October 2011

Alright, stop - baby time!  FINALLY!!!  Highlights:

1. Our carpenter was working (at what I was wishing to be a feverish pace but what was more of a happy-go-lucky/steady-as-he-goes sort of pace) trying to finish our woodwork (even as I was in the hospital delivering Matthew).  In case you were wondering he's still not done.

2.  My wonderful mother (AKA Grammie) came into town and babysat our house, the carpenter, and Smokey so that Ryan and I could spend the ENTIRE work week in the hospital.  Yes, my darling little baby did not want to comply with his eviction notice.  PLUS, Grammie stuck around after we got home and cooked dinners and did endless loads of laundry and other errands and chores.  I'm not quite sure what we would have done without her!

3. Upon returning home we had bazillions of visitors which was very touching, but I was a hormonal new mommy I'm still amazed that I kept a happy smile plastered on my face.  I'm sure I didn't do as well as I'm giving myself credit for, but geez, have people never heard of GERMS and SLEEP DEPRIVATION.  That is a cocktail for disaster to any new mom if you ask me.  I'm only mentioning this because I'm surprised at how annoyed I was.  Crazy times, but happy times.  I will add that to those of you who refrained from bouncing, kissing, licking, and/or breathing on my days old child, and who voluntarily washed your hands/ used hand sanitizer and kept your sharp clothing, jewelry, and uber bright camera flashes away from my baby's face and eyes, well, your visits were appreciated!  Heh, heh, heh, do I have y'all guessing now???  I'm only including this because it was the first time I truly understood what the "momma bear" feeling is like.  Down the road I want to look back and remember the moment when it finally kicked in that I'm the one who is completely responsible for this precious little life.


Here are some photos of his first few days at home with loved ones.  He's one lucky little dude to be so very loved!

 Taney & Banana 1

 Great Aunt Phyllis & Nana

 Uncle Steve

Grandpa & Grammie

September 2011

September was super busy with the last minute baby preparations, but those would continue well into October so more on that later.  Because of my blood pressure issues September also consisted of weekly Monday trips to the hospital for both ultrasounds and non-stress tests.  In a way it was nice to get to check on this little guy every week, however, its never easy to relax when potential problems hang over your head.  This little guy kept us on our toes during our 3rd trimester.  Dr. Barr made the call to induce a week early (but that was in October so, again, more on that later).  This is also when we discovered ahead of time that we were dealing with a thumb sucker.  Silly boy!


Anyway, since the NSTs were done in the labor and delivery "Birth Place" at the hospital we were able to meet most of the nursing staff and check out the rooms well ahead of Matthew's birthdate.  It worked out well since we ended up skipping out on the last few of our birth preparation classes.  Shame on us, I know, but I just couldn't keep a straight face during those breathing techniques and I was NOT going to waste precious hours in a pot luck dinner tour consisting of an overzealous lamaze instructor and a bunch of wacky couples that we'd never meet again (which was the only way to get behind the scenes to see the Birth Place).


Here is photo evidence that we did actually have the nursery ready before the baby arrived.  I'm not sure if I'm the only new mom to feel this way, but I had the hardest time EVER trying to decide how to decorate and set up this nursery.  How do you pick out decor for someone you've never met?  I had no idea what type of personality this little guy was going to have.  We ended up going with a forest theme since Ryan loves camping and outdoorsy stuff.  Also, how the heck do you set up a functional nursery when you have absolutely NO experience with babies???  AHHHHHH.  It was torture.  In my opinion the final result leaves much to be desired but you can guarantee that his big boy room will kick arse.

Before

After

Also in September Aunt Keely threw us an amazing baby shower which resulted in the discovery of some of the yummiest and cheapest and unhealthiest cookies imaginable.  If you've never tried the Betty Crocker cookie mix that comes in a pouch for $.99 then you are sadly missing out on one of life's joys.  Hint - you can even pass these off as homemade if necessary! 

Aunt Keely and Mommy-To-Be

The shower itself was also amazing and we were so blessed to have so many family and friends join us in celebrating the impending arrival of our bundle of joy!

September 2011 - February 14, 2012?!?

Sigh.  I will never ever complain about moms who can't complete a simple phone conversation, make it to an appointment on time, or keep their blog updated!  The last few months have been a complete blur, but I promised myself that I will do my absolute best to briefly document the high points in order to catch up to present time... especially since these last few months have been some of the most important ones in the history of Planet W!


All of the cuteness that is baby Matthew to follow soon!