Stop growing up, little boy!
I don't know how you do it, but you keep stealing more and more of my heart daily. You have changed so much and month 4 has definitely been my favorite so far.
It's been a very big month for you! You made your maiden voyage to the Frio River and got "baptized" in that sacred swimming hole. You love to swim! We stayed with cousins Franklin and Kathleene and you had a big time with your other cousins Victoria, Isabelle, and Whit. The car ride was, um, rocky, and wore us all out, but I think we broke you of your aversion to car seats, because the next long drive we took went just fine. We had also traveled down to South Texas to celebrate the 100th birthday of your great-great Aunt Jency Runnels. She is my grandmother's sister and looks incredible for her age. Also at that party was another little baby named Coleman that was born on your birthday. He is Cousin Jeff's cousin, so we're not really related, but it was still neat!
We took a DFA trip to the yearly YC meeting down on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. You were a trooper and got Mommy out of most of the boring meetings. We showed you the Alamo, but you were more interested in the water, the ducks, and all of the lights, sounds, and people. You were a perfect kiddo in the car ride there and back- I couldn't have been more proud of you!
G-mama came to visit, but had to cut it short because Mommy and Daddy got sick, and then a few days later we gave it to you (so sorry!). It was great to have her here to take care of you and you played and read books and told her all of your secrets. We managed to go shopping and got some great stuff for your room, though! Sorry your nursery isn't quite finished, but it's coming along great and I will have it done by the end of the month [if Daddy will help me :)]
You started back to daycare near the end of the month to give Nana a break before school started. You seem to really like it there and are getting back into the swing of things pretty well. I'm not sure you nap all that well, because you don't sleep as well as before, but I know that you are well taken care of!
My favorite thing about you right now, though, by far, is your hair.
It defies gravity. It is soft and white. It's getting thicker every day. A-mazing.
You look more and more like your Daddy every day and I was struggling to find something that resembles me. I think your eyes are more like mine than his. But then I noticed you have cellulite in your little thighs- yep, definately got that from me!
Your new accomplishments include:
- intentionally reaching for and grabbing things
- sitting up for longer amounts of time, although you still prefer to be held
- sleeping longer stretches (that is, until we went on vacation)
- going to sleep without nursing
- talking, singing, and laughing more and more
And, the most exciting thing for Mommy is.... (drumroll please)..... you will take a pacifier!!!!!!
Your stats:
-14 pounds, 9 ounces (on the cat scale at the clinic)
-Size 2 diapers
-Wearing 3-6 month clothes that are starting to get too short but still have plenty of room
-Sleeping anywhere from 4-6 (once or twice 9 hours) at a time at night
-Still eating at least once at night
-Drink 3 4.5 oz bottles during the day at daycare and nurse for breakfast, dinner, and a 2 am snack
Other exciting things:
-You are teething and love to gum your teething keys, teething beads, the ring that goes in the freezer, and Mommy's knuckles
- I think you try to kiss me on the cheek like I do to you, but you end up just kind of giving me a very slobbery, open mouth fish kiss.
- You still love to be held, but will lean over to see things, especially Ali, and will try to grab anything I am holding
- You are starting to figure out that you can play in the water at bath time. You stare at your hand underwater and splash a little and then try to decide what just happened.
We love you soooooo much Coleman and are honored to get to be your parents!
Showing posts with label Coleman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coleman. Show all posts
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Poor sick baby!
Co-mingling: To blend, mix, merge, or integrate.
In vet med, we use this term to refer to a load of mixed calves that have been brought from different ranches and combined into a new herd, sharing all kinds of germs and disease. These cattle often become sick due to stress and being exposed to different illnesses.
And so it is at daycare. Ugh.
The first time he was at daycare in May, he got a wicked cold that proceeded to cause a conjunctivitis. Mommy got a horrible cold and a soar throat and was prescribed antibiotics from a bonehead MD that wouldn't listen to me when I told him I was nursing. Before I got a clear answer on if I could even take them, I felt better. So now I have a back up Z-pack, just in case.
This time, he ended up with a nasty viral enteritis. And disgusting, green, ropey nasal discharge. I normally only have to change a dirty diaper every 3-5 days, which is normal for a breast fed baby (milk is highly digestible). I changed 6-8 dirty diapers every day for 5 days. It's hard to tell if he was vomiting, but there was defiantly an increase in spit-up. I'm fairly certain he got dehydrated; there was no way I was keeping his ins and outs balanced. Each time I called his pediatrician I got conflicting or different instructions. First just feed him as regular, then don't feed him until the diarrhea stops, then add culturelle, now just pedialyte, Benadryl for his nose. *sigh*
He missed daycare Friday and Monday, and we kept him home from church Sunday. But we made it through, he's starting to have more regular diapers, acting like he feels better and sleeping for 3-4 hour stretches, instead of waking me up 5 or 6 times a night. And yeah, I feed him each time he wakes, just because I'm worried that he still needs fluids, so all of our sleep training is flying out the window.
Oh, and did I mention that he gave it to everyone at the clinic? They dropped like flies each day. We have decided to start keeping track of all of his illnesses by giving them their own alphanumeric system and see how many sicknesses we get this year. This will be the first and we're calling it C1H1. Super glad he goes to daycare (extreme sarcasm here).
In vet med, we use this term to refer to a load of mixed calves that have been brought from different ranches and combined into a new herd, sharing all kinds of germs and disease. These cattle often become sick due to stress and being exposed to different illnesses.
And so it is at daycare. Ugh.
The first time he was at daycare in May, he got a wicked cold that proceeded to cause a conjunctivitis. Mommy got a horrible cold and a soar throat and was prescribed antibiotics from a bonehead MD that wouldn't listen to me when I told him I was nursing. Before I got a clear answer on if I could even take them, I felt better. So now I have a back up Z-pack, just in case.
This time, he ended up with a nasty viral enteritis. And disgusting, green, ropey nasal discharge. I normally only have to change a dirty diaper every 3-5 days, which is normal for a breast fed baby (milk is highly digestible). I changed 6-8 dirty diapers every day for 5 days. It's hard to tell if he was vomiting, but there was defiantly an increase in spit-up. I'm fairly certain he got dehydrated; there was no way I was keeping his ins and outs balanced. Each time I called his pediatrician I got conflicting or different instructions. First just feed him as regular, then don't feed him until the diarrhea stops, then add culturelle, now just pedialyte, Benadryl for his nose. *sigh*
He missed daycare Friday and Monday, and we kept him home from church Sunday. But we made it through, he's starting to have more regular diapers, acting like he feels better and sleeping for 3-4 hour stretches, instead of waking me up 5 or 6 times a night. And yeah, I feed him each time he wakes, just because I'm worried that he still needs fluids, so all of our sleep training is flying out the window.
Oh, and did I mention that he gave it to everyone at the clinic? They dropped like flies each day. We have decided to start keeping track of all of his illnesses by giving them their own alphanumeric system and see how many sicknesses we get this year. This will be the first and we're calling it C1H1. Super glad he goes to daycare (extreme sarcasm here).
Monday, July 23, 2012
Toes
For the past month, it has been Coleman's number one goal in life to get his toes in his mouth. See??
Today, I arrived at my MIL's house to be told, "Well, Momma, he got 'em!" He had managed to get his big toe in his mouth and suck on it without holding on to his foot with his hands. Reportedly, he smiled so big at his accomplishment that it fell out of his mouth- such a silly little guy!
Another day spent paying more attention to a stranger's pet than my own son. Another day when someone else gets to spend more waking hours a day with my child than I do and feeds him a bottle more times than he nurses. Another milestone that I was waiting for my child to reach and someone else got to steal that moment from me.
Today, I arrived at my MIL's house to be told, "Well, Momma, he got 'em!" He had managed to get his big toe in his mouth and suck on it without holding on to his foot with his hands. Reportedly, he smiled so big at his accomplishment that it fell out of his mouth- such a silly little guy!
Another day spent paying more attention to a stranger's pet than my own son. Another day when someone else gets to spend more waking hours a day with my child than I do and feeds him a bottle more times than he nurses. Another milestone that I was waiting for my child to reach and someone else got to steal that moment from me.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Sleep Training "Success"
We've been sleep training this week...
Let me give you some background first: Coleman has always nursed himself to sleep. Even as a newborn, he would drift off, then fall off, then wake up, fuss and re-latch himself and start all over again. Consequently, I've been the only one who could put him down to sleep at our house. Somehow, at Suzan's house and at daycare and out in public, he'll fall asleep with rocking or swaying, but come time for bed or nap time at home, he has to 'suck to soothe'.
So, we were getting some sleep, but I was getting pretty tired. I figured out how to nurse laying down, which led to co-sleeping for naps, which led to co-sleeping at night, which meant a great night's sleep for Coleman, but Scott and I would wake up stiff and sore and not at all well-rested. Also, if I wasn't home at bedtime, he couldn't fall asleep and would end up severely over-tired.
I asked my pediatrician if he was old enough for sleep training and she said yes, that given his strong attachment to me and his strong association with nursing to fall asleep that the Ferber method would be best. This is a kind of "crying it out" with progressive waiting without picking him up if he's okay to teach him to fall asleep on his own. It sounds harsh, but it's harder on Momma than on the baby. Dr. Lovette also warned that her baby cried for FIVE HOURS the first night.
So here we go: at bed time the first night he cried for an hour, and then slept for 5 before waking up to eat, but went back to sleep on his own after crying for only 20 minutes. It's gotten easier each night with maybe only 10 minutes of crying each night at bedtime and going right back to sleep after a feeding or diaper change. The past two nights, he's gotten 12 hours of sleep (aside from brief wakings to eat) which is appropriate for an infant his age.
7 pm to 7 am. Perfect. Unless you realize that he gets dropped off at the sitter's at 7:45 and not picked up until 5:30 or a little later. Unless you realize that Scott leaves the house at 6 am and never gets home before 8 pm. I get about 2 hours with my baby, Scott hasn't seen him in 2 days. I knew this time was coming, but I was dreading it. I know that we're doing what's best for him, but honestly, I hate with every fiber of my being that I dont't get to spend more time with him.
Then there's the 'what-ifs'. What if he becomes more attached to the sitter than to us? What if he forgets who we are (especially Scott)? What if we miss every milestone from here on out? What if we're dissolving all of those special attachments and binding time and security that co-sleeping provided? What if my milk supply drops because he's not there to stimulate production all night? I feel so selfish to want to keep him awake longer, and then I feel selfish for getting him to bed early because it gives me some much needed time to get chores done, take sometime for myself and get some decent sleep.
So yes, sleep training has worked well, and I have a very happy baby in the mornings, but at a bigger cost to Scott and myself than I could have imagined. I think that's why I put it off so long and held on to being 'the only one' as long as I could. Like so many other things in our life right now, it's a catch 22. I suppose we'll muddle our way through this, too. I just hope we don't miss out on too much.
Let me give you some background first: Coleman has always nursed himself to sleep. Even as a newborn, he would drift off, then fall off, then wake up, fuss and re-latch himself and start all over again. Consequently, I've been the only one who could put him down to sleep at our house. Somehow, at Suzan's house and at daycare and out in public, he'll fall asleep with rocking or swaying, but come time for bed or nap time at home, he has to 'suck to soothe'.
So, we were getting some sleep, but I was getting pretty tired. I figured out how to nurse laying down, which led to co-sleeping for naps, which led to co-sleeping at night, which meant a great night's sleep for Coleman, but Scott and I would wake up stiff and sore and not at all well-rested. Also, if I wasn't home at bedtime, he couldn't fall asleep and would end up severely over-tired.
I asked my pediatrician if he was old enough for sleep training and she said yes, that given his strong attachment to me and his strong association with nursing to fall asleep that the Ferber method would be best. This is a kind of "crying it out" with progressive waiting without picking him up if he's okay to teach him to fall asleep on his own. It sounds harsh, but it's harder on Momma than on the baby. Dr. Lovette also warned that her baby cried for FIVE HOURS the first night.
So here we go: at bed time the first night he cried for an hour, and then slept for 5 before waking up to eat, but went back to sleep on his own after crying for only 20 minutes. It's gotten easier each night with maybe only 10 minutes of crying each night at bedtime and going right back to sleep after a feeding or diaper change. The past two nights, he's gotten 12 hours of sleep (aside from brief wakings to eat) which is appropriate for an infant his age.
7 pm to 7 am. Perfect. Unless you realize that he gets dropped off at the sitter's at 7:45 and not picked up until 5:30 or a little later. Unless you realize that Scott leaves the house at 6 am and never gets home before 8 pm. I get about 2 hours with my baby, Scott hasn't seen him in 2 days. I knew this time was coming, but I was dreading it. I know that we're doing what's best for him, but honestly, I hate with every fiber of my being that I dont't get to spend more time with him.
Then there's the 'what-ifs'. What if he becomes more attached to the sitter than to us? What if he forgets who we are (especially Scott)? What if we miss every milestone from here on out? What if we're dissolving all of those special attachments and binding time and security that co-sleeping provided? What if my milk supply drops because he's not there to stimulate production all night? I feel so selfish to want to keep him awake longer, and then I feel selfish for getting him to bed early because it gives me some much needed time to get chores done, take sometime for myself and get some decent sleep.
So yes, sleep training has worked well, and I have a very happy baby in the mornings, but at a bigger cost to Scott and myself than I could have imagined. I think that's why I put it off so long and held on to being 'the only one' as long as I could. Like so many other things in our life right now, it's a catch 22. I suppose we'll muddle our way through this, too. I just hope we don't miss out on too much.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
4 months
My, oh, my!!
My dear, sweet Mr. Coleman,
You are incredible! You never cease to amaze me with your new tricks, super social personality, and overall awesomeness!
Your stats today:
13 pounds, 1 ounce, 5-15% for weight
25 3/4 inches long, 50% for height
5% for head circumference
Looks like you are going to be tall and lanky like your daddy, with my small head! Maybe you'll be a track star like him, I'm sure he'd love that!
You love: watching Ali and Matty run around, playing with your cell phone, elephant, puppy, and lamb, the soother seal on our cell phones, the baby in the mirror, watching TV, especially old Westerns and shows with lots of music, being outside, nursing yourself to sleep, other kids, ceiling fans, being naked and bathtime.
You hate: the carseat, naps, teething, pacifiers, being left alone, and changing clothes.
Your discoveries: your hands, toes, and hair, how to change the setting on the soother seal, trees, how to suck on your tongue and fingers, raising your right eyebrow, Lively style!
Your skills: holding up your head extremely well and following things around the room, sitting up (might be on accident), rolling over from tummy to back, talking and singing, squealing, supporting your weight on your legs, smiling and laughing (especially at Auntie K).
You are growing up so fast little boy! I love, love, love watching you explore your world, but I want time to slow down a bit (or a lot!) so we can savor each moment.
My dear, sweet Mr. Coleman,
You are incredible! You never cease to amaze me with your new tricks, super social personality, and overall awesomeness!
Your stats today:
13 pounds, 1 ounce, 5-15% for weight
25 3/4 inches long, 50% for height
5% for head circumference
Looks like you are going to be tall and lanky like your daddy, with my small head! Maybe you'll be a track star like him, I'm sure he'd love that!
You love: watching Ali and Matty run around, playing with your cell phone, elephant, puppy, and lamb, the soother seal on our cell phones, the baby in the mirror, watching TV, especially old Westerns and shows with lots of music, being outside, nursing yourself to sleep, other kids, ceiling fans, being naked and bathtime.
You hate: the carseat, naps, teething, pacifiers, being left alone, and changing clothes.
Your discoveries: your hands, toes, and hair, how to change the setting on the soother seal, trees, how to suck on your tongue and fingers, raising your right eyebrow, Lively style!
Your skills: holding up your head extremely well and following things around the room, sitting up (might be on accident), rolling over from tummy to back, talking and singing, squealing, supporting your weight on your legs, smiling and laughing (especially at Auntie K).
You are growing up so fast little boy! I love, love, love watching you explore your world, but I want time to slow down a bit (or a lot!) so we can savor each moment.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Relationships
I knew that having a baby would change my relationships with people in some way, but I was by no means ready for the magnitude of that change. Some are subtle changes, like how I'm more understanding and sympathize more with strangers that have children or appreciate unasked for courtesies and kindnesses. Others are much more dramatic:
With friends: It depends on the friend. If they have children, young or old, it's like we're friends on a whole different level. I have a new understanding of their world- how all-consuming, overwhelming, and at times, gut-wrenching parenthood is. If they don't have friends, there is now a separation. Gone are the carefree shopping trips or impromptu movie nights, and they don't understand exactly why. The friends who have recently had babies are the best- they just get us. They know why we have to leave suddenly and why it takes days to return e-mails or phone calls. They are sounding boards for things like feeding and sleeping issues. Oh, and they have hand-me-downs and sage advice!
With family: I think we now understand how much our parents love us. It's come full circle. We can instantly brighten their day with a picture of or story about Coleman. The great-grandparents just beam when he's around and it's hard to not make him the center of attention. He has been such a blessing!
With myself: I'm not sure how to describe this one. Where I used to be so organized and a perfectionist, I can't remember the simplest things like "shut the closet door so Ali doesn't get in the laundry basket." I've always been very goal oriented, but right now my priorities center around getting what needs done today finished and ready for tomorrow. I'm very hard on myself, but I'm having to learn to cut myself some slack. I have realized how selfish I was B.C. (before Coleman) and how self-less I still need to become. Somewhere in that pendulum I do need to learn to make time for myself. My goal this week is to treat myself to a soak in our nice new very deep and wide bathtub. Here's hoping.
With Scott: This is the most shocking change. Having Coleman has united us in ways that I never dreamed of. Our marriage now has a purpose higher than honoring and loving each other. Our goal now is to live as an example and to raise this child of God into a servant. We are his example of how to live as Christians. We are his example of a loving, working marriage. Scott is his example of a father and husband. I am to display the qualities he should search for in a mate. It is an awesome responsibility, a bit overwhelming at times. And together we are a team. When I'm tired and at my wits end, he's there to soothe our crying child. When he's not sure what to do, I have the answer. I have fallen more in love with that man than I knew I could. To see him with our baby warms and softens my heart like butter. Even though we are exhausted and spend precious little time alone together, we are closer and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
With God: You know that whole Father-Child aspect of having a relationship with God? I always got the "Child" part of it, but now I think I'm beginning to understand how He loves us as a parent, as the Father. I'm sure as time goes on and Coleman grows up and makes his own choices I'll understand it even more. Additionally, I've always grown closer to God during times of trial, and if this isn't one, then I don't know what is. There are those times when you just plead and beg that he goes to sleep and that you somehow find the strength to go on. The other extreme is that moment when I am holding that sweet sleeping (or laughing) perfect angel and just praise God for making him just for us to care for and love. And there's every second in between, when you just aren't sure of yourself and need a little guidance and hope and pray and have faith that what you are doing is the right thing. Let go and let God.
My New Year's resolution was to "de-clutter" everything. I definitely am working towards that goal in this area of my life. Bring on the next 6 months!
With friends: It depends on the friend. If they have children, young or old, it's like we're friends on a whole different level. I have a new understanding of their world- how all-consuming, overwhelming, and at times, gut-wrenching parenthood is. If they don't have friends, there is now a separation. Gone are the carefree shopping trips or impromptu movie nights, and they don't understand exactly why. The friends who have recently had babies are the best- they just get us. They know why we have to leave suddenly and why it takes days to return e-mails or phone calls. They are sounding boards for things like feeding and sleeping issues. Oh, and they have hand-me-downs and sage advice!
With family: I think we now understand how much our parents love us. It's come full circle. We can instantly brighten their day with a picture of or story about Coleman. The great-grandparents just beam when he's around and it's hard to not make him the center of attention. He has been such a blessing!
With myself: I'm not sure how to describe this one. Where I used to be so organized and a perfectionist, I can't remember the simplest things like "shut the closet door so Ali doesn't get in the laundry basket." I've always been very goal oriented, but right now my priorities center around getting what needs done today finished and ready for tomorrow. I'm very hard on myself, but I'm having to learn to cut myself some slack. I have realized how selfish I was B.C. (before Coleman) and how self-less I still need to become. Somewhere in that pendulum I do need to learn to make time for myself. My goal this week is to treat myself to a soak in our nice new very deep and wide bathtub. Here's hoping.
With Scott: This is the most shocking change. Having Coleman has united us in ways that I never dreamed of. Our marriage now has a purpose higher than honoring and loving each other. Our goal now is to live as an example and to raise this child of God into a servant. We are his example of how to live as Christians. We are his example of a loving, working marriage. Scott is his example of a father and husband. I am to display the qualities he should search for in a mate. It is an awesome responsibility, a bit overwhelming at times. And together we are a team. When I'm tired and at my wits end, he's there to soothe our crying child. When he's not sure what to do, I have the answer. I have fallen more in love with that man than I knew I could. To see him with our baby warms and softens my heart like butter. Even though we are exhausted and spend precious little time alone together, we are closer and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
With God: You know that whole Father-Child aspect of having a relationship with God? I always got the "Child" part of it, but now I think I'm beginning to understand how He loves us as a parent, as the Father. I'm sure as time goes on and Coleman grows up and makes his own choices I'll understand it even more. Additionally, I've always grown closer to God during times of trial, and if this isn't one, then I don't know what is. There are those times when you just plead and beg that he goes to sleep and that you somehow find the strength to go on. The other extreme is that moment when I am holding that sweet sleeping (or laughing) perfect angel and just praise God for making him just for us to care for and love. And there's every second in between, when you just aren't sure of yourself and need a little guidance and hope and pray and have faith that what you are doing is the right thing. Let go and let God.
My New Year's resolution was to "de-clutter" everything. I definitely am working towards that goal in this area of my life. Bring on the next 6 months!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
3 months (+ 10 days)
Coleman,
One thing that I hope you don't inherit or acquire is "Holloway Time," where "in a little bit" means a few hours from now and it's an every day event to get home to clean up 10 minutes after you are supposed to be somewhere. Mommy grew up being early for everything, but I've been influenced by Daddy and the rest of his family and I'm now one of them.... which might explain why this post is so late.
You are getting to be such a big boy! You actually spent your three month birthday on your first long out-of-town trip without Mommy and Daddy. Nana had a family reunion at Lake Whitney and I was on call, so she loaded you up with your aunts, uncle, and great-Grandpa and had a great day meeting all of your cousins on her side of the family. You were apparently a very good boy and only fussed a few times. We missed you very much but spent the whole day (working) talking about how we want to raise you: on a farm, out with us as much as possible, and of course, in the church.
You have changed so very much in the past month, it's unreal! You talk, squeal, laugh, coo, and sing at anyone who will listen- especially the ceiling fans and dogs. You are really starting to explore the world around you and are a very social baby. You started sleeping really well (anywhere from 6-8 hours at a stretch!) but then we changed up your schedule and you stay with Nana during the day and we haven't quite got our routine down yet. You have to nurse yourself to sleep, which can take quite a while and is kind of tiring, but I secretly love the extra special one-on-one Mommy-Coleman time at the end of a long day. You eat 3.5 ounces three times a day while I'm at work and nurse 3 or 4 times when we're home. We haven't been to see Dr. Lovette this month, so I'm not sure about your stats, but you are definitely growing!
We moved to our new house and you have your very own room now! We have a place for everything and room for all of your furniture and toys. I am certain that this has helped you sleep better because we are not trying to sneak around you and watch TV or make dinner without disturbing you. I do miss you not being close by during the night and I don't get to watch you nap during the day (so precious!). We haven't finished decorating yet, but when we do, it will be super cute!
We had some very special visitors Memorial Day weekend. Granny B, or BB, or G-Mama, or G-Mother (she hasn't picked one yet) came to visit with Auntie Linda from Canada on their way to Arkansas. They were so funny and you had a great time talking with them and entertaining everyone during our first cookout at the new house. We gave Nana and G-Mama their Mother's Day presents: collage frames with pictures of you and your proud parents. They, of course, were a hit!
Speaking of Mother's Day- you gave me a beautiful corsage with miniature yellow roses. I tried to wear it, but between carrying you and feeding you in the middle of church it fell off. Still, it was great. We went and ate with the rest of the family and then all went home and crashed for our traditional Sunday afternoon nap. My little man, I am so honored and blessed that God entrusted me to be your Mommy. Watching you grow up and develop is the most fun thing I've ever experienced. I am amazed at all of your new tricks and could never have imagined how much you changed our lives. We love you!
Daddy & Mommy
[pictures to come!]
One thing that I hope you don't inherit or acquire is "Holloway Time," where "in a little bit" means a few hours from now and it's an every day event to get home to clean up 10 minutes after you are supposed to be somewhere. Mommy grew up being early for everything, but I've been influenced by Daddy and the rest of his family and I'm now one of them.... which might explain why this post is so late.
You are getting to be such a big boy! You actually spent your three month birthday on your first long out-of-town trip without Mommy and Daddy. Nana had a family reunion at Lake Whitney and I was on call, so she loaded you up with your aunts, uncle, and great-Grandpa and had a great day meeting all of your cousins on her side of the family. You were apparently a very good boy and only fussed a few times. We missed you very much but spent the whole day (working) talking about how we want to raise you: on a farm, out with us as much as possible, and of course, in the church.
You have changed so very much in the past month, it's unreal! You talk, squeal, laugh, coo, and sing at anyone who will listen- especially the ceiling fans and dogs. You are really starting to explore the world around you and are a very social baby. You started sleeping really well (anywhere from 6-8 hours at a stretch!) but then we changed up your schedule and you stay with Nana during the day and we haven't quite got our routine down yet. You have to nurse yourself to sleep, which can take quite a while and is kind of tiring, but I secretly love the extra special one-on-one Mommy-Coleman time at the end of a long day. You eat 3.5 ounces three times a day while I'm at work and nurse 3 or 4 times when we're home. We haven't been to see Dr. Lovette this month, so I'm not sure about your stats, but you are definitely growing!
We moved to our new house and you have your very own room now! We have a place for everything and room for all of your furniture and toys. I am certain that this has helped you sleep better because we are not trying to sneak around you and watch TV or make dinner without disturbing you. I do miss you not being close by during the night and I don't get to watch you nap during the day (so precious!). We haven't finished decorating yet, but when we do, it will be super cute!
We had some very special visitors Memorial Day weekend. Granny B, or BB, or G-Mama, or G-Mother (she hasn't picked one yet) came to visit with Auntie Linda from Canada on their way to Arkansas. They were so funny and you had a great time talking with them and entertaining everyone during our first cookout at the new house. We gave Nana and G-Mama their Mother's Day presents: collage frames with pictures of you and your proud parents. They, of course, were a hit!
Speaking of Mother's Day- you gave me a beautiful corsage with miniature yellow roses. I tried to wear it, but between carrying you and feeding you in the middle of church it fell off. Still, it was great. We went and ate with the rest of the family and then all went home and crashed for our traditional Sunday afternoon nap. My little man, I am so honored and blessed that God entrusted me to be your Mommy. Watching you grow up and develop is the most fun thing I've ever experienced. I am amazed at all of your new tricks and could never have imagined how much you changed our lives. We love you!
Daddy & Mommy
[pictures to come!]
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Three Days
"I got three days to wash the road out of my soul. I got three days to love you out of control. And I wish I had a lifetime to hold on to you this way. Love can do some healing in just three days."
~Pat Green, Three Days
This was on the radio when I left work Friday at noon. Okay, so yes, this is a love song- a great one, if you ask me. But the chorus kept playing over and over in my mind all weekend. Somehow, I managed to score a 3 and a 1/2 day weekend over Memorial Day and I was ecstatic. I promised myself to live it up and soak up every second and forget about the rest of the world. Three days with no plans other than to love on my sweet family. Heaven.
Saturday, Coleman and I laid around most of the morning. He nursed himself to sleep and set in for a nice long cuddly nap. Yeah, so, that might have put a hold on the earliest stages of sleep training and setting a napping schedule, but I really don't care. That afternoon we cleaned house a little while Scott finished mowing, weed-eating, and shredding the pasture. It is such a great feeling to have our new-to-us little house in order!
Sunday, we did the church thing. We were late, again, and Coleman was hungry when we got there, again, so the three of us just hung out in the cry room. Granddaddy was leading singing and Coleman was listening to it over the loud speaker. When I would sing along he would stop nursing and stare at me as if I was the most amazing thing he'd ever seen. He decided he was done eating and sat in Daddy's lap for a while. Then he really got going- he was laughing and talking and singing along. I think it was the first time Scott had heard him laugh out loud. After we finished singing a song he would keep cooing and squealing and get mad that we had stopped- it was just awesome. I heard bits and pieces of the sermon- something about helping one another out with our "demons" based off of the Legion passage- but who could think about demons when I'm looking at the love of my life hold our precious child?
Sunday evening was very special: Mom and her twin sister, Auntie Linda, spent the night in Bowie on their way to Arkansas to inter my Grandmother's ashes. I had forgotten how hilarious those two are when they get together!!! It was only Mom's second time to see Coleman and he's quite different now that he's almost 3 months old with all kinds of personality and not a sleepy, fussy 6 day old newborn. Scott cooked ribs and sausage and the Holloway's brought homemade ice cream. We gave our moms their Mother's Day presents- collage frames with pictures of their grand kid. They gushed, of course and then all of a sudden we realized it was after 10 p.m. and everyone went home. It was a great time!
Monday morning Mom and Auntie Linda came back over for a quick visit and then got on the road. We went to Kenton & Suzan's for hamburgers and then home for a nap. Auntie K and Suzan came over to entertain Coleman and help me finally decorate the house- it's really starting to look like home. We were getting close to being done when we noticed a rather ominous looking cloud bank headed our direction. We haven't gotten Internet or satellite yet and our phone service is awful, so we were shocked to hear that severe damaging winds and hail were headed our way. Suzan & Kendra went home to put their cars up and Scott and I inched our trucks into the barn.
Oh my, what a storm! First came that heavy, hot, and humid generalized eeriness. Then, it got pitch black, the trees started whipping around in all different directions, the lightning and thunder were nearly constant and it was scary. Reports are that winds were in excess of 90 miles per hour- I believe it. We have two large willow-ish trees (no idea what they really are) that are full of large dead branches from the drought last summer. One of them overhangs the back corner of the house and I just knew it was going to break off and damage the house or at least the roof. But no- first we lost a section of wooden panelled fence and the cows attempted an escape. Scott and our neighbor, rather stupidly, quickly put up portable panels in the midst of the storm. While he was out there (I was so mad at him!) one of our beautiful Bradford pear trees broke in half and landed 10 feet from him. He came in soaked and muddy and went to wash off, only to discover that we didn't have any water, or a well-house, or a well. The worst of the storm passed while we huddled on the couch and Coleman fell asleep in my arms, blissfully unaware of possible danger we were facing.
Monday night, we laid in bed, thankful that we didn't loose any more than we did. I was so incredibly grateful to have had that time to spend with my baby. And Scott. Three whole days. I've been back at work for 4 solid weeks and had to leave him at daycare every day. I know they take care of him very well and they love him to death, but it's been so hard. They get the best of him every single day- they are the ones that told me that he started laughing out loud, they got to rock him to sleep and watch him smile and told me he found his hands and can use them to bat at things. It breaks my heart to know that I'm missing out on these milestones. But believe me, I spent every second I could marveling at this amazing little human that God has placed in our lives. Tuesday was maybe harder to leave him than the first day back at work. I look forward to the next long break with my sweet family and plan to make it just as special- to love them out of control!
~Pat Green, Three Days
This was on the radio when I left work Friday at noon. Okay, so yes, this is a love song- a great one, if you ask me. But the chorus kept playing over and over in my mind all weekend. Somehow, I managed to score a 3 and a 1/2 day weekend over Memorial Day and I was ecstatic. I promised myself to live it up and soak up every second and forget about the rest of the world. Three days with no plans other than to love on my sweet family. Heaven.
Saturday, Coleman and I laid around most of the morning. He nursed himself to sleep and set in for a nice long cuddly nap. Yeah, so, that might have put a hold on the earliest stages of sleep training and setting a napping schedule, but I really don't care. That afternoon we cleaned house a little while Scott finished mowing, weed-eating, and shredding the pasture. It is such a great feeling to have our new-to-us little house in order!
Sunday, we did the church thing. We were late, again, and Coleman was hungry when we got there, again, so the three of us just hung out in the cry room. Granddaddy was leading singing and Coleman was listening to it over the loud speaker. When I would sing along he would stop nursing and stare at me as if I was the most amazing thing he'd ever seen. He decided he was done eating and sat in Daddy's lap for a while. Then he really got going- he was laughing and talking and singing along. I think it was the first time Scott had heard him laugh out loud. After we finished singing a song he would keep cooing and squealing and get mad that we had stopped- it was just awesome. I heard bits and pieces of the sermon- something about helping one another out with our "demons" based off of the Legion passage- but who could think about demons when I'm looking at the love of my life hold our precious child?
Sunday evening was very special: Mom and her twin sister, Auntie Linda, spent the night in Bowie on their way to Arkansas to inter my Grandmother's ashes. I had forgotten how hilarious those two are when they get together!!! It was only Mom's second time to see Coleman and he's quite different now that he's almost 3 months old with all kinds of personality and not a sleepy, fussy 6 day old newborn. Scott cooked ribs and sausage and the Holloway's brought homemade ice cream. We gave our moms their Mother's Day presents- collage frames with pictures of their grand kid. They gushed, of course and then all of a sudden we realized it was after 10 p.m. and everyone went home. It was a great time!
Monday morning Mom and Auntie Linda came back over for a quick visit and then got on the road. We went to Kenton & Suzan's for hamburgers and then home for a nap. Auntie K and Suzan came over to entertain Coleman and help me finally decorate the house- it's really starting to look like home. We were getting close to being done when we noticed a rather ominous looking cloud bank headed our direction. We haven't gotten Internet or satellite yet and our phone service is awful, so we were shocked to hear that severe damaging winds and hail were headed our way. Suzan & Kendra went home to put their cars up and Scott and I inched our trucks into the barn.
Oh my, what a storm! First came that heavy, hot, and humid generalized eeriness. Then, it got pitch black, the trees started whipping around in all different directions, the lightning and thunder were nearly constant and it was scary. Reports are that winds were in excess of 90 miles per hour- I believe it. We have two large willow-ish trees (no idea what they really are) that are full of large dead branches from the drought last summer. One of them overhangs the back corner of the house and I just knew it was going to break off and damage the house or at least the roof. But no- first we lost a section of wooden panelled fence and the cows attempted an escape. Scott and our neighbor, rather stupidly, quickly put up portable panels in the midst of the storm. While he was out there (I was so mad at him!) one of our beautiful Bradford pear trees broke in half and landed 10 feet from him. He came in soaked and muddy and went to wash off, only to discover that we didn't have any water, or a well-house, or a well. The worst of the storm passed while we huddled on the couch and Coleman fell asleep in my arms, blissfully unaware of possible danger we were facing.
Monday night, we laid in bed, thankful that we didn't loose any more than we did. I was so incredibly grateful to have had that time to spend with my baby. And Scott. Three whole days. I've been back at work for 4 solid weeks and had to leave him at daycare every day. I know they take care of him very well and they love him to death, but it's been so hard. They get the best of him every single day- they are the ones that told me that he started laughing out loud, they got to rock him to sleep and watch him smile and told me he found his hands and can use them to bat at things. It breaks my heart to know that I'm missing out on these milestones. But believe me, I spent every second I could marveling at this amazing little human that God has placed in our lives. Tuesday was maybe harder to leave him than the first day back at work. I look forward to the next long break with my sweet family and plan to make it just as special- to love them out of control!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
What's in a name?
Coleman has acquired quite a few nicknames in the past few weeks:
From Daddy: Sweet, baby boy! (not so much a nickname, but what he always calls him, in a sing-songy voice)
From Granddaddy: Chief
From Nana and other random people: Mr. Coleman
From G-Mama: My Baby
From Stacy: Lawrence (that's really been his nickname since conception)
From daycare: The Prince (because he likes to be held and sit up so he can see everything)
That's a lot to figure out for such a little guy. Hopefully all this confusion won't make him schizophrenic!
What his name really means is:
Coleman- Charcoal burner
Scott- A Scotsman
Holloway- Sunken path
Hmmm.... maybe he'll open a great steakhouse or BBQ joint. With Scottish flair, in a valley?
From Daddy: Sweet, baby boy! (not so much a nickname, but what he always calls him, in a sing-songy voice)
From Granddaddy: Chief
From Nana and other random people: Mr. Coleman
From G-Mama: My Baby
From Stacy: Lawrence (that's really been his nickname since conception)
From daycare: The Prince (because he likes to be held and sit up so he can see everything)
That's a lot to figure out for such a little guy. Hopefully all this confusion won't make him schizophrenic!
What his name really means is:
Coleman- Charcoal burner
Scott- A Scotsman
Holloway- Sunken path
Hmmm.... maybe he'll open a great steakhouse or BBQ joint. With Scottish flair, in a valley?
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
2 Months??
Coleman,
You are amazing. Daddy and I fall more in love with you every day. Your little personality is getting more apparent and we love playing with you. You started daycare last week [Mommy had to go back to work :'( ] but you are a superstar there! You are already a very social baby and have to see what's going on at all times. Because of this, you have a hard time napping and get overtired and very fussy easily. But you slept for over 6 hours 3 night last week!!! You have started laughing and playing and are trying to hit things with your fist. You have recently discovered your hands and love to stare at them. You like it when Daddy makes airplane noises and when Mommy makes kissy noises. You look less and less like a baby and sooo much like a little boy. At your 2 month check up, you weighed 10 pounds 9 ounces and were 23 1/4 inches long. You got immunizations last week and were a champ, but we could tell you felt bad that night and the next morning. You are eating 3 1/2- 4 ounces at each feeding and drink 3-5 bottles a day. Here are a few more milestones and fun things you've been up to!
You are amazing. Daddy and I fall more in love with you every day. Your little personality is getting more apparent and we love playing with you. You started daycare last week [Mommy had to go back to work :'( ] but you are a superstar there! You are already a very social baby and have to see what's going on at all times. Because of this, you have a hard time napping and get overtired and very fussy easily. But you slept for over 6 hours 3 night last week!!! You have started laughing and playing and are trying to hit things with your fist. You have recently discovered your hands and love to stare at them. You like it when Daddy makes airplane noises and when Mommy makes kissy noises. You look less and less like a baby and sooo much like a little boy. At your 2 month check up, you weighed 10 pounds 9 ounces and were 23 1/4 inches long. You got immunizations last week and were a champ, but we could tell you felt bad that night and the next morning. You are eating 3 1/2- 4 ounces at each feeding and drink 3-5 bottles a day. Here are a few more milestones and fun things you've been up to!
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| First Easter |
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| First tractor ride!! Alli had just licked him on the cheek- that's why he's off to the side and Scott is laughing! |
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| Mommy and Coleman are taking it easy |
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| Watching TV with Daddy, our favorite thing to do together |
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| Sacked out after a bottle |
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| Two months- my how I've grown! |
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sad Day
Cleansing breath....
Reasons that it's a good thing to put my 8 week old child in day care:
1. Socialization - he'll be used to other kids and used to other people taking care of him
2. Scheduling - they'll give him some structure instead of indulging him at every turn
3. Variation - he'll get out of the house and be exposed to new things
4. Independance - he'll learn to rely on himself instead of on me
5. Good habits - he'll learn to fall asleep on his own (or at least without nursing) and maybe they'll get him to take a pacifier
That's what I'm telling myself, anyways. That's how I'm going to get through tomorrow, and the next day, and the next week, and the next month. The truth is I am heartbroken, utterly and totally. For sooo many reasons, too many to list. And I'm not sure if I'm just being a typical guilty-feeling back-to-work-full-time Mommy or if God has laid it on my heart so strongly that I'm supposed to completely change my life. That 8 years of school and 5 years of work isn't really what I'm meant to do with my life. This feels like the worst decision I've ever made, and the very thought of it has brought me to tears nearly every day for the past 8 weeks. Guilt compounds every time I'm tired and frustrated and my milk is low and then I feel like I'm wasting precious moments, that I should just be honored to be spending time with my sweet baby, even at 3 am.
So, tomorrow, I'm going to wear my waterproof mascara, leave the house early so I have time to go get a "fancy" coffee and cry in the truck before work, pump as often as possible - milk is the only connection I'll have to him during the day - and plaster a brave smile on my face, and count the seconds until 5:30. Here's hoping I have a lot of appointments tomorrow- maybe a farm call or two.
Reasons that it's a good thing to put my 8 week old child in day care:
1. Socialization - he'll be used to other kids and used to other people taking care of him
2. Scheduling - they'll give him some structure instead of indulging him at every turn
3. Variation - he'll get out of the house and be exposed to new things
4. Independance - he'll learn to rely on himself instead of on me
5. Good habits - he'll learn to fall asleep on his own (or at least without nursing) and maybe they'll get him to take a pacifier
That's what I'm telling myself, anyways. That's how I'm going to get through tomorrow, and the next day, and the next week, and the next month. The truth is I am heartbroken, utterly and totally. For sooo many reasons, too many to list. And I'm not sure if I'm just being a typical guilty-feeling back-to-work-full-time Mommy or if God has laid it on my heart so strongly that I'm supposed to completely change my life. That 8 years of school and 5 years of work isn't really what I'm meant to do with my life. This feels like the worst decision I've ever made, and the very thought of it has brought me to tears nearly every day for the past 8 weeks. Guilt compounds every time I'm tired and frustrated and my milk is low and then I feel like I'm wasting precious moments, that I should just be honored to be spending time with my sweet baby, even at 3 am.
So, tomorrow, I'm going to wear my waterproof mascara, leave the house early so I have time to go get a "fancy" coffee and cry in the truck before work, pump as often as possible - milk is the only connection I'll have to him during the day - and plaster a brave smile on my face, and count the seconds until 5:30. Here's hoping I have a lot of appointments tomorrow- maybe a farm call or two.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Cutie Pie!!
Unlike his parents, Coleman is quite the camera hog! Our wedding photographer did this newborn photo shoot a few weeks ago. Ideally, she takes newborn pictures when a baby is 5-10 days old, however due to a never ending string of unforeseen circumstances (bad weather, jaundice, newborn rash, her kids getting sick, Granddad in the hospital) we didn't get to take these until he was one month and one day old. No matter. I love this pics and have them to remember my little munchkin. He already looks different, more like a little boy than a baby. Enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjbaileyphotography.zenfolio.com%2Fcoleman&h=eAQHfyKKN
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjbaileyphotography.zenfolio.com%2Fcoleman&h=eAQHfyKKN
Monday, April 16, 2012
Church
Needless to say, nothing is the same as it was B.C. (Before Coleman). This includes going to church.
This morning we were rushing around to get all three of us ready and out the door in time to make it for worship (forget class!). I find this very stressful for some reason. Me rushing to get showered, dressed (so difficult since none of my clothes fit or the ones that do have limited boob access), fixed-up, and the diaper bag ready before he wakes up from his early morning nap. Then having to wake him from said nap to change his diaper yet again and load him up into his car seat. This sets him off and if we're lucky he's stopped crying before we get to town. Then you've got Scott, who comes in from the dairy, and in his own frustratingly slow, but endearing way, eats breakfast, shaves, showers and gets ready then acts like he's waiting on me (which he is, wonder why?).
So by the time we get to the building, I'm left wondering why on earth I even try. I'm not going to be able to focus on the lesson, even if I get to stay seated through it. If he's sleeping, I sit there and think about how I should be, too. Sometimes I question my motives: am I there to worship and praise my God or to show off my son and be showered with compliments? Or do I simply need an excuse to get out of the house?
Today was no exception. He started fussing before the children at the front stared the second song. It was time for brunch, so I took him in the cry room to feed him. As I sat there rocking my nursing baby, I realized how completely content I was. I was worshiping- I was in awe of God's handiwork, I was singing songs of praise, and He and Coleman were teaching me lessons I would never learn by just reading or listening to someone speak. He drifted off to sleep nursing and woke up when I burped him and was in a great mood. I laid him in the crib and he played and kicked and cooed until his heart was content. I have no idea what the sermon was about, but I overheard something about Godly joy. Looking down at my child smiling and talking back at me, I realized that I have the best example of earthly joy there is and I've been sooo lucky to have him for 24 hours a day for the past 6 weeks, 1 day.
I would have missed that lesson if he had just quietly slept through the service. So glad for this small inconvenience, which turned out to be so much more than just another feeding for Coleman. Instead, we both got fed to the fullest.
This morning we were rushing around to get all three of us ready and out the door in time to make it for worship (forget class!). I find this very stressful for some reason. Me rushing to get showered, dressed (so difficult since none of my clothes fit or the ones that do have limited boob access), fixed-up, and the diaper bag ready before he wakes up from his early morning nap. Then having to wake him from said nap to change his diaper yet again and load him up into his car seat. This sets him off and if we're lucky he's stopped crying before we get to town. Then you've got Scott, who comes in from the dairy, and in his own frustratingly slow, but endearing way, eats breakfast, shaves, showers and gets ready then acts like he's waiting on me (which he is, wonder why?).
So by the time we get to the building, I'm left wondering why on earth I even try. I'm not going to be able to focus on the lesson, even if I get to stay seated through it. If he's sleeping, I sit there and think about how I should be, too. Sometimes I question my motives: am I there to worship and praise my God or to show off my son and be showered with compliments? Or do I simply need an excuse to get out of the house?
Today was no exception. He started fussing before the children at the front stared the second song. It was time for brunch, so I took him in the cry room to feed him. As I sat there rocking my nursing baby, I realized how completely content I was. I was worshiping- I was in awe of God's handiwork, I was singing songs of praise, and He and Coleman were teaching me lessons I would never learn by just reading or listening to someone speak. He drifted off to sleep nursing and woke up when I burped him and was in a great mood. I laid him in the crib and he played and kicked and cooed until his heart was content. I have no idea what the sermon was about, but I overheard something about Godly joy. Looking down at my child smiling and talking back at me, I realized that I have the best example of earthly joy there is and I've been sooo lucky to have him for 24 hours a day for the past 6 weeks, 1 day.
I would have missed that lesson if he had just quietly slept through the service. So glad for this small inconvenience, which turned out to be so much more than just another feeding for Coleman. Instead, we both got fed to the fullest.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Argh!
Some things that have been bugging me lately.
Rant #1: When people ask me if Coleman is sleeping through the night yet. He's a newborn and needs to eat every 3-4 hours, so by the time I get him fed, burped, changed, and asleep again, it's at least been an hour, maybe 2. Then I have to get myself back to sleep. So, I don't know about you, but I never considered 2-3 hours a full nights sleep. Note: mostly, it is men that ask that question and then they laugh about it. I'm pretty sure that they, like Scott, are getting 6-7 hours in because, somehow, they magically don't hear the baby crying.
Rant #2: When people look at me with pity when I say I'm going back to work full time. Yes, it would be great if I could stay home, and I know that it's the greatest job in the world. And I'm acutely aware that most of my family and several friends have gotten to become stay-at-home moms. BUT, that's not really even an option for us right now, and I'm not sure that I'm cut out to be a fully stay at home mom. Also, several of my very best friends (Jolena, Amanda, you are my heros) have been very successful both as professionals and as Mommies. In a perfect world, I'd love to be part time: I maintain my license and identity and professional skills, my child gets socialized via day care or at least gets to know other people and isn't at home with me all day. So, if you really want to help me feel better, don't feel sorry for me (that makes it worse) but encourage me and point out the good that could come of this. Thanks.
Rant #3: When someone assumes that just because my baby is crying that he's hungry. I am breastfeeding, so there's no way to know how many ounces and what percent fat he's getting at every meal. But he's growing, he has adequate wet and dirty diapers, and is perfectly content after most feedings. But, like all babies, sometimes he doesn't eat well (he tends to fall asleep, or get lazy, and he likes to nurse himself to sleep) and he has a very fussy time of day, accompanied by a temper. He has gotten more and more sensitive to needing a diaper change and he gets overtired very very easily (because he's so busy taking in the world around him). And he tends to get gassy- especially if he didn't eat properly. And, he doesn't really like to be held by very many people- even Scott can't console him when he's fussy. So, instead of jumping to the conclusion that he's hungry, maybe cut us some slack and look for another cause of his distress.
Rant #4: Someone telling me, "You're going to spoil that baby!" He's 6 weeks old- read a book! They will all tell you the same things: 1) You can't spoil a newborn, 2) Newborns don't have the ability to calm themselves, and 3) During the first 2-3 months, you do whatever you can to get through it. He's happy when he's held (I think he may be high-maintenance or strong willed). That's why I hold him most of the day and sleep more often lounging in the chair with him on my chest than in my bed. It might be hard to break him later, but I'd rather have spent the past 6 weeks soaking in every second than regretting making him independent this early (see Rant #2).
That is all, for now.
Rant #1: When people ask me if Coleman is sleeping through the night yet. He's a newborn and needs to eat every 3-4 hours, so by the time I get him fed, burped, changed, and asleep again, it's at least been an hour, maybe 2. Then I have to get myself back to sleep. So, I don't know about you, but I never considered 2-3 hours a full nights sleep. Note: mostly, it is men that ask that question and then they laugh about it. I'm pretty sure that they, like Scott, are getting 6-7 hours in because, somehow, they magically don't hear the baby crying.
Rant #2: When people look at me with pity when I say I'm going back to work full time. Yes, it would be great if I could stay home, and I know that it's the greatest job in the world. And I'm acutely aware that most of my family and several friends have gotten to become stay-at-home moms. BUT, that's not really even an option for us right now, and I'm not sure that I'm cut out to be a fully stay at home mom. Also, several of my very best friends (Jolena, Amanda, you are my heros) have been very successful both as professionals and as Mommies. In a perfect world, I'd love to be part time: I maintain my license and identity and professional skills, my child gets socialized via day care or at least gets to know other people and isn't at home with me all day. So, if you really want to help me feel better, don't feel sorry for me (that makes it worse) but encourage me and point out the good that could come of this. Thanks.
Rant #3: When someone assumes that just because my baby is crying that he's hungry. I am breastfeeding, so there's no way to know how many ounces and what percent fat he's getting at every meal. But he's growing, he has adequate wet and dirty diapers, and is perfectly content after most feedings. But, like all babies, sometimes he doesn't eat well (he tends to fall asleep, or get lazy, and he likes to nurse himself to sleep) and he has a very fussy time of day, accompanied by a temper. He has gotten more and more sensitive to needing a diaper change and he gets overtired very very easily (because he's so busy taking in the world around him). And he tends to get gassy- especially if he didn't eat properly. And, he doesn't really like to be held by very many people- even Scott can't console him when he's fussy. So, instead of jumping to the conclusion that he's hungry, maybe cut us some slack and look for another cause of his distress.
Rant #4: Someone telling me, "You're going to spoil that baby!" He's 6 weeks old- read a book! They will all tell you the same things: 1) You can't spoil a newborn, 2) Newborns don't have the ability to calm themselves, and 3) During the first 2-3 months, you do whatever you can to get through it. He's happy when he's held (I think he may be high-maintenance or strong willed). That's why I hold him most of the day and sleep more often lounging in the chair with him on my chest than in my bed. It might be hard to break him later, but I'd rather have spent the past 6 weeks soaking in every second than regretting making him independent this early (see Rant #2).
That is all, for now.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Revelations
Surprising things God has taught me (or re-affirmed) through my 4 week old:
- When nothing else works, remain calm and be still in the Lord.
- Hymns make the best lullabies.
- Sometimes you just need to be held by Daddy.
- Patience, patience, patience......
- God will never give you more than you can handle.
- Children are meant to be raised in a family.
- Love always has room to grow.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
I know there are more (that I thought of this morning at 3 am) but I can't remember them right now, for some reason. :)
- When nothing else works, remain calm and be still in the Lord.
- Hymns make the best lullabies.
- Sometimes you just need to be held by Daddy.
- Patience, patience, patience......
- God will never give you more than you can handle.
- Children are meant to be raised in a family.
- Love always has room to grow.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
I know there are more (that I thought of this morning at 3 am) but I can't remember them right now, for some reason. :)
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| Peace that passes understanding |
Friday, March 23, 2012
Birthday Photo Album
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| Last Preggo Pic: 37 weeks, 3 days |
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| Coleman Scott Holloway Born March 3rd, 2012 6:37 a.m. 7 pounds, 9 ounces 19 inches long |
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| First Family Photo!! |
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| Our First Visitors Kenton & Suzan a.k.a. Nana & Grandad |
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| 4 Generations of Holloways: Great-Grandad Bob, Grandad Kenton, Daddy Scott, & Baby Coleman |
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| Scott & Coleman with Great Grandad & Grand'ma Holloway |
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| Great Granny and Grandpa Lively with Coleman (Grandpa's father's name was John Coleman Lively) |
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| Daddy and Coleman spend some time getting to know each other |
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| The Aggie, Dr. Edwards- who, following in true Holloway style, almost missed the whole event! So glad he got there in time to catch! |
More pictures to come, these were all taken at the hospital. Somehow, I've not had much time to download very many from the camera to the computer. Keep checking in!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Unbelievable
Nearly two weeks later, as I watch this little baby asleep on my chest, I can hardly believe the story of how he got here. I'm writing it down so that I never forget that amazing morning.
Okay, back up to February 7th: At my 36 week appointment, Dr. Kyle checked me and announced that I was already 3 cm dilated and 75% effaced. For those of you that don't know, that meant that I was basically already through what's known as pre-labor and would quickly approach active labor. I had been having Braxton-Hicks and false labor contractions for a long time and apparently they were actually doing something. Dr. Kyle told me I could deliver at any time and gave me instructions on when to head to the hospital. At our first prepared childbirth class that night, we asked for the cliff's notes version. We weren't packed, we didn't have a crib and we had just bought our house the previous Friday and were getting ready to move. P-A-N-I-C set in and we got all of our ducks in a row that week.
The next week at my check up, I was a little more dilated and more effaced and got the same set of instructions from Dr. Kyle. He also mentioned that he thought my water would break at any time (which really only happens 10-15% of the time). The next week was the same story and Dr. Kyle told me he'd be on call that weekend or that he'd see me at my next appointment, but didn't think I'd last that long. Well, I proved him wrong again and at my last appointment on February 28th I was 4.5 cm dilated and 90% effaced- yet not in active labor..... So crazy..... I made appointment for my next check up which was to be on my due date- March 6th.
Friday, March 2nd, I went to work at the Nocona clinic and worked a crazy full day: 4 surgeries that morning, 10 appointments that afternoon, left work at 6 pm, went to Wal-Mart, came home and made 4 dozen muffins for Ladies Day at church the next morning, made a homemade pizza, and watched TV with Scott. I did have minor contractions all day and was pretty tired, but I'd been having contractions and I was carrying around nearly 40 extra pounds- who wouldn't be tired? We went to bed and didn't think anything of it.
At 4:30 am, my water broke and woke me up. I had a strong contraction almost immediately but it was gone by the time I made it to the bathroom to attempt to clean myself up. I woke Scott up and told him my water broke, "Did it really?" he said, and sprang out of bed. I took a lightening fast shower (my hair was just gross) and had one or two contractions in the shower. By the time we were loaded up and ready to leave, I was having contractions lasting about 30 seconds every 5 minutes, pretty typical. We called our parents and texted a few need-to-know people and told then to spread the word.
By the time we got to Bowie, I was having contractions every 3 minutes. By the time we got to Sunset, I was having very strong contractions every 2 minutes. The closer and stronger my contractions got, the faster Scott drove- flashers on. Apparently he reached 85-90 mph before we got to Decatur! When we pulled in the ER driveway at 5:37 am (Scott looked at the clock in the truck), my contractions were 1 minute apart and there was soooo much intense pressure. I checked in and Scott parked the truck and I was taken up to Labor & Delivery. They checked me and then called the on-call OB, Dr. Edwards, and told him to head our way, from Saginaw.... about 30 miles away.
So, by the time they checked me, I was fully dilated and effaced and he was already well into the birth canal. I was too far for any pain medication... yeah, something I never ever saw myself doing was going through natural childbirth. It took 3 attempts to get an IV catheter in my arm because they didn't have much time to establish it between contractions. I was made to "blow through" at least 10 contractions- meaning that I could have very easily pushed was wasn't allowed to until the doctor got there. Luckily, I had learned that technique in my childbirth classes the previous Tuesday. Anyhow, Dr. Edwards finally arrived and I pushed through 3 contractions and he was delivered. Because he came so quickly, I had to have an episiotomy but managed to tear anyway. While they were finishing up with me and checking our son over, Scott ran to the truck and got the camera. We missed the footprinting (oh man!) but had some great skin-to-skin time. After all of that, I finally got some pain meds that made me a little sleepy and Scott went with our son for his first bath.
When they came back to the room, we finally got down to the business of giving him his name: Coleman Scott Holloway. We had a short list of names that we like and decided that he just looked like a "Coleman" when he arrived. Bob Lively's father's name was JC
The rest of the day was a blur with so many friends and family coming to visit. And the past two weeks have been a blur as well with visitors, lost sleep, learning how to nurse, pediatricians appointments, lots of rain, and major surgery for Scott's grandad. It's been a lot harder than I thought it would be. The biggest challenge has been lost sleep, combined with an overwhelming sense that I have no idea what I'm doing, and a healthy dose of whacked out hormones making everything sooo much harder. But so far, every tear has been worth it when this little boy relies on us for everything and it is our responsibility to raise him to be the God-fearing man that is his legacy. Wish us luck!
Photo album coming next!
Okay, back up to February 7th: At my 36 week appointment, Dr. Kyle checked me and announced that I was already 3 cm dilated and 75% effaced. For those of you that don't know, that meant that I was basically already through what's known as pre-labor and would quickly approach active labor. I had been having Braxton-Hicks and false labor contractions for a long time and apparently they were actually doing something. Dr. Kyle told me I could deliver at any time and gave me instructions on when to head to the hospital. At our first prepared childbirth class that night, we asked for the cliff's notes version. We weren't packed, we didn't have a crib and we had just bought our house the previous Friday and were getting ready to move. P-A-N-I-C set in and we got all of our ducks in a row that week.
The next week at my check up, I was a little more dilated and more effaced and got the same set of instructions from Dr. Kyle. He also mentioned that he thought my water would break at any time (which really only happens 10-15% of the time). The next week was the same story and Dr. Kyle told me he'd be on call that weekend or that he'd see me at my next appointment, but didn't think I'd last that long. Well, I proved him wrong again and at my last appointment on February 28th I was 4.5 cm dilated and 90% effaced- yet not in active labor..... So crazy..... I made appointment for my next check up which was to be on my due date- March 6th.
Friday, March 2nd, I went to work at the Nocona clinic and worked a crazy full day: 4 surgeries that morning, 10 appointments that afternoon, left work at 6 pm, went to Wal-Mart, came home and made 4 dozen muffins for Ladies Day at church the next morning, made a homemade pizza, and watched TV with Scott. I did have minor contractions all day and was pretty tired, but I'd been having contractions and I was carrying around nearly 40 extra pounds- who wouldn't be tired? We went to bed and didn't think anything of it.
At 4:30 am, my water broke and woke me up. I had a strong contraction almost immediately but it was gone by the time I made it to the bathroom to attempt to clean myself up. I woke Scott up and told him my water broke, "Did it really?" he said, and sprang out of bed. I took a lightening fast shower (my hair was just gross) and had one or two contractions in the shower. By the time we were loaded up and ready to leave, I was having contractions lasting about 30 seconds every 5 minutes, pretty typical. We called our parents and texted a few need-to-know people and told then to spread the word.
By the time we got to Bowie, I was having contractions every 3 minutes. By the time we got to Sunset, I was having very strong contractions every 2 minutes. The closer and stronger my contractions got, the faster Scott drove- flashers on. Apparently he reached 85-90 mph before we got to Decatur! When we pulled in the ER driveway at 5:37 am (Scott looked at the clock in the truck), my contractions were 1 minute apart and there was soooo much intense pressure. I checked in and Scott parked the truck and I was taken up to Labor & Delivery. They checked me and then called the on-call OB, Dr. Edwards, and told him to head our way, from Saginaw.... about 30 miles away.
So, by the time they checked me, I was fully dilated and effaced and he was already well into the birth canal. I was too far for any pain medication... yeah, something I never ever saw myself doing was going through natural childbirth. It took 3 attempts to get an IV catheter in my arm because they didn't have much time to establish it between contractions. I was made to "blow through" at least 10 contractions- meaning that I could have very easily pushed was wasn't allowed to until the doctor got there. Luckily, I had learned that technique in my childbirth classes the previous Tuesday. Anyhow, Dr. Edwards finally arrived and I pushed through 3 contractions and he was delivered. Because he came so quickly, I had to have an episiotomy but managed to tear anyway. While they were finishing up with me and checking our son over, Scott ran to the truck and got the camera. We missed the footprinting (oh man!) but had some great skin-to-skin time. After all of that, I finally got some pain meds that made me a little sleepy and Scott went with our son for his first bath.
When they came back to the room, we finally got down to the business of giving him his name: Coleman Scott Holloway. We had a short list of names that we like and decided that he just looked like a "Coleman" when he arrived. Bob Lively's father's name was JC
The rest of the day was a blur with so many friends and family coming to visit. And the past two weeks have been a blur as well with visitors, lost sleep, learning how to nurse, pediatricians appointments, lots of rain, and major surgery for Scott's grandad. It's been a lot harder than I thought it would be. The biggest challenge has been lost sleep, combined with an overwhelming sense that I have no idea what I'm doing, and a healthy dose of whacked out hormones making everything sooo much harder. But so far, every tear has been worth it when this little boy relies on us for everything and it is our responsibility to raise him to be the God-fearing man that is his legacy. Wish us luck!
Photo album coming next!
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