Andrew is about to be seven weeks old already. I can hardly believe it. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that I was feeling incredibly pregnant and wondering what he was going to be like.
He has started smiling, sometimes at us, but more often at the lamp or his bottle. He still likes to eat, and in fact has started taking more formula than breast. The important thing is that he is growing well, and is happy. He's over 10 pounds, and is a chunky little monkey. His newborn clothes are starting to get a bit tight, so looks like we'll be going to 3-6 mos clothes soon.
He's also started cooing, which is so cute. It's fun to have conversations with him, even if we have no idea what he's saying. He has a favorite song, "Itsy Bitsy Spider", and he likes the movements that go with it. Sometimes he's happy to let me sing it three or four times in a row. We also do "Bear Went Over the Mountain" and "Pop Goes the Weasel" but those don't make him quite as happy.
He is starting to get more used to being put down, which is nice, especially in order to do housework. I can actually get him to settle down in his swing for 20 minutes or so daily; I'm so glad the swing is getting used. I was starting to think we had made a mistake in buying it. The Pack-n-play bassinet doesn't get used yet, because we're still cosleeping, but I'm considering putting Andy in it for naps during the day. Right now he naps in his rocking chair, he seems to be pretty comfortable there. The changing table part of the PNP gets used a lot though, we've got a pretty good diaper changing station going on there. I'm sure when he's older and needs a safe place to be while I'm doing stuff, the playpen will be great.
Garfield seems to be just fine having the new baby around, but Spencer still isn't convinced. He's made some effort to sit on our laps while we're holding Andy, but as soon as he starts crying Spencer's gone. Eventually Spencer will just have to get used to Andy, I guess, as he isn't going anywhere!
I am working with Andy to get him to enjoy tummy time more every day. At this point he doesn't like being put on his stomach, and he just gets frustrated with his head. He is getting stronger though, so it shouldn't be too much longer before he can control his head better and actually be able to take a look at the toys on his play mat. I'm looking forward to the milestones coming soon, like rolling over and pushing his upper body up with his hands.
I think he might be teething already! I can see the spots on his front gums where the two bottom teeth are coming in, and he tends to be a bit fussier at night. We've got orajel and baby tylenol for when he needs it, just hope it doesn't take too long to get those suckers to pop through!
Rob's hours at work are changing soon, so he'll be working late afternoon/evenings. That's going to be a big change. I'll be looking for work, too, because we're tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I'm hoping to find something that will allow me to work when Rob's home, and vice versa, so there won't be a need for daycare. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Finally an update
I know I should have updated the blog before now, but I totally forgot how much work a newborn can be!
The birth went fine, for the most part. We arrived at the hospital at 5:30am on the 28th, after just a few hours of sleep. I had a nice room, by myself, and was hooked up to the monitors as soon as we got there. The nurses had a hard time getting an IV started in my left arm, so I ended up having two IV lines, one in each arm. They wanted one bigger line, but had to settle for two smaller lines. That was not fun.
I really did feel like a human pin cushion that day, because the anesthesiologist also had trouble getting in the line for the spinal block. After about six tries, he finally got it in and laid me down. Then came the fun part-I ended up with dangerously low blood pressure and started throwing up on myself. Luckily, they were able to get my pressure back up and finally let Rob into the room. The surgery itself went incredibly fast, and at 8:19am Andrew was born and let out his first cry. Rob and the nurses took him to the nursery to clean up while they finished me off and it wasn't too long before I was in recovery and able to really see my baby for the first time. I knew immediately how lucky I was, he's such a beautiful baby!
We all learned right away that Andy really likes his food. He became known as the baby who was always at breast when the nurses came in for vitals. He latched on right away and has never had any trouble sucking down his share of milk. In fact, sometimes it feels like I have a Hoover vacuum attached to my chest instead of a baby! Sometimes we do give him some formula in the evenings, because he's pretty much sucked me dry. Luckily for me, he has no objection to both types of milk. When Kyle had to have formula, he didn't want to go back to breastmilk, because the formula is thicker and fills better. Andy just likes food, so both work for him.
I expected Andy to sleep in his pack-n-play bassinet after we came home, but it turns out he doesn't like being put down for very long. So, even though we didn't mean to, we're doing the family bed thing. Actually, because the bed frame is a bit broken, Rob has been sleeping in the living room. We'll probably take the frame apart and put the mattress on the floor and go back to sleeping together, but for now it seems to work. We're okay with Andy liking to be held, because frankly we don't want to put him down!
He's grown so much in the last two weeks. He's keeping his eyes open more often, which is great because they are a beautiful violet blue color. They'll probably change but for now they are so pretty to look at. He spent a bit of time today in his swing, which is the first time I've really been able to get him to do that. I'm sure as he gets older, putting him down in the swing or bouncer will work for longer periods of time. For now though we are just enjoying all the time we spend with our little man. We both know how fast this time is going, especially since it's been over two weeks already!
The birth went fine, for the most part. We arrived at the hospital at 5:30am on the 28th, after just a few hours of sleep. I had a nice room, by myself, and was hooked up to the monitors as soon as we got there. The nurses had a hard time getting an IV started in my left arm, so I ended up having two IV lines, one in each arm. They wanted one bigger line, but had to settle for two smaller lines. That was not fun.
I really did feel like a human pin cushion that day, because the anesthesiologist also had trouble getting in the line for the spinal block. After about six tries, he finally got it in and laid me down. Then came the fun part-I ended up with dangerously low blood pressure and started throwing up on myself. Luckily, they were able to get my pressure back up and finally let Rob into the room. The surgery itself went incredibly fast, and at 8:19am Andrew was born and let out his first cry. Rob and the nurses took him to the nursery to clean up while they finished me off and it wasn't too long before I was in recovery and able to really see my baby for the first time. I knew immediately how lucky I was, he's such a beautiful baby!
We all learned right away that Andy really likes his food. He became known as the baby who was always at breast when the nurses came in for vitals. He latched on right away and has never had any trouble sucking down his share of milk. In fact, sometimes it feels like I have a Hoover vacuum attached to my chest instead of a baby! Sometimes we do give him some formula in the evenings, because he's pretty much sucked me dry. Luckily for me, he has no objection to both types of milk. When Kyle had to have formula, he didn't want to go back to breastmilk, because the formula is thicker and fills better. Andy just likes food, so both work for him.
I expected Andy to sleep in his pack-n-play bassinet after we came home, but it turns out he doesn't like being put down for very long. So, even though we didn't mean to, we're doing the family bed thing. Actually, because the bed frame is a bit broken, Rob has been sleeping in the living room. We'll probably take the frame apart and put the mattress on the floor and go back to sleeping together, but for now it seems to work. We're okay with Andy liking to be held, because frankly we don't want to put him down!
He's grown so much in the last two weeks. He's keeping his eyes open more often, which is great because they are a beautiful violet blue color. They'll probably change but for now they are so pretty to look at. He spent a bit of time today in his swing, which is the first time I've really been able to get him to do that. I'm sure as he gets older, putting him down in the swing or bouncer will work for longer periods of time. For now though we are just enjoying all the time we spend with our little man. We both know how fast this time is going, especially since it's been over two weeks already!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Almost there!
I'm delighted that there are only 5 days left before we welcome Andrew into the world!
We're taking care of last-minute things, and just waiting waiting waiting. I think we are both excited and nervous at the same time, which is probably pretty normal. Kyle is excited to finally be able to meet his little brother next week. Today we worked on painting a onesie that Andy can wear. What Kyle doesn't know is that I'm going to paint a matching t-shirt for him, to give as a present from the baby. I can't wait to take pictures!
The rest of the week will be spent just tidying up the house and relaxing. I have a pre-op physical on Wednesday afternoon, and then Thursday morning we need to be at the hospital by 5:30 am. I'm ok with that, since I doubt I'll get any sleep on Wednesday night. LOL Rob is taking some time off work so he can spend those first few days in hospital with us, and then some time at home as well. He does have to work on Sept 2nd, but that should be fine. Andy and I will just be resting that day anyway.
There are so many things I'm looking forward to. Seeing what and who he looks like, hearing that first cry(first of many!), and getting to hold him. I got to hold Kyle in the recovery room after his c-section, so I'm hoping to get the same chance this time with Andy. I'm really looking forward to breastfeeding, and I really hope it works out. That's one of my favorite parts of being a new mommy. Well, that, and getting to watch the babe sleep, because they look like little angels.
We're taking care of last-minute things, and just waiting waiting waiting. I think we are both excited and nervous at the same time, which is probably pretty normal. Kyle is excited to finally be able to meet his little brother next week. Today we worked on painting a onesie that Andy can wear. What Kyle doesn't know is that I'm going to paint a matching t-shirt for him, to give as a present from the baby. I can't wait to take pictures!
The rest of the week will be spent just tidying up the house and relaxing. I have a pre-op physical on Wednesday afternoon, and then Thursday morning we need to be at the hospital by 5:30 am. I'm ok with that, since I doubt I'll get any sleep on Wednesday night. LOL Rob is taking some time off work so he can spend those first few days in hospital with us, and then some time at home as well. He does have to work on Sept 2nd, but that should be fine. Andy and I will just be resting that day anyway.
There are so many things I'm looking forward to. Seeing what and who he looks like, hearing that first cry(first of many!), and getting to hold him. I got to hold Kyle in the recovery room after his c-section, so I'm hoping to get the same chance this time with Andy. I'm really looking forward to breastfeeding, and I really hope it works out. That's one of my favorite parts of being a new mommy. Well, that, and getting to watch the babe sleep, because they look like little angels.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ready and Waiting
It's hard to believe, but there's only 16 days left until the scheduled c-section! I remember how long 9 months seemed, way back in December. Now it seems as though the first half of 2008 just flew by. It probably helps that I did sleep through most of the first trimester!
I set up the baby's swing the other day, and yesterday we put batteries in it. I'm looking forward to finally having a baby to put into it! I'm trying to savor everything that I can, since I know this is my last baby. I even managed to talk Rob into buying matching swing, stroller/carseat combo, and pack-n-play. I love the green and blue plaid pattern on it, and it will work just as well for a girl if the ultrasound techs were wrong.
The only things left we have to get are diapers and wipes and we will have everything we need for the little guy to come. I still haven't packed my hospital bag yet, but I will...soon. We got an adorable little Pooh outfit from one of Rob's co-workers and are planning to use that as the coming home outfit. I'm so stoked to be able to hold Andy in my arms finally, and know that I get to bring him home with me. It hasn't been an easy pregnancy, but I just know it'll be worth it in the end.
One of the worst things I'm dealing with right now is pain in my left heel. It's like I bruised my heel somehow, and it hurts like the devil to walk on it. Good thing I'm supposed to just take it easy anyway, but it does make getting to the bathroom just a little harder! LOL
I set up the baby's swing the other day, and yesterday we put batteries in it. I'm looking forward to finally having a baby to put into it! I'm trying to savor everything that I can, since I know this is my last baby. I even managed to talk Rob into buying matching swing, stroller/carseat combo, and pack-n-play. I love the green and blue plaid pattern on it, and it will work just as well for a girl if the ultrasound techs were wrong.
The only things left we have to get are diapers and wipes and we will have everything we need for the little guy to come. I still haven't packed my hospital bag yet, but I will...soon. We got an adorable little Pooh outfit from one of Rob's co-workers and are planning to use that as the coming home outfit. I'm so stoked to be able to hold Andy in my arms finally, and know that I get to bring him home with me. It hasn't been an easy pregnancy, but I just know it'll be worth it in the end.
One of the worst things I'm dealing with right now is pain in my left heel. It's like I bruised my heel somehow, and it hurts like the devil to walk on it. Good thing I'm supposed to just take it easy anyway, but it does make getting to the bathroom just a little harder! LOL
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Only 4 more weeks to go!!!
Otherwise known as forever. Okay, okay, I know that it's not that bad. What makes it worse is that I've been keeping up with the August 2008 mommies on Babycenter.com and so many of them are already having their babies! I'm jealous; I'm really looking forward to finally meeting little Andrew.
I had a doctor's appointment today and talked to him about my concerns over the c-section date. He was nice enough to apologize and tell me that he wanted to do it earlier too but the 28th was the only date available after I hit 39 weeks. And the hospital of course has a policy not to do c-sections before 39 weeks unless it's an emergency. I told him I think I'm going to go early, and he reassured me that it happens and it's no big deal. As long as I'm paying attention and get to the hospital as soon as I can, there's really very little risk of my scar rupturing and they'll just do the c-section when I get there.
I think I got lucky, I like my doctor. I feel like he really listens, and so I'm feeling a lot better about the late date.
Tomorrow I am going to be 36 weeks along, so that means 4 more weeks if everything stays on course. There is still so much I want to do, but I'm really slowing down as I get farther into this pregnancy. I still want to clean out the car, and really give the kitchen a good scrub-down, but I'm not sure anymore that those things are going to happen. It's frustrating, but I know it's better not to push myself into doing things I just can't right now. Does anyone want to volunteer to come clean my house for me? LOL
There's not much else going on right now. It's all just a waiting game until the end of August. I just have to keep telling myself, "4 more weeks, only 4 more weeks..."
I had a doctor's appointment today and talked to him about my concerns over the c-section date. He was nice enough to apologize and tell me that he wanted to do it earlier too but the 28th was the only date available after I hit 39 weeks. And the hospital of course has a policy not to do c-sections before 39 weeks unless it's an emergency. I told him I think I'm going to go early, and he reassured me that it happens and it's no big deal. As long as I'm paying attention and get to the hospital as soon as I can, there's really very little risk of my scar rupturing and they'll just do the c-section when I get there.
I think I got lucky, I like my doctor. I feel like he really listens, and so I'm feeling a lot better about the late date.
Tomorrow I am going to be 36 weeks along, so that means 4 more weeks if everything stays on course. There is still so much I want to do, but I'm really slowing down as I get farther into this pregnancy. I still want to clean out the car, and really give the kitchen a good scrub-down, but I'm not sure anymore that those things are going to happen. It's frustrating, but I know it's better not to push myself into doing things I just can't right now. Does anyone want to volunteer to come clean my house for me? LOL
There's not much else going on right now. It's all just a waiting game until the end of August. I just have to keep telling myself, "4 more weeks, only 4 more weeks..."
Thursday, July 24, 2008
35 Weeks and Counting!
Today I hit 35 weeks. That means there's only 5 weeks left to make sure we're prepared for Andrew's arrival. It's weird to think that just a few months ago it seemed like forever until August. Now August is next week!
I have to admit that I've gotten lazier lately when it comes to keeping the house clean. I think the baby went through a growth spurt and all my energy went to keeping him happily growing. There's still so much I want to do before he gets here. I only hope he holds out for me to finish!
Last night I noticed that my stomach was moving rhythmically, which I believe means that he is practicing his breathing. That could mean that he's getting ready to come soon. Of course, it may also be nothing. He's still in a breech position, with his head up under my ribs and his feet down around my pelvic bone. It's a good thing he's coming by c-section, because I wouldn't want to try to deliver him feet-first!
I spent yesterday cleaning the bedroom. Mostly sweeping up gray cat hairs. Who knew one little cat could shed so much! I have the pack-n-play and stroller both set up along one wall and I found enough cat hair under both of them to practically make a new cat! I want to practice putting a sheet on the pack-n-play bassinet mattress, but I don't want it to be covered in cat hair by the time the baby actually gets here. LOL Luckily, with sheets of tin foil laid out on the mattress, the cats don't seem too interested in going in. I hope they keep that up when Andrew gets here, because I'd hate to have to kick them out of the bedroom. Hopefully he won't be born with any allergies. I hate being allergic to cats, since they're my favorite animals. I live with it, but hope Andy doesn't have to.
I've been working with Matthew's girlfriend Sabrina to make sure that things are coordinated between my house and theirs. Sabrina is expecting a baby in September, so poor Kyle isn't going to get any rest at all! I think she's expecting a girl, so Kyle will get the best of both worlds. It's nice to be able to provide Kyle with the stability of a united front between both households. I only hope that we can all continue to get along. Divorce is never pleasant for kids, but I want to make sure that we make it as easy for Kyle as we can.
Rob spoke with the apartment building manager yesterday after learning a nearby two-bedroom apartment was going to be vacant soon. Unfortunately, that apartment is already spoken for, but Cory said he'd keep us in mind if another two-bedroom opens up. It would be nice to have a bit more space, and for Kyle to be able to have his own bedroom here again instead of sleeping in the recliner in the living room. He says it doesn't bother him, but I'd still like to give him his own bed. Especially so that he has someplace to escape to when Andy starts to get on his nerves! I'm hoping that with the 8-year age difference, there won't be too much sibling rivalry going on, but I guess we'll see!
I have to admit that I've gotten lazier lately when it comes to keeping the house clean. I think the baby went through a growth spurt and all my energy went to keeping him happily growing. There's still so much I want to do before he gets here. I only hope he holds out for me to finish!
Last night I noticed that my stomach was moving rhythmically, which I believe means that he is practicing his breathing. That could mean that he's getting ready to come soon. Of course, it may also be nothing. He's still in a breech position, with his head up under my ribs and his feet down around my pelvic bone. It's a good thing he's coming by c-section, because I wouldn't want to try to deliver him feet-first!
I spent yesterday cleaning the bedroom. Mostly sweeping up gray cat hairs. Who knew one little cat could shed so much! I have the pack-n-play and stroller both set up along one wall and I found enough cat hair under both of them to practically make a new cat! I want to practice putting a sheet on the pack-n-play bassinet mattress, but I don't want it to be covered in cat hair by the time the baby actually gets here. LOL Luckily, with sheets of tin foil laid out on the mattress, the cats don't seem too interested in going in. I hope they keep that up when Andrew gets here, because I'd hate to have to kick them out of the bedroom. Hopefully he won't be born with any allergies. I hate being allergic to cats, since they're my favorite animals. I live with it, but hope Andy doesn't have to.
I've been working with Matthew's girlfriend Sabrina to make sure that things are coordinated between my house and theirs. Sabrina is expecting a baby in September, so poor Kyle isn't going to get any rest at all! I think she's expecting a girl, so Kyle will get the best of both worlds. It's nice to be able to provide Kyle with the stability of a united front between both households. I only hope that we can all continue to get along. Divorce is never pleasant for kids, but I want to make sure that we make it as easy for Kyle as we can.
Rob spoke with the apartment building manager yesterday after learning a nearby two-bedroom apartment was going to be vacant soon. Unfortunately, that apartment is already spoken for, but Cory said he'd keep us in mind if another two-bedroom opens up. It would be nice to have a bit more space, and for Kyle to be able to have his own bedroom here again instead of sleeping in the recliner in the living room. He says it doesn't bother him, but I'd still like to give him his own bed. Especially so that he has someplace to escape to when Andy starts to get on his nerves! I'm hoping that with the 8-year age difference, there won't be too much sibling rivalry going on, but I guess we'll see!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Big Date!
I got the call yesterday that I've been waiting for! The nurse at the doc's office has scheduled me for a c-section on August 28th!
I'm a little worried about not making it all the way to my due date, but my doc doesn't seem too concerned. If I do go into labor before then, we'll just have an emergency delivery instead.
I have been having quite a few "practice" contractions, and some of them hurt! I'm hoping that doesn't mean I won't make it all the way to the end... I love being pregnant and feeling the little guy moving in my tummy, but I'm so ready to see him and hold him. I never have been a patient person!
I'll be delivering at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, MN. I'm supposed to be there at 7:30am, and it shouldn't be long after that we're holding our baby in our arms! Visitors will definitely be welcome, but I can't guarantee that I'll be with it for the first day or so. After a c-section they tend to give very nice and effective pain medications!
I'm a little worried about not making it all the way to my due date, but my doc doesn't seem too concerned. If I do go into labor before then, we'll just have an emergency delivery instead.
I have been having quite a few "practice" contractions, and some of them hurt! I'm hoping that doesn't mean I won't make it all the way to the end... I love being pregnant and feeling the little guy moving in my tummy, but I'm so ready to see him and hold him. I never have been a patient person!
I'll be delivering at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, MN. I'm supposed to be there at 7:30am, and it shouldn't be long after that we're holding our baby in our arms! Visitors will definitely be welcome, but I can't guarantee that I'll be with it for the first day or so. After a c-section they tend to give very nice and effective pain medications!
Hello
This is a new blog for me to write about our daily life in the Hausenbuiller household. I'll try to post pictures and updates about all of us, so that friends and family can see how things are going. Forgive me if I don't post for a few days; I often forget to update these things but love writing in them when I remember!
Thanks for reading and feel free to save us to your favorites. Check back often!<
Thanks for reading and feel free to save us to your favorites. Check back often!<
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