Monday, October 27, 2008

12 weeks and I'm headed back to work

Tomorrow Benjamin will be 12 weeks old. I'll be headed back to work next week. I can't believe how quickly these 12 weeks have gone by ... While the first several weeks were VERY difficult (I actually wanted to go back to work then), I'm very torn about going back to work - I'm going to miss being with Super Ben so much. It feels like I just got the hang of being a mom and Super Ben is starting a fun and incredible stage - he is cooing, talking and smiling so much now.

This past month (err - 5 weeks since my last post) has been full month. Here is a quick recap.

(1) Travel: We took our first car trips to P-town with Benjamin. Overall Benjamin did great. We stopped only once, if at all, to feed the big man.

(2) Hanging out with Benjamin's Cousins: Benjamin's cousins are hilarious. They made several very astute observations. Observation #1 by Allison: "Benjamin has a great tan. Kinda like his dad." (Who knew that Andy had a tan). Observation #2 by David: "Benjamin does not have any teeth." (For some reason I thought that this observation was very funny). Benjamin's cousins still like to call him Ocean.

(3)Daycare: Benjamin started going to daycare part time last week. On his first day, he gave his teacher a hickey. I guess he's trying to be the teachers pet already ;). His first few days have gone well.

(4) Big Poos: Super Ben has had some Super Poos lately. A couple of weeks ago Super Ben had one of his Super Poos (up the back and out both sides) when Andy was on diaper duty. Andy decided that he did not want to pull the dirty onsie over Benjamin's head - so instead he cut the onsie off - yes, my once frugal husband decided that it would be best to cut the onsie off of Benjamin. Men are so overdramtic and just plain strange.

(4) Work Mtgs: I've started integrating myself back into work. I've taken Benjamin with me to a couple of work meetings. I will admit that taking a baby to work with you is VERY distracting. Benjamin had one of his big audible poos during a work meeting last week - I apologized to the co-worker who was sitting beside me for benjamin's audible and smelly poo. The co-worker then looked at me and said, "I thought it was you." I really hope that he was kidding.

That is all I have for you right now.

Here are some more pictures of the big ben.



Later, A

Monday, September 8, 2008

7 weeks and the fog is lifting

Quick disclaimer - this is a SAPPY post. Even though I don't like to think of myself as a sappy person, I am. So, if you don't like sappy I recommend going directly to the pictures and skip the rest of the writing. (I assume that most folks will just go to the pictures anyway - that is the best part.)

Today Benjamin (aka Super Ben) turned 7 weeks old. I can't believe how quickly that time has gone. The first month with Super Ben was Super tough. There were MANY times during the first several weeks when Andy and I repeatedly asked the question, "What the heck (did not use the work 'heck') did we do?" Andy was so distraught at times - he kept telling me that his life was over. (Even though I was just as emotional as he was, I have to confess, sometimes when he said that his life was over I started laughing inside. Now looking back on it it makes me laugh even more).

While the first few weeks have been difficult there have been many extraordinary times that I did not expect.

(1) Split Wide Open: I was totally blown away by the amount of love that I instantly developed for Benjamin - I now understand the phrase "my heart split wide open." I think that that was part of the reason why I was SO emotional the 1st two weeks. Having my heart split in two from the love that I had for Benjamin completely caught me off guard. My love for Benjamin increases each day - it is amazing. Now he is melting my heart with his fantastic smile and little giggle.

(2) Andy: In having Benjamin Andy and I have learned much more about each other and have developed a much stronger relationship. Since Andy and I have been together for 13 years I just assumed that I pretty much knew all there was about him and that my respect, adoration and love for him would remain relatively constant. Since having Benjamin my respect, adoration and love for Andy has increased ten-fold. I'm very lucky to be married to such a wonderful person. I could not have survived these past few weeks if it had not been for him. Thanks Andy.

(3) Mom Friends: A couple of times each week I get together with a group of moms with newborns to talk baby stuff, partners, politics, etc. It is very helpful to have a community of moms to talk with on a regular basis. Prior to getting pregnant (and having Benjamin) I thought that it was strange for moms to get together. In my mind I think that I pictured a group of women wearing mom jeans with strange haircuts meeting at a McDonald's Playland in a suburb. I was totally wrong. I'm not wearing mom jeans - I'm still in my maternity jeans - and we meet in cool swanky coffee shops throughout the town. Getting together with new moms has been one of several very important lifelines that I have had over the past several weeks.

(4) Mindless but important reading: There have been several books that I've read that helped to keep everything in perspective over the past several weeks. The Tao of Poop by Vivian Elisabeth Glyck, If These Boobs Could Talk by Shannon Payette and Adrienne Hedger, and Slummy Mummy by Fiona Niell. I would highly recommend these books to any new mom. The are fun quick reads about parenthood.

Needless to say, Andy and I both agree that it feels that our life has just begun. Benjamin is amazing and everyday gets better.

Here are some pictures from the first 6 weeks with Benjamin.



Later, A

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Just over 3 weeks ...

Benjamin is now just over three weeks old. He is getting cuter and cuter by the hour...Mom and Dad are still on a learning curve but things do seem to be getting better.

Here are some new photos of the past few days...Enjoy!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Welcome Benjamin!

Benjamin, not OCEAN, decided to make his grand entrance on August 5th. He was 8 lbs 2 oz and 19.5 in long. In two weeks he has grown a lot - as of today, he weighs 8 lbs 10 oz and is 20.75 in long. We are learning a ton about being parents - we had no idea that it would be so intense and tiring. At the same time we absolutely love it ...

As I have more time I will write more about our little buddle of joy. In the meantime, here are some pictures of our 1st two weeks with Benjamin.



Later, A

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Opps: 7 weeks since last posting

Sorry for the delay in posting - I did not realize that it had been so long. Anywho, a couple of updates:

(1) Today is the due date - hooray - who knows when we will be able to meet baby Russell - he seems rather comfortable in my tummy right now.

(2) The naming game - a friend of mine who is a news anchor here in town did a great entry on her blog regarding the baby's name debate. If you have not already seen it take a look here: http://www.nbc15.com/blogs/carleenwild/25765924.html. The dad's response is my favorite response thus far.

(3) We will be using this blog as an update on baby Russell - so stay tuned...

Take care and Later, A

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

33 Weeks

I can't believe that it has been a month since I've posted anything - actually I can. Generally, after work I crash when I get home. Tonight, I'm supposed to be working on a project - which I will get to shortly - but what better way to procrastinate than to update my blog.

So, I'm 7 weeks away from my actual due date - we'll see if I actually deliver on July 29th or not. Just to make things fun and interesting (and to help me pass the time over the next several weeks) I've set up a online baby pool. Folks can check out the following website and enter their guesses on the gender (which I hope no one gets wrong), weight, length, and baby's birth date.

Ocean Due Date Game - http://www.expectnet.com/games/Ocean-Due-Date

I haven't seen a ton of folks recently, but here is a picture of how I've been feeling lately.















My feet are constantly swollen, I walk VERY slow, I'm more moody that usual (e.g. crying because Andy did not close the bathroom door), I'm more clumsy than usual, and I'm much bigger than usual. The funny thing about this picture is that my mom lent me her muumuu dress for me to where for the duration of the pregnancy - not my most fashionable piece of clothing.

That is all that I have right now - go ahead and put in your guesses for Ocean's Due Date!

Later, A

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

7 months already

I can't believe that I'm already 7 months. Today, for some reason, I counted the days until my due date - it is 82 days. Relatively close, but it still feels very far away. I've gotten so much bigger - my belly button is no longer an innie - it is an outie. Walking down the street folks comment on my outie - very strange.

I also, continue to get comments like are you sure that you are not having twins. The answer, as most of you know, is that I'm having a big healthy baby boy.

I'm totally tired...

Thats all right now.

Later, Angela

Thursday, April 3, 2008

23 week update

Thus far, I have had a very interesting 23rd week of pregnancy. Here are a few updates:

Pregnancy and embarrassing moments - This week I realized that there are pregnancy side effects that can be very embarrassing. So, earlier this week I was at a professional networking luncheon. Before the events presentation began, I was speaking with a couple of folks - as part of the conversation there were some funny stories being told - the telling of the funny stories came to a screetching halt while I was laughing and somewhat loudly (e.g. very audible) broke some wind. This little incident made be laugh even more of course ... This kind of thing NEVER happened before I became pregnant - I had much more control over that kind of thing. So, if this ever happens when I'm around you, I apologize in advance...

Babys R Us - Andy and I made our first visit to this baby superstore yesterday evening. Andy was great - he decided that he actually wants to register for baby stuff together. I was planning on not registering with Andy b/c I thought that he would hate it - but no he wants register together. This makes me very happy. He was super happy to see a lot of ocean related clothing at the store. He asked a clerk if they had any Notre Dame related baby clothing - too cute (of course they didn't).

Name Update - Not much new here - Andy is still advocating strongly for the name Ocean. I'm still trying to think of some other names. The internet source that I like the most is Nymbler.

Stuff for baby - So last week I sent out a note to all my mom friends asking for recommendations of things that I will need for having a baby. Here are some of the highlights: baby carrier/sling, electronic breast pump, pack and play, bumbo chair (although there is a lot of disagreement on this item), stroller, jogging stroller, baby bouncer, swing, moses basket (I had never heard of this before), diaper service, gift certificates, blankets, diaper bags, etc.

Okay, that is all for now.

Later, A

Thursday, March 27, 2008

I'm back - 22 wks now

Sorry for the for the month-long delay - we were in the midst of house construction stuff - e.g. painting rooms, new bathroom, minor kitchen renovation, etc... The painting included painting the baby's room. I'll have some pictures up soon.

So, I have some updates for you - as if you did not already.

(1) Andy and I are having a baby boy. As soon as we saw the "goods" on the ultrasound Andy put is hand on my arm and said "awe little ocean." I was soo irritated but there was not much I could say about it at the time - I did not want to get snippy in front of the ultrasound tech.

(2) I really look pregnant now. People ask me frequently if I am having twins (btw I find this question highly irritating given that I am not having twins). Yes, I am big - I'm short and the only place to go is out.

(3) I am just over 22 wks. Overall I feel great (minus the heartburn and back pain). I'm currently in PT for the back pain - I'm eating tums like candy for the heartburn. the baby is moving a lot more these days - it is very cool. I feel the baby most as I am waking up in the morning and when working out.

(4) Waddle. Another interesting recent development is that I waddle when trying to walk - not the most graceful looking walk at all.


Okay, since it is late, that is all I have for now...

Later, A

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Nearly 18 weeks

On Tuesday, I will be 18 weeks pregnant. I can't believe that I am nearly halfway through my pregnancy. I have visible baby bump - which is pretty cool. Andy and I will find out the gender of the baby on March 11th - we are both very excited.

That is all for now.

Later, A

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Yes We Can: Super Tuesday and 15 weeks

Yesterday was a big day: Super Tuesday, I turned 15 weeks and had another good doc appointment.

Let's start off with Super Tuesday - If you don't know this already, I love Barack Obama. While I am bummed that he did not win California - he did a remarkable job throughout the rest of the nation. This past weekend a friend of mine showed me the awesome video - yes we can - on Barack Obama on youtube (I must admit that I feel a little behind the times seeing that I just found out about it on Sunday). Just in case you have not seen it here it is ...



Regarding 15 weeks - I am progressively feeling better and better - people keep telling me that I am glowing - I just call it oily secretions (my face is very oily - giving it that glowingness - or greasiness). I have not worked out yet this week - I need to do this soon - the snow will just not let up ... My doctors appointment went well yesterday - could hear the heartbeat again - which is so cool. The latest development in the pregnancy is that I am constantly hungry - I am eating almost all of the time ... it just does not feel healthy. I wake up in the morning starving ...

Anywho, that is all for now ...

Let's go Barack !!!!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

14 weeks: officially in the second trimester

So I am officially in my second trimester. I have much more energy - aka I don't have an overwhelming need to take a 3 hr nap during the middle of the day. Although, by the time I get home each evening I am pretty tired. In my first trimester I worked out only 1-2 times per week - b/c I felt like crap. During this trimester I want to get back to my normal 3-4 times per week.

My skin is changing - I'm getting zits all of the time. One evening last week my very patient husband was trying to wipe off a "crumb" on my face - I had no clue what he was doing - then it dawned on me he was trying to wipe off a "crumb" that was actually a zit. Apparently he is not used to me having zits.

My emotional roller coaster has not changed much. I cry at the strangest things including the following television shows: America's Next Top Model, the Biggest Loser, and American Idol. I don't know which is worse - the fact that I am a 30 year old women watching (and admitting to it) or the fact that I get teary eyed at the shows. The show Scrubs often gets me all weepy as well ...

Since it is Tuesday night American Idol and the Biggest Loser are both on I have to go finish my shows...

Later, A

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

13 weeks today

I am 13 weeks pregnant today and it is the last week in the first trimester. I am slowly beginning to feel better - I'm not constantly nauseous - now just every once in a while. During the first trimester I totally over did it on string cheese - the thought of string cheese makes be feel ill - even though I still have a ton of it in the fridge. I'm also totally over saltine crackers - even though andy, aka the sweetheart and my very patient husband, purchased saltine crackers in bulk the first time I felt nauseous. I did come to love pickles and Popsicles- yeah very stereotypical.

Ok, that is all I have for now. I'm off to watch the nanny diaries with the very patient husband.

Monday, January 21, 2008

12 Weeks: Msg from Andy

Last Thursday we had our 1st trimester screen - ultrasound and blood tests. As a part of this appointment we got to see a 3d version of the kid. Andy was so excited during this appointment - below is a message that he sent out to a bunch of his friends. His note is cute and totally makes me laugh - I thought that I'd share with you ...

____________________________________

Angela and I had an appointment today and got new pictures of Ocean. I have attached one photo. Although I think most of the pictures are completely amazing I won't bore you with all of them.

Today was a big day test day for Ocean. Everything looks
great from what they could see. We will be receiving some other test results in the near future. From the pictures it appears that Ocean has Angelas beautiful lips. Its hard to believe that we can already see that. During the exam today Ocean was very active; moving arms, legs and turning over. At one point Ocean raised his/her hand to what looked like to be a wave. The picture I sent to you doesn't show Ocean's lips but does show that little ocean is getting ready to box.

Andy




Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Big News - I'm Pregnant

So, the last time I posted anything on the blog was the day that I found out that I was pregnant - November 27th. I've been wanting to post the big news for awhile but I wanted to wait until I was officially 3 months. Today, I am officially three months pregnant.

The past three months have been "interesting." I have been literally sick and tired the vast majority of the time. More than being sick and tired is that I have been VERY moody and not wanting to be around anyone - except for Andy of course - who is the frequent recipient of my bad moods. The week after we found that we were pregnant I accused him of being nice to me only because I am incubator - it probably took all of his power not to bust out laughing at me. So now, some of his friends refer to me as the incubator.

My never-been-pregnant-friends (NBPFs) ask what the first three months of being pregnant is like. For me -and probably Andy as well - it as been like a very intense PMS that does not go away. The only thing that is slightly different - besides the obvious of having a little one growing inside of you - is that the urge to constantly eat is replaced by not wanting to eating b/c of the constant nausea. Thankfully, I've seemed to get over that little hump over the past couple of days - right now I'm eating pretty much everything in sight.

Another symptom of pregnancy and right now I am exhausted. So, I will write more later.

Later, A