Trial and Error

Newborns are tough to figure out...

Passed Out! Haha!

I have the sweetest baby boy in the whole wide world (I know, every mom says that), which is why it bothers me so bad when I can't figure out why he's upset. I'm blessed because Jack is not fussy, but when he is, then I feel like something is definitely wrong.

Recently my little man has been battling a gassy tummy. It was bad enough last Friday that I don't think I slept a wink, and immediately brought him to the pediatrician the next day. I know, I know, first time mommy worries. Thank goodness they are open on Saturdays! I know lots of babies battle gas, but it's painful for me to watch Jack squirm and hear his stomach roll. The doctor recommended I try using the gas relief drops for infants, and pace him while he eats. I asked whether I should try a new formula (currently I'm using Enfamil Newborn), and she said that wasn't necessary, although she pointed out that Enfamil makes a gentle formula. Unfortunately, Jack HATES the Gentlease formula. I bought the drops and tried to pace him (because he inhales the stuff) but it still wasn't all that much better. Then my mother-in-law noticed the bottles and nipples I was using were actually for babies 3 months on up. I know, rookie mistake. Now we're using the Playtex Nurser "Naturalatch" bottles and nipples, along with purified water. I don't want to jinx anything, but those changes seemed to have helped. I've even backed off using the gas relief drops as much as possible. He still gets squirmy so it's not a perfect solution, but it's a start. Has anyone else battled the gassy stomach? How long did the phase last, and what did you do to cut down on your newborn's misery? 

On a brighter note, Jack, my mother-in-law and I all went to the park Tuesday afternoon. When it's this gorgeous outside, how can you not enjoy it? It was Jack's first time out in the elements (other than running into a store) and he handled it pretty well! He only had a couple small fits and they were quickly squelched! It felt so good to get out of the house and even better to get a little exercise. 

First Trip to the Belvidere Park!

I've been feeling better and better which is definitely helping my mood. I wouldn't say I've had the baby blues or post postpartum depression, but the crazy hormones have definitely caught me off guard a couple times. My poor husband and mother-in-law have witnessed me cry my eyes out while laughing simultaneously because even I can't figure out what's wrong, haha! Who knew the aftershock of having a kid could mess with your body so much?! 

I'm also starting to get the hang of taking Jack out with me, but it's definitely stressful. I can't wait for him to be able to hold his head up because I feel like his head just hangs so awkwardly in his car seat. The hospital made sure to show me how to put Jack in it right, but it just looks so uncomfortable! I also hate that he has to face the back. I understand why, but let's be real, it stinks to not be able to reach back and give him his pacifier without have to pull over and get out to do so. What have you guys found works to pacify your upset newborn in the car? Jack does well for the most part, but he's had a couple outbursts while I've been driving and I feel so helpless! At least he does well in the stroller (even though it's heavy)! 

And on that note, I'm taking the little guy upstairs for bed! Here's to broken up sleep, haha! 

Welcome to Motherhood!

I can't believe it's been two weeks since baby Jack made his great escape!

Every time I look into his little face, my heart melts. I also can't help but worry a little bit. I want to keep him this age forever so that no kids can ever pick on him, no one can ever hurt him, and he doesn't have to deal with our messed up and confusing world. Is that borrowing trouble? Most definitely. I just love him so much.

Jack is such a good baby. The child fusses very little, but my goodness can he generate some laundry! I'm so thankful my mom was here for the past couple weeks to help out. She did ENDLESS loads of laundry and cooked for us too. Jack tends to wet himself frequently because preemie diapers are too small and newborn diapers are a bit too large for his skinny butt! Anyone else have this problem? Aaron and I have found that Luvs work the best for him, but we still end up changing Jack's clothes and sheets about 3-5 times a day because he leaks! And trust me, we check his diaper frequently, so it's not like we're letting him fill it before it gets changed.

 My mom and I took Jack on a little outing the other day just to get out.

First trip out!

I was definitely getting cabin fever but I knew I wouldn't last long. In fact, Jack outlasted mommy! We went to the mall briefly, then to Olive Garden for lunch. It felt SO GOOD to get out however brief our adventure was. I never thought it would take my body so long to recover from labor and delivery. I'm sure that sounds silly because it's not everyday one pushes out a child, but I thought I'd be back in action within a week! No lies, probably the most difficult part of these past couple weeks is coming to the realization that I'm still healing and I just can't be as productive as I want to be yet. I'm used to a job where I go, go, go all the time, so staying at home and laying on the couch makes me feel like a bum even though I know it's what I need to do to heal. At least my little guy is here and I can snuggle with him whenever I want (and let's be real, this child relaxes is mommy's arms WAY MORE than he's in his crib or pack n' play, haha)!

The love and support for Jack has been unending. As I said, my mom stayed with us since the day after he was born through yesterday. My sister is coming to stay with me this weekend since Aaron is in a wedding in Missouri. My mother-in-law is then coming up Sunday to stay with us a week. Not to mention the fact that we've had plenty of visits from friends (shout out to Nick Toma and Mimi Murphy for popping in to meet Jack), and members of our church took time out of their day to cook us dinner and stop by for a visit. Aaron and I also received gorgeous flowers from both his job and of course from my WTVO/WQRF family. Thanks everyone for the love!

Flowers from WTVO!

Jack is healthy. Mom is recovering. Dad is kicking butt both at work and at home. What more can I ask for? God is good.

Baby Jack Has Arrived!

Wow, it's been a while since my last post, but that's because A LOT has happened! I'm proud to announce that baby Jack Anthony is here!

On Thursday, Sept. 4, I went to the doctor's for an ultra sound, non-stress test, and exam. When I left, I had an induction scheduled for 8 pm that very night! Sadly, little Jack had gained less than a pound since my 36 week ultra sound, and he also had his cord around his neck. Both of those facts sent me into panic mode, but my doctor reassured me that both issues are very common, he just thought it would be best to go ahead and get him out. And so the start of a very long night began!

Aaron and I got to SwedishAmerican at 7:45, but they were so busy that the actual induction didn't start until a little before midnight! We both got very little sleep between the start of contractions, frequent nurse check-ups, and getting my epidural (which was surprisingly not nearly as painful as I thought it would be!). Once the drugs kicked in, I was able to nap and I'm glad I did while I could. As the day went on, Friday, things certainly didn't get easier. I was really excited at one point because I dilated from a 2 to an 8 in about an hour and a half, but because it happened so quick, the epidural wasn't adequately keeping up. I ended up with one completely dead, numb leg, and the other was pretty mobile. That means I started feeling the contractions, and I was feeling them when they were at their strongest... ouch! I don't know how women do it completely epidural free because what I felt, sucked! Baby wasn't doing so well with my contractions either. His heart rate plummeted pretty far at times, and so they had to hook up what the nurse described as a "whirlpool" for the baby and they gave me an oxygen mask. By about 4:00 pm, I was completely dilated and ready to go. The doctor let me "labor down" for a bit and by 5:55, I pushed out my handsome man. What a feeling. I've never felt my heart soar as much as it did when they laid his little 6lb, 6oz body on mine. Jack Anthony arrived and was healthy as can be!

Family of 3!

No happier feeling in the world.

My husband's parents, my parents and my sister and her husband all came to the hospital to see our little man and we definitely appreciated the love and support. The hospital stay wasn't the most pleasant for me (VERY SORE!), but seeing Jack's face made it all worth while. We finally got to leave Sunday night and let me just say, it felt AMAZING to be home.

Homeward bound!

My mom and dad greeted us and have been a big help these past few days. Jack is a VERY GOOD BABY! He rarely fusses, only when he's being changed or needs a bottle. Yeah, our sleep pattern is interrupted, but again, when we see his little face, a full night's sleep just doesn't even matter. He's already trying to hold his head up (which he does successfully for a few seconds! Not bad for being a few days old!), and he makes the funniest faces! They say your newborn smiles without knowing it, but Aaron and I think otherwise. Jack smiles A LOT, and we like to think it's because he's such a happy baby. If' I'm wrong, I just assume not be corrected, haha!

As for mom and dad, we're getting the hang of this whole parenting thing. I'm still moving pretty slow, so Aaron has really stepped up his game. Nothing makes me more proud than seeing my husband be a great dad.

Did I mention that Jack has already made his TV debut? Check out the link here. Shout out to my Eyewitness News family for all their love and support. I'm going to miss them for the next several weeks.

We appreciate all the positive thoughts and prayers being sent our way. Labor was a little sketchy, but everything ended up being just fine. God is good.

Sleeping beauty.

And The Real Countdown Begins...

T-minus just a few days until my little one's due date!

39 Weeks Pregnant!

I can't believe my due date is THIS FRIDAY!!!!! The bean is almost here! I have to say though, he can come annnnnny time he wants now. Clearly, I'm not a patient person, haha! This weekend, I think the husband and I tried every trick in the book to induce labor, from walking, to swinging, to eating spicy food, but to no avail. I'm open to suggestions of other things to try too by the way. My grandma reminded me this weekend that "when the apple is ripe, it will fall from the tree," and I'm trying to keep that in mind, but it's so tough when you're at this point! Not only do I want to meet my little man, but I'm also uncomfortable, especially at night when I'm trying to sleep.

Nonetheless, Aaron and I have made the most of our time together. I did a little shopping at my favorite antique shops (I'm a HUGE antique nerd), we went out to eat and then hit up the Belvidere vs. Belvidere North game on Saturday with Mimi and her hubby. Sunday, we went to church and then had lunch with our two friends and their adorable 3 kiddos. It was time well spent as a family of two.


Baby Jack's nursery is pretty much ready for him now (minus a little housekeeping)! The pictures are hung, and tonight Aaron set up his little swing. Can I just say that I wish there was a swing for adults like this one? Why do kids get all the fun stuff?!?! 

Epic swing is now set up!

My gut is telling me that this child is going to make me go past my due date and I don't think I'll handle it gracefully if I do, sadly. I've seriously been praying for patience each night before I go to bed. I know I should trust God's plan and that obviously the kid will come out eventually, but it's just so hard sometimes! What's more frustrating is that I don't feel like I've really experienced any of the common signs of labor. Did anyone else feel like this? Did everything eventually just hit at once? Perhaps my frustration is compounded by the fact that  all my friends keep posting about their pre-labor pains and they aren't even as far along as me... Everyone is seriously popping out babies right now! I think I need to stay off Facebook because it's only enhancing my frustrations, haha!

Alright everyone, hopefully my next post will be about my brand new baby boy and his arrival. Any final words of advice for this first-time mom-to-be?