Since Blogger and I don't seem to get along, I've created a new website. Come visit us at
www.lammersfamily415.shutterfly.com for pictures and posts!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
4 mo checkup
Reece had his 4 mo checkup on Wednesday. Doing great! 17lbs 2oz, 25 in long. A big boy already! He's meeting or exceeding all his milestone and we got the go ahead to start cereal and did so on Saturday. Ok, so I'm not counting Saturday b/c I actually followed the directions on the box and it came out way too thin for any use. We tried it, but I couldn't even keep it on the spoon. So Sunday was our first official day of trying. Overall I think he liked it. It was hard to tell how much he actually ate and how much ended up on his face, up his nose, on his hands, or all over the bib. He keeps wanting to hold the spoon, so it was a bit of a struggle but we're working on it. His new favorite thing is sticking out his tongue and making noises...which definitely proved counterproductive to spoon feeding. Tried it again tonight, still working on it. I didn't give him any bottle first this time, just started in with the spoon...mistake. He got frustrated really quick that he wasn't getting enough, so I ended up dumping the cereal in a bottle with some extra water and let him eat some of it that way. We'll continue to try with the spoon, but at least he got some good tastes of it. If anyone has any good spoon feeding tips...I'm definitely open! Right now we're just working on the rice cereal. Will move onto barley and oatmeal in the coming weeks. Then, it's fruits and veggies! I've been starting my stockpile of pureed veggies in the freezer. Need to get some more orange veggies done over the next month so I'm ready.
Exzema is doing much better. Only had to use the steroid cream for a couple days and have been able to manage it fairly well with Cetaphil creme. I'm really hoping he grows out of it. I know it doesn't bother him all that much right now, but being someone who developed it as an adult, it's fairly annoying.
Overall though, things are going very well. He loves being outside and loves watching the kids play at daycare. We tried to have his 4 mo pictures at the pool, but, of course, both times have been too chilly or raining, so we're going to try again this Saturday. Hopefully we'll be able to get them in.
Exzema is doing much better. Only had to use the steroid cream for a couple days and have been able to manage it fairly well with Cetaphil creme. I'm really hoping he grows out of it. I know it doesn't bother him all that much right now, but being someone who developed it as an adult, it's fairly annoying.
Overall though, things are going very well. He loves being outside and loves watching the kids play at daycare. We tried to have his 4 mo pictures at the pool, but, of course, both times have been too chilly or raining, so we're going to try again this Saturday. Hopefully we'll be able to get them in.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Mystery solved!!
So, had a dermatologist appt on Friday. He said that it was exzema, to only use Cetaphil cleanser and lotion, and gave us a steroid creme to use as well. I was instructed not to use the steroid for more than 3-5 days at a time and to call their office back if the spots hadn't cleared up within a week. I admit, I had my doubts. However, I am proud to report that after using the creme for only 3 days, the spots are GONE!!! Wahoo!! His chest/belly are so smooth and soft now! I am kicking myself for listening to the nurse who told me to start using the antifungal creme before they saw him. But, the important part is, it's CLEAR!!
In other news...we took Reece to his first parade on Saturday. It was fun. He slept through the noisiest part and woke up in time to see the band and such. Overall I think he enjoyed it. It was freakin HOT though! After the parade, I took Reece to see the animals at the fair...until some brat let one of the roosters out of its cage....then we quickly made our way to the exit.
Reece got to meet his great aunt linda and uncle david on Sunday. They are in town from Florida. He also met his 2nd cousin Aaron. Afternoon went well. Reece got passed around quite a bit but did manage to get a nap in. Kloie was also there and wants to play with Reece so bad. She laid on his playmat with him and patted his tummy. We had to keep urging her not to try and body slam on top of him, I think we succeeded.
Our little guy is definitely a smart one though. On Friday both Aaron and I were sitting in the floor with him rolling his stuffed soccer ball back and forth. Aaron would roll it to Reece and I'd pick it up and "help" Reece roll it back. Then Aaron started having Reece kick the ball. He did that a couple of times, helping Reece kick the ball. Then Aaron rolled the ball to Reece again and Reece automatically started moving his feet like he was trying to kick it! Daddy was so proud! Aaron tried to teach him to head the ball next...that didn't go over so well. Maybe next time.
In other news...we took Reece to his first parade on Saturday. It was fun. He slept through the noisiest part and woke up in time to see the band and such. Overall I think he enjoyed it. It was freakin HOT though! After the parade, I took Reece to see the animals at the fair...until some brat let one of the roosters out of its cage....then we quickly made our way to the exit.
Reece got to meet his great aunt linda and uncle david on Sunday. They are in town from Florida. He also met his 2nd cousin Aaron. Afternoon went well. Reece got passed around quite a bit but did manage to get a nap in. Kloie was also there and wants to play with Reece so bad. She laid on his playmat with him and patted his tummy. We had to keep urging her not to try and body slam on top of him, I think we succeeded.
Our little guy is definitely a smart one though. On Friday both Aaron and I were sitting in the floor with him rolling his stuffed soccer ball back and forth. Aaron would roll it to Reece and I'd pick it up and "help" Reece roll it back. Then Aaron started having Reece kick the ball. He did that a couple of times, helping Reece kick the ball. Then Aaron rolled the ball to Reece again and Reece automatically started moving his feet like he was trying to kick it! Daddy was so proud! Aaron tried to teach him to head the ball next...that didn't go over so well. Maybe next time.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The mystery rash
So we've seen 3 different pediatricians in the practice and I'm still not completely satisfied with the answer. Before, it was dry skin. He didn't have any red spots, so I conceded that he just had dry skin. Well, then big red blotches came up on his chest and stomach, we were told it was exzema and to use hydrocortizone creme and cetaphil...ok. Did that for a couple weeks then it looked like it was spreading and actually spotty. A girl at daycare had ringworm so we called his dr's office. They told us to start on an antifungal...done. Been on the antifungal for a week and it's just drying him out more and it's still spreading...and now I have some kind of weird rash. Took him in today to hopefully get an answer....I guess that was asking too much. I'm going to preface this with I hated the dr. we saw today. He wouldn't listen to what we had already been doing and told me that it was dry skin and to use Nivea on him. And if it's really bad then hydrocortizone creme. I told him that we had already used the hydrocort. on him and cetaphil and aquaphor and it's not helping. I also said that it was spreading and showed him the new spots. Told him I had this weird rash as well and said I didn't think dry skin would cause it. He told me that he didn't know about my rash, even though he didn't even look at it, and that if it's not better in 2-3 weeks then to call back. I've had it and am taking us both to the dermatologist on Friday. If they tell me it's just dry skin, then ok, but they better be able to explain why it looks like it's spreading rather quickly and what's wrong with me.
Otherwise, he's doing great. Going to start cereal soon and he's already almost 17lbs!!
Otherwise, he's doing great. Going to start cereal soon and he's already almost 17lbs!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
he bit me!
Ok, so Reece doesn't exactly have teeth yet, but I swear he bit me yesterday. He seems to be in the early stages of teething. Drooling a lot, gnawing on everything. So last night I stuck my knuckle in his mouth to see if he was just sucking on his hands or gnawing. Well, let's just say if he did have teeth, he probably would have drawn blood he clamped down so hard!
Also, we got his 3 month pics back. We'll see if I can post them now and it won't take HOURS to upload!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
happy places
Where to begin... Reece will officially be 3 months old tomorrow. Time has definitely flown by! He's already starting to grow out of his 3 month clothes because he's getting so long. He's in 3-6 month sleepers exclusively because of his length. Although I did put him in another 3 month duck sleeper the other night, just for one last time.
I've officially started back to work, which means Reece has started daycare. It was really hard leaving him the first day, and still is hard leaving him, but he's doing great at daycare. He's almost on the daycare schedule of a really good afternoon nap, although he does still like to catnap too. Yesterday he wasn't feeling too well, but Jenny (daycare) gave him some extra loving since I couldn't be there (THANK YOU JENNY!!!). It is really nice knowing that he's somewhere he likes and I'm not getting a daily phone call telling me he's been crying all day. I'm not sure I could handle that.
We have been trying out new toys. He sits pretty good in his bumbo seat so far. LOVES bouncy chairs now. And we tried him in a jumperoo last night. He liked it overall. It's still a little big for him because we had to put a pillow underneath his feet, but not too bad. I'm thinking about getting him an exersaucer too, until he can fit into the jumperoo better.
Tummy time is touch and go. We've started doing it on the bed and he likes that better than the floor. He does love playing on the floor with his play mat though. He bats at the toys that hang and talks to the bees that are at the top. He's definitely a talker, that's for sure!
I think his happiest place sometime though is a toss up between his crib and the stroller. He loves laying in his crib and looking at his mobile or having us play with him while he's laying there. Then, of course, his stroller. I cannot describe how much he loves being outside and going for walks. Although, walk time usually turns into nap time for him. But it's good for all of us to get out of the house for a while.
He's getting his 3 month pictures taken this Saturday, so hopefully we'll be able to get a smile out of him this time!
I've officially started back to work, which means Reece has started daycare. It was really hard leaving him the first day, and still is hard leaving him, but he's doing great at daycare. He's almost on the daycare schedule of a really good afternoon nap, although he does still like to catnap too. Yesterday he wasn't feeling too well, but Jenny (daycare) gave him some extra loving since I couldn't be there (THANK YOU JENNY!!!). It is really nice knowing that he's somewhere he likes and I'm not getting a daily phone call telling me he's been crying all day. I'm not sure I could handle that.
We have been trying out new toys. He sits pretty good in his bumbo seat so far. LOVES bouncy chairs now. And we tried him in a jumperoo last night. He liked it overall. It's still a little big for him because we had to put a pillow underneath his feet, but not too bad. I'm thinking about getting him an exersaucer too, until he can fit into the jumperoo better.
Tummy time is touch and go. We've started doing it on the bed and he likes that better than the floor. He does love playing on the floor with his play mat though. He bats at the toys that hang and talks to the bees that are at the top. He's definitely a talker, that's for sure!
I think his happiest place sometime though is a toss up between his crib and the stroller. He loves laying in his crib and looking at his mobile or having us play with him while he's laying there. Then, of course, his stroller. I cannot describe how much he loves being outside and going for walks. Although, walk time usually turns into nap time for him. But it's good for all of us to get out of the house for a while.
He's getting his 3 month pictures taken this Saturday, so hopefully we'll be able to get a smile out of him this time!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
2 month checkup
Had his 2-month appt yesterday. He actually turned 10 weeks old yesterday, but his pediatrician was on vacation the week before. Everything went well. We're battling a bout of baby exzema. It's not the dry spots per se, more of an all over dryness right now. We saw another dr. in the practice about this about 3 weeks ago and she suggested cutting back on the baths to once per week and not putting anything on him unless I must, and then we should use the Cetaphil Moisturizing Creme. Well...3 weeks later it's gotten a bit better, but still so dry. So yesterday I asked her about it again. New plan. Bath every night or every other night. Lather him up with the Cetaphil right after the bath and I can reapply the creme several times throughout the day. I like this plan much better. At least I feel like I'm doing something. We'll see how it works out.
I had originally thought he was going to be around 12 1/2lbs...well, he surprised us by being 13lbs 3oz!! And 23.5 inches long. So in 10 weeks he's gained almost 6lbs and grown 4.5 inches. Crazy!
We did talk to the dr. about the peanut allergy thing since Aaron's allergic. No blood tests yet. We're supposed to watch for reactions while he's at daycare...in case he comes in contact w/ peanut butter from one of the other kids or something. If we start seeing a rash, then we'll get a blood test. Other than that, probably no peanut butter until he's 2 or 3 years old, maybe a bit older.
He also got his first round of immunizations yesterday. 1 drink and 3 shots. His nurse, Iris, was wonderful. She did the 3 shots super fast, but oh my...I've never heard a scream quite like that before. He was a trooper and calmed down really quick. We gave him part of a bottle before we left the room and by the time we were checking out, he was smiling again. Today, however, he's got a bit of a fever from the shots. I've been giving him infant tylenol but the poor little guy just wants to be held and rocked. Overall he's not fussy and has even been laughing a bit today, just wants some extra cuddle time when he's trying to take a nap.
Next checkup will be at 4 months. And, of course, more shots.
I had originally thought he was going to be around 12 1/2lbs...well, he surprised us by being 13lbs 3oz!! And 23.5 inches long. So in 10 weeks he's gained almost 6lbs and grown 4.5 inches. Crazy!
We did talk to the dr. about the peanut allergy thing since Aaron's allergic. No blood tests yet. We're supposed to watch for reactions while he's at daycare...in case he comes in contact w/ peanut butter from one of the other kids or something. If we start seeing a rash, then we'll get a blood test. Other than that, probably no peanut butter until he's 2 or 3 years old, maybe a bit older.
He also got his first round of immunizations yesterday. 1 drink and 3 shots. His nurse, Iris, was wonderful. She did the 3 shots super fast, but oh my...I've never heard a scream quite like that before. He was a trooper and calmed down really quick. We gave him part of a bottle before we left the room and by the time we were checking out, he was smiling again. Today, however, he's got a bit of a fever from the shots. I've been giving him infant tylenol but the poor little guy just wants to be held and rocked. Overall he's not fussy and has even been laughing a bit today, just wants some extra cuddle time when he's trying to take a nap.
Next checkup will be at 4 months. And, of course, more shots.
Monday, June 22, 2009
2 months...coming right up!
So, Reece turned 2 months old on June 15. This Wednesday, we have his pediatrician's appt for his checkup and start his immunizations... I'm not looking forward to the appt at all. I'll post an update on his progress later this week hopefully.
The first 2 months have made me realize several things about myself and our little family. First, I truly never realized how fast my child would go through diapers, formula, and clothes! I mean, I knew it'd be fast...but WOW! I really should have bought stock in Pamper's. Second, I have come to realize I can survive for at least a day on one cup of coffee and a granola bar, because that's all I've had time to grab and eat on the go because a certain someone doesn't want to take a nap and wants to be held all day. And third, while I knew Aaron and I had a great marriage and relationship being just the two of us, I have realized that we were not nearly complete until there was 3 of us (and someday maybe 4!).
The first 2 months have made me realize several things about myself and our little family. First, I truly never realized how fast my child would go through diapers, formula, and clothes! I mean, I knew it'd be fast...but WOW! I really should have bought stock in Pamper's. Second, I have come to realize I can survive for at least a day on one cup of coffee and a granola bar, because that's all I've had time to grab and eat on the go because a certain someone doesn't want to take a nap and wants to be held all day. And third, while I knew Aaron and I had a great marriage and relationship being just the two of us, I have realized that we were not nearly complete until there was 3 of us (and someday maybe 4!).
Father's Day
We celebrated an extended family Father's Day this past Saturday. Mamaw & Papaw were here, along with Great Grandma & Grandpa Skelton, Aunt Mandy & Kloie and Tony. After the Mother's Day showing of the love/hate relationship between Reece & Kloie, I was a bit nervous. However, this reunion was quite different from what I expected. Kloie adored Reece! He was napping when they arrived so I took Klo in so she could see him. When he was awake, he was adorned with kisses from her. It'll probably all change the next time, but for now, it was cute. Great Grandpa got LOTS of smiles from Reece and overall the day was successful.
It was just the 3 of us for the official father's day. Reece, in typical Reece fashion, was full of surprises and "gifts." Aaron received a wonderful smelling and exceptionally full diaper early in the am, it seemed like everytime I would try to give Reece a kiss, he would spit up...including one very carefully aimed projectile...take my word...regurgitated formula tastes about as bad as it smells... Daddy got a good laugh out of the whole situation. Aaron & Reece watched the US Men's National Soccer game while I headed outside to wash the cars. Lots of relaxing and cuddle time, so it was a great day. Reece couldn't ask for a better Daddy and I couldn't ask for a better husband.
It was just the 3 of us for the official father's day. Reece, in typical Reece fashion, was full of surprises and "gifts." Aaron received a wonderful smelling and exceptionally full diaper early in the am, it seemed like everytime I would try to give Reece a kiss, he would spit up...including one very carefully aimed projectile...take my word...regurgitated formula tastes about as bad as it smells... Daddy got a good laugh out of the whole situation. Aaron & Reece watched the US Men's National Soccer game while I headed outside to wash the cars. Lots of relaxing and cuddle time, so it was a great day. Reece couldn't ask for a better Daddy and I couldn't ask for a better husband.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Seriously...slow down!
SO much has happened since my last update! I've decided that Blogger just takes too long to upload pictures right now so I'm stopping that for the time being but I've posted a ton on my facebook page. Little Reece is now almost 12lbs has started smiling and has rolled over a couple times. Of course, both times he rolled over was for Daddy...none for Mommy so far, but we're still working on that! He's now sleeping 6-7 hours at night, which is great, but Aaron and I are trying to get used to the new sleep schedule. I never knew that I'd be more tired after more sleep than less....weird. Reece still loves to be swaddled at night but we try not to do it during the day so he just naps and doesn't sleep the day away. He had a full weekend to say the least! Friday night he helped Mom and Dad celebrate their 5 year wedding anniversary. Saturday night he went to his first birthday party. I was a bit worried because he hadn't had much of a nap AT ALL the entire day, the party was in the evening, and it's always a bit loud at these parties...tons of fun, but loud for a little one. Well, he handled it like a champ! He got lots of cuddle time and attention and stayed awake most of the time! We arrived there around 4:30pm, got home around 9:30pm. He took 2 ounces, fell asleep, and was out until 6am! Last night he had his first dinner date with Abigail who is 2 weeks older than he. They took turns waking each other up with crying but overall, it went well.
Reece did get to meet his Aunt Leigh and Uncle Andy. He loved his cuddle time with Aunt Leigh! Despite napping quite a bit during the day, that Saturday night was the first night Reece slept 6 full hours! Yay! He wasn't too sure about Uncle Andy...but then again...a lot of us aren't sure of Andy. =) I'm sure he'll like him more when he can walk and talk.
I did take him to see the pediatrician on Friday. He's had bouts of dry skin on his face and head that just don't seem to be clearing up. Well, turns out that our little one has a bit of sensitive skin. The dryness is a bit of cradle cap that has returned. He never really had cradle cap after he was born, but for some reason it has appeared now. It's not horrible, just in a couple spots, but I feel so bad for him. So, plan of attack is 1-2 baths MAX per week, no Johnson's soap/lotion (Pediatrician says they use alcohol which could cause some of his drying). We're supposed to wash him in Cetaphil and if I MUST put something on him, we're to use the Cetaphil creme. Just over the last couple days we've noticed a difference. Just can't wait for it to clear up...
Tummy time is still going good. He'd much rather lay on his back right now, but I make sure he still gets some tummy time in. He still loves his walks. He's in 3 month clothes right now. 0-3 months are a bit too small, except for a couple sleepers. Surprisingly we've got tons of 3 month cloths, lots of 3-6 month cloths, but that's it! After 3-6 the clothing options drop down to almost nothing! Guess I'm going to have to start stocking up soon!
I think Aaron and I are finally starting to adjust. Aaron's a lot more comfortable with him and even has some of his own tricks up his sleeve to calm him or get him to sleep. He's also a MUCH better swaddler than I am! Of course, Aaron's ready to teach him how to start playing soccer...but all in due time.
Since before birth, Reece has had many nicknames. His first was Munchkin, his Great Grandma & Grandpa Ellett call him Peanut, Aaron and I first started calling him Squeak after he was born, then it was the Yetti (or the Wookie), but we now have a new nickname, one that I think will probably stick for years to come....Toots Magillicutty. The name really does him justice.
Reece did get to meet his Aunt Leigh and Uncle Andy. He loved his cuddle time with Aunt Leigh! Despite napping quite a bit during the day, that Saturday night was the first night Reece slept 6 full hours! Yay! He wasn't too sure about Uncle Andy...but then again...a lot of us aren't sure of Andy. =) I'm sure he'll like him more when he can walk and talk.
I did take him to see the pediatrician on Friday. He's had bouts of dry skin on his face and head that just don't seem to be clearing up. Well, turns out that our little one has a bit of sensitive skin. The dryness is a bit of cradle cap that has returned. He never really had cradle cap after he was born, but for some reason it has appeared now. It's not horrible, just in a couple spots, but I feel so bad for him. So, plan of attack is 1-2 baths MAX per week, no Johnson's soap/lotion (Pediatrician says they use alcohol which could cause some of his drying). We're supposed to wash him in Cetaphil and if I MUST put something on him, we're to use the Cetaphil creme. Just over the last couple days we've noticed a difference. Just can't wait for it to clear up...
Tummy time is still going good. He'd much rather lay on his back right now, but I make sure he still gets some tummy time in. He still loves his walks. He's in 3 month clothes right now. 0-3 months are a bit too small, except for a couple sleepers. Surprisingly we've got tons of 3 month cloths, lots of 3-6 month cloths, but that's it! After 3-6 the clothing options drop down to almost nothing! Guess I'm going to have to start stocking up soon!
I think Aaron and I are finally starting to adjust. Aaron's a lot more comfortable with him and even has some of his own tricks up his sleeve to calm him or get him to sleep. He's also a MUCH better swaddler than I am! Of course, Aaron's ready to teach him how to start playing soccer...but all in due time.
Since before birth, Reece has had many nicknames. His first was Munchkin, his Great Grandma & Grandpa Ellett call him Peanut, Aaron and I first started calling him Squeak after he was born, then it was the Yetti (or the Wookie), but we now have a new nickname, one that I think will probably stick for years to come....Toots Magillicutty. The name really does him justice.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Visitors and Tummy Time and Bath time...oh my!
Lots of visitors over the last couple of weeks! Elissa and Dru came for dinner, Aunt Jenie and Emily came for a while (get ready Jenie...remember...you're having 2!!), Kathy and Robert stopped by, and Nana & Grandpa Lammers came by as well. So many visitors...and nobody volunteered to change a diaper...hmmm.... (kidding!)
Tummy time is still going good! A few pictures to follow. And yes, either spit up or drool seem to be constantly running from his mouth during tu
mmy time.
Last night was bath night. I had planned on giving him one anyway, but after a highly explosive diaper, that pretty much sealed the deal. Luckily, he LOVES baths! He was sound asleep after the visit from Nana & Grandpa but since it was only 8pm and it had been a couple hours since he had eaten, I figured it'd be best to wake him up for his bath rather than waiting it out. With the waking came screaming, however, the bath soothes all! Whew! We really thought he was going to fall asleep right there in th
e tub. And boy does he like to make bubbles....if you know what I mean!Overall things are going well though. He loves long walks and cuddling. No intentional smiles or grins yet, but Aaron's still working on that. Oh, and I haven't forgotten about the 1 month pics...they're coming, promise!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
1 month...Already?!?!
Reece turned 1 month old last Friday, the 15th. I'll admit it..I cried a little...ok, a bit more than a little. He seems to be growing up so fast! He's almost outgrown all of his newborn clothes and, as of his birthday, has now outgrown all the newborn diapers...Huggies included. He's hovering right around 10lbs now. He's changing so much and has now learned to stick out his tongue when he's hungry. He's doing great on holding up his head and loves his tummy time (it also helps him get out some excess gas...which, there's always excess!). He does like to be held a lot, which I don't mind, other than it does make it hard to get some things done sometimes. And it probably does spoil him a little. But that's ok, I'm his mom, I can spoil him, we'll just deal with the consequences later.
Last night he did put himself to sleep for the first time. Ok, so Aaron was still holding him. But we gave him a bath, lotioned him up, fixed a bottle and was ready to rock him to sleep. He didn't seem interested in the bottle and was very content just sitting with Aaron on the couch, so we let him. He looked around for a little bit, then the next thing we knew, he was sound asleep. We put him in his crib around 9pm and he slept until 1am, not too bad for him! He hadn't eaten since about 7:00pm, so there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for some extra hours of sleep at night.
We did get 1 month pictures taken on Sunday. I'll post those a bit later. I've seen some of them, they look fantastic so far!
Well, I'm off to change a diaper, feed someone, then maybe go out for a little walk today.
Last night he did put himself to sleep for the first time. Ok, so Aaron was still holding him. But we gave him a bath, lotioned him up, fixed a bottle and was ready to rock him to sleep. He didn't seem interested in the bottle and was very content just sitting with Aaron on the couch, so we let him. He looked around for a little bit, then the next thing we knew, he was sound asleep. We put him in his crib around 9pm and he slept until 1am, not too bad for him! He hadn't eaten since about 7:00pm, so there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for some extra hours of sleep at night.
We did get 1 month pictures taken on Sunday. I'll post those a bit later. I've seen some of them, they look fantastic so far!
Well, I'm off to change a diaper, feed someone, then maybe go out for a little walk today.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
First...but certainly not the last
I scheduled Reece's 1-month photoshoot for this Sunday. As if right on cue, while peacefully napping, a little someone gives himself his first noticeable self-induced battle wound under his right eye. Drew blood even. The nails have now been trimmed.
And Reece makes 5!
Reece got to meet his Great Grandma & Grandpa Ellett yesterday. Taking a quick tally, it was realized that Reece is great grandson #5. The great grandsons are outnumbering the great granddaughters 5-2. Maybe our next bundle will help even out the odds a little. (wishful thinking)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother's Day
Mother's Day was good. Aaron took the night feedings so I could sleep (THANK YOU!), fixed breakfast, then changed a grossly explosive diaper (not sure if this was part of the Mother's Day gift...but I'll take it!). We went over to Great Grandma & Grandpa Skelton's in the afternoon, where we met Mamaw & Papaw and Aunt Mandy & Kloie. I knew I'd have to hand over my kid to be adored by everyone else, but I didn't know my Mom was going to meet me at the car to take him. Great Grandma Skelton (Gigi) tried to snatch Reece away as much as she could, but his Mamaw wasn't letting go so easily.
Great Grandpa Skelton, decided that Reece wasn't too fragile to hold anymore. 
And Reece, in typical fashion, spent most of the time sleeping, as did his Papaw. The Klo-Meister met the Reecer...the jury's
still out on if it will be a lasting friendship. We were able to capture 4 generations in one photo 
and Aaron, Reece, and I had our first family photo. All in all, not a bad day I'd say.
Great Grandpa Skelton, decided that Reece wasn't too fragile to hold anymore. 
And Reece, in typical fashion, spent most of the time sleeping, as did his Papaw. The Klo-Meister met the Reecer...the jury's
still out on if it will be a lasting friendship. We were able to capture 4 generations in one photo 
and Aaron, Reece, and I had our first family photo. All in all, not a bad day I'd say.
RIP Duckies
I knew this day would come, but today it's official. Reece has officially outgrown my favorite outfit thus far...his duck sleeper. Granted, it was a newborn outfit and I did have him in it whenever it was clean, but this just means he's getting bigger. He'll officially be a month old this Friday. I was ready for the baby part, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for the growing up part. 
Friday, May 8, 2009
The transition to formula
Well, we made the tough decision yesterday to switch to formula. In the beginning of breastfeeding, I loved it. Then, not so much. I won't go into the long, drawn out details, but I think this decision is a good one for us. I did have some initial feelings of failure, but Reece has actually responded to the formula really well and, surprisingly, hasn't been quite as gassy, at least so far. Yesterday was the first day that I was able to sit and enjoy him again, instead of dreading the next marathon feeding. So, all in all, I do not regret my decision as I think I can bond with him better now that I can enjoy him again. And now for some pictures. 
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Birth Story
Going completely backwards, but figured I would go ahead and post Reece's birth story.
I was scheduled for an induction on 4/15/09 because of my high blood pressure and Reece's increasing growth (7lbs as of 36 weeks). I checked into the hospital the evening of 4/14/09 to start the Cervadil. During the night Reece wasn't responding well to my blood pressure meds, so they started some IV fluid, which seemed to do the trick. Started Pitocin at 7am morning of the 15th. Contractions weren't really that bad at this point. My dr. came in at 9am and I was dilated to almost a 2, so she went ahead and broke my water. Weirdest feeling ever. After that, my contractions really picked up, as did the pain. By 10am, contractions were getting stronger, but I didn't think I needed pain meds yet. By 10:30, the contractions were 1.5 mins apart and very strong. The nurse checked me....still at a 2. The contractions were so close together that my blood pressure was shooting up, despite the meds so they decided to go ahead and give me the epidural to hopefully lower my blood pressure. Epidural took about 15 mins to work, but wow! I was feeling pretty good after that. I was no longer digging my nails into Aaron's palms or the side of the bed at this point. The day progressed, as did I....slowly. I couldn't eat anything other than some ice chips and popsicles. Around 7pm, I could feel that Reece was dropping low in my pelvis. The nurse checked me again, I was about a 7 and Reece was pretty low, so much so that they could feel his little cone head. The hours passed, the pressure got worse, so they gave me the epidural button for extra relief. Throughout the day, they kept me on blood pressure meds to ensure it stayed down. Well, apparently Reece didn't like it being so low because I had to continuously lay on my side and occassionally get oxygen to keep his heartrate up. I was checked again several times...7.5, not much progression. Aaron and I decided to try and nap for a bit, since it had been a long day and was showing to be a long night as well. At 11pm, the nurse, Kristen, rushed in to turn me onto my other side because Reece had turned over onto his cord and his heartrate was dropping. Another nurse came in and by this time I was panicking. Luckily, flipping sides helped as his heartrate came back up. Kristen then left, so Aaron and I fell back asleep. 30 mins later, at 11:30pm, Kristen came back in with a set of scrubs and said that she had talked to my dr. and since I was not progressing past a 7.5, they were going to go ahead and do a c-section. Aaron, up until she uttered the word c-section, had been asleep. He was given his wonderful hospital scrubs, which we neglected to get a picture of, went and told the grandparents who were still sitting in the waiting room what was going on while Kristen unhooked me from all the monitors I had been hooked up to. I was soon being wheeled down to the OR and knew that the end was finally near. They moved me to the operating bed, positioned Aaron at my head, put up the lovely blue curtain in front of me and began to get my abdomen numb...which took several tries. Soon, they told me that the surgery had begun. I felt some pushing and tugging and it really felt like an eternity was passing. Then, they said I should feel some strong tugging. And let me say...they weren't lying! Reece had gotten so far into my pelvis that he was stuck a bit, so there was that pulling, but he also seemed to really like his legs in my ribs because I could literally feel them being pulled out. A few moments passed and we heard the most wonderful sound...his cry. The entire surgery, we had been taking bets on how much he would weigh. I said 7.5lbs, my dr. said 8lbs. I won...Reece was born at 11:53pm weighing in at 7lb 5.4oz and 19 inches long. Stitching me back together took longer than getting Reece out did, and I was very groggy because of all the meds but the nurse handed Reece to Aaron after he was cleaned up and we finally got to meet our little Reece. He was beautiful. A little cone-headed, but beautiful. After my insides had been returned to me, we were wheeled back to our room so Reece could get his first bath and I could get cleaned up and prepare to be moved to my post-partum room. Reece wouldn't eat a lot of first, and we thought we were going to have to supplement with formula, but luckily, he came around. The next couple days in the hospital were rough, and I was so swollen because of all the fluids, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Aaron stayed at the hospital with me the entire time and would get up with me in the middle of the night to burp Reece after he fed. He was wonderful and I really couldn't have gotten through it without him.
I was scheduled for an induction on 4/15/09 because of my high blood pressure and Reece's increasing growth (7lbs as of 36 weeks). I checked into the hospital the evening of 4/14/09 to start the Cervadil. During the night Reece wasn't responding well to my blood pressure meds, so they started some IV fluid, which seemed to do the trick. Started Pitocin at 7am morning of the 15th. Contractions weren't really that bad at this point. My dr. came in at 9am and I was dilated to almost a 2, so she went ahead and broke my water. Weirdest feeling ever. After that, my contractions really picked up, as did the pain. By 10am, contractions were getting stronger, but I didn't think I needed pain meds yet. By 10:30, the contractions were 1.5 mins apart and very strong. The nurse checked me....still at a 2. The contractions were so close together that my blood pressure was shooting up, despite the meds so they decided to go ahead and give me the epidural to hopefully lower my blood pressure. Epidural took about 15 mins to work, but wow! I was feeling pretty good after that. I was no longer digging my nails into Aaron's palms or the side of the bed at this point. The day progressed, as did I....slowly. I couldn't eat anything other than some ice chips and popsicles. Around 7pm, I could feel that Reece was dropping low in my pelvis. The nurse checked me again, I was about a 7 and Reece was pretty low, so much so that they could feel his little cone head. The hours passed, the pressure got worse, so they gave me the epidural button for extra relief. Throughout the day, they kept me on blood pressure meds to ensure it stayed down. Well, apparently Reece didn't like it being so low because I had to continuously lay on my side and occassionally get oxygen to keep his heartrate up. I was checked again several times...7.5, not much progression. Aaron and I decided to try and nap for a bit, since it had been a long day and was showing to be a long night as well. At 11pm, the nurse, Kristen, rushed in to turn me onto my other side because Reece had turned over onto his cord and his heartrate was dropping. Another nurse came in and by this time I was panicking. Luckily, flipping sides helped as his heartrate came back up. Kristen then left, so Aaron and I fell back asleep. 30 mins later, at 11:30pm, Kristen came back in with a set of scrubs and said that she had talked to my dr. and since I was not progressing past a 7.5, they were going to go ahead and do a c-section. Aaron, up until she uttered the word c-section, had been asleep. He was given his wonderful hospital scrubs, which we neglected to get a picture of, went and told the grandparents who were still sitting in the waiting room what was going on while Kristen unhooked me from all the monitors I had been hooked up to. I was soon being wheeled down to the OR and knew that the end was finally near. They moved me to the operating bed, positioned Aaron at my head, put up the lovely blue curtain in front of me and began to get my abdomen numb...which took several tries. Soon, they told me that the surgery had begun. I felt some pushing and tugging and it really felt like an eternity was passing. Then, they said I should feel some strong tugging. And let me say...they weren't lying! Reece had gotten so far into my pelvis that he was stuck a bit, so there was that pulling, but he also seemed to really like his legs in my ribs because I could literally feel them being pulled out. A few moments passed and we heard the most wonderful sound...his cry. The entire surgery, we had been taking bets on how much he would weigh. I said 7.5lbs, my dr. said 8lbs. I won...Reece was born at 11:53pm weighing in at 7lb 5.4oz and 19 inches long. Stitching me back together took longer than getting Reece out did, and I was very groggy because of all the meds but the nurse handed Reece to Aaron after he was cleaned up and we finally got to meet our little Reece. He was beautiful. A little cone-headed, but beautiful. After my insides had been returned to me, we were wheeled back to our room so Reece could get his first bath and I could get cleaned up and prepare to be moved to my post-partum room. Reece wouldn't eat a lot of first, and we thought we were going to have to supplement with formula, but luckily, he came around. The next couple days in the hospital were rough, and I was so swollen because of all the fluids, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Aaron stayed at the hospital with me the entire time and would get up with me in the middle of the night to burp Reece after he fed. He was wonderful and I really couldn't have gotten through it without him.
Monday, May 4, 2009
My oh my...so much gas!
I seriously never thought one kid could have so much gas. I mean, yeah, my mom always said that they would have to beat me to get me to burp, but I always thought that was an exaggeration. After almost 3 weeks, I can see that it was indeed true, and one of the few qualities that Reece seems to have gotten from me, is just that....the unwillingness to burp. He just doesn't seem to want to do it, so we spend hours trying to get him to and/or dealing w/ the consequences of a fussy baby. Normally he's so good, but lately, the gas has possessed him.
Sleeping is going...well, same as before, still trying to get the hang of it. Same with breastfeeding. Some days are good, others not so much. I'll probably be contacting our local lactation consultant soon, just for some pointers hopefully. I do get frustrated because I don't know how much he's eating. With a bottle, you can see. Unfortunately there's not a gauge on the side of each breast letting me know how much he's eaten.
Aaron's really doing great with him. Although he does get frustrated because Reece can't talk yet to tell him what's wrong. He'll get the hang of it soon I'm sure. Or Reece will just get old enough to start telling him what's wrong.
I really can't believe how much he's grown so far! His feet are so big he can't wear newborn socks anymore and some of his newborn onesies are getting too small as well.
Sounds like I've got to cut this short as someone's hungry...again!
Sleeping is going...well, same as before, still trying to get the hang of it. Same with breastfeeding. Some days are good, others not so much. I'll probably be contacting our local lactation consultant soon, just for some pointers hopefully. I do get frustrated because I don't know how much he's eating. With a bottle, you can see. Unfortunately there's not a gauge on the side of each breast letting me know how much he's eaten.
Aaron's really doing great with him. Although he does get frustrated because Reece can't talk yet to tell him what's wrong. He'll get the hang of it soon I'm sure. Or Reece will just get old enough to start telling him what's wrong.
I really can't believe how much he's grown so far! His feet are so big he can't wear newborn socks anymore and some of his newborn onesies are getting too small as well.
Sounds like I've got to cut this short as someone's hungry...again!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Ok, just getting the hang of this...the last post was as of Wed, Reece's 2-week bday.
Updates since then...
Pediatrician's appt went well. We were hoping for an additional 2 oz to get him back up to birth weight and we got 12oz instead! Little overachiever! At least I know that feeling liking nothing more than a meal ticket day-in and day-out isn't for nothing. The nurse said we could cut back on feedings...if he'd let us. We're struggling w/ the if he'll let us part right now...
Last night, as Aaron put it, we finally feel like maybe we can do this. Reece gave us our first 4 hour stretch between feedings. Yay! This, by no means, meant that we got 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep. By the time he was fed, diaper changed, burped, and we got back to bed, it was 2.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep, but it felt great!
We also went for our 2nd walk yesterday. Reece slept most of the way, but it was nice to get out of the house.
I'll post pics and more updates later. Apparently the short nap is over.
Updates since then...
Pediatrician's appt went well. We were hoping for an additional 2 oz to get him back up to birth weight and we got 12oz instead! Little overachiever! At least I know that feeling liking nothing more than a meal ticket day-in and day-out isn't for nothing. The nurse said we could cut back on feedings...if he'd let us. We're struggling w/ the if he'll let us part right now...
Last night, as Aaron put it, we finally feel like maybe we can do this. Reece gave us our first 4 hour stretch between feedings. Yay! This, by no means, meant that we got 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep. By the time he was fed, diaper changed, burped, and we got back to bed, it was 2.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep, but it felt great!
We also went for our 2nd walk yesterday. Reece slept most of the way, but it was nice to get out of the house.
I'll post pics and more updates later. Apparently the short nap is over.
The first 2 weeks
I'm still alive...sleep deprived, but alive. I really can't decide if it seems like yesterday I was in the hospital or an eternity ago. Regardless, Reece seems to be changing every day.
The first couple weeks have definitely had its ups and downs. The first night I was initiated and was pooped on, peed on, and I'm not sure I slept more than 30 minutes (Aaron has had his initiation as well, so Reece isn't showing any favoritism...yet). I was up constantly checking to make sure he was still breathing, if he was warm enough, but not too warm, and if his diaper was in need of changing. Finally, at around 7am, the 3 of us were sleeping decent...well sort of.
We're still working on our sleep patterns, but I'm not constantly holding a mirror under his nose or feeling his chest to make sure everything's ok still....ok, so sometimes, but I've definitely gotten better. Last night he actually went about 3 hours between feedings, so I was able to get some much needed rest! I'm not holding my breath that this is the start of a wonderful sleeping pattern, but I'll take what I can get at this point.
Reece goes to the pediatrician today for a weight check. Last week he was 7lb 3oz, so almost back up to birth weight (7lb 5oz), so we're hoping that this week he'll have surpassed that. With as much as he's been eating, I certainly hope so! He seriously ate 16 times in a single 24 hour period...and had equally as many diapers!
I am happy to report that his jaundice does seem to have gotten better. He definitely doesn't look quite as yellow. Whew!
Reece has already watched his first Wizards game and the first round of the NFL draft w/ Aaron. Not sure he learned much since he was napping through both, but that didn't stop Aaron from explaining everything to him. Aaron did go back to work on Monday and my mom (who's been here since last Sunday) goes home tomorrow so it will just be me and the munchkin here at the house. Eek!
The first couple weeks have definitely had its ups and downs. The first night I was initiated and was pooped on, peed on, and I'm not sure I slept more than 30 minutes (Aaron has had his initiation as well, so Reece isn't showing any favoritism...yet). I was up constantly checking to make sure he was still breathing, if he was warm enough, but not too warm, and if his diaper was in need of changing. Finally, at around 7am, the 3 of us were sleeping decent...well sort of.
We're still working on our sleep patterns, but I'm not constantly holding a mirror under his nose or feeling his chest to make sure everything's ok still....ok, so sometimes, but I've definitely gotten better. Last night he actually went about 3 hours between feedings, so I was able to get some much needed rest! I'm not holding my breath that this is the start of a wonderful sleeping pattern, but I'll take what I can get at this point.
Reece goes to the pediatrician today for a weight check. Last week he was 7lb 3oz, so almost back up to birth weight (7lb 5oz), so we're hoping that this week he'll have surpassed that. With as much as he's been eating, I certainly hope so! He seriously ate 16 times in a single 24 hour period...and had equally as many diapers!
I am happy to report that his jaundice does seem to have gotten better. He definitely doesn't look quite as yellow. Whew!
Reece has already watched his first Wizards game and the first round of the NFL draft w/ Aaron. Not sure he learned much since he was napping through both, but that didn't stop Aaron from explaining everything to him. Aaron did go back to work on Monday and my mom (who's been here since last Sunday) goes home tomorrow so it will just be me and the munchkin here at the house. Eek!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
