In the blink of an eye...

Davis is 15 weeks old!

It's been a while since I've posted. To sum things up, this journey is nothing what I thought it would be. Yes, it is absolutely amazing but no, I don't have near the free time I expected.

I'm going to try and sum things up as broadly as possible but I have a tendency to go into detail. However, in summary, we battled (and still kind of are) severe digestion and reflux issues until 13 weeks.

We realized though that we all just couldn't stay confined to the house forever and we would just have to brave it and get you out into this crazy world. We traveled to the beach for Thanksgiving. Made our first overnight stay away from daddy on a work trip - thank goodness for our live-in nanny/Mimi. Followed up with another trip away from daddy for 4 nights so I could work and D didn't have to go to daycare - thank goodness for Gigi and Pappy. In general, thank goodness for grandparents because I don't how we would have survived the first 3 months without any of them.

Highlights:

• Your smile - oh that big gummy smile. We will do anything to get you to smile and then usually when we stop trying you flash us that gummy grin. Oh how it just shakes me to the core every time.
• Your voice - the sweetest sound I've ever heard. You don't go a mile a minute. You study things and then only speak when you really feel it is necessary. Maybe it's because we talk to you nonstop.
• You love your activity mat. You will kick those keys on the piano for a good 20-30 minutes and talk to your animals as you grasp on to the rings like you're about to swing from them.
• You used to be the best cuddle bug but we're seeing you gain independence already and I just won't accept it and still try to get snuggles in.
• You LOVE your changing pad. Those are some of our best times. We usually end up leaving you up there well past changing your diaper because you'll coo and smile up a storm.
• At 15 weeks you weigh 11lbs 3oz and are 23.5in long.
• You eat 3.5-4oz every 3 hours
• You wake up once or twice at night to eat (and I secretly never want that to end because I get my snuggles in that way)
• You are our love bug, love, sweet boy, little lamb and Baby Davis
• You have outgrown most of your 0-3, 3 month clothes
• You love to grab and hold things. Your Mimi always gives you something to hold and feel because she knows how happy it makes you.
• You have started to grab my hair and you don't let go.
• You enjoy baths...finally...as long as the water is just the right temperature. 
• You are battling your first cold and it is no fun for anyone.
• You constantly have one hand in your mouth and the other rubbing your hair.

We can't get enough of this sweet boy!
A

Dear sweet boy

Dear Baby Davis,

You are six weeks old! My heart breaks thinking about these past six weeks. Knowing that my maternity leave is up and that we've spent the past six weeks thinking you were a fussy baby and then realizing you needed relief because of tummy problems.

I think back to the day we didn't realize you were going to be coming and the people we were. You have changed us in an unexplainable way. Our world revolves around you.

We have spent the past six weeks looking at you in awe, memorizing all of your facial expressions, trying to decipher what each whimper, cry and scream means, trying to put you on a schedule and then realizing it is best that you set your own schedule, eating our words more times than we can count, and just trying to love you in the best way we know how.

You have had a tough couple of weeks...and so have mommy and daddy. You have battled tummy and reflux issues and it has caused pain for us all. We absolutely hate to see you in pain and not know what we can do. We think we're heading in the right direction with no dairy and are so thankful to already see you more content...even if it means no ice cream for mom :)

We love watching you study our faces and busting out a smile, but only if we work really hard for it. You're a little stubborn. Your dad and I will both point fingers saying you got it from the other but we know you got it from us both.

You love, absolutely love, to snuggle. Before you arrived I swore you would be in your crib from day one, well last night you were pretty cozy on my chest and it looks like it will be that way for a while until the tummy issues are completely cleared. Whatever it takes to keep you comfortable is what we'll always do.

We love to watch you stretch. Your old man face wrinkles up and you stretch those arms as high as you can. You frequently raise one hand like you would like to ask a question. We give you the opportunity but you never ask. I absolutely love when you're eating and you bend your elbow and prop your head on your hand. Absolutely adorable. I tell your dad to look every time because I think it's the cutest.

You are a true joy to us and we anxiously anticipate every single new and exciting thing you do.

We love you so much Baby Davis,
M&D

I will certainly miss spending my days doing this.

5 weeks

Highlights at 5 weeks

- Davis gave us his first real smile! I was talking to him while getting ready to nurse and he gave me the best smile I have ever seen. He smiled with his whole face. It was one of the best things I've ever experienced. Later in the evening, W was talking to him and he did it again.

- We've thrown out the baby books...sort of. We still reference them but are not following them obsessively. We let Davis set his own schedule which is pretty much 2.5 hours between feedings during the day and 3-3.5 at night. During the day, he eats when he wakes up and then has a little bit of awake time and gets sleepy within an hour.

- He typically doesn't wake up happy. He takes after his mom and gets grumpy when hungry and he wakes up hungry every time.

- Davis loves to snuggle. His favorite sleeping position is on someone's chest.

- One of our favorite things to do is to put Davis in the bed with us in the morning and snuggle for a few minutes before "breakfast."

- He does okay with tummy time on a mat but prefers tummy time on our chests. He is pretty good about lifting his head and turning it from side to side.

- He is pretty fond of his paci but we're learning how to get away without it at night. He knows to push his hand against his paci to keep it in. He'll spit it out when he's had enough.

- He's had a bottle a few times and does great with it. He'll eat 3-4 oz each time.

5 weeks

Turning Point

Each day has been more and more challenging as Davis seems uncomfortable and has been spitting up more and more frequently and seems to be in pain. After a push from others to follow my intuition we made a trip to the pediatrician today. Our assumptions were right and we're now treating baby boy for reflux. We have big hopes for when the medicine kicks in and we hope to have our happy baby back.

The doctor's appointment was last minute so I had to go by myself. I was a little anxious because his appointment was exactly when he was supposed to eat again. Sweet boy was patient for a good half hour past his feeding time and then just couldn't take it anymore and he got hangry (as Aunt B would say). I did it...I nursed in public for the first time and I did it flying solo. Big accomplishment for me considering the struggles we have had with breastfeeding.

Today he weighed 7lb 6oz. Two pounds more than his birth weight!

Here is a recent pic.

10/2/2012

1 month

Sweet baby Davis, how is it already October 1?! In one way it seems like Davis has always been n our lives and in another way it feels like we are all still finding our way in this new world.

I haven't yet decided how much detail I want to go into on this blog but I will just go with how I feel at the moment and continue to look at this as a way for our family to be remember every moment, the good and the bad.

The past four weeks have been a much different story than I imagined. I am being honest here. I had perfect world expectations - we would bring home this beautiful bundle of joy who would be on a schedule from day one which included sleeping most of the night and never fussing; I would spend my maternity in complete awe and we would be one big happy family; oh and we could do it all on our own. I will be the first to admit I was dead wrong.

Yes, we are in complete awe over this miracle but he cries, I have an hour break between feedings where I try to recover from the barracuda that just destroyed he sole source of nutrition, Daddy W is swamped with school and we would not have survived the past four weeks without all the help from our families. Something has changed though over the past 24 hours. Something clicked and we know each other so much better. I better understand his needs, he smiles at me and makes other noises besides whaling. It's happened - I'm in love with this 7lb wonder.

What are you up to, Baby D?

- Diet: You typically are ready to eat every three hours exactly. If you're sleeping, you begin to squirm and make noises and I know it's time to prepare my utters for the attack. Your aunt B calls them squirrel noises and I tend to refer to them as pterodactyl (I definitely had to look up that spelling) noises. At night you are starting to do longer 4-5 hour strecthes. I don't wake you at night and just let you call that shots.

- Sleep: We're getting there. We have finally realized that you hate to sleep flat on your back and we just don't even attempt it anymore. For the past two weeks you have been sleeping in your swing with mom and aunt b on the couch. While it will make for great memories like me kicking aunt b in the head, it just couldn't continue. You now sleep in the nap nanny next to our bed. Everryone sleeps better.

- Big brother: Bo has really come around. He now sniffs your feet and head and likes to be in the same room as you. You spot him every now and then but really pay him much attention.

- Nicknames: Baby boy, sweet baby boy, baby davis, chunky monkey/chunk monk, love bug

- Activity: You enjoy your swing, bouncer, activity mat and looking at toys with black and white patterns. You have a short attention span though and things don't last long.

I attempted to take a monthly picture so we can track his growth and next time I will wait until Daddy W is around to help.

3 weeks

Really tomorrow is 3 weeks but I want to go ahead and get this done.

We're still figuring out our schedule. I keep thinking we get the hang of it and then it gets thrown off somehow. I am determined to figure this out. :)

Bitty boy has grown a lot during his first couple of weeks. The pediatrician is very impressed with his growth. When we left the hospital, he weighed 4lbs 13oz. itty bitty. Just two days shy of 3 weeks, Davis weighed 6lbs 5oz! Woohoo, chunky monkey. Woof, I can say the growth has been well earned by both Davis and my body. ;)

Davis loves to be cuddled. I think in his perfect world he would be held 24/7. As much as I want to do that, I am trying hard to give him time on his own. Between his mommy and daddy, family and friends, it can be challenging to give him some alone time. I'm learning though he really needs a balance. We're still trying to figure out that balance.

We try to take at least one walk a day. I think the fresh air is really good for him.

Bowman is adjusting. He was very indifferent for the first two weeks and now he seems to want to be in the same room as the baby most of the time. He now starts to wag his tail and sniff those little toes. It seemed like this morning Davis spotted Bo. He turned his head in Bo's direction when he heard Bo's nails prancing towards us. Oh I hope they love each other immensely one day.

My mom, Davis' Mimi, stayed with us the first week and we are so thankful. My sister, Aunt B, came in town last week and is here for another week. Mimi has been back too. :) I can never thank them appropriately for their help. W has been SO swamped with school that we needed help more than we thought. Most importantly, they are bonding with Davis and he already recognizes their voices. I think they would hold him 24/7 if I let them. Actually, I know they would. :) They already fight over him. I love it!

We have had sweet family and friends continue to visit us and bring us food. What a blessing! It is times like these when you realize how fortunate you are because of the people and love around you. Life is put into perspective and we see the true joy in this world - love.

Picture overload to come this weekend.

Baby Davis

I have been saying for over a week that I was going to start blogging again because I know I will regret it if not. Right now I think I won't forget a thing about these past 2.5 weeks but I know that won't be the case.

It is hard to find the time to write but I will just start going and see where it takes me.

Our sweet baby boy was born at 37 weeks 2 days. Two days prior, we went to the hospital for version and successfully had him flipped. While it was painful and looking like it wasn't going to happen, he finally cooperated after 20 minutes. We had a growth scan scheduled for two days later where we would also confirm he was still head down. The appointment was first thing in the morning and Daddy W and I did not receive much information as the u/s tech didn't seem to be too interested in her tasks for that day. Even with the limited information something didn't seem right. As soon as we got home I called my doctor's office and spoke with the nurse telling her I didn't think the scan went well and that the baby didn't seem to be growing at the same pace. Instead of measuring 2 weeks behind, he was showing 3 weeks behind. The nurse assured me that if there was a problem they would have been notified by the tech.

As soon as I hung up the phone, literally, it rang. It was the tech and simply said "can you head to the hospital to labor and delivery?" no futher info. I asked if there was a concern. Again all she said was to head to L&D as they were expecting me. W and I grabbed a magazine and bookbag to keep us occupied while in the hospital thinking we were going to be monitored.

We arrived at L&D and they were not expecting us. No one had notified them yet. To make a long story short, information finally made its way to L&D and then to us. We were simply told we weren't leaving the hospital without having the baby. WHAT?! They measured him at 5lbs and thought it would be better for him to get nutrients outside of the womb moving forward.

At 10am Friday, August 31 I was checked in and in our L&D room dressed for the occasion. Family was notified and on their way, W headed home to get our bags, and then we waited.

I was induced around noon and had the epidural within an hour of being induced. No reason to feel pain if I was getting an epidural anyway. Family came to visit to keep us company and we all just waited for progression. Around 9:30pm I started getting uncomfortable and experienced my first bout of pain. I soon remembered that I had a trigger button for my epidural. A couple of shots later and I was good to go. I started pushing at 12:00am September 1 and we met our sweet boy, Davis Douglas, at 12:07. He weighed 5lbs 6oz and was 18.5 in long. Bigger than we thought! I was amazed by the process. I should note for my own memory that I could have started pushing at 11:30pm but am glad I waited as the crowning helped with a few simple pushes to get him out.

We were in the hospital until Monday and a scare Saturday morning just hours after he was born. Davis choked on mucus and turned blue in daddy's arms. We were glad to stay another couple of days in the hospital where we were surrounded by experts.

My recovery was pretty noneventful. I am so fortunate to have had a wonderful pregnancy and l&d.

Davis is now 2.5 weeks old and we are all still learning the ropes. I would be lying if I didn't say my love for this tiny little man is more than I can explain, but the past 2.5 weeks have come with challenges. A newborn is more than a full time job. It is an amazing thing but nothing can prepare you for it. All I want to do is keep him happy and sometimes fussing is just what he needs. Boy is that hard to handle.



Pics will come later. My time is up :)

Updated with pics

Nesting Already?

Last night was a rare night where I didn't fall asleep on the couch at 8pm and then back asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow at 10pm. Instead, at 11:30pm I accepted that I wasn't going to sleep anytime soon because my mind wouldn't stop racing with thoughts about decluttering and redecorating. By 1am, the guest room was completely redone in my mind, the master bedroom had some updates planned, the nursery plan progressed, the den got some thoughts and the bathroom even received a few thoughts. The problem, I couldn't do any of it because W was sleeping and it's exam time...and there's another week left. I did manage to get something done at 6:30am when I decided it was time to rearrange the pantry. It was a tease though because it made me want to do the whole house.

Soon all of the walls in our house will be tan...ah heaven! I became addicted to stripes last night while searching the internet for decorating ideas. I'm thinking navy and white for the guest bedroom.




You can find this look (minus the robot sheets) at West Elm, PB, PB Kids, etc. The best price is Target but of course the item can't be found anywhere. I'm thinking about adding a feminine touch with white tulips and pretty white frames so the room is not too harsh and masculine with brown, tan and navy. It works in my mind now we'll just see if it actually gets done. :)

The other room updates are minor and mostly include things we already have, except for the nursery. That's a new ballgame.

I'm hooked on a neutral, calming pallet for the nursery. No surprise, I know. For the bedding, I'm pretty set on linen and this is my favorite...right now. So sweet.



Hopefully the weekend will be a shopping success! Happy Friday!

And for our memory's sake, W felt little man "kick" last night.

Current Obsessions

These


...dipped in this


Watch out...it is impossible to stop once you start. It reminds me of the ones below but even better.



Also, red pears and just fruit in general and tortilla crust veggie pizza. Oh the pizza. It is so simple. Take a tortilla wrap (whole grain) and lightly toast both sides in the oven. Generously spread tomato basil spaghetti sauce on one side. Add your pizza toppings - I pile it high with veggies (spinach, onion, bell pepper, broccoli, whatever I have on hand) and some cheese. I actually do a very thin layer of cheese before the veggies too and then a thin layer at the end. Place your personal pan pizza in the oven (~400 degrees) until the toppings are cooked to your liking (10ish minutes) and then don't forget the red pepper flakes and red wine vinegar when it comes out of the oven. Yes, red wine vinegar. Don't knock it til you try it.

Non-food obsessions:
The new Kendra Scott Elle earrings. Of course I can't decide on a color so haven't made a purchase. (probably a good thing)

And I've been on the hunt for a simple gold disc necklace for about a year (or more) now. I can't commit because I'm not sure I want the initial.


Happy Tuesday

Music to my ears

Two posts in one day...record.

I have to take a second to "brag" because I just can't stop smiling today. I went for a monthly appointment and well those make me happy no matter what because I just adore my doctor. I felt like I was beaming though as I walked down the hall and everyone on staff now knows me and checks for the bump. I am not one to want all eyes on me but for some reason it just felt good today.

Then I got to hear that sweet "thump, thump, thump" and could listen to it all day long. Baby boy's heartbeat continues to be strong. Oh what a blessing! And I was right, he's a wiggle worm. As soon as the probe found him and caught his heartbeat he "ran" from it. I knew we were in a for a wild ride when they said "it's a boy!"

While this whole process is totally out of our hands and can change in an instant, I will relish in these "perfect" moments. These moments when the doctor says numerous times "everything is perfect." Why, yes doc, yes, it is.

He's got the wiggles!

We are normally talking about our sweet dog when we say this because he has to get his wiggles out every time someone new comes over, but this time I'm talking about our sweet little boy.

I've been feeling faint flutters for 10 days or so but last night it was so much more than a flutter. He had me grinning from ear to ear. Such a special time because it was a moment with just me and my our little man. (No, I'm not leaving W out of this. I can't wait for W to experience it also.) He was actually tickling me. Little man is flexible. He had to have been doing somersaults in there. Absolutely loved it.

In other news, W is gearing up for exams. We're two weeks away from the final year of school! Unbelievable.

We also went to the beach for Easter and let's just say Mom and I are on baby purchasing restriction for a while. Too much fun. It was so wonderful to be at the beach for a long weekend and just relax, eat, walk on the beach, eat, hang out with mom and dad, eat...

I've finally gotten back into a cooking routine (and life routine at that) now that my crazy travel days have slowed down drastically. Here are two sites that I've pulled lots of recipes from and will try my best to share my reviews on some of them.

http://iowagirleats.com/

http://www.skinnytaste.com/

I did make this cajun chicken pasta this week and it was good. Not awesome, but good. I felt like there was some flavor missing but I couldn't really pinpoint it. I'm kind of thinking it needs a cheese taste. Maybe sprinkling some freshly grated parmesan on top would help.

Picking up where we left off...

Kind of. A few things have changed since the last time I decided to start blogging again. We're adding a little one the family and it's a...BOY!!! Daddy W was surprised but mammas know best, and my prediction was boy. Our sweet little man is due Sept 19th, just days after his daddy's birthday.

With family and friends spread across the Carolinas, in KY, stretching to St. Louis (soon), and even all the way to Portland, we thought a blog would be a good way to keep everyone up to date. I hesitated to start this up because I didn't want to be "that" person and this be baby, baby, baby. I'll try my best to entertain you with other things at times but let's get real, "baby" is taking up a lot of brain space these days. Also, in the end, this is for us to document all the little things we know we won't want to forget.

Here's a recap of this journey so far. This week marks 16 weeks. I have been SO fortunate and never had any "morning" sickness. The outpouring of love we have received has been overwhelming to say the least. It is an incredible (beyond incredible) feeling to know how loved this baby already is. We've been spoiled by the doctor as well and have been lucky to have already seen baby boy 5 times. Yes, we've had 5 ultrasounds already. No, nothing is wrong; my doctor just spoils us and I don't complain one bit. Our doctor knows that it brings up so much comfort to hear the heartbeat and see the baby so she takes the extra time to provide that comfort.

Aside from the baby world, we're ending the 2nd year of grad school. W is gearing up for exams as I type this and I can't believe there will soon be only one year left. Yay! I am so lucky to have a good job and work from home. There are no plans for that to end when sweet little man arrives. Bo, our furry child, is still loving life. He is oblivious to the baby on board, but I try to give him a heads up and warn him that his world will soon be rocked. He is such a sweet, sweet dog and we know there will be some adjusting but that he will be incredible with his baby brother. He already can't get enough of strollers. He has to stick his head in each one we see to check out what's inside. The only challenge we know of so far will be toys/stuffed animals. With each item we receive (yes, we're already getting spoiled), Bo thinks it's for him to add to his toy collection. We're working on it.

I'm not going to promise daily or weekly updates or even what this blog will entail, but I'll do my best to document our ordinary happenings in an extraordinary way. Yes, pictures will come at some point too.