Friday, October 30, 2009

Headche finally disappearing & Jr's little highlights

From Wednesday- Seriously, are you kidding me, so now what?! These words and phrases keep running through my head about this whole headache situation. So Wednesday I had a Cat Scan done and everything came back clear. I'm so happy everything came back clear, but now what is causing this never ending headache. After calling the dr twice, he finally got on the phone and told me that the ct scan was clear. It was definitely a relief to know that all my sinuses were clear and that I didn't have a tumor or something. The only downside was that they have no idea what is causing my headache. This dr still believes it is a migraine and we just have to find the right meds to break it. We discussed the options, which was tough because we have to take into consideration that I'm breastfeeding and only have so much milk stored away. We decided to try a steroid for three days and if that doesn't take it away, well lets just say we didn't even go there. I called my OB/GYN to get his opinion on all of this. I told him I really don't care for the other dr and that I really trust his opinion over this other dr's. After going through everything I thought it would be best to try the steroid and if that doesn't work, to call him back and he has some other things to try.

So for the next 3 days (starting Thursday), I have to take 2 pills a day and play the pump and dump game. The pumping and dumping game is so hard for me, because it took me so long to get ahead of the game. Oh well though if it takes my headache away, I think we can swing 3 days of using the milk I already have in the frig and freezer.

A & I went on a quick date afternoon today. After the Cat Scan, we went and ate at HuHot and topped it off with some Cold Stone's. We were going to go to the movie but I didn't feel very good, so we just headed home. We had the babysitter stay for awhile longer, so we could just relax.

From Thursday- I still have a headache, it was at it worse this past afternoon. Today has been kind of a blur and I've been just trying to get through the day. It's a terrible attitude, but it's just been a rough day. Hopefully tomorrow I'll feel a lot better.

From Friday (Today)- I finally am feeling normal. I haven't taken my pills today, because I'm going to start running short on milk and since I'm feeling better today, I decided to opt out of taking them. So far, so good. I've been a little nausea throughout the day for whatever reason, but tonight is the best I've felt in almost a week.

So let's talk about the lil guy that lights up our world:
He continues to light up our life and is growing by the day. I can't believe how strong he's getting and will be moving around on his own in no time. He continually moves his arms and legs all the time. When he can crawl, watch out world it's going to be crazy. Here's a couple little highlights from this past wk:
*Sunday (10/25)- Jr was asked to be ring bear in Jenna & Jason's wedding! He's going to be so cute and is going to be a hit with all the girls.
*Wednesday (10/28)- Jr stayed with a babysitter for 7 hrs at our house. A & I got home from the dr's and our date afternoon early, but asked the sitter to stay longer so I/we could just relax. It was really nice to have a little break and take a nap without a baby monitor around.
*Friday (10/30)- Jr found out he is going to have a little cousin between May 28th-June 1st. Jeff and Angie are expecting a little blessing. I love watching all of our family grow!

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”-Ephesians 5: 19-20

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Headache still lingers & 13 wk highlight

From Sunday- Jenna and Jason came over this afternoon to take Jr's 3 month pics. Jr did fairly well, considering it went into his nap time. I can't wait to see all the pics Jenna took. She does such a great job and we had so much fun trying to get him to smile. She took some pics of him in his fireman outfit too. We had to run to Wal-Mart (in the rain) to pick up some food for Monday nights bible study at our house. My head continues to ache; I really hope this head ache goes away soon.

From Monday- And so my headache still lingers. This is so annoying; the pressure is lifted a little, but the headache continues. I feel really foggy on the left side and really can't wait for this to be gone. I really wish the Tylenol with codeine would have worked to take my headache completely away. Luckily A has been a big help and Jr continues to be a great baby, because his screams and cries could do a number on my headache. When I woke up this morning I thought my headache had almost all gone away, but when I got up and started doing things right back it came. We headed to the Dr this afternoon and I was diagnosed with having a migraine. He gave me a migraine pill to take (2 if I need it). Said this should do the trick and it should be gone about 2 hrs after I take it. I haven't taken yet, because he said it'll make me very sleepy, so I'm waiting until it's time to head to bed.....oh how I can't wait to take it.

It was quite the run around today (Monday), because we were supposed to host bible study (which clearly wasn't going to happen by the way I've been feeling), so we had to find another couple to host it. And then we were trying to line up someone to take care of Jr, so we didn't have to take him to the dr office with us. We managed to get a hold of Tina, who is so much help, and came over to watch him while we headed to the drs.

From Tuesday (today)- Today I woke up after taking one pill at 10 and then the other at 2 and still no luck. The left side of my head still hurts. The dr decided to have me try some other medicine (a different type of migraine meds) in hopes that it would relieve my head, but it didn't. So I am off to get a Cat Scan tomorrow and hopefully be headache free soon. It's going to feel great to feel like normal again. The bed tech came out today and our bed finally meets the criteria so we can get our old mattress replaced with a new one. So we went and picked out a new bed today. This is our 5th bed since we've moved to St.L. It'll be super nice that A doesn't have to sleep in a valley each night.

Jr 13 wk Highlights:
-At 3 months weighted 14.8 lbs and was 24.5 in long.
-Continues to sleep 9-8 every night.
-Really discovered his tongue this week. Likes to play and kind of chew on it.
-Started rice cereal when he turned exactly 3 months (on the 21st).
-Started sweet potatoes (13 wk 6 days old- the 27th).
-Rubs his eyes' when he gets tired.
-Likes to play with his fingers and is starting to discover the world with them. Open and closes them all the time.
-Had his 3 month pics taken by Jenna. Did pretty good and even slept so we could get some cute napping pics.
-Loves to cuddle on your chest all the time. He's a true love bug and loves to be held.
-Had a couple fussy days this past week. He would only nap for a little bit (hour at max) and then wake up and be fussy. We've come to conclude that he was still hungry and wanted some more food (the milk just wasn't doing it). So we started baby food (sweet potatoes) and he's been napping better and is back to his happy self.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”-2 Timothy 3: 16-17

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Cuddle Time, Wk Recap, Eye/Headache, Grandma Cancer

I can't believe it's already Sunday. I've been writing here and there on my blog and think I finally have time to finish and post. So here's somethings that have happened with the Carriker family this past week.

Sometimes it's just nice to take the time and soak up everything that the Lord has blessed you with. This is exactly what I did Monday and Tuesday afternoon. Jr had woke up early from his afternoon nap, so rather than keep him awake or try to soothe him back to sleep in his crib, I grab him and we headed to Mommy & Daddy's room. Mommy and Daddy took turns cuddling with Jr, who feel asleep as soon as he got comfortable on our chest. We just relaxed as a family; it truly was the high of my day. It really couldn't have got much better than that.....simply AMAZING!

Tuesday Jr set another record, he decided to eat over 15-16 oz at a single feeding. The rest of the day he'd eaten really well (10 oz) and then came the 4 o'clock feeding. He became our bottomless pit, who wasn't happy unless you gave him more milk. I finally nursed him for awhile, hoping it would tire him out a little. In the end he was still kind of hungry, but we decided he'd be good till his last feeding (given we'd been feeding for 1:30).

Tuesday Jr turned 3 months old (technically 13 wks 1 day)! He's grown so much physically, mentally, emotionally, in every way possible from July 21st. Susan, the teacher assigned to us through the Parents as Teacher Program, came to visit today. She seemed impressed by his ability to fluctuate his voice when making ooh and ahhh noises. She told us to really encourage tummy time and rolling over. He was such a talker when she was here and I think enjoyed being the center of attention. While he was laying on his blanket, I told him "I love you!" He then repeated it in baby talk and yes it did kind of sound like "I love you." He did this twice and even made a noise that sounds like "Hi." It was nice to have Susan come out and tell us things to work on and to watch for.

Wednesday marked a big day for Jr, he officially started........Rice Cereal! After toying with the idea for quite some time, we decided it was time to start some cereal for a number of reasons. First off we've been told that when a baby eats more than 32 oz in a 24 hr period it's time to start some cereal. Secondly Jr just seems to want more than just milk. Lastly we really hate feeding him so much all the time and expanding his stomach, but he wants to eats so we have to do something. We joked to each other, there's a reason they only make 8 oz bottles and not 12 oz! We were hoping to wait until at least 4 months, but I've talked to some moms who started at 3 months (for the same reasons) and seem to be happy with their decision. It can't hurt anything, my mom had us eating baby food at 6 wks. Jeff was eating mashed potatoes at 3 months! So Wednesday night we went and got some new clothes (a lot sized 6 to 9 month) and some baby bowls and spoons. His first feeding was quite interesting. He didn't quite know what to think about being feed at the front of his mouth. It turned into a lot of mom put food in, Jr play with some in his mouth and then out some would come (repeat)! In the end I'm not sure how much really went in his mouth, but plenty got all over his face and bib. I can see the joys of feeding a baby are among us.

Thursday we included some rice cereal with 3 of his feedings. We're trying to get him used to the concept of eating from a spoon. It's funny because I've never really thought about what it must be like to start eating from a spoon. The bottle/nipple is interesting because it enters in the back of the mouth and sucking is a natural reflex for a baby, but food entering from the front of their mouth and having to get it to the back of their mouth is a whole new experience, especially for a 3 month old.

Friday A & I went on a date afternoon while Tina babysat. We went and saw Saw VI; I covered my eyes in the gory parts. It was okay, but both A & I think it's time to wrap it all up. It was nice to get away for a couple hours and be a couple.

Saturday we've watched a little football here and there, but not too much because there weren't too many great of games on. I had a terrible headache that started around 2 and is still lingering around. I had one Thursday and thought it was do to the weather changes, but this one I just don't know what it's about. I took some medicine and we tried using A's machine on it; I think it might of helped, but it really is not going away (very annoying). Nebraska lost to Iowa State by 2 points. They had 8 turnovers; nonetheless it was ugly.

Today I woke up in the middle of the night to pump and what would you know, I still had a headache. My left eye has so much pressure behind and on top of it. I would think it's a sinus headache, but I don't feel stuffed up or anything so I really don't know what's going on. I was hoping to wake up and it be gone, no such luck. We're finishing feeding Jr right now (who doesn't want to eat for whatever reason, he'd rather just talk and smile at daddy) and then we're going to Urgent Care. I really hope this eye ache and headache go away soon.

Jr has quite the little personality. He wants to talk, laugh, and smile while you're feeding him and boy do we have a love bug on our hands. Jr will do anything to snuggle up with you. He absolutely loves to cuddle on your chest and be held. He's discovered his tongue lately; he really seems to be messing around with it and chewing on it. Lately he just started doing this thing when he's starting to get tired he'll take his hands and rub his eyes. It's so cute and fun to see Jr just keep developing in so many ways.

More than anything lately I've been thinking about how I've been a mom for 3 months. It's one of the greatest things to happen to me. Meeting and marrying the man who gave me our son has to be one of the best things to happen to me. I think God brought A into my life for many reasons, but more than anything I think he brought A into my life to show me the light of Christ. I had a somewhat relationship with him before A, but A opened the door for me and a whole new experience. My relationship with our Lord and Savior is growing every day and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about what it's going to be like in heaven when I finally meet him face to face. I've never been a big goal person, but if I had to come up with some, here's what a few of them might be:
-To be a good example of a Christian and show others what your life can be like if you ask Jesus into your heart and to be your Lord and Savior.
-To be the best wife I can. To always be there for my best friend in the world. To experience life to the fullest with him and when we grow old, to be able to look back and say....."That was fun and thanks for taking the ride with me!"
-To be a great mom to my son. I want to teach him everything I can about the world. I want him to grow up knowing how much Christ loves him and the sacrifice that He made for us.

Update on Grandma: So Thursday night right before bed I was pumping and checking my email like normal, when I got "the email." The email to tell me that my Grandma's cancer is back....are you kidding me. I called my dad, who had just learned about it from Uncle Bill. I didn't talk to him much since I was headed to bed, but told him I'd talk to him later about everything. It's all I could think about as I went to bed and prayed that the Lord would have His hand over her and give her peace more than anything. I feel terrible for her, my dad and his siblings. It's been a hard year for them with losing Grandpa back in January and now having to deal with Grandma's mouth cancer. All we can do is pray that God with give us the strength to be there for her, give her the strength to fight the cancer (the best she can, given she's very frail), and to give us all peace in our hearts to know that God's will will be done.

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”-Psalm 51:12

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Laughing & Smiling

Having a rough day.......he makes it all go away and brings a smile to your face=)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Weekend recap, 12 wk highlight and routine

Friday A & I went on a "date afternoon." Amy C. had offered to babysit for us if we ever wanted to do a date night, so we jumped at the offer and headed to the movie. We went and saw "Couples Retreat." It was a cute comedy/chic flick and even made us think about our own relationship. It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you sometimes let your relationship go. Although it was short afternoon date we had a blast and it's exactly what we needed. This week was the first week that I actually got all my workouts in. Some weren't as long or exactly what I had planned, but I at least did some form of exercise each day I was suppose to. Friday night I went to bed with a little stomach ache, which resulted in me waking up and feeling like I needed to throw up. I felt horribly sick with an aching body and the worst stomach ache ever. After a couple tums, a warm bath, and some Tylenol I was out like a light.

Saturday afternoon we had a great visit with our friends Jenna & Jason. They hadn't seen Jr in a long time, since he was about a week old, so they were due for their "Jr fix!" We had lunch and a wonderful time catching up on everything that's been going on in our lives. They're getting married in May, so it's fun hearing Jenna talk about all the wedding plans. We watched college football most of Saturday, which ended up not being the greatest football day for our teams we were rooting for. Nebraska got beat by Texas Tech, which always seems to put a downer on our day. Jr did wonderful at church again and everybody always compliments on what a great baby he is; all I can do is smile and say "Thank you." Melts my heart every time and I just can't help but smile on the inside and out.

Sunday we went out for breakfast as a family and watched the Rams play. They played really well, but yet again they lost. The Rams tied it up at the end of the 4th quarter and sent the game into overtime; I really thought they were going to win. Nonetheless, the announcers talked up Spags and were really positive about the whole team. I was able to get a little nap in while Jr napped. It's been a great day hanging out with my family and taking it easy. I've been able to catch up on all my videos and photos of Jr. It's so much fun looking back through the photos/videos and seeing how much he's grown in almost 13 wks!

Jr continues to coo all the time. He's especially a talker when you're changing his diaper. His toothless smile melts our heart every time he flashes it our way. Jr continues to sleep 9-8 consistently and usually takes one good solid nap a day (usually his morning one). For his afternoon nap, he's usually up and ready to go at an hour and a half to an hour forty five (however, lately he's been taking 2 good naps a day, so who knows!). He takes his best naps when he is in his crib on his belly.

12 week highlights:
-Sleeps 9-8 every night!
-4 hour routine
-The smiles and coos increase by the day. He's especially smiley and talkative while getting his diaper changed and in the evenings. He's such a happy baby, that he even insist on smiling while taking his bottle. Nothing like toothless smiles all day long to make your day.
-When he wakes up in the morning I often find him smiling and talking to himself.
-Had a couple nights where he fussed while taking his last bottle. Luckily it only lasted 2-3 days and hasn't came back. I think he was just full of bubbles that we couldn't get out of him.
-Moved up to size 2 diapers. They're a little big, but size 1 wasn't quite doing the job.
-Grabs onto rings and will actually keep hold of them for awhile.
-Loves when Mommy & Daddy talk to him. His eyes' light up and he smiles and coos.

Typical day for Jr at 12 wks:
8:00-10:00~ Wake up, eat and then play
10:00-12:00~ Morning Nap
12:00-2:00~ Eat and play
2:00-4:00~ Afternoon Nap
4:00~ Eat
After 4 o'clock feeding, cat nap here and there (30-45 min) and play until 7:40
7:40~ bath
8:00~ bottle
9:00~ bedtime story & music then bed

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”-Psalm 19:14

Thursday, October 15, 2009

From 1 wk to 12 wks



I can't believe how much my little precious peanut has grown. I'm so happy we decided to take his weekly pics with teddy and scooby; so much fun to watch him grow (so fast)!

“How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”-2 Samuel 7:22

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Earning a Parent Paycheck, Baby Talk, 1 wk sleeping 9-8 & 4 hr schedule

The last two nights A & I have definitely earned our parent paychecks. Jr is a great baby, he really is; I'm not just saying this because I'm his mommy and bragging him up. He's a very happy and predictable baby. He has a laid back personality, loves to talk, smile, laugh, snuggle, and be around other people. However, the past two nights he's cried on and off during his last feeding of the day. I think it's part my milk and it causing some stomach issues. I say this because my stomach has been upset lately. He really seems to prefer nursing rather than the bottle when this happens. After he finally takes enough to where he's satisfied and is exhausted he falls to sleep (9:30) and sleeps soundly till 7-8, which a true blessing. Nonetheless, I really hope he gets better and that we don't have to take him in to the dr for this. Poor guy:(

A & I finally took sometime last night for us. To sit, talk and to just relax, we especially needed this because we'd just dealt with a screaming baby for quite some time.

Jr is really starting to become a daddy's boy! He's starting to reach for him, smiles at him, and talks to him non-stop whenever A is around. To see both their eyes light up when they're talking to each other melts my heart. I've been blessed with an unbelievable husband and son from our Father, and it is for that reason and many more that I give my life to the Lord. Jr is a nonstop chatter box lately. He loves to baby talk all the time and has even tried to master talking and smiling while eating; it's such a priceless sight. Monday night at bible study he did so well. We weren't sure how he'd do given the evenings he's wide awake and loves to play then. After a brief nap, him and I went and just "baby bopped" around while listening to our leader. Jr insisted on getting his two cents in and talked most of the night. There were a lot of babies at the study, and surprisingly they all did great. It'll be interesting to see if he's a talker when he's older. We think he's going to be a lot like PJ. We think he's blue eyes look like PJ's and he's definitely an outgoing talkative person like him. We're so blessed to have a healthy and happy baby and watching him grow a little more each day brings joy to our lives.

Today marks the first day A can really help me out. He's been off duty due to his shoulder and then last week he had a terrible cold, which is finally subsiding and almost gone. It'll be nice to have him help feed and change a diaper here and there. It kind of stunk when he had the cold, because I couldn't even put Jr by him because we really didn't won't him getting sick. Nonetheless, Jr and I stayed healthy and daddy is now back to tip top shape, so we're good.

Last Wednesday was the first time Jr went to his 4 hr schedule and for a week straight he's been sleeping 9-8 (I think he got up one time at 7). He's doing great with this new routine and is happier than ever. Not too bad for a 12 week old!

"God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time."

Monday, October 12, 2009

Talking in the moring & 11 wk highlight

The past couple nights I've awoken to the sounds of oooohhhhhhh, aaaaaaahhhhhhh, and the occasional grunt noise from my precious son. Rather than cries from his crib, I wake up to him talking to himself. The first night he did it I didn't know what he was doing, so I watched him on the monitor. Jr just moves around and has a whole conversation with himself in the morning. I absolutely love watching Jr on the baby monitor as he talks to himself, sometimes he'll lay there and talk for a half hour or so. The other day he just kept talking and then finally talked himself back to sleep. After watching him on the monitor for awhile, I finally decided to grab the video camera and capture this precious moment. I took some more video this morning when he was doing it. Seriously, as a parent there is nothing sweeter than your precious baby talking to himself in the morning and just laying so sweetly in his crib. Life with Jr is awesome and I can't begin to tell you how many times A & I look at each other and say, "We have a great kid!"

Sunday was a much needed day of rest for the whole family. Jr and I didn't go to the Rams game for numerous reasons, instead enjoyed a low key day at home. While Jr took his afternoon nap, I was able to squeeze in a nap for myself. We went to supper with Uncle Phil once he got back from the game before he had to fly back to Omaha. The Rams lost again and it looks like it could be a long season for the players and fans at this rate. They're now 0-5 and are facing some tough teams ahead.

Today Jr woke up a little earlier than normal (6:45 ish), so him and I rocked and slept till 7:50 when I got his bottle ready and got him dressed for the day. It was actually really nice to sit and relax in the quiet of our home and just feel God's presence on my chest sleeping. As I sat in prayer all I could do was give thanks for everything I've been blessed with and promise to live my life to the fullest for the Lord. Once I got done feeding Jr, A & I caught up on our couples bible study. Our study really made us both focus on better our relationship with God and going ALL IN. I can't begin to tell you the amount of times I've done something that a Christian should not do, but come up with an excuse to why it's okay. Well it's not and the relationship with our heavenly Father that must be one where we put our whole life in (just like in poker). So it's here that I present all my life (chips) to you oh Lord. Please continue to work in my life and help me to be a better Christian. Give me the strength to stand on my own two feet and become the person I strive to be. Help me to understand your ways and more than anything help me to be a nurturing mother, caring wife, and loyal daughter of yours. After A took off for rehab and work, I was able to do a quick workout before it was time to feed and play with Jr at noon. Today marks the first day I get back into my regular workout routine. It's been hard trying to get workouts in (other things were taking priority), but now that we have a new routine I've figured out when I can squeeze a 45min workout in. Tonight we are off to our couples bible study.

11 wk Highlights:
-The laughs and smiles continue each day. I think each day we see him smile a little more=) He's a really happy baby.
-When he hangs out on his belly, he's started doing the "supperman." Won't be long before the muscles get put to good use and the crawling begins.
-He continues to move all the time. A & I joke once he can move, he's going to be gone.
-Started talking in the morning to himself. Lovely conversations so it seems and really enjoys spending time just laying there. I wonder if he's praying to God?!
-Went to the pumpkin patch with Grandma, Daddy, and Mommy. Did great and was such a good little pumpkin (in his little pumpkin outfit) for all of us.
-Naps twice a day in his crib (if we're not out and about). Usually naps 2-2 1/2 hrs in the morning and 1 1/2- 2 hrs in the afternoon. At night just cat naps here and there, but is usually awake most of the time between the last two feedings.
-Loves his new exercise saucer. Isn't quite big enough for it and doesn't understand about moving in a circle, but really enjoys the bouncing movement.
-Continues to recognize Mommy and Daddy's face, voice, and smell.
-Eats 4 times/day, 35-40 oz.
-Sleeps 9:00-8:00. Usually the earliest he gets up is 7:00. Definetly not a morning person (just like his daddy) and likes to go back to sleep after a full tummy and a little play time.
-Likes to grab on to rings and rattles. Holds onto them for quite sometime and even bats at them when they're haning.
-Got his Halloween outfit. He's going to be a fireman. We even got little mittens and some really cute boots.
-Uncle Phil babysat for a little bit on Saturday night, so Mommy and Daddy could go get some supper. Jr did great for him and I think they had some good bonding time.

"By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life."- Psalm 42:8

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Wk recap, 10 wk highlights

So I have no idea where time has gone; yet again I find myself saying this exact same thing week after week. Every time I go to write everything that's been going on, I get side tracked by my lil one and mommy duties take priority. Anyway, I seem to write things here and there when I have time and then just post after a week! So here's what we've been up to this past week:

Last Saturday night Jr left mommy and daddy wondering what to do. We got home from church and started feeding him at 8:30, we finally finished at 10:30. He took 5 oz like usual and then decided he didn't want the bottle, but was still hungry. We got him to take another ounce and then I let him nurse for awhile. It was the strangest thing, he'd show us hunger signs and be sucking on his wrist, so we'd give him the bottle, he'd take it for a couple sips and then just start to cry (same thing with nursing). We finally put him down around 10:30-11:00ish, of which he was still awake, but eventually feel asleep and slept till 8:00! I think he had some gas and bubble problems, poor little guy. Sunday morning took 8oz and finally gave us the "Fat guy look!" The "Fat guy look" is when Jr looks like he just ate a Thanksgiving feast and is filled to the brim. With him, if we don't see that look we know he's still hungry and is going to need some more milk.

Friday and Saturday we tried to see if Jr was ready for a 3 1/2 hr schedule. He clearly wasn't ready, so we'll be sticking to the 3 hr schedule. On Saturday, Mike and Alicia had Ms. Anabel! She weighed 7lbs 13oz and was 21 inches long.

Sunday Grandma Sheila came to visit and will be here till Friday. My mom and I went to the grocery store during the Rams game to pick up some groceries for the week. Okay, honestly it was to pick up some ingredients so we could make some yummy salads and desserts. The Rams ended up loosing again and are now 0-4. I'm really thankful that A is not playing. There is nothing harder than watching and trying to be their for your husband during a really hard time. The season seems to just drag on and on. I really hope they can pull off a win this next weekend, but it doesn't look promising considering we're playing the Vikings, who now have Favre as their quarterback. I miss watching A play, but I don't miss watching him lose. This is the 3rd season the Rams have started off not having a great season and well the past 2 ended with a total of 5 wins. Anyway, it was a great day with my mom, Jr, and my hubby!

Monday A and I went on the Budweiser Brewery tour with Marsha and Scott. Scott got some tickets for us since he delivers for them and asked us if we wanted to go. We ate some delicious roast that I begged my mom to cook (hoping to learn how she made it, but was side tracked by Mr. Jr wanting to play-so maybe next time I can learn) and headed out for downtown St.L. We apparently had the times switched around and we were the last ones to get there for our tour group. We go to take the VIP tour, which meant we were able to go onto the floor where they fill and package all the bottles, have the most fresh beer possible (of which everybody stared at A & I because we don't drink), go pretty much everywhere behind the scenes at the brewery. Overall it was fun and we had a good time. It was funny though because A and I were talking how they can make so many different types of beer and other drinks, yet they can't make anything to replicate breast milk. Formula is great and they'll come a long way with it, but they still cannot do what mother nature can. Just another simple miracle God has made! Jr did great for Grandma, which is always a relief to any mom who leaves their kid with a babysitter.

Tuesday we were going to go to the pumpkin patch, but since it was raining we decided to go on Wednesday (which given the forecast looked like the only day we'd be able to go). We went to Babies R Us and picked out Jr's Halloween outfit. They didn't have much of a selection, but we ended up picking out a fireman outfit, which he looks adorable in! We also got him a lil pumpkin outfit that we could put over his clothes to wear to the pumpkin patch. Jr also got an exercise saucer and high chair. I put the saucer together right when we got home and couldn't wait to put Jr in it. He loves it and really likes the bouncing movement. My mom and I put the high chair together before bed (we haven't put him in it yet). A and I went to Applebee's for dinner. It was so nice to have a nice dinner with my hubby and just sit and talk. It seems like the days just go bye so fast, that sometimes we forget to just take a little time for us. Time for us to be a couple and work on bettering our relationship. We started giving Jr his bath in his bath tub, which we sit in the sink. He loves to take a bath; I think when he gets older he's never going to want to get out. He's a water lover just like his mommy and daddy.

Wednesday I met A for lunch at HuHot. Again, it was so nice to have some us time and Grandma insisted we take full advantage of having a babysitter to watch Jr right now, so we did! After HuHot A headed to rehab and once he got home we took our lil pumpkin to the pumpkin patch. At the pumpkin patch the weather was amazing and Jr did great the whole time. It was so much fun and next year will be even more fun, since little Jr will be running around and able to pick out his own pumpkin by then! Wednesday marked the first day Jr went 4 hrs between feedings. We'd been just going every 3 hrs and then decided Tuesday to try 3 1/2 hrs. Well on Wednesday while A and I were at lunch my mom was babysitting Jr and I told her to feed him at 11:30, she then called me close to noon and said he was still sleeping and wondered what to do. I said go ahead and feed him at noon. We then decided to see if he'd go 4 hrs the rest of the day (which is our ultimate goal in the end, to eat at 8-12-4-8). To our surprise he did wonderful.

Thursday it rained, rained and then rained some more. Jr, Grandma, and I went to a baby boutique because I had some gifts to exchange. I ended up exchanging them for some good books for Jr. A & I love reading to him all the time; I usually read to him while we're playing during the day and A reads to him every night before bed (just like he did when I was pregnant). Thursday also marked the second successful day going 4 hrs between feedings. We put Jr down at 9ish and then he gets up around 7-8ish. He usually lays in his crib for about 10-15min just talking to himself and hanging out, after then he lets mom know he's ready to start the day. We watched Nebraska beat Mizzou Thursday night. The game didn't start until late, but it was so worth staying up until midnight to watch the Huskers come back and beat them in the 4th quarter. I'm excited because now we have bragging rights for a year in Mizzou country!

Friday was kind of sad because Grandma had to go back home. We went out for a quick lunch, headed to the airport and just like that she was on the plane and gone:( I sat in the airport and fed Jr his noon feeding and then we headed home to hang out with daddy. I can't wait to see my parents the first week in November when we go back for the OU game. Jr will get to meet a lot of mommy's friends and some more family! Should be lots of fun! Uncle Phil got in Friday night and will be here until Sunday evening. Jr continues to do great on his 4 hr schedule. Third great day of the new routine.

Today I've been busy trying to catch up on things around the house and trying to relax too. It's been a good day watching college football and hanging out with my son, hubby, and brother. Oh ya, it snowed at mom & dad's today. They have a couple feet and drifts everywhere. They're still trying to get soy beans out and finish drilling wheat; should be interesting now given the amount of snow they have on the ground. A has a cold and has been battling it for a couple days. I really hope he starts to feel better soon and that Jr and I stay healthy.

Overall life is great with baby Jacob and I'm so happy that we're on a 4 hr routine now. I still get up in the middle of the night to pump once and then usually right before he eats in the morning. So at 11 wks our little one sleeps 11 hrs and eats about 35-40 oz/day. Life as a mom is truly amazing and I'm so thankful for everything I've been blessed with.

10 wk highlights:
-Continues to shower us with his toothless smiles all day long.
-Is beginning to really laugh and is such a happy baby=)
-Is really starting to talk and sing to us all the time. He especially talks to you when he's getting his diaper changed and eating.
-He can roll to one side when laying on his back if on a hard surface.
-Started eating 10oz at some feedings.
-Sleeps 10 hrs at night.
-His hair is now growing over his ears. We can tuck it behind his ears!
-Loves to watch TV. Something with the lights really fascinates him.

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”-Proverbs 19: 20-21

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Sleeping 8-10 hrs

I absolutely love being a mommy! It's one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs (who couldn't love it)! I always find myself saying this, but seriously time is flying bye so fast.

So I've been peed, pooped, and now thrown up on.......welcome to Mommyville! Monday night Jr threw up on mommy and himself. I think it was the simple fact that he did not burp and took a lot of milk. Wednesday he also threw up a little, again for the same reason I think. He just takes so much sometimes and if I can't get him to burp then he's left with a big bubble inside, which can result in everything coming back up.

On Tuesday Jr went 12 hrs between feedings for the 1st time. On Tuesday he also turned 10 wks and ate 10 oz! Thank goodness I'm pumping all day and through the night, so I have plenty of milk to feed the kiddo! We think he eats so much during the day, because he's making up for what he doesn't eat at night. My mom also thinks it's because Jr is getting what would be equal to skim milk, given that I have a fairly healthy diet and don't eat a lot of mashed potatoes and gravy. Who knows what the reason is, all we know is we have a healthy and happy baby who likes to eat...a lot! This week he's been eating at least 7 oz at every feeding (usually takes between 8-9 oz).

Jr continues to grow and impress me each and every day. The other day he did a 180 degree turn on the floor and every morning I always find him moved from where he was when we put him down for bed. He's such a little mover and doesn't stop moving all day long! Mommy won't need to workout when he's old enough to move all over, because her workout will be chasing him all over! He continually kicks his legs and his arms act like windmills in a wind storm, going in circles nonstop. We started putting him in his infant-to-toddler rocker and he doesn't stop moving the whole time he's in there. A and I love watch him when he starts to get it to rock and then when the music plays; oh, if we only knew what our little guy was thinking! Jr is starting to laugh and is always talking to mommy. Mommy's heart continues to melt with every toothless smile, coo, ahhh, and laughs.

Friday A went to Houston to meet with the surgeon that did his surgery. Everything looks great and he's ahead of schedule, which isn't a surprise because he does his rehab twice a day (everyday)! Jr and I were suppose to go, but we decided it would be best if we just stayed home and kept Jr to his schedule. He's been doing awesome sleeping through the night and sleeps anywhere from 8-10 hrs at night. On Friday Jr took all 3 of his naps in his crib and has really had a good day overall. I managed to get a lot done (even a good workout) while baby Jr is sleeping, which feels great as a mom! He had a bottomless pit night again, but after he finally got a full belly (over 11oz) he was out for the night.

Here's an example of Jr's feedings throughout one day:
8:00= 10 oz
11:00= 7 oz
2:00= 9 oz
5:00= 8 oz
8:00= 9 oz

"May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice."- Proverbs 23:25