Speeding Through the 10 Month Mark

The Christmas tree has come down, we've moved into a new house and life as we know it is getting back to normal. Mostly.

It's getting closer than I can fathom to your birthday already...less than 2 months away! So here's a quick update on how things are going!

The speed at which you crawl is really...fast. You've definitely come a long way from the army crawl! You are pulling yourself up on everything, and while we don't have a lot of things that are good for hanging on to, you still manage to do alright. In the walking department, you want to hold our hands and walk around, but that might be compromising your "balance" practice trying to stand.

I can remember your brother wanting to push one of the little cars around to help him walk, but you haven't really done much of that. You'd much rather play with the musical instruments on your car instead...it's still very cute!

You are very vocal though! Most of the time, you clearly say "mama" and "da-da" and it's towards the intended parent. We've tried to get you to say "baba" too, but that isn't quite there. You respond to your name, and definitely when we say "Jared...no!" it gets your attention. You started going towards the outlets (which we quickly remedied by buying the covers) and would pause in your tracks when we'd tell you to stop.

Playing with your brother...both of you love Legos! You love cars as well, and you grab one of the cars that you shake (shaped like Mater), shake him and put him on the ground to watch him speed away. Daniel does try to take the cars away (we're working on sharing with him!), but you usually take it pretty well.

Daycare is going pretty well, and you're one of the "older" ones in the room. It'll be interesting (yet a bit sad!) when you get to move up to the next room...that will confirm that you're no longer a baby! But we won't rush that for now :)

Teeth...you've got the two on the bottom still, and you've got one on the top that has erupted, but you also have another that is coming in a little further upwards of where it will probably end up. It doesn't stop you gumming and eating everything you can get your hands on!

And with that...changes abound in the coming months! We're looking forward to it!

9 Weeks Old...

With all of the things going on, I figured it was time for another post! You are 9 weeks old already! (Actually, 9 weeks and 1 day old). So much has happened, it's hard to remember where I left off last time...but I'll try!

This week you turned 2 months old on the 11th of May. You had your 2 month check-up at the doctor the same day. 11lbs 11.5oz and 23 3/4 inches tall. You're growing so fast and you're even overtaking your brother at that age. The bad part of the doctor's appointment was getting four shots, which you handled pretty well, all things considered.

You're changing so much too. One of the sweetest things to happen is you smiling more often. Right around 6 weeks is when the real smiles started to come out (we'd catch them once in a

while before then, but they were short lived). Now we see you smile at us, or at your brother when he comes to get you at daycare and so on. In fact, today I caught a few pictures of you smiling!

If I hadn't mentioned before, you started daycare right after you turned 6 weeks old. You've taken to it pretty well so far, and your big brother is right down the hall from you. You are the littlest one in there right now, but I'm sure you'll be crawling around with the rest of them soon! Already in daycare you got your first "school" pictures taken. We can't wait to see how things turn out!

Also around 6 weeks old you started sleeping so much better at night! You are going to sleep around 10pm, and sleep until 3 or 4am and go back to sleep again after having a quick bite to eat. So that means you just get up once at night!

And last but not least, you got to meet and spend some time with your uncle Gary when he came to visit at Easter. It was so much fun to see him get to meet you for the first time and get to know you!

Growing fast little dude...growing fast!

One Month Old!

You're one month old today, Jared! (And coincidentally, it's your mommy's birthday!). Tomorrow you have your one month doctor's appointment, so we can see how much you've grown already.

Time certainly does fly...and even in the past week or two it's been busy and fun! Your aunt Tracy and cousin Hannah came to visit last week. It was exciting, since neither one had seen your brother until he was a bit older...you are still "fresh" and it was good to have the help around the house.

While they were here, we went to visit your grandparents (breakfast at Mimi's then over to their house), went to the zoo, went to the mall (and did Build-a-Bear!) and hung out a little more at your grandparents. They were only here for a week, and Daniel and Hannah had loads of fun playing together and even doting on you a little.

Soon, your other grandparents and uncle Gary will be here to visit for Easter! It will be good to have them here and get a chance to meet you on the outside!

Well, that's about all for today...just finished a quick walk over to Safeway, which seemed to put you to sleep quite nicely. You also slept for a stretch of about 4 hours last night (surprise!), so maybe you'll continue with your mommy's birthday surprises and sleep for another 4 hour stretch tonight too!

Jared's first weeks!

I might have been a bit better with Daniel at keeping a little running list of the first few days events...but, once again, better late than never...and here's hoping my memory holds out while I type this!

Day 1 (March 11th): Your birthday! You were born at 1:52a.m. (see birth story in previous post). We got moved to a shared room at the hospital because it was so full...this was around 4a.m. or so, and your daddy had to go home (can't stay in shared room overnight) so he got a few hours sleep before returning around 9 or 9:30a.m.. We missed him a lot, but you slept most of the time and I tried to catch up on a little sleep too between nurses coming in and all of that. Megan and James came to visit you that afternoon as well...your first visitors! Later in the day, we got moved to a private room (hooray!) so daddy could stay the night.

Around midnight, they checked your bilirubin levels and you were getting a little bit yellow, so you got started on the bili-lights!

Day 2 (March 12th): You spent all day under the lights, pretty much! Today was also a big day because you got to meet your big brother! Daddy went to go pick up Daniel, and he came into the room and went right up to where you were sleeping under the lights...it was very cute! He also wanted to help feed you a bottle...really surprising that he wanted to, but he did a great job. After playing a little bit in the room, Daniel went back to your grandparents and daddy came back for the evening.

That evening, the nurse also asked if it was OK for you to spend the night in the nursery (you kept pulling off your mask) so that they could make sure you didn't hurt your eyes. We agreed and got some much needed rest...awaiting your return in the morning!

Day 3 (March 13th): Discharge day! Your jaundice has pretty much cleared up, so you were good to go, and so was mommy! We left the hospital after lunch, and headed to your grandparents to show you off. Daniel showed an interest in feeding you again, but did also get a little bit jealous (was bound to happen). After an early dinner and playing with Daniel some, we headed to our house, Daniel staying for a couple extra nights.

Day 4 (March 14th): It's Monday! You had a pretty good first night at home...doing what babies do, and waking up every 3 hours or so. It wasn't too bad though, thanks to those little formula bottles they gave us at the hospital and mommy's boobs starting to work (you've done very well with breastfeeding so far!).

Daddy had an interview today, and we got you scheduled for a doctor's appointment today as well. You weighed 7lbs, 13oz today (just like right before you left the hospital!) and everything checked out well! Afterwards, we hit up Fry's Electronics and also your mommy's lab! You got to meet a few more of your mommy's coworkers and we went out to dinner with Heather and Cathie at Mi Amigos.

Day 5 (March 15th): I think we spent a pretty low-key day at home today!

Day 6 (March 16th): Your daddy had to go to a meeting today in the morning for the job that he accepted right before you were born. Today also marked your brother coming home too! Your grandma brought Daniel back home today, and he seemed really thrilled to be back! We went out to get a drug test done for daddy too...so a nice car ride today!

Day 7 (March 17th): Another day at home again!

Day 8(March 18th): You are one week old today!

Day 9(March 19th): Today we did two things...went to the train museum and to a funeral reception for one of your mommy's co-workers. More people you got to meet from work that you may have missed before even!

Day 10(March 20th): A pretty low key Sunday! Headed out for some errands at Target and spent the rest of the day at home.

Day 11(March 21st): After dropping your brother off at daycare in the morning, we headed out to Udupi Cafe for a birthday lunch for some of your mommy's coworkers. Once again, a chance to see some people from work, and meet some of the ones you might have missed before!

Day 12(March 22nd): You had another appointment today with the nurse at the doctor's office to get weighed and checked quickly. You've gone past your birth weight (which was the goal!) and were 8lbs, 5.5oz. Afterwards, we went to Babies R Us and to Sweet Tomatoes for lunch.

Day 13(March 23rd): Home again!

Day 14(March 24th): Your original due date! We spent the early afternoon going to Target again and lunch at Applebees (a replay of your pre-eviction lunch the day before you were born!).

Day 15(March 25th): Home again! Daddy is waiting to get his background check for his new job, and it came back. He can start work on Monday!

Day 16(March 26th): We went to the zoo today! It's your first time here, on the outside! You slept most of the time, riding around in the stroller.

Day 17(March 27th): Another trip to Babies R US! This time we bought you and your brother a spiffy new double stroller! It seems great so far, and in the evening we took you and your brother out for a spin!

Day 18(March 28th): Your first day at home alone with mommy!

3D Ultrasound

Once again, much belated, but thought it interesting and fun to put up your 3D ultrasound pictures from back in January. Yep...it's definitely you!

From November to March

As mentioned before, the last time I posted something, you were about 23 weeks along. We knew you were a boy, and had your name pretty much nailed down.

The first part of December saw you and I heading for San Antonio for a meeting. First plane trip! The meeting was a long 5 days, and you kept me on my toes (and awake during long lecture sessions!). It was good to have a traveling buddy with me, if even on the inside.

Right after returning from Texas, we hopped on a plane and went to visit your grandparents in Montana. That was an incredibly long, convoluted trip to get there, but we made it finally! It also was your 2nd wedding attended! Very busy baby! Everyone in Montana was very excited about your impending arrival into the world as well!

Christmas came, and we went to spend it with your other grandparents here in town. It was a good, relaxing holiday. New Years came and went as well.

Next came your big 3D ultrasound! With the holidays and everything else going on, we didn't get a chance to schedule it until you were a bit further along, gestation wise, than your brother was (he was about 24 weeks...you were about 28). We took Daniel with us, which marked the first time he got to "see" you...he didn't seem to really understand what was going on at the time, but he did watch a little on the screen. The lady doing the ultrasound did a "size" check, and reported back to us (off the record, of course), that you were about 4lbs at the time, and measuring about 2 1/2 weeks ahead of schedule. Her calculations had a tentative due date of the 8th of March (eek!). But the best part of the ultrasound was watching you make all of the cute faces and getting to see what you look like up close and personal.

The end of January and month of February seemed to pass by quickly (although there were many aspects that seemed to drag). Your daddy ended his work contract and was looking for a new job, which meant a lot of time at home, and a lot of time with Daniel at home (out of daycare to save money). We also toured the hospital where you were to be born. And then came the issue of all of us getting sick. Daniel had a MRSA infection in his ear (which put him on some pretty strong antibiotics for a few weeks). He later got the flu as well, and had a bit of recovery ahead of him. Your dad had a MRSA infection as well, but on his leg. That meant he had to go to the doctor every couple of days to have it checked or cut or re-bandaged. He also had a cold along the way as well (which didn't make things any better!). Your mom (me) had a cold that seemed to last forever (in reality, off and on for about 3 weeks). Coughing and all of that good stuff...and a fever one weekend that was a little bit scary (fever of 102). Since I couldn't take anything, that made it harder to do things and to recover.

The end of February marked your baby shower! You got lots of great things from mommy's co-workers, and they were all very excited to meet you very soon!

Before the baby shower, mommy had a little bit of bleeding (amongst all of the other goo), and at first dilation check (February 14th), mommy was at 2cm and about 75% effaced. The baby gates were opening up! The following week, 4cm! And after that, mommy stayed at about 5cm (give or take) until the next step in your impending delivery took place, all the while doctor's expecting you to come at any time!

March 1st appointment you were 36 weeks, 5 days along (not quit the "full term" 37 weeks they like babies too be), so the doctor didn't want to do membrane stripping. March 10th was the next appointment, and you were 38 weeks along. The doctor wondered why you hadn't come out yet (just as the other doctor in Reno had wondered 2 1/2 years ago with your brother at this stage!). Membranes stripped...and...well...you were born early the next day!

A very eventful few months!

Hello Jared!

Once again, a VERY overdue blog post! It looks like Thanksgiving time was about the last time I wrote something, so I'll try my very best to catch up!

First and foremost, you were born on March 11th, 2011, at 1:52a.m.! That makes you 11 days old (almost 12, as of the time I'm writing this!). You weighed 8lbs even, and were 18 3/4 inches long (although that is slightly contested by the pediatrician's office who measured you about an inch and a half bigger). The whole birth story/circumstances of your arrival will come shortly...I've written it out a few times in various forms, but it bears repeating here I suppose!

I'll tack on a few posts here (separated out), but just wanted to say...welcome to the world! It's been a fun 11 days!

A Bit Overdue...But...

We found out on October 20th that you are a BOY! The ultrasound went very well, and after a long wait through the whole thing (not that the ultrasound wasn't fun in and of itself!) up on the screen came confirmation!

So out comes the book of boy names! It's kind of weird (but we're still early!) that we don't have a solid name picked out for you yet, but we are getting close. I'm sure if your big brother knew that he was getting a baby brother he'd be excited (but pretty sure Daniel doesn't realize what is to come!).

Onto other things...the ultrasound was great, and you're growing right on schedule (or a couple days ahead) just like your brother. The kicks and other movements have gotten more pronounced as well, which is definitely exciting too!

On Sunday the 24th (10-24...easy to remember since it's your mommy's favorite number!) you were actually kicking so hard that daddy can now feel it! Very exciting! The moving and shaking hasn't stopped, and you have done some full on body rolls in that cramped little space.

Mommy is doing pretty well, aside from waddling pretty solidly by the end of the day. Your big brother has wanted to go for long walks after daycare (before picking up Daddy) which I'm sure doesn't help with the soreness. But at least this week there's not much overtime for Daddy, which means we all get to relax at home!

Another doctor's appointment this coming Friday, and this Thursday you will be officially halfway to your due date (20 weeks!). Time is really flying!

The 17 Week Checkin!

Well, little baby, you've had lots of excitement over the past few weeks. First we went to Las Vegas (all of us!) for a wedding. You aren't on the outside yet, but you've traveled far!

Then came doctor's appointment (just a checkup!) when we got back. Mommy's gained one pound so far (woohoo!) and we had a blood test to check for the open spine defects (negative!). So far so good there! Your heartbeat was about 154!

Then we did a breast cancer walk, where Mommy did a number on her feet (with blisters)! Later in the week, we had the TGen retreat and went for a little jaunt on Chase Field afterwards. Daniel had a blast running around on the field and kicking the baseball that a security guard gave him.

Which brings us to this weekend...we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa (Coon) and went to the park. Train rides, merry-go-rounds and splash pads! You're going to love it when you get big enough to do that with your brother!

Anyway, you are 17 weeks and 2 days today...and 4 days away from us knowing if you are a boy or a girl! It's a big week coming up!!!

10+ Weeks Already???

My, my how the time flies! Just another week until the news of your impending arrival will be thrust upon the world...or at least your grandparents :).

We chose Labor Day because we thought it was funny, and we had chosen another holiday (Christmas) for your brother. We aren't waiting until Christmas for you (hahaha!).

Anyway, you are 10 weeks and 3 days along now, which means you are over a quarter of the way until your due date! I keep adding the caveat that your brother arrived early, so perhaps you will too...we'll see when we get there!

In other news, we also bought Daniel a "big brother" shirt...going to make him another one to break the news with, but figured this one will do too...can't have too many of them. Your uncle Gary is already in the know about you as well, and he seems to be excited to be an uncle again.

With Mommy...well...still sick. She's trying some different things (ginger and stuff) to see if that helps, but every day there's a dry heave (if not more!). This is not the most exciting time, to say the least. But, if things go as they did with your brother, it should be looking up soon!

And I know I'm skipping around here, and this is more news about Daniel than you, but he had his tubes put in his ears on Tuesday...all the better to hear you with when you are born! He did really well with it, so there's nothing to be scared of if you have to get them at some point (which...here's hoping you don't!).

Lastly...doctor's appointments! Your next one is the day after Labor Day (the 7th) and then the NT test ultrasound the next day! We can't wait to get a look at you and see how much you've grown!

Well, that's about all for now!

Five Weeks Along!

Well, you're 5 weeks along, 35 more til your due date (or 33 more weeks inside if you decide to come out early like your brother!). It seems crazy that we've known for just a little over a week that you're on your way!

Anyway...in the spirit of keeping things entertaining, your mommy has been doing all sorts of online games and prediction quizzes and stuff. So here is one of them that was really funny!

Madame Zaritska predicts your birth experience

Madame Zaritska, using her mystical powers, has the following prediction:

The day you deliver, outside will be hazy. Your baby will arrive in the late evening. After a labor lasting approximately 4 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 14 pounds, 9 ounces, and will be 17 inches long. This child will have medium gray eyes and a little patch of blonde hair.

Hahahahahaha!

The other "game" is something on message boards that they call "TP Tuesday". Every Tuesday, you take and measure how big around your belly (or lack thereof) is. This week...10 squares of TP!

Onto other things...we are planning to get a shirt for your big brother to wear to tell everyone that you're on your way! Hooray!

Only 20 more days til first appointment, where we hopefully get our first glimpse of you!

Wow...that was fast...

Welcome to the world, little baby! Or, well, right now you're a whole bunch of cells more resembling a tadpole than a human, but you'll get there soon enough!

So I guess I can tell you a little about all of us! Your big brother is Daniel...he just turned 2, and he doesn't quite get it yet, but his world is about to be turned upside down! He will be a good big brother...we've trained him well for the job...and I'm sure you'll learn all you need to know from him!

About your parents...well...your Mom is a biology nerd, and your dad is a computer nerd. So that makes us a huge family of nerds, but that doesn't mean you have to be one too.

So as the title of the post implies...wow that was fast in terms of neither I nor your dad thought you'd happen so fast! When that 'plus' sign came up, it was very surreal...fully expected it to be negative!

Anyway, here you are, and here's to more updates soon! Happy 4 weeks and 3 days!