2 months!

My B-boy (current favorite name I call you),

You are 2 months old and I fall more in love with you each day! Your daddy and I are so amazed at how much you change each day. You are really growing and making progress! You went to the doctor today for your 2 month check up and your vaccinations. I must say - you are a pro now after that no fun hospital stay. You took the shots like a champ! You are 12 pounds 6 oz (75-80%) and 23.5 inches long (75-80%). Such a big, growing boy! You still eat every 2-3 hours during the day and have some longer (6-7 hours) stretches at night. The other night you went for 8.5 hours! You usually eat around 7 and are in your bassinet and asleep for your long stretch at 8 or 8:30. You "normally" wake up between 1-2am, 4-5am, and then up for the day around 7:30. I'll be excited if we make it to one feeding during the night sometime soon, but I do love your sweet little face as you smile up at me in the middle of the night. You are quite adorable when you smile. I can't wait to see it more! You are looking at your dad and my faces more and more and tracking us as we move around you. It is sweet! You can hold on to objects and are beginning to shake them. You love music and when we sing to you. You are on an eat, play, sleep, repeat schedule during the day and you love sleeping in the M*by wrap on me or in the Baby Bj*rn on daddy.

We have been noticing that you favor looking to the right, and the doctor noticed right away that your head shape is a little lopsided because of this. She recommended that we start making you look to the left and sleeping with your head facing the left to even things out. I hope this can correct on it's own or we might have to think about a cranial band. I think you would look really cute in one, but would prefer not to have to go that route!

We are about to embark on an 11 day, 3 state, 3 plane flight, and one 7 hour car ride trip for Christmas...yikes! In the words of the pediatrician "you're brave!" We are excited for you to meet all of your family & I know they are excited to meet you.

Love you B-boy!

1 month old

Bennett was one month old on Thanksgiving and BOY we sure had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Let me start with Sunday of last week...
As Dave was changing B's diaper on Sunday night he noticed a bump in the crack of his bottom. Sorry if this is TMI, but he's just a baby. We didn't think much of it, put some cream on it and decided we would call the doctor in the morning.

Monday morning the bump still looked the same so I called the doctors office at 8am and was asked if it was hot to the touch or if he had a fever. Both of these answers were no so they scheduled us to come in for an appointment on Tuesday. Around 11:30 I was changing his diaper and pus was coming from the bump. I took his temperature again and it was 99.7 I called the doctor back and they told us to go to the ER at Dell Children's. Needless to say, I was scared! Dave hurried home and we made our way over to the hospital. As luck would have it, my good friend Stacey was coming down from Dallas to visit us for the day. She met us at the hospital as well as my brother and mom. We were seen rather quickly and put in an ER room. They came to see B and told us he had a perirectal abscess. They would have to take blood, urine, and do a spinal tap to rule out a blood infection or any other serious infections. They inserted and IV in his tiny little hands, and as he cried I did too. I'm so glad Dave was strong and Stacey was there to talk with me through the procedures.

His surgery to drain and repair the abscess was scheduled for 6pm. It was a long few hours waiting because I couldn't feed him due to the upcoming procedure. By the time he would eat again it would be 7 hours from his last feeding. He sure was hungry! We did a lot of bouncing and rocking trying to keep him as calm as possible. He has never been a pacifier baby, but he sure was enjoying it in the ER.

At 5:30 they wheeled us up to the OR floor and we talked with the surgeon and anesthesiologist about the procedure. The most difficult part of this for me was knowing that he would be put to sleep under general anesthesia. Saying "goodbye" as he was taken down to surgery was the hardest thing I've had to do so far as a mom. I'm so glad we had such a supportive group there with us to help take our mind off of the events of the day.

Around 7:30 they came to get me to come feed him in recovery. I cried as I held my baby who was still groggy from the anesthesia. These were tears of relief that he was OK and back with me. He didn't eat very well and was slow to wake up, but they assured me that this was normal and that they would monitor his heart rate and oxygen for 4 hours post-op.

It turns out that he had what they call and anal fistula. A fistula is a channel from one part of the body to another that shouldn't be there. In his case it was a small channel from his rectum which got infected. They say it is somewhat common and primarily only happens with boys. He was most likely born with it. This also explained his fussiness when he would go to the bathroom. For the few days leading up to Monday we just thought it was gas, but it was probably the infection beginning under the skin and it was causing him discomfort. We've noticed such a change now when he goes to the bathroom. I'm so glad he's not in pain anymore!

We were admitted to the hospital for 2 nights. During the stay they administered 2 IV antibiotics (one to kill staph and one to kill e-coli) every 8 hours and checked his vitals every 4. His incision gradually began to heal and we gave him tub soaks 3 times a day for 15 minutes to keep the area clean. The doctors were also keeping a close eye on his blood, urine, and spinal fluid cultures to make sure nothing was growing which would indicate a more serious infection. Luckily, everything was clear!

We were discharged on Wednesday - just in time for Thanksgiving!

This whole experience has made me so thankful for having a baby with only a small health issue. I can't imagine the stress parents of preemies or babies with severe health needs must go through. I am also blessed to have family and friends who supported us throughout the process.

B is now on oral antibiotics and the baths, but we went for a checkup on Friday and all is going great. We go back for a post-op follow up with the surgeon on Wednesday and I am expecting a clean bill of health!

2 weeks old

We went to the Dr. today for B's 2 week check-up. He is doing great! He now weighs 8 lbs. 8 oz and is 22 inches. This puts him in the 85% for height and between the 25-50% for weight. Looks like he might be long and lanky like his dad. Of course only time will tell. The doctor was really impressed because by their 2 week check up they want babies back at their birth weight and he is almost a pound over. I could have guessed that he had gained a lot because he eats a lot and we change a lot of diapers : )

We are doing really well. We are getting used to sleeping in smaller chunks of time. B does pretty well at night. He will get up every few hours to eat, and is usually put back to sleep somewhat soon after by being rocked. Of course I hope I didn't just jinx us! I have learned not to expect any patterns with newborns and take every hour as it comes.

Bennett's Birthday

Here is a quick rundown of October 25, 2010...a wonderful day that forever changed my life...the birth of our son Bennett!

Here I am at 5:00 am waiting to start the induction process


IV and Pitocin at work


My water was broken by the doctor around 8:30 am and labor started in full force. Here I am shortly before I got my epidural.


Me with Dave after I got the epidural. Notice the pink tray on the table? Yes, I was extremely nauseous. Luckily that soon passed!


I started to push at 3:50 pm...
and...
Bennett was born at 5:00 pm on the dot!

Yes - I was exhausted and in quite a bit of pain, but so overwhelmed with it all. It was an amazing experience of what the human body is capable of.

7 lbs. 11 oz and 21.25 in.


We were instantly in love!

The View vs The Talk

The View


vs

The Talk


Since I have been at home for 2 weeks now without working have been watching some daytime TV. A new show started this week called "The T.alk (TT)" on CBS. I first saw this show on Tuesday (the 2nd day on the air) and have been watching it daily since then. I also have my daytime favorite show "The V.iew (TV)" which I watch daily as well. I even recorded this each day when I was working and would watch it most days.

Although the shows are similar in set-up there are quite a few differences I've noticed.
TV tends to focus on more controversial and political topics in their opening segments ("Hot Topics") whereas TT is more lighthearted and focus on mom issues and current pop culture. I've also noticed the big difference in guests on the 2 shows. TV has much more of a NY vibe with their guests where TT has a lot of actors and LA based people. I can understand why this is of course because it's where each show is based, but in my mind it is a striking difference.

Those are my random thoughts of the day : )

Target Experience

Last night I went to Tar.get to get Halloween candy and a few other last minute items. As I was checking out the cashier was chatting with me about the baby. I must have gotten distracted because I walked out of the store without a bag. When I got home and wanted to light the new pumpkin candle I bought, it was nowhere to be found. I also realized I was missing a few other things too. I went through the receipt and realized it was close to $20.00 that I was missing. I called the store and she informed me that if I came in they could replace the items. Today I went and just as she said I was able to collect the items that I had left. I was so impressed with their customer service. It was amazing!

39.5 Weeks

Dear Baby Boy,

Today I am 39 weeks and 3 days pregnant, just 4 days away from your due date. I can't wait to meet you! Daddy and I are so excited. If you choose not to come on your own the doctor and I have decided that Monday, Oct. 25th would be a good birthday for you. We are planning to induce labor on that day to make sure you don't get too big and to keep you right on track. I have gained 30 pounds so far (yikes thats on the internet!) and it's amazing to feel you stretching around in there. I know it's getting tight! The exciting thing is that my body is ready for your arrival and you are in position to enter this world with your head already low and ready to go. I am not too physically uncomfortable at this stage. I've just had a little heartburn (which could indicate you have a full head of hair), and I have to go to the bathroom a lot. I must say I am most looking forward to loosing this water weight and being able to wear my wedding rings again. If I'm remembering correctly, I haven't worn them at all in this 3rd trimester.

I sit here wondering what you will look like. Will you have blue eyes like me or brown like your dad? Will you be long? How much will you weigh? Who will you look like? Whatever these answers are, it doesn't really matter. My number 1 wish for you is that you are healthy!

I can't wait to share your name with the world. It's been quite difficult keeping it a secret!

You bed is ready for you. You will spend the first few weeks/months in our bedroom in a bassinet. I've heard from a few first time moms that they recommend this method especially since we are downstairs and your room is upstairs. Although, I'm not looking forward to the sleepless nights I am looking forward to providing for you in a way only your dad and I can do.

We have quite the line up of visitors scheduled to come visit you. I'm especially excited that your 4 month old cousin, Michael, is coming when you will be about 2 weeks old. You guys are going to experience a lot of "firsts" together. We also have quite the Christmas vacation trip planned - NY/NJ, GA, then SC to see LOTS of family. You will be about 8 weeks old when your great-grandparents will be meeting you. I'm so excited and I know they are waiting anxiously to hear of your arrival!

Now I am just waiting for nature (or medicine) to take it's course and bring you into this world. I have been experiencing contractions for the pat few days, but nothing of big significance. Each night your daddy and I say, "maybe tonight will be the night!" We can't wait!

See you soon! Love, Mommy

Charleston, SC 1966

Charleston, SC 1966 is the newest album by Darius Rucker (from Hootie and the Blowfish). I have listened to all of the songs at some point last night or today and they are wonderful. I just love his voice and it doesn't hurt that the lyrics are very Southern focused. This is his 2nd country album but he has a few extras if you buy it on itunes. One of my favorite songs is "Let Her Cry" which he put on the album as a bonus track. It is a more stripped down version that he did for a small CMT audience. Check out the video below if you want to see something similar he did in Austin about a year ago.



If you like country music and/or you like the sound of Hootie and the Blowfish check out this newest CD. I have both of them and they are wonderful in my book!

Monogramed iphone

I currently have a lot of free time on my hands waiting for baby boy to make his apperance so today I found out about a new iphone app where you can monogram your wallpaper. So fun!

I have currently changed my format 2 times today. It's pretty neat!

You can check it out here:http://www.3initials.com/

Fall TV Lineup

I am excited that the fall TV season is beginning! On Sunday night Dave and I planned out our Tivo lineup for the fall. Here it is - a combo of my shows, Dave's shows, and ones we enjoy together:

Monday

House (Fox)


How I Met Your Mother (CBS)


Rules of Engagement (CBS)


Tuesday

Glee (Fox)


Parenthood (NBC)


Wednesday

Criminal Minds (CBS)


Modern Family (ABC)


Law & Order SVU (NBC)


Thursday

Grey's Anatomy (ABC)


Private Practice (ABC)


Saturday

48 Hours Mystery


These next shows are ones that I watch as guilty pleasures if I find them on re-runs:

Teen Mom (MTV)


The Rachel Zoe Project (Bravo)


The Real Housewives (Bravo, any season/region) although my favorites have been the OC, NYC, and NJ


and last but not least...Dave enjoys...
The Jersey Shore (MTV)

Birth Ball

This past weekend Dave and I took a "Prepared Childbirth Class." It was put on my Seton Hospitals and I highly recommend it for all expecting parents. We learned a ton and I was reassured about all of my crazy feelings and anxiety about labor.

One of the best things we learned was how to use a birth ball (or exercise ball) to assist in the labor process. Sitting on a birth ball in the 3rd trimester helps to relive back pain and helps prepare the pelvis for labor. If used during early and active labor it can help with dilation. There are a lot of other positions and use for the birth ball - I'll let you Google it if your interested. Just wanted to put it out there!

We already had an exercise ball so we blew it up last night and I must say it worked wonders on my lower back. I give it 5 stars!

Oprah

Today marked the beginning of Oprah's Farewell Season. I watched it with mixed emotions. I have never been a huge Oprah fan, but would watch when I was home in time or on a day off. I do think she has some really good shows and does highlight some interesting human interest stories now and then. The one thing I don't like on her show is when she spends money on things that I think are unnecessary. For example, today she surprised the whole audience with a trip to Australia. That's 300 people for 7 or 8 days. Expensive! I just feel like her money could be spent in a much better way if she wanted. I do understand that she does charitable work and has the school in Africa, but each time I see a show like I did today I am reminded of the huge inequities that exist in our Nation.
That's my little soapbox.

Now that I am about to become a full time stay-at-home mom I am sure I will have many more Oprah watching afternoons in my future.

"Anything Like Me"

Today I was listening to the radio and heard a new song by Brad Paisley, "Anything Like Me." As I've mentioned before I feel like Brad writes wonderful lyrics which many times match my life.

This song is about a dad finding out he and his wife are having a baby boy, and how he will grow up.

Here are the lyrics:

"I remember thinking, I don't care either way.
Just as long as he or she is healthy, I'm okay.
But then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen.
He said, see that thing right there, well you know what that means.
And I started wondering who he was gonna be and I thought heaven help us if he's anything like me.

He'll probably climb a tree too tall and ride his bike too fast.
End up every summer wearing something in a cast.
He's gonna throw a ball and break some glass in the window down the street.
He's gonna get in trouble.
He's gonna get if fights.
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep.
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me.

I can see him right now, knees all skinned up.
With a magnifying glass trying to melt the tonka truck.
Won't he be a sight with his football helmet on.
That'll be his first love til his first love comes along.
He'll get his heart broke by the time he's in his teens and heaven help him if he's anything like me.

He'll probably stay out too late and drive his car too fast.
Get a speeding ticket that he'll pay for mowing grass.
He's gonna get caught skipping class and get grounded for a week.
He's gonna get in trouble.
We're gonna get in fights.
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep.
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me.

He's gonna love me and hate me along the way.
The years are gonna fly by and I already dread the day.

He's gonna hug his mama.
He's gonna shake my hand.
He's gonna act like he can't wait to leave.
But as he drives out, he'll cry his eyes out if he's anything like me.

There's worst folks to be like.
Ah he'll be alright if he's anything like me."

Such a sweet song and I hope our little one is everything like Dave!

Ups and Downs of Pregnancy

(Not a picture of me)

Ups:
-feeling the baby move
-seeing the ultrasounds
-expanding my taste buds
-conversation starter
-husband doing the heavy lifting
-having a countdown
-decorating the nursery
-picking out clothes

Downs:
-heartburn
-back pain
-stretching pain
-unsolicited advice on pregnancy/parenting
-food restrictions (caffeine, lunch meats, wine)
-finger swelling

I wouldn't change this pregnancy for anything, but while Dave is sweet enough to run to the store at 9:30 at night to get more TUMs I am reminded that this whole pregnancy thing is quite an experience. I've had it pretty easy for the most part and am thankful for that, but I will be really happy when I can wear my rings again so I don't look like an unwed mother-to-be : )

As I am nearing the 32 week mark it's all becoming quite real to me. I have 2 more visits before they become weekly and we start talking about labor. Eek!

There is still a lot on our to-do list, including:
-put the crib together (hopefully this weekend)
-finish painting the nursery (should be done this week)
-put the nursery together (fun fun!!!)
-figure out where the baby will sleep for the 1st few months - crib or bassinet
-buy the rest of the essential items, aka...figure out the whole nursing thing
-pack my hospital bag (by week 35-36)

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things, but those are the big ones on my list right now. October 24th will be here before I know it!

Nursery Decor

Our nursery bedding has arrived!!! I'm so excited that everything is coming together. We have picked the paint colors for the room (light blue above the border and dark blue below), and I've ordered some art from Etsy. We will probably start the painting process next weekend and the rest of the furniture will be delivered in a few weeks. I will post pictures when it all comes together.

Here is a picture of the set. It's KidsLine "My First ABC"



Baby boy is kicking up a storm right now...I think he likes it!

My Little Brother's Wedding

This past weekend was Matt & Anna's wedding. It was a great time with my family and the wedding was beautiful! Here is a rundown of the weekend events:

Thursday night we invited out of town guests and wedding party to join us on Lady Bird Lake for a bat cruise. The largest colony of Mexican Free Tail Bats live under the Congress St. Bridge and come out at dusk each night to feed. It was a beautiful sunset that night and good times we had by all!



Me with my cousin and Aunts


Friday morning we had the Bridesmaids Luncheon at Tarry House in Tarrytown. It was a beautiful morning and a beautiful event.


That evening we had the rehearsal at the church and then the rehearsal dinner at Mercury Hall. It wasn't too hot and the BBQ was great!

The bride and groom


Mom and her kids


Dave and me (7 months pregnant)


Saturday was the BIG day! The wedding was so pretty and everything went really smoothly.















On Sunday we had a brunch at my parents house for out of town guests. The porch was wonderful for everyone to enjoy!



All in all, it was a wonderful, celebratory weekend!!

Finally...a crib choice!

As the title may imply...we have finally decided on a crib for baby Ruback. We've been doing a lot of research and looking around but I think we've finally made our decision. It's a good thing we finally did because it will be delivered in 8-10 weeks and we don't have much time after that to get the nursery ready.

We've decided on....




The Peyt*n Lifestyle Crib by B*navita.

It was ranked highest on Consumer Reports and it is available in white which is what we have wanted.

Now to pick the bedding and decor...