More Firsts

The last few days have included several firsts for you as a little man. 

Wednesday - Mom and Dad decided we needed to run several errands so after you finished feeding in the morning, we were off for a trip to the metro area and many different shops.  During our day out and about, you ate for the first time in the car (twice actually), you had your first lunch out, and several diaper changes in various places besides your changing table.  When we returned home, you hung out with mom in the moby wrap (thanks to Tiner for the great gift - I definitely recommend it to new mothers) and then we took your first bath in the tub.  You liked both of them and here are pictures to document.

Thursday to Saturday - In the morning we headed north to Grandma Jean's and Grandpa Charlie's house.  It was your first overnight trip somewhere else.  In addition, we were going north to celebrate with Grandpa Charlie for his birthday!  You did awesome while we were away.  You enjoyed sleeping in your pack and play and the new surroundings.  You were so laid back and lots of people came to see you while we were up north.  I almost think it was a travesty to you that we had to head home today.  You have been upset on and off ever since we got home (Grandma Jean would definitely agree this is because you wanted to stay at her house and be held by her)  Maybe Grandma and Grandpa's house is the place you still want to be.  I'm sure they will let you visit for weeks at a time when you are older (and do not need Mom around to feed), but until then we're back home to enjoy your known surroundings.  Here is a picture of you laid back at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We've had a very busy week with lots of new things for you.  But you have endured them all and even still enjoy your car seat (as lots of travel has occurred).  We are enjoying spending all our time with you as the daily changes occur and cannot remember our lives without you.  As I look back on this week, I realize that all these things will not be firsts again (but they were fun to experience together for the first time as a family) and I'm sure there will be plenty more firsts as the days continue.

Program Director

OCW - 2, Mom and Dad - 0

Just in case your Dad and I had forgotten who ran this ship, you reminded us last night on two separate occasions.  The first happened when I was changing you.  You've done a good job at getting through each changing and not being a little boy aiming for the wall (the last time your Dad and I experienced this was your first full day at home).  Well last night as I was getting ready to give you a quick clean with the wipe before I fastened your diaper, I realized just why that washcloth was in place.  You were going to town as I pulled it back and the wall was your target.  Needless to say I could not help but laugh because that is what all parents do in this situation - there is nothing we can do to help it.

Then just a few hours later as your Dad was changing you I heard "oh crap" and then "you little nerd" from your room.  Sure enough, as Dad was trying to get the diaper in place to fasten it you started aiming towards the wall again.  I guess you decided last night that your Dad and I needed a little reminder just who ran the ship around here and that you were our little boy.  Thanks for the reminder buddy - we love you to death, even if it does take two diapers and a little extra time during one diaper change.

Yesterday was three weeks since you arrived in this world.  And gasp, Dad and I forgot to take a picture.  We will get you in a little over a week in your one month photo shoot.

Today also marked a big day for your Dad and I.  As we rolled out of bed around 9 am this morning, I started to think about the date.  Today was the day for the scheduled c section and it actually was scheduled for 8:30 am.  While your Dad was changing you and getting you ready to feed, we talked about the fact that we were just supposed to have met you (had everything gone with the plan).  Yet, here we are, three weeks later getting into our routine and enjoying life as a family.  We wouldn't have it any other way, especially since everything seems to continue to go well for you as you grow and develop.

Here are a few of you today as we tried to take some pictures for your birth announcement.  The first is the sweet little man that likes to sleep in our arms and snuggle in close.  The second is your personality to a T - arms out and in the air looking for all the exciting new things going on around you.

First Outings

This weekend marked your first outings other than to Target or the grocery store.  On Friday afternoon, Grandma and Grandpa Weber arrived to see you.  For dinner, Grandma, Grandpa, you, Dad and I went to the Knights of Columbus Fish Fry.  You slept the entire trip into town, all during dinner, and our trip back home.  We'd say it was a successful first trip.

Grandma and Grandpa Weber stayed until Saturday and we all just hung out around the house for Friday evening and all day Saturday.  Grandma especially loved holding you since she did not get to when she met you for the first time in the hospital.  Grandpa stayed close by to make sure you opened your eyes and were awake for part of the day.  Here is a picture of you with them from the visit.

After Grandma and Grandpa left, we settled in for the evening to watch the Bulldogs play their first playoff game.  We were excited when they won and therefore, get to watch them again today.  You of course snoozed through the whole thing, but did make some movements when they scored their goals.

This morning was your second outing.  We went to church.  Dad and I have been wanting to get back to church since you were born, as it was a part of our regular weekend activities before you were born; however, we had been waiting until we knew you were ready to go.  We decided after a good nights rest for all of us and since we could all get ready in time this morning, that we'd go.  You were awake the whole time and did not fuss at all.  I credit this to you being used to the festivities since we went every weekend while you were inside me.  We'll see how you do in future weeks at church.  Here is a picture of Dad carrying you into church (I had to mark the occasion with a picture).

Growth Ultrasound

Your dad was off from work today because over a month ago we had scheduled your final growth ultrasound and we both wanted to be there to see you on the big screen.  During the pregnancy we went into Riverside every three to four weeks to have a growth ultrasound done and see how you were doing.  Your dad made sure he was at every appointment, because we both loved seeing you on the screen, seeing what you'd do, and of course, seeing your growth.   As a note, our last growth ultrasound was just 4 days before you were born and they predicted you to be 7 lbs 1 ounce - you also scored in the 97th percentile or above for your head and belly size.  When you arrived you had gained 10 ounces in those 4 days, you certainly were a growing boy!

However, you arrived early and so today's growth ultrasound was unnecessary.  Instead, we were up at 7:30 am to feed and spend the day together.  It was a rainy day but we had plenty to do inside.  Neither your dad nor I can get in enough time holding you and so most of the day was spent either holding you or looking at you.  This afternoon you were even awake to enjoy the activity play mats.  You continue to grow every day and change up your style a little more.  I'm enjoying finding out your little quirks and the way you like to do things/do not like to do things.  You especially make me laugh when I look down at you while you're feeding to coax you along for a little longer and you get this really big smile on you face.  I sometimes think you're just trying to test me to see if I've noticed you have not been feeding for a while.  You also are getting on a more regular schedule, especially at night.  You like to eat three times throughout the night - which is normally spaced out in 3 to 3.5 hour increments.  I'm sure this will completely change at some time in the future, but we are enjoying a few hours of sleep in between those feeding times now.

In the end, we are just counting our blessings with you and enjoying the fact that you are home with us.  We thought with how early you were that it might be a couple weeks until you came home and that would have been hard to bear.  However, you're home with us, doing really well, and we are all settling into our life as a family.  I think each day makes everything a little less surreal.  Your dad and I have stopped saying to each other, can you believe he's our son.  Instead we are loving every minute of hanging out with you and making sure we soak up every minute now, as we are certain in no time you will be going like crazy.

Here is a picture that basically sums up your comfortable poses.  You always love to stretch out in our arms and put those hands above your head.  We call it your beach pose (it's because of this that we've decided the money we've been saving for our next vacation will have to be to the beach - since you are ready to lay back and relax).

Two Weeks Old

I'm finding it hard to believe that two weeks ago today you were born, but it's true and so I will continue to try to wrap my brain around it.  We had a lot of things happen today - but before we get to that, let's do a quick, run down of the weekend.

This weekend has been named "visitors weekend" because you had several visitors.  I always laughed when people told me while I was pregnant with you that after you were born the visitors would not be for us anymore, but for you.  I knew it would be true, especially after I saw your handsome face and fell in love with you myself.  I will count myself lucky that we have plenty of visitors to see you and that we get to see them also when they come to see you.  The visitors started on Thursday night - our family friend Jean stopped on her way home from work to drop off some food for your dad and I plus she got to hold you too.  Then Friday morning your Godmother Renee came for her second visit and brought Great Grandma Hallow with her.  Friday night, your Godfather Mike (also your uncle) and Aunt Cherise came to visit and held you (you are the smallest baby Uncle Mike has ever held and he was a natural with you).  On Saturday, Grandma Jean brought Grandma Jayne, Great Aunt Judee, and Great Grandma Hallow up for a quick visit.  During that visit we got this 4 generation picture (Dad and I are also looking forward to getting another 4 generation picture in April when we go to Iowa with Grandpa Nick and Great Grandpa Jack).

Finally, on Sunday, Grandma Jean and Grandpa Charlie stopped by one more time before they headed home.  You had a busy weekend meeting lots of people and being held by loved ones.  You are a blessed little boy.

Now, back to today - you're two weeks old!  Today was the first day you and I were on our own - Dad was back at work and no other helpers were around.  We managed to get through the night time feedings without much help from Dad and then we made it through the day successfully (although I think you were really excited to see Dad when he got home today because your face lit up and you stayed awake for the next couple hours).

We visited your doctor today too for a weight check.  You weighed in at 8 lbs 4 ounces today.  This was a good sign to everyone as you surpassed you birth weight and it means that you are no longer on scheduled feedings.  We also met your doc today (she was out last week when you had your first appointment) and she was very happy with you.  She had several questions about you and was very impressed with your growth over the last week.  So impressed that she told me you were now an on demand feeder and no longer needed to be woken up every 3 hours.  We will see how this goes over the next several days as it's something I'm struggling to comprehend myself.

We also visited my doc today and was told I'm doing well too.  Everyone in the doc's office thought you were handsome and were in shock by how big you were with only being born at 35 weeks 5 days gestation age.  It had me thinking on the ride home that next Tuesday was really the date we were expecting you and  how surreal this feeling, being a mom, still is to me.  It makes my heart feel content to know that you're fulfilled and have all your needs met.  I think this is the feeling that everyone told me you can never truly understand until you are a parent.  Well I'm there, in full force, and I'm loving it.  No matter what you are doing, you bring a smile to my face and a warmth in my heart.  I have a sneaking suspicion that your dad feels the same way about all of this too, so you always remember from the start that you brighten our day no matter what and we will love you forever.

Now, onto some fun pics.  I could not help myself on Saturday when I looked up from reading and here you and Dad were snoozing on the floor.  I'm sure this will not be the last time I can get a picture like this one.

And of course, this two week post would not be complete without your size picture.  I think you have changed a lot over the last week.  I can even tell in your cheeks, arms, and legs.  I'm sure others might be able to notice the almost 1 lb that you gained in just over a week.  All I can say is keep growing little man, you are exceeding the goals your neonatal nurse practitioners originally had for you!

Personality

This week you really started to show your personality.  It's so much fun to watch your facial expressions and see the smile on your face.  I especially appreciate the smiles and smirks that cross your face when I'm trying to get you to keep feeding - you seem to know just the right time to flash one of those for me to make me laugh.

Grandpa Charlie arrived and wanted you to keep those eyes open between feedings.  He was very successful in getting your attention as the week progressed - every time you heard his voice your eyes would open quickly to scan for him.  Here he is playing with you on the couch.

Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Jean left yesterday to attend the WCHA Final Five.  You've been hanging out with dad and I watching the games too.  You get especially excited when the announcer gets all excited yelling "and he scores".  I'm hoping today as we watch the UMD Bulldogs play that you'll only have that reaction when the Bulldogs score.  While you were inside me, you really liked to move around a lot when we were at the hockey games.   Here's a picture with Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Jean before they headed out for the hockey games.

This week also marked our first family walk.  We made it down to the end of the road and back.  You seem to really like your car seat, which fits right into the stroller we have for you.  You were even awake for most of the ride.  Dad thought it very important you wear a hat even if it was 74 degrees outside - I'm not sure you bought in on this idea.  He's been worrying about you so much since you came home.  Here's a picture of you in your car seat before we left.

You surprise us each day with something new or how you react to everything.  We love trying to figure out what your cries mean (as you've started to do that a little more) and watching for other facial expressions.  Not to mention, we still think it's a very surreal feeling to hold you in our arms and enjoy your company.  

One Week Old

Yesterday marked your one week birthday and it was a busy day for our family.  Your dad headed back to work for a short 3 day work week (we had planned to attend the WCHA Final Five this weekend and therefore, we both had taken off Thursday and Friday from work).  Grandma Jean arrived on Sunday night to help out while dad was at work.  Finally, we went to your first doctor's appointment in the morning.

The doc said you looked great and he would have never known you were premature by looking at you.  All of the checks he did turned out great and he was glad you'd started to gain weight.  He said you were a thriving young man but since you had not reached birth weight yet, we should come back to get it checked out. We'll show him how well you've been eating next week when they check your weight.  During the time while we were with the nurse or doctor (nearly 40 minutes total) you slept and even fought the doctor to show him your eyes.    It was then I realized you are starting to develop your personality and even today you amaze me with all the changes that occur.  

Here is a picture of you before we left for the doctor - you sure do love your car seat and fall right to sleep when you get in it.

As the close of Monday and your first week here arrived, I could not help but think about everything that had happened the week before at certain times of the night.  I remember looking at the clock around the time I arrived at North Memorial via ambulance and continued to remember throughout the night what stage we were at in the process of your delivery.  I suppose I will do this for the next several weeks and it will be great memories as you are thriving and were able to leave the hospital so quickly given your gestation age.

One final picture at our first attempt to start the size pictures.  You were not happy with dad or I for putting you next to your horse, Leroy (named by dad) and your cow, Moo Moo (short for Moo Moo Maroo and also named by dad).  Hopefully we'll get better at catching you at happier moments with these size pictures.

OCW's Arrival

Nearly a month prior to your actual due date (April 4th) and just over three weeks from the scheduled c section (March 27th), you arrived - it was a shock for both of us and we hadn't finished our nesting - but you were coming whether we had anything to say about it or not.

On Monday, March 5, 2012, you decided to break my water and start the whole process.  This led to an early departure from work, a trip the the birthing center, confirmation that labor had started, and confirmation that you still remained in the breech position.  From there we decided I would take an ambulance ride to North Memorial and your dad would jump into our vehicle to meet me there.  We decided this was our best option, as we were worried you would need a NICU and I could not bear the thought that I would not see you for several days if this was necessary (the hospital we were at did not have a NICU and they would transfer you if necessary but not me).  

The rest of the day was such a blur.  Doctors and nurses filed in and out of the room each for their own reason that was important in your arrival.  Dad and I just sat there wondering how this could be happening - we had made a list just the night before of all the things that we needed to get done before your arrival and now those would be unfinished at home.  In the end, I think we were just excited to see your face, hear your cry, and partially laughing inside because you had your own agenda (remember you were supposed to stay inside so we could attend the WCHA Final Five this year - and I was going to write on my shirt - future UMD Bulldog Hockey Player).  However, in the end, none of that stuff mattered anymore, because tonight we would meet you.  While the doctors and nurses prepped us for everything and anything, asking what our wishes were in emergencies and so forth, all I could think about was, I wonder if you'll look like all those 3D ultrasound pictures we had received at home (and I was so excited that you'd be here to hold).  

As I walked into the OR that night, I could not help but think how my life would never be the same when I was wheeled out of the room.  The process inside the OR went relatively quickly and you were born 22 minutes later at 8:22 pm.  Dad stood up to watch over the sterile field and I could not help but smile and know everything was all right as I saw the joy and happiness in his face as you entered the world.  After the neonatal nurse practitioners took you over to your area and started working on you, your dad lowered down to share in the joy that you were finally here.  Then he was off to the adjoining room where they were now taking care of you, to take pictures and bring them back to me.  My doctor's continued to work on getting me back to normal, while yours did tests, drew blood, and tried to figure out what the next steps would be.  Only a few minutes later, your dad was back to show me your beautiful pictures as I laid there and listened to you cry.  Then within seconds you were in your dad's arms and I was looking right at you.  It was the most amazing experience and I was so happy to finally see you up close.  You were simply beautiful and I was in love.  After that you were whisked off to the NICU because you were premature and I went to recovery.  

In the NICU the nurse practitioners found your blood sugar was extremely low (as is expected with new born babies from type 1 diabetic mothers), so less than an hour into your life you had your first IV placed to get you sugar.  You passed the remaining tests; however, monitoring you was a key priority since you were premature. 

We had our first picture as a family in that NICU and the doctors and nurses will forever hold a special place in our hearts.  They were amazing at taking care of you and explaining everything to first time parents who were trying to process this amazing new being - our son, Oliver Charles.  You weighed 7 lbs 11 ounces (bigger than some babies born at full term) and measured 20.5 inches long.  You had a full head of beautiful dark brown hair and share so many handsome features of your dad (except you have my nose).  

Those first few days with you around were rather surreal especially since we were not able to hold you as much as we liked and you were not in our room with us (as we had planned), but we enjoyed our walks to the NICU to see you and smile at all the progress you were making.  On Thursday during rounds, the doctors decided that you would be discharged from the NICU and get to join us after your 2 pm feeding.  Your dad and I were on cloud 9.  Then Friday morning, the doctors discharged both you and I.  We headed home to show you your room, your Oliver tractor, and many wonderful things.

You are an amazing addition to our family and something your dad and I could not wait for since we were married in 2008.  I'm so excited to share in all the experiences we will have together as you grow up in our family.  We've only known you for one week and you already have made such an impact on our lives.  

Our first family picture:

You in the NICU on your second day in this world: