My Pumpkin

Happy Pumpkin

Sad Pumpkin

Serious Pumpkin


Sleepy Pumpkin

Just Adorable!

Happy Halloween!

Mr. Piggy

Yesterday, Trav, Keller, and I went to a lactation specialist who came highly recommended by both my OB group and a couple of friends. I figured we'd make sure we were doing things properly and get some good tips, advice, and recommendations, which we did. One thing this woman recommended was the "skin to skin" idea of putting the baby high up on your chest and allowing him to find his way down to the yummy part himself...we watched a video about it and I had seen this done at the breastfeeding class I went to. Anyway, Keller is an old pro at "the latch" since he was born...no problems...(as long as he remembers to do 'big mouth' as I call it)
Anyway, last night and today, when I've used this particular feeding method, I found myself chuckling at all of my boy's noises that he makes when feeding...from the "I'm hungry" whimper, to the "There's the nipple! Quick get my mouth on it" snorts, yes snorts! Very endearing;) To the "Oh my gosh, it's coming out so quick" gulps AND raised and/or furrowed eyebrows, Then there's the standard "Ahhh, refreshing" glug, glugs, and finally the little ewok sounding coo-s of contentment as he sits on my lap, my hand patting his back awaiting those sweet cooes to give way to a hearty belch from one end and a cacauphony of relief from the other end! Ahhh, the sweet delight of a full-bellied baby! This little guy sure knows how to eat!

Two Weeks Old!!

Okay, okay, here's some long awaited pictures...mostly from Keller's first week of life. He's doing great, and so are we. Bo, the dog, is having some jealousy, which he had before Keller when me and Trav would not give him enough attention. Now that jealousy is compounded. Trav has been going out of his way to make sure Bo is feeling loved now that this new creature has infiltrated his turf...He also is not adjusting well to the new doggy run that was installed in the back. He doesn't like the idea of having to "walk himself" after having been spoiled with regular walks down to the park. He'll get them back, but for now, especially now that Trav is going back to work on Monday, he'll have to get used to the backyard...In the above picture, please note the double chin...I passed that along to Keller...I told him it was all mommy's cookies she ate during the last couple weeks of pregnancy;)
Trav was super-dad at the hospital and back home. After having had a C-section at midnight, following 30 hours of labor and lots of drugs...pitocin, epidural, anti-biotics, "fluids" (yup, so much for "natural childbirth") and 3 hours in the recovery room...I was not attentive to what anyone was telling me. Good thing Trav's ears still worked. He knew just what to do (or at least acted as if...)

Keller weighed in at 8 pounds 11 ounces. Big guy! When we left the hospital, he was down to 8 pounds 6 ounces and for our first pediatrician visit 3 days later he was down to 8 pounds 5 ounces, which meant I wasn't doing the best job feeding him (I'm nursing)...so the next few days I was in a feeding frenzy and luckily for the next visit which was on Monday, he was up to 8 lb. 10oz. and the pediatrician was pleased. Oh, and on top of making sure to feed him more, we also learned that he was/is most likely lactose intollerant, at least for now, which means no dairy for Mommy...I didn't quite realize how much dairy I actually eat...cheese and crackers, yogurt, milk in cereal...pizza;) So we're figuring that out too...
Mr. Serious

Keller taught himself how to hold the hospital issued "bink" into his mouth. We have a collection of photos of him holding it in in different ways...one hand, two fingers, the arm hold, the "up and over" grasp...very talented. Luckily, he is not "bink-addicted" as we thought he might be at first. We were first skeptical about even using one since he didn't seem to "need it" but alas, we allowed the nursery to use it if needed and for his circumcision they gave it to him...which was fine...anything to soothe the poor little guy from that trauma. His pediatrician says there's no harm in the bink as long as it is used with love;) We like her...

This is our first family outing the day after we came home. We strolled down to the park and Trav propped the camera on the stroller to take this shot. It's been nice to be able to get out for some walks before the weather gets too cold...fresh air is much needed! We're figuring things out, including how to sleep "on demand"...he's out, quick, get in bed! It's just the beginning of a life-long adventure for us!

Figuring Things Out

Well, if you haven't already heard, IT'S A BOY! Keller Campion was born at 12:15 am on Saturday, October 11...a healthy happy little guy! (at least I think he's happy...or else gassy;) Since he was delivered by Cesearian, we had a five day luxury stay at Bridgeport Hospital, with many visitors and well-wishers...Thank you everyone for thinking of us! We came home Wednesday late afternoon and started figuring out how to do everything we learned at the hospital in the comfort of our own home. The first night was a bit rough with not much sleep at all...funny, the kid can sleep all day long, but come bedtime and he's rarin' to go! Last night however was MUCH better. He's been sleeping for 3-4 hours at a time which means 3-4 hours for us to sleep (although I tend to wake up frequently just to make sure he's breathing:) but easily fall back to sleep upon confirmation! So if that continues for awhile I think we'll be in good shape, sleepwise.
Yesterday morning I wanted to post a blog along the lines of "Got Milk" because holy cow were things a little out of control!! Wow! Who knew! Luckily I had a pump lesson at the hospital because man was that necessary yesterday! It's nice to know we've got some milk stored already, just in case. Did I mention holy cow! And the pump itself...weird...come to think of it, all of the things that happen to the female body during pregnancy and childbirth are pretty crazy when you stop to think about it...crazy, but amazing!
So since my last blog post, our lives have changed dramatically here and we've shared lots of moments of pain, fear, joy, and elation together. No pictures to post yet since this morning is the first time on the computer since pre-Keller. I'll post some soon though so you can check out our little man. Now I'll take a nap!

Officially....

Uncomfortable!! I have been blessed with a fairly easy pregnancy I'd say. The biggest problem encountered until now was the tingling arms at night, which continues to come and go annoyingly and the permanently numb fingers...it will be nice to feel texture again soon! But aside from a little morning grogginess from not sleeping as well, I've been active and energetic enough to make it through my work days, run an errand or two after school and laze my way through the evenings.
But then, last night I was awaken by cramping, like menstrual cramps...which I've been getting on and off here and there, however last night I'd get them, they'd go away, I'd fall asleep, I'd get them again...and on and on...eventually I came out to the couch (remembering what you had told me Vicky;) thinking "is this it? does the marathon begin now? better let Trav get a good night's sleep at least"...so really didn't end up sleeping much at all last night. When Trav woke up I told him that maybe we might get a baby today, but alas, the cramping stopped...at least in any continuous manner...But, still I'm getting sporadic cramps and it's getting really uncomfortable to even sit, no less walk...
Funny, just yesterday at school I was on the phone with Human Resources asking how I'm supposed to handle not wanting my maternity leave to kick in until baby was in my hands...I was asking about going in to work next week and all, and really feeling fine with that. One day later, (a no school day at that) and I can't even imagine being at school feeling this uncomfortable...so alas, the end is near, or rather the beginning!! The belly is still up high, so who knows what any of this means...it could be hours, days, or weeks still! I'll keep you posted!

Update...Not Much to Report

So, we're due on Friday officially, but I've definitely got the "going late" vibe...Today the doc reports no dilation and a "not overly large" baby so it would be just fine to go beyond the due date. I did have to schedule an ultrasound and non-stress test for next Wednesday if there's still no baby...all good. The baby will come when the baby is ready. No rush at the moment.
Still at school this week. Only Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday to go before I begin my leave...It's kind of weird to feel such ownership over my class but at the same time to be letting them go into the hands of someone else...hard to explain...
I was in Kohl's today and noticed a "seasonal help wanted" sign...crazy how the brain gets going...
This past weekend was a nice weekend...hmmm...what was Saturday? napping? oh! cleaning yes, I was getting worried that I was going to miss that whole "nesting" crazy cleaning thing and the house really kind of needed it, so yes, after the nap on Saturday was cleaning, starting from the rear of the house, bedroom, bathroom and then worked the way forward...It felt good to be cleaning and preparing....It's amazing how much more "ready" I feel now (sort of) than even just a week ago...Sunday was a nice morning with Trav having a yummy breakfast and then a visit from Vicky and Becky, lunch and pumpkin bread and tea:) A good visit. The evening was yet another social even with Trav's friends coming by with a pizza and a two year old who wasn't afraid of Bo, which made it much easier than having to keep Bo caged...It was actually really cute to watch Bo so curious about all the things this little guy was up to...watching the battery operated train go across the kitchen (picture perked up doggie ears and tilted head as the train moved all by itself...he's so sheltered;) On the topic of dog, I finished reading Marley and Me last night with a few tissues of course. It helped to remind me to be more patient with Bo, to let him stop and smell the trees and leaves and random grass patches at the park that I usually drag him away from...he has a big heart and means well...he's just a little clumsy and slobbery and jealous about things sometimes, but those are the traits that make him who he is...I found him to be very cute today...I gave him extra pets and threw the tennis ball for him to make amends for past frustration...oh parenthood!
I'll try to keep everyone posted...you never know when this big belly is going to be ready!! Wish us luck!