first few weeks.  Grammy & Papa Moeller made a special 2 week visit from Iowa just to be here for the birth of their first grandchild!  Kaison was even lucky enough to have Auntie Mel visit from Iowa.  Uncle Andy was saving his vacation for their Christmas visit.

First Visitors at Home

Here are a couple pictures from the first few days at home......

Delivery Day ( D~DAY )

Since I was almost 2 weeks past my due date, the doctor thought it would be best (for me and the baby) to induce labor.  On Wednesday September 5, I woke up with contractions.  Kirk and I had a great day and even took a walk on the beach with Lilly.  By the time we checked in at the hospital for our scheduled induction, my contractions were 5 minutes apart.  It was perfect timing!  Kirk kept a journal at the hospital, so here is a timeline of events that took place.
5:00 pm- Checked into Palomar Hospital (dialated 2 cm)
7:00 pm- Pitocin administered
9:00 pm- Epidural administered (dialated 7cm)
11:30 pm- Dialated 10 cm
Thursday September 6
12:00 am- Doctor broke water
12:30 am- Start pushing
2:21 am- "Kaison enters the world healthy and perfect.  He is handed to mom."
2:23 am- Dad cuts the umbilical cord.  Kaison is bathed.  Grandparents are informed of the happy news!
4:30 am- Leave delivery room and taken to the recovery room.
5:00 am- Mom, Dad, and Kaison fall asleep
8:00 am- Kaison is eating and has a good latch.
12:30 pm- Grammy & Papa Moeller visit
2:30 pm- Grammy & Papa Cady and Uncle Mike visit
~Kirk logged 6 poops, 1 pee and 7 feedings throughout the day!! (For the baby!!! Not him!!!)
~We are released from hospital and happily head home at noon on Friday September 7th!!

Master's Degree GRADUATION

 On August 26th Kirk and I headed to the Old Spaghetti Factory to meet our parents for lunch.  Little did I know they had a surprise graduation lunch planned for me!  It was great being surrounded by all the people I love; my parents, my in-laws, my brother, Grandma, Aunt Michelle, and my cousin Jaclyn.  I also happened to be 40 weeks pregnant!  My goal was to complete this before the baby comes and I am so relieved to have done it!  I now have my Master's Degree in Education concentrating on Curriculum and Instruction.  I'd like to share the special card my parents wrote me:

Dear Melissa,
    We didn't want your Master's completion to get overlooked in the excitement of the baby's arrival.  Just want you to know how proud of you we are.  We know you worked hard and congrats on a job well done!  
   We love you,
    Mom & Dad