Two weeks young

Wow, little Baby Jack is two weeks old today. He's been sucking back both breastmilk and formula at this point while we work on getting in a full milk supply. The cheeks are getting fuller and he's near a double chin now. He's such a great baby and will sleep for 4-5 hours if we let him. Now that he's becoming more aware of his surroundings, he loses his concentration when eating. During his "aware" times, he's got the biggest green/brown eyes that completely capture you.

I keep wanting to take some "pro" photos of him, but time usually passes by too quickly or when I get time, he's so content I don't have the heart to stir him. We'll get them done soon - before the 1 month mark for sure.

Another time this marks is that 1/24 of my leave is over already! It's amazing how time flies when in the newborn world.

I put up a video of a 4 a.m. feeding where Jack makes all kinds of "mamma punch" stupor faces. It pretty much sums up this little cutie pie's looks of late.

Signed,
Mamma's back in the groove

The boy is growing

Today we had to stop at the breastfeeding clinic for an appointment. We thought we'd be a few minutes, however, it took a two hour wait because they were running behind. I managed to get in a snooze - it's amazing how you can sleep anywhere, anytime you can. Head up against wall, babies crying and none of it seems to stops the zzz's. :)

Our little man is growing like a weed. Each time we take him in, he's packed on more than they usually expect. Average weight gain is an ounce a day. Our little guy has put on 5 oz in two days and he just keeps eating. He started out on the small side, so already, he's got his Daddy's competitive nature and is trying to make it to the front of the pack!

I have been feeling much better this past day and a half and it just makes all the difference. The fogginess has lifted (we suspect a prescription didn't agree with me) and my eyesight has returned almost to normal. This evening, I am actually breastfeeding again after pumping for 5 days straight. I was scared to let the rascal back on there, but with the shield, it's like night and day. It just makes me feel so much more connected to our little prince and we also know he's getting what he needs to fight off things like asthma, diabetes, cancer, etc in the future.

A weight has lifted. I am thankful.

Signed,
Seeing things clearly

Top 10 Things I've Learned After Having a Baby

1. Support is more important than you will ever think
I'm a pretty independent person, some may say stubborn. Whatever I am is irrelevant. What everyone else is, is important. So many people have offered me support in so many ways - being here to take care of Jack, emailing words of wisdom, commenting on photos and this blog. All these generous offerings of their time are precious and although I can't get back to everyone just yet, it's SO appreciated.

2. Breastfeeding is SO much harder than a 5 hour labour!
I've managed to run up against every challenge involved in the process and am still determined to make this work. Who knew cabbage leaves would be my saving grace. Well, that and a very wonderful doctor at a breastfeeding clinic here who also gave me new antibiotics and cream.

3. Docs and nurses dedicated to the baby field are fantastic
Everywhere I have turned the medical staff in this city have been above and beyond my expectations almost every time. From the delivery team and post-delivery staff at the Foothills hospital, to the breastfeeding clinic, to the public health nurses and the early start line for the Calgary Health Link. Everyone has helped me and gone the extra mile to ensure I got the help I needed.

4. You have to lean forward when breastpumping
That's bullshit and I highly recommend working on getting a strong back before getting pregnant. It will help immensely later on. Also, rent a good pump for the first month from www.weefeed.com, they deliver right to your house and it's run by a Calgary Mom working from home - help support our local small business. The owner is a sweetheart too. :)

5. Get a breastfeeding chair that is supportive.
I've found those old office chairs (before ergonomics came along) are the best, but don't have one unfortunately.

6. Pampers Swaddlers kick Huggies ass
At least thet fit babies under 7lbs much better.

7. Nursing pads matter
The La Leche League's disposable nursing bra pads are #1. You can get them at Walmart and fit perfectly.

8. Showers are a want, not a need
You won't believe how taking care of your own basic necessities are second to what baby needs and wants. The only reason I remember to eat and drink at this stage is because baby needs the nutrition. Well, that and the fact that my bestest Mom is here to make sure I do just that! :)

9. Body awareness is a beautiful thing
After all the docs and nurses checking all of your 2000-parts, you won't care who sees what any more. It's liberating, actually.

10. Time flies, cherish the moments
It's amazing how the days fly by and you haven't managed to accomplish everything you hoped that day. I've learned to set the bar low and if anything else gets done, it's a bonus. I've tried to keep taking lots of pics and video because I know it will be hard to remember these days and believe Master Jack was that small, innocent and precious.

Signed,
A woman who thought she knew it all. And then was proved wrong. ;)

Finally starting to come out of the fog

Wow, Baby JackJack is now 9 days young. Time has been flying by.

Fighting all these darn breastfeeding issues had left me in what I can only explain as a "fog". Had fevers, sore boobs, many trips to doctors and nurses and a seriously reduced number of hours sleeping. I'm on some medications now to get rid of the mastitis (which gives you flu-like symptoms) and it's slowly kicking into gear. Treating thrush business as well - the witch doc actually recommended boiled cabbage leaves - will hope to try that tomorrow. I'm going to try to get into the breastfeeding clinic tomorrow. I've been pumping but can't feed Baby Jack directly as the ole' nips have been ravaged to bits. These are the parts no one tells you about and you NEVER see them in the blissful tv shows. ;)

I had a really good day today and think, maybe, tomorrow I'll be at the start of being ready for visitors.

Jack has been flourishing with the bottle. What would take 1 hour to breastfeed, he chugs down with the bottle in 10 minutes - no problem. In fact, he looks around for more most days. He's starting to get some Nesset chipmunk cheeks going and nearly has a double chin happening. He's been sleeping good 4 hours stretches at night and is THE most content little guy. Let's hope it continues this way. As long as he's fed, he's a really happy little man.

Not sure if I mentioned this in my last post, but he popped his belly button scab. So now we wait and see if it's going to be an innie or an outtie! Ahh the little joys of the steps of a growing boy. We all love him so much.

I was hoping to do some more "professional" photos of the guy, but between not wanting to stir him when he's content and lack of time - I haven't been able to. So, I lieu of these, I've posted what we've got so far on my Flickr account here ... http://www.flickr.com/photos/mizzcreation/

Well, I've been up since 4 a.m. and it's 6 a.m. now. I should try to catch some zzz's before next feeding. Off I go.

Signed,
Momma with a bit of a clearer head

Giving birth is painful, but SO worth it

It's been a week now since baby Jack was born. The time has already flown by so quickly. I've been battling the "sleepless, bring newborn home fog". Now I've got mastitis and thrush. So it's truly been trips to the doctor and calls to the health link and public health nurses. Unfortunately, that hasn't left a lot of time to have visitors or heck, even brush my hair or teeth. Yes, I'm a beauty queen at her finest right now. ;)

In the past week, Baby JackJack has been the most amazing baby. He eats well, sleeps well and just generally is bloody adorable. Thank goodness he's been such a good baby with all the other stuff that's been going on.

He lost his belly button scab early this morning. Being a prudent Momma, I thought I'd better keep this thing for his baby book. Of course, when he lost it, it was during a big pooey blast. When I realized his button scab fell off, I desperately went digging through the poo to find it. No where to be found. How could that be? Turns out it was stuck to his little onesie shirt, ready and waiting to be taped in the Jack baby book. :)

With all the problems we've been fighting with breastfeeding, we've switched him to a bottle so he can drink the milk I pump. Now I'm having some intermittent problems with pumping, so we may have to supplement with formula. Something I was really trying to avoid as there are so may stories out there about babies not wanting to go back to the breast. I really hope that doesn't happen. Hoping the antibiotics kick in soon here so we can go back to a "normal" world.

Cal has headed off to hockey tonight, it's his first social outing since Baby Jack was born. Hope he has fun because it's his first game as a Daddy. Last weekend he came home from hockey to his woman saying "I think we're going to have a baby tonight!" And we did.

Happy first week of your life Jack, you're the most amazing little feller and we all just adore you.

Love you.

Signed,
One ecstatic Momma

Getting settled in

Ahh, the wonderful feeling of bringing Jack home. He's been home for a full day now and it's so nice to be here, not in the hospital. Having another baby making sounds and crying in the same room can confuse a Mom's instincts. I think I got about 3 hours sleep in total at the hospital. Last night, here at home, I was able to get about 4 hours with one stretch for 2.5 hours. At least I knew if I was going to be up, it would be because of my own baby. ;)

Today, Jack has been great. He has his home nurse visit and he's lost a bit of weight and is a bit jaundiced. So off to the health clinic we go tomorrow. It's all borderline, nothing to be worried about - just cautious. He's been eating really well, he just gets a bit sleepy.

He's so great. He's got big, curious eyes and when he's looking around - he's taking the big world in.

Daddy gave him is first home bath today and although he was a screamer, he's all clean now. Well, until we check his diaper next time.

Signed,
One very lucky Mommy

Jack Curtis Nesset Symes

born on nov 15 @ 5:46 am, 6lbs15oz, 18" long with a fast and furious
appearance. No time for any drugs although I was begging for them.

We stayed home until contractions were 2.5 minutes apart cuz I didn't
totally believe it. I thought I might be kidding myself. When we got
to the hospital, the contractions were unbearable and I was 3cm. It
only took an hour to go from 3cm to 8cm. No time for epidural.

And 16 or so pushes and "ta-da" out he came from his screaming banshee momma.

Signed,
lucky to have jack

basking in the amazement

6 babies, noooo not mine

We made it to our baby class last night and 6 little car seats showed up with wee babies - all under 7 lbs. It was so nice to see all of them and a small part of me tweaked with jealousy. Look what they've accomplished!! They were all so cute, healthy and HUNGRY. Then I wondered, but didn't dare ask, do they miss having their wee one wiggling about in their tummies? I think I will miss that the most, not having him with me all the time.

We listened to the birth stories for nearly an hour in class. I thought I'd be bored after the first couple. But as it turned out, each story was so different and the way the parents told the stories were scary (all those details!!), yet touching. Most stories were positive ones, with only one couple kind of getting the run around from the doctors and nurses. Other than that, the parents couldn't say enough about how great the care was in the different hospitals. Two of them had c-sections and were getting around with no problems. So that was reassuring as well.

So, although our baby isn't here yet, I got a good look at what will be coming in the next days/weeks. I am looking forward to this new chapter and can't wait to see what he looks like, what his personality is like and stare into his sweet, little eyes.

Signed,
Twiddling thumbs

Due date minus 2

Not that I'm counting or anything. Although, it is flattering when people ask me now when I'm due. I tell them two days ago and then I get yummy compliments like "oh, you sure don't look overdue" or "i hope i look that good, if i go over my due date".

I had all kinds of pains last night for about 2 or 3 hours. They were so powerful, I seriously thought I wasn't going to bother with contractions, but the baby was just going to make his way out - no warning. But, I went to bed last night with a very tight belly, had a great sleep and woke up this morning all refreshed again - no baby.

I've tried nearly all the suggestions given to me (except spicy curry, cuz I no likey) and I figure this boy is going to come when he's bloody well good and ready.

Signed,
Patient momma mo

All clear

Doc appointment today reports in that all is good. The belly measurement is back to normal (39 cm) and I've lost a couple pounds, so yay!

The ultrasound results came back normal. He's coming in at 7.5 lbs already which is 36 %ile for his age. His head circumference (a special request by his mother) is on the small side (27th %ile) - thank GAWD. This doctor wasn't worried in the least, so that's great.

Again, the ultrasound showed that the left kidney was a bit larger, but still well within the normal range. Baby will go for an ultrasound when he's out and breathing air.

Baby's heart rate was healthy - 150 bpm and he's been squirming like a goldfish. Very active.

And now, we wait some more. Mom and I have been running around since 10 this morning and just got home at 4. You'd think that would get the boy moving/falling/descending.

Signed,
Happy all is well

Due date minus 1

Yes, it's one day past due date and no baby. My sister was kind enough to let me know that one of her son's was 13 days overdue. The good news in this? He's the more content and calm of the two. ;) Mom confirmed that my brother was 13 days past due as well and he's a laid-back guy too. So ... to look for the silver lining of hoisting this belly around, let's hope our guy is ADD-adverse.

This morning we head off to the doc's appointment to find out if the ultrasound uncovered any explanations for the smaller measurements. Will update the blog when we hear news.

And Erin, it looks like I will be able to take those 40 week pictures after all. That's kind of exciting too. ;)

Signed,
Girl's gotta get shaking things up

Original due date

As I look through my google calendar, where I've been tracking baby stuff, I noticed that the original due date (based on dates, nothing measurement related) was set for November 16. Now, maybe I'm just looking for something new to look forward to, who knows.

Other cool dates, are:
12th - full moon - I've always joked he's a little vampire night owl
13th - my favorite number

Little milestones, little milestones. If you've got other suggestions about significance of dates, share away.

Signed,
Taking it day by day

Due date is here - no baby yet

I was having some pressure down low last night with the odd pains shooting down the front of my legs and up my belly. Being hopeful, I was sure I'd wake up in the middle of the night with contractions.

Guess what? Nothing. Today is his due date and I'll be sure to point out all the great stuff he's missing out on - ALL day long. ;)

Despite Cal saying today is the day, it seems the Little Mister has other plans.

Last night I had a bath and wished I'd had the video camera. He was making all kinds of shapes out my belly.

Today, I think we'll try and fit in a big walk again, maybe hit Heritage Park and hope that brings on the content little boy.

Signed,
babyless in Calgary

Had ultrasound, no info

Ahhh, the dreaded medical system. We went for our ultrasound that was to tell us what might be causing the smaller measurement of my belly. Unsure if it was my belly, the baby or the fluids that had gotten smaller. When I had my doc appointment last week, they said the ultrasound place would have someone there to go through the results.

The ultrasound tech today said they don't do that, that we'll need to wait until Wednesday to talk to our doctor. GARGH!! She did mention that if there were any major complications they would send us to the hospital. We didn't have major confidence that this tech even had a clue what she was supposed to be looking for.

She mentioned that his one kidney is still measuring a bit bigger than the other, but again, nothing out of "normal" range.

On the fun side, we got to see his little face again. He looks like a big boy compared to last time. She showed us his brain, spine, legs and boy parts. He's definitely a boy!! :)

So we'll wait for the radiologist to review at the lab and if they find anything odd, we'll get a call. The results then go to the doctor's office to be reviewed. I'm sure they'll all be sitting around just waiting to see them on a stat holiday. But docs don't really get "holidays", do they?

If we hear nothing more, I'll consider that good news and we'll check in with the doc on Wednesday morning.

Wish I could tell everyone more, but we'll have to sit and wait. Or ... maybe the wee one will make his appearance right on his due date - Nov 11. As Cal says, he's a Symes and they like to punctual. Let's hope so.

Signed,
still hoping all is good

A jaunt across town

We're off to check out the new NW Costco. Hoping it has many promising items that I will love, but won't buy. ;) Having these city adventures will slow down once the wee one comes, so we're fitting in as many as we can. At this point, we can't really head out of town for any adventures like Canmore or Banff - just in case!

Baby has been moving lots already this morning, so all good signs. Anxiously awaiting the ultrasound this afternoon to see if everything is ok with the baby and his environment. If it's good news, we get to sit and wait for him to take his time. If it's complicated, I'm pretty sure we'll be heading to the hospital.

Signed,
City adventure girl

Long walks on the beach

Well, ok, maybe not on a beach, but Mom and I I took the puppies for a long walk at the off-leash. It felt good to get out and exercise a bit while looking at ALL the different kinds of dogs out there. Mom made me walk a little faster in hopes that the wee mister would take that as a cue to come on out.

We caught the tail-end (no pun intended) of the sunset, it was quite nice. Soon, it will be Lulu, baby and I strolling along together.

That's IF he ever comes, little stinker.

The baby is sitting a little differently yet again, so I'm not sure what position he's in. It's almost as if he's diagonal now. I really wasn't expecting him to move his position much because he's been in the same one for over a month. I guess when it get pretty crammed up, he's probably trying to find a comfy place.

We have an ultrasound tomorrow afternoon and they can confirm which way he's going. More importantly, they'll be doing some measurements of baby and fluid levels to ensure his environment is healthy for him. I can't wait for that to happen.

Signed,
Strolled out for today

Plugs and such

Yep, today I found out what this "mucous plug" is that they mention in the books. Not as bad as I thought. If you've ever had a bad cold and blown all kinds o' crap out your nose, then you have a very good idea of what it's like.

The plus to such gross talk is that I feel like we're getting closer. Much closer.

Signed,
Unplugged

To worry or not?

Last doc appointment we had a bit of a surprise where my belly was measuring 2 cm smaller than previous weeks. I didn't think much about it, but the doctor kept remeasuring. His heart beat is normal and he's been moving pretty regularly. She's ordered an ultrasound and ideally we would have got in today, but it's busy so have to wait until Monday.

There are a couple of potential causes for this. The placenta isn't a healthy environment for the baby or there may be amniotic fluid leakage or, it's just odd.

The doc stripped my membranes which triggers hormones to kick this old broad into labour. It's a day and few hours later and no contractions yet. :(

In the meantime, I'm to keep a close log on his movements. Today, he has two sessions of 10 movements in two hours (which is a good sign).

Cal and I have debated all day long about whether we should go the hospital to check in, get a second opinion. We're going to wait until after supper, when the baby moves the most and see if he's his usual active self. If not, away we go.

Signed,
fingers crossed

Counting down the days

Well, despite my hopes that I'd have a Halloween baby, it didn't happen. He's still baking away in there and growing BIGGER! Family has a baby pool happening and we'll see who wins the big money. I'm at 38 and a half weeks, have attended 4 baby classes and am ready to meet this little man. My lower back has been bugging me quite a bit the past couple days. A sign of things to come soon? Hard to say.

Mom is here now and it's been great having her around. We made a massive run to Costco to stock up on food essentials for the next month. My kitchen isn't going to know what hit it with someone around who can cook!

I've only got four more days of work left and now that things are getting very uncomfortable, I'm glad I made that decision. Not only are things getting sore, but I'm starting to get cranky with the people I like at work. There's a sign right there that it's time for me to kick back and get ready for the wee man.

Signed,
Waiting patiently.