It's A Boy!

On Friday, June 19th, we checked into Baptist Hospital where Lauren was induced by Pitocin, and had her water broken manually, around 8:30 in the morning. She was a trooper and labored naturally for as long as possible. After about 12 hours she received an epidural. Our doctor indicated that a c-section made be necessary early on, but Lauren wanted to give it her best shot and continued to labor for about another 10 hours. After nearly 24 hours of labor, it was deemed that due to the length of time laboring with her water broken, which had caused an infection, the fact that the baby was beginning to show signs of stress, and during labor it was discovered that our baby most likely had a very large head, a c-section would be required.

We were apprehensive about a c-section, but knew that it was the best decision for the safety of Mom and Baby. Rowan Michael Mueller, a healthy baby boy weighing 9.5 and 3/4 and measuring 21 inches in lenth, was born on Saturday, June 20th, at 7:42AM. The first cries of our Son was the most incredible sound that we've ever heard. It was an incredibly moving moment. The doctor asked what we thought we had and Lauren asked: "Is it a boy? Is it a boy?" The doctor confirmed it was indeed a boy, and like a good Mueller boy would, Rowan proceeded to pee on the doctor. Rowan scored a 9 out of 10 on the APGAR Test, done immediately after birth, which measures the overall health of the birth. (They never score 10's) Lauren handled the surgery like a champ and is recovering spectacularly. She is up and moving around, albeit slowly, but is improving every hour.

We should be discharged by Tuesday morning or afternoon. We're so blessed by the support of hospital staff here at Baptist, as well as the support of our family. We can't wait to introduce Rowan to his many extended Aunts and Uncles, and will be deciding on a time soon when we are ready to see everyone.

We want to thank everyone for the warm wishes and prayers. Enjoy the pictures.

Love,
Rick, Lauren, and Rowan Mueller

10 Days Away (Hopefully)

Well, we are ten days away from our due date. We went to the doctor on Monday and at that point there was no progress towards labor. We have another appointment on Thursday, so we'll keep you posted.

Rick & Lauren

3 Weeks Away!

We are only three weeks away from our due date. Of course, the baby could always come earlier (or later). We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our little one and finishing getting the house set up. We have combined closets and put the cradle into Lauren's walk-in closet and set up the baby monitors. Bobby came over to assist with getting the screen door put up, and Mom (Sandy) is making curtains for our bedroom and sun room.

Dad (Larry) and Bonus Mom (Sonya) are working on the dresser given to us by Gran. Mom (Becky) is coming over to help re-arrange furniture. Dad (Bob) and Deborah have ordered our Pack 'N Play and it should arrive next week.

Thanks everyone for all your help!

- Rick & Lauren

This is an ultrasound photo taken on 1/28/2009.