It is 10:00 in the morning and what a beautiful day. It's bright and sunny outside and warm and cozy inside. Jonathon is all cuddled up with Mom right now and we all are just enjoying life at the moment. The pediatrician has been in and has said that Jonathon and mom are looking great! We should be going home before noon today. Thank you everyone for your comments yesterday. To answer one of them, no, I didn't pass out. I went to the waiting room when Heather had her epidural but after that I was right there helping out! It was great! I wouldn't have it any other way. It was so amazing seeing Jonathon's head - then BOOM! there he was.
He came so fast. I wouldn't of had time to pass out. Jonathon has been great! He has been hungry 24/7 but the nurses say that is to be expected with a 10lb baby. He's feeding really well and sleeping even better. Of course we're expecting that to change but enjoying it for the moment. Enjoy the pictures. I might have some more this afternoon.

Ok...the picture link is fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience. Enjoy!

Heather and Jonathon are doing great today! Jonathon is in a feeding frenzy. We're in so much awe over Jonathon. WHAT A BLESSING. We've been waiting our whole lives for this moment and it is so amazing.

We have 30 new pictures of Jonathon loaded. There will be many more to come. Jonathon's New Pictures

We are ecstatic to announce that Jonathon Wesley Skow was born at 10:27 p.m. on September 28, 2005. He weighed in at 10 lbs and 1 oz. He is 21 and 1/2 inches long. Mom did totally awesome! Heck yea she did! (Napoleon Dynamite)






It was spectacular! We will blog in more detail tomorrow. This is so amazing. I'm so impressed how Heather did. We will put more pictures up tomorrow.

Heather is doing very nicely now. She had an epidural at about 7:00 p.m. She is resting comfortabley and getting some much needed rest.

We have looked foward so much to this moment and I was thinking, "Wait a minute! What do we do after he's born?" I've focus so much on this one event, then it hits me! Once he's here, that's when we really get to work. We're just taking each moment God gives us and enjoying the most of it.

Heather is being a real trooper. The doctors are saying that she is progressing very well. No ground breaking news yet - as can be expected. We'll keep you posted. The biggest news so far is there is a shift change for the doctors at 5 and then the nurses will change shifts at 7. Jonathon is moving around plenty too!

We are all checked in and settled into the hospital now. We have gotten the induction started, but it will likely be late into the night before the labor actually begins. So far, everything is going well and we're doing fine. Just finished up lunch, and will see the doctor again later this afternoon.

Hope you are having a great day!

The time is almost here! Just so everyone knows what will be going on tomorrow, we call the hospital at 7:00 am to find out what time to come in (it all depends on how many are there in labor tonight).

Once we get to the hospital, it will take several hours (up to 16) to even get labor started, and many more after that. Odds are, Jonathon will not be born until Thursday, if not Friday, so be patient! Russ will post throughout the day so that everyone will know what is going on. We will have the phone unplugged in the room until after the baby is born, so please check the blog for updates instead of calling the hospital. That should be much easier for everyone!

We are very excited, and can't wait to meet our little boy. We'll get pictures up as soon as possible so everyone else can share in our miracle. We're off to get some rest now for the big event. Have a great night!!!

Nothing...still nothing. I promise, if there were anything to write about, Heather or I would be writing about it. Wednesday is just about here! In the early stages of labor, I might try to update several times. The thing is, this is our first time and WE DON'T HAVE A CLUE! Of course ya'll knew that.

Our favorite cousin had a big write up in the local paper today. He's so funny. Bronson has been really busy lately with commercials, plays and concerts (had a big one Saturday) and we can't wait to see him and his family soon.


Here is the write up from the Daily Independent.

RACELAND - With the exception of the three University of Kentucky bracelets he wears on his right arm to support his team, Bronson Bush gives no hint he is an average grade schooler.

Taking a break from a Thursday afternoon singing rehearsal, he greets visitors to his Raceland home with a professional handshake, grabs a seat on the sofa, and intently talks of his ambitions in music and drama.

Using his hands for emphasis, he weighed a decision between the two.

"Well both," he said, lifting one hand then the other to mimic a scale. "I love musicals. I've done four or five musicals and one or two plays without any songs."

At the age of 10, Bronson's resume- printed a month ago - already lists a multitude of professional accomplishments that span theater, television and, most recently, cinema.

Three more endeavors are not reflected on the document (he has since starred in a commercial, performed in a local production of "The Wizard of Oz," and sang with the Southern Ohio Opry since the resume was published).

His list of dreams runs far longer.

Bronson said he has hopes of appearing on Broadway, starring on Nickelodeon, and making more movies.

"I'm trying for anything," he said. "I'm trying for the biggest of the best and the smallest of the small."

Bronson has appeared in several local productions in Ashland and Huntington, but his profession frequently takes him out of his beloved home state. He said he and his parents frequently travel to Atlanta, where his talent agency is located, on weekends for auditions or to film commercials.

Soon commercials starring Bronson will appear on several Knoxville stations, the test city for the new Zelosports football game. The Raceland-Worthington Elementary fifth-grader was picked out of a crop of aspiring young stars to appear in the commercial, receiving the call he'd been chosen on a recent Friday afternoon.

Lori Bush said the family took off to Atlanta that day, making it in time for Bronson to film on Saturday. Then it was back home to Greenup County, and back to their regular routine of school and work.

His parents don't seem to mind the travel.

"There's no down time," said Lori Bush, who said she and Roger Bush were married 18 years before Bronson was born.

"But that's O.K. We had lots of down time before we had him."

"This is what he wants to do," said Roger Bush. "So we do whatever it takes to help him to do what he wants to do."

So far, their sacrifices have been rewarding.

Last year, Bronson got to spend a day on the set of the upcoming Dreamer for a small role in the film and he hopes to appear in an upcoming movie produced by Billy Ray Cyrus.

"We're hoping he'll get to audition for that," Lori said.

Bronson's love of performing began at an early age.

"I knew since I was 3 or 4 - 3 and a half - I wanted to be an actor. I always loved movies," he said.

Lori and Roger Bush said their son was an early singer as well.

"He was singing before he was talking," said Lori Bush. "Music is big part of our lives."

Lori Bush also likes to sing, and sang to Bronson while pregnant. Roger Bush plays trumpet.

"I just think you have to have music in your life all the time," Lori Bush continued.

Other actors have influenced Bronson as well.

"My favorite actor happens to be Jim Carey," said the Raceland-Worthington Elementary School fifth-grader who is still glowing from his experience filming Dreamer.

The movie, which stars Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russell, was filmed in central Kentucky last year. Bronson, who appears in one scene, can be spotted in the background in one of the movie's promotional campaigns.

He is particularly proud of this fact as displayed by his enthusiasm for a photograph sent to him by a relative. The image captures Bronson sitting behind Fanning in a classroom in one of the movie's scenes.

He still marvels at the experience.

Bronson said he got let in on movie making secrets like grinding up chalk and running a fan to give the appearance of early morning. But, if his enthusiasm was any indication, he was possibly more impressed with a craft service that featured everything from regular food to chocolate and gummy worms.

"It was really interesting," he said.

His parents say they will go wherever they need to for Bronson's career and hold high hopes their son will one day be a celebrity.

Bronson shares the dream, but isn't sold on the idea of moving away. He said if he goes, he's bringing his parents and extended family with him.

What else would a good wildcat fan do?

"I'm sorta, kinda obsessed with U.K.," he said.

We love you Bronson and we wonder all the time how much Jonathon will be like you.

Today's appointment went fine. We got a cute picture of Jonathon giving us a "thumbs up" from the ultrasound. Once I get that scanned in, I'll upload it to share. The doctor had pity on me, and was going to try to fit me in tomorrow for the induction, but the schedule was too full - he actually went to check twice to see if they could do it, but without canceling someone else there was just no way.

But, everything looked good, and there was no real medical reason to move up the induction, so we are still all set for Wednesday. Of course, that doesn't mean much about the actual birthdate since inductions can take a LOOOOONNNNNNGGGG time. A friend of mine was induced on a Monday and didn't have her baby until Wednesday morning, so don't hold your breath! Ah, patience is a virtue.

In a little over a week, we will be able to take a picture just like this one. The only changes will be the baby, the hairstyles and the fashions (well...not really)!

The countdown is set! Unless Jonathon surprises us again, he should be here in about a week. Now that I'm writing this, maybe he'll come right now. Ok, now!... Now? Maybe not.

Being fully rested right now, I can say that it is so exciting as the big day approaches. Of course we are looking forward to the arrival of Jonathon but we are also looking forward to family and friends visiting and seeing Jonathon Wesley Skow. Wait till all visitors are gone, Jonathon won't sleep and Heather and I are completely wiped out from sleep deprivation and I'll tell you how exciting it REALLY is:) I'm wondering right now if this will become more of a place of confession and soul searching for some saneness or a place totally void of anything because we will be searching for sleep. Well, time will tell.

Well, I'm back from my Doctor's appointment - I go back on Friday for yet another ultrasound, NST, and follow-up. If Jonathon doesn't choose to show up on his own, I will be induced next Wednesday, on the 28th. The doctor was actually going to let me go a week longer than that, but I was very convincing - even without tears! He agreed to next Monday, but then there were no available slots until Wednesday. Still, knowing that at least there is an end in site makes it SO much easier to cope with. I'm making no predictions about whether or not he will show up before that or not - we have all learned throughout the last two months that NO ONE'S predictions are correct!

So, I'm resetting the counter at the bottom of the page to reflect the induction date - just over a week to go! WOO-HOO!

We are coming close to the end of our first adventure with Jonathon. We are meeting with the doctor tomorrow for hopefully the last time before Jonathon is here. I know we all have heard this before but we are hopeful. It is so funny looking at this picture of Heather when she was 3 weeks old.I think Jonathon looks like her when I see this picture but when I see a picture of me at that age I think he looks like me. Well hopefully we will soon find out. What do you think?

We're planning on saving a ton of money when Jonathon gets here. I came across this Iced Coffee Latte recipe today and decided to make it. (We're frequent Starbuck's customers) We went to the store today and got decaf and regular instant coffee granules. I ended up making a batch and Heather thinks it's the greatest. (She is a big "Caramel Frappuccino" fan) I forgot...well, I didn't think it was that big a deal, but she was going on how that was the best drink she's ever had, so I gave her two! About thirty minutes later, she asked, "Was that decaf?" I replied, "No, do you want a decaf batch?" Needless to say, Heather won't be getting to bed too soon tonight. Jonathon has been extremely active lately too. Well, mark one down for me. Things NOT to give to your pregnant wife. TWO iced lattes at 7:00 in the evening.

It has been 4 days since our last entry and I don't know how much more we can take. Our stomachs are in knots thinking, "When in the heck is Jonathon getting here?" I was a little disheartened after I had almost guaranteed his delivery last weekend. Well, that is the first rookie mistake. I have learned my lesson. We've concluded that Jonathon is just being fashionably late and he wants to arrive for peak leaf peeping season in Vermont.

One thing I will guarantee. Jonathon will be here...eventually. He will be the cutest baby in the world (to Heather and me) and I will post a ton of pictures of Jonathon once he finally comes. Ok, that was more than one but you get the idea.

I'm all better now...I think, so I should be posting as usual.

We Want Jonathon! We Want Jonathon! We Want Jonathon! Too bad we couldn't chant him out. I think he is being true to his mom and dad. If he has half the personality of mom and dad, then he is going to be a strong spirited boy. We just hope he doesn't get both of our personalities combined! Whew! Just thinking about that and I start to hyperventilate.

Just look at him...can't you just see him...I think he might be sticking his tongue out:)

In all seriousness, we are very happy that he has come to term and looks to be a very healthy boy. He is just so cute and we both want him to be here so we can hold him, love him and take care of him. Our anticipation has been heightened with all the extra doctors appointments, ultrasounds, etc. We look forward to the day (any day) that he arrives.

Sorry for the false alarm from the weekend. It is a lesson learned. Jonathon will come out when HE is good and ready...but it could be any day.

***EVICTION NOTICE***

Jonathon Wesley Skow, tenant of physical property owned by Heather Jane Skow (landlord), is hereby notified that he has 48 hours in which he can either gather his belongings and promptly vacate the premises willingly, or wait until the final day. After this time, he will be physically removed from the property.

He is being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made. Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. Due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper and lower levels of the home. The tenant has also exceeded the timeframe of his stated lease, and renewal has NOT been approved. Any further problems will result in immediate and forceful removal prior to the deadline stated above.

(If only this really worked!!)

Update from today's appointment: There is no update! No change, no scheduled induction...they'll see me next week. As always, we'll keep you posted if anything changes!

Just a quick update - Sunday afternoon, almost 4:00 pm, and nothing to report yet! Heather experienced strong contractions last night for about 4 hours - got down to 6 minutes apart, and then *POOF* - they disappeared again! I guess this little guy is determined to be as stubborn as his mommy & daddy put together! We'll keep you posted!

Well, Saturday morning, 9:45, and all is well! We had a surprisingly good night's sleep last night, and now Russ is in the process of making my FAVORITE breakfast - Spicy Pumpkin Pancakes with Maple Pecan Syrup and Maple Bacon- perfect for the fall weather we are starting to have!

For those of you that asked for more info, the doctor decided against a C-Section or induction at my appointment yesterday as I was progressing on my own. At the time of my appointment yesterday (sorry if TMI!), I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. I was having some contractions, although I couldn't feel them, but I have sure felt them since! They were pretty regular yesterday evening, although they seemed to easedoff a bit through the night. The doctor I saw told me that she was on call for delivery this weekend and expected to see me sometime Sunday. If not, I have a follow-up appointment Monday morning to check progression.

MMMM... breakfast is ready! We'll be heading out in a bit, and be out and about most of the day to help pass the time, so don't worry if you call and don't get us. We will have the computer at the hospital and will post updates here when (if) we get admitted, but I really don't look for that today. We'll see !!!

The time is quickly approching. Jonathon's entry into this world is soon upon us. Heather had, what we are hoping, her last ultrasound and check up today. Long story short, he should be coming sometime this weekend. Stay posted here. I will post as often as possible on the blog. I have the laptop all charged and ready to go, bags are all packed and I'm all read up on how to help Heather through the labor stages! It's amazing how everything is coming together. All the classes we've been to, all the books we've read, all the ultrasounds and all the doctor visits we've been to, they are all coming together for this monumentous moment.

Alright, most of us were off when we thought Jonathon was going to get here. 55% of us said last week. Only two people (10%) said this week. Well, whoever you are, great job! All I have to say is I sure hope it's this week. They keep telling us it will be anytime and anytime has come and gone.

Everyone enjoy your weekend! Hope it's filled with plenty adventure. If it's not, come back here and we will have (hopefully) plenty adventures to share.

Well, the U/S today showed that Jonathon has only gained 1 ounce in the past 3 weeks. YEAH RIGHT! The doctor said that was completely absurd, and that she felt the measurements were not accurate. SO, now we have another ultrasound scheduled on Friday, followed by an NST. Depending on growth and AFI, they said we will be discussing induction/c-section on Friday. We'll keep everyone posted as we get more news! This could be the weekend!!!

We are so excited! My grandparents now have their computer all set up and ready to go. We got them set up enough today that they can view our webcam and chat with us. Now we can just put baby in a swing in front of the monitor and they can watch him for us! Okay, well maybe we won't take it that far, but they will be able to see him, and he will be able to see them. Isn't technology wonderful???

A reminder for all, if you'd like to chat with us, we use yahoo messenger, and you can download it using the link below!

WHEW! Well, I think we are all finished (I hope!). The car seat is installed, as you can see, the nursery had a re-cleaning, the bottles are sterilized (just in case), the bags are packed, and now, well, now we wait. That is NOT the fun part - we are SO excited for Jonathon's arrival!!


Of course, poor Russ is exhausted. I was wondering where he disappeared to after installing the car seat, and look where I found him....


Ah well, he deserved the nap. He has worked VERY hard this weekend! And, like everyone keeps telling us - sleep while you can!

Earlier in our await for Jonathon, I was quite obsessive compulsive. Before I was unexpectedly put on bedrest, the nursery was finished and the clothes were not only washed, but also hung in the closet on color-coded hangers that represented the size of the clothing. But, since then, we've been relatively lax about getting anything else ready - what else could there be?

Well, it finally hit me today that Jonathon may choose to arrive at ANY moment. Yes, his nursery his all ready and waiting, and HIS hospital bag was all packed, but mine (& Russ's) has not been started, the carseat has not been installed, and a moment of shear panick has set in. Needless to say, this weekend, if Jonathon allows, will be jam-packed with preparatory activities. Poor Russ!