Lilypie First Birthday tickers

Lilypie First Birthday tickers

Sunday, January 29, 2012

5 Months Old

Emerson will be five months old on Tuesday!  I can't believe how time has flown by.  Here are his stats:
Five Months Old:
Weight:  He probably weighs about 21 lbs; I haven't weighed him recently.
Height:  About 27 inches.
Diaper size:  Still wearing a size 3 on those chunky thighs!
Clothing sizes:  Totally in 6-9 month clothing; I packed up the last of the 3-6 month stuff this morning.  There is a huge consignment sale in Asheville in February, and I'm thinking I'm not going to buy ANY 6-9 month stuff; I'm only buying 12 month.  I can't believe that probably by Easter, he'll be wearing 12 month clothing.
Milestones: He has become very adept at rolling from his belly to his back, and when he's on his back, he likes to roll to his side and play with his feet.  He is very close to sitting up; he does excellently assisted, as long as he's not too tired.
Eating:  He takes 3-4 3oz bottles of breastmilk at the sitter's during the day; at night he nurses a few times in the late afternoon/early evening, and then wakes at least twice at night; sometimes more.  We have sort of started solids, but he doesn't have much interest, and I'm totally fine with that.  We've tried both rice and oatmeal cereals--hated it.  He seems to like sweet potatoes, so we're sticking with that.  I'm not going to push food on him ever, but around 6 months, I'll start offering him table food per Baby Led Weaning.
Sleep:  He goes to bed around 6:30; sometimes a little earlier, sometimes later.  He sleeps till around 10:30pm, nurses, sleeps till 1:30am, nurses, and usually (!) stays down until arond 6:30am or 7am.  He is still pretty random with this though; we never know what he'll do.  Naps are an absolute disaster right now.  Gone are the lovely three nap days; he now takes SEVERAL 30 minute naps.  I still put him down 1.5 hours after he's been awake, and he sleeps exactly 30 minutes and is up again.  I have tried keeping him awake longer, to no avail.  I luckily got a two-hour nap out of him yesterday, late evening, but today....disaster! 


I love this boy more every day.  I can't believe how big he is!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Playing Catch-Up

So four months have gone by without a post...Emerson is HUGE!  I'm just going to put out a photo-bomb, and let that tell what he's been up to, and then do a re-cap of updates on his growth and development.

One Month Old:
Weight:  Emerson weighed about 10 lbs at one month.
Height:  He was around 21 inches long.
Diaper size:  He wore a size one diaper.
Clothing sizes:  He wore all 0-3 month clothes
Milestones: At this point, he was becoming more alert during his wakeup times, and was able to follow objects with his eyes.  He really enjoyed looking at black and white pictures.  We noticed that around 2 weeks old he had excellent head support, and really loved to look around at things.
Eating:  He nursed about every 1.5 to 2 hours, and about every 3 hours at night.
Sleep:  He slept in three hour spurts, and at this point, went to bed whenever he was sleepy.  He took several naps a day, of varying lengths.

One Week Old
 Newborn Photos

 Two Weeks Old
 Three Weeks Old

One Month Old

Two Months Old:
Weight:  Emerson weighed about 13 lbs at his checkup.

Height:  He was around 24 inches long.

Diaper size:  He wore a size two diaper.

Clothing sizes:  He wore all 0-3 month clothes, but was getting into 3-6 month clothes.  By Halloween, he was in all 3-6 months.

Milestones: Emerson started smiling around six weeks, and laughed out loud around 8 weeks.  He enjoyed bath time a LOT, and didn't enjoy tummy time AT ALL.
Eating:  He nursed about every 1.5 to 2 hours, but went longer at night.
Sleep:  We started a bedtime routine at this point, which consisted of a bath, then pajamas, and nursing to sleep.  He slept in our bed for the entire night, on a pillowcase with a waterproof pad in it.  He was swaddled with a velcro swaddle sack, or the miracle blanket.  He slept around six hours, and then was up every two or three.
Special events:  Emerson celebrated his first Halloween and Thanksgiving this month!



Three Months:
Weight:  Emerson weighed about 15-16 pounds this month.

Height:  He was around 25-26 inches long.

Diaper size:  He wore a size two diaper, but went up to size three around the beginning of December.

Clothing sizes:  He wore all size 3-6 month clothes.

Milestones: Emerson continued to smile and laugh; he is a very happy baby.  He became very interested in his toys at this point, and soon became able to hold them in his hand, and started bringing them to his mouth.  He got his first two teeth (bottom middle) at Thanksgiving time. He started staying with a babysitter (we love Mrs. Casey and our Nanny and Mimi!) during the day so Mommy could go back to work. :(

Eating:  He nursed about every 2 hours, but went longer at night. 
Sleep:  Emerson was still following his bedtime routine, and he slept up to eight hours at once (not every night, mostly it was about six) and then was up every three.  He was an excellent sleeper at three months.  He was still swaddled.
Special events:  Emerson celebrated his first Christmas this month!
 
Four Months:
Weight:  Emerson weighed about 19.5 lbs at his checkup.

Height:  He was around 26.6  inches long.

Diaper size:  He wears a size three diaper.

Clothing sizes:  He WAS in all 3-6 month clothes, but we recently switched out to a lot of his 6-9 month clothes.  He is a chunky monkey!

Milestones: Emerson can now roll over from his tummy to his back, and he can sit supported.  He loves sitting in his high chair and playing with his toys, and sitting in his Bumbo seat. He has recently become interested in books, especially ones with bright colored pictures!  He loves being tickled, and loves Mommy and Daddy playing peek a boo with him!  He is such a happy, funny baby.

Eating:  He still nurses about every 2-3 hours during the day, and CAN go six at night, but now our sleep is...interesting....
Sleep:  I wish it were as good as it looked above...he is certainly going through the dreaded "four month sleep regression" and we're hating it.  He wakes up about every three hours if we're lucky, and his naps are hit or miss.  I'm hoping he'll be back to normal soon. 

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Birth Story and Pictures

Emerson Wilde is finally here, although he came 4 days late (7 according to the doctor's calculations and the "almighty wheel of pregnancy")!  We had scheduled an induction for September 6th, but he ended up coming on August 31st.

I had no symptoms of pending labor at all up until I lost my mucous plug around 6pm August 30.  I had a feeling I'd go into labor soon after that, just because he was already so late.  I was right!  After having major crampiness all evening, I laid down in bed around 11:30pm, and immediately felt a pop!  Got up to get on the toilet, and sure enough, my water had broken.  Problem was, the fluid was green-tinged!  I knew there was meconium in my water, and I immediately went to Colby and said, "we have to go to the hospital.  Now."

We got there in about 30 minutes, and it's usually about a 45 minute drive.  There's lots of construction going on, but since it was night, we didn't have to worry about it.  We got to the hospital, and the nurse checked me in, and checked my dilation.  I was only a one, but she confirmed I was definitely in labor.

On the way to the hospital, I'd started having contractions about 4 minutes apart, and they stayed that way until we got checked into a labor and delivery room, at which point, they went all over the place.  I was having them 3 and 2 minutes apart, then I'd have one after 30 seconds, and they were all in various lengths.  I labored until about 4:30AM with excruciating, untimeable pain, until finally, I couldn't take anymore, and got an epidural.  I was terrified of an epidural, but after that amount of pain, and me starting to vomit everywhere, I just couldn't take it.  I honestly think if my contractions had been regular, I would've been able to do it.

After getting the epi, and not really progressing past 2 centimeters, the doctor decided to give me some pitocin to speed things along.  After that, I dilated to about 4 centimeters in 2 hours, and then everything stopped.  They upped my pitocin dose to an 8, and then Emerson's heartrate went down every time I had a contraction.  We were beyond worried about him.  They took me off pitocin, and then I still wasn't progressing.  Around 1PM, Dr. Jackson decided enough was enough.  He told me it looked like I needed a C-section, and they could do it in about an hour.

I was completely devastated.  I wanted to do what was best for the baby, but the vaginal birth I'd prepared for was gone.  I would never, ever again get the feeling of going into labor on my own, I'd never get to push a baby out by myself with Colby coaching me.  I knew that my future of giving birth naturally was totally ruined.  I also know how selfish it sounds for me to even say that, but it doesn't make my feelings any less real.

Around 2:00PM, they prepped me for surgery, and we went into the operating room.  Before we went, Dr. Jackson prayed with the nurses and Colby and me, and though extremely comforting, it was still very scary, and heartbreaking.

The C-section went perfectly.  I will never forget when I first heard Emerson cry, and although I didn't get to feel him come out, it was the best moment of my life.  I also got to see him get cleaned up, because they had a monitor on him.  He was beautiful.






After I got cleaned up and sewn up, we went down to the recovery room for about an hour, and I was able to try breastfeeding, which went well at that point.  He latched right on.  Then for the next several days, we went into breastfeeding HELL.

My recovery was fine, I wasn't in a lot of pain, and I spent the next four days in the hospital trying to get Emerson fed, and I knew he wasn't getting ANYTHING.  I had a little colostrum that would leak out occasionally, but I knew there was no milk.  By day 4, he'd gone from 8 lbs 6 oz to 7 lbs 3 oz, which of course was way more than 10% of his birth weight.  I was at an absolute loss as to what to do.  I had nurses telling me to give him formula, and at the same time, a pediatrician and lactation consultant telling me to wait it out, and not give him formula.  That night, we went home from the hospital, and I was in complete hysterics.  I was terrified I wouldn't be able to feed my child.  He wasn't crying non-stop or anything, in fact, he was very lethargic (probably due to my taking Percocet, and him being a little jaundiced)  We called the pediatrician's night hotline, and the nurse told me how much to give him, and so we did.  The next day we saw a lactation consultant, who developed a plan for us, which involved feeding, supplementing, and then me pumping at EVERY feeding session.

Luckily, we only had to follow the plan for one night, because the next morning, my milk was in!!!  I woke up engorged and full, and he was DOWNING the milk!  We had a pediatrician's appointment the next day, and his weight was already back up a few ounces.  I was so glad!  Of ALL the things I wanted, I wanted to breastfeed more than anything else.  I knew it was the right thing for Emerson, and the best thing I could do for his health and well-being.  The very thought of not being able to do it simply petrified me. Thank God it actually happened!

So since then, we've been a very happy little family of three.  We have taken copious pictures, of course, and are just completely in love with this little boy.  He eats about every 3 hours, day and night, and he's alert and happy for about 2 hours in the morning, and 2 hours at night.  Waking up every 3 hours to breastfeed is the LEAST of my worries; I know these feedings will get farther apart the older he gets.

We are so blessed.






Sunday, August 21, 2011

39 Weeks...Still Pregnant



How Far Along: 39 Weeks.

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a watermelon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 40 pounds.....

Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way, and my shirts are getting short.  I was so glad to be done with work this week, because I'm running out of comfortable things to wear!

Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!

Movement:  He moves pretty regularly, but he's definitely run out of room! 

Sleep: For the past two weeks, I've slept in the guest room, because our bed is so high up, I can barely get in and out of it.  I sleep a lot better in there, as much as I hate it.

What I miss: I have certainly loved being pregnant, but I think I may have hit my threshold this week.  I'm ready to meet this little guy, and to be comfortable again!

Cravings:  Not really anything.

Symptoms:  Still lots of crotch pain/pressure, and I feel like my belly has "dropped." It all of a sudden doesn't look as huge, and the top of my uterus is a little lower.

Best Moment this week: Being done with work!  Each thing I check off my list brings me a little closer to having this baby!

Oh, and here's a picture of our "other baby" just for good measure.  Can you tell we got a new camera this week? :)


Monday, August 1, 2011

36 Weeks--One Month Left!

 First, here are some pictures from my church shower on Sunday!  It was great; got a lot of great baby stuff!

 Opening precious overalls...

 This was the cake table.  My friend Donna set up this little barn, and the blocks with his name!  So cute!

 My mom made this quilt.  It has Noah's Ark on it, with baby animals.  I love it!

 This afghan was made by one of my mom's best friends, Jodie.  I wish the detail on it was clearer; it is stunning!  The edges have two layers of crochet, and there's a white ribbon running through it.  Gorgeous!

 This is after we got everything home!  So overwhelming!

Here are some pictures of our beautiful nursery!  I had so much fun putting all this together.  My favorite piece in the entire room is this huge E over the crib.  I got it on Etsy, and trust me, it is even prettier in person!


The rocker and curtains...

Changing table...we've gotten a better pad for it since the picture was taken.


Up close of the crib bedding.  I LOVE IT.

View from the door...

This little cabinet came from my father in law's furniture store...it used to be green and white, but I painted it to match the room.

Here is his little bookcase.  I adore this picture over the bookcase.  It's one of my favorite things in the room.

Finally, here is my 36 week pic!

How Far Along: 36 weeks.

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a small watermelon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 37 pounds.....

Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way, and some of my pants are too tight!  This is NOT good news!

Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!

Movement:  He's moving pretty regularly every day, and has been for a few weeks.  At my 34 week appointment, doctor confirmed that he was head down, but "sunny side up."  She said this could change up until a few minutes before delivery, but I'm still worried about back labor, since I want to do this naturally.

Sleep: SUPER hard to get comfortable at night!!!  My back and hips KILL me!  Plus I'm still peeing a ton!

What I miss: Not a thing! I love, love, LOVE being pregnant! I do miss being able to get comfortable during bedtime though.

Cravings:  Still not a lot.  I really am obsessed with fruit, especially peaches.  I love, love, love the diced peaches in juice!

Symptoms:  Lots of pressure down below, a few episodes that I *think* are Braxton Hicks contractions, and lots of kicks, punches, and hiccups.

Best Moment this week:  Having my shower, and going to the doctor.  My shower was wonderful, and the doctor says that although I'm not progressed at all, he's head down, and ready to go!  I have another shower next Sunday that I'm looking forward to; it's a library shower!  I hope Emerson enjoys books and reading as much as Colby and I did as kids.  Well, we still enjoy it, but who has time to read!?!??!?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Pregnancy Update Weeks 29-35...

 Around 30/32 weeks...

34 Weeks...


How Far Along: 35 weeks.

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a honeydew melon!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 35 pounds already, and still have a month to go....

Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way!

Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!

Movement:  He's moving pretty regularly every day, and has been for a few weeks.  At my 34 week appointment, doctor confirmed that he was head down, but "sunny side up."  She said this could change up until a few minutes before delivery, but I'm still worried about back labor, since I want to do this naturally.

Sleep: SUPER hard to get comfortable at night!!!  My back and hips KILL me!  Plus I'm still peeing a ton!

What I miss: Not a thing! I love, love, LOVE being pregnant!

Cravings:  Still not a lot.  I had the 3 hour glucose test right before my 30 week appt, and I passed with flying colors.  I just like eating in general!

Symptoms:  Heartburn got EXTREMELY bad around 30 weeks, and the doctor recommended I go ahead and start taking some Prilosec.  I have, and it's totally gone, thank GOODNESS!  It was seriously making me sick to eat.

Best Moment this week: I'm done with the nursery!  My mother in law is getting us our glider and changing table, and as soon as I get those set up, I'll post pics.  My shower is next Sunday!  I'm so close to holding this little boy in my arms!  Can't wait!

Monday, June 6, 2011

28 Weeks

No picture yet, because we're living at my parents-in-law's house!  How did that happen, you ask?  We have no air conditioning.  We noticed about a week and a half ago that there was some frost on the unit that's inside the house, and it was making a weird noise.  Colby called the guy, and he told us to turn it off for a couple of days and change the filter, and see if that helped.  Nope.  Still got frost.  So the man came out there, and our whole system is INSTALLED WRONG!!!  We've been waiting on a part to fix it for over a week now, and we're camping out at Colby's parent's house.  With Piper.  Who has had "bad potty" on the carpet no less than EVERY DAY!!!  It's getting kinda old....but I digress.... 

How Far Along: 28 weeks.


Size of baby: Baby is the size of a small cabbage.  He's getting big!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 22 pounds already.  I'm a little scared of that number, since I still have about 2 1/2 months to go...

Maternity Clothes: Maternity all the way!

Gender: IT'S A BOY! Emerson Wilde Martin!

Movement:  He has been WILD the past two days!!  I love it!  I'm doing a play right now, and he LOVES when I'm talking on stage.  He just goes crazy!  Hopefully, theatre is in his blood!

Sleep: Still really hard to get comfortable, but I'm sleeping pretty well. As long as I don't drink a ton of water at night, I don't pee every five seconds.  I've also been having some leg cramps at night, which wake me up.
What I miss: Not a thing! I love, love, LOVE being pregnant!

Cravings:  Still not a lot.  I CLEARLY need to lay off the sweets, though, because I failed my glucose test on Monday. :(  This means I have to take the three hour test next Monday. Yeah.  Not looking forward to THAT.

Symptoms:  Heartburn is still around, but it's actually getting better a little.  I cannot tolerate ANY fruit flavored Tums, so I've switched over to the mint kind.  Like them SO much better!  I'm also having some hip pain, but I know that's typical.  It's not bad or anything, just annoying.
Best Moment this week: It actually JUST happened!  I'm sitting here, feeling Emerson squirm all around, and he stayed in one place long enough for me to feel this little part of him THROUGH my stomach.  I'm pretty sure it's a foot, but who knows?  Second guess is elbow or knee?  Anyway, there he stayed, and I could just rub his little body part with my hand.  AMAZING!!!!!!!  I am so in love with this little boy already!