I'm not quite sure how to start this post. I want to be posting all the wonderful things that Joshua is doing. I wish I could tell you that Joshua is well and that we are all happy at home. Instead, I am posting to tell you that our sweet baby was admitted to the hospital yesterday for antiviral treatment. He will likely be in the hospital for around six weeks.

At discharge, our pediatrician noticed that Joshua's head was measuring a little small compared to the rest of his body. They were concerned that the plates in his skull may have fused prematurely which would've been a problem as he grew and his brain got larger. We were sent for x-rays and an ultrasound to determine if that was the case. Thankfully, the ultrasound showed that he was just fine and that the plates are open and not fused. They did find something else for concern, however. There are calcifications in and around some of the veins and tissues of his brain. They ran a blood panel and found that Joshua is positive for a virus called cytomelalovirus (CMV). This is a virus that I would've contracted early in my pregnancy and passed along to Joshua. I had no signs or symptoms of this virus and would never have known about it had Joshua not contracted it. To save you a trip to the internet to google it (please don't...it's a really scary virus and the internet gives super scary information), CMV causes lots of problems, including blindness, deafness, and cognitive issues. Because it is so early, we have no idea how Joshua's brain and development will be impacted, but we know it will be. His symptoms could range from a mild learning disability to something much more serious. Because there are calcifications present, we know that some damage has already been done and is irreversible. We don't know how much damage has been done or the severity of it and we won't have those answers until he is older. Thankfully, his hearing seems to be intact and the antiviral medication that they are starting is really good at preserving hearing.

We are obviously very upset with this diagnosis, however we are so thankful that it was found this early and from something as simple as microcephaly (small head). Most doctors may not have caught that and we are so thankful that our pediatrician was on the ball. We are also thankful that we have some of the best pediatric doctors in the country looking after our son. The pediatric infectious disease specialist is the best at what he does and we feel very secure with him heading up Joshua's treatment. Joshua will be seen by opthomologists and neurologists to see if we can figure out what part of his brain is effected by the calcifications, which will hopefully give us a better idea of how he will develop.

Today at 12:30pm, he is scheduled for surgery where they will put a catheter directly into this chest so he doesn't have to be poked for an IV again and they will continue treatment. He started the antivirals last night and each time I called and checked on him, they said he was sleeping comfortably and was just fine. Today will be a bit of a trial, I'm sure, as he can't eat after 6am this morning because of the surgery. It's going to be hard to sit with my son and not be able to feed him until after his surgery. Six hours is a long time for him to go without food! Most of my days will be spent at the hospital from here on out, and probably some nights too. Our cell phones work in the unit, so if you need to call, feel free.

On a final note, we know that our God is bigger than we could ever imagine and that He can heal Joshua with a word if it is His will. If it isn't in His will to heal our son completely, He will give us the means to deal with it. We know that He loves Joshua even more than we do (which is so hard to imagine!), and we trust that His plan is perfect and that before Joshua was even a thought God knew that we would face this and has given us the experience and the strength to deal with it. NOTHING happens without God's permission and this is no exception. We don't understand why it's happening to our baby, but we have no doubt that there is a reason and that God is in control. My sister-in-law, Carly, put it perfectly in an email to me yesterday. She said, "God saw fit to leave Joshua in your care. And not because He looked down and said, "I guess that couple will do" but because He looked down and and said, "There, that couple. They will be perfect for this baby." Thank you, Carly...we needed to hear that, and we whole heartedly agree!!

I'll end on a happy note. My son is a champion eater. Of course, he comes from good stock. Both my family and Ben's family are all about food. At breakfast, we talk about what's for lunch. At lunch, you discuss what's for dinner, and at dinner, you dream about breakfast. It's a never ending cycle really. Anyway, Joshua loves to eat and his diet seems to agree with him. He is already up to 7 lbs, 7 oz. Just to remind you, he was born at 6 lbs, 12 oz and was down to 6 lbs 7 oz at discharge. A week ago at the doctor's office, he was 6 lbs, 10 oz. Yep, that's right...my son has gained almost a full pound in just under a week. The doctors were very impressed. He has also gained a 1/2 inch in length and is now measuring 20 3/4 inches long. We are so proud of him. :)

The first few firsts of many firsts...

Today is our first day without daddy. Ben went back to work today, and I've never seen him drag his feet more. Thankfully tomorrow is Saturday and we get him back for a full two days. Yay! Here are a few more firsts for you...

I guess if you can call a good wiping down with a wet washcloth a bath, then Joshua had his first bath at home yesterday. :) He wasn't too keen on the idea at first, but after daddy held his hand, made the magic "shhh, shhh, shhh" noise, and said "It's ok, buddy. Daddy's here", Joshua settled into it and seemed to enjoy the rest of the bath.

He also had his first trip to Ben's workplace and his first experience with people trying to wake him when he was sleeping. Normally, people try to keep a sleeping baby sleeping. But Ben works with some pretty boisterous guys who talk loudly and joke and laugh and wanted to see him awake. Joshua didn't mind it one bit and even obliged and opened one eye to look at them.

The last first I'll share is his first experience in his new Moby Wrap. I wanted to be able to 'wear' him for many reasons. It helps with the bonding, it makes the baby feel secure, no one can touch him unless I allow them to, and my hands are free to do whatever else I want or need to do. The Moby Wrap is this giant (18 ft long!) piece of thick jersey material that you wrap around you and then tuck the baby in it. We wrapped me up like a mummy and then settled Joshua into it. He LOVED it and so did I.

This morning, during his 3am feeding, I had a first too. It was the first time I realized that no amount of exhaustion could dampen the thrill of that first really big smile. Joshua smiled this morning! It wasn't really the first, as he's been doing it since day one (I just thought it was gas originally!), but this smile was different. It was a full out, eyes crinkled around the edges, gum showing smile. You know, the kind of smile that stops your heart it's so cute. It was such a big smile that I realized that he has a dimple in his right cheek. I was so upset that I didn't have my phone or a camera or something to document it! He did it two or three times and then fell asleep. Maybe it was a good thing that I didn't have a camera to take a picture of it. Now, that first beautiful smile is all mine to keep in my heart. Don't worry...I'm sure you'll get plenty in years to come. :)

I just heard my son fill his diaper so I'll end for now and leave you with your daily Joshua cuteness fix:

More Joshua...

Our first few days home have been a rousing success. Joshua never cries unless he's really hungry or lonely. We've been blessed with a very relaxed little boy. He is sleeping around 3 -4 hours between feedings at night - we are certainly enjoying that little gift! He is also eating in true Nodine fashion - he's up 3 oz from his discharge weight! Both Ben & I are so proud of our little man. We have no idea how we ever lived without him!

He's Here!!!

Well, the wait is finally over...our sweet little boy has arrived! My water broke at 10pm on Thursday evening and we rushed off to the hospital. Joshua James Nodine arrived at 10:33am on Friday, March 28, 2008. He weighed in at 6 lbs, 12.5 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long. He has black hair (& his daddy's hairline!) and big, deep blue eyes. He loves snuggling with mommy, listening to daddy talk & being swaddled. He doesn't like having his diaper changed, having his feet exposed or touched, and missing feedings. He has rarely cried (unlike the baby next door to us in the hospital) and when he does it's a sad, pathetic little cry. He sounds more like a lost kitten than a baby! We are totally in love with him.

Ben has been amazing throughout this pregnancy and at it's completion. He was a wonderful cheerleader in the delivery room (he even cut the cord!), and has been so wonderful through our hospital stay. He is changing diapers like he's been doing it for years and has a really difficult time giving him up when someone else wants to hold him.

We are home now and have regular access to internet and cell service so feel free to check in! If we don't answer, we may be taking some time alone. :) Joshua is calling me so this will be all for now. I'll try to post more pictures soon!

Late evening conversation...

Jamie: "Um, honey? I think my water just broke."

Ben: "Ok...what do we do now?"

Jamie: "I DON'T KNOW! I'm not ready yet!"

So Joshua is on his way and we're off to the hospital. We'll let you know more when it happens!!! :)

Early morning conversation...

Ben: "Wow, J, it looks like you're really ready to have that baby!"

Jamie: "Ummm...thank you?"

Ben: "No, I just mean you look really front-loaded."

Jamie: "Front loaded? What does that mean exactly? I think you made that word up."

Ben: "I mean that I think it's really cool that you are carrying him so far out in front and you don't tip over. You just look like you should fall over!"

Some women want diamonds, some want a nice car, some want a huge house. I have all I want...a husband who sees me as an engineering marvel. :)

Holy Moly!

We have reached a new milestone...SINGLE DIGITS! We are only 9 days from Joshua's due date. Wasn't it just yesterday that we were announcing that he was on his way? Now he's almost here. He's still made no significant effort to join us, but he only has about 16 days until he is served with an eviction notice. My doctor won't let me go more than a week past my due date which was a relief because we want to make sure that he will be here with us no later than April 10 so his Aunt Jodi & Tio Jay can spend some time with him before Jay deploys in May. Whether he comes before, on, or after his due date though, it's all coming up very, very quickly. I guess we'd better get that hospital bag packed & have it waiting by the door, huh? :)

Happy Easter, everyone! He is risen!! What a joyful time to be bringing a new life into the world.

Warning: Objects in post may appear larger than they feel!

First, I want to point out that there is a shadow behind me that gives the illusion that I'm that much bigger. Second, I want to point out that I can't believe how huge I am! I mean, I know I'm pregnant and that being this big is normal...but oh my gosh! Holy hugeness, Batman! I guess I forget how pregnant I am until I see a picture of myself. That's probably why I don't have very many pictures of me. I look down and see a very different picture. I look much smaller from my point of view! :)

The calls & emails have started. Formerly pregnant friends have told me that the calls to check on any progress would begin soon and they were right! We haven't had internet service since the move until today, so I haven't been able to check my email regularly. Since I havne't been able to email everyone right back right away, some people (like my sister, Jodi, who is SO EXCITED IT'S GETTING SO CLOSE) think that since I haven't responded, I must be in labor. :) So, just in case you're reading this regularly and wondering what's going on, here are answers to the frequently asked questions:

1. Nope, no progress yet. If you're really interested, I'm having contractions every 4-5 minutes, but they are just practice ones and can continue for weeks before they actually start meaning anything. :)
2. Yep, still sleeping through the night. And it's wonderful!
3. No, I'm not uncomfortable or miserable. I'm perfectly happy and so is Joshua.
4. No, I'm not doing anything to 'jumpstart' labor. He'll come when he's ready.
5. Yes, we'll call/email/text message you when something happens.

I have a list of people to call/text message/email and we'll be bringing it to the hospital. If you want to make sure you're on the list, feel free to leave a comment or email me. If I don't respond right away...I'm probably taking a nap. Or maybe I'm in labor. :)

You know you're getting big when...

Spring has arrived here in Virginia. The forsythia are blooming and there are all sorts of daffodils & other spring flowers popping up. Friday was a beautiful day and my friend Kristen brought Savannah over for a walk and a quick shopping trip. We went for a walk around my new neighborhood and then headed over to Target & Carters. Once our shopping was done, we got back in the car to head home. As I was sitting down in the car, my pants decided that they had had enough. RRRIIIIIPPPPPPPPPP! They split right down the front of the left leg. I'm not talking a small rip either. I'm talking from the hip to the knees! I've never had a pair of pants do that before! Now, in all fairness to the pants, they have been getting a pretty tough workout. I've had them since about 24 weeks and they've been my only pants so they've been worn every day (except for the days that they are allowed to rest because I'm too lazy to get dressed and instead wear my sleep pants around the house all day). I had been hoping that I could get through the end of my pregnancy without buying another pair of pants and thanks to my sister in law, Carly, I can! She brought me down some clothes when they were here last weekend and one pair of jeans actually fits me quite well. Carly, I've never been more thankful for your generosity than on Friday afternoon. :)

Today, we came home from being out and about and found a package at our door. Don't you love getting packages?! Packages that are too big to put in your mailbox so they have to leave them by the door are the best. They make you happy even though you don't know who they're from! This one happened to be from a dear friend of the family, Jean Giordano. She and her husband, Sam, were close friends of my nana and papa and are basically family. We opened up the package to find the most beautiful, hand knit blanket that Jean had made for Joshua. It's soft, and blue, and will be perfect to wrap him up in when he comes home from the hospital. He loves it already...see?

Now that I can....I don't want to!

We are all moved in to our new place thanks to my wonderful, supportive, willing to drive 8 hours to help us move heavy furniture in-laws. Randy, Stephanie, Brian, Carly, we could not have done it without you...thank you again and again!!!! We can't forget Timothy's contribution either. He provided smiles and giggles and cuddles when they were needed most. So now that we're all moved in, I can finally get organized and nest. The thing is, now that I can...I don't want to. That time has passed for me. Now, I want to sleep & rest & relax because we all know that won't happen anymore in a few weeks! I'm waiting on that final burst of energy everyone says comes at the end, but it's nowhere in sight. So for now, we'll be living among the boxes & chaos that comes with a new move.

On a baby note, Joshua is considered full term this week. Yay! At my last appointment, the doctor estimated he's about six pounds and she says that he won't be too big as long as he doesn't go too far past his due date. That was music to my ears! He seems to be perfectly content where he is has made no effort to move to the outside world. My doctor says that my due date is most likely quite accurate, so we've given up hope that he might be early. I'm not upset that he probably won't be early. I'm still sleeping through the night and I'm treasuring those long, sleep filled nights. I won't rush giving them up! Plus, it gives Ben & I a little more 'just the two of us' time. Not to mention...who wants to rush labor & delivery?! Not me! :)