Merry Christmas . . . a day late

Sorry - we were busy unwrapping JT's presents. Think he's a little spoiled? Mind you, only 2 of these came from Mommy and Daddy. Can you even see JT in the midst of this chaos?

He spent most of the day crying (no, I DO NOT think the Santa suit traumatized him), but then gave us a wonderful gift last night by sleeping for almost 6 hours!

Today we ran errands using our front carrier - very nice! He slept through Lowes, Babies R Us and Meijer.

We had gone to the doctor on Monday - 11 lbs. 5 oz. and 22 inches long. She seems to think we might be feeding him too much . . . 3 pounds in 3 weeks, seems fine to me, after all, it is the holidays.

More Christmas spirit . . . http://www.flickr.com/photos/catsmine/sets/72157603551254710/

Those who say it better than I . . .

http://www.dooce.com/2007/12/13/because-i-couldnt-say-it-phone

Dooce is one of my favorite blogs, but this entry was particularly meaningful to me. It makes me feel better that I cut things off when I did and went back on my meds.

And this is the perspective from her husband - thank you Jim http://blurbomat.com/archives/2007/12/20/how-i-do/

The sound of silence

Several months ago Jim and I were eating dinner out and noticed a couple sitting in silence at their table - not speaking and looking somewhat miserable. I pointed them out and commented that I hoped we never run out of things to talk about. I'd forgotten about that until the other day when Jim reminded me as we had sat silent in the car (Wee Man was sleeping, he does that - in the car, not the house).

"Remember when you said you hope we never run out of things to talk about?" Jim said.
"Yes, why?" I replied.
"Do you think that couple just had kids and was appreciating the sound of silence?"
I thought for like a mili-second, "Hmm, yep - now shut up and enjoy the silence."

Over the last week we"ve been visited by the spirits of future child - no past, no present - two futures . . . 11 months and 2 years. For now I'll stick with sleep deprivation in lieu of completely losing my mind.

Who Dey!

Or as Aunt Amy said - Who Don't (this season at least).

We're 3 weeks old today! He's sleeping about 4 hours at a time at night (I'll take it!) We're still sleeping in the living room, but he's in his bassinet at least.

He takes about 4 ounces of formula, occasionally 5, and makes about a zillion ounces of gas and poo each time!

Oh, so that's why they sell so many of those.

I've discovered 2 things that every new mom should have (well actually there's a zillion, but these are the 2 most important this morning).

Anything that vibrates. JT loves his little seats that vibrate and we've taken to adding a vibrating pillow to the bassinet to help him sleep - very important.

Those stupid birth announcements they sell everywhere. I was trying to be creative and unique - I've given up and decided to sleep instead. I'm ordering my announcements like everyone else does - so much easier. Those should be in the mail by 2008 (I hope).

Repeat after me, "everything will be okay"

Now I just have to believe. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm medicated - I don't hide it, I let people know., I have issues with anxiety and depression and have been taking something for years to help.

Shortly after JT was born I was okay, but once we got home things started getting worse. Long story short I've stopped breast feeding and I'm going back on my pre-pregnancy meds. I'm hopeful that within a week things will get better. Until then I am so lucky to have the most wonderful, supportive husband and an amazing family.

Send Enfamil coupons . . .

Is this the most beautiful baby you've ever seen or what?

For some reasons his hospital pic never made it online, I'm not sure why - but here it is. Is he adorable or what?

"The first 2 weeks are the hardest"

When does the clock start on these 2 weeks, from birth or when you actually take possession?

We are sleep deprived, I'm sick of crying, my boobs are sore, and God love him he's still a perfect little angel (even screaming his head off at 3 in the morning).

My parents got us a bassinet yesterday in the hopes of us both being able to sleep in bed with him close by. He slept on my chest in the recliner. He's content on me but as soon as I move him it's all over.

The binky is wonderful, until it leaves his mouth, then it's a problem. He wants to be changed, but hates being naked. It takes more than a half an hour after he eats for the gas to move through. We had our first poop blow out last night - 2 outfits down.

I'm rambling . . . we actually have to leave the house today - third time since we've had him home (Friday). I like seeing the outside world and since I can't drive maybe I'll be able to sleep in the car.

Here's my questions -
When do you let them scream it out? For how long? Even when they go from zero to 100 right away?
How do you lay them down after they are asleep on you?
How do you use the bassinet, are they just supposed to sleep in it next to you? Do I need to get him use to it first?

Does it really get easier? Do you promise?