Crying

I don't know if I've mentioned how much Greyson cries.  This may be deceiving to many since he sleeps quite soundly and peacefully most of the day but when he's not sleeping or eating, he is likely to be crying :( He has the saddest frowning faces and it makes me feel pretty useless.  A church member loaned us the DVDs Dunston Baby Language.  I'm a pretty big fan of this after watching it in a psychology Parenting class I took at SWAU and was really glad to watch it again for a refresher.  It helps you learn what your baby's cry's mean - hungry, tired, upper/lower wind, uncomfortable.  It's really empowering to know what your baby wants and I have to say we definitely have a lot of wind going on and as much as we burp him, he still seems to be windy.  I guess it's not so empowering to know what it is but not be able to help :(  After talking to my sis-in-law tonight though he may be having reflux so we'll ask the doctor next week when we go for our "weight check"

This was most of our "awake" day... poor guy :(

Enjoying some time with daddy

The nursery - I love my rocking chair, we spend a lot of time there! :) 

It has some final touches coming soon.

Stir Crazy and Gas

I've been close to going crazy since I last wrote.  I know in my last post I was thrilled about the idea of being stuck inside but after 3 days of it, a person has to get out!  By Thursday night last week I was feeling so depressed and drained, it was a horrible feeling.  So I've tried to get out more... to the gym, grocery store, a new friend's house for lunch (thanks Heather!), and out to lunch with Stephen which is always fun.  Being stuck inside has really made me start thinking about going back to work but I know once I get there I'll really be missing this little guy so I'm trying to really enjoy each day I have.

Both Greyson and I have made it a priority to start working out this week.  I started back at the gym Monday for a class I've been waiting to try - Piloxing.  It's a new class they added before Greyson was born and I'd been really curious since I enjoy both pilates and kick boxing.  It was different in that it's done barefoot to build strength in the feet and boy did my feet hurt after... as well as my whole body! I enjoyed it though and it felt so good to get back to the gym.  I could definitely tell I'd been gone for a while but I kept us pretty well.  We've also started more tummy time this week.   I've been pretty impressed with my kid's head control skills and he's made his PT mommy proud.  Even in the hospital he was lifting his head off my chest for a few seconds and turning side to side.

He also has the funniest expressions, I think I could just watch him all day!

While he's doing good with head control, gas is another story... I think I may have the gassiest baby ever!  He has gas after every feeding and I feel like no matter what I eat, he has gas.  It's really frustrating and I know he gets pretty frustrated too (and very cranky!).  We've tried gas drops, gripe water, and every different position but nothing is really helping - he's just gassy!

Snow Day

The beginning of our week was pretty busy with church, errands, and doctor's appointments so I was excited to hear about a possible snow day today.  It turned out to be quite a success!  When I woke up to feed Greyson this morning the snow was falling beautifully.  All the news stations said the main roads would be fine since we've had such warm weather but I prefer to keep the mindset that we're snowed in with no way out.  I love snow days and think we should have at least 1 every winter.  Stephen decided to work from home today and spend some time with us, how could it not be a good day?!? 

Yesterday we went for Greyson's 2 week well-child visit.  He weighed 6 lbs 4.5 ounces - the doctor wasn't too impressed and told me to start waking him up at night to eat, every 3-4 hours and feed him every 2.5 hours during the day.  Little one has been sleeping up to 6 hours during the night so I don't exactly want to wake him up.  I've been feeding him more through the day though and about 4-5 hours at night - it's not too bad.  He wanted to see us back in a couple weeks... we may go... I kinda think it's dumb to pay a $20 copay to just be weighed... especially when I can take him up to my office and weigh him on a baby scale.  But, I don't want to be the bad parent that doesn't take their kid to the doctor... we will just see.  I've been trying to increase my milk supply also so I've been pumping and also bought some Mother's Milk tea that is supposed to promote healthy lactation.  It's GROSS! Tastes like black licorice which I really don't like.  I'm letting it cool right now and then I plan to chug it and make some hot chocolate to follow it.  

All ready for his first bath :)

Today was Greyson's first bath and it was about time! Yes, he is 2 1/2 weeks old and yes, he could have had a bath for over a week now - but it hadn't happened yet.  I wanted Stephen to be here and there hadn't been a good time until our snow day today :) He had mixed emotions about the bath, but didn't totally hate it so I think that's a good sign. 

Not too happy to be cold and wet... but who is?  He looked so handsome after the bath with his hair combed, I love a clean baby! :-)

Our first trip to church.  He slept pretty much the whole time. Everyone was thrilled to see him and he was pretty cute in his outfit too! It was a long day for him though and he was ready to get home to eat. 

Mia was excited to meet her new buddy.  She doesn't quite understand that the baby that was in my belly is now here and there isn't a baby in my belly anymore.  She told Melissa, "I just want to touch him"

Drained

Last night didn't get any better, we were up all night with a fussy, gassy baby.  I feel so drained.  He's doing better today though and I'm really thankful to my mom and sister who came over today to help.  I took a couple short naps and they cleaned, did laundry, and helped keep him calm.  I think we may have figured out a new strategy... sleeping in the swing.  Today he slept in there all afternoon! From 2-6 and still sleeping - poor guy must have been worn out from the last couple days.  He's pretty sweet now though and I'm praying we can sleep well tonight.

Valentine's Day

Oh Greyson, I hope today is not an indicator of future Valentine's Days to come.  Today was certainly one of those rough days to say the least.  It had it's ups and downs for sure.  Stephen and I have never been ones to buy expensive gifts for anniversaries or valentines day but rather prefer to spend the money to do something together.  This year, we didn't even get that far.  The morning started well though, Stephen gave me 2 cards that were so sweet it made me cry... everything seems to make me cry these days.  One from him and one from Greyson.  I feel so blessed to have these two guys in my life, they're really all I could ask for especially on a day that's meant to be with and celebrate the ones you love.

While the day held great plans, it turned into one of those that left both Greyson and I crying and exhausted.  He had a tummy ache and gas from something I ate (we still have to figure out what!) which led to a day full of crying, eating, burping, and crying some more.  About 2:00 after nothing seemed to work I decided to put him in the moby wrap and go on a walk - something that always puts him to sleep.  However, as I was putting him in the wrap, he slipped right through, traumatizing both of us severely!  I caught him but the damage was done, we were both crying hysterically and I called Stephen who came home to rescue us.  I was so thankful for the break at that point, I took a shower, ate lunch, and crawled in bed.  It was really the best Valentine's present I could ever ask for!!!  But a very emotional day.  He's still fussy and working out some gas so we're rocking in the nursery so Stephen can get some rest.

Our emotions today can be explained in about 5 minutes during a nap

On a more positive note, last night during my middle of the night blog reading I came across this recipe for Chocolate Turtle Cookies.  Stephen loves turtles so I decided to make these for him for Valentine's Day.  I didn't think it would happen as the day went on but this evening Greyson was knocked out for a few hours and Stephen had a visit to do so I was able to make them.  They were absolutely delicious.  I know I can always trust cookie recipes to be excellent from Two Peas and Their Pod and these were no exception.  I added some sea salt to the top which was an excellent touch as well.

I also ordered some small cloth diapers this week to go ahead and get started.  I'm amazed at how many diapers we've already used and we've only been home a week.  The cloth diapers I already have are too big and I had originally planned to just wait and use disposable until he fit them but I ordered some inexpensive prefolds to start using at least part of the time.  Anyway, I'm praying tonight and tomorrow are better days, we're tentatively planning on a trip to church this weekend for a short time but we'll have to see.

Our Birth Story

It's hard to believe it's been a week since I went into labor and what a week it's been... Happy One Week Birthday Greyson!

We were expecting our little guy to arrive Monday morning bright and early at 8:30 am and had planned to get all the last minute details complete Sunday - laundry, hanging decorations, cleaning, grocery shopping, taxes, etc - but this little guy had a different plan and decided he couldn't wait another minute.  Saturday night we had a fun time with family and friends celebrating my mom's birthday which even included Orange Leaf... it's up for debate if that's what put me in labor ;)

Stephen and I climbed into bed and shared how happy we were to have one last Sunday to sleep in and a full night's sleep but about 1:30 in the morning I started having cramps.  With the first one I go up to use the bathroom thinking it was just odd and no big deal.  On the second one I reached over to Stephen and told him I had cramping.  It only took a few minutes of timing to realize I was in labor having contractions lasting 1 minute - 5 minutes apart.  We threw things together quickly and left for the hospital now having contractions every 3 minutes.  I did really well getting through the contractions by walking... rather pacing but it was much better than laying down.

We arrived at the hospital around 2:30 and after checking me out I was already dilated to a 5 to which the nurse told me "Well you won't be pregnant much longer".  From there it was sure a whirlwind of events that are scattered in my mind.  In just a few minutes I had an IV started and they were rolling me out of the room.  I asked, "Where are we going?" to which they replied the c-section room.

My doctor was called in - I've really come to like her and as I was laying there being prepped I realized we hadn't discussed the option of a vaginal birth after cesarian so I made sure to have the conversation right there, haha! She told me if everything went as planned with the incision we would be able to do that next time if the baby was positioned correctly.  Anyway,  I received the spinal block, Stephen came in and within what seemed like 5 minutes we heard his first cry.  What an emotional moment, we lost it.  Everything became so real in that moment and I fell in love instantly.  My doctor placed him in my arms and I couldn't have been happier.  Stephen went with him to be examined.  He had a little trouble with fluid in his lungs due to the c-section and they had spend some time with him.  I was praying everything would be ok and it was.  He's a perfect little baby boy.

He weighed in at 6 lbs, 1 ounce and 19.25 inches long.  Just a little guy!

Holding him for the first time back in the room.   I had a reaction to the anesthesia resulting in horrible itching on my face and body which explains the puffy state of my face.  

Our sweet little family :)

We stayed in the hospital until Wednesday.  It was great to have the nurses, doctors, and lactation consultants there to help.  We're glad to be home.  We are tired but so in love it doesn't matter.  Here are a few more pictures from our time in the hospital.  

Friday we went out for the first time to the doctor to follow up since his bilirubin levels were a little high in the hospital.  The doctor was really happy with how he's doing and had no concerns.  He weighed 5 lbs 13 ounces so he'd gained a few ounces since leaving the hospital.  I felt so bad for Stephen, he spent more time at the visit unchanging, changing, and re-dressing Greyson after a blowout than the doctor spent with him.  We're getting faster but it just so tricky!  Anyway, we're looking forward to a relaxing and restful (hopefully) week but enjoying every moment! 

Going home

Today's the day! It's a little scary to think about the challenges the are ahead of us today talking little man home! We don't have the support of nurses, doctors, or lactation consultants (who have been awesome) anymore. However, we do have family and friends and I know this will make Stephen and I a closer team too.  Greyson is in the nursery getting circumcised which I just have to not think about or it makes me want to cry and my doctor has been by so it should be a few hours before we begin the journey home :)  I'm praising God today because my milk came in last night! Which is a bit odd in and of itself because its quite painful but needed to happen and now Greyson can grow (which also makes me sad because he's so stinking cute this little!). Anyway, we have a lot of pictures I will catch up with later but I must shower before he gets back... Now or never!

In love

Our little man is here, Greyson Bo Carlile!  I fell in love from the first moment we heard him cry, it was unreal. He's so sweet and cuddly and just perfect! We will probably be in the hospital until Wednesday just to make sure breast feeding is going well and to give me some time to feel better. The pain from the c-section has been tough when I'm up and moving :( but its worth it!  I just love him so much :)

This morning we tried an SNS during feeding and it went really well.  It's a tubing that hooks next to my nipple and gives a little formula while he's breast feeding.  I didn't want to use it at first but last night was rough on feeding.  He hadnt had any wet diapers all day. Also, since my milk isn't in yet he just didn't seem satisfied after any feeding even after an hour of nursing and my nipples aren't especially up for that either.  It was tough to for him to still be crying after a long feeding.  My emotions seem to be a little crazy too, last night I didn't want to send him to the nursery and just started crying when Stephen started to take him.  We were all so tired though and in the end I called the nursery.  Emotional night.   Anyway, he's cuddled up next to me sleeping now and satisfied which makes us both happy!