Wednesday, June 17, 2015

We thought they were final snuggles...

When it comes to motherhood, I have learned to expect the unexpected, and most importantly, take every opportunity that comes your way.

With my parent's arrival, Ryan and I took the opportunity to enjoy a couple date nights, one traditional, and one not so traditional. Our non traditional date night involved us completing our third race in what I earlier posted as the Crescent City Challenge. This race was the Crescent City Bridge Run, a 4 mile race, starting on the West Bank, crossing the Mississippi River on the Crescent Connection Bridge, and finishing on the East Bank.

Pre date night picture. 

Bridge Run selfie

Another selfie.
Apparently, 4 weeks post baby makes for a sleepy runner. :)


Ryan took the opportunity to learn from Papa Pagels about changing the oil in his Jeep. Cajun is all set with fresh, clean oil, and new oil filter. Mom and I were smart and stayed out of the garage during the process, we decided to bake them chocolate chip cookies to enjoy post oil change.


And, we thought these pictures were capturing the final snuggles before my parents departed. Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed spending time with Henry. Ryan and I enjoyed having them visit. Macy was also happy to have her best friend visit, she and Dad were inseparable.




As I mentioned at the start of this post, expect the unexpected, and take every opportunity that comes your way. The next post will explain why we thought they were final snuggles...

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

One month...

We have successfully survived a month with Henry Ryan. His one month mark also marked the arrival of my parents! The ability to sleep for an extended period of time has been beautiful.

Henry had his one month doctor appointment today. Our sweet, baby boy is a little man. He has been gaining weight well, and weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. Doctor is not worried about his low weight because his weight is in proportion to his height, and he is gaining over an ounce a day.

Enough with the typing, here's the important stuff. Pictures!






Nap time with Grandpa. 

Snuggles with Grandma.

Macy is getting lots of love too. 








Thursday, May 28, 2015

The baby sleeps...

Nothing is better than a sleeping baby, well, actually a sleeping baby at night would be better than a sleeping baby during the day, but I take what I can get.

As I type this, I think about the more practical things I should be doing. Napping? I have an inability to nap. I've tried, and failed, many, many times. Really something I should have perfected prior to having a baby. :) Eating? Yeah, I am sure my growling stomach will angrily remind me of that poor choice later. Most likely, at the same moment Henry wakes up. :) But, for those wanting to see pictures, here you go!

Before the pictures, one thing I must add. Yesterday, marked our one year anniversary of moving from Russia to Louisiana! What a difference a year can make! We have made some amazing friends here, we are enjoying our time in Louisiana. And the biggest difference of all, we have a baby!?!?!


I found these pictures while uploading others from my phone. This was only a day before Henry was born. I think Macy knew something was going on. She had kept her distance from me the entire pregnancy, being extra careful not to touch my belly. Starting two days before Henry was born, she was always next to me, and had her head resting on my belly. 


Last week, I got the clearance for light exercise. Macy, Henry and I have been going on daily, morning walks. Macy loves the walks. I love the time outside. 

And Henry seems to enjoy the walks too.
Not sure how long they will last, it's already getting pretty hot and humid here.

It only takes a second….

For someone's mood to change…..:)
I feel it's only appropriate. I post all these cute pictures, I have to post an unhappy picture. A bit of snuggles cures all unhappiness, thankfully.  
 I thought about taking 3 week pictures yesterday, but then realized he was closer to 4 weeks than 3 weeks. Consider this post your 3 week update, and Ryan and I will take 4 week pictures this weekend. Where has the time gone? We have survived 4 weeks with an infant. Do we get a reward? Actually, yes we do, my parents arrive on Sunday!!!

And with that, I hear Henry calling my name. The baby sleeps no more….

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Two weeks...

Hello, family and friends! We are alive, well, and enjoying life with Henry. I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting a blog update, and I have finally found the time to sit down, upload pictures, and type a quick post.

Henry Update:
After a rocky start to feeding, we have finally figured out a combination of breast feeding and formula feeding to make sure Henry is gaining weight. His last doctor's appointment proved we have figured out the correct combination because he is thankfully no longer losing weight, but is gaining! Last week he was 5 lbs 14 ounces, having gained back all the weight he lost after birth, and even adding a couple extra ounces! His next doctor appointment is at his one month mark, so I hope to see a continued increase in his weight. Being with him every day, it is difficult to notice a difference in his weight, but I like to think I am noticing weight gain. I do know for sure, his appetite has finally arrived, it just took him a bit longer to realize eating was a good thing. :)

He is such a sweet baby (and I pray he stays that way). He has his moments of fussiness, but nothing that cannot be consoled with some snuggles. And who doesn't love baby snuggles? :) With his increase in appetite, we notice his fussiness usually spikes around feeding time, not necessarily prior to feeding, we still have to wake him to feed him, but during the feeding. He is not a fan of feeding pauses for burping.

Ryan Update:
He is such a good dad! He and Henry are canoodling best buddies. My heart is so happy each time I see Henry snuggled on Ryan's chest. I enjoy watching Ryan feed Henry, and listening to Ryan talk to Henry. I am one lucky wife and mother.

Mommy Update:
I am doing well. Now that we have figured out feeding, and established a feeding schedule, it has made things a lot better. Each day I figure out something new, accomplish something new, and realize I am starting to get the hang of being a mother. As much as the night time feedings cut into sleep, I have grown to enjoy Henry's midnight feeding. It's during that feeding that I find myself looking at him and thinking what an incredible blessing he is. I want to remember these moments because I know time will start to fly.

I am starting to suffer from a bit of cabin fever. The doctor's appointments have been nice in the way that it gets me out of the house. And for the record, I have been on time/early to every appointment, BOOM, mommy success! I look forward to my doctor appointment later this week, and the all clear to resume exercise. I know Macy is missing her walks as much as I am. And eventually, I will get back to the gym. Ryan has already signed Henry up on our club account. Our friends' son goes to the daycare at our club, and they say it is nice, so I am looking forward to taking Henry to the gym, and getting some workouts in.

And, if you have read this post to this point, congratulations, allow me to reward you with pictures of Henry! We started taking pictures on his elephant chair in order to capture his growth. Our friend also took newborn pictures, which I will post once we receive them!

 

Macy snuggling with Henry's blanket from the hospital.  


Love tiny, baby feet!





This picture makes me laugh. This is what happens when sleeping Henry sneezes.

Much better. Sneezes are done, blocks are back up, eyes are open, and possibly a little, old man grin on his face. 



Thursday, May 7, 2015

Introducing Henry Ryan...

No baby bump picture to share, we have a baby!

Introducing Henry Ryan
Born May 2nd
8:09 p.m.
5 lbs 12 oz
19 inches long
Pure Perfection

Some pictures from the past few days. 


First bath...





Leaving the hospital. Realized how tiny he was when we put his newborn size clothes on. 

How do you put something this small in a carseat?

Macy meets Henry...

And she has already become Henry's personal bodyguard...



First doctor visit...

First elevator ride...


That's all for now. More to come. I have a sweet, little man to give lots of baby snuggles to.