Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Three Weeks!
Karson was three weeks old as of yesterday!
He's had a big few days. He met his Kentucky cousins over the weekend, and got lots of new hugs and kisses. It was great to introduce him to more family!
On Friday, he had a newborn checkup. His circumcision and chord have been healing well, so he got the go ahead for a real bath. All signs of jaundice are gone. And he's a healthy GROWING boy as he weighed in at 9 pounds and measured 22.5 inches long. That's right, I said 9 pounds! One and a half pounds is a good chunk of weight to gain in two weeks...but as Papaw Cook pointed out...he could afford to gain a little weight to catch up with that long body! He's filled out nicely and is pretty perfect if I do say so myself. (And I do...often.)
Karson also went to church for the first time yesterday. He did great! And he took his first bottle feeding while we were there! Here he is waking up from a nap in his Sunday best.
And to top off the weekend, he got his first real bath! He loved it! It went much better than his screaming sponge baths. :-) Although, as it turns out, he hates getting OUT of the bath, and getting dried off. But it was progress nonetheless!
Other TIDWTF:
Karson has rolled on to his side on his own. Already? Yikes!
He sleeps in his bed, but we are still using the travel bed to help put him at an angle, and we're still swaddling him.
He is eating more often now, eating every 2.5 to 3 hours during the day, and 3 to 3.5 hours at night.
He is wearing newborn clothes, but they are starting to get a little snug on his belly and there's no room left for growth lengthwise either. One piece footed PJ's are too short for his long legs.
He sleeps in sleep sacks, and while they are some work to get on and they swallow his arms...they certainly make 2 am diaper changes easier!
He's wearing newborn diapers. While his belly has grown, he still has a tiny rear end and skinny thighs.
He now makes and maintains eye contact on a regular basis. Such special moments!
Speaking of those eyes, they are taking on a blue tint. They seem bluer every day!
Here's his three week pic. Next time I do one of these updates...he'll be ONE MONTH OLD!
He's had a big few days. He met his Kentucky cousins over the weekend, and got lots of new hugs and kisses. It was great to introduce him to more family!
On Friday, he had a newborn checkup. His circumcision and chord have been healing well, so he got the go ahead for a real bath. All signs of jaundice are gone. And he's a healthy GROWING boy as he weighed in at 9 pounds and measured 22.5 inches long. That's right, I said 9 pounds! One and a half pounds is a good chunk of weight to gain in two weeks...but as Papaw Cook pointed out...he could afford to gain a little weight to catch up with that long body! He's filled out nicely and is pretty perfect if I do say so myself. (And I do...often.)
Karson also went to church for the first time yesterday. He did great! And he took his first bottle feeding while we were there! Here he is waking up from a nap in his Sunday best.
And to top off the weekend, he got his first real bath! He loved it! It went much better than his screaming sponge baths. :-) Although, as it turns out, he hates getting OUT of the bath, and getting dried off. But it was progress nonetheless!
Other TIDWTF:
Karson has rolled on to his side on his own. Already? Yikes!
He sleeps in his bed, but we are still using the travel bed to help put him at an angle, and we're still swaddling him.
He is eating more often now, eating every 2.5 to 3 hours during the day, and 3 to 3.5 hours at night.
He is wearing newborn clothes, but they are starting to get a little snug on his belly and there's no room left for growth lengthwise either. One piece footed PJ's are too short for his long legs.
He sleeps in sleep sacks, and while they are some work to get on and they swallow his arms...they certainly make 2 am diaper changes easier!
He's wearing newborn diapers. While his belly has grown, he still has a tiny rear end and skinny thighs.
He now makes and maintains eye contact on a regular basis. Such special moments!
Speaking of those eyes, they are taking on a blue tint. They seem bluer every day!
Here's his three week pic. Next time I do one of these updates...he'll be ONE MONTH OLD!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Two weeks!
Ok, ok. Two weeks...and two days. Mama is still getting the hang of time management with a newborn.
Karson is doing great! He's filling out and has the cutest belly ever. We had a fussy Saturday night, followed by a very hungry Sunday, and an even hungrier Monday. Many websites claim babies have a growth spurt at two weeks...and we are believers! He has certainly gained weight, and Justin even swears he seems longer! Maybe it's just that he's finally stretching those long legs out more.
Karson hates being changed, getting dressed, being bathed, or anything other than being warm and snuggled. He loves eating, napping in his swing and bouncy seat, and of course...being snuggled (which his mama also enjoys.)
He now focuses in on our faces, will look toward overhead lights and ceiling fans, and has taken an interest in his hands. He eats them more than he looks at them, but it's fun to watch him discover them.
His eyes have lightened, but I still consider them gray. It does look like they'll turn blue or hazel eventually.
He eats every 2 to 3.5 hours during the day, and is starting to be awake more during the day. At night he eats every 3 to 4 hours, sleeps well in between, and still lets us put him back in his bed even if he isn't asleep yet.
He goes back to the pediatrician on Friday for his checkup. He'll also get to meet his remaining cousins this coming weekend. So he has a big few days ahead of him.
Speaking of "big day". I was officially allowed to drive, and lift more than the weight of just Karson as of yesterday. So he and I celebrated by getting out of the house today. We went to the bank, and of course...Walmart. He did well!
He's a good baby, and brings joy in to our lives each and every day!
Here's his two week pic!
And here are a few other pics:
Karson is doing great! He's filling out and has the cutest belly ever. We had a fussy Saturday night, followed by a very hungry Sunday, and an even hungrier Monday. Many websites claim babies have a growth spurt at two weeks...and we are believers! He has certainly gained weight, and Justin even swears he seems longer! Maybe it's just that he's finally stretching those long legs out more.
Karson hates being changed, getting dressed, being bathed, or anything other than being warm and snuggled. He loves eating, napping in his swing and bouncy seat, and of course...being snuggled (which his mama also enjoys.)
He now focuses in on our faces, will look toward overhead lights and ceiling fans, and has taken an interest in his hands. He eats them more than he looks at them, but it's fun to watch him discover them.
His eyes have lightened, but I still consider them gray. It does look like they'll turn blue or hazel eventually.
He eats every 2 to 3.5 hours during the day, and is starting to be awake more during the day. At night he eats every 3 to 4 hours, sleeps well in between, and still lets us put him back in his bed even if he isn't asleep yet.
He goes back to the pediatrician on Friday for his checkup. He'll also get to meet his remaining cousins this coming weekend. So he has a big few days ahead of him.
Speaking of "big day". I was officially allowed to drive, and lift more than the weight of just Karson as of yesterday. So he and I celebrated by getting out of the house today. We went to the bank, and of course...Walmart. He did well!
He's a good baby, and brings joy in to our lives each and every day!
Here's his two week pic!
And here are a few other pics:
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| Doesn't know what's coming... |
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| Bath time is torture! |
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| Seriously mama...enough with the photos... |
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Progress!
I'm slowly but surely getting a handle on how to do something other than feed, change, and cuddle with Karson. Today I have already showered AND had lunch, and it's not even 12:30! :-)
Big victory for me!
AND there's a load of clothes in the wash.
AND I've picked up around the house.
AND I've ran the dishwasher.
AND...he's been a bit needier this morning. We had a bit of a cluster feed between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, but he's resting peacefully now.
And Mama has managed to put on real clothes, remembered to wear deodorant, and has a full belly of her own.
Nice
Big victory for me!
AND there's a load of clothes in the wash.
AND I've picked up around the house.
AND I've ran the dishwasher.
AND...he's been a bit needier this morning. We had a bit of a cluster feed between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, but he's resting peacefully now.
And Mama has managed to put on real clothes, remembered to wear deodorant, and has a full belly of her own.
Nice
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Checking in on Mama - 10 days past birth
Ten days have passed since Karson's birth. Ten days since my body went through the most traumatizing thing it's been through ever! (Or at least since I was the baby in that same scenario...)
Here's an update...
Recovery:
I'm feeling surprisingly well. I've had only two naps in the last ten days, but am pulling some sort of strange energy from somewhere. I say strange because I'm normally the type who struggles if I don't get 8 hours of sleep. The pain has not been super bad. More sore and uncomfortable than anything. Although I occasionally realize I've over done it.
My bigger discomfort has been my belly. At first it was so saggy and floppy (how's that for a visual) that it hurt when I walked. I ended up wearing jeans because they had the firmest belly panel. When I shrank down enough to wear my bella band I used that for a couple of days. But it's gone down a LOT in the last few days. I still have a bit of a belly, but it's not bad at all. And no soreness there remains.
The other belly pain has been the cramps and contractions I had during the early breastfeeding days. Literally as bad as some of my early labor contractions. Thankfully that seems to be subsiding.
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding has gone pretty well. Karson has always latched well. It was a trying time to go through the colostrum days waiting on milk to come in. We ended up supplementing with formula a bit during days 2 and 3 because he just seemed so hungry. Even with that, he dropped from 7 lb 7 oz to 6 lb 12 oz. (Still within the acceptable range and he has since rebounded and gained even beyond his birth weight.)
On day 3, we were "cleared" to go home...as soon as he had a wet diaper (after the circumcision it was a requirement before he could go home.) We waited 14 hours for that pee. And as if I wasn't physically and emotionally stressed enough, one dear soul chimed in with "just think, if you weren't breastfeeding you could have him at home right now." Luckily my mom is a huge supporter of breastfeeding and was a great cheerleader. Justin has also been very supportive, and for that I am grateful.
I've weighed him before and after feedings a few times the last couple of days and he's getting between 2 and 3 ounces per feeding. On track for this stage! More importantly, I can gain comfort that he is eating enough by paying attention to him. He has enough wet and dirty diapers, and is content for 2.5 or more hours after a feeding. In fact it's rare for him to go less than 3 in between, and at night we've had stretches as long as 4.5 hours.
Weight loss:
I have lost 17 of the 33 pounds so far. And with minimal effort. I'm drinking water like a champ, and breastfeeding is obviously helping. I look forward to being able to be a bit more active in the near future to get rid of the remaining pounds and tone up a LOT.
So that's how I'M doing! And since you probably stopped by to hear about Karson instead...I'll attach a pic of our beautiful baby boy. I know I'm biased...but is he perfect or what?
Here's an update...
Recovery:
I'm feeling surprisingly well. I've had only two naps in the last ten days, but am pulling some sort of strange energy from somewhere. I say strange because I'm normally the type who struggles if I don't get 8 hours of sleep. The pain has not been super bad. More sore and uncomfortable than anything. Although I occasionally realize I've over done it.
My bigger discomfort has been my belly. At first it was so saggy and floppy (how's that for a visual) that it hurt when I walked. I ended up wearing jeans because they had the firmest belly panel. When I shrank down enough to wear my bella band I used that for a couple of days. But it's gone down a LOT in the last few days. I still have a bit of a belly, but it's not bad at all. And no soreness there remains.
The other belly pain has been the cramps and contractions I had during the early breastfeeding days. Literally as bad as some of my early labor contractions. Thankfully that seems to be subsiding.
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding has gone pretty well. Karson has always latched well. It was a trying time to go through the colostrum days waiting on milk to come in. We ended up supplementing with formula a bit during days 2 and 3 because he just seemed so hungry. Even with that, he dropped from 7 lb 7 oz to 6 lb 12 oz. (Still within the acceptable range and he has since rebounded and gained even beyond his birth weight.)
On day 3, we were "cleared" to go home...as soon as he had a wet diaper (after the circumcision it was a requirement before he could go home.) We waited 14 hours for that pee. And as if I wasn't physically and emotionally stressed enough, one dear soul chimed in with "just think, if you weren't breastfeeding you could have him at home right now." Luckily my mom is a huge supporter of breastfeeding and was a great cheerleader. Justin has also been very supportive, and for that I am grateful.
I've weighed him before and after feedings a few times the last couple of days and he's getting between 2 and 3 ounces per feeding. On track for this stage! More importantly, I can gain comfort that he is eating enough by paying attention to him. He has enough wet and dirty diapers, and is content for 2.5 or more hours after a feeding. In fact it's rare for him to go less than 3 in between, and at night we've had stretches as long as 4.5 hours.
Weight loss:
I have lost 17 of the 33 pounds so far. And with minimal effort. I'm drinking water like a champ, and breastfeeding is obviously helping. I look forward to being able to be a bit more active in the near future to get rid of the remaining pounds and tone up a LOT.
So that's how I'M doing! And since you probably stopped by to hear about Karson instead...I'll attach a pic of our beautiful baby boy. I know I'm biased...but is he perfect or what?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Karson is one week old!
Karson is one week old today! While it seems like he was just born...it has also been a long week. I'm a light sleeper, so being in a hospital meant no rest for me. Since being home we've entertained family for a few days while everyone enjoys meeting the new addition. But now, our family of three is enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon. I've yet to take a nap since he was born, but I have high hopes for this week!
Some Things I Don't Want To Forget (TIDWTF) about Karson's first week:
Some Things I Don't Want To Forget (TIDWTF) about Karson's first week:
- Looking in to his eyes when he was first born. He was so alert, so adorable, and I ended up crying more than he did!
- Waiting 14 hours for him to pee after the circumcision so we could be dismissed from the hospital.
- Despite a frustrating first couple of days (I'm not a patient person) BFing is going well. Karson has made it easy, and I treasure those moments together.
- His squeaks and squeals. His sounds are hilarious!
- He has intervals of sleep as long as 4-5 hours in the night. His best night was last night, when he got up twice, and needed no checking in on between the two feedings. He even let his daddy and mama sleep past 10:00 am!
- The unbelievable emotions I feel for him. Like the pride of seeing him be so brave at the doctor's office, and the fear and pain of even thinking about him hurting. This little fella absolutely has my heart.
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| One week old |
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| Family photo |
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