Introducing A. W. R. D.

We just call him Arthur.
Here is the story if you are interested.


At 37 weeks I found out that I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. That made me hopeful. Even though my babies always take longer than their due date. My due date was March 14th. At 38 weeks I was 2cm dilated. Each day would start with the hope that it would be the one. One evening the contractions were going and we headed for the hospital. Only to be told that I was still only at 2cm. A serious disappointment.
At week 39 I was 3cm. Hooray! I must be very close! My in-laws were nearby to help with the older kids and my mom was on her way soon. 40 weeks came and so did my mom. Still 3 cm. I was not surprised but I was bummed. 41 weeks came. Major bummer.
The day after my 41 week appointment I went in for a biophysical profile. I did not want to do that but I did. They checked the baby. He was fine. Then I went back to my midwife's office and it was time to get down to business. She stripped my membranes and gave a mud like concoction to help bring on labor. By 2:30 we were at the hospital and things were moving. I had to have an iv of penicillin because I was GBS positive. I had my second child without an epidural and I thought I might do that with this one too. I was unprepared for the pain this time. At the point when I thought I might die I found out that I was only about 6cm dilated. The thought ran through my head, "If I am going to have anymore children I better get an epidural. If I don't this is going to be it."
So I caved and I asked for an epidural. After a time that seemed like forever the anesthesiologist came and gave me my epidural. By the time he was leaving the labor and delivery room I was telling him that he should eat at Cafe Rio during his medical conference in Salt Lake. He gave me an outstanding epidural. I could still wiggle my toes and I felt the pressure of the contractions but not the pain. By 7pm I was dilated to 10cm and my little guy was ready to come out. We thought for a few minutes that the amniotic sac would come out intact with the baby still inside. But alas it burst after a push or two. After some pushing he came out into the world, and hallelujah I didn't tear. No stitches. Best delivery/recovery yet. He was 8 lbs 7 oz and 21.5 inches long. My big bruiser. He took to nursing right off the bat. Little Arthur is a great little eater. And he is a sweet baby. We are very thankful for his sweet disposition and his safe delivery.
His brothers are excited. Alex is more interested in Arthur than Quinn. Quinn is having an adjustment period. But that is to be expected. More pictures to come soon.

Quarterly Update

First of all, we had a nice Christmas. We went to Northern Virginia and spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Erin's family. Lots of fun and cousin time for the kids.
We finally broke down (not literally) and got a mini-van. You pretty much need one with 3 kids. We traded in our beloved Corolla for a Sienna. It's a year older than our Corolla, but on the plus side the insurance is lower. We call it Big Blue and we are starting to become attached.
Also, it might interest some that we have finally put our house on the market. It is bitter-sweet. I'm relieved that it is on the market and the housing market has some activity. On the other hand I dread moving. We've lived in this house the longest since we have been married. Three years has gone surprisingly fast. The next task will be to find a suitable rental house. It's slim pickings right now in the area we currently live in.
The boys are doing pretty well. Alex's preschool teacher gave me a very favorable report of his progress. That is always nice to hear. He is a fun and unique kid. He loves collecting bugs and learning things about the world. Quinn is doing well, other than a few cavities. His speech is improving though. He carries his best buddy everywhere with him (George). He loves to sing and dance. It will be interesting to see how he handles the new little brother next month. Only time will tell.

Christmas Newsletter

In the absence of a paper newsletter, we have a virtual Christmas newsletter this year. It's the green thing to do, right?

Obviously the biggest news of 2011 is the upcoming addition to our little family. In July we found out that baby DeSpain #3 was on the way. The pregnancy started out wonderfully, and by wonderfully I mean with lots of nausea and fatigue. The second trimester was much easier. At the end of October we found out baby #3 is a boy. We expect baby brother to arrive sometime in mid to late March.

Alex turned 5 at the end of August and won't let us forget it. He started a Pre-K five day preschool program in September. I was a little skeptical about five days a week but I find that it is actually a very good thing. He enjoys school (most days) and has made some new friends too. He is determined to become a scientist and has also developed an interest in prehistoric creatures. His favorite thing to do is play outside, but when he can't do that he draws, cuts snowflakes or makes things.

Quinn turned 3 last month. He is a charismatic little fellow. He started speech therapy at the local elementary school two mornings a week. His speech has improved greatly this year. He loves to point out clocks wherever we go. He also loves Pocoyo and Curious George. We think that he may be an athlete, actor, or musician someday. He sometimes practices his fake sneeze, that is when he isn't playing ball or singing/dancing.

Erin has started a new venture this year. He is developing a business that will help people find jobs online. He finished his MBA in August and he has kept very busy even after his schoolwork was done. We are excited to see what will happen this next year with the business.

2011 has been an interesting year. It had its ups and downs, just like 2012 will. We are thankful for our family and friends and all the support they give us. We know that we have had many blessings along with the challenges. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!