Thanksgiving Week

We have had a crazy week!!! Starting last Tuesday, the out of town family started coming in! Cory came from Greensboro first, but we did not see her until Wednesday. Aunt Jessie came and met Henry on Tuesday, and we had my siblings and parents over for dinner! It was so nice to have them over here! They have been here only twice, so it was good to get them out to Booneville again...! Wednesday, found us going to Fairview early in the morning (we got there by 8:30!). We brought Carl's turkey over to Tannenbaum's and visited with them for awhile before I went to get my haircut with Jess!!! It feels so good to have it short again!!! Who would have thought?? Henry was a good boy, and chilled with his Auntie in the car! We also went by Lulu's consignment shop, on the hunt for a black onesie for the Christmas picture...we didn't have any success!! The afternoon found us getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner for Thursday (we got everything prepped for stuffing, cooked 4 pies, made green bean bake, sweet potatoes, and turnips!!! For as productive as we were, we were still very busy on Thursday! Thursday morning found us waking up early! We spent from Wednesday night- Sunday night at mom and dad's, so we weren't driving back and forth to Mars Hill constantly! It was nice to get to see everybody a lot! Mom made sticky buns (which were oh so good) and Henry and I dropped off Carl to work on his clutch over at a friend's in Fairview. We picked him up at 2:00, and had our first Thanksgiving dinner at 3. Henry decided he wanted to eat at the same time as everybody else, so we joined in on the meal mid-way. We hung out with the family, and played some matches in Ping-pong and air hockey until 5:00, when we headed over to Grandpa and Grandma T's. Dinner at the Tannenbaum's was at 6:30ish, and left us feeling very sluggish and full!! Henry was so cute playing with his toy in his car seat for all of dinner! We hung out until it was time for the little man to hit the sack...which is usually between 9:30 and 10:00. I tried to go out Black Friday shopping (at 10:00pm on Thursday) with Aunt Bexy, but after walking around Wal-mart for a few minutes, decided it was not worth the effort put forth! Carl gave Henry a bottle to top him off while I was gone--and he drank it! Friday morning while feeding Henry at 4, I decided to heck with it, I'm going shopping! It started with Oldnavy.com, where I ordered 4 new pairs of jeans for Carl- for $15 each! Shipping was free too- since we spent more than $50. Next up on my holiday to buy list, was a pair of trees in urns with lights on them, to put on either side of our door on our porch...they were being sold at JCPenney for $20. I didn't really want to go to Penney's, and decided to check it out online! Sure enough--there they were, with free to store shipping! I crossed them off my list too! Feeling pretty good with myself, and the items I scored without having to go anywhere, I thought, what the heck! I'll leave Henry with Carl, and go do some Black Friday shopping! I left the house at 4:45am, and went to Home Depot where I scored some fresh wreaths, and poinsettia's. Off I then went to A.C. Moore, where I got: jar candles, wreaths for our windows, candles for the windows, and garland and bows for outside. Mental note to self: the only thing that was a GREAT deal at A.C. Moore was the candles...the rest of the stuff is on sale for the same price this week! Bummer...but oh well! I came home to find Carl up with Henry...he wasn't too happy! Henry just grinned at me and started talking! I think he missed his mommy! He met his Uncle Ray-Ray who had come in at 1:00ish on Friday morning (he had to work Thanksgiving day). I brought him upstairs and caught mom and dad as they were getting ready to leave to go Black Friday shopping. Henry chilled with me until 9:00 when Carl woke up. We brought him over to work on the truck some more, and went back home. A little before noon, Aunt Jessie, myself, and Henry went to Old Navy to get Jess a pea coat, and World Market to score on some pashmina scarves (for $5!!). I collected quite a few for myself, and have been enjoying wearing them! They help hide these few pounds that I want GONE! Henry and I drove with Aunt Cory to Piazza for lunch with Grandpa and Grandma T, Brian, and Carl. After lunch, we came back to mom and dad's where Henry chowed down (he hadn't eaten in quite a while). By 4:00 we were picking Carl up from working on the truck, and showering getting ready for our family picture that had to take place on Friday, the only day we were all together! We then had a second Thanksgiving dinner (I guess really 3rd, since we had two in one day!). This one was even better than the one on Thanksgiving because everybody was there! We have so much to be thankful for! After dinner, was the finishing of the air hockey ping pong tourney! The winners were: Air Hockey: 1st- Ray 2nd- TJ 3rd- Jessica Ping pong: 1st- Carl 2nd- TJ 3rd- Dad We then went upstairs and played some Catch Phrase...all except for Gammie, who insisted upon Henry duty while everyone else played. Of course, Henry is such a good baby, and didn't give her much trouble at all! After catch phrase was pie and ice cream time, and before we knew it, Henry was telling us it was already time for bed. Saturday morning, we got up early and saw Jessie off around 9. Henry, Abby, and I brought Carl to work on the truck (noticing a trend yet?) and on the way there fooled Carl into thinking there was an electrical problem with the car. Really, it was just a fizzing half filled soda bottle!! Pretty comical to say the least! Henry and I went to visit with the Tannenbaum's and went with Aunt Cory to pick Carl up at 12:30ish. We then went back to the house, and left to go hiking in Hot Springs at around 1:30ish. Talk about a hike! Boy did it leave me exhausted! We picnicked before we climbed up, and I carried Henry on the way up! At the top, Henry took his eating break, and Carl then carried him all the way down! There was no way I was going down carrying him, that is for sure! We started heading home around 5:00...and stopped for a dinner break at Vinnie's. We ended up getting home at 7, and headed back to mom and dad's for the night around 9. We hung out for a little while with Uncle Ray-Ray, and then hit the sack by 10. Sunday morning we got up to go to church. We went to the early service which begins at 9. I met this really nice lady who has 4 children and home schools. Her youngest is one, and it was nice to connect with somebody. I feel like once you have a baby, you find where you really belong, and people are a lot more welcoming...maybe it's because it's an easy conversation starter! Who knows! Carl went mountain biking with Lenny once we got home, and I hung out at the Tannenbaum's and went to visit at the Jones' too. Mom and dad came home, and we went to visit and say bye to Ray. We went back to hang out over at Tannenbaum's until Cory left at 6:30ish. We decided to go ahead and spend Sunday night, since Carl shoots on Monday nights anyways, and we end up practically in Fairview again. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to start getting stuff together with mom for her sale at Curves. We came home Monday night, after spending the day making orange marmalade, getting Christmas gifts ready to ship, and putting together canned goods to sell. It was so nice to be able to spend so much time with family over the holiday...if you thought Thanksgiving was crazy--check back in with us to see how Christmas goes! :)

So much has been going on...can you tell we are a little behind on the blogging front?? Henry is such a good baby, and has been regularly sleeping between 4-6 hours at night!! What a blessing!!! We can't complain about it a bit!!! Today, we went hiking with the little man, along with Katie, Brian, Justin, and their dogs Maggie and Nacho! Henry was such a good boy (of course!) and we are looking forward to spending more and more time with him in the outdoors. Henry is sporting his new cloth diapers too...and they are, of course, too cute on him!!! I don't think we are going to use them at night yet, since he is sleeping for 6 hours at a time, we don't want to wake up to a huge mess! Today, the little man got his first bottle!! And, he took it from his mommy!!! I don't believe we are going to get into the practice of giving him to many of them...it's so much easier just to nurse him! Felicia and Mason came over on Saturday, along with Grandma T. Mommy was so happy that Henry was finally able to meet Mason! They are going to be great friends! Henry is so lucky to know so many wonderful boys that are around his age! Convenient for his mommy and daddy too, because we love hanging out with all of them! Last Monday, Henry and I had a playdate with Audrey and Stephanie! The kids were so cute together, and the mommies dyed onesies and burp cloths! Fun times! Tomorrow we are going to get together again, and sew pee cones (they go over to help with the "spraying" that might occur when changing a little boy diaper). Tuesday, Henry finally gets to meet his Aunt Jessie!!! He is so excited!! We are so thankful for our little man who keeps us busy, that is for sure! On Wednesday, we are heading to Fairview to spend Thanksgiving with all of the family! A fun time will be had by all I am sure!

Day 25
11/4/2011


Henry met Stephanie from our birth class along with her baby girl Audrey. Mommy took him to his doctor appointment. Henry weighs 9lbs 9oz and is 21.5 inches long.

Day 24
11/3/2011


Henry's cord is all the way off! He continues to be such a good baby. Mommy brought him to have lunch with daddy at his work. All the office ladies were happy to see him.

Day 23
11/2/2011


Henry's cord is getting close to falling off! Today was uneventful as Henry was a good boy as usual. Mommy took Henry to visit the old neighbor lady and she held him for a long time.

Day 22
11/1/2011


This morning was rough for us all. Henry was up for an extended period at some odd hours.  Dad had a meeting run late at work and missed his carpool for one of his college classes, so he decided to stay home.

3 Weeks Old!!!

It's hard to believe that our little guy is 3 weeks old already!!! Time is just FLYING by! Henry continues to be such a good baby! His mom and dad love him to pieces! Recently he has not been sleeping as well at night, and I have been trying hard to get him to stay awake during the day time, so that he will sleep better at night--no such luck yet! Last night, the little man was up from 1:45-5am!! While he was up, I so nicely told him that he is not having any siblings! Of course, that was just 3:00am talking! I definitely am not serious, although at 3 I was! I am continuously amazed at how exhausting it is just caring for him! This morning, Henry and I didn't get up until 9am (which was WONDERFUL). Anyways, Carl left for work at 7:45ish (like he always does), and I do not remember him getting out of bed or leaving the house for that matter. When he came home today for lunch, I asked him if he had said goodbye to me before he left for work this morning. Apparently I kissed him and told him to have a good day, and was snoring again before he even left the room!! I believe it too!!! I was plumb tuckered out this morning! Well, I need to get back to cleaning and doing some laundry while Henry is still sleeping--it will be eating time again soon!

Day 21
10/31/2011


Today was Halloween! Our first family holiday. Henry dressed as a pumpkin. We also thought it would be cute to get a picture of him in a big pumpkin. We had a moment of panic when we realized that it was going to be a challenge to get him out with how far down inside the pumpkin he sat. He was not the happiest camper with us, so the pictures are not of the happy boy we know. 

Day 20
10/30/2011


Today we took Henry to Church and he met Kenny, Mr. Allison, Pastor, and Mrs. Davenport. Then later in the day while daddy went on a mountain bike ride mommy, Aunt Bekah and Aunt Hust took him on a walk around the neighborhood.

Day 19
10/29/2011


Today Henry met Rebecca "Joy" who is a friend of Aunt Bex. Henry slept for Ms. Joy while she held him. Mommy made a bunch of birth announcements to send out to family and friends. Also, Aunt Abi helped mommy give him a bath.

Day 18
10/28/2011


Today Henry met Aunt Cory. 


Mommy left him in the care of others for the first and second time while she did some shopping. Aunt Huster and Aunt Bexy watched him first then daddy watched him. We stayed the night in Fairview. Henry was awake for a long four hour stretch.

Day 17

10/27/2011

Grandpa and grandma T came over for some dessert. We cleaned more today (mostly mommy cleaned) and the house is getting better although it is still a mess. It feels so small even though it is not that tiny of a place. We could use some more storage... Daddy has to clean the "pantry" so it can be used to store some extra stuff like the window a/c units. Bound for Fairview this weekend to watch Rocky while the g'rents are off at the track in Savannah.

What's going on in Henry's World...

It's been a while since I have posted about what is going on in Henry's world...so here goes a quick catch up on what has been happening!

He has been busy meeting a WHOLE bunch of people--with quite a few left on his list to still meet! Henry is such a happy, content baby, and both mommy and daddy are hoping he stays that way! He is sweet as can be, and I love kissing on his chubby cheeks!

Two weeks ago yesterday, at 7:34pm, he was born! I can't believe how fast the first two weeks have gone...before we know it he will be a month old! :( That makes this mama very sad, because then he will be only 11 months away from his first birthday...I could shed lots of tears thinking about this, but will instead embrace each moment with him!!! I am trying my hardest to enjoy each minute with this precious little one!

Today, Henry went on his first walk in the stroller down to Carl's work, and then back up again! It was such a nice day, I could not stay inside after coming back from a doctor's appointment and trip to grandma and grandpa's. Henry seemed to get a kick out of the stroller ride--he slept through it all! Today he also got his social security card in the mail!! Hooray for being a legal citizen! That reminds me that on Friday we have to go by and pick up his birth certificate...oh the little things that are so easy to forget about these days!

Henry was held by our 93 year old neighbor on Saturday for 2.5 hours...I need to take him over there again tomorrow before we leave for a long weekend! She enjoyed loving on him, and was just taking him in! It was so nice to see him bring her so much happiness! I can only hope that somebody does the same for me one day, and that at 93 years of age I am capable of holding a little one still! How I love my babies! I have had lots of elderly people stop me and look at Henry, and say how there "babies" are now ___ age. That reminds me more than anything to enjoy each and every day, because they will go faster than I want them to! I'm sure it seems like they were holding their own babies just yesterday...

Henry continues to put himself to sleep after feedings at night, and during the day has decided he wants some "space" to get himself to sleep. This leaves his mom with mixed feelings--although I am thankful that he is capable of soothing himself, and doesn't need me to rock/hold him until he falls asleep. He continues to eat every 2-3 hours during the day, and most of the time every 4 hours at night--except for the 1 time he went 5 hours! That made mom VERY nervous!

The doctor appointment mentioned earlier went very well!! He has gained weight, and is almost back up at birth weight. Even though this didn't happen by 2 weeks of age, the dr. isn't too worried about it, because he has only been nursing regularly for a week. He goes back next week for another weight check, and hopefully he will have continued to gain weight.

Today would have been my Papa's 75th birthday...and today was the first day (besides the day he passed away, and the day of the funeral), that I truly grieved for him. For some reason, it was just tough. I decided to go to mom's after his doctor appointment, because after spending the morning alone with Henry, nursing and crying, I wanted to be around people...especially those who are going through the same emotions that I am. I thought of him tonight, while eating my dinner (we had baked chicken, broccoli, and pierogies), and how he would have had meatloaf, baked potato, and broccoli (at least I believe it was broccoli)...I love him so much, and wish I could have picked up the phone to wish him a happy birthday, and tell him all about his great grandson...

Day 16

10/26/2011

Henry had another check up today and he gained considerable weight. Up to 8 lbs 13 oz. Mommy and daddy cleaned up a bunch at the house, but it is still a disaster. We don't know how we accumulated so much stuff! Henry slept in his real crib for the first time for a few hours.

Day 15

10/25/2011

Aunt Bexy came to visit today and ended up working a lot. From doing dishes to helping bathe Henry, we kept her busy. Mom called daddy to come up to the house from work because of a "dead mouse" under the heater. False alarm! Daddy had his first class since Henry came home and it was rough being away for so long.

Day 14

10/24/2011

Went to the doctor to get weighed and he has not gained any weight yet, but we are working on it! Today Henry met the office people from daddy's work, along with Mary Dean, Velvet, Shannon, Jennifer, and Conner.

Day 13

10/23/2011

Today was interesting to say the least. See mom's post below! We tried on our cloth diapers for the first time. Still a bit too big. (We had to wash our sheets) Wicked cute though!!!

Henry's 1st Big Adventure!

It all started with the fact that the Radio Shack in Mars Hill, is only open Monday-Friday. Have you honestly ever known a Radio Shack to not be open on Saturday??? Anyways, we were in search of a carbon monoxide detector since it was our first night at the house with Henry, and because our source of heat is a ventless propane heater. The Ingles in town did not have any detectors either. After sleeping in until 11 (of course we had to wake up for feedings), mommy and daddy decided to give Henry his first bath. After bath time was feeding, and Henry fell asleep in his swing! He seemed to really enjoy it! Mom and dad then decided to take Henry to Lowe's, so that we could purchase said carbon monoxide detector. After meeting Carl's boss, and purchasing the detector, we loaded ourselves into the car...which didn't start! Henry and mommy went across the parking lot to Walmart, to get out of the hot car and sun. After shopping for awhile, we met Carl back at the car and also met Carl's friends who were at Lowe's. Carl tried to jump start the car, but it was determined that it was the starter, not the battery. Henry got a diaper change, and a quick feeding (in the Lowe's parking lot) before Grandma T. picked him and myself up, and we drove off to Fairview (stopped at the Advance Auto to get a battery), and met Carl in Fairview (he got the car towed there). Anyways, not even an hour and a half later, Henry and I waltzed around the neighborhood with him in the Baby Bjorn (and with two of his favorite aunts Becka and Abby), and Carl had the car fixed and it started! Carl amazes me with his ability to fix cars and other things! We then went to Grandma and Grandpa W.'s where Henry had another meal...afterwards he was sound asleep, we had dinner with Grandpa and Grandma T. and we headed home! All in a Sunday afternoon!

Day 12

10/22/2011

Today Henry was held by his Uncle T.J.! We also got to spend some time outside which was a treat since we have been cooped up inside for so long. The weather was not half bad either. Henry met Brian and Katie (Carl's college friend and co-worker and his wife) in Black Mountain where Katie was playing in a company softball tournament. We got home in Mars Hill for the first time in what feels like ages. Henry met our landlord and neighbors.

We are all excited to spend a night at our

cute little abode.

Day 11

10/21/2011

Today Henry got his nails trimmed for the first time. He was also given some hand-me-down toys from Lipsey's little girl Mira. Daddy is excited to spend all weekend with mommy and baby!

Happy Baby, Happy Mommy

I can not say it enough how great of a baby Mr. Henry is!!! He has become a champ at nursing, and eats every 3 hours (like clockwork during the day) and at night he usually gets up every 3.5-4 hours to eat! Mommy is thankful for a bit of extra rest at night! He generally falls back to sleep very quickly, and in the last day and a half has put himself to sleep 3 times! At other times, he has a loving grandparent or aunt holding him. Last night, Henry snuggled with daddy before going to bed, since he hadn't seen him all day! Carl and Henry were so cute together!!! I just love watching Carl take care of him...he is becoming a pro at changing diapers! I can't wait to watch their relationship change and continue to grow as Henry gets older!

Mommy continues to eat Henry up! I just love watching his facial features change and talking and smiling with him! He is such a doll!

Henry had his first doctors appointment yesterday, and it went really well. She was pleased with how much weight he had gained back, and told us to continue to keep up the good work! Henry slept the whole way down to his appointment, and starting fussing in the doctor's office, but fell back asleep on the way home! He is getting accustomed to his car seat, which is a good thing because his mom and dad are always going somewhere, or doing something! We like to stay busy! Or, I guess I should say mommy does! Well, little man is starting to stir, which means it is getting time to eat! I guess we'll have to write about other things he is doing sometime later!

Day 10

10/20/2011

Grandpa T. got to hold Henry for his first time today. Henry had his first doctors appointment and all was good. Daddy worked, Mom nursed, and Henry put him self to sleep watching his mobile!

Day 9

10/19/2011

Henry got discharged today!

Last night mom and dad celebrated Henry's one week birthday by splitting a piece of double chocolate cake. It was supposed to be consumed at 7:34 p.m. but because someone was being a little fussy, we had it at 11:00 p.m.

Coming Home!!!

The last day has been a whirlwind!! Henry has been doing so well nursing!! I am so proud of him!!! We have finally started to get in sync with one another...here's to hoping things go just as smoothly the next few days!!

Today, we brought Henry home to Grandpa and Grandma W's. We are going to stay here for the next two days as we all adjust to each other, and then go home when we have daddy home with us all weekend! He was such a good boy for the ride home, and cried for only a minute before he soothed himself. We are so happy he mastered it...even if it was only for a minute!

Grandma, and Grandpa W. got to finally hold me, along with Grandma T who Henry snuggled with for an afternoon nap. Grandma W got Henry calmed down, and boy was I glad she did! Henry seems to be awake a lot after lunch time, and also is very fussy around 7:30pm...must be the witching hour!

We're saying some prayers for a good night's sleep!!!

Day 8

10/18/2011

Today is hopefully our last night in transition. We should be going home tomorrow! Grandpa W. met Henry today!

1st Battle with Henry!

Since Saturday, Henry has been drinking mostly from bottles, and had only nursed a few times. Well, today, we decided that would all change. The day nurse encouraged me to exclusively breastfeed him today, with the help of lactation consultants if it was needed.

It all began at 9:00am...Henry did really well. In fact, I was shocked. He didn't need to use the nipple shield and latched on almost immediately, with very little assistance. He completely emptied what was in the breast that he was nursing on, was burped, and offered the second one. Well, long story short, he was not interested. This had happened yesterday, too, and so I went on the advice given to me yesterday, which was to pump the other side, and then give it to him in the bottle. So, after trying for 15 minutes, I pumped, and gave him 30cc in the bottle.

Fast forward to 12:45ish, when it is time for Henry to eat again. This time the lactation consultant came in at the beginning of the nursing session, and stayed with me and watched me get Henry latched on. We did it ourselves, and I was pretty proud of us! All went well as we nursed our way through the first breast, and we had multiple burps in there too!

Then came the battle...trying to get him to eat from the second breast. He would NOT latch on...no matter what we tried. He cried and screamed, and hollered, and screamed and cried some more...you would have thought I was torturing the poor boy! The lactation consultant came in, and said right away that Henry was simply just being stubborn (which I had pretty much assumed), and that I had to choose...fight back, or give in, pump, and give him the bottle. The next hour was pretty brutal as he continued to cry, did not want to be consoled, and would not latch on to anything (pacifier, breast). Finally, after an hour, he calmed down and went to sleep! It is 2:45pm, and he is still sleeping! One can only hope the next feeding will go well, and he will realize his mama means business! It will be so much easier to not have to pump anymore...I definitely did not realize what a time commitment nursing, and having to feed baby on top of it was.

Here's to hopefully a happy baby at the next feeding, who will learn his lesson quickly! Or else--this saga could continue on.

1st Night--Transition Room October 17th

We spent our first night together last night in a Transition Room at Mission! Henry was such a good baby!! He was asleep by 8:30, and got woken up at 10:10 for his antibiotics. They found that his vein was not good anymore in his head, and then he proceeded to get stuck in various places on his body for the next hour and a half...the poor baby was not happy! Mommy and Daddy were just about as unhappy as he was! We felt so bad for him! Once they got him stuck, and the IV started a lactation consultant came up and helped Henry and I nurse! He was able to do it without the nipple shield, and I was so thankful for this HUGE step in our nursing success! He only nursed about 10 minutes, and then we decided to go ahead and give him a bottle--because he was so upset! I wanted to end our "nursing session" on a good note, rather than an unhappy screaming frustrated note! He finished his bottle, and would not fall back asleep...we had to top him off at 1:40am...after that though, he slept straight through to 5:30. Mommy got up to pump, and so when he got up at 5:30, we didn't nurse, he just had another bottle.

Henry gets compliments all the time from the nurses and doctors, saying that he is such a cute, handsome boy. He has also heard several times how he looks like a Henry. I wasn't so sure at first, but Henry definitely does fit him. He's growing into it mighty fast! Speaking of growing--little man weighs 8lbs 5 oz. The lactation consultants want to see him back to his pre-birth weight by the time he is 2 weeks old. That means he has another week to gain 10 ozs...we'll see if he can do it! I have confidence he can--this boy likes to eat!

This morning, Henry fed from both boobs, emptying one, and getting some out of the other one. In a few minutes he will be waking up, and will be ready to try our hand at nursing again. He and I are both gaining confidence more and more each time we nurse.

Besides being hungry, and getting stuck, he is such a happy boy. Because he won't empty both breasts yet, feedings take FOREVER. He started getting fed this morning at 9:00, and we didn't end up going to sleep until 10:15ish. But, he is a happy boy, and so we will count our blessings! He really only cries when he is hungry, and even then the crying is manageable.

Hopefully tomorrow we will be going to Grandpa and Grandma's to spend Wednesday and Thursday nights. We will go to our house either on Friday or Saturday. Mommy wants some time to adjust with having a baby with Grandma nearby...she has LOADS of experience. Plus, we might just need some help getting nursing going fully. Daddy is taking tomorrow off of work so he will be with us when we get to go home!! We are all so very excited!!! Henry continues to be such a huge blessing to both Carl and I--we love him to pieces and can't imagine life without him! We are so ready to show him all sorts of great things!

Day 7

10/17/2011

Today Henry moved to a transition room. Mom and dad got to sleep with him for the first time! What a night!

Day 6

10/16/2011

Today Henry found his thumb and sucked it. Daddy fed him a bottle. A first for dad!

Day 5

10/15/2011

Henry nursed for the first time today! Also, the nurses have used up most of his veins for the IV. He now has an IV port in his scalp.

Day 4

10/14/2011

Last night, little Henry got taken off of the machine that was helping him breathe.

Henry got his first bottle. Up to this point he has been getting sustenance through an IV.

Daddy Went back to work today.

When Daddy got home from work Henry was in a real crib and CLOTHES!!! Too cute!

Day 3

10/13/2011

Henry's level of supplemental oxygen was reduced from a very high to a level similar to the oxygen in the air we breathe.

The flow of the machine he is on was greatly reduced also!

Day 2

10/12/2011

Little Henry is in the NICU.

When he was born, he aspirated some amniotic fluid. He was having some respiratory problems so he was placed on antibiotics and supplemental oxygen.

Daddy changed his first diaper!

Day 1

10/11/2011

Carl Heinrich Tannenbaum VI "Henry"

Born 10-11-2011 7:34pm

8 lbs 14.8 oz

20.5 inches

He was born after 44 hours of labor, and 3 hours of pushing, all with out any medication! Elizabeth is one amazing woman!

When will baby come???

So, Carl was set that we were going to have this baby on September 28th or 29th...I'm not sure it is looking like that is going to happen! Although, anything can happen at any point! I am mentally ready to have this baby, I am getting to the point where I am ready to meet him/her on this side of the womb. Physically, however, I still feel like I could be pregnant for years more! I am thankful that I still feel so wonderful. As I get more and more anxious awaiting THE day, I have been trying to remind myself to enjoy these last few days of being pregnant, when it is just the two of us. Where there are only sweet baby kicks and hiccups, no crying and colic. This song makes me teary every time I listen to it, and helps me to remember to savor every last moment, instead of wishing them away!


You're Going To Miss This by: Trace Adkins

40 Week Dr. Appointment

Today was my 40 week Dr. appointment...even though I will not be 40 weeks pregnant until Sunday. Since my next appointment isn't until Wednesday, this counts as week 40, because by then I will be 40 weeks+3days. Not much is going on in the world of the baby, except that both daddy and I are begging him/her to come out before the weekend!


This week I didn't gain any weight (hooray), and my belly is measuring right on track at 39 weeks. The baby cooperated with getting his/her heart rate checked and it was bouncing between 145 and 150. The baby definitely wasn't as active as it is sometimes. My blood pressure was normal at 120/80...although it usually isn't that high. At my appointment next week, if the cervix is "ripe" they are going to strip my membrane's to hopefully kick start the action...at that point too, they will clear any kind of "natural induction" methods that we choose to use...hopefully we won't need them though.


The week of the 10th-11th, I have to get a fluid check and stress test, to make sure the baby is still doing okay, since it will be one week past due. If those levels come back okay, then they will give me until Friday the 14th to be induced...if they don't however, I will have to begin the induction process later that same day. In the doctor's words..."We are making plans now so we are prepared, and so God will change our plans." I was comforted to hear that, and certainly hope we do not have to go that long before we meet our little one!


On a more exciting note--the baby's nursery is now COMPLETELY done, although I have yet to take a picture of it! I am so excited that we can cross that off of our list!! WOO HOO! Carl also got the car seat installed tonight, so we are officially DONE preparing for the bambino/a! 


We are saying some prayers and hoping the next few days brings baby, but only time will tell! The beach trip is Tuesday, and if I make it to my next appointment, then we will surely not be able to get to the beach. We will see what happens!! 


Tomorrow Bekah and Abby are spending the night--and will hang out all day! I'm excited to have people to pass the day with, and then on Friday I will be canning with mom possibly. Saturday I am supposed to watch a friend's girl, and get together with another friend! Lots of plans that hopefully the baby will change!!

Dr.'s Appointment-Week 39

Yesterday was my week 39 doctors appointment...and it was a dramatic doctors appointment to say the least. Carl had just gotten back from his road trip to Wisconsin, so he was able to tag along with me, and met the other doctor in the practice...which I was thankful about. When the doctor went to go find the baby's heartbeat, it took her FOREVER! My heart was pounding the whole entire time, meanwhile I felt like I was going to pass out. How could we make it this far, for something to happen? It was the WORST feeling in the world. She finally found the baby's heartbeat right under my left rib...which of course then led to an internal exam, to make sure the baby really was head down. While she did the internal, she told me that I have not dilated at all, but she said this was common in first time mom's. It's not usually until subsequent births that dilation happens before labor actually begins. This comforted me, but I was a little bummed hoping that something NOTICEABLE was happening! 


The baby's heartbeat was quite considerably lower at 140bpm...although it seems like the baby is always napping for this doctor! My stomach measured at 38 weeks, which is 1cm less than last week...which happens as the baby drops lower into the pelvis. I have started to experience cramping, as well as nausea. The doctor said that these are signposts of the body begin to prepare itself for the impending labor.


In less than 2 weeks, mom and dad head for the beach! I'm saying lots of prayers that if I am unable to go, that I am able to accept this fate with lots of grace...it'll be hard to do. I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high, but then again at the same time...it's hard not to do! I look forward to the beach week ALL YEAR! 


On a weird note--yesterday we were in the grocery store and bought a gallon of milk that expires AFTER the baby's due date...talk about a weird feeling! It's so funny to know that the baby could be born before the milk expires! Next, I'll be looking for the gallon's of milk that have October 16th on them--the magic day they will not let me go past!


Anyways, Abby spent the night here last night, and she and I are going to get a lot of straightening up done around the house today. Look for some more postings in the next few days of all the cool stuff the baby has gotten over the last week!! 

Feelings--38 weeks

I can't believe that in 2 weeks, we will be completely FULL TERM! In fact, we really are right now, but how many baby's are actually born on their due date, or early? I know some are, but I am not holding my breath. Besides, I am actually kind of happy he/she is still in there--holding out for a bit longer!


I am definitely going to miss being pregnant with this child. I was telling Carl the other night how thankful I am that I can honestly say I have LOVED every minute (thus far) of being pregnant. I feel great, and have done everything that I normally would have done before being pregnant (sans alcohol and a few other things). This baby has already been a real blessing to me, and although I am excited to hold and love on him/her...at the same time I feel like I could spend the rest of my life content just to be pregnant with this baby (check back in in the next month and see if it is still the case). As much as I love being pregnant though, I really am on a time crunch to get this baby out before October 4th...or at the latest October 7th. To be able to bring my precious little one to the Atlantic Ocean for the first time when they are so little--would be AWESOME! Hopefully he/she will love the ocean and cherish the time spent at the beach with family as much as his/her mommy does! There is just nothing quite like the beach! 


We'll see how the rest of this story plays out, and what we can/can not do after the baby is born. I am praying that my hormones will level back out quickly after the baby is born, and that I will not be to upset that I am no longer pregnant! 


Carl leaves for out of town business tomorrow--and doesn't come back until Wednesday! I told him that it definitely (if I can help it) isn't going to come while he is gone--however anything after that point is FAIR GAME! We'll see what day this little one chooses for his/her birthday!

Pictures from Around the House

Here are some pictures from around our house!!!

We finally were able to agree on a bedding set for our bed!!! We are both THRILLED with how cute it turned out! Of course, the room still needs some finishing touches--but it will come with time! 

Carl's Birthday!

We had a great time tonight celebrating Carl's birthday! All of the family on both sides (except for Cory and Ray) were here to celebrate and it was nice to have everybody here at our house...I just love being in my "home." What was even better--was the fact that we did not have drive the 45 minutes to Mars Hill after celebrating--that was absolutely wonderful!


Some highlights of the gifts were:

• Shorts
• Wilson Magazines
• A blanket from C.T. to daddy
• All kinds of labor snacks, etc...for daddy
• Itunes Gift Card
• Double hammock (which will be nice for camping)
• Cookies

I guess I have probably forgotten some things--anyways, it was a great time! Here are a few pictures of the celebration!