Welcoming 2010

As my lovely husband pointed out to me, Zane is in fact not "three months old" until the 6th - obviously. I have been counting the weeks...which leaves for only a 28 day month - a fact that was beyond me apparently : )

Zane is changing so much every day it amazes me. He is a really fun little guy but definitely needs his sleep. When we are off on nap time he just seems to ache with tiredness. Otherwise he is a smiling laughing little guy that loves to 'talk' to you.

It is New Year's Eve - Mark and I are sitting at home, playing online trivia, watching Zane on the monitor (the little stinker is fighting sleep tonight) and there is no where else I would rather be. If I make it to midnight is still debatable!

My blessings abound and I am so very thankful for them all, however, my heart is heavy this evening. One of my best most dear friends lost her 18 year old sister this week unexpectedly. The depth of their grief is unfathomable - Please keep the Garner family in your prayers. Molly was a beautiful young lady who loved the Lord with all her heart - while we can tell ourselves she is in a 'better place' all our hearts feel is the pain of loss.

Please love on your family and friends whenever you get the chance.
Blessings to you all in 2010

Christmas in Amelia

We had a wonderful week with my family in Florida. The first couple days were rough, I flew into Jacksonville Saturday (Zane was just perfect on the plane) and Mom and I drove down to West Palm Beach Sunday and picked up Liz and Cat at the airport there. We then visited my Grandma and saw a lot of the Conover clan that we haven't seen in a long time. Zane, unfortunately, did not appreciate the upset in routine and not being in his bed. We had a really rough first night there and he just seemed to cry off and all the whole next day. Even getting back to Amelia he took about a day to calm down to his normal relaxed self - or at least a little more close to it. (he still seemed to cry more than usual, without a reason). It helped a lot when Mark joined us Tuesday I think.

It was just so great to be with my sisters and parents, I miss them incredibly being out here in Texas and seeing them so infrequently. Thankfully, I am headed to Atlanta in January for a weekend and will see them all again then!!

Some pictures of Zane and the family and the Gingerbread village we constructed (that my sister's weimeriener later ate....)














The crib shot is Zane's first nap back home - after some acrobatics (and a 180 degree turn) he went to sleep and slept like a champ.

We are glad to be home - but I miss my family!! I hope to see you all soon.

Well, here we are already at ten weeks old! (btw, I am not really sure why the lilypie ticker is off, but today Zane is 10 weeks). He is just doing wonderfully and changing so much every day. We are headed Saturday to Jacksonville/Amelia for Christmas with my family and I cannot wait to see my parents. Even more so, I cannot wait for them to see Zane!!

Some pictures from today:







We are driving down to West Palm Beach on Sunday to see my Grandmother and cousins for a few days. Two of my cousins have had babies in the past year as well - I am looking forward to introducing the babies and hopefully some good pictures!

Safe travels to all!

Santa!!

Here is the Santa picture as promised:



We are doing pretty well this week, we are in the midst of transitioning Zane to sleeping in his crib - he is not all together too fond of it but I think he is adjusting. Getting naps in there this week has been the goal - and I as look at his sleeping face on the video monitor (thanks cousin eileen!!) it is a gentle sigh of relief. While he was napping I was able to clean out the guest room closet yesterday - only to fill it it with books and items from work - but baby was asleep in his crib!

We are headed to Jacksonville/Amelia Island FL next Saturday and I could not be more excited to see my parents! I'm no dummy though, I know they are itching to see baby Zane and I just happen to be along for the ride : ) I am quite comfortable with him being the main attraction - who wouldn't just love this face??!!!

9 weeks already!!

I seemed to have skipped over week 8! Last week was good, Zane received his two month immunizations last Tuesday and did wonderfully. I let him sleep a bit more that afternoon and he slept well that night, no reaction or issues at all. On Wednesday morning we got up early - before 6 - to head into Dallas to my old job for book club. It was wonderful to see all my fantastic friends there again! Zane behaved beautifully and showed off his dazzling smile. We read The Heretic's Daughter which I enjoyed - it looked at a young girl's life during the Salem Witch Trials. We had some interesting conversation (we always do). I am really glad to still be a part of the group!

It has been quite chilly here lately - on the morning of the book club (last weds) we even had some impressive snow flurries!! A picture of Zane before a recent trip out to run errands:



here he is talking to me - he seems to be a morning person like his mom!!!





One thing that just cracks me up these days - he can blow a 'raspberry' - but it kind of catches him off guard, like he will look at me after like "who just did that??" and I will do one back to him and he thinks it is the funniest thing:



I will get more pictures posted soon. We saw Santa last Saturday and no tears - that will probably be that last time for a few years!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We are now 7 weeks into this - I am amazed at how much he changes everyday! I can tell he is getting bigger especially when I have him on my lap because he legs extend off now. I put Zane in the outfit we brought him home from the hospital in just for fun:



So yes, he is a little stretched out there but I kid you not even just sitting the outfit is now a crop top and hip huggers!!

We had a great time at Papa and Grammy's for Thanksgiving yesterday, the food was incredible and the company even better. Zane was in a great mood and we got this shot which is one of my favorites:



We are headed on Tuesday for a check up and immunizations -please say a prayer for the little guy. (and for me, goodness!) I hope you all had a great day yesterday.

Six weeks - and GROWING!

and I was concerned that he might not be getting enough to eat! My little peanut is now 10lbs 6.7oz! It was hard to see the growth (still is) as he continues to be long and lean - I kept expecting him to turn into a plump roly poly baby when he started gaining. Of course, some of this also is related to my neurosis that I keep thinking that I am not producing enough milk for him but so far so good (apparently!)





We had an amazing (albeit, one time) experience last saturday night - Zane slept from 11:45 pm to 5:45 am!!! It was unreal and while he has not yet even gotten remotely close to this feat again (best is we hang out at the 3 1/2 almost 4 hour range) it was an amazing encouragement to us.

I am not looking forward to his eight week appointment - in that he will be getting immunizations - but it will give us the next insight to his continued growth! When he was circumcised (in the pediatrician's office, they didn't do it in the hospital) Mark and I were only two doors down and could hear the screaming. Much different sound than the "I'm hungry" or "I'm wet" or "Just hold me" cries - it was the "OH MY GOODNESS WHAT IS GOING ON HELP ME!!!!!!" cry and just cut me through the heart. I used to give a lot of immunizations when I was volunteering at CAPN (free clinic in ATL), sometimes five at a time, and I have A LOT more sympathy for the caregivers/parents now watching me plunge needles in their kids. Sheesh, kinda glad I didn't know then what they were feeling!

In other news, Zane smiled at us for the first time this evening!! He has been a sweet sleep smilier for some time
but tonight when Mark got home from work we were playing with him and he definitely cracked a smile a few times. It was just awesome! Of course, when we tried to recreate the moment we got this pouty sad face - I couldn't resist posting the video though, it is so cute!

Five Weeks Old

Another week has passed - I can see the changes in baby Zane (he now has eyebrows!!) and yet the rest is a blur - it is so hard to believe that Zane has been with us over a month! He is a wonderful baby - he has his moments, melt downs, etc but overall is just a joy. Thankfully, he generally sleeps well and usually in 3 - 3 1/2 hour segments at night (who knew I would cheer for three hours of sleep??!!)




We have dealt some with what people have referred to has 'twilight hour' or 'witching hour' - some have theorized that it is the culmination of daily routine and over stimulation. In the evenings Zane will just cry and be irritable and nearly inconsolable - he's not hungry, not wet/dirty - no explanation that we can figure out though Mark has some wonderful techniques that Zane responds really well to.


I have enjoyed tremedously the wonderful birthday gifts from Mark and from Grammy, Poppa, and Rusty, Lorie and the kiddos. After much protest and saying that 'I don't think I would use it' Mark got me a Roomba - and I LOVE IT!! (yes, you all were right). It is so great to just have that thing motor around the kitchen and clean the floors, even right up next to the cabinets. We also have let it zoom around the living room with awesome results. It works best to have a good thourough vacuum and then run this little guy daily or every other day for the little messes.

http://irobotathome.com/index.php/really-works/roomba?

I also was blessed with a single cup coffee maker - a Keurig - which has been FANTASTIC! I had my first cup of coffee since Zane was born on November 4th. I love this thing - there are all sorts of different coffee flavors, including a divine Pumpkin Spice flavor, delicious teas, even hot chocolate. Also, it easily heats water to make tea with conventional tea bags which is great since I have been drinking this herbal mother's milk tea. Oh, and did I mention it looks fantastic on the countertop??!!

One Month Old!!

Well, yesterday I turned 30 years old - and more exciting, however, is that Zane turned 30 days old!!! It is so hard to believe he has been here a month -




I was trying out different settings on my camera, I need to pull the book out again. I was trying to find one with quick shutter speed and good contrast color - we need a good session with photographer Uncle Matt!! You can see him flapping his arms around in this one:


and his one month video - I find his neck strength to be quite advanced for his age : )

Halloween

We had a great time on Halloween - we went over to Mark's parent's house, ate some delicious chili and they had a great trick or treater turn out. (must be because Nancy gave out full size candy bars - those are always popular houses!) She had roughly 95 candy bars and some snack size ones for the big kids - that's a lot of goblins, ghouls, football players, fairies, superheros, etc!!!

Here Zane looks a little frightened:



and here he is in his costume, a baby pumpkin:



notice the double jointed thumbs, his Papa (Mark's dad) noticed this while he was holding him. He is definitely showing a lot of his Daddy's characteristics, add this to the list!

Tuesday marked three weeks that Zane has been here - seems so much longer (yes, that old saying, l "I can't imagine him not being here") as well as so quickly time has passed. I cannot seem to wrap my head around where the time goes - between feeding every 2 1/2 hours and *trying* to get stuff done around the house it seems I turn around and Mark is coming home from work.

Zane is going to be a pumpkin for Halloween - pics to come!

Next Tuesday is my 30th birthday - 30 years old. Zane will be 30 days old - much more fun if you ask me!

Two weeks old

Zane is two weeks old - we had our two week check up today and he looks great. He is back up to 8 lbs (he was 7lbs 8oz friday) so he put on roughly 2 oz per day since. I can believe it, he is wanting to eat just about every 2 hours (mostly at night, 3 hours during the day). I am working on getting that flipped!! We try and follow a feeding time, wake time, nap time routine during the day. So far I am feeling fine, even with less than three consecutive hours of sleep at any given time : )



Having Zane here has just been a joy - he really is a wonderful baby and Mark and I feel so blessed to have him.

Two weeks later.....

Two weeks into this journey and we are *somewhat* getting the hang of things. Zane has gotten used to nursing - which was quite a struggle after being bottle fed in the NICU and supplemented for a few days after coming home. I was so glad to have my wonderful parents and sisters here for a few days - and my mom stayed for a week which was WONDERFUL!  (miss you mom!!)  Today (Monday) was our first day home alone together and so far so good. Last night was a little tough, he didn't settle down until after 3 am (and a little mylicon!) but was just a joy all day, we even made a grocery run.  

Big news - we have been saying since we brought him home that he seems very physically advanced, he was nearly lifting and holding his head from day 4 and then today he ROLLED OVER! The first time I was the only witness but he did it two more times tonight when Mark came home. He doesn't really like 'tummy time' and that may have something to do with it. He is too cute and does this 'running man' thing on the floor, reminds me of these torturous climbing exercises we did in boot camp. We are working on getting a video of the amazing feat - yes, I have become one of those parents who feels their child is supremely advanced and gifted. (of course, mine truly is.....)  

He's Here!!

Two weeks ago today....a little less than 5 hours from now...Mark and I were watching a little Monday night football at his parent's house....little did we know what was about to begin!!  I had just finished a full day of work - full load of patients, but was feeling surprisingly energized. This right after a night of little to no sleep and having spent the previous day (Sunday) on a cleaning rampage (nesting anyone??!!)  So, sitting there watching football when I felt a trickle.....which turned into quite a bit more and it was obvious my water had broken and we were off to the hospital!  By 8:30 pm we were checked in and they started the Pitocin to make sure things would get started (I still was feeling very little by way of contractions). At 2:30 am I gave up the laboring "au natural" and got a blessed epidural.  We got a little sleep - unfortunatly, the next day around 11 am I started feeling really crummy and had gotten a fever - baby continued to look great on the monitor so they let me keep laboring - by 4 pm he was ready to arrive!!  Blessedly he arrived rather quickly once active labor began but due to fever (he had been in the oven that was me!) and some increased work of breathing they quickly took him to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for a more through assessment. Those were scary times, we didn't know much until 2 am that morning when the NP came in and told us that while he breathing had slowed down some and he was doing ok temperature wise the concern was infection and he would need at least 48 hours of antibiotics. As happy as we were that he was here it was hard not being able to have him with us - but every 2 1/2 -3 hours we scrubbed up and went to the NICU to feed him and cuddle (carefully with wires and lines). 

Two days and many many prayers later we were discharged and so was baby Zane! He was able to come home with us Thursday afternoon. 

Plan is for induction on the 14th - ultrasound said we have a 7 lbs 19.5 inch baby in here - so we'll see what a little less than 2 weeks will do! She estimates 1/2 lb a week so roughly 8 lbs.  I can't believe we have a date - it makes it so real! Of course, he might make his appearance before hand.....can't wait to meet him!!  (and for my feet to have 'normal' proportions! ha!) 

35 week appointment

So far, so good - BP looks great, the swelling in my ankles (now extending up my shins) and hands is a LITTLE out of control but overall still feelin' fine. Measuring 36 1/2 weeks.  She checked me today and though he is head down and 'in position' no such changes yet to indicate labor is precariously close.......

He is super active and my belly morphs and moves something crazy these days. It is amazing but this is one strong little man, a few of these acrobatics actually kinda hurt! 

We get to see the little guy on ultrasound on Oct 1 - to measure and get an idea of what size baby we are dealing with. I can't wait!  Work is still taking a lot out of me but only a few more weeks of that too (last day Oct 13th)

A class and a celebration...to be had

I met with the gestational diabetes nurse today for some education and guidance about this dietary change!  It was not a whole lot that I didn't already know but good to hear and she gave me a lot of great material. The center itself will be a great resource, they provide lactation consulting and in home consultations if needed.  Still feeling pretty good and have been keeping my readings within the limits (except for two....and I know exactly why!!). I am definitely feeling the drag by Wednesday now as I am still working long hours and not sleeping all that well - thanks to our super active baby...future kickboxer I am beginning to think! How this will flow 2, 4, 6 weeks from now I am not so sure. We are extremely busy and chaotic at work right now, the 2 nurses are both out on maternity leave (together, they are married) and so all of their tasks have fallen on the research nurse Gina, Diana (the other NP) and me. I just keep telling myself, "only 8 more weeks....." 

I could not be more excited to see Mom, Dad, Liz, Cat and Zach next weekend - they are all coming out to see us!  It has been hard being so far away from them and seeing them so infrequently. 

Sunday is Mark's and my one year anniversary!!  A year already. When I sit back and think about all the life changes that have taken place in the past year I am blown away. It has been a great year, I am so blessed in so many ways and am so prayerfully thankful for my wonderul husband - I am excited to embark on this next journey with him and starting our family. I love you Mark!! 

30+ weeks

Finally, some pictures of this ever blossoming belly. It still amazes me on a daily basis and believe it or not there are times I forget I am pregnant....until I open a door and bump my belly, walk by a table/chair/another person and bump it/them with this new 'appendage'!

I am feeling well, just quite tired by the end of the day but nothing less than I would expect otherwise working the hours that I do. The pitting edema in my ankles is super sexy as well! Many thanks and praise on Mark who is Mr. Wonderful and offers to rub them every night (yes ladies, I am lucky).  I feel really fortunate after hearing some of the stories of other pregnancies that left people bedridden due to complications or in pain/extreme discomfort. Maybe this is agreeing with me after all.......

Day#2 checking my blood sugar and not a reading out of range yet. I am thinking as long as I stay away from straight sugar items (I have had my last brownie I am afraid) managing the diabetes will be fine. I love it that when I called my gluten free sister and told her about the diet changes and such her response was, "now you will eat like me!!" Yes, this has been true so far, bring on the veggies and protein. I am going to a gestational diabetes class next friday for some more guidance on diet modifications which I am looking forward to. 

Hard to believe we have ten weeks left give or take, I will try and be better with the picture taking though there may not been too much observable change from now on - what does 2,4, even 6 weeks of baby growth look like??!! (I am a little frightened to tell you the truth!) 

This weekend's goal - buy the crib/nursery furniture. Wish us luck!!! 

test results are in.....

Well, had an appt with the OB today. Baby looks great, (HR 145), my BP is great (117/72), no problems with my urine, but........hello Gestational Diabetes!!  Yes that's right, the 3 hour glucose test results, while not extremely out of whack were just enough to say goodbye carbs and sugar. I am fine with the sweets thing being a no go (haven't been too crazy with it) but I have been eating fruit like its going out of style. Watermelon, strawberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, etc etc etc. All have to be drastically cut back, 4x a day glucose checks. I called the insurance company today and they are sending me a glucometer (in a week) so chicken and green beans for dinner and hold the bread. 

On the fun side, we get to see baby boy at 37 weeks with an ultrasound to check how big he is getting and the Dr stated she WOULD NOT let me go over my due date - we get to meet our little guy sooner rather than later!!  

Belly pics to come.....

I have had many requests for the blossoming belly pics (which is definitely is, along with my hips...thighs.......face!) - I plan on getting some on here soon, I need to find my digital camera though....I haven't seen it since June.........

Stay tuned! 

First Post!

Here is the first post to our blog (yes, I am referring to it as 'ours' though I hardly think Mark will post here and he rarely - if ever - even logs onto facebook...)!!

We are 29 1/2 weeks pregnant with the most incredible blessing imaginable - our son. We will celebrate our first anniversary here in just a couple weeks - August 23 - and knew we always wanted a family but were SHOCKED to say the least to find out February 15th of this year that we were expecting.  After dealing with the "big C" in my younger years (it's the cancer folks) and living the dream of bald at 15 and radiation sunburns - I knew that not being able to have biological children was a very real possibility. No problem, I had resigned myself and felt very sure that the Lord would lead us to our family in whatever way that meant. Leave it to my wonderful, positive, slightly over-confident husband to ASSURE me early on the I was fertile, he could "just tell". I guess I should have listened because 6 months into our marriage we apparently were not the most consistent with the prevention methods.......above is our 7 week old miracle.