Derek- the chunk

Derek and I went to a mommy and me group yesterday- our first outing alone. It was really nice. They also have a scale there to use. Our chunk is now over 8 pounds. He was 8-11 yesterday. Even if you take off the amount for clothes, his diaper, and the fact that he just ate, he still gained over a pound this week- again. Crazy. All the weight seems to be going to his face as is evident by his double chin. We love our boy! Apparently he is a great eater.

We have been catching Lucky on our bed lately- a place she knows she is not to be. Usually she is on our pillows. Sometimes I catch her on the edge of the bed looking at Derek in his pack 'n play. She is quite fascinated by his smell and noises now. Both dogs like to smell him and give him a little lick. Alex has already made him part of her pack to protect.

Our Little Fan

We were all very excited about the Packers win on Saturday and then the Giants win on Sunday. Derek wore his Packers outfit to church on Sunday. Most people here are Seahawks fans (as OR doesn't have a team). So maybe I was gloating a bit!

Derek (and mommy) had a great night last night after a few rough ones. I think he was going through a growth spurt the last few days and was eating every hour to hour and a half. Derek even had a double chin yesterday (gone today). Now it seems he can go a few hours between feedings again. Yeah. We also survived our first day without Daddy. Mike went back to work yesterday. It was wonderful having him home the last few weeks and having a second pair of hands to help out. He still comes home for lunch which is a great break to our day.

Weather alert heard on the radio this morning (WI people start laughing): All schools are on 2 hour delay- as well as most businesses... It is 31 degrees outside and there is ice. WARNING the roads are slippery... It will still be 41 degrees today. Hehe.. what a crazy place.

Tummy time

Now that Derek is actually awake more than just at feeding time, I decided to introduce tummy time. He did really well. Of course, Lucky needed to come and make sure everything is ok. The dogs check up on Derek and sniff him and give a lick for good measure.

Now if the little guy will sleep... last night he slept in 2 one hour blocks. I am sure he will make it up today- I will need a nap as well.

I am excited for the game today. Go Packers!

Ahh-- the sleep of a baby- and a fun doggie picture

Here are some fun new pictures of Derek. He just looks so comfortable when he sleeps. When he wakes up he only opens one eye at a time. Then he usually switches eyes. We had a great visit to the doctor today. He now weighs 7lbs 5oz. He gained a whole pound this week. Crazy.

The doggies are still doing great with Derek. They still just sniff him. Here is a picture of Lucky- clearly at ease.

Life at the speed of Derek

I am learning that living with a baby is crazy. I like- even thrive- on routine. There is no routine-yet- with a newborn. Each day is a new and different experience- from the amount of sleep to feeding times and how long they last. I started to get disappointed when after sleeping in a big block of time one night, Derek catnapped the next night. I had expectations the second night which wasn't fair to him and only led to me being tired and crabby. Now I am excited with any blocks of time during the night. I have found some routines to help out- showers and doing laundry. Why is it that I feel like a functioning human being after doing a load of laundry? Letting go, letting the house stay dirty, and being ok with clutter is new for me. You just can't schedule and plan a baby's schedule. Yet there are huge rewards: the big blue eyes of a happy baby, his beautiful tiny hands and feet, and the realization that this little guy came from Mike and me. I wouldn't trade the exhaustion for anything. He is a HUGE answer to prayer and we are just enjoying him. Thanks God!

I will post more pics later. He is adorable (although I am a bit subjective). There may be a story later as Derek has his 2 week doctor's appointment. We shall see.

Help! The bunting ate my baby!

The bunting may be a bit big! We bundled up Derek for his first walk yesterday. First we put him into the bunting and then into the sling. It was a beautiful day- about 40 degrees. It was nice. The only hitch was when left Mike and the doggies to do a shorter walk. Lucky wasn't happy and cried until I was out of view. Poor little puppy.

The second picture was just for fun. Mike's aunt made the sweater and the booties. They are really cute.

Derek slept in a 4 hour block last night in his bassinet. Of course, I was up every half hour making sure he was still breathing! I feel great this morning!

The first big bath

Derek had his first bath at the hospital the night he was born. Mike was able to give it to him as I was still unable to leave the bed. Since we have been home, he has had many sponge baths usually as a result of tinkling over everything including himself (despite attempts to cover him). This morning we gave him his first bath in his bathtub. We still had to use a sponge bath technique as his umbilical stub is still there. It started well but then he was naked and wet. He is not a big fan of this. By the end though he was happy, clean, and bundled up. MIke is an expert bather!

Derek also slept in 3.5 hour blocks last night. It was wonderful! We are now embarking on our first walk. Mike will have the doggies and I will have Derek in the sling. There may be a story later :)