On Broadway...

Hello Everyone! 

Rox, Noah, and I went to New York City this last week. It was AWESOME! Here's a recap of how it went: 

It took us about 8 hours to drive from Montreal to NYC. (That included fueling up and feeding Noah)

When we did arrive we went to see the Temple in Manhattan. 

Let me stop here and say that I was SO SO nervous to drive in NYC. I was dreading it from the moment I booked our hotel. I did all I could to prepare myself: I practiced defensive/aggressive driving techniques in Montreal, read tips online about driving there, prayed - But I was still anticipating it with horror! (Reading tips made it worse - Most of the information I found online compared driving in NYC like taking The Ring through Mordor. They suggested that I don't even try, and just use public transport; which is fine and all, but with a small infant, hotel far away, and sights to see, we didn't want to carry around a car seat and pay for taxi's) So there I was, driving in what Forbes.com refers to as The Worst City for Traffic in US;  and you know what? It wasn't all that bad. I can't say I enjoyed driving there, but I survived. 

There were a TON of people everywhere - which was surprisingly helpful; the cars moved slowly, so I was able to take my time getting around. The honking was Ridiculous! I will admit, I do not like to honk, and I in turn do not like it when people honk at me. I find it vulgar and rude. Only in times of great importance do I lightly tap my horn, and even then I feel bad doing it. This is not the case for NewYorkCity. There was almost a constant ring of horns being honked. Magical.

We bought a bus tour which took us around town. Way better than driving!

Here's some more pictures!

We took a ferry out to see the Statue of Liberty. It was very windy and cold. Rox thought she'd be bigger. To me she was the size I had imagined, but with a little more junk in the trunk.

We ate lunch in Central Park. 

Brooklyn Bridge.

Empire State Building!

It was an amazing vacation and we had a wonderful time! 

New Adventure

Yes, it's been a while since we've posted something. I guess there's no excuses. But I still think that our life is pretty busy even if we are both at home, not working. I suppose that's one of the convenient of having a baby: We always have something to do! But lets face it: We also want some free time to relax and sleep.

I'll have to find some extra time to exercise a little more with our new Wii fit plus (I am really excited about it). And yes, I will do all my best to be better than John...I don't like to be always the second. He's just a natural, and I'm a learner! It's one of those games that I don't mind playing with him because I have more chances to win. (Xbox games are so not for me, sorry John) Let's not forget about Raving Rabbids! But those rabbits are so annoying!!

I really need to say how much I love being a mom. It's the most amazing job in the entire World. Noah is just so adorable and lovable. Having a wonderful husband does help a whole lot. We are a happy family. We do spend some good time together. I thank God everyday for them. I love them so much!

Look what we made!

(Welcome home Noah!)

Labor & Delivery

At Seven Nineteen on the First of August Two Thousand Ten Noah John Roberts was born. 

Here are some stats:

Complete Labor: 9 hours

Pushing Time: 1.5 hours

Weight: 9.9lbs

Length: 21.25"

Apgar Score: 9/9/9

Hair color: Brown (for now)

This is how it all went down

At 4:30am August 1st, Roxanne started having contractions. We played Yahtzee quite a few times while we waited for the contractions to be more consistent. Between 10:30 and 11:30 the labor contractions were regular (4-5min apart). So, we decided it was time to go to the hospital.

Johns thoughts: I was excited that it was finally happening! I had decided months ago what I would wear for this special day. I had kept the clothes in the car in case I was at work and needed to go. Finally I got to put on my blue shirt. 

Roxs thoughts: My contractions were not regular in the beginning, every 8-10min apart. They hurt, and I was excited for when they would be every 5min. It felt really long waiting. I was doing really bad at Yahtzee. 

At 11:30am Rox was dilated at 6cm, and we were taken into the delivery room. The doctor came in and "Broke the waters,"  and then we waited... and waited... and waited. 

Johns thoughts: I'm going to be a daddy!

Roxs thoughts: PAIN. It seems so long when you  have contractions every 3-4min and they were getting more and more painful. 

At 2:30pm The anesthesiologist arrived and drugged Rox.  (dilated at 7+) Rox was not allowed to move while she was getting the epidural shots, which took about 10min. 

Johns thoughts: Hurray Epidural! Come on Rox, hang in there! I wonder if I can get an epidural as well. We said a few prayers together and I never left her side.  

Roxs thoughts: Stay focussed! Breath slowly. Everything will be OK. Pain now, but relief soon. I love John. I love Noah.

After the epidural, Rox was not allowed to get up from the bed, but the pain was less. According to her the pain factor went from a 10 to 5. The epidural made Rox shake a bit and gave her the chills. They advised us that Noah was head down, but was face up. So Rox had to lay on her side to try and get Noah to turn over.  

Johns thoughts: What can I do to help?! Massages. Rub shaking limbs. Sing songs. Talk to Noah. Ice chips - I can get ice chips!

Rox's thoughts: I am hungry! I am cold. Its long... I'm really hungry. It was annoying having everyone place their fingers in me! The contraction pain of the abdomen stopped was less, but the pain in my bum was becoming more and more!

At 5:45pm the nurse came in, and after checking to see the position and dilation of Rox, prepared the bed and told Rox it was time to start pushing. The nurse was optimistic and said that it would not be long because Noah was low and ready to come. She told Rox to push as if she were going to poop.

Johns thoughts and words of encouragement: WOO! Its happing now. Come on Rox, PUSH. PUSH. Give it all you got! HARDER. Shoot her... shooooot her. Lache pas la patate!  We'll go to CHILI's after this. Dont give up. This is It Rox! I love you so much! Keep going. 1, 2, 3 PUSH. GO GO GO GO. You got this. YES WE CAN. Do it for Noah. WAAALLTTT!  Left Side-Strong Side. Just a little longer. You're doing great! JUMANJI! Thirsty? Grab my hand, other hand, my other hand. Look at me, I'm here with you. I'm so proud of you. I can see his head Rox, I can see his head. You All Everybody. Checkmate. Be brave, be strong. Breath. Breath! 5, 5dollar, 5 dollar foot long. Brown hair! Visualize it, visualize Noah coming. Send it to the universe! Bite the pillow. Accio Noah! Not much longer now. He's coming Rox. Yes. Yes. Yes. Cast it into the flames! Drink some water. Bring the rain. You're so beautiful. Great Scott! I love you. I love you. I love you. 
Roxs thoughts: So happy its Almost over!  How the FREAK am I supposed to push?! I AM PUSHING!! FYI, Its totally not like pushing to go poop. 


At 6:55pm Noah's was crowning and the doctor was called in for the delivery. He arrived 15 min later, during this time Rox was told to NOT to push because they needed to wait for the doctor to deliver. When the doctor finally arrived, he gave the go-ahead for the final push. He also performed an Episiotomy. We are at the final minutes.
Johns thoughts: Almost here for real! I could see Noahs hair! But most of the time my direction was towards Rox. She was in pain. She was exhausted, hungry, and sweaty... but she was beautiful! 
Roxs thoughts: Where is the Freaking Doctor?! I finally figured out how to push, and how I have to wait for the doctor?! How the  FREAK am I supposed to NOT PUSH?! I cant hold it in any longer!!! He's coming!!! AWWAWWWWWHHHHHHHH!

At 7:19 Noah was born. I, John, cut the umbilical cord and then Noah was placed skin to skin with Rox. Beautiful. The doctor finished up with Rox and Noahs weight was taken. 9lbs 9oz.  Length taken: 21.25". Awesomeness taken: Pretty Freakin Awesome.
Johns thoughts: When he first cried it was like hearing your favorite song, He is here. He is so big. I fell in love with him instantly. Rox did such a good job. I am so proud of her. I'm a father. I'm Noah's father. 
Rox's thoughts: After all the effort, all the pain, all the pushing and forcing and everything: He is here. He was worth it. HE WAS BIG! I didn't care about the pain anymore. He was the sunshine after the storm... a 9.9lb ball of sunshine.

We are so happy to have a healthy baby boy. He is wonderful, and we love him so much. 

D-Day +4

Noah is still in my belly, but I bet he's not so comfortable. I can feel how big he is when he moves, and he got my ribs a couple of times. I sincerely hope that I won't have to be induced...but at least, I know that I can't go further than Monday: 4 nights!

It is Thursday, so John and I went to our hospital appointment to have this mysterious "TRF". I was kinda connected to a machine in order to monitor Noah's heartbeat. We were also able to see if I had some contractions, and I did. They didn't hurt though=doesn't count (lame). So I was just sitting there for about 20 minutes with John by my side, drinking some water and pushing a button every time I felt Noah move. It was nice to hear his heart; it was really loud and fast! The results were really good: Our little boy is healthy! I need to say that I was really happy to see how nice the nurse was ( Definitely 100 times more than doctors!)

Just a few days...I am ready for it!

D-Day +2

Nothing yet...

We went to our pregnancy doctor today... 

• Rox has gained 46lbs since the first visit.
• Rox is still dilated at about 2.5cm 
• Effacement is around "Thin"... Thats what the doctor said...
• We go to the hospital this Thursday for "TRF"... anyone know what a TRF is? The Roberts Family? Turkey Ranch Fries? (Rox says its like an ultra-sound to check to see if the baby is in good condition.)
• IF, and its a big IF, Noah has not yet been born by Monday the 2nd August 2010 They will induce labor.

Welcome to Mondays Noah!

D-Day

40 weeks have arrived. The due date is here. We are just missing one thing. . . NOAH!

Apparently Noah has decided to stay in the comfort of his mothers womb. As a result, we have received numerous discussions from people on what we should do to help start the labor process. Some of which are:

• Walk a lot
• Bounce on a bouncy exercise ball
• Have "special time" with partner
• Keep on walking, a lot
• Drive on a bumpy road
• Do a lot of exercise/cleaning
• Drink a certain oil
• Squat down
• Do all of the above, while walking a lot

We appreciate all the advice. . . a lot.

Noah, please come soon. We love you!

7 Days...

Well, there are 7 days left before D-day, and Noah doesn't seem to mind. He continues to move and dance around, and appears pretty comfortable in Rox's belly. To pass the time, we have done a little painting! Check out the results.

Title: Whole world in his hands

Artist: Richard Plouffe

Photographer: Emilie Plouffe

Title: Little Giraffe 

Artist: Roxanne

Photographer: Self-Timer

Title: Still LOST...

Artist: John

Photographer: Self-Timer

38:2

The End is NEAR! We are just a few days from the due-date (25 July ) and we are ready... Well, not really. I mean, we have a stroller and car seat and a buttload of baby stuff, but can one really ever be "ready" for a newborn?! So much is going to change, and yet it all feels right. Sure Rox's feet have swollen up to the size of a small dog, and no one is denying the 40lbs of weight she has gained, and lets not forget the 60 trips to the bathroom per day - I don't think she'll miss those much... But all in all we have been pretty blessed during this time. When I look back 8 months ago there big road marks of  importance: Telling everyone Rox is a Prego. Ultra-sound. Feeling him kick and dance... But there are also small bumps on the trail that have brought Rox, Noah, and myself closer together as a family. Crazy baby dreams. Choosing a middle name (John). Going through baby clothes. Predicting what he will look like, and thinking of all the cool things we can do together... 

I am not going to say its been an easy pregnancy. I don't know what that exactly means... I will say that I love my beautiful wife and soon-to-be-born Son with all my heart. 

Now to some good stuff. Crazy baby dreams!

John's Baby Dream:

I dreamt a dream where I was pregnant. I was sitting in the living room at the Fairfield street house and was watching COPS on TV. Jessica, my sister, was in the kitchen making food. Potato Casserole if i'm not mistaken. I looked down to see I was Prego. Big belly. I wasn't surprised - but then I felt that I was wet. My water had broken. I told Jess I was going to give birth, but she continued to cook, and I continued to watch COPS. Pretty much the best show ever!

Rox Baby Dream:

Rox dreamt that Noah was a newborn, and she was breastfeeding him. It wasnt working, and Rox looked down and asked "What's going on? It's not working?" to which Noah replied  "It's not working. Don't tell anyone that I can talk!"

John's Baby Dream:

I dreamt a dream where I was holding Noah, he was a newborn and super small. I put him down on the ground and was talking to someone, when I looked back - Noah was gone. I wasn't scared or surprised, just taken back at the speed my son had. He was crawling, but in hyper-drive. He had gotten himself stuck inside the couch. I could see this because of my awesome x-ray vision. I knew immediately where he was and went to go untangle him. 

Rox's Baby Dream:

Rox dreamt that she was at the hospital. She felt something inside her, and told the doctor. The doctor told her to lay down on the table, and she took a peek to see if Rox was dilated. Apparently she was, because whouldn't you know it - the doctor reached in and grabbed out baby Noah! The doctor left the room and left Noah on Rox's lap. Afterwards Rox looked down and thought - "huh... Its not that bad for child birth."

John's Baby Dream:

I was pregnant AGAIN... but this time it was all business. I started having contractions and was at the hospital. I don't know how it happened, but BOOM, I had Noah. He was in my hands, I was exhausted. I remember I looked down to examine how it was that a baby had come out of me... I held Noah in my hand and he was like a small turtle, but then he started growing to the size of a normal infant. 

Rox's Baby Dream:

Rox dreamt that it was time to give birth. She was at the hospital. She was looking for the bathroom, because she was looking to empty her system before giving birth. She was able to find the bathrooms, but all the toilets were occupied, with a big waiting line! She kept looking until she found one that was in the middle of the open, no walls, no privacy, people walking all around... she decided not to go, found me, and then it was baby time. She started pushing and had Noah, no doctors were present. Noah came out all beautiful, no blood, no umbilical cord, all sanitary! We walked into the waiting area and showed our new baby to everyone. 

AF

The other day I received a call from my brother-in-law, Guillaume, and he told me that ARCADE FIRE was playing live at a free outside venue. BOOM! Rox and I got our shoes on and 10 min later we were in the parking lot of Place Longueuil listening to my favorite group.

Just to prove it check this video out.

They are pretty much my best friends now... I invited them to come to my birthday party.

Have you ever been to Burlington?

The 5th of June We went to Burlington, Vermont! It was the first time since December 2009 that we've been back to the United States of America! and let me tell you - it was GOOOOD.

Here is a list of things we did:

- Babies R US

- Walmart (we bought a car seat/diaper bag for Noah.)

- CHILI'S ( Rox got the Tripple Dipper, I got the Southern Steakhouse Burger)

- Downtown Burlington

- Shopping at University Mall

Where's the Beef?!

HAIRCUT DAY!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER
John's Thoughts: I HATE Haircut Day! I dread this day above all others. Perhaps it is due to some psychological event that happened in my younger days. Perhaps its because I REALLY don't like people saying " OH, you got a Haircut."... eumm, Yeah I got a haircut. and the sky is blue. I have ten fingers. I know this already... How am I to respond to such remarks?? So then I wait and wait until I can't wait any longer to cut my hair (This only makes things worse.) but in the end, I sigh and say to myself - ROX looks So Dang Good!

Rox's Thoughts: It feels really weird to have short hair. It's Super Short! The last time I had short hair like this I was like 6yrs old... It's bizarre to touch my hair, and to see myself in the mirror.... Did I mention it feels weird? I like it.

Baby Shower

Last Saturday, John and I had the blessing to have an amazing Baby Shower, hosted by my Brother Guillaume and his wife, Emilie. We had...

-Pretty decorations-

-Fun games-

(I actually won at this one)

-unbelievable performance-

My niece Emeline, having a BLAST with some baby food: Great balance!

-Lots of gifts from wonderful guests-

(Cute outfits, diapers, lotions/soap, blankets, toys, diaper pail, pacifiers...)

And now, we really need another dresser, because the one that we have is more than full, even if we already put lots of clothes in boxes. I'm afraid Noah won't be able to try them all before it's too small. We also have to buy a stroller/baby seat. (I'm really excited about this!) and of course, we are still searching for the perfect middle name.

Noah moves...a WHOLE lot!

Never thought he would move that much. Well, I didn't really think about it before. But now its there...Noah is definitely in shape. It's just so weird to feel him stretch out or turn. Sometimes, it seems like he's even shaking, jumping or just dancing around. He doesn't stop when he's already started, that's the problem! And he LOVES to move while I'm trying to go to sleep (that's super uncomfortable for me). But after all, I do enjoy when he moves...we are developing a good connexion, relation between us. He's only 2 pounds now, but he's already loved so much! I can't imagine how parents love is powerful. Only 86 days to go...

ROUND 3

We have entered into the FINAL TRIMESTER! and let me tell you... Rox is getting big! Here is a recap:

ROX

- Needs to eat about every 2 hours

- Has gained 20lbs so far, at last weigh-in she was 133lbs.

- Fells Noah move a LOT!

- Had a Diabetic Blood Test done at the hospital ( had to fast for 8 hours and drink a super sugary orange drink.)

- Hasn't had any bizarre cravings.

- Searching for the last bits of equipment we need - stroller/car seat/ mattress for baby bed.

- Has sore and hurting back/abdomen/legs/feet/ everything...

- Tires easily

- Fearful of stretch marks

- Peeing all the time!

JOHN

- Has gained an equal amount of weight

- Can hear Noah's heartbeat when listening to Rox's belly

- Thinking of all the cool things he can do with Noah... Dueling.

- Wants to taste the orange sugar drink Rox didn't like.

- Having dreams of being pregnant.... not fun.

- Searching for a car

Yep... That is life for us right now. There is a buttload of things that we feel like we still have to do, and time keeps on ticking. We are making a checklist of things that need to be done. Its the final countdown.

HALF WAY and then some...

We have passed the half-way mark and are loving it! Today we had our second Ultra-Sound. (The first time we saw baby Noah, he was positioned way down town - and the technician was unable to take the necessary measurements.) So we got to come back. ROUND TWO. Another chance to see our little Dude! BUT it did not go without incident....

We woke up at 6h30 am and Rox drank 23oz of water in 10min and we left for the hospital. We do not have a car, and are obligated to take public transit aka smelly bus's! So we arrived at the hospital on time, and after waiting in line to start the show we were told - for the ultra-sound, we needed to have Roxanne's Doctors "Prescription" with us. We did not know that we needed to bring the "Prescription." No one told us we had to bring this "Prescription." When Rox had made the appointment she had given the stinkin "Prescription" to the appointment taking lady and that was that.... So there we were - 45 Min from home...

This is a my personal translation of the conversation that Rox had with the receptionist.*

Receptionist: You have to have your prescription.

Rox: I gave you my Flippin prescription when I made my appointment.

Receptionist: You still need to have your prescription.

Rox: This is ridiculous!

Receptionist: Its not ridiculous, It's written on my paper that you have to have your prescription with you. (receptionist circles "prescription required" on her paper...)

Rox: Are you serious?! Give me your paper, I will write whatever I want. I GAVE YOU MY PRESCRIPTION BEFORE! think about it, I could not have made the rendez-vous with the hospital without having shown and given you my prescription.

Receptionist: My paper says Prescription, Blah blah Vivre le Quebec Blah Blah it's written Prescription...

Rox: You must be very proud that you can read, A excellent example of what Adult Education can produce. But frankly, you can shove that paper -

At that point I pulled Roxanne away and we left. Rox was very emotional, but I was proud of her.

Long story Short: We walked to Rox's Clinic and got another stinkin "prescription". We then walked back to the hospital, gave the receptionist what she wanted, and we were able to have the ultra-sound. Rox had held in her pee the whole time (3 1/2 hours) I couldn't be more Proud!

We got some more Pictures:

He is still a Boy!

(No doubt about it...)

* Rox says that her version of the story is a little less dramatic, but more or less it's accurate.

And the Result.....

Well, the day has finally come. I'll let you know how it all went down:

The alarm went off at 6:20am, welcome to March 2nd. Rox had a bowl of HoneyCombs, and away we went, Off to the Hospital. She was supposed to drink 500ml of water in 15 minutes, and to show my support I drank 1L water in 1minute. We made it to the hospital, and Rox was directed to the changing room where she was given a fashionable blue gown. We didn't have to wait long before we were taken into the room. The technician blasted Rox's stomach with goo that looked like ectoplasma.

The technician made sure to tell us before we got started that she was not going to talk to us, answer any questions, or smile until she had finished the bazillion measurements. It didn't take long before it was determined if it was a boy or girl. Unfortunately, the manner in which the baby was placed prevented her from finishing the facial measurements. To help the baby move from its hiding position we tried many different things: standing up, hokey pokey dance, pillow under bum, Rox's favorite -> MORE WATER! We even tried having another doctor take a look. Rox said: "He pushed hard on my belly, and I had to PEE SO BAD!"

All in all, it was an exciting morning. And the Result.....

Its a BOY! It's our boy...

Changes

Rox had her second rendez-vous with the doctor last Friday. She got the results back from her blood and urine test. All is good! She also heard the baby's heart - it was more clear than the first time. The doctor said that so far - everything is OK! There was some counsel given to Rox to eat more Fruit/Vegetables.

There are some physical changes going on. Rox's belly button is changing from an Innie to an outie! (Its just beginning its "exodus," and it looks gross!) She definitely has a belly!! Its more noticeable for sure. She craves Junk-Food.

Only two more weeks until we know if its a Boy or a Girl!!!

Things I didn't know...

Rox went to get her blood taken at the hospital last Monday. She didn't even cry! In her words: "It was super fast, and I learned all the steps it takes to pee into a cup!" She got a thick baby encyclopedia, with this found inside:

Being Parents, Its learned little by little.

Number #1

Hello! and a very big Bonjour to everyone. My name is John, and Roxanne is my wife. We live in a city on the south shore of montreal, Quebec. We moved here from Arizona the beginning of December 2009, and it is COLD!

Rox is Pregnant. 11 Weeks 3 Days Pregnant to be precise, and today we went to her first doctor's appointment. We got a butt-load of pamphlets and new parent material, which was cool. Rox especially liked the newborn diaper that was included in a Huggies journal, in her words it was "soooo cute!" The Highlight of this rendez-vous was when we were able to hear the Baby's heart beat! It took a little while for the doctor to find it (longest minute of my life...) and when it was confirmed that the noise was indeed the baby's heart beat, and not Rox's gas, we both breathed a sigh of gratitude. We scheduled our next appointment (12 February) and gave each other BIG High Five's. I'm gunna be a Daddy!