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Monday, November 30, 2009

Daniel's First Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was by far the best one I have ever had. I have my husband, Brian, the love of my life and Daniel, my beautiful son. I am thankful for so many things: my family, my husband being able to provide for us, living close to our families once again and much much more. I am so glad that Daniel's first Thanksgiving was so full of love. Here is a glimpse of our Thanksgiving events.







First Photo Shoot

We had Davy Whitener take Daniel's 6 week pics. He is the same person we used for our wedding. They turned out great!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

10 Weeks!!!

How Old? 10 Weeks
Weight? Over 10lbs
Clothing? 0-3 months...I just packed away all of his preemie and most of his newborn clothes. I had to keep his superman onesie out, I don't have another one yet : (
Sleep? He slept 8 hours one night this week but got up at 1 and 4 last night! Not sure what is going on. Maybe another growth spurt? I hope he slows down, at this rate he will be 30lbs at a year old!
Best moment this week? Brian and I getting our new camera and getting some GREAT pictures of our little man.
Sounds? He is talking more. He makes all sorts of noises!
Eating? Still 4oz every 3 hours
What I am looking forward to? Thanksgiving and him meeting more family!
Milestones? At this age your baby is attuned to every expression you make and will try to copy you. He'll even "talk back" (in a nice way) by cooing to you. lay "copycat" with your baby. Make a big smile or stick out your tongue, then wait a minute or two for her to copy you. Enjoy this innocent mimicking, because in a few years, the not-so-innocent mimicking probably won't give you as much joy. Stimulate baby's senses by turning on your favorite music and taking him dancing. Hold him in your arms and sway softly with the music. (You two could totally compete on Dancing with the Stars!) Your baby might be rolling from back to side and side to back at this point. Take precautions not to leave him alone on a changing table or bed. He probably won't roll all the way over for a month or so yet, but better safe than sorry.
Other notes? We saw my cousins 2 week old baby and she weighs what Daniel did when he was born. It is weird to see a baby smaller than him! He looks so big!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

9 weeks!

How Old? 9 Weeks
Weight? 10lbs!!! He is so big
Clothing? It still depends. He can still wear newborn clothes that do not have feet in them. 0-3 months in sleepers.
Sleep? He has not been feeling very well. He has a cold and we had to take him to the doctor. He has been getting up every hour or so until last night. He seems to be back to his 9-4 sleeping period. I am not sure if that is considered sleeping through the night or not but it is pretty darn close!
Best moment this week?
Seeing how much Daniel smiles and talks. He has started doing it so much more in the last week.
Sounds? He makes all sorts of sounds and has more of a "complaining" noise instead of a cry when he wants something.
Eating? Since he has been sick, he has not been eating as much but normally 4 oz every 3 hours during the day.
What I am looking forward to? Daniel being able to play more. I know I should just enjoy him being so little but I want to be able to do more things with him.
Milestones? Your baby's salivary glands have been working since she was in utero, but you may notice that she's started to drool. She's also putting everything in her mouth and producing more saliva than she can swallow. f your baby's sleeping through the night (five or six hours at a stretch), you're one of the lucky few. Most 10-week-old babies still wake up in the middle of the night. But even babies who aren't sleeping through the night at this stage should be sleeping and staying awake for longer intervals instead of cycling back and forth so much. Your baby will most likely have two to four long sleep periods and as many as ten hours of awake time in 24 hours. Your baby is learning how to rock and roll — well, maybe just roll. At this age, she'll probably be able to move from her side to her back and her back to her side. The complete roll over won't come for another month or so, though, because she needs stronger neck and arm muscles for that maneuver. Your baby's increasing mobility means that you must keep a hand on her during diaper changes. Never leave your baby unattended on a bed or any other elevated surface now that she can move around.
Other notes? It breaks my heart to see him hurting and not know what is wrong or how to fix it.

Friday, November 13, 2009

2 month check up

Daniel had his 2 month check up yesterday. He weighed 9lbs 9oz and was 21.75 inches long. He has gained almost 4lbs and 3 inches since birth. He is growing so fast. Brian and I held his little hands while he got his shots. I was also holding Brian's hand. I think I was squeezing harder than Daniel was : (

He has not been acting like himself the last couple of days and we found out he has Thrush. We started him on some meds for it so hopefully he will feel better soon.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

8 Weeks

How Old? 8 Weeks
Weight? 9lbs 6oz (last week)
Clothing? He is still wearing the newborn clothes but they are getting snug. He is wearing the smaller 0-3's and just started the size 1 diapers today!!
Sleep? He is still doing well. He is really starting to sleep on a schedule. In the mornings he takes about a 45 minute nap around 8 or 9 and again around 10 or 11. He eats around 11:30 or 12, plays and then takes about a 2-3 hour nap. He dozes a little in the evening around 7 and then has bath time, eats and goes to bed around 8:30 or 9. He will then sleep until 3:30, eat and sleep until about 7.
Best moment this week?
Him talking and smiling so much more!
Sounds? He makes noises when he smiles and when I talk to him. It kind of sounds like "ah-ooo"
Eating? When he sleeps a lot at night (6-7 hours) he eats more during the day. On average 4oz every 2-3 hours
What I am looking forward to? Seeing how much he weighs at his 2 month appt next week.
Milestones? The ability to hold their head steady when being held upright. Smile on their own and in response to you or someone or something else they genuinely enjoy. Can consistently focus both eyes and track a moving object. Will actively seek out the source of new sound. Will make sounds other than crying.
Other notes?
Being a mom is nothing like I thought it would be. It is the best feeling to look at him and know we made such a perfect life.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

7 Weeks














How Old?
7 weeks 1 day
Weight? 8lbs 13oz at last check. I am guessing about 9.5lbs now. We will find out tomorrow.
Clothing? He is out of preemie and filling out the newborns pretty well. He has worn a couple of the smaller 0-3 months but will probably not be in them fully for another 2 weeks or so. He is also growing out of the newborn diapers. Size 1's here we come!
Sleep? He has been sleeping 5-6 hours at a time during the night, although last night he slept from 8:30 - 3:30! 7 hours! I got up and checked to make sure he was still breathing.
Best moment this week?
Starting him on Zantac and seeing how much it helped him...he is so much happier now.
Sounds? He is cooing and talking back sometimes when I am talking to him.
Eating? He is still a pig...eating 3-4 ounces every 2-3 hours during the day. I guess he has to make up for sleeping so long at night.
What I am looking forward to? Taking him to the doctor tomorrow to check out his ears (he has been rubbing them) and a rash on his face. I am also excited to see how much he weighs!
Milestones? Reaching out, Your baby's hands should be mostly open now — ready to reach out to the world. Learning begins now...You may notice short periods of time when your newborn is quiet and alert. This is prime time for learning: Your baby's brain will grow about 5 centimeters during his first three months! Use these calm intervals to get better acquainted with your baby — talk to him, sing to him, describe the pictures on the walls. He may not be able to add to your conversation just yet, but he's learning nonetheless. New textures for his hands to feel and new sights and sounds (all in moderation) are all learning opportunities. Even bath time becomes a laboratory for understanding life. Eyes can track objects, With both eyes now able to follow things consistently and well, your baby can track a moving object much better, something he may have been able to do for only brief periods since birth.
Other notes? He is an awesome little man. I love holding him and just talking to him like he knows what I am saying.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

6 weeks

Our little man is now 8 pounds 13 ounces and 20.5 inches. Looking at him it is hard to believe a lot of babies are this big at birth! Poor mommas! He is now sleeping so much better at night, 5-6 hour stretches. He has been really fussy and uncomfortable during the day so the doc is going to start him on Zantac. I just hope it helps. There is nothing worse for a mom that to feel helpless in making her baby feel better.

We are getting his pictures made on Saturday and I cannot wait. He is probably going to have to change clothes a couple of times and since it is Halloween he might just get one picture in his costume. Here are some pics I took on a dark sheet just playing around with my phone. I think they turned out great.

I love this little guy more than anything.


Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Growing so fast

I can't believe how much Daniel has changed over the few weeks he has been in this world. He went from 5lbs 10oz when we left the hospital to 7lbs 12oz at one month. His personality is starting to show. He has started smiling and cooing. Most shocking is that he is rolling over. One night I laid him on his back to go to sleep and he woke up on his stomach. He is so strong.

Mommy and Daddy are starting to figure things out too. I love watching Brian take care of him it is so sweet. There is nothing that can prepare you for this experience. It is exhausting, frustrating and the most wonderful thing I could have imagined.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

I can't believe it has been a month!

Well I know it has been a while. Daniel is a month old. He has gained about 2 pounds since he left the hospital! He is a little pig. It is an amazing feeling to be a mom. No matter how tired I am or how much he cries I can always smile when I look at him.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Daniel's Arrival

to continue where I left off... After they broke my water I really did not progress any further so they decided to start Pitocin. By about 6:30pm I was dilated to 5 but when the doctor checked me she said she thought she felt either fingers or toes instead of a head. She did an ultrasound and found out that Daniel was head down but he had his hands on his head. She tried to move his hands but had no luck. She told us that we needed to do a c-section. It was a little shocking. I was really scared but knew that I really had no choice. Daniel was born at 7:27 pm and weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces. He was 18 1/2 inches long and just perfect. We are so blessed.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Today Is The Day!

We came to the hospital last night with my contractions about 5-7 minutes apart. They gave us the option to go home and let everything progress. We decided to stay in the hospital. This morning they checked me and I had progressed a little. They decided to break my water at 8:30 am to help things get going. The doctor will be here in a minute to check and see how everything is going.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

38 Week Appointment

The appointment went well. I am now 2cm dilated and still 70% effaced. Everything looks good and if I make it until next week we will have another appointment on 9/15. Daniel's ultrasound went well and he is an estimated 6lbs 6oz and in the 20th percentile. He has some big cheeks and still really likes his hands and feet in front of his face. That was the last ultrasound we will have so the next time we see him will be in person! Here are some of the pictures we got. The first one is a picture of him looking at us and you can see his big cheek!






























Tuesday, September 8, 2009

38 Week Cartoon!

pregnancy cartoon

38 Weeks!

How Far Along? I am 38 weeks and 2 days
Total weight gain/loss? 33lbs
Maternity clothes? I am counting down the days until I get back into my normal clothes!
Sleep? I am not sleeping well at all! I finally fell asleep last night at 11pm and woke up at 3am. I could not go back to sleep until 5:30am. I have no idea what was going on.
Mood? I am in a pretty good mood, I think. I am sure I have my moments : )
Best moment this week?
Movement? He is still very active. I would not be surprised if mommy has some serious internal bruising. He really likes to stretch his foot out as far into my right side as possible. He is so accurate, hitting the exact same spot every time.
Food Cravings? Anything cold, cereal, sandwiches, ice cream, etc
What I miss? nothing really right now.
What I am looking forward to? Our ultrasound tomorrow to check on Daniel's growth and the appointment directly following. I want to see if I progressed! Even if it is just a little bit it is encouraging. Also, Friday is my last day at work! YAY
Milestones? As you know, you've arrived at the final leg of your pregnancy journey, and if you're still carrying your little love around, they've just about reached their birth weight (somewhere between 6 to 8 pounds is average depending on whether they're a boy or girl). There really isn't a lot to report on baby this week, so lets do a quick recount of where we're at: all internal organ systems are pretty much ready for the outside world, they've got their meconium stockpile building up (their first black baby poo), lots of healthy baby fat, a rapidly developing brain (that'll keep growing with them for years to come), and they've more or less reached official baby status-- all they need to do is "head out" and say hello to the rest of the world and especially their ready-to-pop momma.
Other notes? Brian painted my toenails for me last night and did a great job!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

37 Week Appointment

This appointment went so much better than last weeks! I am still dilated to 1 cm but am now 70% effaced, oh yeah! Daniel's heart rate is right where it should be and he is still very active. Next week we will have another ultrasound to make sure he is still growing properly and check to see that mommy is progressing. I can't believe we only have 19 days left until his due date. Mommy and Daddy are so excited to finally meet our little man.

Something For Daniel (and Daddy)

I ordered this monogrammed burp cloth for Daniel from a lady in New Orleans. I finally got it in the mail yesterday and I am so excited it turned out so nice!

Monday, August 31, 2009

37 Weeks


















How Far Along? I am 37 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 32 lbs
Maternity clothes? I think there are some that I am going to miss after Daniel's arrival but for the most part I will be happy to be in regular clothes again.
Sleep? I have been sleeping great the last few days. I am not sure what is going on but I love it!
Mood? I am doing pretty good this week, although Brian might say different : )
Best moment this week? Hitting the 37 week mark and finding out that I do not have Preeclampsia! I was so stressed thinking that something was wrong. I am just happy to know that Daniel and Mommy are doing well.
Movement? He moves a lot lately. It has become pretty painful and he will go non-stop for an hour at a time.
Food Cravings? Not much of anything. I have not been that hungry.
What I miss? Walking straight, comfortably and without waddling.
What I am looking forward to? My appointment tomorrow and seeing if I am progressing anymore.
Milestones? Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away. Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
Other notes? Belly button is still an innie! Wow, I keep waiting for it to pop!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Pediatric Consultation and My Appointment

Meeting with Daniel's pediatrician was good. We made sure he was on the same page as us with circumcision, vaccines, breastfeeding and other things. It is a small private practice with 2 docs and the staff seemed really nice. I guess we will really get to see how we like the practice once Daniel gets here they have a over protective new mom calling them everyday asking them stupid questions.

Well my appointment did not go as well as some. The good news is Daniel is doing great and I am dilated to 1cm! The not so good news is that I may have preclampsia. I had some labs drawn yesterday and today I am doing a 24 hour urine test. Hopefully everything is ok but if it is not the worst thing that will happen is that they will induce me. I am a little worried about the results because I really want to go into labor on my own. I would like to experience the "honey it is time to go to the hospital" kind of labor. Hopefully I will know for sure what is going on tomorrow. Whatever happens, I am excited to meet Daniel.

Monday, August 24, 2009

27 Days To Go!

How Far Along? I am 36 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 30lbs at 34 week visit. We will find out tomorrow how much more I have gained.
Maternity clothes? I cannot wait to wear normal clothes again! The only things that are comfortable anymore are my maternity tank tops, sweats and dresses.
Sleep? I am getting the restless legs while I am trying to go to sleep. I sleep good from about 10pm to 3am and then can't fall back asleep until about 5am. At least I will be used to it when Daniel arrives.
Mood? I am still pretty emotional and stressed. The only thing that seems to calm me is completing tasks for Daniel's arrival. I finished packing my "Go Bag" and sterilized Daniel's bottles and pacifiers yesterday. That gave me some relief.
Best moment this week? Having a relaxing weekend Brian, Mimi and Pops. It consisted of going to the pool, shopping, going to the movies, getting a pedicure and napping. I also realized that the float I have for the pool allows me to lay on my stomach in the water! It was so relaxing.
Movement? Getting even more crowded in there. He still moves a lot at times. He is definitely on a sleep schedule now. He reacts a lot more to me touching my belly. I started singing the other morning and he started moving all over the place. He now does it pretty much every time I sing :)
Food Cravings? Cereal, Ice Cream, anything cold. Food is not all that appetizing to me anymore.
What I miss? Being able to get up from a sitting position with out having to pull or push on something for leverage.
What I am looking forward to? Seeing my little man and trying to figure out who he looks like.
Milestones? Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.
Other notes? Belly button is still an innie! Maybe it will stay : )

Friday, August 21, 2009

Finally!

It has been a month since the baby showers and I have finally gathered all the pictures and sent out the thank you notes! I feel like it is taking me so long to get things done these days. The littlest things seem to be overwhelming and I am so emotional. I am taking everything personally even though I know what I am feeling is not realistic. I am attributing it to pregnancy hormones and anxiety. I almost hung up on my mom, which I never do. She was not doing anything wrong, I just did not like what she was saying LOL. Oh well, I just have to focus on Daniel and it makes everything better. Thank God for an amazing husband as well. I know he has to take some deep breaths with me lately.

We are both so excited to meet Daniel :)30 days and counting!

Anyways back to the showers...We are so blessed to have such great family and friends. Here are a few of the pics...enjoy...














Monday, August 17, 2009

35 Weeks

How Far Along? I am 35 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 30 lbs! WOW and people say I am all baby! LOL
Maternity clothes? I can still wear some of them. Things just don't fit all that well with your belly is like a slippery ball.
Sleep? Sleep is actually pretty good the last couple of days. I can't nap anymore though. That probably helps with sleeping better at night.
Mood? I am very sensitive, irritable and starting to stress more about when I am going to go into labor. Where will I be and will Brian be with me?
Best moment this week? Seeing our baby on the ultrasound! He is so cute! Of course he will be the most handsome boy I have ever seen = )
Movement? More like jabs! He is getting really strong and kicking or stretching in my ribs and side. Sometimes it makes me jump!
Food Cravings? Wraps, smoothies, potatoes
What I miss? being able to shave my legs and cut my toenails. I know that sounds gross but it is very difficult.
What I am looking forward to? next week's appointment when they check me to see if I have started dilating or effacing.
Milestones? Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Other notes? My belly button is still an innie!!!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Almost Forgot - 34 Week Cartoon

pregnancy cartoon

Bedtime Routine

For about the last month or so we have been reading to Daniel at bedtime. We received so many great books from the baby showers it is hard to pick which one to read. It is the most amazing thing, I will sit in the glider and Brian will sit in the chair. Daisy always has to be a part of it and lays on the floor while I read. For some reason I feel like if I rub my belly while I am reading Daniel will know I am talking to him. It is our first little family routine and I love it!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

34 Week Appointment and Ultrasound Pics

The appointment went well today. Daniel is head down and growing fine. He weighed about 4lbs 11ozs and is in the 26th percentile. The ultrasound tech caught him on the ultrasound using his diaphragm so we got to see him practice breathing. She said that is a good sign of a healthy baby! He also did better getting his picture made today. That made mommy very happy. We go back in 2 weeks for a regular visit and Strep B test and then we will have another ultrasound at 38 weeks.

Another thing, our insurance only covers 2 ultrasounds at 100% but since these are for the health of Daniel we did not really consider the cost. Today was the first one we had to pay for. When I got to the checkout the lady checked to see how much we owed and it was only 30 dollars! How awesome is that. We learned that the insurance covers 80% and has a discounted rate! Thank God for insurance :)

Anyways, here are the pictures from the ultrasound!








Monday, August 10, 2009

34 Weeks

How Far Along? I am 34 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? Will find out tomorrow!
Maternity clothes? I am just happy to wear anything comfortable right now. The pants that have the belly panel in them now roll down while I am wearing them. I think it is because my belly has stretched so much that it is shiny and slippery :)
Sleep? I am not doing so well with sleep. I have been having contractions at night and Daniel has gotten so big now it is hard to move.
Mood? I have been really emotional and can not seem to relax. Everything gets to me. Brian has been really helpful in making me feel better. I am feeling extremely overwhelmed at the littlest things.
Best moment this week? Someone telling me I looked too small to be due in 6 weeks! I could have given them a big hug!
Movement? He has slowed down a bit. He must be running out of room, I know I am!
Food Cravings? Cheesecake Ice Cream from Marble Slab!
What I miss? Not missing anything really, just ready to get this little man out!
What I am looking forward to? Our Appointment tomorrow. We are having an ultrasound. Pray that he is head down, growing properly and that I get some good pictures.
Milestones? Your baby now weighs about 5 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
Other notes? Feeling really blah. I hope these contractions and emotions don't last for 6 weeks :(

Friday, August 7, 2009

33 Week Belly Pic!

Getting Pretty Big!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Monday, August 3, 2009

33 Weeks!

How Far Along? I am 33 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss? 26 pounds
Maternity clothes? I am getting tired of them!
Sleep? Sleep is alright. I have good nights and bad nights.
Best moment this week? My mom and dad brought the rest of the stuff for Daniel. They brought his diaper changer and we went shopping to buy stuff to organize! I will post pictures soon!
Movement? he is still pretty active but I can feel him roll more than kick. He also gets the hiccups pretty frequently! It is so cute.
Food Cravings? Brownies, Ice Cream
What I miss? I am not sure...I am starting to forget what it was like to not be pregnant.
What I am looking forward to? The carseat check tomorrow! The ultrasound on August 11th. (Next week!)It is another growth ultrasound to make sure the meds are not causing Daniel to grow slower. I am so excited, I hope he is more cooperative so I can see his sweet little face. I scheduled it at a time when he is more active.
Milestones? The baby is now 4.4 pounds (2 kg) and around 17.5 inches (44cm) in length. The diameter of the head is about 8.5cm. The baby fuzz, lanugo, is disappearing. Your baby drinks about a pint of amniotic fluid a day. You may gain a pound a week (500g) for the rest of your pregnancy. Half of your weight gain will go directly to your baby.
Other notes? I can not wait to meet him. I know I say this all the time but it seems like it is taking forever! My belly button is still in innie!!