6 months

Owen is officially 6 months old!

We don't get the official measurements until his doctors appointment Friday, but I'd put him around 20-21 pounds and 27ish inches. He's in 9 month clothing and is getting bigger by the day.


Owen loves fans, his doggies (he tracks them around the room and often grabs at them if they're nearby), bath time, being held and going outdoors. He still strongly dislikes the car and taking a bottle. The bottle thing is definitely a new development. A couple months ago he was taking one like a champ, but then Nate got busy with work and I spent 99.99% of the time breast feeding him, so now he will usually wait until I'm home and then eat.

We started Owen on solids a couple days ago. I want to do a combo of baby led weaning/purees, but so far it's been mostly purees. He just takes a couple teaspoons once or twice a day of them, and he hasn't refused to eat anything yet! I think Nate particularly likes that he can now take part in the feeding process :-).

Back when I was pregnant and daydreaming about where we'd be at different ages, I pictured us having our stuff together a little bit more at 6 months. Compared to 3 months we have it way more together, but not as much as I thought. Owen is the happiest baby when he's awake and rested, but he fights naps and bed time like none other. He's still up 6+ times a night, and doesn't sleep alone. I'm also the only one that can usually get him down (Nate's been successful a handful of times) so that means we have yet to venture out of the house sans-baby later than 7pm.

It's also a crapshoot if Owen will tolerate being watched by anyone that isn't me. Sometimes we go out and he's totally fine, and other times he's a mess (just a couple weeks ago when I was getting my hair done my mom had to bring him to the salon because he wouldn't stop crying). I have a hard time fitting in "me" time because I'm always worried he's going to be upset when I leave. I know this time is short, so I'm being patient for now, but it'd be nice to feel a little more rested and have some freedom. Owen also just isn't one of those babies that can be put down for more than 5-10 minutes at a time, so getting chores/workouts done requires some creativity and/or baby wearing. Our Ergo has been a life saver in that respect, and is also one of the few things that Owen will fall asleep in!

Owen, you truly are the love of my life. Even after a sleepless night, there's nothing better than waking up to your baby coos and watching you light up when you see my face. Snuggling you and hearing you laugh are just the best. I can't believe how much you've grown in 6 short months, and I'm so excited to see you learn and explore every day!

It's been 5 months

So I have no idea where the time went. As soon as we had Owen, our life became a whirlwind of diaper changes, breastfeeding and spit up. I say that, of course, with the upmost love for my son.

Our last picture before we became parents!

Oh Owen, you've changed our life in so, so many ways. The most noticeable change of course, is my change in occupation. Yes, that's right, I'm now enjoying being a stay at home mom now. It's amazing how an 8lb, 3oz baby can instantly change your career mindset. The minute I held you in my arms I knew that, if there was a way, I'd be giving up spreadsheets and meetings for tummy time and play dates. Not every day is easy, but I feel truly fortunate to get to see you grow and learn.



Owen can now grasp things with his hands, coo and talk in several different pitches, and can do full-on pushups. While you only have interest in rolling if there's a boob next to you, I have a feeling you'll be an early crawler. You love your Sophie teething toy (shoutout to my friend Jenny for getting this!), bath time and snuggling with mom. You also think Dad is the most interesting man in the world, and if he's talking while you're eating you'll pop off and just stare at him.

 

Less than 1 month old

 

The one question I always get from people is "how is he sleeping?" Ha. Well unfortunately, that's never been your strong suit. Around 3 1/2 months we started having you sleep unswaddled, and that coupled with the 4 month sleep regression just really screwed things up. I try to put you down in your crib for bedtime, but some nights that doesn't work at all, or if it does it only lasts a half hour, tops. Mostly you're in our bed, and even then I'm lucky if I get a 2 or 3 hour stretch before you wake me up wanting the boob. Luckily I just oblige, and then I fall back asleep, so it's not too bad :-). You also can only nap in 1 of 3 places: in your bouncer (but I have to bounce you the whole time), laying down with me, and in your Ergo carrier. The only time you'll nap longer than a half hour is laying next to me though, so we do a lot of that. Some days it drives me nuts, and some days I enjoy every second, realizing these moments are fleeting.

I couldn't be more in love with our little family. Having you come into the world and adjusting to life as parents has definitely had it's ups and downs, but we wouldn't trade it for anything. I love you with my whole heart, my sweet boy.


Owen and I, 5 months old

Owen's Birth Story

I figure I'll need to get this all down before I forget (newborn sleep deprivation is real, folks).

Honestly, I was kind of thrown for a loop when little man came just past his due date. The week leading up to his birth I had no signs of going into labor. Honestly, I was getting a little discouraged and even starting wondering if we'd have to induce at some point. Lo and behold though, Sunday evening into Monday morning (my due date) I started having contractions. From about 11pm to 6am I started having a cramping sensation that was uncomfortable enough that I couldn't sleep through them, but weren't getting stronger and were sporadic. When they all but stopped that morning I was sure it was false labor, but Nathan and I stayed home just to be sure. That day I ate spicy food for lunch, got acupuncture done at my chiropractor (for the 3rd time that week), took a nap, and went on a walk. I basically tried all the "natural" techniques that say they can induce labor.

While I'm still not sure that any of these really worked, around 6pm that night when we were going for a walk my contractions picked up again. Nate started timing them, and we noticed they were more regular. When we got home we finished packing our hospital bag (even though I wasn't convinced it was the real thing yet) and even made a trip to the grocery store for some stamps and Target for some dog food and snacks.

When we got home from running errands, the contractions were consistent but I still didn't think they were strong enough to warrant going to the hospital. I have had enough friends that were first time moms who got sent home because they weren't far enough along, and I was set that if we were going, I wanted to make sure we wouldn't have to come back home. Eventually when Nathan realized my contractions were getting stronger, he won out and got me to go. We showed up to the hospital just after midnight on Tuesday. Once we were all set up in the room the nurse came in to check me mid-contraction (definitely not the most pleasant experience) and said I was a good 5cm dialated. I was so relieved that we were staying and so in shock that this was actually happening!

Once we knew we weren't going back home, I called my parents and had my mom come to the hospital. By that time the contractions were getting stronger and were so close together I was having a hard time coping, but my mom being a nurse I wanted her there in case I wanted an epidural. She showed up around 1am, and by 2:30am the anesthesiologist had administered the epidural. I kept telling Nate and my mom that I was so nervous about it, but I honestly didn't feel much and the relief was amazing. I kept saying that it was made out of angels tears (definitely an odd comparison but hey, it sounded right at the time). By that point I was 7cm and the nurse was thinking by 7am we'd have a baby.

My mom left for Nathan and I to get some rest, knowing it was going to be a big day for us. From 2:30-6:30am my progress slowed and I only dialated another cm, so they put me on pitocin to get things to pick back up. From 6:30-10:30am we waited it out as I made it the last 2cm, and then around 10:45am I started pushing. Since they had weaned me off the epidural by that time, I could feel pressure as he made his way down, but no pain. He was almost out by 11:30am, but his head was stuck so the doctor had to make a cut (again I was nervous about this, but it didn't hurt). With the next couple of pushes I felt a lot of pressure and then cries as Owen was placed on my chest. Nathan and I were stunned and I kept looking at him and Nate saying "he's here!" All three of us were crying so hard, and it was one of  the most surreal, and beautiful moments of our lives.

Now that he's here we can't imagine ever being without him. I also feel fortunate that he's such a good baby, and that my recovery was really quick. My body handled delivery like a champ, and I can feel my body bouncing back slowly but surely. Breastfeeding was challenging at first, but after meeting with some lactation consultants we're doing a lot better.

 Your dad and I love you with all our hearts, Owen. We can't wait to see you grow (just don't do it too fast, okay?).

Owen Reece

Owen Reece was born 4/12/2016 at 11:45am. He was 8lbs 3oz and 20.5 inches long. The past week has been such a whirlwind. Nathan and I never knew we could love someone so much. We're still in the newborn trenches, but I hope to write his birth story and post updates soon. As for now, I'll continue to enjoy the little boy laying on my chest sleeping soundly. He is my everything. <3

39 Weeks

Weeks along: 39

What's new with baby: Baby is the size of a small watermelon or pumpkin. He's anywhere from 19-21 inches and weighs anywhere from 6-9lbs. His brain is still developing, but he's officially "full term" by the new OB standards (I guess 37 weeks is outdated so I spoke too soon a couple weeks ago!).

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Symptoms: Still uncomfortable. He hasn't dropped yet, which is causing some fun pressure on my rib cage when he likes to stick his feet up there. I've also been getting more swollen, especially from the knees down. Nothing too horrific, but some nights I definitely have little sausage toes and cankles.

Cravings: Brownies a la mode. Totally hit the spot Saturday night when we were relaxing on the couch watching a movie.

Workouts: I'm starting to forget what I've even done! I know I did two workout sessions, both had around 20 minutes on the elliptical and then at least 20-25 minutes of walking. I was going to throw in a third session this weekend, but I decided to be a bum instead :-).

Baby Purchases: I picked up little man some shorts and baby blue khakis for the summer time. This kid has a ton of onesies, but nothing to cover his legs!

High point of the week: Spending a girls night with my BFF. She treated me to a manicure and then we had dinner. Having some quality one-on-one time with her was so refreshing, and exactly what I needed.

Concerns/Issues: This work conference Nathan has later this month. He's going to wait to see when our little guy makes his debut to see if he can log in from home, but if he has to go he has to go. Also, I'd be lying if I didn't say labor and delivery still made me nervous. Now that we're just days away from my due date, it's nerve wracking not to know what day he'll decide to come and how everything will go.

Missing: I think "not being pregnant" sums this up nicely for this week ;-)

Sleep: Hit or miss.

Looking forward to: Meeting our little guy!

38 Weeks

Weeks along: 38

What's new with baby: Baby M is the size of a Ukelele, or if you want a more generic comparison, a pumpkin. He's anywhere from 6-9 pounds and 19-21 inches. Right now he's growing hair on his head (if he'll have any at birth) and is just about fully cooked.

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Symptoms: Just uncomfortable, and definitely moody as a result. I know we're not even at 40 weeks, but I'm kind of done being pregnant.

Cravings: Nothing in particular this week, although that doesn't mean I've been staying away from eating crap :-)

Workouts: One 3 mile walk, a 35 minute elliptical session and another 20 minute elliptical session and 25 minute walk. Not too bad this week, but the walks are slow and my belly and back are definitely sore afterwards.

Baby Purchases: I almost forgot to purchase a baby book! I'm glad I had some friends remind me last week so I could order one off Amazon to arrive in time. It's now in my hospital bag so they can stamp his little feet/hands in it when he's born.

High point of the week: Sunday after all the Easter activities Nathan and I just relaxed on the couch for hours. While the couch isn't really comfortable, it was nice to get to spend time with just the two of us.

Concerns/Issues: Him coming late and having to induce. Nathan has a work conference towards the end of April so I don't want to go too far over my due date and risk us not spending time as a family.

Missing: Moving around without requiring considerable effort, my feet at their normal size, not having a baby pressing on my ribs, wearing regular clothes, sleeping (although this won't change).

Sleep: Still sucks :-)

Looking forward to: Being done at work and spending time as a new family.

37 Weeks

Weeks along: 37

What's new with baby: All my apps tends to have some discrepancies when telling me height/weight, but this week I've really noticed a difference! At this point our baby could be anywhere from 6.2-9.2 pounds (please, not 9.2 pounds!) and 19-21 inches long. He's considered "full term" as of this week.

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Symptoms: Oh sciatica pain. I never knew the joy of it until I started getting pain radiating from my lower back down through my legs. Round ligament pain has also made it's way back into my life and I can now feel my legs/ankles (although at this point they're really cankles) swelling. These last few weeks are just making me feel super glamorous and attractive ;-)

Cravings: PB&J sandwiches with milk have definitely made their way up the list this week

Workouts: Two 2.5 mile walks. Pretty tame this week.

Baby Purchases: Nothing this week

High point of the week: Going out to dinner with a few other couples from our birthing class on Saturday. It turned into us hanging out for 3+ hours, and it was really nice to get to meet new friends and all talk about being first-time parents. We also had our growth scan. He's measuring just a couple days ahead and is already an estimated 6 lbs 10oz (around the 60% percentile). It was great to be assured that everything looks great, and it was especially awesome that he happened to be in the perfect position that the tech could switch over to 3D so we could see our little guy's face one last time before we get to see it in person!

Concerns/Issues: Labor/delivery, although at this point I'm ready to get it over with and not be pregnant/FINALLY meet our son!

Missing: Mobility.

Sleep: Blech, not awesome. I'll get maybe one decent night followed by another one where I'm getting up 6-7 times completely awake.

Looking forward to: Having this baby and finally getting to meet the little guy. I know he's more likely to come on/after his due date, but I'm still crossing my fingers that he comes a little before then :-)