Keeping Busy

Tomorrow Landon will be 1 month old. Our days are long- starting early and ending late, but go by so quickly! I feel like I'm getting better at time management and therefore accomplishing more these days. Landon isn't supposed to go out in busy public places like stores and restaurants so we've been couped up for a while now. But recently we've gone on little errands- like to the bank, and also over to a friend's house. Landon LOVES car rides. The second he gets strapped into his carrier and taken outside he is a happy camper. In all honesty though he's a content baby most of the time (as long as he's not super hungry).

Recently I've been preparing Landon for his transition to the big boy crib. Currently he is sleeping in this wonderful cradle (which I borrowed from a friend) in our bedroom. It's really great- on wheels and it glides- so during the day I have it out in the family room. In a few weeks though I'd like for him to start sleeping in his crib, so during the day I've been putting him down for naps in the nursery. He really seems to like it! And his naps last longer, probably because it's darker and more quiet in there.

We have an awesome video monitor (thank you Ryan :)) that allows me to check on him. He likes to sleep all swaddled up like this. So cute!

He also likes to hang out and occasionally have a siesta on his boppy pillow. Doesn't he look comfortable?

Most people say that he looks like Paul. I think I'd have to agree. I still say he has my nose and mouth though! Last week when my brother Justin came over for dinner we took an evening walk. It was my first time using the stroller. Here is Kingston checking to make sure Landon is properly fastened in place. :) Justin walked the dog and I pushed the stroller. We just went to the mailbox and around the cul-de-sac, but boy was it fun! I'm looking forward to the cooler weather so that we can do it more often. Next week we have our one month check up. I can't wait to find out how much he weighs. He is a great eater so I'm sure he's packed on a few. Until then, have a great week!

How Time Flies

Landon turned two weeks old yesterday. I cannot believe how quickly time is passing. Things are going really well. I'm getting the hang of things. Of course I've had lots of help these past weeks- my parents, Paul's mom, and then Rudy. I am so incredibly grateful for their help- and to you very special people I again say "Thank you" so very much.

We visited the pediatrician yesterday and Landon is doing great! He is a healthy eater and has almost reached his birth weight (He lost 13oz. in the hospital which is normal). We really like Dr. Hayne. He's super nice and at both of our visits has spent a lot of time with us talking about what behaviors and things we can expect now and in the weeks to come. Here are some of Landon's recent stats:

weight: 8lbs. 5 oz.

length: 21 1/2 in.

can hold his head up for a few seconds

super strong! loves to move around

no sleep schedule yet, but usually sleeps for 2-3 hour stretches at night

very alert these days

eyes-dark blue

hair- light brown/blond

LOVES to be held

starting to enjoy his swing and bouncer

HATES baths and changings

We've had a lot of visitors stop by to meet the little one. Our friends from GA (Mark & Marlo & Martha) even stopped by on their way back from the Keys. Traci and Seth came from Jacksonville, and some local friends have been coming by with delicious dinners. (thank you so much again- you know who you are :)) We've definitely been feeling the love.

That's all for now, but here are some recent pictures of the milk monster.

Oh the Joy!

Paul and I are officially parents. Landon is 6 days old today and things have been going very well. He is such a sweet, beautiful boy and we just love him to death. Each day he becomes a little more alert- showing off his beautiful eyes. And boy is he strong! He kicks and wiggles... not too fond of diaper and clothes changes. Which of course we are having to do VERY frequently. :) I am breastfeeding every 2-3 hours, and although it is quite demanding I am really enjoying bonding with my little boy.

So the pictures below give you an idea of the journey we experienced when our son was brought into the world. He remained in his breech position and I had the cesarean. When he was delivered it was discovered that he had a short umbilical chord. That along with the fact that he was 8lbs. and 9oz. were probably big factors in his position. Either way, he was delivered safely. Unfortunately c-section births tend to be a bit traumatic for newborns and can cause little complications, which was the case with Landon. I was told that he was delivered, and I laid there waiting for the cry, which didn't come. I did hear him sneeze- like 6 times in a row, so that comforted me a little. But it took them several minutes to get him to let out a cry for his mommy. Then finally, after what felt like forever, my little boy was handed to me.

Paul and I got to spend about 10 minutes with him in the OR while the doctor was finishing the operation. I just stared and stared- I couldn't take my eyes off of him! He was very pale and he was flaring, which means he was having to work really hard to breath making his nostrils flare. He was also making this grunting sound with each breath. So after my short time with him the nurses had to take him to transition- a nursery where they helped him to breath normally. Once his breathing was under control, he had to be observed for 2 hours.

He was born at 9:27 AM and he was finally brought to our room (where we spent the next three nights) around 2:30 PM. I've been enjoying every second with my little boy since.

The morning of Landon's birthday- ready to go to the hospital at 6:30AM. One last belly picture at 39 weeks. So excited to meet our son!

Surgery has begun. I had a rough start... my BP dropped when I was wheeled in (due to the epidural) and I experienced severe nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. But it was all quickly under control- so the procedure begun with PJ by my side. Don't I look cute? NOT! They put Landon's footprints on Paul's scrubs. It was really cute! We of course saved it. Meeting Landon for the first time. Indescribable feeling. Overwhelmed with emotions. Leaving the hospital after 3 days/nights. It was an amazing hospital and the stay was really quite pleasant- but we were super excited to bring our baby home.

We've had lots of visitors since Landon's arrival. My parents stayed a few days to help me around the house since I'm not supposed to do anything while I recover. Now Paul's mom is with us doing the same. We are all doing well and loving every second spent with our son.