Lucas :: 3 Months

Lucas Neal
THREE MONTHS

written Friday, March 14th.

What an awesome 3 months this has been.  Your dad said to me this week (and he'd probably be embarrassed that I'm writing this for the world to see ;)...) "This might be sappy, but this is the first time in a long time where I feel really, truly happy."  You better believe my heart melted right then, and of course I feel the same way. I want nothing more than to see you and your dad happy.  Watching him fall in love with you more and more each day is the most amazing gift.  You are one loved little man!

I started back to work last week, and beyond a few tears shed the night before I left (on my end, that is), it has gone really well.  You are loving hanging out with cousin Laura.  She takes you to play dates, lunch dates and plays with you all day long.  I know you go on lots of walks, too!  I miss you every day while I'm at work, but you better believe I'm thinking about you all day long.  I have shown you off to all my students and colleagues.  It's been a smooth transition, and for that I am grateful.  Also, SPRING BREAK this week! holla.

saying "ooooo!!!"

Daily Routine:

Each week it changes, but is usually consistent for a bit.  Right now, you wake up for the day about 5am.  That might seem early (and um, yes, it is) but it's actually working really well for us.  You eat, then play with dad while I get ready for work.  I'm off to work by 6:30am.  You play with dad for a bit before taking a nap.  Laura gets here about 8am and dad heads off to work.  You wake up around then to eat again.  You usually take two good naps for her, one in the morning, one in the afternoon.  I get home about 3:45 and get some play time before you take a short nap (usually on my chest because I love it).  When your dad gets home we take you on a walk, then you eat around 6:45.  You get a bath and a book and are usually asleep by 7:30.  And for the record, your dad and I are asleep by 8:30.  You usually wake up around 12:30pm to eat, but go back to bed pretty easily.

Weight: Hm... we'll have to weigh you soon, but I'm guessing 15lbs ish.

Length:  ?

Diaper Size: Size 3 starting today. Say what?!

Clothes Size: 3-6 months mostly, but they're getting a little snug.

Hair Color: Still guessing dirty blonde.

Eye color: More blue each day.

Health:

So much better this month!! You recovered from your virus after about 2 weeks.  You still have a little stuffiness now and then, but it doesn't bother you one bit.  So glad to have you back to your happy self!

Eating:

You eat about 4-5 ounces each time you eat, which is anywhere between 6-8 times each day.

Milestones:

Tummy time is becoming more tolerable, but still is just so boring.  You look around and follow us around the room.  You can SCREEECH and love to hear yourself talk. The fist is always in your mouth, but you also bring toys and blankies to your mouth all the time.  You rolled from your back to your tummy on Sunday, March 9th, but haven't done it again since.

Your favorite toy: 

Grandma and Grandpa gave you a new rattle that you love.  You also love to play with the Oball Rattle and Sophie the giraffe. You are quickly growing out of the momaroo and Rock 'n Play.  I'll be looking for an exersaucer soon!

Firsts:

-rolling over from back to tummy
-giggles

Learning about you and watching you grow has been the best of the best.  Love you to pieces, Lucas-son. 

-m  

Lucas:: One Month

Lucas Neal
ONE MONTH

Daily Routine:

Oh how I would love for there to be a "routine".  Generally, you eat every 2-3 hours during the day, with a good nap between. Eating is your forte', kiddo. If you're awake, it's only for about 15-20 minutes after you eat.  Just enough time to get a bath or some tummy time in there!  This awake time is growing longer each day. Overall, you are a happy baby!

You've been SLOWLY easing into somewhat of a routine just this past week.  Usually you wake up around 6am with the "grunts" as your dad likes to call it. You eat again at 7:30 then again around 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 7:30pm.  You've recently developed a fussy habit from around 7pm to 9pm where we have no idea how to console you.  We will pass you back and forth trying to find the right bounce, position, noise to get you to go to sleep.  Your dad (a genius!) discovered that the shower will instantly calm you down, so we've resorted to standing next to the running shower in desperate measures.  Once you're asleep for the night, you only wake up around 1am and 5am to eat, without any fight to go back to sleep!

Weight:

11lbs 15oz
Length:

22.5 inches
Diaper Size:

The newborns lasted about 2 weeks, and that was stretching it.  You're in size 1 now, but the Huggies size 1 might be a tad too small.
Clothes Size:

Newborn clothes lasted maaaaaaybe one week.  Most 0-3 month clothes are just right, but there are already some that are too short.  I know that some of your 3-6 month clothes would fit, but I can't bring myself to put those on you just yet!
Hair Color:
Still up for debate.  At birth, you had a full head of hair that looked auburn in the light.  Just this week you've lost most of the hair on the top of your head (bald baby!) and there are some little itty bitty blonde hairs underneath.  We shall see.
Eye color:
At birth, darker blue.  Now, a little lighter.

Health:

No real concerns-- we are so grateful! We did have a visit to the walk-in clinic at 9 days old after some icky gooey eye issues.  Turns out you have a clogged tear duct that could last for quite some time. You've also developed some baby acne, but it doesn't seem to bother you much.  I have a feeling you will have very sensitive skin, sorry dude. 

Eating:

Blame your dad for the nickname "Hungry Monster", but I must admit, it fits you well.  You've never had any issue eating, and I'm SO thankful for that!  I'm pretty sure you could eat all day if I let you... We gave you a bottle at about 2 weeks and you took it like a champ. You ate almost 4 ounces in about 5-10 minutes.  When you eat you are LOUD... grunting the whole time.  It is quite adorable.

Milestones: 

One of the most amazing experiences as a mom was to watch you follow your dad's voice.  At birth we could tell you recognized us, and it completely melted my heart.  You are one strong fella! Lifting your head has never been impossible, but you are holding it up on your own for quite a few seconds these days.  When on your tummy, you can move your head from side to side (while screaming!). The ceiling is your favorite.  You love to stare up at the fan, the wall, the windows, whatever is UP! You follow objects that move across the room and startle when noises are abrupt or loud.  I love to watch you kick your legs and stretch your arms when you wake up.  Your dad (yet, again) nicknamed this move "SUPERMAN!", which you love to hear us say.  I'm so impressed with how much you've learned in these first few weeks, and I can't wait to watch you grow and learn! There is something new each day.

Your favorite toy: 

Hands down, the pacifier! Luckily, you are not picky. We have them everywhere, but if for some reason we can't find it, everything stops until we do. Generally, you like to be held up on mom's chest, so you spend lots of time in the baby carrier!

Firsts:

-Car Ride

-Bath

-Christmas

-New Year's

-Bottle

-Doctor's Visit

-Stroller Ride

Lucas, our love for you is greater than you could ever imagine! We can't wait to watch you grow and discover more and more in the world around you. You amaze us each and every day-- MUAH!

-m  

Lucas:: Weeks 1-4

Mom and Baby Favorites :: 1 Month

Posts like this were so helpful while I was pregnant, so I thought I'd throw together

  a list of my favorite things from the first months. Enjoy!

1. Nursing pads. 
2. Water bottle.  So. Thirsty.
3. Nursing tank.  I have 3 of these and could easily use 2 more. 
4. Energy Bites. I made a ton of these before I was pregnant and put them in the freezer.  They are GREAT for a quick bite when I'm starving-- which is always.
5. Diaper bag.  Cute, good size and has so many great features: changing pad, clutch, bottle holder, wet bag, stroller straps, crossbody strap and easy-clean fabric.  I also appreciate the soft fabric as I can stuff it into any space!
6. (not pictured) Nursing cover. DIY (tutorial here)  This was really easy.  I literally sewed ONE line.  

1. Pottery Barn Hayden Stroller Blanket (no longer available).  This is the perfect size and weight; we use it ALL. THE. TIME.
2. Board Books.  On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman is a great one.
3. Pampers Swaddlers Diapers.  I recommend buying only a few.  We ended up having exactly enough newborn sized diapers-- they didn't last long!
4. Life Factory Bottle. We haven't had too many bottles yet, but I'm so happy with these.  I should also have listed my pump-- it's the insurance-provided Medela Double Pump (similar to Pump-in-Style).
5. Fisher Price Rock 'n Play.  This is great because it is so light we can easily move it from room to room-- even with a sleeping baby in it! I move it from my bedroom to bathroom every morning.
6. Footed Sleepers. This from Gap feels so comfy!
7. Summer Infant Bath.
8. Swaddle blanket. This by Jennifer Ann is my favorite.  I bought it because it is adorable (and it was his first something with his name!), but it has turned out to be my favorite swaddle because its so light and stretchy! 
9. Changing pad (boppy).  Babies are dirty, and I love not having to wash my one and only changing pad cover all the time.  These are so convenient.
10. (not pictured) Burp cloths.  I made about 12 burp cloths over the summer and thought I was going overboard.  I could use 12 more!  They are all over-- house, car, diaper bag, etc.

Meeting Lucas Neal.

December 10th came and went. As did December 11th, 12th and 13th.  December 14th, 2013 is now the most special day of my entire life.  Everyone says it, but it is so true: I have never loved anything as much as I love my son!  We met Lucas Neal at 9:50am on Saturday, December 14th.  He weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds 2 ounces and was 21 inches long.  We are completely smitten with this new addition to our family.

For those of you interested in his birth story, (birds chirping, yes?)  keep reading (and maybe grab some coffee).  The rest of you, just look at the pictures :)

During the last week of my pregnancy, I was reading any birth story I came across thinking to myself, will mine be like that?  What if ____ happens? How will I know if it's really time?  So for the other anxious pregnant ladies out there, here is one more to make you go crazy.  You're welcome.

40 weeks 2 days

I feel very lucky to have had a healthy, full term pregnancy.  Each week brought with it new feelings of excitement and worry, along with many new aches, pains, kicks and jabs. It goes without saying that the last week was particularly exciting as I knew it could be any moment that we would get to meet our son.  It was also extremely scary as I had NO IDEA what labor would be like.

If you know me, you know I'm a bit of a hypochondriac.  I'd prefer to refer to it as "in tune with my body". :) If I feel a tinge of pain, I'm convinced it's going to be bad.  I sneeze- I have the flu.  A student comes to my desk asking for a pass to the nurse- I write it, and then douse myself in hand sanitizer.  (if they say its their stomach-- forget the pass, RUN!)  That being said, I had many nights and mornings with an ache in my back, or an "off" feeling where I thought "this is it!", only to feel perfectly normal during the day.

Each day I would arrive at school, it seemed like every which way I looked someone was looking at my huge belly saying, "You're STILL here?!".  I left school each day with specific sub plans laid out, hoping to not be back the next morning.  On Friday morning, I woke up at 2am, which I had done MANY nights.  I got up, had a snack, but could not get back to sleep.  My back was so achy.  I finally fell back asleep for about an hour before I went ahead and got ready for school.  Before I left, I told J to keep his phone close.  I wasn't sure I was going to stay the whole day- just feeling "off".

It was freezing rain outside, and Friday the 13th.  It was bound to be a weird day! I walked into school at 6:55am to about 5 students waiting for help.  I was giving a test that day. Luckily, I don't have students until 3rd hour. I knew before school even started that I would be headed home.  I could barely walk normally! Every time I tried to walk "fast", I had to stop for a break.  I wasn't in pain... just uncomfortable.  I quickly did some last minute errands around the school (well "quickly" being relative) before heading to the office to have them call my sub. I was so glad I was able to see her in person and talk her through the plans before I left. All the staff were SO nice as I left.  It was a strange feeling leaving, knowing I wouldn't be back for 3 months! I miss the students and staff already.

J met me at home and I camped out on the couch all day. Contractions were there, but were not painful.  Probably about 15-20 minutes apart. I got ready for my doctor's appointment at 4:00, fully prepared to be admitted to the hospital right then! I was having contractions, and was starting to feel them! She checked me, 1 cm dilated (bummer!). We scheduled an induction for December 18th.

As we headed home, all I could think was, "How am I going to function like this for the next FOUR days?!". By 5:00, the contractions were painful.  By 7:00, they were 8-9 minutes apart.  I lost track of time, but before 8:00 I was begging J to take me to the hospital! My parents came to the house and got our dog. We waited (myself, impatiently!) until about 10pm before heading to the hospital.  I was SO glad I had the car packed.  There was no way I would have been able to function well enough to pack it at that point!

It was not a fun ride, but we made it.  We were checked into triage where they monitored me for an hour and a half before admitting me to labor and delivery.  Time was going SO. SLOWLY. When the nurse walked out and said she'd be back in an hour, I couldn't believe it.  She just strapped me up to monitors and left me in there screaming through contractions every 3-4 minutes! Labor hurts :)  After another, even more painful hour and a half in the new room, I opted for the epidural.  At that point I was 5cm dilated.  After the epidural (about 30 minutes), I was at 9cm.  That was about 2:30am.  The pain was almost immediately gone, and I could THINK! and BREATHE! even SLEEP! It was glorious.  I slept on and off for the next 3 hours as I was not progressing past 9cm.  At one point during that time, there was a brief scare with Lucas's heart rate.  It dropped rapidly and the nurse and doctor rushed in asking me to turn from side to side. His heart rate increased and the doctor told me then that I was about 2 minutes from an emergency C-section! Scary.  They inserted a more precise monitor on Lucas at that time. About 6am I was given Pitocin to speed things along.  At 7:30 I was 10cm, and now had a new doctor and new nurse (LOVED her!).

Around 9:30, the nurse called the doctor to the room for delivery.  Her phone conversation sounded like this: "We're ready for you!... Okay...What should I do?... How long?... What are the options?..." Yeah, I'm a little worried at that point.Turns out the doctor had been called to a C-section.  I was to wait for the on-call mid-wife to arrive in about 15 minutes.  Little drama never hurts? She showed up and moments later I met my son.

Healthy and strong, beautiful. He is perfect and so loved! I'm one lucky mama.

My husband was absolutely incredible throughout this entire experience. He was more patient, loving, comforting, confident and compassionate that I've ever known anyone could be.  He counseled me through each contraction, held my hand, fed me ice, and didn't flinch when I would scream.  His love for me and our family was BEAMING this day.  I know 100% I married the right guy, and 100% that he is the BEST father for our son.  I am beyond proud. How did I get so lucky?

We were blessed to have many visitors throughout our 2-night stay at the hospital.  Family and friends have given my family so much love, and I am forever grateful for that.  

Congrats if you're still reading! :) We have been home about 3 weeks now and are settling into our new life as a family of 3.  Thank you to all of you for your love and support throughout my pregnancy, and as I've ventured into motherhood!
-m

Newborn Photos.

Photos by Allison Corrin Photography.

Nursery:
Rug- IKEA
Curtains- World Market
Crib- Young America Tribute
Glider- Best Chairs Inc., Storytime Collection
Changing Table- Local Consignment
Giraffe- Melissa & Doug
Letters- Hobby Lobby

40 weeks.

Written December 10th
how far along: 40 weeks.

size of baby: a pumpkin.

maternity clothes: yes... YES.

symptoms: I'm starting to have contractions here and there. Nothing consistent, and nothing too painful. 

exercise: it's about 0 degrees outside this week-- no outdoor activity whatsoever!

cravings/aversions: This is probably not related to pregnancy, but all holiday food sounds good. Peppermint flavored kisses, creme-de-mints, cookies, homeade bread....

movement: He's definitely out off room, but still squirmy.

Sleep: Nope! But it hasn't really bothered me. I figure I'd better get used to this anyway!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: BIRTH!

worries: Still worried about my water breaking while teaching, although I think my students might be even more worried than I am.

milestones:  Due date today! Full term baby- woot woot! If he doesn't come naturally, I'll be induced next Wednesday. 

best moment this week:  This week was generally uneventful. I visited the doctor on Friday afternoon and the routinely took my blood pressure. It wasn't abnormally high, but high for me. I was admitted to triage in the hospital right then for about 3 hours and was sent home after a few lower readings. That was a bit of excitement! We took it easy the rest of the weekend. We even joined the modern world and now have Netflix!

39 weeks

Please excuse the hair and the back-to-work-after-a-break exhaustion look :)

Written December 3rd
how far along: 39 weeks.

size of baby: a watermelon.

maternity clothes: yes... And mostly leggings and boots because, well, they fit.

symptoms: Mostly more of the same with a bigger belly!

exercise: decorating the Christmas tree and cleaning my house about did me in. It's sad.

cravings/aversions: Nothing really, although I'm looking forward to a Jimmy john's sandwich soon after this babe is born.

movement: Yes, although I feel like he's been slowing down a little in the past few days.

Sleep: Eh. Having 5 days off work was wonderful last week! Even though I don't sleep longer than 3 hours, I'm still managing to get plenty on sleep.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Pretty much everything about meeting our son! Outside of pregnancy, I'm looking forward to dinner with friends this week and general nesting and Xmas prep.

worries: Hm... I'm trying my hardest to not be an anxious freak in this last week and to just enjoy the days and take it one day at a time. I can't say that I'm doing so well, but I am trying!

milestones:  We made it to December 4th (J's last final!) and to my cross-over day with my substitute.

best moment this week:  I loved everything about this holiday week. I had two fabulous Thankgiving gatherings with family, we did all of our Christmas shopping (which might be my favorite chore) ;), picked, chopped down and decorated our Christmas tree and found time for a date night to see Catching Fire. This is and always has been my favorite time of the year!b

37 weeks

Written November 21st.
how far along: 37 weeks.

size of baby: a watermelon?!

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms: feeling overwhelmed with my "to do" list, when in reality nothing has to be done. I'm in definite get things situated, nesting mode, but also feeling completely unprepared. Physically, the baby feels lower and is causing some discomfort walking, especially later in the day.  My feet are ridiculous looking- it's horrific. My hands are cramped, still. But overall, I'm still feeling great!

exercise: not so much. Does walking target count?

cravings/aversions: I still drink a glass of milk and graham crackers if I'm up in the night. I used to HATE milk. 

movement: Lots! And he's running out of room!

sleep: I've been getting up 2-3 times each night, but can generally get back to sleep pretty quickly. I've had some Braxton hicks this week as well.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: Announcing his name! I can't wait to tell the world :) I had a dream that I accidentally named him one of my students' names... a female student.  Also looking forward to a few days off work, visiting family and some good eating next week.

worries: Slightly concerned he will be early, but I have absolutely no control over that :) 

milestones:  37 weeks = full term!

best moment this week:  Again, I'm behind on this post. I didn't even take a "real" picture.  So much going on! I'm busy at school just keeping up, but also trying to prep for my time away. I officially have a long-term sub lined up which is a huge relief. We celebrated my moms birthday last weekend, which is always fun. I've been to anorher birth class (our last one is tonight). Lots of good things!

On a sadder note, one of my best friends lost her dad this week. My heart is heavy thinking of her and her family.  Another good friend has a 5-year-old daughter who is fighting her battle with leukemia. Please help me pray for these ladies and their families. Squeeze your loved ones tight.

35 weeks.

Written November 5th.
how far along: 35 weeks.

size of baby: a coconut.

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms:  Does being excited count? It really is starting to feel close, and I'm just so pumped to meet this guy. Feeling sentimental and blessed to be carrying this baby. Of course there are also some symptoms I'm ready to get rid of- swollen feet, swollen hands (finally lost one of three rings last week), hands are still asleep, and back is still bothering me. Oh, and my belly button has officially "popped".

exercise: Some walks, but more sits. :)

cravings/aversions: I've had this carving for a while, but haven't shared.  I could drink soda water forever, preferably with lime. I blame you, AB.

movement: Lots!

sleep: I've been getting up 2-3 times each night, but can generally get back to sleep pretty quickly.

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: We begin our childbirth classes this Thursday- woot! Also, thanksgiving. Because, food and Black Friday and time off work. Oh, and is it too soon to look forward to having my body back? I'm not talking fit and fab, but just the ability to put on socks without feeling like a freak.

worries: Still worried about labor and delivery, but I don't think that will ever go away. 

milestones:  Officially considered nine months pregnant this week. Craziness. Although, I'm starting to feel like I've been pregnant forever.

best moment this week:  I'm a post behind, so technically this was LAST week, but my Aunt threw me an amazing shower for my extended family. It was awesome to get to see so many people I don't get a chance to see that often, and they were so generously spoiling our little man! Great food, great people, great times. 

33 weeks.

Written October 22nd.
how far along: 33 weeks.

size of baby: a durian fruit? 

maternity clothes: yes.

symptoms:  This is the weirdest... My hands have been falling asleep, which apparently is very common and is related to pregnancy induced carpel tunnel syndrome. Also, I guess the back pain is here to stay. 

exercise: Some walks, but more sits. :)

cravings/aversions: I'm running out of room and get full fast!

movement: New this week- I can feel the difference between body and limbs! He feels absolutely gigantic now.

sleep: more please!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: My Aunt is throwing me a shower for me this weekend and I'll get to spend some time with family I haven't seen in far too long. I can't wait.

worries: After breast feeding class last week, I'm both more and less worried about that adventure. The class was awesome, and I learned a ton, but I still feel nervous and anxious about my role in, oh you know, keeping a kid alive!

milestones:  We are almost positive we have infant care for when I return to school up until summer break. HUGE relief! 

best moment this week:  Breast feeding class, finding infant care, a maternity photo shoot, and a date night! Good week, I'd say.

32 weeks.

Written October 15th.
how far along: 32 weeks.

size of baby: a squash.

maternity clothes: yep, and now that it's a little colder out I can add some sweaters to the mix.

symptoms:  more back aches- womp womp....

exercise: Ummmmmm,

cravings/aversions: I've been snacking on fall baked goods from a little baking party I attended over the weekend. Yummmmm

movement: Yep!

sleep: more please!

gender: oh boy :)

looking forward to: I'm attending a breast feeding class this week so I'm hoping to learn lots!

worries: What if my water breaks while I'm teaching? Or it's a snow storm and I'm in labor? Or if my husband doesn't answer his phone when it all goes down? Ah!

milestones:  less than 2 months left!

best moment this week:  I had a great time doing some baking with friends last Sunday. Overall, just a normal, busy week :)