Current weight: 13 lbs 12 oz
Length: 24 inches
Likes: "Dancing" Max really enjoys laying under his play mat, listening to the music play and kicking his arms and legs along with the beat. He also kind of bobs his body when rap music comes on...he gets that from him momma! Hes also a big fan of his bouncer (most of the time and in small doses). Hes got to have it on vibrate and he loves kicking the toys that dangle so he can hear the music...these songs now get stuck in my head when Im trying to fall asleep at night.
Dislikes: When his daddy talks really loud. Max barely fusses, but twice last month Jeremy was telling a story while holding Max, at one point in the story he was doing an impression and yelled a little. Max hated it, screamed and it took me a few minutes to calm him down.
Sleeping habits: I cant say enough about how amazing it is to have a routine! Max goes to bed at nine, wakes up at 2:30, and then again around 6. Hes usually up for good around 8, unless im subbing, then its 6. He naps at 9:30 and around 3, and also takes a short nap around 7. I did get really sick one night and the rest of the week he was the most horrific sleeper ever- he would wake up about every hour and not take any naps during the day, it was terrible, especially since I was trying to get better. Thankfully that didnt last.
Eating: Still breast milk. I have never been a huge advocate for breast feeding, because I wasnt sure I would be able to do it, and I think the formula that is made today is very good. My original reasons for deciding to breastfeed were that it was free, and I wanted to lose weight faster. (I have since determined that due to the massive amount that breastfed babies poop, the money you save all goes toward diapers.) This last month, however, has shown me that I made a terrific decision when deciding to nurse Max and heres why: When I got sick it was awful. I was up all night with diarrhea and vomiting. FOUR days after I was sick I felt great and decided to meet a friend for lunch, hang out with my sis, and attend my book club. I came in to contact with 10 people that day, and within two days, 8 of them had caught it. It spread like wildfire through their families and through daycare. BUT you know who didnt get it? Max! My three month old baby who has barely begun to develop an immune system did not catch it. This is all due to my milk. When I was sick my body was developing antibodies to fight the virus, these antibodies transferred through into my milk, but the virus did not, giving Max a strong advantage in fighting that crappy, super contagious illness. I also love the fact that I barely have to deal with bottles! And the bonding experience has been nothing but phenomenal.
What he has learned: Max's coordination has gotten much better in the last month. Hes very good at swatting at toys now. Hes also learned to put himself to sleep, and is getting much better at getting himself back to sleep when he makes up in the night. And just now (yeah I had to scroll up to add this) he discovered his feet!
What I have learned: Routine is critical! It has made my life so much easier when I began implementing a routine with Max. I have also learned that its impossible to please everyone with how you raise your child. Rarely does someone tell you your doing a great job, but so many (especially those mothers of multiple children) are very quick to judge that you are "too" attentive with your baby, or that you "spoil" them....and if you decide to back off someone is always there to tell you that your not doing enough. But thankfully I have a super easy baby, that rarely cries and is so full of love and smiles, that I feel as though I must be doing something right.
On a different note, next week will be Brody's two year angelversary. I can believe its been two years. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about him, missed him, or talked to him. Processing my emotions this year is very hard because I miss Brody so much and wish he was here, but I also know that Max would never be here if Brody was here. I have never imagined them growing up together, so in that aspect, I am not sad. Max hears about Brody all the time, and in sometimes I think Brody visits Max. So in some ways, Max and Brody will have a stronger bond than they ever would have. I know thats an kind of an odd way of thinking about it, but it is what it is. I will probably post again more about this on the 12th.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Two Months Old!
I decided to wait a day to update since Max went to the pediatrician today. I wanted to get accurate measurements of him. He got his two month vaccinations, which involved some crying- but it wasn't any worse that what I expected!
Current weight: 12 pounds 6 ounces
Length: 23 1/4 inches
Likes: Sitting up (with help of course). Max loves being sat up on someones knee so he can watch everything. He also likes to stand up and grunt and watch who is holding him. Sandy. This is Max's babysitter. She loves him so much, and you can tell he knows it! Staring at ceiling fans. It doesn't matter if they are on or off- hes not picky! His "paci." After eating, this is the one thing that really helps Max settle down. He has to have the soothie brand, no others will work (he also likes when someone sticks their finger in the end of it, which is something his cousin Riley just loves to do).
Dislikes: His medicine for thrush. About 10 days ago I took Max in to the doctor because his tongue was so white. While she wasn't convinced 100% it was thrush, she prescribed him some medicine to take care of it. Max hates getting this squirted into his mouth, and he usually gags on it and cries. Other than the medicine, there is nothing I have noticed that sets him off.
Sleeping habits: He is going to bed around 10:30, waking up once or twice in the night, and getting up for the day around 6. Usually by 8:30am we are ready for our first nap! lol
Eating: Max is still strictly on breast milk. Since I am back to subbing part time, I have to pump and he is given a bottle. I feel bad for Sandy, though, because Max isn't too good at drinking from a bottle. They all seem too fast for him. I have tried Medela, Avent, and Playtex bottle all "wide mouth, slow flow" nipples and they all seem too fast for him. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them!
What Max has learned: To hold his head up. Hes getting really good at this, but still bobbles. He loves to work on it, though! He also has started cooing last week and laughing a little bit. His social smile is definitely developed, he busts out his huge jester grin when just after a long nap (and many other times throughout the day). Just last week he found that sucking his thumb can help soothe him as well, but has only done this twice (that I know of).
What I have leaned: That avoiding eye contact after a certain time every night does wonders for getting a baby to fall asleep, this also works through the night as well. Eye contact really stimulates a baby, so this is one way to help calm them down at night. Also I learned today that Max should be taking more naps and that I need to establish a better routine for the little guy- so that is what I will be working on this coming month.
Current weight: 12 pounds 6 ounces
Length: 23 1/4 inches
Likes: Sitting up (with help of course). Max loves being sat up on someones knee so he can watch everything. He also likes to stand up and grunt and watch who is holding him. Sandy. This is Max's babysitter. She loves him so much, and you can tell he knows it! Staring at ceiling fans. It doesn't matter if they are on or off- hes not picky! His "paci." After eating, this is the one thing that really helps Max settle down. He has to have the soothie brand, no others will work (he also likes when someone sticks their finger in the end of it, which is something his cousin Riley just loves to do).
Dislikes: His medicine for thrush. About 10 days ago I took Max in to the doctor because his tongue was so white. While she wasn't convinced 100% it was thrush, she prescribed him some medicine to take care of it. Max hates getting this squirted into his mouth, and he usually gags on it and cries. Other than the medicine, there is nothing I have noticed that sets him off.
Sleeping habits: He is going to bed around 10:30, waking up once or twice in the night, and getting up for the day around 6. Usually by 8:30am we are ready for our first nap! lol
Eating: Max is still strictly on breast milk. Since I am back to subbing part time, I have to pump and he is given a bottle. I feel bad for Sandy, though, because Max isn't too good at drinking from a bottle. They all seem too fast for him. I have tried Medela, Avent, and Playtex bottle all "wide mouth, slow flow" nipples and they all seem too fast for him. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them!
What Max has learned: To hold his head up. Hes getting really good at this, but still bobbles. He loves to work on it, though! He also has started cooing last week and laughing a little bit. His social smile is definitely developed, he busts out his huge jester grin when just after a long nap (and many other times throughout the day). Just last week he found that sucking his thumb can help soothe him as well, but has only done this twice (that I know of).
What I have leaned: That avoiding eye contact after a certain time every night does wonders for getting a baby to fall asleep, this also works through the night as well. Eye contact really stimulates a baby, so this is one way to help calm them down at night. Also I learned today that Max should be taking more naps and that I need to establish a better routine for the little guy- so that is what I will be working on this coming month.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
One month old!
One month in, and I couldn't be happier. Right now I am listening to Max in his swing, humming along and making the cutest noises anyone could ever hear. Here are a few stats about our little blessing:
Current weight: 10 pounds 12 ounces
Likes: Max seems to really love tummy time. We do it every morning when he is the most active and he tries so hard. He likes lifting his head and kicking up his legs in attempt to turn over.
Dislikes: Max doesnt seem to like laying flat on his back. He can crash out in pretty much every position, except if I put him flat on his back. He flails his arms and legs and grunts a whole lot as soon as hes put down.
Sleeping habits: Up until the past few days, Max fell asleep around 11 pm, woke around 3, 5,7, and up for good around 9 am. Then he would fall back asleep around 1pm until 7pm and back asleep at 11pm again. But the last two days hes been thrown off and has only gotten up twice in the night, but one of those times hes up for about 2.5 hours which is not fun! But I always nap once a day, so the lack of sleep hasn't really fazed me. Max is also a really loud sleeper, he grunts a lot throughout the night!
Eating: Max is still nursing and its going really great. Next week we are going to introduce a bottle of my milk to him for when I start back up at work. I plan to nurse as long as possible, six months is essentially my main goal.
All-in-all our first month was amazing and flew by. I love this child more and more every day, and little by little his personality peeks its way out. Life is lovely!
Current weight: 10 pounds 12 ounces
Likes: Max seems to really love tummy time. We do it every morning when he is the most active and he tries so hard. He likes lifting his head and kicking up his legs in attempt to turn over.
Dislikes: Max doesnt seem to like laying flat on his back. He can crash out in pretty much every position, except if I put him flat on his back. He flails his arms and legs and grunts a whole lot as soon as hes put down.
Sleeping habits: Up until the past few days, Max fell asleep around 11 pm, woke around 3, 5,7, and up for good around 9 am. Then he would fall back asleep around 1pm until 7pm and back asleep at 11pm again. But the last two days hes been thrown off and has only gotten up twice in the night, but one of those times hes up for about 2.5 hours which is not fun! But I always nap once a day, so the lack of sleep hasn't really fazed me. Max is also a really loud sleeper, he grunts a lot throughout the night!
Eating: Max is still nursing and its going really great. Next week we are going to introduce a bottle of my milk to him for when I start back up at work. I plan to nurse as long as possible, six months is essentially my main goal.
All-in-all our first month was amazing and flew by. I love this child more and more every day, and little by little his personality peeks its way out. Life is lovely!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Birth Story/ First days
I know our birth story was scheduled and well thought out, as opposed to the usual waking-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night/water-breaking/contractions-and-pushing stories that most can share, ours was still precious :) I woke up that morning, got showered, dressed, and walked the dogs and we headed out the door around 7 am. Once we finally got to the hospital, I got changed, my IV was started, blood was drawn, and my vitals were taken. I was completely relaxed, and STILL at this point I couldn't get it in my head that I was about to have a baby. The anesthesiologist came in and talked to me about what they were going to do, and at that point I was just extremely nervous. I was more concentrated on going in to surgery than having a baby and I was pretty shaky. Then they wheeled in the girl that was scheduled right before me, I saw her first, and then the dad wheeling in the baby on the cart. This was the first it REALLY hit me that I was about to meet my son, and I totally lost it. I could not stop crying, I was so happy. During this time, a student nurse was walking over to introduce herself, saw me crying and felt so bad because she thought I was scared. It was nice to tell her I was just so happy :)
Next they wheeled me in to my operating room so I could get my spinal, and get fully prepped for surgery. Part way in Jeremy was able to join me which was such a relief. All of the sudden my doctor says "dad you can stand up if you would like to watch your son being born." It was amazing to watch Jeremy watch our son being born, and as I heard his first cry I completely lost it. Just the sound of his cry alone made me the happiest person in the world, I was so overwhelmed with joy to get him here I couldn't keep the tears in. It felt like an eternity before I could see him. I heard them say he was 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. Then Jeremy brought him over and layed him on my chest and the tears flowed and I realized just how lucky I am to be this little boys mom.
Since birth, Max has been nothing short of amazing. In his first 12 hours he pooped 7 times- which is a sign on a very healthy baby. Usually they hope that a child poops once in 24 hours. He immediately picked up on breastfeeding, and he was able to escape getting jaundice like almost every baby gets. He only gets up twice during the night, usually around 1 and again around 5:30. I am sleeping better now than when I was pregnant! He rarely cries, but almost always does when hes being changed. Hes not a fan of being swaddled, hes very strong and can usually kick his blanket off in his sleep. When awake he loves to look around and almost always follows the sound of his mommy and daddy's voices. Hes simply perfect :)
I am recovering MUCH better than my last csection. I was able to get up and out of bed within 12 hours of surgery and was walking in the halls the next day. My only setback was when we got home I fell asleep on the couch and my 16 pound yorkie climbed on the back of the couch and leaped right on to my belly. It was definitely horrendous pain, but by that night Jeremy and I were able to take Max and the dogs for a lap around the park.
Life now just feels so complete. Everything we went through, and every bit of pain was worth it to get this little boy here safe. I know that Brody is watching over him, we still feel him so close. In moments, my entire life has changed, I have never known such a feeling of happiness in my entire life.
Next they wheeled me in to my operating room so I could get my spinal, and get fully prepped for surgery. Part way in Jeremy was able to join me which was such a relief. All of the sudden my doctor says "dad you can stand up if you would like to watch your son being born." It was amazing to watch Jeremy watch our son being born, and as I heard his first cry I completely lost it. Just the sound of his cry alone made me the happiest person in the world, I was so overwhelmed with joy to get him here I couldn't keep the tears in. It felt like an eternity before I could see him. I heard them say he was 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. Then Jeremy brought him over and layed him on my chest and the tears flowed and I realized just how lucky I am to be this little boys mom.
Since birth, Max has been nothing short of amazing. In his first 12 hours he pooped 7 times- which is a sign on a very healthy baby. Usually they hope that a child poops once in 24 hours. He immediately picked up on breastfeeding, and he was able to escape getting jaundice like almost every baby gets. He only gets up twice during the night, usually around 1 and again around 5:30. I am sleeping better now than when I was pregnant! He rarely cries, but almost always does when hes being changed. Hes not a fan of being swaddled, hes very strong and can usually kick his blanket off in his sleep. When awake he loves to look around and almost always follows the sound of his mommy and daddy's voices. Hes simply perfect :)
I am recovering MUCH better than my last csection. I was able to get up and out of bed within 12 hours of surgery and was walking in the halls the next day. My only setback was when we got home I fell asleep on the couch and my 16 pound yorkie climbed on the back of the couch and leaped right on to my belly. It was definitely horrendous pain, but by that night Jeremy and I were able to take Max and the dogs for a lap around the park.
Life now just feels so complete. Everything we went through, and every bit of pain was worth it to get this little boy here safe. I know that Brody is watching over him, we still feel him so close. In moments, my entire life has changed, I have never known such a feeling of happiness in my entire life.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Last Post Before Max Arrives!
In less than two days I will be holding my baby boy, and I have never been more excited, happy, and nervous in my entire life. Even with a big, protruding belly, it almost seems unrealistic to me that Max will be here so soon. It feels like we have waited SO long to bring home our baby, we are very blessed to get to this point with no complications. I am proud to say I never developed preeclampsia and Max made it through July when many people thought he wouldn't. Looking back on previous posts, I can see how far we have come, what we have been through, and what we have done just to get Max here safe. I am very scared, though. I really don't have a clue as to what to do when Max actually gets here, but I do know that a baby needs love, and I know I will be AMAZING at giving that to him :).
As far as visiting us in the hospital/home:
I will be delivering Max around 10 am on Thursday, and we ask that only immediate family come up to the hospital that day. Friday and Saturday all are welcome to all as long as you are feeling 100% well and aren't coming at the crack of dawn ;). We really do want to show him off and want people to hold him and love on him, we just want to make sure hes not overwhelmed or exposed to sickness as well. We should be home on Sunday and people are welcome to come to the house as well- just please let us know when you are planning on coming over, AND if you feel like bringing a meal we wouldnt stop you ;) lol.
Updates/pictures:
I will probably be sending out a text on Thursday sometime with birth time, weight, and length and possibly a pic. If I dont have your number, and you want a text, send it to me on facebook or email it to me at abbymouch@gmail.com.
I also will NOT be putting any pictures up on this blog of Max, but I will be putting them up on facebook. I have various reasons for this, but if you are not on facebook and want to check him out, I will email some to you. Thanks for understanding!
Thank you so much to all those that have been a positive support system to Max and I throughout this entire pregnancy. We are finally here (in 40 hours)- how amazing!!
As far as visiting us in the hospital/home:
I will be delivering Max around 10 am on Thursday, and we ask that only immediate family come up to the hospital that day. Friday and Saturday all are welcome to all as long as you are feeling 100% well and aren't coming at the crack of dawn ;). We really do want to show him off and want people to hold him and love on him, we just want to make sure hes not overwhelmed or exposed to sickness as well. We should be home on Sunday and people are welcome to come to the house as well- just please let us know when you are planning on coming over, AND if you feel like bringing a meal we wouldnt stop you ;) lol.
Updates/pictures:
I will probably be sending out a text on Thursday sometime with birth time, weight, and length and possibly a pic. If I dont have your number, and you want a text, send it to me on facebook or email it to me at abbymouch@gmail.com.
I also will NOT be putting any pictures up on this blog of Max, but I will be putting them up on facebook. I have various reasons for this, but if you are not on facebook and want to check him out, I will email some to you. Thanks for understanding!
Thank you so much to all those that have been a positive support system to Max and I throughout this entire pregnancy. We are finally here (in 40 hours)- how amazing!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
My last Doctor's Appointment and NST
After a little "scare" (and by scare I mean excitement that I might be going into labor) I am still here with Max in my tummy. Yesterday around three I started having contractions, which is something that has been pretty normal for the past month or so. This time seemed different, though, because they started out rather painful- so I decided to start timing them right away. They started out every fifteen minutes and after about 4 hours went to every ten minutes. From there they plateaued and didnt get any stronger or closer together so we waited it out at home until they eventually went away. It was very frustrating because no real progress was made. We were excited at first, and toward the end I was just annoyed because I wanted them to either get better or worse. BUT nothing happened and so we were able to make it to my appointment today.
Today was a rather boring day of appointments, which made me feel kind of bad for Jeremy since this was his first time to meet my doctor. We had to wait about 30 mins to get into my NST, which I think might have made Max a little upset because he refused to move again. We tried ice water, wiggling, and poking, but the only thing to get him to move was the little buzzer. I did have a real nice sized contraction during the process...they seem to creep up every now and then.
Then we met with the doctor to get everything squared away for the csection. We really didnt learn anything new here, just that I am not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. I also found out that I will be getting staples again, which I was told at St. V's after I had Brody that most doctors to the glue stuff (I had staples with Brody, too, because of something with my tissue and being on bedrest so long). We are to get to the hospital at 8am, and Max will be delivered around 10 am August 5. We are SO excited and ready to meet this little guy in 9 days! Expect one more blog before I deliver next Thursday with all the details of visitation and whatnot :) If anything happens before then, I will definitely keep people updated through texts and phone calls.
Today was a rather boring day of appointments, which made me feel kind of bad for Jeremy since this was his first time to meet my doctor. We had to wait about 30 mins to get into my NST, which I think might have made Max a little upset because he refused to move again. We tried ice water, wiggling, and poking, but the only thing to get him to move was the little buzzer. I did have a real nice sized contraction during the process...they seem to creep up every now and then.
Then we met with the doctor to get everything squared away for the csection. We really didnt learn anything new here, just that I am not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. I also found out that I will be getting staples again, which I was told at St. V's after I had Brody that most doctors to the glue stuff (I had staples with Brody, too, because of something with my tissue and being on bedrest so long). We are to get to the hospital at 8am, and Max will be delivered around 10 am August 5. We are SO excited and ready to meet this little guy in 9 days! Expect one more blog before I deliver next Thursday with all the details of visitation and whatnot :) If anything happens before then, I will definitely keep people updated through texts and phone calls.
Friday, July 23, 2010
36 weeks- 13 days left :)
With just under two weeks to go in my pregnancy, I went in for my second-to-last ob appointment and NST. Up to this point I have asked many questions- trying to keep up on my weight, blood pressure and whatnot...today I sat back and just enjoyed being there. My NST went really well- Max had NO trouble showing that he was perfectly able to move this time. Maybe the little buzzer scared him last time because he did not stop moving from the second I got in there. I had no contractions or any cramping, all went really well. I was able to have a really good talk with the nurse while I was in there being monitored, we eventually landed on the subject of blood clotting disorders and their link with so many miscarriages. One thing I learned is that my doctor doesnt check just anyone for MTHFR, just people with reoccurring miscarriages or losses. I also learned that up until about 6 years ago, they had no idea there was a correlation between blood clotting disorders and miscarriage. I am SO happy I was tested for this and I never had to go through another loss to figure out I had it. I am also very fortunate to live in these times, if I was older I might have never thought I could carry a baby.
My appointment with my ob was quick and easy. I found out that I will NOT be getting cervix checks at all- apparently there is no point to check me when we know I'm having a c-section. I know they aren't a walk in the park, so this made me rather happy. I am starting to realize there are some advantages to having a c-section I guess! We are just meeting once more next Tuesday to go over everything in complete detail. Hopefully Jeremy will be able to make it to this appointment and be able to meet my doctor.
Since it is a bit of a drive to get to Toledo, I like to save all my errands for one trip. Unfortunately, today was 98 degrees outside with a heat index of over 100! Thankfully people can be extremely sympathetic to a 9 month pregnant woman on days like today. One of my trips was to babies r us to get a baby book for Max. I have really enjoyed looking back at mine over the years and want to keep up on one for him (not like a boy is going to be that interested- but its good to have!) I opened it and started looking through the pages and immediately started crying in the store. I think it REALLY hit me then how close this is and just how much I am ready to love, nurture, and care for this baby. Yes I complain, feel huge, uncomfortable, and ready to be done- but that does NOT mean in any way that I don't appreciate this baby and pregnancy more than anything in the world. I am so fortunate that in less than two weeks I will be holding my very own crying, breathing, blinking, wiggling baby in my arms (that will probably look like exactly like his daddy, lol). It has been one hell of a journey to get here, but soon it will all pay off :)
My appointment with my ob was quick and easy. I found out that I will NOT be getting cervix checks at all- apparently there is no point to check me when we know I'm having a c-section. I know they aren't a walk in the park, so this made me rather happy. I am starting to realize there are some advantages to having a c-section I guess! We are just meeting once more next Tuesday to go over everything in complete detail. Hopefully Jeremy will be able to make it to this appointment and be able to meet my doctor.
Since it is a bit of a drive to get to Toledo, I like to save all my errands for one trip. Unfortunately, today was 98 degrees outside with a heat index of over 100! Thankfully people can be extremely sympathetic to a 9 month pregnant woman on days like today. One of my trips was to babies r us to get a baby book for Max. I have really enjoyed looking back at mine over the years and want to keep up on one for him (not like a boy is going to be that interested- but its good to have!) I opened it and started looking through the pages and immediately started crying in the store. I think it REALLY hit me then how close this is and just how much I am ready to love, nurture, and care for this baby. Yes I complain, feel huge, uncomfortable, and ready to be done- but that does NOT mean in any way that I don't appreciate this baby and pregnancy more than anything in the world. I am so fortunate that in less than two weeks I will be holding my very own crying, breathing, blinking, wiggling baby in my arms (that will probably look like exactly like his daddy, lol). It has been one hell of a journey to get here, but soon it will all pay off :)
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