I am writing with one hand and Derek is in the other! Our son is now two weeks old! We adore him with all our heart! He loves his hands and feet rubbed, but dislikes to be changed. He also enjoys his "pouch" / sling which Ric uses to make him feel like he's back in the womb. He instantly falls asleep when inside. Derek sleeps well and enjoys eating at the "Dairy Queen!" We LOVE you so much, Derek! The three of us want to give our thanks to the many people who came to visit at the hospital, called, came by, brought us food, etc. You are amazing people, and we love that you are a part of our lives! Derek is so blessed!

Derek is about a week old in these photos. He is such a joy in our lives!

We would like to introduce to you all the newest addition to our family...Derek Von Matthies born Friday, January 13 at 7:47 in the morning. He weighed in at 6 pounds 10 ounces and is 21 and three quarter inches long. To make a long story short, I began the induction process at 7:45 Thursday morning and then was given a c-section the following morning. They believe they way he was turned did not allow for my uterus to want to open up. I would have endured back labor otherwise. My care was superior and the experience, AMAZING! In my heart I knew I would be going through a great deal with my labor. I guess it makes up for how well the pregnancy process went. I wouldn't have changed any of it and would do it all again in a heart beat! We got home two days ago and had to rearrange most of the house due to my surgery. RIC IS TRULY INCREDIBLE! He has been our constant care. Today we had our first baby check-up and all is well! WE LOVE OUR SON SOOOOOOOO MUCH! Thank you for all of your phone calls, encouragement, congratulations...Our son has many wonderful people to meet in his life.

If you would like to enjoy a ton more photos of Derek go to sandyhere.blogspot.com

Good morning! We had a lot of calls yesterday, and I was unable to get back to them due to a very long day...I went in for my non-stress test with the midwife in the morning and found our son to be doing well. They gave him an A+! The midwife tried to "help me along," which tired my body out a great deal. I went home and took a nap before another soft opening of Firehouse Coffee Co. which was for business people who have helped out with our shop. We had a lot of people come, though it was a Monday night. Ric and I didn't arrive home until 2:00 am with many messages awaiting us.

Our scheduled induction date is Thursday at Saint Joseph's hospital in Tacoma. If there is a bed available in the morning, I may start the induction process as early as 8:00. We chose this day because of the midwife who will be on duty. She is an amazing soul whom we feel very comfortable with. He will be delivered either Thursday or Friday depending on how long of a process it will take. I continue to feel great and can't wait to meet him! He comes at a perfect time for us. Today our shop officially opened to the public at 5:30 am. We will have the grand opening January 20. Please come by if you can for a delicious cup of coffee and pastry. Thank you for all of your calls, encouragement, and support. In two to three days, we will be holding our son in our arms. HOORAY!

Last night's opening for family was GRAND! Thanks to my sister-in-law, Christina Matthies, I am able to show you pictures of the event!

This evening, Firehouse is giving birth to a soft opening of its coffee store for family from 6-9 pm. SO EXCITING!!! (I can't believe I will be able to be there!) The place looks INCREDIBLE due to the hard work of the crew! I wish you all lived close by so you could experience it with us. I am hoping to put up pictures of this event on the Blog, but I'm not sure when our son wants to be born. So I apologize in advanced if it takes a while to do this. Our doors will be opened to the public on the tenth, but January 20 is our GRAND OPENING. I am thrilled to finally have this happen.

Now we are just waiting for my "grand opening!" The midwife on January 4 said I was one centimeter dialated, and my uterus is now flat. I'm progressing! If he is not born by Monday, I will need to have a non-stress test done, then plan a day to have him induced. She said all is well and not to worry. I can't believe how well I feel for being 7 days overdue. I am really lucky and thankful I've had such a great pregnancy! Thank you for your comments, prayers, words of encouragement, etc. I love you all and can't wait to introduce our son to you!

I am now three days overdue...Our son doesn't see it this way. He is probably enjoying staying within the confines of his warm and snuggly home! He is moving a great deal, but allows me to sleep through the night! Though I get tired at times, I am feeling well. Ric has been super supportive, taking care of all of my needs. He is an AMAZING person! We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our son. SOON!