Runners legs, no?

Today Lucas was suppose to get a hip ultrasound at the hospital. The day Lucas was delivered they doctors explained that he would have to get a hip ultrasound because he was in the breech position. I guess breech babies sometimes have hip alignment issues and the ultrasound is a precaution to ensure he is growing properly. Since the snow is coming down steadily it would be too difficult for me to shovel out, get us both ready and drive in this treacherous weather. I just rescheduled the appointment for next week.

When we first discovered I was pregnant Steve kept hoping I would have 3 babies in my belly (why? you ask) so he could have a little triathlon team. We didn't end up with a triathlon team but check out our boy's legs. They look like runners legs, don't they?

What a great daddy!

I think Steve was getting a little worried about me since I have been looking ragged around the edges lately (1 to 2 hours of sleep at a time will do that to you). On Saturday he took Lucas to Auntie Sandra's house from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. so I could sleep. He even woke up early did the dishes, washed clothes, sanitized all the bottles and cleaned up the house so I wouldn't do it. What a good husband/dad! Not every guy would think to do that for his wife.

To my surprise I didn't sleep as long as I would have liked, but I think my body is so over tired it didn't know what to do. As I was relaxing on the couch I actually starting missing my boys. I hadn't been apart from Lucas longer than an hour or two. When they came home, they were both smiling and Lucas fell asleep in my arms (exhausted Steve fell asleep on the couch).

On another note, Holly sent us a book on healthy sleeping habits for babies and a DVD on baby language. This DVD details different baby cries, what the cries mean, and solutions to stop that particular crying. We were both skeptical at first but that skepticism quickly faded. I took notes as we watched it twice. As soon as Lucas starting to cry, I ran over to my notes while Steve listened intently to the cry. We'd look at each other and say "that's a hungry cry" or "that's a gassy cry." We have practiced the suggestions on the dvd, and it worked!

I learned a couple things today:

1. Not every parenting book, dvd or advice will work but if something works, it was well worth it.
2. Most of my kid's cries are for gas. I learned we have a gassy kid.

Us, giving parenting tips?

We've survived a month of parenthood! All in all I think we are doing pretty well. Since I am breastfeeding, I feed the baby at night and Steve usually changes diapers. I have to admit there have been times while lying in bed at 3 a.m. listening to Lucas cry where I mumble to Steve that he probably has a dirty diaper and Steve mumbles back that he is probably hungry. We laugh and one of us drags our exhausted body to get our son. Steve made a comment during one of those early mornings that made me chuckle. Steve stammered out of bed to change the baby and turns to me and says "Now, I know why some species eat their young." He was kidding of course!

On Sunday, our friends who are expecting their first child in March came over for a visit. The funny/ironic part of the visit was they were asking us questions about parenting. They wanted to know about feedings, sleep habits (of child and parents), bathing, etc. Steve and I were looking at each other thinking that we really don't know what we're doing, but we'll try to help out. As we thought about it, we agreed that we have learned a lot this past month and things are getting easier. Maybe we'll write a parenting book...yeah right.

I thought this picture of Lucas staring at me was pretty funny. Check out his hair! We just gave him a bath and hadn't combed it yet. Geesh, I may have to give him a haircut soon before he grows a mullet.

2nd playdate for Lucas (and mommy)

Yesterday Lucas had his 2nd play date ever, but his first play date with Michael. I'm not sure how much fun Lucas had since he spent most of the visit sleeping, but I sure had a good time. Jeannie brought her beautiful boy, Michael, over for a visit. Michael is almost 10 months old and looking at him now it is hard to believe that he was born 3 months early only weighing 2 pounds! Now he is a giant (especially next to Lucas)and doing great. Jeannie brought over lunch, homemade chicken soup for dinner, clothes and a hand made burp cloth that she knitted. Lucas was very impressed with her knitting as he spit up all over it!

It's nice to have friends that have babies around the same age as Lucas. I can't wait for the summer (since I have it off) and we can have more play dates!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30481680@N03/sets/72157612592102899/

Due Date

Today is January 13th, which was the date Lucas was "suppose" to be born. As we all know he arrived a bit earlier and yesterday was his 3rd week birthday. We celebrated by giving him a bottle of formula at midnight so Steve and I could sleep for 3 hours. It was a win-win for everyone involved.

Today, grammy Gale came over to visit Lucas and help us out. She did dishes, laundry, changed diapers, rocked the baby and brought us food. Yeah! I even got to take a nap! I never thought I would be so happy to sleep for an hour, but I was seriously very happy.

First Outing

Lucas and I made our first outings this week without daddy. The first outing was to my follow up appointment with my doc to make sure my incision was healing correctly. We did well until we arrived in the hospital parking lot. You see, I couldn't figure out how to get the car seat out of the car. I was pushing the wrong button, Lucas was crying, and it was cold out. Luckily, a nice nurse parked next to me and I asked for her help. She said the same thing happened to her when she first brought her son out. I am not sure if that was true or she was trying to make me feel better but either way I appreciate the fact that she didn't make me feel like an incompetent idiot.

Our next outing was to get a free breast pump (exciting, yes?). Because Luke was born 3 weeks early he qualifies as a preemie and my insurance will pay for a breast pump. If you have looked into purchasing one of these, they are expensive. We arrived at the place and, yes, I could unclasp the car seat. The parking lot was a sheet of ice, but we didn't fall. I got the pump and awkwardly carried the car seat w/Luke and a large box with the pump. If you can believe it, there were 2 people who asked if they could help me carry something. I declined figuring I will need to do this on my own but it reminded me that there are some really nice people out there.