My friend Claire pointed out the coolest thing (ha ha ha)...
July 20, 2008 was National Ice Cream Day! How very fitting since I ate buckets of gelato while pregnant with Atticus! Way to go Ronald Reagan - what a great idea, a whole day dedicated to ice cream!! Yum.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Week One Re-Cap
Well... we survived. There have been tears, diapers and a few sleepless nights - but we've made it through the first week.
Greg, Atti and I came home from the hospital on Tuesday, July 22. Atti weighed in at 7 lbs and 4 oz when we left the hospital. The first night was definitely a learning curve. I'm trying to figure out which cry means hungry, which one is just some bad gas, and which one means get me out of this icky mess of a diaper. (The last one seems to be the most obvious...) Peanut was a bit puzzled over the new addition to the house hold, but she seemed rather uninterested at first. Then Atti decided to cry and momma kitty instinct kicked and Peanut started meowing like crazy too - rubbing on Greg's leg as if to tell us that the baby obviously needed something and couldn't we figure it out and stop the crying?? The trend continues. Peanut will sit at the edge of the bed and watch Atti sleep in the bassinet and if he stirs or begins to fuss, she'll come over and meow at Greg or I. Animal instincts are pretty cool....
We had our first doctor appointment on Wednesday - which went rather well. Dr. Owens said Atti was doing great. There was another slight weight loss by Wednesday -- but at our recheck on Friday he was already back at 7 lbs and 6 oz.
Our big excitement for the week (and the source of much stress and anxiety for me) was giving Atticus his first bath. I was dreading the experience more so than the labor -- and I'm soooo not kidding. And, while we all survived, and I'm now the proud Mom to a clean baby, I think I visibly aged and had heart palpitations the entire time. And then... there was the cleaning up of the bathroom since we had water everywhere, there was tinkle on the counter and mirror, there was poo all over our white towel, Atti's towel was sopping wet, etc. It wasn't our smoothest baby experience... hopefully it gets easier with the next attempt.
I must give Greg a ton of kudos. He's been great. He's had to handle the rest of the move from the apartment, unpacking of boxes here at the house, a crying wife and trying to prepare for 32+ interviews at the end of this week. Oh, and throw in a few sporadic hours of sleep and who knows how many diaper changes! It's been a week for the books, that's for sure.
I'm off to finish taking advantage of Atti's nap time... my to-do list for the day is filled with phone calls and emails.
Pictures soon - I still haven't found the stinking cable for the camera (and well, I haven't even turned on my home desktop computer yet). But, I promise we're still snapping photos.
xoxo-
Jen
Greg, Atti and I came home from the hospital on Tuesday, July 22. Atti weighed in at 7 lbs and 4 oz when we left the hospital. The first night was definitely a learning curve. I'm trying to figure out which cry means hungry, which one is just some bad gas, and which one means get me out of this icky mess of a diaper. (The last one seems to be the most obvious...) Peanut was a bit puzzled over the new addition to the house hold, but she seemed rather uninterested at first. Then Atti decided to cry and momma kitty instinct kicked and Peanut started meowing like crazy too - rubbing on Greg's leg as if to tell us that the baby obviously needed something and couldn't we figure it out and stop the crying?? The trend continues. Peanut will sit at the edge of the bed and watch Atti sleep in the bassinet and if he stirs or begins to fuss, she'll come over and meow at Greg or I. Animal instincts are pretty cool....
We had our first doctor appointment on Wednesday - which went rather well. Dr. Owens said Atti was doing great. There was another slight weight loss by Wednesday -- but at our recheck on Friday he was already back at 7 lbs and 6 oz.
Our big excitement for the week (and the source of much stress and anxiety for me) was giving Atticus his first bath. I was dreading the experience more so than the labor -- and I'm soooo not kidding. And, while we all survived, and I'm now the proud Mom to a clean baby, I think I visibly aged and had heart palpitations the entire time. And then... there was the cleaning up of the bathroom since we had water everywhere, there was tinkle on the counter and mirror, there was poo all over our white towel, Atti's towel was sopping wet, etc. It wasn't our smoothest baby experience... hopefully it gets easier with the next attempt.
I must give Greg a ton of kudos. He's been great. He's had to handle the rest of the move from the apartment, unpacking of boxes here at the house, a crying wife and trying to prepare for 32+ interviews at the end of this week. Oh, and throw in a few sporadic hours of sleep and who knows how many diaper changes! It's been a week for the books, that's for sure.
I'm off to finish taking advantage of Atti's nap time... my to-do list for the day is filled with phone calls and emails.
Pictures soon - I still haven't found the stinking cable for the camera (and well, I haven't even turned on my home desktop computer yet). But, I promise we're still snapping photos.
xoxo-
Jen
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Uncle Skip Guessed My Birthday
Skip, Nikki and Zoe came for a visit over the July 4th weekend. The five of us met for dinner and to catch up a bit...
Skip took a great belly shot of me and said.... I give you two weeks.
Well, wouldn't you know it.... two weeks to the day, and Atticus Henry makes an entrance.
Nice work.
Skip took a great belly shot of me and said.... I give you two weeks.
Well, wouldn't you know it.... two weeks to the day, and Atticus Henry makes an entrance.
Nice work.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A few more pictures
Ok, so we are a bit slow with the picture posting...its been a busy week. Atticus, Jen, and I made it home late Tuesday afternoon. While sleep is still at a premium, the little man has stepped up both his eating and his sleeping times, thus giving us slightly bigger breaks in which Jen and I can both nap. Now if Jen and I can also finish all the unpacking from the move into the house a week and a half ago, we'll be all set.
In any case, here are a few more, including a first family portrait, and some photos of grandma ("bubbe"), grandpa ("Pops") and great-grandma with Atticus.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Baby Baden - Day Two: And The Name Is...
An eventful, busy day at the hospital - who knew so many people needed to come in and out of the room to check on the little guy?
Jen and I did finally settle on a name today...and the winner is...
Atticus Henry Baden
You can call him Atti for short.
If you bet those three names, straight or boxed, you're a winner!
(Not likely, as the odds on Atticus were probably pretty long for all of you.)
Yes, we know there will likely be questions about where the name came from - we'll have that conversation in due time as we get a chance to speak with each of you (or Jen decides to write a little post about it, whichever comes first).
More pictures to come, probably after we head home tomorrow and I can get them off the digital camera.
Till then, we need a nap.
Jen and I did finally settle on a name today...and the winner is...
Atticus Henry Baden
You can call him Atti for short.
If you bet those three names, straight or boxed, you're a winner!
(Not likely, as the odds on Atticus were probably pretty long for all of you.)
Yes, we know there will likely be questions about where the name came from - we'll have that conversation in due time as we get a chance to speak with each of you (or Jen decides to write a little post about it, whichever comes first).
More pictures to come, probably after we head home tomorrow and I can get them off the digital camera.
Till then, we need a nap.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Baby Baden Arrives A Little Early!
While Jen is usually the one to post on the blog, I'm stepping in temporarily while she is resting.
The title says it all - Baby Baden chose to join us today, July 20, 2008, instead of waiting for the August 7, 2008 due date.
All of those that had their money on "boy," please see the cashier at the window for your winnings.
Basic info - born at 1:01 PM CDT, 21 inches, 7 lbs 11 oz. We are still deciding on a name.
These are a few pictures - more details and pictures to follow. Jen did fantastic throughout the process and both are resting comfortably.
-Greg
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
4112
We survived the majority of the move. :) Actually, the movers we hired did a fantastic job. They loaded the apartment, drove the mile to the house, and unloaded everything in about 4 hours. I was pretty impressed. There were 3 guys - and they were haulin! Only one small boo-boo if you will -- the back of one of our file cabinets got a small hole/dent in it....We're about 95% moved -- still have to get the pots, pans, wine glasses, and some other random odds & ends.
The house is great. Right now it's piled high with boxes all over the place - but we're glad to be here. The only bummer that we've recently discovered is that the kitchen sink doesn't have a disposal. I know! It's not a huge deal, but once you get used to the convenience, not having one just seems so odd!! I was planning on taking some pictures to show you the piles of boxes, but I have NO CLUE where the camera is located. Oops...
I'm really anxious to get started on the nursery. I'm ready to get organized, pack the bags, and just unpack all the fun new toys! That's the plan for this coming weekend. We'll go pick up the crib and dresser (hallelujah they arrived at the warehouse yesterday) and rearrange the nursery so that I can actually get to the closet where all the baby stuff is currently stored. And, the pack-n-play arrived yesterday too! So, we're now sort of ready for baby to arrive - we have a car seat, a crib and a pack-n-play.
In other baby news - the pediatrician interviews continue. Yesterday we met with Dr. Owens at Pediatric Associates of Austin. Tomorrow, we meet with Dr. Hargrave. Last week we met Dr. Terwelp. I'm not sure yet who we'll end up choosing... There are pros and cons to the big practice and to the one doctor practice too.... Alas, the biggest concern right now is that Baby Baden is not going to have a name! I've become quite concerned about this lately. So... we're taking suggestions. Feel free to post comments with your favorite suggestions. We're looking for something uncommon but not weird. You know, like everyone else out there!
Our Bradley childbirth classes continue. They're going well. We really like our instructor and feel that we've learned way more about the pregnancy and the labor/delivery than we ever could have learned in a 4 hour class at the hospital! We also met and hired a doula last Friday. I think it will be a nice addition to have someone who's not related to any of us there during labor to remind us of all the things were learning in class, to help with relaxation, to help keep Greg calm, and generally help us stick to the original birth plan. The woman we met is actually at a conference this week learning how to train other doulas. So, as long as Baby waits another week to arrive (oh pretty please wait at least a week) we've got part of the labor covered. :)
Greg and I also went today for the first of the weekly check-ups with Dr. Seeker. I will now see the doc every week until birth. Yikes. That means we're really getting close. I'm excited, but nervous too. We still have so much to do before Baby arrives (see earlier paragraph about picking up crib, organizing the nursery, finding a pediatrician, etc). Dr. Seeker was running a little over 2 hours behind - that was a joy - but we were able to chat with him and talk about our desire to do a natural childbirth, having a doula at the hospital, etc. He seemed OK with everything which was a BIG relief. We'd heard that his practice has a higher rate of interventions - so it was nice to chat with the doc and know that he's supportive of our desire for a natural birth.
Ok, it's late. I need to drink some water and get my sausage feet up above my heart for a bit before bed.
Don't forget - baby name suggestions are welcome!!
The house is great. Right now it's piled high with boxes all over the place - but we're glad to be here. The only bummer that we've recently discovered is that the kitchen sink doesn't have a disposal. I know! It's not a huge deal, but once you get used to the convenience, not having one just seems so odd!! I was planning on taking some pictures to show you the piles of boxes, but I have NO CLUE where the camera is located. Oops...
I'm really anxious to get started on the nursery. I'm ready to get organized, pack the bags, and just unpack all the fun new toys! That's the plan for this coming weekend. We'll go pick up the crib and dresser (hallelujah they arrived at the warehouse yesterday) and rearrange the nursery so that I can actually get to the closet where all the baby stuff is currently stored. And, the pack-n-play arrived yesterday too! So, we're now sort of ready for baby to arrive - we have a car seat, a crib and a pack-n-play.
In other baby news - the pediatrician interviews continue. Yesterday we met with Dr. Owens at Pediatric Associates of Austin. Tomorrow, we meet with Dr. Hargrave. Last week we met Dr. Terwelp. I'm not sure yet who we'll end up choosing... There are pros and cons to the big practice and to the one doctor practice too.... Alas, the biggest concern right now is that Baby Baden is not going to have a name! I've become quite concerned about this lately. So... we're taking suggestions. Feel free to post comments with your favorite suggestions. We're looking for something uncommon but not weird. You know, like everyone else out there!
Our Bradley childbirth classes continue. They're going well. We really like our instructor and feel that we've learned way more about the pregnancy and the labor/delivery than we ever could have learned in a 4 hour class at the hospital! We also met and hired a doula last Friday. I think it will be a nice addition to have someone who's not related to any of us there during labor to remind us of all the things were learning in class, to help with relaxation, to help keep Greg calm, and generally help us stick to the original birth plan. The woman we met is actually at a conference this week learning how to train other doulas. So, as long as Baby waits another week to arrive (oh pretty please wait at least a week) we've got part of the labor covered. :)
Greg and I also went today for the first of the weekly check-ups with Dr. Seeker. I will now see the doc every week until birth. Yikes. That means we're really getting close. I'm excited, but nervous too. We still have so much to do before Baby arrives (see earlier paragraph about picking up crib, organizing the nursery, finding a pediatrician, etc). Dr. Seeker was running a little over 2 hours behind - that was a joy - but we were able to chat with him and talk about our desire to do a natural childbirth, having a doula at the hospital, etc. He seemed OK with everything which was a BIG relief. We'd heard that his practice has a higher rate of interventions - so it was nice to chat with the doc and know that he's supportive of our desire for a natural birth.
Ok, it's late. I need to drink some water and get my sausage feet up above my heart for a bit before bed.
Don't forget - baby name suggestions are welcome!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Melting.... literally!
According to the news, it was 105 degrees yesterday in Austin. Good grief that's hot people! I refuse to open the blinds or do anything that might encourage the temperature in the house to increase.
Thank goodness for a great AC and tons of ceiling fans. This is just ridiculous. I mean, I know it gets hot in Texas.... but 105? That's record setting even here!
Yeowzers.
More updates on the move, the nursery, doctors, etc later tonight.....
Thank goodness for a great AC and tons of ceiling fans. This is just ridiculous. I mean, I know it gets hot in Texas.... but 105? That's record setting even here!
Yeowzers.
More updates on the move, the nursery, doctors, etc later tonight.....
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Pickles and Ice Cream
Alas... the cliche came true! The funny thing is was totally an accident! But last night, I joined Greg and some of the Haynes Boone team at The Alamo Drafthouse for a screening of Office Space. The HB folks let us order food and drinks off the menu while we mingled and waited for the movie to start.
Since I couldn't partake in the wine/beer... I opted for an Amy's Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake. Holy moly batman was it ever delicious! All the girls were jealous and wanted to trade in their wine for my milkshake. I defintely picked the right pre-movie appetizer. The lights begin to dim and we take our seats for the movie. Greg and I decide to get a "normal" app and a pizza for dinner. I wanted fried pickles and he was looking at the potato skins... (this was not our healthiest night out folks...). Then, for the main course, we ordered a small "Raging Bull" pizza. I was so freaking full from the milkshake and pickles that I barely nibbled on one slice of pizza. It didn't even dawn on me then until today... that my dinner was truly fried pickles and ice cream.
Maybe there is something to that old saying afterall.....
Oh, I almost forgot.... after the movie ended, we all got to go outside with safety goggles, a sledge hammer and a fax machine! It was great watching everyone come up and take a swing at the machine!! And, to top it off - we got a Red Swingline Stapler to bring home as a souvenir!! Fun, huh?
Since I couldn't partake in the wine/beer... I opted for an Amy's Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake. Holy moly batman was it ever delicious! All the girls were jealous and wanted to trade in their wine for my milkshake. I defintely picked the right pre-movie appetizer. The lights begin to dim and we take our seats for the movie. Greg and I decide to get a "normal" app and a pizza for dinner. I wanted fried pickles and he was looking at the potato skins... (this was not our healthiest night out folks...). Then, for the main course, we ordered a small "Raging Bull" pizza. I was so freaking full from the milkshake and pickles that I barely nibbled on one slice of pizza. It didn't even dawn on me then until today... that my dinner was truly fried pickles and ice cream.
Maybe there is something to that old saying afterall.....
Oh, I almost forgot.... after the movie ended, we all got to go outside with safety goggles, a sledge hammer and a fax machine! It was great watching everyone come up and take a swing at the machine!! And, to top it off - we got a Red Swingline Stapler to bring home as a souvenir!! Fun, huh?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Moving Stinks
Sometimes moving isn't that bad - it's an opportunity to clear the clutter so to speak, purge the old, refocus and get a bit more organized. Alas, packing and moving while 9 months pregnant - not nearly so much fun. In fact, it's just plain exhausting. I've managed to get a few boxes a night packed - but I'm leaving the majority of the work to Greg. I'm just ready to be in the house.
We've made a few trips from the apartment to the house, so - definite progress. We've also gotten the entire office packed up which is great. The "official" move date is next Saturday, but thankfully we have the apartment through the end of the month, so we're not AS stressed. The extra cushion of having both places for a couple more weeks is nice.
Sigh... perhaps just a few more boxes tonight, then bed.
We've made a few trips from the apartment to the house, so - definite progress. We've also gotten the entire office packed up which is great. The "official" move date is next Saturday, but thankfully we have the apartment through the end of the month, so we're not AS stressed. The extra cushion of having both places for a couple more weeks is nice.
Sigh... perhaps just a few more boxes tonight, then bed.
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