10 days to Bubba's first Christmas - WHAT! Where did this year go? I can't believe our tree is up, house is decorated, presents are (almost) all bought and family arrives on Monday. Crazy! Just crazy!
JJ is now over the 10 month mark (and the 23lb mark) and just wants to walk everywhere. Unfortunately he can't walk. Yep, that leads to a bit of frustration but with some help from Mommy and Daddy he'll motor about in whichever direction he wants to go in (usually towards the big purple ornaments on the tree). He can now stand up without much help but hasn't figured out getting there from the floor yet. He is so cute, he kind of leads with his arms and belly, sort of like a baby zombie, and takes ridiculously huge strides until he reaches his goal. Then he usually turns around to see where else he can go. E has an aching back from doing this all day. Once I'm done work I know I will too!
JJ has also started to really communicate when he doesn't want something, when he's full or when he's bored. Very handy. Now I want to know why he thinks the top of my head is so funny and why the food from my bowl/plate tastes better than his (because he will almost always eat more if we give it to him from a source other than his high chair tray).
Another development has been JJ weening himself. It seems so strange that E's breastfeeding days are done (until Baby #2 of course) but I must admit the freedom that comes with that will be nice. Last weekend we got to spend quality time together Christmas shopping and having lunch downtown while Grandma had JJ. It was really good to have that time for the two of us and I know we plan on doing more things like that now JJ is getting older. Our first night away (and associated sleep in) may be not that far away! Thankfully for whoever babysits, Bubba is sleeping quite well these days too!
Bubba's first Christmas will be really fun, lots of family, friends and his first chance to unwrap gifts (and play with the box and/or paper rather than the gift no doubt). I know he won't really get it this year but he definitely likes all our Christmas decorations and I'm sure he'll have a blast being surrounded by family. I'm also really excited too. I think I'm enjoying updating our little "days to Christmas" countdown the most of anyone in the house.
I'm nervously looking forward to the New Year. I've taken the last three weeks of E's parental leave so we can ease ourselves into E being back to work and JJ going to day care. So far I've only had Bubba on my own for a couple of hours at most. Having him all day will be awesome (and challenging!). I'm pretty sure I will be completely exhausted when E arrives home from her first day of work and wonder how on Earth she has looked after Jack for the last 10 months... Getting to spend the best part of a month at home with our little guy will be priceless and I'm excited to be able to do it, Thank you Queen's! I'm hoping for decent weather so we can get out and about and I think E is going to introduce me to all the playgroups she takes JJ to (I apologise in advance for my poor signing).
We're also hoping to slowly ease Bubba into his new day care. I can't imagine just showing up on day 1 and leaving him there. I also can't imagine both of us having to get ready, get JJ ready, load the car and get downtown via day care in time for work. Don't even ask me about how we'll get dinner on the table when we've both been at work all day.... I know everyone manages it but I can't figure it out right now!
The best gift this Christmas though (cheesy I know) will be the return of Uncle C and soon Auntie A and Lulu too! I know Bubba will really enjoy the company of two new baby sitters (plus a canine friend) and his parents are really looking forward to them being here too!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
3/4 of the way there!
Our little guy is celebrating his 3/4 Birthday today. Can't believe he is 9 months old already.
The last month has been quite busy for JJ. He has finally got a couple of teeth (bottom front) and that didn't go too badly. He was a bit fussier than usual and up more a few nights but overall not as bad as I expected. Of course he hasn't gone through molars coming in yet... Teeth seem to be another sign that he is growing up right before our eyes. When I catch a glimpse of them when he smiles it makes you realise he is well on his way to being a little boy and no longer a baby.
Bubba also got to experience his first Hallowe'en (which I still hold out as not being a Holiday, we don't get the day off to go scare people). We had fun dressing him up as a Pumpkin and handing out candy in our new neighbourhood, lots of little kids came round trick or treating and I made sure to get some pumpkins (one for each of us with our initial carved into it). We also went to a fun party at a friends house where there were 5 adorable babies all in costume (and a couple of the parents, way to go!). I think we had a Pumpkin, a Dragon, two Chickens and a Cheeseburger (with matching condiments).
We've also got to experience the fun of time changes with a baby. Funnily enough JJ didn't seem to get that he could sleep for an extra hour last weekend. We're slowly adjusting him back to his usual bedtime and breakfast time but the early wake ups are a killer. E and I are both done by 8pm at the moment! (that might have something to do with our evening glass of wine too...) I don't think we woke our Toronto hosts too early on Sunday morning but if we did, sorry! Speaking of which, Bubba had his best long trip in the car last weekend (and so did we thanks to the extra space in our new car). His naps nicely coincided with Service Centres and we didn't have any crying at all. Plus, the trip to Toronto seemed like a breeze after our trip to London back in September.
JJ is also starting to get a bit more mobile. He is still reluctant to crawl but he can kind of shuffle about and turn around on the floor/his tummy. His new trick is trying to pull himself up and once he's up he does a good job of standing with support. E thinks he'll just skip crawling and go straight to walking and I have to agree. We also think we'll get his first word before his first step. He is full of little noises and sounds (not all of them related to pooping or seeing the cats). He's definitely getting some vowel sounds and he recognises some phrases that we commonly use. He's also really getting into a few of his books, some in particular bring out his excited side (particularly Happy Baby 123, Baby Tiger's Jungle Adventure and My Peekaboo Book).
Bubba continues to eat really well and he's now started on cow's milk, cheese and yogurt which he really seems to enjoy. New food favourites are baked cheesy pasta with maple glazed chicken (who came blame him for that), blueberries, chicken meatballs and Anna Olsen's Canadian Minestrone Soup. He also loved a friend's home made guacamole and gluten free pancakes... I'm so happy that JJ eats so well and meal time with him is so much fun. Hopefully he'll grow up to be a fantastic cook just like his Mama!
Our latest development is getting Jack into Day Care. He starts in January and thanks to some good benefits at work I'm taking the first three weeks of 2012 as Parental Leave so I can be home with him before he transitions to 5 days a week at Day Care. It is going to be a huge adjustment for E and I (and more so for E as she will be dealing with going back to work too) and weird that someone else will be looking after Bubba so much of the time. I'm really excited for my time at home with him but not so much for the few week weeks after that... At least we'll have his first Birthday and his Aunt-equivalent's arrival from Belgium to look forward to. We've also got Christmas and his Uncle's move back home to keep us busy and I'm sure time will continue to fly by so before I know it I'll be blogging about his proper Birthday!
The last month has been quite busy for JJ. He has finally got a couple of teeth (bottom front) and that didn't go too badly. He was a bit fussier than usual and up more a few nights but overall not as bad as I expected. Of course he hasn't gone through molars coming in yet... Teeth seem to be another sign that he is growing up right before our eyes. When I catch a glimpse of them when he smiles it makes you realise he is well on his way to being a little boy and no longer a baby.
Bubba also got to experience his first Hallowe'en (which I still hold out as not being a Holiday, we don't get the day off to go scare people). We had fun dressing him up as a Pumpkin and handing out candy in our new neighbourhood, lots of little kids came round trick or treating and I made sure to get some pumpkins (one for each of us with our initial carved into it). We also went to a fun party at a friends house where there were 5 adorable babies all in costume (and a couple of the parents, way to go!). I think we had a Pumpkin, a Dragon, two Chickens and a Cheeseburger (with matching condiments).
We've also got to experience the fun of time changes with a baby. Funnily enough JJ didn't seem to get that he could sleep for an extra hour last weekend. We're slowly adjusting him back to his usual bedtime and breakfast time but the early wake ups are a killer. E and I are both done by 8pm at the moment! (that might have something to do with our evening glass of wine too...) I don't think we woke our Toronto hosts too early on Sunday morning but if we did, sorry! Speaking of which, Bubba had his best long trip in the car last weekend (and so did we thanks to the extra space in our new car). His naps nicely coincided with Service Centres and we didn't have any crying at all. Plus, the trip to Toronto seemed like a breeze after our trip to London back in September.
JJ is also starting to get a bit more mobile. He is still reluctant to crawl but he can kind of shuffle about and turn around on the floor/his tummy. His new trick is trying to pull himself up and once he's up he does a good job of standing with support. E thinks he'll just skip crawling and go straight to walking and I have to agree. We also think we'll get his first word before his first step. He is full of little noises and sounds (not all of them related to pooping or seeing the cats). He's definitely getting some vowel sounds and he recognises some phrases that we commonly use. He's also really getting into a few of his books, some in particular bring out his excited side (particularly Happy Baby 123, Baby Tiger's Jungle Adventure and My Peekaboo Book).
Bubba continues to eat really well and he's now started on cow's milk, cheese and yogurt which he really seems to enjoy. New food favourites are baked cheesy pasta with maple glazed chicken (who came blame him for that), blueberries, chicken meatballs and Anna Olsen's Canadian Minestrone Soup. He also loved a friend's home made guacamole and gluten free pancakes... I'm so happy that JJ eats so well and meal time with him is so much fun. Hopefully he'll grow up to be a fantastic cook just like his Mama!
Our latest development is getting Jack into Day Care. He starts in January and thanks to some good benefits at work I'm taking the first three weeks of 2012 as Parental Leave so I can be home with him before he transitions to 5 days a week at Day Care. It is going to be a huge adjustment for E and I (and more so for E as she will be dealing with going back to work too) and weird that someone else will be looking after Bubba so much of the time. I'm really excited for my time at home with him but not so much for the few week weeks after that... At least we'll have his first Birthday and his Aunt-equivalent's arrival from Belgium to look forward to. We've also got Christmas and his Uncle's move back home to keep us busy and I'm sure time will continue to fly by so before I know it I'll be blogging about his proper Birthday!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Joy of Cooking
In the blink of an eye Bubba is now over 8 months old and getting much more sophisticated. E and I have started to encounter JJ playing favourites, wanting to go to one of us over the other (usually to his Mama with arms outstretched which is very cute but hurts a little when its you he doesn't want to be with). He is also making strange or bashful with more people now, something we'd read that we should expect but it is funny to see him be that way with people he knows quite well. For some reason Grandpa brings it out of him...
At the same time it is amazing to watch him react to those close to him. He lights up when he sees me get home from work or first thing in the morning, has a special smile for his Mama (and the aforementioned reaching out) and his reaction to Skyping with his Grandma when she was in Europe was really strong. He was fixed on the laptop screen and so happy to hear her voice. In fact, Skype with anyone these days is fun to watch as he really gets that they are on screen and he can hear them. That's when he isn't trying to chew on the webcam of course!
Bubba is continuing to grow fast, he is still 99th percentile for height (75 cm or so) and around 80th percentile for weight (almost 22 lbs), he is definitely getting longer and leaner as he grows. It is nice to know that he doesn't have to go back to the Doctors until 12 months of age now thanks to a slightly early 9 month checkup with our family doctor.
Part of the reason he is growing so well must be his diet. Just like he parents he loves food! It is so rewarding to make his food and see him really enjoy it. The best is when he can eat the same thing we are. Not only does it cut down on food prep but we can all sit down and enjoy the same meal together (of course Mommy and Daddy add plenty of salt and pepper to their meals). So far JJ has loved home made Minestrone Soup, Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta! We're also making him fun baby food like a fantastic smelling pork, apple, potato, parsnip and sage concoction, mashed up root veggies and his all-time favourite apple sauce! He'll eat anything that has apple sauce added to it.
JJ might be reluctant to crawl or explore on his own but he sure can eat!
One challenge we have faced recently was JJ being sick for the first time. He picked up a cold/cough, duly passed it on to us and the three of us have spend the best part of two weeks getting over it. It is way harder to get well when you are focusing on helping a little one feel good. You also forget that you are sick and put all your energy into taking care of your under the weather baby. Only got one humidifier, that'll be in the nursery then (until you buy another one), Mama not sure what is safe to take during breast feeding so suffer through congestion instead (while I guiltily took drugs to clear me out so at least one of us was in reasonable shape!), going to bed at 8pm so that you get enough sleep to feel ready for tomorrow. Not complaining , its just very different from taking a couple of days to yourself and feeling right as rain by the weekend.
Coming up we have other challenges/developments:
1) Still no teeth although he is showing every sign of teething soon
2) When to introduce dairy (current recommendations are rather vague)
3) What to do about gluten in his diet (as Mama has celiac disease)
4) Day care places! (we should hear soon and hope we get a spot in one of our favourites)
5) Bubba becoming more mobile so he will no longer be somewhere close to where we put him down! (and the child proofing that goes hand-in-hand with that).
I'm also pretty sure that with the above going on, no doubt simultaneously, it will be JJ's first Christmas before we know it!
At the same time it is amazing to watch him react to those close to him. He lights up when he sees me get home from work or first thing in the morning, has a special smile for his Mama (and the aforementioned reaching out) and his reaction to Skyping with his Grandma when she was in Europe was really strong. He was fixed on the laptop screen and so happy to hear her voice. In fact, Skype with anyone these days is fun to watch as he really gets that they are on screen and he can hear them. That's when he isn't trying to chew on the webcam of course!
Bubba is continuing to grow fast, he is still 99th percentile for height (75 cm or so) and around 80th percentile for weight (almost 22 lbs), he is definitely getting longer and leaner as he grows. It is nice to know that he doesn't have to go back to the Doctors until 12 months of age now thanks to a slightly early 9 month checkup with our family doctor.
Part of the reason he is growing so well must be his diet. Just like he parents he loves food! It is so rewarding to make his food and see him really enjoy it. The best is when he can eat the same thing we are. Not only does it cut down on food prep but we can all sit down and enjoy the same meal together (of course Mommy and Daddy add plenty of salt and pepper to their meals). So far JJ has loved home made Minestrone Soup, Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Pasta! We're also making him fun baby food like a fantastic smelling pork, apple, potato, parsnip and sage concoction, mashed up root veggies and his all-time favourite apple sauce! He'll eat anything that has apple sauce added to it.
JJ might be reluctant to crawl or explore on his own but he sure can eat!
One challenge we have faced recently was JJ being sick for the first time. He picked up a cold/cough, duly passed it on to us and the three of us have spend the best part of two weeks getting over it. It is way harder to get well when you are focusing on helping a little one feel good. You also forget that you are sick and put all your energy into taking care of your under the weather baby. Only got one humidifier, that'll be in the nursery then (until you buy another one), Mama not sure what is safe to take during breast feeding so suffer through congestion instead (while I guiltily took drugs to clear me out so at least one of us was in reasonable shape!), going to bed at 8pm so that you get enough sleep to feel ready for tomorrow. Not complaining , its just very different from taking a couple of days to yourself and feeling right as rain by the weekend.
Coming up we have other challenges/developments:
1) Still no teeth although he is showing every sign of teething soon
2) When to introduce dairy (current recommendations are rather vague)
3) What to do about gluten in his diet (as Mama has celiac disease)
4) Day care places! (we should hear soon and hope we get a spot in one of our favourites)
5) Bubba becoming more mobile so he will no longer be somewhere close to where we put him down! (and the child proofing that goes hand-in-hand with that).
I'm also pretty sure that with the above going on, no doubt simultaneously, it will be JJ's first Christmas before we know it!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The journey to becoming "Embarrassing Dad"
Wow, in the blink of an eye JJ is almost 7 months old! Seems like yesterday that we were wishing him a happy half Birthday.
His latest trip to the Doctors went well, he was a little hero getting his jabs, only cried very briefly and once again had no adverse reactions to the multitude of immune responses he must have been developing! He also continues to be (almost) off the charts growth wise. Bubba is in the 99th percentile for height, 84th for weight and his head is catching up to the rest him as its gone from ~ 50th to 81st percentile in the last 2 months! Maybe he's getting a big head from all the compliments? His legs have also grown like crazy as he still fits in the same onesies as he did at 3 months but he grew almost 6 cm in 2 months. Bubba seems to be a very fitting nickname for such a sturdy little guy!
JJ's sleep has also improved, we've gone quite some time now with him waking up only once or twice a night (and a few nights of him sleeping through). Oddly, E and I don't feel anymore rested despite less interrupted sleep. I think all 3 of us are getting what we can before Bubba starts teething...
With the last couple of days turning cooler we've got JJ back to long sleeve onesies, pants and even the odd sweater. He looks like such a little boy in cargoes and a hoodie, it makes me so proud of him and I love carrying him around in the front pack wherever we go. Even better, JJ loves being in the front pack, taking everything in, smiling at everyone and generally making random noises. His favourites are trees and brunettes! He is such a little flirt already. He even has a nice raising his eyebrow and little smile move already. At this rate I won't have to teach him anything about being charming!
I noticed something new about myself as a Dad this weekend. Normally I'm not one for dancing or singing in public. The random motions of a former metal-head combined with my awful voice do not make for a nice experience for anyone close enough to witness it (and I am fully aware of how bad it looks/sounds so tend not to give many people the chance to see it - except at our Wedding when E and I were air guitar/drumming for most of the evening).
However, now that JJ is around I find my willingness to move and even sign out loud (rather than just mouthing the words) has increased. I caught myself actually signing Happy Birthday this weekend (I was at a 1st Birthday Party so that wasn't weird) and we're always singing in the car now (usually Old MacDonald, The Wheels on the Bus or the Zac Brown Band). JJ loves dancing with E to Lady Gaga and I found he's quite happy to bop around with me in my limited way when the White Stripes are on the iPod. I can now see that I am starting my journey down the road to becoming "Embarrassing Dad".
By the time he is old enough to actually feel embarrassed I should be well versed in wearing the wrong clothes, singing aloud to songs I don't know the words to (E will tell you I do that already), getting all the characters in the new TV show/movie/book series/video game wrong and saying things that were only cool like 10 or 20 years ago.
Hopefully he won't mind too much and will still let me:
1) play with his sandbox (we got an awesome one courtesy of Grandma that has a big digger arm and stuff, actually I'll have to fight Grandpa for that one),
2) build a wooden train set (I'll make the coolest biggest track layout ever),
3) play catch in the backyard (I'll have to learn to use a glove as us Brits catch a ball like real men, with our bare hands and when it comes to football, E can show him how to throw a nice spiral)
4) and teach him how to hit a golf ball...
You know, all the essentials.
His latest trip to the Doctors went well, he was a little hero getting his jabs, only cried very briefly and once again had no adverse reactions to the multitude of immune responses he must have been developing! He also continues to be (almost) off the charts growth wise. Bubba is in the 99th percentile for height, 84th for weight and his head is catching up to the rest him as its gone from ~ 50th to 81st percentile in the last 2 months! Maybe he's getting a big head from all the compliments? His legs have also grown like crazy as he still fits in the same onesies as he did at 3 months but he grew almost 6 cm in 2 months. Bubba seems to be a very fitting nickname for such a sturdy little guy!
JJ's sleep has also improved, we've gone quite some time now with him waking up only once or twice a night (and a few nights of him sleeping through). Oddly, E and I don't feel anymore rested despite less interrupted sleep. I think all 3 of us are getting what we can before Bubba starts teething...
With the last couple of days turning cooler we've got JJ back to long sleeve onesies, pants and even the odd sweater. He looks like such a little boy in cargoes and a hoodie, it makes me so proud of him and I love carrying him around in the front pack wherever we go. Even better, JJ loves being in the front pack, taking everything in, smiling at everyone and generally making random noises. His favourites are trees and brunettes! He is such a little flirt already. He even has a nice raising his eyebrow and little smile move already. At this rate I won't have to teach him anything about being charming!
I noticed something new about myself as a Dad this weekend. Normally I'm not one for dancing or singing in public. The random motions of a former metal-head combined with my awful voice do not make for a nice experience for anyone close enough to witness it (and I am fully aware of how bad it looks/sounds so tend not to give many people the chance to see it - except at our Wedding when E and I were air guitar/drumming for most of the evening).
However, now that JJ is around I find my willingness to move and even sign out loud (rather than just mouthing the words) has increased. I caught myself actually signing Happy Birthday this weekend (I was at a 1st Birthday Party so that wasn't weird) and we're always singing in the car now (usually Old MacDonald, The Wheels on the Bus or the Zac Brown Band). JJ loves dancing with E to Lady Gaga and I found he's quite happy to bop around with me in my limited way when the White Stripes are on the iPod. I can now see that I am starting my journey down the road to becoming "Embarrassing Dad".
By the time he is old enough to actually feel embarrassed I should be well versed in wearing the wrong clothes, singing aloud to songs I don't know the words to (E will tell you I do that already), getting all the characters in the new TV show/movie/book series/video game wrong and saying things that were only cool like 10 or 20 years ago.
Hopefully he won't mind too much and will still let me:
1) play with his sandbox (we got an awesome one courtesy of Grandma that has a big digger arm and stuff, actually I'll have to fight Grandpa for that one),
2) build a wooden train set (I'll make the coolest biggest track layout ever),
3) play catch in the backyard (I'll have to learn to use a glove as us Brits catch a ball like real men, with our bare hands and when it comes to football, E can show him how to throw a nice spiral)
4) and teach him how to hit a golf ball...
You know, all the essentials.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Happy 1/2 Birthday
JJ entered our world 6 months ago today. I can't believe how fast the time has gone and how much he has changed. That night and day are still very clear in my memory. The first few weeks that followed are a jumbled mess of over-tired recollections.
Right now I'm feeling like I could get the hang of this Fatherhood thing. I've come so far and I know JJ and I have an ever-growing bond. The smile I get when he sees me in the morning or when I get home is priceless. Making (and hearing) Bubba laugh is the single best thing in the World. I just have to raise my eyebrows and say "Boing Boing!" to get a big wide smile. E thinks JJ is so easily amused by me because I look funny (all face and no hair), maybe she is right. To think I didn't feel connected to our little boy at one stage...
Bubba decided to mark his half birthday slightly early by sleeping through the night for the first time on Monday. E and I were shocked, it was very odd to have not had to get out of bed. He had been gradually sleeping for longer stretches since we introduced solids but he managed 11 hours. 11 hours! The night before he did 8 hours and that was the most sleep E had had in one go since before he was born. Of course, last night he woke up twice and didn't really want to go back to sleep at 4:30 am. Maybe he's at the tail end of another growth spurt (the last time we got a few days in a row of solid sleeping was after his 3 month spurt) or maybe he is gradually getting better at sleep. He does go back to sleep on his own fairly well now. Normally he fusses until he rolls onto his side then nods off. It is actually very cute to see him go through the process.
We're also amused by the variety of positions he wakes up in. He's quite good at doing a 180 degree turn during the night but there really isn't much room to spare when he gets to 90 degrees! Occasionally he wakes up at a right angle to how we put him down and I'm sure it is because he has bumped his head on the crib...
As a little gift I got JJ the classic doorway Jolly Jumper. He has almost outgrown the one on a frame that we were given by a friend. It served him very well but we've only got a single link of chain left. JJ has figured out how to get good air now and use both legs at the same time, rather than riverdancing in it. We've also had to move his exersaucer up a notch. I'm sure we will find out that he is continuing his rapid growth next week when we visit the Doctors. It must all be in his legs though as the onesies that we bought at 3 months still fit!
E and I have made an amazing little guy. He is so happy, expressive, amusing and cute! He's developed and learned so much in his first 6 months. Feeding him is a real treat (especially when he doesn't grab the spoon all the time), and seeing him sit and play with his toys is fantastic. He'll even reach out to grab a dropped toy and be able to correct wobbles! I also love that he is fascinated by his feet and getting them into his mouth, something that I found out I can still do too!
JJ's first 6 months have flown by and were easily the most wonderful, challenging and exhausting months of my life. I have a feeling that the next 6 will be just as good if not better! (but slightly less exhausting I hope...mind you, he will start to crawl/walk so who knows)
Right now I'm feeling like I could get the hang of this Fatherhood thing. I've come so far and I know JJ and I have an ever-growing bond. The smile I get when he sees me in the morning or when I get home is priceless. Making (and hearing) Bubba laugh is the single best thing in the World. I just have to raise my eyebrows and say "Boing Boing!" to get a big wide smile. E thinks JJ is so easily amused by me because I look funny (all face and no hair), maybe she is right. To think I didn't feel connected to our little boy at one stage...
Bubba decided to mark his half birthday slightly early by sleeping through the night for the first time on Monday. E and I were shocked, it was very odd to have not had to get out of bed. He had been gradually sleeping for longer stretches since we introduced solids but he managed 11 hours. 11 hours! The night before he did 8 hours and that was the most sleep E had had in one go since before he was born. Of course, last night he woke up twice and didn't really want to go back to sleep at 4:30 am. Maybe he's at the tail end of another growth spurt (the last time we got a few days in a row of solid sleeping was after his 3 month spurt) or maybe he is gradually getting better at sleep. He does go back to sleep on his own fairly well now. Normally he fusses until he rolls onto his side then nods off. It is actually very cute to see him go through the process.
We're also amused by the variety of positions he wakes up in. He's quite good at doing a 180 degree turn during the night but there really isn't much room to spare when he gets to 90 degrees! Occasionally he wakes up at a right angle to how we put him down and I'm sure it is because he has bumped his head on the crib...
As a little gift I got JJ the classic doorway Jolly Jumper. He has almost outgrown the one on a frame that we were given by a friend. It served him very well but we've only got a single link of chain left. JJ has figured out how to get good air now and use both legs at the same time, rather than riverdancing in it. We've also had to move his exersaucer up a notch. I'm sure we will find out that he is continuing his rapid growth next week when we visit the Doctors. It must all be in his legs though as the onesies that we bought at 3 months still fit!
E and I have made an amazing little guy. He is so happy, expressive, amusing and cute! He's developed and learned so much in his first 6 months. Feeding him is a real treat (especially when he doesn't grab the spoon all the time), and seeing him sit and play with his toys is fantastic. He'll even reach out to grab a dropped toy and be able to correct wobbles! I also love that he is fascinated by his feet and getting them into his mouth, something that I found out I can still do too!
JJ's first 6 months have flown by and were easily the most wonderful, challenging and exhausting months of my life. I have a feeling that the next 6 will be just as good if not better! (but slightly less exhausting I hope...mind you, he will start to crawl/walk so who knows)
Friday, August 5, 2011
Almost 6 months!
Our "little" Bubba is nearly 6 months old. Today is 6 months after his due date and those days of just waiting for the call seem like a dim and distant memory. I can't believe how fast time has gone since he entered our world! I also can't believe how much he has changed and developed.
JJ's latest trick is sitting up on his own. One day he just started doing it. Now he can sit on all kinds of surfaces (the floor, the bed, our laps) and stay stable (he also has great posture). He can even reach around for toys or his feet and not face plant (too often anyways). I think he actually enjoys falling backwards onto the duvet.
His other recently acquired talent is not really wanting to go back to sleep after his feeds at night unless we just kiss him on the head, say night night, pop him in his crib and leave the room. He'll keep himself amused for a while then drop off back to sleep. Its weird but fantastic! If we try to sooth him to sleep or hold him he gets all fidgety... When you check on him he's either flat out on his back or curled up on his side looking really peaceful. To think he can now drop off to sleep on his own is incredible, considering the effort it took to get him to sleep a few months ago!
Solid food is also progressing well. JJ has now experienced rice cereal, chicken, pork, sweet potato, carrots, peas, green beans, peaches, plums and bananas. He hasn't refused any of these flavours but its fair to say he isn't a big fan of peas or green beans yet, maybe he just doesn't like green things... Some days he will really pack it back and I know E is not having to feed him herself as often. This decline in the frequency of breast feeding is also incredible as, once again, JJ used to be almost permanently attached to E! I do think E finds it weird that JJ now gets sustenance from other sources but she takes pride in preparing all of his food. We eat well so why shouldn't our Bubba?
So next week our little guy turns 1/2, maybe we'll get him half a cake or half a card?
JJ's latest trick is sitting up on his own. One day he just started doing it. Now he can sit on all kinds of surfaces (the floor, the bed, our laps) and stay stable (he also has great posture). He can even reach around for toys or his feet and not face plant (too often anyways). I think he actually enjoys falling backwards onto the duvet.
His other recently acquired talent is not really wanting to go back to sleep after his feeds at night unless we just kiss him on the head, say night night, pop him in his crib and leave the room. He'll keep himself amused for a while then drop off back to sleep. Its weird but fantastic! If we try to sooth him to sleep or hold him he gets all fidgety... When you check on him he's either flat out on his back or curled up on his side looking really peaceful. To think he can now drop off to sleep on his own is incredible, considering the effort it took to get him to sleep a few months ago!
Solid food is also progressing well. JJ has now experienced rice cereal, chicken, pork, sweet potato, carrots, peas, green beans, peaches, plums and bananas. He hasn't refused any of these flavours but its fair to say he isn't a big fan of peas or green beans yet, maybe he just doesn't like green things... Some days he will really pack it back and I know E is not having to feed him herself as often. This decline in the frequency of breast feeding is also incredible as, once again, JJ used to be almost permanently attached to E! I do think E finds it weird that JJ now gets sustenance from other sources but she takes pride in preparing all of his food. We eat well so why shouldn't our Bubba?
So next week our little guy turns 1/2, maybe we'll get him half a cake or half a card?
Monday, July 18, 2011
Solids!
Our little Bubba is now just over 5 months old! In that time he has managed to double his birth weight (we're guessing at that but he must be over 18 lbs by now).
He has also recently gone a week without a poop (and boy did he make up for it when he did finally go) and had another decent car ride (to sunny Markham). He still doesn't like being in the car for too long but we did find out how useful a tonneau cover is on a pickup truck for carrying out a diaper change and how nice the new picnic sites at the rebuilt Onroute service centres are (and thankfully they are every 45 mins apart). JJ also slept well in his playpen again (in fact better than in his comfy crib back home).
Bubba's sleep is improving, we're down to two wakings most nights and even one on some occasions. Of course we have a few three and four night wakings thrown in and have found no way to figure out what we'll get.
We've been taking strides to get JJ ready for meal times, letting him play with cups, sippy cups, spoons and having him sit with us at breakfast and dinner. He took to all of this like a natural, we can't put anything near our mouths without him taking notice and reaching for it. It's amazing to watch him grab a bottle or glass and try to drink from it! After watching JJ become more and more curious we had to let him have some "real" food a little earlier than planned. We just couldn't deny him any longer.
JJ now gets some lovely runny rice cereal and as of last night the delights of pureed chicken! Mmmmmm. Slightly off white unseasoned yummy-ness. At least he can now say "tastes like chicken" (well, he will be able to...) He certainly enjoys his new meal times and devours what we put in front of him (and on his face, under his chin, on the floor etc.). He also likes his little Baby Mum Mum crackers, mmmmm plain rice again! He's even holding his own spoon, although it gets dropped as soon as it is empty and he waits for the next mouth full to arrive.
We're very happy that he has taken to solids so easily and we are excited for introducing new foods and having JJ join us for lots of exciting meals!
He has also recently gone a week without a poop (and boy did he make up for it when he did finally go) and had another decent car ride (to sunny Markham). He still doesn't like being in the car for too long but we did find out how useful a tonneau cover is on a pickup truck for carrying out a diaper change and how nice the new picnic sites at the rebuilt Onroute service centres are (and thankfully they are every 45 mins apart). JJ also slept well in his playpen again (in fact better than in his comfy crib back home).
Bubba's sleep is improving, we're down to two wakings most nights and even one on some occasions. Of course we have a few three and four night wakings thrown in and have found no way to figure out what we'll get.
We've been taking strides to get JJ ready for meal times, letting him play with cups, sippy cups, spoons and having him sit with us at breakfast and dinner. He took to all of this like a natural, we can't put anything near our mouths without him taking notice and reaching for it. It's amazing to watch him grab a bottle or glass and try to drink from it! After watching JJ become more and more curious we had to let him have some "real" food a little earlier than planned. We just couldn't deny him any longer.
JJ now gets some lovely runny rice cereal and as of last night the delights of pureed chicken! Mmmmmm. Slightly off white unseasoned yummy-ness. At least he can now say "tastes like chicken" (well, he will be able to...) He certainly enjoys his new meal times and devours what we put in front of him (and on his face, under his chin, on the floor etc.). He also likes his little Baby Mum Mum crackers, mmmmm plain rice again! He's even holding his own spoon, although it gets dropped as soon as it is empty and he waits for the next mouth full to arrive.
We're very happy that he has taken to solids so easily and we are excited for introducing new foods and having JJ join us for lots of exciting meals!
Friday, June 24, 2011
D is for Daddy
My first father's Day was great!
Had a lovely day with E and JJ. JJ thoughtfully bought me a very nice Elmo Father's Day Card and appropriately, a new coffee maker (an essential kitchen gadget these days) and we had pancakes for breakfast! Got to Skype with JJ's Granny and Grandad, family from the UK and his Uncle and Aunt in Brussels. Shame the postal strike has swallowed up the package we sent to JJ's Grandad, I'm sure it will arrive in due time... As I type our MPs are still "discussing" the situation...
We also got to have some fun in the sun and pool with Grandma and Grandpa and E made the most amazing spare ribs (following Anna and Michael Olsen's dry rub recipe) - these went down very nicely indeed! I even got to dress little JJ in an outfit that almost exactly matched my own (and I had been planning that for weeks in advance, I even ironed my shirt the day before) and he had the courtesy not to poop through it :) Bubba (our new nickname for JJ) is so amazing and I am so proud to be his Dad. I'm also really proud of E and what an amazing job she is doing of caring for JJ. I couldn't wish for a better wife and mother for my son.
The last week or so I've been doing a lot of reflecting on everything that has happened in the past 12 months. It's now a year since we completed our move back to Kingston. The few months following the move were ridiculous and we don't really remember them fondly! But here we are with a cracking "little" baby boy (someone recently called him delicious, I like that), a lovely house and jobs to pay for it all! I am very relieved our leap of faith worked out, for a while it looked like we may have jumped a little too far... In the words of the Zac Brown Band "life is good today" (if a little sleep deprived).
Now we are anxiously awaiting news from Belgium regarding another move back to Kingston that will see JJ being able to spend much more time with his Uncle and Aunt. Fingers crossed!
Had a lovely day with E and JJ. JJ thoughtfully bought me a very nice Elmo Father's Day Card and appropriately, a new coffee maker (an essential kitchen gadget these days) and we had pancakes for breakfast! Got to Skype with JJ's Granny and Grandad, family from the UK and his Uncle and Aunt in Brussels. Shame the postal strike has swallowed up the package we sent to JJ's Grandad, I'm sure it will arrive in due time... As I type our MPs are still "discussing" the situation...
We also got to have some fun in the sun and pool with Grandma and Grandpa and E made the most amazing spare ribs (following Anna and Michael Olsen's dry rub recipe) - these went down very nicely indeed! I even got to dress little JJ in an outfit that almost exactly matched my own (and I had been planning that for weeks in advance, I even ironed my shirt the day before) and he had the courtesy not to poop through it :) Bubba (our new nickname for JJ) is so amazing and I am so proud to be his Dad. I'm also really proud of E and what an amazing job she is doing of caring for JJ. I couldn't wish for a better wife and mother for my son.
The last week or so I've been doing a lot of reflecting on everything that has happened in the past 12 months. It's now a year since we completed our move back to Kingston. The few months following the move were ridiculous and we don't really remember them fondly! But here we are with a cracking "little" baby boy (someone recently called him delicious, I like that), a lovely house and jobs to pay for it all! I am very relieved our leap of faith worked out, for a while it looked like we may have jumped a little too far... In the words of the Zac Brown Band "life is good today" (if a little sleep deprived).
Now we are anxiously awaiting news from Belgium regarding another move back to Kingston that will see JJ being able to spend much more time with his Uncle and Aunt. Fingers crossed!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Firsts
JJ is now just over 4 months old and continuing to thrive. He tips the scales at 17 lbs and is almost 70 cm tall (or as his Grandad puts it; almost 40% of the way to being 6' tall). He's had his latest shots and checkup. He is so strong and stable now. He is also continuing to change at such a fast rate!
We've been able to achieve several firsts in the last month or so:
It is almost exactly a year to the day when we found out little JJ was headed our way and we really were in such a different place. Life has changed so much, we have an entirely new focus, so much has happened. I really could not have been prepared for this but feel like I learn a little more every day about how to be a good Dad (and husband to a new Mum).
It is amazing to see JJ first thing in the morning, when I get home from work or even in the middle of the night and see his big wide smile, little kicks of excitement and usually some accompany noises and drool. The bond I was looking for in the early days (and having trouble with) is absolutely there and nothing (short of the bond I have with E) can match it! The last four months have passed by in a daze. I'm the next four and beyond will pass similarly quickly and he'll be walking and talking before I know it. I hope that I remember as much as possible about this stage in his life, how dependent he is on E and I and how amazing that is.
We've been able to achieve several firsts in the last month or so:
- First milk via a spoon (those of you that know E and I know how important food and dinner time is to us so we're getting JJ ready to start at an early age!)
- First time in the front pack and not the car seat (which he loves as he can see so much and interact with people)
- First experiences in the Exersaucer and Jolly Jumper (again, which he loves, although drool ends up everywhere)
- First visit to the playground (and accompanied slide and swing, I think E enjoyed that part more than JJ)
- First classic thumb sucking (you know, with only the thumb in his mouth and his fingers kind of curled up rather than him trying to shove as many fingers from both hands in his mouth)
- First giggles (although these are hard to earn, E and I must not be very funny)
- First long car ride (see last post)
- First dip in a swimming pool (I think he just thought it was a rather large, not so warm, bath with no bubbles)
It is almost exactly a year to the day when we found out little JJ was headed our way and we really were in such a different place. Life has changed so much, we have an entirely new focus, so much has happened. I really could not have been prepared for this but feel like I learn a little more every day about how to be a good Dad (and husband to a new Mum).
It is amazing to see JJ first thing in the morning, when I get home from work or even in the middle of the night and see his big wide smile, little kicks of excitement and usually some accompany noises and drool. The bond I was looking for in the early days (and having trouble with) is absolutely there and nothing (short of the bond I have with E) can match it! The last four months have passed by in a daze. I'm the next four and beyond will pass similarly quickly and he'll be walking and talking before I know it. I hope that I remember as much as possible about this stage in his life, how dependent he is on E and I and how amazing that is.
About 2 hours...
That is how long JJ is happy for in a car. Toronto is 2.5 hrs away. Yep, pretty much 30 mins of unhappy baby on our first long car ride. It could have been much worse and JJ was a resilient little guy, as soon as we were out of the car and at the hotel he perked up and began charming anyone within sight. he had a good hour or so of sleep at first and then distractions kept him occupied for the next 60 mins but nothing was working for that last half hour. To be fair, he was hungry and it was 8pm at night which is when he is usually nodding off in hid crib.
Once we were at the Hotel our anxiety lowered until we got the room next to two people who must have been hard of hearing (or they just like watching tennis with the volume all the way up and shouting at each other who they think is the best player, Federer or Nadal). We were armed with most of things we use to help get JJ to sleep (or stay asleep) but not a fan, our white noise maker of choice. Despite this, JJ slept pretty well (I can't sat the same for us) in his playpen (which is so much lower than his crib and a bit of a back breaker now he is packing the pounds on). At one point we figured there must be an App for this. There is. It is called White Noise Lite and it is excellent and free. The following night we all drifted off to the sounds of waves lapping on the shore courtesy of my iPhone (and there wasn't any tennis on).
The weekend went really well, we had a fantastic visit with JJ's Great Great Aunt and Uncle (yep, two Greats!) and the Wedding was beautiful. JJ once again charmed everyone he met, including the official photographer who seems to take a lot of pictures of him! The groom's sister had her little boy there too, 1 day younger than JJ and astoundingly a pound heavier! The following day we had a lovely morning walk to get coffee with JJ in his front pack rather than the stroller/car seat combo. He loved it, even the local crazy at Yonge and Bloor that wanted to know all about him didn't phase him. Next was brunch with another group of friends and Jack was on top form (after a very large bowel movement that forced a roadside diaper/outfit change as soon as we arrived at the restaurant). It was really good to see downtown Toronto again, catch up with friends and introduce them to our "little" baby boy. It was also fun to have an excuse to get dressed up a bit.
The trip home was just like the trip to Toronto. I am very thankful we live on the West side of Kingston and get home that bit sooner! At this point I can't fathom a longer trip. Plans to go out East for a holiday this Summer have been rethought and we'll stay close to home. JJ will obviously mature and get more used to travel but I can't even imagine taking him to the UK. It will happen and it will certainly be an adventure but for now we'll stick relatively close to home!
Once we were at the Hotel our anxiety lowered until we got the room next to two people who must have been hard of hearing (or they just like watching tennis with the volume all the way up and shouting at each other who they think is the best player, Federer or Nadal). We were armed with most of things we use to help get JJ to sleep (or stay asleep) but not a fan, our white noise maker of choice. Despite this, JJ slept pretty well (I can't sat the same for us) in his playpen (which is so much lower than his crib and a bit of a back breaker now he is packing the pounds on). At one point we figured there must be an App for this. There is. It is called White Noise Lite and it is excellent and free. The following night we all drifted off to the sounds of waves lapping on the shore courtesy of my iPhone (and there wasn't any tennis on).
The weekend went really well, we had a fantastic visit with JJ's Great Great Aunt and Uncle (yep, two Greats!) and the Wedding was beautiful. JJ once again charmed everyone he met, including the official photographer who seems to take a lot of pictures of him! The groom's sister had her little boy there too, 1 day younger than JJ and astoundingly a pound heavier! The following day we had a lovely morning walk to get coffee with JJ in his front pack rather than the stroller/car seat combo. He loved it, even the local crazy at Yonge and Bloor that wanted to know all about him didn't phase him. Next was brunch with another group of friends and Jack was on top form (after a very large bowel movement that forced a roadside diaper/outfit change as soon as we arrived at the restaurant). It was really good to see downtown Toronto again, catch up with friends and introduce them to our "little" baby boy. It was also fun to have an excuse to get dressed up a bit.
The trip home was just like the trip to Toronto. I am very thankful we live on the West side of Kingston and get home that bit sooner! At this point I can't fathom a longer trip. Plans to go out East for a holiday this Summer have been rethought and we'll stay close to home. JJ will obviously mature and get more used to travel but I can't even imagine taking him to the UK. It will happen and it will certainly be an adventure but for now we'll stick relatively close to home!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
First Night Away
Thanks to crappy weather I got to experience my first night away from E and JJ this week. I was up in Ottawa attending a conference for work and we were all set for E and JJ to come with me and have a lovely time . Then we got several days of cold dreary rain that made us rethink and I ended up going alone.
On the drive up I kept thinking "should I be happy about this?" A night off from looking after JJ, uninterrupted sleep and the chance to chat with other adults about something other than babies... Funny thing was, I wasn't happy, I was nervous (and not just for how E would handle having to look after JJ through the night after having him all day) and uncomfortable.
The conference distracted me well enough until right around when I would be having bath time with JJ and then it got worse. I just hoped he would be good for E and Grandma and go to sleep easily. Lots of texting and calling during the (slightly crazy) conference banquet ensued. This accomplished at least two things, I felt a bit better having talked to E and I got out of some group dancing and conga lines (seems Research Administrator's are a repressed bunch and free wine helps them shed their inhibitions). I also took comfort from seeing the other parents of young babies/kids pacing up and down outside the conference room. We acknowledged each other (nod of the head, a little smile), we knew what we were all doing, ducking out during breaks in the meal to wish someone good night or get updates on how the day went.
Bed time rolled round and I just couldn't settle. I thought for sure that I would just pass out and wake fully rested. Nope, I just couldn't get comfy and thought that every little noise would be my phone ringing and E calling to say JJ was being fussy and not sleeping. In the end it went fine, E had support from Grandma and everyone got through the night without any incidents. It was nice to hear JJ on the phone in the morning and I knew I'd be home later that day to resume my duties and give E a break.
Even though JJ woke three times last night I got much better sleep at home than at the hotel. Its just nice to be home with my family, in my own bed. Next trip, bad weather or not we're going as a family! The experience should be good for JJ... Actually, we'll get a nice trial run when we visit Toronto later this month for a wedding and visiting relatives...
On the drive up I kept thinking "should I be happy about this?" A night off from looking after JJ, uninterrupted sleep and the chance to chat with other adults about something other than babies... Funny thing was, I wasn't happy, I was nervous (and not just for how E would handle having to look after JJ through the night after having him all day) and uncomfortable.
The conference distracted me well enough until right around when I would be having bath time with JJ and then it got worse. I just hoped he would be good for E and Grandma and go to sleep easily. Lots of texting and calling during the (slightly crazy) conference banquet ensued. This accomplished at least two things, I felt a bit better having talked to E and I got out of some group dancing and conga lines (seems Research Administrator's are a repressed bunch and free wine helps them shed their inhibitions). I also took comfort from seeing the other parents of young babies/kids pacing up and down outside the conference room. We acknowledged each other (nod of the head, a little smile), we knew what we were all doing, ducking out during breaks in the meal to wish someone good night or get updates on how the day went.
Bed time rolled round and I just couldn't settle. I thought for sure that I would just pass out and wake fully rested. Nope, I just couldn't get comfy and thought that every little noise would be my phone ringing and E calling to say JJ was being fussy and not sleeping. In the end it went fine, E had support from Grandma and everyone got through the night without any incidents. It was nice to hear JJ on the phone in the morning and I knew I'd be home later that day to resume my duties and give E a break.
Even though JJ woke three times last night I got much better sleep at home than at the hotel. Its just nice to be home with my family, in my own bed. Next trip, bad weather or not we're going as a family! The experience should be good for JJ... Actually, we'll get a nice trial run when we visit Toronto later this month for a wedding and visiting relatives...
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Waffles and a walk
E's first Mother's Day was perfect!
Must admit I was a bit nervous but got some great tips on gifts and I had a simple plan, let Erin enjoy the weekend as much as possible! I have to admit I also wanted it to be fantastic so that I get a good first Father's Day too ;)
On the Day Jack slept really well and even gave Mommy a bit of a sleep-in. We then had some family time on the couch and JJ let me know where he'd hidden his Mommy's gifts (resourceful little guy). E was delighted with the choices JJ and I had made and I set to work on making waffles with her new Waffle Iron. They came out perfectly and tasted great with some syrup, banana and toasted walnuts!
We all got out for a sunny walk then set about prepping Mother's Day dinner with Grandma and Grandpa, probably the fanciest food we've cooked since JJ arrived. Grapefruit and avocado salad followed by a very cheesy and rich asparagus and sundried tomato lasagne and a delicious poached pear, ginger snap and cream cheese dessert (Thank you Grandma!). Grandpa even washed up! (and we even trusted him with the good dishes too, I know E is very happy to have a place for her Grandmother's china at our new house)
We also got to Skype with JJ's Granny and Grandad and Uncle and Aunt-equivalent and the little photo books we made for Grandma and Granny went over very well, Thank you Picaboo!
I made sure E didn't have to do too much and I did my best to give her a break over the weekend, she even sneaked in a pedicure! Everything just came together over the weekend. The sun was out, the annoying little bugs that had surrounded our house for the past few weeks went away and we were very happy and relaxed (probably because JJ was also happy, relaxed and was sleeping really well - only waking once a night and napping like a champ!). It was a good day for some Zac Brown Band on the stereo.
Mother's Day weekend was a chance for me to say thank you to E for being such a loving and dedicated Mommy to our little baby. She has thrown herself into the role with everything she has (not surprising for those of you that know E well) and that is reflected in how well JJ is doing. I would be exhausted if I was putting in that much time, energy and commitment! Her pride in raising JJ to be such a wonderful little boy is very well deserved!
All-in-all, E decided it was the best weekend she's had since we got married so I guess JJ and I nailed our first Mother's Day :)
Must admit I was a bit nervous but got some great tips on gifts and I had a simple plan, let Erin enjoy the weekend as much as possible! I have to admit I also wanted it to be fantastic so that I get a good first Father's Day too ;)
On the Day Jack slept really well and even gave Mommy a bit of a sleep-in. We then had some family time on the couch and JJ let me know where he'd hidden his Mommy's gifts (resourceful little guy). E was delighted with the choices JJ and I had made and I set to work on making waffles with her new Waffle Iron. They came out perfectly and tasted great with some syrup, banana and toasted walnuts!
We all got out for a sunny walk then set about prepping Mother's Day dinner with Grandma and Grandpa, probably the fanciest food we've cooked since JJ arrived. Grapefruit and avocado salad followed by a very cheesy and rich asparagus and sundried tomato lasagne and a delicious poached pear, ginger snap and cream cheese dessert (Thank you Grandma!). Grandpa even washed up! (and we even trusted him with the good dishes too, I know E is very happy to have a place for her Grandmother's china at our new house)
We also got to Skype with JJ's Granny and Grandad and Uncle and Aunt-equivalent and the little photo books we made for Grandma and Granny went over very well, Thank you Picaboo!
I made sure E didn't have to do too much and I did my best to give her a break over the weekend, she even sneaked in a pedicure! Everything just came together over the weekend. The sun was out, the annoying little bugs that had surrounded our house for the past few weeks went away and we were very happy and relaxed (probably because JJ was also happy, relaxed and was sleeping really well - only waking once a night and napping like a champ!). It was a good day for some Zac Brown Band on the stereo.
Mother's Day weekend was a chance for me to say thank you to E for being such a loving and dedicated Mommy to our little baby. She has thrown herself into the role with everything she has (not surprising for those of you that know E well) and that is reflected in how well JJ is doing. I would be exhausted if I was putting in that much time, energy and commitment! Her pride in raising JJ to be such a wonderful little boy is very well deserved!
All-in-all, E decided it was the best weekend she's had since we got married so I guess JJ and I nailed our first Mother's Day :)
Monday, May 9, 2011
Lucky little guy...
At almost 12 weeks of age JJ has already managed to do something E and I never did. With my parents visiting from England he has now met (and charmed) all four of his grandparents.
E and I very much loved our grandparents and we are so happy that both sets will play such a big role in JJ's life. Grandma and Grandpa have a geographical advantage but, thanks to Skype, Granny and Grandad will be able to interact with JJ on a regular basis. Whoever invented Skype should get a big pat on the back in my opinion! (update - I see Microsoft have just bought Skype for US$8.5 billion, that's a pretty good pat on the back!)
I could not get over my emotions when I saw Mum and Dad meet JJ for the first time and get to know him over the course of their trip. It made me realise I hadn't properly thought through how amazing it must be for E to see her parents with JJ so frequently (and how hard it must have been for my parents to not get to meet him until he was 10 weeks old). Again, Skype helps a lot and as my parents said, JJ will know their voices and recognise their faces and be able to talk to them regularly as he grows up. Its also great to be able to snap pictures of JJ and send them from our phones straight to their email in-boxes (and the string of amusing comments that come back in reply).
Considering a few years ago E and I had promised gran-kittens and possibly grand-puppies but nothing more I am sure both sets of grandparents are very happy to have a grandson! It certainly looks like it. I think I am safe to use the words proud and loving to describe their emotions! E and I look forward to seeing JJ learn valuable things from his grandparents, and the free babysitting! Not sure when ice cream Wednesday with Grandpa will start but I'm sure JJ will enjoy it...
Now that Granny and Grandad are back in the UK it is great to know that they know JJ, know our routine, know his little ways and that Grandad blowing raspberries can be heard every Sunday morning. Saying goodbye to them was harder than usual this trip (for obvious reasons) but we know they will be back and we'll visit the UK next year. For now weekly Skype, emails, picture messages and this blog will keep us connected.
JJ is lucky because he not only has parents that love and care for him but four grandparents that do too. E and I are lucky because we get to share all of that love and know that we've made our parents incredibly happy :)
E and I very much loved our grandparents and we are so happy that both sets will play such a big role in JJ's life. Grandma and Grandpa have a geographical advantage but, thanks to Skype, Granny and Grandad will be able to interact with JJ on a regular basis. Whoever invented Skype should get a big pat on the back in my opinion! (update - I see Microsoft have just bought Skype for US$8.5 billion, that's a pretty good pat on the back!)
I could not get over my emotions when I saw Mum and Dad meet JJ for the first time and get to know him over the course of their trip. It made me realise I hadn't properly thought through how amazing it must be for E to see her parents with JJ so frequently (and how hard it must have been for my parents to not get to meet him until he was 10 weeks old). Again, Skype helps a lot and as my parents said, JJ will know their voices and recognise their faces and be able to talk to them regularly as he grows up. Its also great to be able to snap pictures of JJ and send them from our phones straight to their email in-boxes (and the string of amusing comments that come back in reply).
Considering a few years ago E and I had promised gran-kittens and possibly grand-puppies but nothing more I am sure both sets of grandparents are very happy to have a grandson! It certainly looks like it. I think I am safe to use the words proud and loving to describe their emotions! E and I look forward to seeing JJ learn valuable things from his grandparents, and the free babysitting! Not sure when ice cream Wednesday with Grandpa will start but I'm sure JJ will enjoy it...
Now that Granny and Grandad are back in the UK it is great to know that they know JJ, know our routine, know his little ways and that Grandad blowing raspberries can be heard every Sunday morning. Saying goodbye to them was harder than usual this trip (for obvious reasons) but we know they will be back and we'll visit the UK next year. For now weekly Skype, emails, picture messages and this blog will keep us connected.
JJ is lucky because he not only has parents that love and care for him but four grandparents that do too. E and I are lucky because we get to share all of that love and know that we've made our parents incredibly happy :)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Changing so fast
Wow, three weeks since my last post. So much has happened and JJ has changed so much.
He is now 12 weeks old, over 15 lbs and last night was a big milestone - his first night in his own room! He did pretty well (considering his sleep patterns have been all over the place lately) and his room looks great now that all of his furniture and things are in there. Must admit it was very odd to go to bed last night and not have to worry about waking him up. Our bedroom now looks enormous without the crib in it. Of course, we have further to go to tend to him (and have to get used to the white noise of the baby monitor rather than the white noise of the humidifier) but we hope that he will sleep sounder without having to share a room with us (well, his Daddy who sometimes stays up playing video games and has a tendency to snore now and then).
JJ has added to his skill set quite considerably:
1) Holding his head up
2) Supporting himself when lying on the floor
3) Trying to sit up
4) Little squeals of delight
5) Mimicking (or at least trying to mimic) the silly noises E and I make
6) Really paying attention to his surroundings and following objects/people
7) Turning towards voices he recognises
I could go on.....proud Dad, eh?
All the above have made JJ quite the fun little guy to interact with.
I recently had 9 days out of 12 with him (thanks to time off for my parents visiting, JJ's visit with all of his Grandparents went so well, more on that in my next post!) and I cannot express how amazing it was. I feel like the bond between us has really grown. It's so rewarding to see him smile back at you or to be able to cheer him up when he's a bit grumpy. Knowing more of his signs and cues makes looking after him that bit easier. Bath time is going great thanks to him being easily distracted by silly noises (especially blowing raspberries - thanks Grandad!). I love that he will turn to wherever the sound of my voice is coming from when I get home from work (assuming he is awake and not feeding) and that I can relax and calm him down when he's upset (well, usually). Having him fall asleep in my arms while rocking or bouncing is so special.
I also have to tip my hat to E. Being with him and looking after him 24/7 was exhausting (even with us sharing the load) so how she gets through Monday to Friday I don't know! Being able to give E help, support and a bit of a break felt good and I got a new sense of appreciation for how dedicated and loving she is as a Mom.
During these few day I noticed a big difference between how E and I dress JJ. I love him to look like a little man (or in an outfit very similar to something would wear) while E wants him to look like a baby (which after all he is, all that hair just makes him look much older). E wants to hold on to these precious baby days and I can't wait for him to be running around outside! The geek in me already has his Father's Day outfit planned to match what I'll wear :)
Of course JJ and I get to treat E to her first Mother's Day this weekend. I hope JJ managed to get out to the shops and buy something nice for his Mommy ;)
He is now 12 weeks old, over 15 lbs and last night was a big milestone - his first night in his own room! He did pretty well (considering his sleep patterns have been all over the place lately) and his room looks great now that all of his furniture and things are in there. Must admit it was very odd to go to bed last night and not have to worry about waking him up. Our bedroom now looks enormous without the crib in it. Of course, we have further to go to tend to him (and have to get used to the white noise of the baby monitor rather than the white noise of the humidifier) but we hope that he will sleep sounder without having to share a room with us (well, his Daddy who sometimes stays up playing video games and has a tendency to snore now and then).
JJ has added to his skill set quite considerably:
1) Holding his head up
2) Supporting himself when lying on the floor
3) Trying to sit up
4) Little squeals of delight
5) Mimicking (or at least trying to mimic) the silly noises E and I make
6) Really paying attention to his surroundings and following objects/people
7) Turning towards voices he recognises
I could go on.....proud Dad, eh?
All the above have made JJ quite the fun little guy to interact with.
I recently had 9 days out of 12 with him (thanks to time off for my parents visiting, JJ's visit with all of his Grandparents went so well, more on that in my next post!) and I cannot express how amazing it was. I feel like the bond between us has really grown. It's so rewarding to see him smile back at you or to be able to cheer him up when he's a bit grumpy. Knowing more of his signs and cues makes looking after him that bit easier. Bath time is going great thanks to him being easily distracted by silly noises (especially blowing raspberries - thanks Grandad!). I love that he will turn to wherever the sound of my voice is coming from when I get home from work (assuming he is awake and not feeding) and that I can relax and calm him down when he's upset (well, usually). Having him fall asleep in my arms while rocking or bouncing is so special.
I also have to tip my hat to E. Being with him and looking after him 24/7 was exhausting (even with us sharing the load) so how she gets through Monday to Friday I don't know! Being able to give E help, support and a bit of a break felt good and I got a new sense of appreciation for how dedicated and loving she is as a Mom.
During these few day I noticed a big difference between how E and I dress JJ. I love him to look like a little man (or in an outfit very similar to something would wear) while E wants him to look like a baby (which after all he is, all that hair just makes him look much older). E wants to hold on to these precious baby days and I can't wait for him to be running around outside! The geek in me already has his Father's Day outfit planned to match what I'll wear :)
Of course JJ and I get to treat E to her first Mother's Day this weekend. I hope JJ managed to get out to the shops and buy something nice for his Mommy ;)
Friday, April 15, 2011
First trip to the Doctor's
So JJ is now 2 months old (actually more like 9 weeks and a day) and has had his first check up. He's a happy and healthy baby, over 2' long and 13 lbs 13 oz! That means he has demoted Buddy to being the smallest member of our family. Amazingly, Cleo is still heavier than JJ but give it a couple of weeks and I'm sure he'll overtake her too...
JJ got his first shots yesterday and handled it really quite well. Well, as well as a baby can handle two nurses jabbing him in both (quite meaty) thighs simultaneously with needles! A brief pause before a cry of pain was the result but as soon as I picked him up he settled right down again. Must admit I felt pretty chuffed that he was so calm so quickly. Actually, yesterday evening was one of the best times I have had with our little guy. He was very content to hang out in my arms for most of the evening. I even got him soothed when he started to feel the ache from his jabs. He just looked me straight in the eyes, took on a sleepy little face and stopped crying. It's as if he decided, yes, I am safe in my Daddy's arms. That was pretty special.
JJ has also found his voice this week. He is cooing and ahhhing, trying to mimic what E and I are saying. It's so much fun to listen to him and hear him try to express himself.
Another skill he is picking up (literally) is grabbing things. Looks like he has made the connection between his hand and his environment. I'm also sure he has picked up his Mom's trait of twiddling his hair.
Last weekend we hosted a reunion party for the couples we went to pre-natal classes with. The thought of eight babies and assorted parents initially filled me with dread (and made me wonder why I'd offered that we'd host) but it went really well. The babies were all so different and amazingly well behaved. Some small, some big, some skinny, some pudgy, some with colic, some happy little things, some bald, some hairy. Couldn't help but feel that JJ looked like the oldest and most grown up (obviously we thought he was the cutest but then all parents do don't they?) - his hair really ages him and where ever we go people think he is much older than his 9 weeks.
All the parents got to share stories, exchange tips and tricks and chat about the amazing past few weeks we'd all been through. I was nice to know that many couples had been through the same emotions and difficulties that we faced. Tip of the hat to whoever suggested bouncing while sitting on an exercise ball to soothe a baby, works like a charm and is less tiring than standing up to do it! It is probably good for me too...
Coming up we've got friends coming from Toronto this weekend and JJ will finally get to meet his other Grandparents (the British ones) next week, can't wait! Lots more good times with family and friends and I might be able to sneak in a round of golf with my Dad soon...
How long will it be before I can get a cut down 7 iron into JJ's hands? Actually, maybe I want to hold off on that, ups the chances of mayhem and destruction...
JJ got his first shots yesterday and handled it really quite well. Well, as well as a baby can handle two nurses jabbing him in both (quite meaty) thighs simultaneously with needles! A brief pause before a cry of pain was the result but as soon as I picked him up he settled right down again. Must admit I felt pretty chuffed that he was so calm so quickly. Actually, yesterday evening was one of the best times I have had with our little guy. He was very content to hang out in my arms for most of the evening. I even got him soothed when he started to feel the ache from his jabs. He just looked me straight in the eyes, took on a sleepy little face and stopped crying. It's as if he decided, yes, I am safe in my Daddy's arms. That was pretty special.
JJ has also found his voice this week. He is cooing and ahhhing, trying to mimic what E and I are saying. It's so much fun to listen to him and hear him try to express himself.
Another skill he is picking up (literally) is grabbing things. Looks like he has made the connection between his hand and his environment. I'm also sure he has picked up his Mom's trait of twiddling his hair.
Last weekend we hosted a reunion party for the couples we went to pre-natal classes with. The thought of eight babies and assorted parents initially filled me with dread (and made me wonder why I'd offered that we'd host) but it went really well. The babies were all so different and amazingly well behaved. Some small, some big, some skinny, some pudgy, some with colic, some happy little things, some bald, some hairy. Couldn't help but feel that JJ looked like the oldest and most grown up (obviously we thought he was the cutest but then all parents do don't they?) - his hair really ages him and where ever we go people think he is much older than his 9 weeks.
All the parents got to share stories, exchange tips and tricks and chat about the amazing past few weeks we'd all been through. I was nice to know that many couples had been through the same emotions and difficulties that we faced. Tip of the hat to whoever suggested bouncing while sitting on an exercise ball to soothe a baby, works like a charm and is less tiring than standing up to do it! It is probably good for me too...
Coming up we've got friends coming from Toronto this weekend and JJ will finally get to meet his other Grandparents (the British ones) next week, can't wait! Lots more good times with family and friends and I might be able to sneak in a round of golf with my Dad soon...
How long will it be before I can get a cut down 7 iron into JJ's hands? Actually, maybe I want to hold off on that, ups the chances of mayhem and destruction...
Monday, April 4, 2011
Penny dropped
This blog hasn't turned out like I expected, but then neither has fatherhood. I was expecting it to be fun-filled and all about the amusing things that happened, people would love it, I'd get a book deal and eventually a movie out of it (actually, I think that was Julie and Julia wasn't it?). Instead, this blog has become a very honest and open account of my development as a Dad and a very useful way for me to reflect on how things are going.
I have to admit that for a while I was a bit disengaged. The initial euphoria of JJ's arrival into the world had worn off with my return to work and general feeling of not being very natural around him. Only seeing JJ in the evenings when he is fussy and tired and trying to get night time feeds with a bottle going left me feeling like JJ and I didn't have much of a connection. I was always comparing how JJ was with E and how he was with me. It must be something all parents that go out to work deal with. Your baby has an incredibly strong bond with it's Mother and a much more casual one with you. The time you have with your little one is incredibly important and can't be wasted or ignored but when it isn't all baby napping in your arms or playing happily on the playmat you begin to wonder if you are being of any use (well I did).
The last week or so have been so much better. Having time with him at the weekend when he is a happy and contented little guy also really helps. Going for a walk after work with E and JJ followed by bath time with Daddy is going great and I'm usually the one to get him down for the night too. Just seeing him smile back and coo at me makes me so much more patient when it comes to those not-yet-easy middle of the night feeds. I really do love the little guy now. I know a few more of his ways, am getting better at reading his body language and feel much more connected to him. This positive feedback gives me more confidence which makes me more relaxed and so on.
Feeding with the bottle is still tricky but as E pointed out; breastfeeding took a a few weeks of trying 12-14 times a day to become natural. At the rate of 1 bottle a night that puts me at 8-9 months from being good at it! I'm sure it won't take that long, JJ is growing, learning and getting more comfortable. A new bottle seems to help somewhat and JJ's Auntie showed us a great massaging technique that really soothes him when he's unsettled. Actually, JJ was really taken with his Auntie and Uncle and I was able to draw motivation from my Brother-in-law who, like me, had very little baby experience but took to JJ immediately.
This past weekend was fantastic. Very relaxed, no plans and a lot of time with my son. E managed a few naps, we cooked some lovely pork chops on the BBQ, the weather was warm(ish) and sunny, we relaxed in front of the cooking shows on PBS. My favourite was Saturday afternoon: I had JJ asleep in my arms, E was napping on the couch and one of our cats was being thoroughly entertained by a dried leaf blowing around on the deck. Simple pleasures. The fatherhood penny has indeed dropped...
Speaking of pennies dropping, I'm on the look out for a cool littler piggy bank for JJ. That spare change for taking empties back to the Beer Store won't be buying me coffee anymore. From now on it's JJ's.
I have to admit that for a while I was a bit disengaged. The initial euphoria of JJ's arrival into the world had worn off with my return to work and general feeling of not being very natural around him. Only seeing JJ in the evenings when he is fussy and tired and trying to get night time feeds with a bottle going left me feeling like JJ and I didn't have much of a connection. I was always comparing how JJ was with E and how he was with me. It must be something all parents that go out to work deal with. Your baby has an incredibly strong bond with it's Mother and a much more casual one with you. The time you have with your little one is incredibly important and can't be wasted or ignored but when it isn't all baby napping in your arms or playing happily on the playmat you begin to wonder if you are being of any use (well I did).
The last week or so have been so much better. Having time with him at the weekend when he is a happy and contented little guy also really helps. Going for a walk after work with E and JJ followed by bath time with Daddy is going great and I'm usually the one to get him down for the night too. Just seeing him smile back and coo at me makes me so much more patient when it comes to those not-yet-easy middle of the night feeds. I really do love the little guy now. I know a few more of his ways, am getting better at reading his body language and feel much more connected to him. This positive feedback gives me more confidence which makes me more relaxed and so on.
Feeding with the bottle is still tricky but as E pointed out; breastfeeding took a a few weeks of trying 12-14 times a day to become natural. At the rate of 1 bottle a night that puts me at 8-9 months from being good at it! I'm sure it won't take that long, JJ is growing, learning and getting more comfortable. A new bottle seems to help somewhat and JJ's Auntie showed us a great massaging technique that really soothes him when he's unsettled. Actually, JJ was really taken with his Auntie and Uncle and I was able to draw motivation from my Brother-in-law who, like me, had very little baby experience but took to JJ immediately.
This past weekend was fantastic. Very relaxed, no plans and a lot of time with my son. E managed a few naps, we cooked some lovely pork chops on the BBQ, the weather was warm(ish) and sunny, we relaxed in front of the cooking shows on PBS. My favourite was Saturday afternoon: I had JJ asleep in my arms, E was napping on the couch and one of our cats was being thoroughly entertained by a dried leaf blowing around on the deck. Simple pleasures. The fatherhood penny has indeed dropped...
Speaking of pennies dropping, I'm on the look out for a cool littler piggy bank for JJ. That spare change for taking empties back to the Beer Store won't be buying me coffee anymore. From now on it's JJ's.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Cute baby, he's what 2 or 3 months?
JJ continues to grow fast, he's now 62 cm tall and 12 lbs 5 oz! That has people who meet him pegging his age at 2 or 3 months not 6 weeks! Oddly enough, he seems to be a regular sized 6 week old baby on the bottom half and a 3-6 month old baby on the top half...
Our follow up with the Midwives is now complete and Jack will now be cared for under our Family Doctor (we are lucky to have a great one, in fact we are lucky to have a Family doctor at all in Kingston). All of the staff at Community Midwives were fantastic. We got to know 4 midwives in total and each had something that we really liked. We will definitely be going back when JJ's little brother or sister comes along. We appreciated their "informed choice" approach. They had no problem that we wanted a hospital birth from day one and we were not interested hollistic, homeopathic stuff.
All the books we've read always mention things get better at 6 weeks. Well, JJ seems to have read that too. He is sleeping great (only 1 feed during the night), growing, happy, smiling and cooing. He has taken straight to his Aunt and Uncle and does well when we take him places. He did have a bit of a shell shocked look on his face after we brought him to a restaurant last night (it was possibly a bit much for him) but it didn't throw him off his routine.
Now the only issue we have is getting him to do well with a bottle so we can share feeding duties. He was doing great but now he gets fussy and upset part way through. As this is one of my roles as Dad I'm keen to make it easy for both of us. Bath time is going great, settling him down for bed goes well too. It's just the 1 am feed that causes (me and JJ I imagine) stress. Maybe we'll change the time, maybe we'll change the bottle. I know this will get resolved and JJ and I will get the hang of it but it is difficult.
I'm realising a few things as a new Dad. First, I'd never planned or got myself ready for looking after such a young baby. I'd focused on the toddler stage and with very little experience of newborns, I felt completely useless. Nothing came naturally really. I focused on getting things done to help E but the best help would have been getting more involved with JJ earlier on. Second, once I returned to work I was now spending much less time around JJ and my chances to gain experience were fewer and further between. Again, I defaulted to getting things done, reasoning that this was a positive contribution to our family but really it meant my bond with JJ was getting thinner.
The solution: re-prioritise, not be so "cool-Dad" and spend quality time with JJ. As I mentioned above, bath time is now Daddy time. So is putting him to bed at night and play time when I get home from work. I can see the results already. It is very heart-warming to know he looks around for me when he hears my voice after I've been gone for a while and I'm much happier now I know how to make him smile (basically give in to baby-talk and general sillyness, something I was reluctant to do).
It would be great to have some more family leave at this stage. For now, I'll settle for a long weekend with our little family and his Auntie and Uncle. This weekend we're off to see how Maple Syrup is made. It'll be our first day out and fingers crossed JJ does well...
Our follow up with the Midwives is now complete and Jack will now be cared for under our Family Doctor (we are lucky to have a great one, in fact we are lucky to have a Family doctor at all in Kingston). All of the staff at Community Midwives were fantastic. We got to know 4 midwives in total and each had something that we really liked. We will definitely be going back when JJ's little brother or sister comes along. We appreciated their "informed choice" approach. They had no problem that we wanted a hospital birth from day one and we were not interested hollistic, homeopathic stuff.
All the books we've read always mention things get better at 6 weeks. Well, JJ seems to have read that too. He is sleeping great (only 1 feed during the night), growing, happy, smiling and cooing. He has taken straight to his Aunt and Uncle and does well when we take him places. He did have a bit of a shell shocked look on his face after we brought him to a restaurant last night (it was possibly a bit much for him) but it didn't throw him off his routine.
Now the only issue we have is getting him to do well with a bottle so we can share feeding duties. He was doing great but now he gets fussy and upset part way through. As this is one of my roles as Dad I'm keen to make it easy for both of us. Bath time is going great, settling him down for bed goes well too. It's just the 1 am feed that causes (me and JJ I imagine) stress. Maybe we'll change the time, maybe we'll change the bottle. I know this will get resolved and JJ and I will get the hang of it but it is difficult.
I'm realising a few things as a new Dad. First, I'd never planned or got myself ready for looking after such a young baby. I'd focused on the toddler stage and with very little experience of newborns, I felt completely useless. Nothing came naturally really. I focused on getting things done to help E but the best help would have been getting more involved with JJ earlier on. Second, once I returned to work I was now spending much less time around JJ and my chances to gain experience were fewer and further between. Again, I defaulted to getting things done, reasoning that this was a positive contribution to our family but really it meant my bond with JJ was getting thinner.
The solution: re-prioritise, not be so "cool-Dad" and spend quality time with JJ. As I mentioned above, bath time is now Daddy time. So is putting him to bed at night and play time when I get home from work. I can see the results already. It is very heart-warming to know he looks around for me when he hears my voice after I've been gone for a while and I'm much happier now I know how to make him smile (basically give in to baby-talk and general sillyness, something I was reluctant to do).
It would be great to have some more family leave at this stage. For now, I'll settle for a long weekend with our little family and his Auntie and Uncle. This weekend we're off to see how Maple Syrup is made. It'll be our first day out and fingers crossed JJ does well...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Like a hibernating bear...
We're five weeks into our adventures with JJ and I'm kind of amused by some of our behaviour...
Whenever we put JJ down to sleep we tiptoe away so we don't startle him or wake him up. Its as if we've just lulled a large, dangerous, and hungry bear to go back into hibernation. There is usually some sort of hand signal directed at the other person, a thumbs up, a not so sure he'll probably wake up as soon as I get in bed gesture or maybe just a relieved sigh and rub of bleary eyes. We're usually holding our breath too. In the evening, lights are turned down low or off, the TV is barely audible. I try and make as little sound as possible getting ready for work in the morning.
The silly thing is he can sleep through the excavation of two lots behind our house (including dumping of rock into a truck) and doze off while we navigate potholed Kingston roads. Mind you, he can tell when we are at a stop light or going slowly (or he already has road rage...).
Of course, when he goes down first time and sleeps deeply for 4 hours you feel like the champion baby-whisperer, able to sooth and calm him in any situation. Then there are the times when he just cries and cries. Then cries a little more. Then he goes quiet, then he cries more. I'm sure he once just passed out from crying and fell right to sleep in my arms. Or I inadvertently found a puts-baby-to-sleep pressure point...
We are making good progress. Things are generally "better". We are both finding him more and more entertaining and interesting (and yes, even more lovable). JJ is getting used to me feeding him at night with a bottle (his early attempts resembled a person with bronchitis entering a milk chugging contest) and I'm enjoying that time much more. He is more alert, can see further and hold his attention on random objects. And is he ever getting big and strong! We've already filled a good size box of really cute clothes that he has outgrown.
I'm sure he is starting to smile at us not just when he is pleased with his latest attempt to pass wind. We've even had a couple of quiet bath times. My new favourite thing to do is give him a mohawk while drying his hair, it stays in for hours. It will be time for a haircut soon though, he's straying into redneck mullet territory. Perhaps we can find him a baby-sized trucker cap and convert his crib into a trailer...
Looking forward to JJ meeting more of his family this week and having a proud uncle and aunt-equivalent to share caring duties with!
Whenever we put JJ down to sleep we tiptoe away so we don't startle him or wake him up. Its as if we've just lulled a large, dangerous, and hungry bear to go back into hibernation. There is usually some sort of hand signal directed at the other person, a thumbs up, a not so sure he'll probably wake up as soon as I get in bed gesture or maybe just a relieved sigh and rub of bleary eyes. We're usually holding our breath too. In the evening, lights are turned down low or off, the TV is barely audible. I try and make as little sound as possible getting ready for work in the morning.
The silly thing is he can sleep through the excavation of two lots behind our house (including dumping of rock into a truck) and doze off while we navigate potholed Kingston roads. Mind you, he can tell when we are at a stop light or going slowly (or he already has road rage...).
Of course, when he goes down first time and sleeps deeply for 4 hours you feel like the champion baby-whisperer, able to sooth and calm him in any situation. Then there are the times when he just cries and cries. Then cries a little more. Then he goes quiet, then he cries more. I'm sure he once just passed out from crying and fell right to sleep in my arms. Or I inadvertently found a puts-baby-to-sleep pressure point...
We are making good progress. Things are generally "better". We are both finding him more and more entertaining and interesting (and yes, even more lovable). JJ is getting used to me feeding him at night with a bottle (his early attempts resembled a person with bronchitis entering a milk chugging contest) and I'm enjoying that time much more. He is more alert, can see further and hold his attention on random objects. And is he ever getting big and strong! We've already filled a good size box of really cute clothes that he has outgrown.
I'm sure he is starting to smile at us not just when he is pleased with his latest attempt to pass wind. We've even had a couple of quiet bath times. My new favourite thing to do is give him a mohawk while drying his hair, it stays in for hours. It will be time for a haircut soon though, he's straying into redneck mullet territory. Perhaps we can find him a baby-sized trucker cap and convert his crib into a trailer...
Looking forward to JJ meeting more of his family this week and having a proud uncle and aunt-equivalent to share caring duties with!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
TMI?
I've been thinking that there may be too much information out there in the world-wide-intra-web-net...
As a result of a tricky growth spurt phase, E and I have been making use of a number of resources related to newborns. We are very fortunate to have our caregivers following up for 6 weeks postpartum, access to a Public Health Breast Feeding Buddy and their Babytalk line, friends who have recently had kids and of course Family. We're also reading various books and websites. Trouble is, sometimes (well a lot of the time) I've been getting confused from one source to the next. What is normal, what to expect (it seems the unexpected is what you should expect), what we "should" be doing...
As a scientist at heart I'm trying to get to the bottom of this newborn raising lark. I'm starting to realise that that won't happen. There isn't a set answer or way of doing things. We can go by our instincts or by what a book says but there is nothing like talking to someone and hearing that everything is fine and normal. So far we've realised that we are falling into a few "Accidental Parenting" traps (as one book labels them) and it is best to deal with these earlier rather than later.
For example, we needed a few closet door handles to match what we already have (I've mentioned we're kind of perfectionists haven't I?). The nearest place that stocked them was 45 mins away so off we went with JJ in tow one Saturday afternoon. He let us know by the time we got home that he didn't really care if the handles on his closet matched the ones in the rest of the house!
We're trying out a few things and seem to be getting results. We like the approach a particular book uses, its logical to us and sets up some basics that we can use daily - wash, rinse and repeat if you will. It is appealing to the science/critical thinking side of our nature and we'll see how we go.
Of course at 3am when JJ won't settle after a long feed and I can't remember what I should be doing and where I read it I get a bit frustrated. Too much information! Then you remember he is only this little thing that doesn't realise that the arm he just bopped himself on the nose with is actually attached to him, he just has no control over it. He really has pretty simple needs and simple things will help him.
Whatever E and I are doing, JJ is thriving physically. As he reaches 4 weeks/1 month of age (already!) he is now tipping the scales (and peeing on them at our last visit to the midwives) at 10 lbs, 12 oz! He's outgrowing clothes, getting longer and stronger.
For now, we'll keep reading and asking our questions. Everyday seems a little bit easier and we have a little more confidence. Maybe we are being too hard on ourselves to be perfect parents. In the end, we'll find out what works best for the three of us.
After all, humans have been successfully having kids for a while now and the internet wasn't that good pre-1995! I understand people used "books" from a "library" or spoke to people "in person" or just went with their intuition. Imagine...
As a result of a tricky growth spurt phase, E and I have been making use of a number of resources related to newborns. We are very fortunate to have our caregivers following up for 6 weeks postpartum, access to a Public Health Breast Feeding Buddy and their Babytalk line, friends who have recently had kids and of course Family. We're also reading various books and websites. Trouble is, sometimes (well a lot of the time) I've been getting confused from one source to the next. What is normal, what to expect (it seems the unexpected is what you should expect), what we "should" be doing...
As a scientist at heart I'm trying to get to the bottom of this newborn raising lark. I'm starting to realise that that won't happen. There isn't a set answer or way of doing things. We can go by our instincts or by what a book says but there is nothing like talking to someone and hearing that everything is fine and normal. So far we've realised that we are falling into a few "Accidental Parenting" traps (as one book labels them) and it is best to deal with these earlier rather than later.
For example, we needed a few closet door handles to match what we already have (I've mentioned we're kind of perfectionists haven't I?). The nearest place that stocked them was 45 mins away so off we went with JJ in tow one Saturday afternoon. He let us know by the time we got home that he didn't really care if the handles on his closet matched the ones in the rest of the house!
We're trying out a few things and seem to be getting results. We like the approach a particular book uses, its logical to us and sets up some basics that we can use daily - wash, rinse and repeat if you will. It is appealing to the science/critical thinking side of our nature and we'll see how we go.
Of course at 3am when JJ won't settle after a long feed and I can't remember what I should be doing and where I read it I get a bit frustrated. Too much information! Then you remember he is only this little thing that doesn't realise that the arm he just bopped himself on the nose with is actually attached to him, he just has no control over it. He really has pretty simple needs and simple things will help him.
Whatever E and I are doing, JJ is thriving physically. As he reaches 4 weeks/1 month of age (already!) he is now tipping the scales (and peeing on them at our last visit to the midwives) at 10 lbs, 12 oz! He's outgrowing clothes, getting longer and stronger.
For now, we'll keep reading and asking our questions. Everyday seems a little bit easier and we have a little more confidence. Maybe we are being too hard on ourselves to be perfect parents. In the end, we'll find out what works best for the three of us.
After all, humans have been successfully having kids for a while now and the internet wasn't that good pre-1995! I understand people used "books" from a "library" or spoke to people "in person" or just went with their intuition. Imagine...
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Our little feeding machine
JJ may be the smallest member of our household (both cats have him beat by a couple of pounds) but he is feeding like I would at a $5 all you can eat 24 hour buffet! We're going to try and weight him using Wii Fit tomorrow. While we're at it we'll weight the cats too! Maybe I'll add the numbers to that Excel file I'm working on...
He is presumably going through his 3 week growth spurt (after all, three weeks ago exactly E was resting before the final push) but it is bordering on the ridiculous. No sooner has E stopped feeding him then he is rooting around for more. We both know this is only temporary but it doesn't stop me from feeling pretty useless when I hold him and all he wants is more milk.
He has currently mastered 4 activities:
1) eat
2) pee/poop (so he has more room to eat)
3) sleep (so he is rested enough to eat) and
4) dream (about eating)
At least I can help with number 2 (pun intended). It's actually impressive how much exertion he puts into removing waste from his body. He's going to strain something one day.... You can tell what he is up to from a few rooms away. He also has impeccable timing, he knows exactly when I'm just about done and he decides that he isn't. Our record so far is 4 diapers for one change! My changes are far from the rapid efficiency of a Formula 1 pit crew that I am striving for. Currently, I'm happy if he doesn't pee partway through and I don't have to change his clothes.
Thankfully, the feeding machine shuts down for a few hours overnight (except for one night when bedtime ended up being 6am) so E can get some rest. Our bodies are definitely adapting to less sleep and neither of us has had the need for IV caffeine (yet), in fact I think I'm drinking less than before. An afternoon coffee just makes me groggy in the evening. Of course the special kind of groggy that a beer or glass of wine brings of an evening is a different matter. How E is surviving is beyond me - well actually it isn't, she is eating well, trying to get out every day, meeting up with friends/family and she has found a whole new level of zen-like patience. Getting to have a shower everyday seems to help too.
On the flip side to the feeding frenzy, E and I have still been able to enjoy some of favourite things. Coffee and the paper on Saturday morning, a freshly prepared dinner eaten together at the table, popping out to the shops - things we took for granted before but cherish now. We can see how we'll be able to have time for each other and to ourselves in the not too distant future - something that will save our sanity I'm sure.
We are also looking forward to JJ being more interactive and, dare I say it, more lovable. Obviously we both love our cute, hairy, robust little feeding machine but at such a young age he isn't yet that little person that I imagined. He is happy so long as his basic needs are being met (no matter how regularly) but I can't wait to see him grow into his own little man (and not just so I can dress him in cargos, cool t-shirts and hoodies).
There may be a silver lining to the growth spurt, apparently once JJ hits about 11 lbs his stomach can hold enough milk to allow him to sleep for 4 hours! We'll see...
He is presumably going through his 3 week growth spurt (after all, three weeks ago exactly E was resting before the final push) but it is bordering on the ridiculous. No sooner has E stopped feeding him then he is rooting around for more. We both know this is only temporary but it doesn't stop me from feeling pretty useless when I hold him and all he wants is more milk.
He has currently mastered 4 activities:
1) eat
2) pee/poop (so he has more room to eat)
3) sleep (so he is rested enough to eat) and
4) dream (about eating)
At least I can help with number 2 (pun intended). It's actually impressive how much exertion he puts into removing waste from his body. He's going to strain something one day.... You can tell what he is up to from a few rooms away. He also has impeccable timing, he knows exactly when I'm just about done and he decides that he isn't. Our record so far is 4 diapers for one change! My changes are far from the rapid efficiency of a Formula 1 pit crew that I am striving for. Currently, I'm happy if he doesn't pee partway through and I don't have to change his clothes.
Thankfully, the feeding machine shuts down for a few hours overnight (except for one night when bedtime ended up being 6am) so E can get some rest. Our bodies are definitely adapting to less sleep and neither of us has had the need for IV caffeine (yet), in fact I think I'm drinking less than before. An afternoon coffee just makes me groggy in the evening. Of course the special kind of groggy that a beer or glass of wine brings of an evening is a different matter. How E is surviving is beyond me - well actually it isn't, she is eating well, trying to get out every day, meeting up with friends/family and she has found a whole new level of zen-like patience. Getting to have a shower everyday seems to help too.
On the flip side to the feeding frenzy, E and I have still been able to enjoy some of favourite things. Coffee and the paper on Saturday morning, a freshly prepared dinner eaten together at the table, popping out to the shops - things we took for granted before but cherish now. We can see how we'll be able to have time for each other and to ourselves in the not too distant future - something that will save our sanity I'm sure.
We are also looking forward to JJ being more interactive and, dare I say it, more lovable. Obviously we both love our cute, hairy, robust little feeding machine but at such a young age he isn't yet that little person that I imagined. He is happy so long as his basic needs are being met (no matter how regularly) but I can't wait to see him grow into his own little man (and not just so I can dress him in cargos, cool t-shirts and hoodies).
There may be a silver lining to the growth spurt, apparently once JJ hits about 11 lbs his stomach can hold enough milk to allow him to sleep for 4 hours! We'll see...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Two weeks already!
Can't believe JJ is two weeks old today.
He has changed so much, it is like someone inflated his face and body. His ears and nose have popped out, cord stump dropped off, forehead, cheeks and chin expanded, his limbs are straightening out (and getting stronger). We just found out today that he is also packing on the pounds (well ounces, 12 of them in just 6 days!). I know E has gained a sense of validation from that, all those feeds and disrupted sleep now have a physical value, a number (and being somewhat of a geek, yes, I have an Excel file keeping track of all of this). JJ is clearly not suffering! We both feel so happy and proud! Maybe he's going to be a linebacker instead of a quarterback...
We are starting to get used to sleeping whenever JJ lets us and much more comfortable taking him out and about in the stroller and car. We're just more comfortable doing everything, practice I guess. Now we have to figure out how to entertain him when he isn't feeding or asleep...
Being back at work here and there hasn't been too bad, I'm busy so time flies. Glad I'm phasing in going back to a 5 day week. I really miss E and JJ in the day (and getting up around 9 instead of 6.45) but it is so good to come home to them and I'm so happy I get home by 5pm. It is way better than my commute from Toronto to Milton, I can't imagine what this would be like if we were still living there. No family close by and much longer days - a very good reason why we upped sticks.
On a random note, who writes Nursery Rhymes? I'll have some of what they were on. Seriously, they don't make sense. I can't believe what I'm reading to JJ. A vindictive gingerbread man running amok, a pig getting up early to throw acorns at a wolf, kittens getting dressed up for tea and cake, a puppy going on a picnic with a crocodile, hippo and monkey? I might just start making my own stories up...
Two weeks already, wow!
He has changed so much, it is like someone inflated his face and body. His ears and nose have popped out, cord stump dropped off, forehead, cheeks and chin expanded, his limbs are straightening out (and getting stronger). We just found out today that he is also packing on the pounds (well ounces, 12 of them in just 6 days!). I know E has gained a sense of validation from that, all those feeds and disrupted sleep now have a physical value, a number (and being somewhat of a geek, yes, I have an Excel file keeping track of all of this). JJ is clearly not suffering! We both feel so happy and proud! Maybe he's going to be a linebacker instead of a quarterback...
We are starting to get used to sleeping whenever JJ lets us and much more comfortable taking him out and about in the stroller and car. We're just more comfortable doing everything, practice I guess. Now we have to figure out how to entertain him when he isn't feeding or asleep...
Being back at work here and there hasn't been too bad, I'm busy so time flies. Glad I'm phasing in going back to a 5 day week. I really miss E and JJ in the day (and getting up around 9 instead of 6.45) but it is so good to come home to them and I'm so happy I get home by 5pm. It is way better than my commute from Toronto to Milton, I can't imagine what this would be like if we were still living there. No family close by and much longer days - a very good reason why we upped sticks.
On a random note, who writes Nursery Rhymes? I'll have some of what they were on. Seriously, they don't make sense. I can't believe what I'm reading to JJ. A vindictive gingerbread man running amok, a pig getting up early to throw acorns at a wolf, kittens getting dressed up for tea and cake, a puppy going on a picnic with a crocodile, hippo and monkey? I might just start making my own stories up...
Two weeks already, wow!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Family Day for Three
E and I have been parents for 11 days already. Time certainly does fly! We find ourselves at Family Day with our own little family of three, the sun is shining, we've been out for a walk (the stroller did well in the light snow and the ride must be comfy enough as JJ slept through it all) and we are fairly well rested (for parents of a newborn). JJ is feeding great and pretty good at napping. E feels less chained to the couch for constant feeds.
We have obviously been through and learned a lot so far. Compared to seven days ago looking after a newborn is way less scary. There are certainly highs and lows, laughter and tears. I think the best thing is that not only do we have a son but he has brought E and I even closer together (rather than putting a bit of a divide between us as we once thought might happen). We know that between us we will get through the tough times and enjoy the great times.
You really can't beat seeing him alert and happy in your arms or nodding off to sleep and making funny faces (and monster yawns). A great feed, a good (and quiet) diaper change, how he smells after a bath, visiting family for a change of scenery, not waking him when we put him down in the crib, getting two hours sleep, having time for a shower are all fantastic. We love how small, cute, sweet and vulnerable he looks during bath time or when we are dressing him.
Of course there are the cluster feeds at 2am, the uncertainty of being on his (non-existent) schedule, messy changes (you really will get pooped on and in places you didn't expect), trying to follow all the recommendations of the midwives (which leads to us second guessing a lot of what we do when we don't have a great day) and never knowing what to expect next. He doesn't seem to realise my chest hair is attached, to me.
Our lives really have changed (for the better) and we look forward to next Family Day when we could be out playing in the snow, taking JJ on a snowshoe or just playing with him in front of our cozy fireplace.
Our next challenge, I'm back to work for a day tomorrow...
We have obviously been through and learned a lot so far. Compared to seven days ago looking after a newborn is way less scary. There are certainly highs and lows, laughter and tears. I think the best thing is that not only do we have a son but he has brought E and I even closer together (rather than putting a bit of a divide between us as we once thought might happen). We know that between us we will get through the tough times and enjoy the great times.
You really can't beat seeing him alert and happy in your arms or nodding off to sleep and making funny faces (and monster yawns). A great feed, a good (and quiet) diaper change, how he smells after a bath, visiting family for a change of scenery, not waking him when we put him down in the crib, getting two hours sleep, having time for a shower are all fantastic. We love how small, cute, sweet and vulnerable he looks during bath time or when we are dressing him.
Of course there are the cluster feeds at 2am, the uncertainty of being on his (non-existent) schedule, messy changes (you really will get pooped on and in places you didn't expect), trying to follow all the recommendations of the midwives (which leads to us second guessing a lot of what we do when we don't have a great day) and never knowing what to expect next. He doesn't seem to realise my chest hair is attached, to me.
Our lives really have changed (for the better) and we look forward to next Family Day when we could be out playing in the snow, taking JJ on a snowshoe or just playing with him in front of our cozy fireplace.
Our next challenge, I'm back to work for a day tomorrow...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Looking forward to cake and ice cream....
At 3am on my Birthday I can usually be found doing one of the following:
- Playing video games while drinking whisky with my brother-in-law and friends
- Standing in a line up for whatever greasy post-pub food has attracted my attention (generally poutine)
- Sleeping off the delicious dinner E cooked for me
- Convincing E that, yes, the bathroom floor is comfortable and I would like to sleep there
Not so this year.
My Birthday was shortly after we brought JJ home. Instead of the lazy morning, coffee and paper, relaxing kind of Saturday Birthday I was charging around the house trying to do everything while looking after E who, it seemed, was permanently feeding JJ. He has quite the voracious appetite!
It was around early afternoon when I realised that I was going to have a hard time prioritising when to look after E, JJ and myself and when to get other things done. I like getting things done, feeling productive, being useful. However, I'm just not going to be able to do everything. Thankfully, we have a great support network!
Birthday dinner this year was take out pizza and cheesecake and it was perfect. Our little family plus JJ's Grandma and Grandpa sitting around admiring the little guy. I couldn't ask for a better gift, even if he was delivered a little early which sort of ruined the surprise ;)
I'm really looking forward to sharing Birthday parties with JJ. One thing is for sure, there will always be cake and ice cream and one day we'll be standing in line together waiting for our poutine! (I imagine I'll be paying)
Oh yeah, 3am this year.... I was getting pooped on while I changed a diaper.
- Playing video games while drinking whisky with my brother-in-law and friends
- Standing in a line up for whatever greasy post-pub food has attracted my attention (generally poutine)
- Sleeping off the delicious dinner E cooked for me
- Convincing E that, yes, the bathroom floor is comfortable and I would like to sleep there
Not so this year.
My Birthday was shortly after we brought JJ home. Instead of the lazy morning, coffee and paper, relaxing kind of Saturday Birthday I was charging around the house trying to do everything while looking after E who, it seemed, was permanently feeding JJ. He has quite the voracious appetite!
It was around early afternoon when I realised that I was going to have a hard time prioritising when to look after E, JJ and myself and when to get other things done. I like getting things done, feeling productive, being useful. However, I'm just not going to be able to do everything. Thankfully, we have a great support network!
Birthday dinner this year was take out pizza and cheesecake and it was perfect. Our little family plus JJ's Grandma and Grandpa sitting around admiring the little guy. I couldn't ask for a better gift, even if he was delivered a little early which sort of ruined the surprise ;)
I'm really looking forward to sharing Birthday parties with JJ. One thing is for sure, there will always be cake and ice cream and one day we'll be standing in line together waiting for our poutine! (I imagine I'll be paying)
Oh yeah, 3am this year.... I was getting pooped on while I changed a diaper.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Bringing JJ Home
Following JJ's successful arrival E and I were in wonder of our little guy. We had made him. E had provided everything he needed for 9 months of growth and development. Biology is just astounding! He is half of each of us yet his own person. Can't wait to see how he turns out...
One thing I did feel a little odd about was cutting the cord though. For some reason everyone was very keen for me to cut the physical link between Mum and Baby. Not sure what kind of message that sends... (and by the way it is a lot like cutting through overdone calamari)
Following some routine monitoring and a visit from his elated Canadian Grandparents, E and JJ were transferred to the ward. The nursing staff were quick to give JJ the once over and change his first diaper. I was very proud of how full it was! At this point both of us were very relieved that the delivery was over but also very nervous for what was to come. We were going to have to look after this baby. Fortunately E was staying overnight to rest and JJ would be in the capable hands of his Mom and the nursing staff. We also couldn't get over how much hair he had (and how cute it looked stuck to his head). There was also more crying.
I now had a tough choice to make: Stay over and sleep in a chair (we were in a semi-private room so no sofa bed for me) or go home. We umm'd and ahh'd but eventually both decided that it was best for me to go home and rest. There was no point in me being exhausted and having E and JJ to take home and care for the following day. Leaving was incredibly hard, there were more tears (I should have been out of them by this point). So 28 hours after E went into labour I headed home. It felt good to drive, I've always liked driving and find it relaxing. I don't think I could have been more relaxed at this point. We (well , E mostly) had done it! A happy and healthy son. During that drive I got to look out over a frozen moonlit Lake Ontario and know I was now a Dad, I had a son. That acceptance felt amazing and what surprised me was that I felt calm and ready, like being a Dad was what I was made to do. I think I'd been preventing myself from thinking about JJ too much, just in case. I didn't even call him by name until he was actually born despite E and I deciding on a name months before.
A sound 6 hours of sleep (when will that happen again?) set me up for our little Homecoming. A quick update for the Grandparents and then off to see my wife and son (with a stop at Starbucks to get E the coffee she really wanted). It was amazing to see them again, both looked fantastic, E had rested, she looked beautiful in a whole new way. JJ was in his Grandpa's arms (not sure who looked more comfortable) and was soon in mine. I can't explain the feeling of holding him, even though he was fast asleep and completely oblivious. What will it be like when he is alert, recognises us and has a character all his own?
More checks and JJ's first bath followed (he is not a fan of water or being naked just yet). E and I got to catch up while we waited to be discharged. I really have a new level of love and respect for my wife (and no I'm not sucking up to her in case she reads this). The pregnancy and labour have made us even closer and stronger - something we will need to get through the next few weeks I'm sure. We also have a whole new love for our son. It's different from the love we have for each other, it is somewhere else in our hearts but pulls just as strongly.
Finally we were good to go, we passed the car seat test, packed up our things (we probably looked like weary hitchhikers with a newborn as we left KGH) and set off for home. JJ was totally out in the car despite Kingston's awful roads. Then a moment I had been waiting for: we got to pull into the driveway of our new house (the one we designed to raise our family in) with our new son.
Our little family was Home.
One thing I did feel a little odd about was cutting the cord though. For some reason everyone was very keen for me to cut the physical link between Mum and Baby. Not sure what kind of message that sends... (and by the way it is a lot like cutting through overdone calamari)
Following some routine monitoring and a visit from his elated Canadian Grandparents, E and JJ were transferred to the ward. The nursing staff were quick to give JJ the once over and change his first diaper. I was very proud of how full it was! At this point both of us were very relieved that the delivery was over but also very nervous for what was to come. We were going to have to look after this baby. Fortunately E was staying overnight to rest and JJ would be in the capable hands of his Mom and the nursing staff. We also couldn't get over how much hair he had (and how cute it looked stuck to his head). There was also more crying.
I now had a tough choice to make: Stay over and sleep in a chair (we were in a semi-private room so no sofa bed for me) or go home. We umm'd and ahh'd but eventually both decided that it was best for me to go home and rest. There was no point in me being exhausted and having E and JJ to take home and care for the following day. Leaving was incredibly hard, there were more tears (I should have been out of them by this point). So 28 hours after E went into labour I headed home. It felt good to drive, I've always liked driving and find it relaxing. I don't think I could have been more relaxed at this point. We (well , E mostly) had done it! A happy and healthy son. During that drive I got to look out over a frozen moonlit Lake Ontario and know I was now a Dad, I had a son. That acceptance felt amazing and what surprised me was that I felt calm and ready, like being a Dad was what I was made to do. I think I'd been preventing myself from thinking about JJ too much, just in case. I didn't even call him by name until he was actually born despite E and I deciding on a name months before.
A sound 6 hours of sleep (when will that happen again?) set me up for our little Homecoming. A quick update for the Grandparents and then off to see my wife and son (with a stop at Starbucks to get E the coffee she really wanted). It was amazing to see them again, both looked fantastic, E had rested, she looked beautiful in a whole new way. JJ was in his Grandpa's arms (not sure who looked more comfortable) and was soon in mine. I can't explain the feeling of holding him, even though he was fast asleep and completely oblivious. What will it be like when he is alert, recognises us and has a character all his own?
More checks and JJ's first bath followed (he is not a fan of water or being naked just yet). E and I got to catch up while we waited to be discharged. I really have a new level of love and respect for my wife (and no I'm not sucking up to her in case she reads this). The pregnancy and labour have made us even closer and stronger - something we will need to get through the next few weeks I'm sure. We also have a whole new love for our son. It's different from the love we have for each other, it is somewhere else in our hearts but pulls just as strongly.
Finally we were good to go, we passed the car seat test, packed up our things (we probably looked like weary hitchhikers with a newborn as we left KGH) and set off for home. JJ was totally out in the car despite Kingston's awful roads. Then a moment I had been waiting for: we got to pull into the driveway of our new house (the one we designed to raise our family in) with our new son.
Our little family was Home.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The fastest longest day of my life!
We all have memories that we will never forget, special times and places for one reason or another. As I'm sure you'll understand I've got a new top memory.
Following "The call" E and I began our labour journey.
Honestly, the first leg of that journey was scary, full of anxiety and I was just trying to keep my focus on supporting E and remembering what we had read/learned/decided we wanted to do. With the timing and strength of E's contractions it was clear we weren't going to sleep through early labour. We were looking at several hours of timing contractions, making calls to our Midwife and Doula and going through the final preparations. The surprising thing was that living 4-5 minutes at a time made 8 hours fly by. Our Midwife and Doula were very supportive and reassuring - amazing since both had just come straight from other births and they must have been exhausted!
E reached active labour at 4:20am the following morning. The next decision was when to go to the Hospital. It was pretty clear things weren't going to follow our ideal plan so we packed up and set off for KGH. I have never driven more carefully in my life and thankfully we hit every green light (one advantage of an overnight labour). We settled in to Labour & Delivery and with advice from our Midwife and Doula came up with our new plan. Deciding on an epidural was actually pretty easy in the situation, it was clear that it would be the best thing for E as it would allow her to get some much needed rest (and me too). Things took a while to organise (and the nurses suggested we wait for a fresh anesthetist to come on at 7am!) but we got there in the end. Relief washed over E (and I).
I can't stress enough that seeing the person you love the most in pain and discomfort is the worst thing in the world. The previous 12 hours were the hardest of my life. I wasn't a big fan of all the IVs and monitoring leads E was hooked up to but at least she was comfortable and resting. The next 5 hours passed by as E's body got ready to deliver our baby. The epidural led to more medical interventions to ensure labour progressed but we didn't mind, frequent updates and feedback were reassuring. It was also interesting to note how fast E got comfortable with being semi-naked around a large number of people she's never met!
At 1:30pm we were told E would start pushing at 2:15pm so now was the time to rest and get any remaining calls/emails out of the way. I was keeping expectant Grandparents (one set in the waiting room, one set back in England) and an expectant Uncle (in Belgium) up to date. It felt great to be passing on good news and updates but I couldn't do it without welling up. Something about the whole process had made me an emotional mess!
It was time for the final push. Before D-Day E and I were convinced we were not interested in what was going on below the waist and would in no way want to see it. That all changed. Seeing E push with each contraction and the progress she was making was fascinating. E could see when she was doing it right and when she needed to focus her push on a different area. Between the medical team, Midwife, Doula, students and us the delivery room was quite full but everyone there was giving E encouragement. It felt like we had our own team of cheerleaders clad in scrubs.
After only 90 minutes JJ's head popped out and rest of him followed surprisingly fast. E and I looked at each other with relief, joy and love. E had done it! I was in awe of her. Then our attention was drawn to our newborn baby boy letting everyone present know his lungs were in full working order. He may have been all squished, covered in sticky goop and either pale or purple but he looked beautiful! The important stats: 3:45pm on February 10th, 2011, 9 lbs even, 21" long, 36cm diameter head. The words "hefty" and "robust" were soon mentioned by the medical team and Midwife.
The next hour or so was a blur. Relaying the news to overjoyed Grandparents and family, seeing JJ and E together, feeling relief and the love for my son growing inside me. I'm not going to lie, there was a lot of crying too.
Best day ever!
Following "The call" E and I began our labour journey.
Honestly, the first leg of that journey was scary, full of anxiety and I was just trying to keep my focus on supporting E and remembering what we had read/learned/decided we wanted to do. With the timing and strength of E's contractions it was clear we weren't going to sleep through early labour. We were looking at several hours of timing contractions, making calls to our Midwife and Doula and going through the final preparations. The surprising thing was that living 4-5 minutes at a time made 8 hours fly by. Our Midwife and Doula were very supportive and reassuring - amazing since both had just come straight from other births and they must have been exhausted!
E reached active labour at 4:20am the following morning. The next decision was when to go to the Hospital. It was pretty clear things weren't going to follow our ideal plan so we packed up and set off for KGH. I have never driven more carefully in my life and thankfully we hit every green light (one advantage of an overnight labour). We settled in to Labour & Delivery and with advice from our Midwife and Doula came up with our new plan. Deciding on an epidural was actually pretty easy in the situation, it was clear that it would be the best thing for E as it would allow her to get some much needed rest (and me too). Things took a while to organise (and the nurses suggested we wait for a fresh anesthetist to come on at 7am!) but we got there in the end. Relief washed over E (and I).
I can't stress enough that seeing the person you love the most in pain and discomfort is the worst thing in the world. The previous 12 hours were the hardest of my life. I wasn't a big fan of all the IVs and monitoring leads E was hooked up to but at least she was comfortable and resting. The next 5 hours passed by as E's body got ready to deliver our baby. The epidural led to more medical interventions to ensure labour progressed but we didn't mind, frequent updates and feedback were reassuring. It was also interesting to note how fast E got comfortable with being semi-naked around a large number of people she's never met!
At 1:30pm we were told E would start pushing at 2:15pm so now was the time to rest and get any remaining calls/emails out of the way. I was keeping expectant Grandparents (one set in the waiting room, one set back in England) and an expectant Uncle (in Belgium) up to date. It felt great to be passing on good news and updates but I couldn't do it without welling up. Something about the whole process had made me an emotional mess!
It was time for the final push. Before D-Day E and I were convinced we were not interested in what was going on below the waist and would in no way want to see it. That all changed. Seeing E push with each contraction and the progress she was making was fascinating. E could see when she was doing it right and when she needed to focus her push on a different area. Between the medical team, Midwife, Doula, students and us the delivery room was quite full but everyone there was giving E encouragement. It felt like we had our own team of cheerleaders clad in scrubs.
After only 90 minutes JJ's head popped out and rest of him followed surprisingly fast. E and I looked at each other with relief, joy and love. E had done it! I was in awe of her. Then our attention was drawn to our newborn baby boy letting everyone present know his lungs were in full working order. He may have been all squished, covered in sticky goop and either pale or purple but he looked beautiful! The important stats: 3:45pm on February 10th, 2011, 9 lbs even, 21" long, 36cm diameter head. The words "hefty" and "robust" were soon mentioned by the medical team and Midwife.
The next hour or so was a blur. Relaying the news to overjoyed Grandparents and family, seeing JJ and E together, feeling relief and the love for my son growing inside me. I'm not going to lie, there was a lot of crying too.
Best day ever!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Call
I'd always imagined that E would call and tell me she was in labour while I was at work. I'd frantically pack up my things, set my out of office alert and drive home as fast as legally possible. Everyone would be wishing me luck as I headed out the door kind of thing. Maybe a few high fives...
Not so.
Wednesday night rolled around and E had decided a change of scenery and company was in order. A movie night with one of her girlfriends was suggested so I dropped E off around 7. I got home and fired up the PS3 (one of my few vices, along with single malt, chocolate covered ginger and cheese). I was happily playing away, noticed it was roughly two hours after I dropped E off and sure enough my phone rang. "Hi, will you come pick me up?"
So I dutifully saved my game, drove to E's friend's place and rang the doorbell. I was greeted with "Hi, I think I've been having contractions since 8!"
Now lets just go back one step to that simple phone call that changed my life (well, maybe that was a different phone call back in May 2010 when I was on the GO Train home and E simply said "I'm pregnant"). Seven simple words, but not the words I was expecting. I would have thought contractions, labour, I'm having, I think I'm in, it's started would have figured fairly prominently. Nope! I totally understand E's thinking and it did prevent me from driving there like a panicked crazy nervous person.
But still!
Not so.
Wednesday night rolled around and E had decided a change of scenery and company was in order. A movie night with one of her girlfriends was suggested so I dropped E off around 7. I got home and fired up the PS3 (one of my few vices, along with single malt, chocolate covered ginger and cheese). I was happily playing away, noticed it was roughly two hours after I dropped E off and sure enough my phone rang. "Hi, will you come pick me up?"
So I dutifully saved my game, drove to E's friend's place and rang the doorbell. I was greeted with "Hi, I think I've been having contractions since 8!"
Now lets just go back one step to that simple phone call that changed my life (well, maybe that was a different phone call back in May 2010 when I was on the GO Train home and E simply said "I'm pregnant"). Seven simple words, but not the words I was expecting. I would have thought contractions, labour, I'm having, I think I'm in, it's started would have figured fairly prominently. Nope! I totally understand E's thinking and it did prevent me from driving there like a panicked crazy nervous person.
But still!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
No, not yet...
Another day and still no baby.
We're on day 284 of this journey, I think E is fit to burst.
The big thick "Your pregnancy, week by week" book is finished, we've been through the "What to Expect" iPhone App (which was very good and free), we've finished pre-natal classes. Now E and I seem so focused on the labour part that we're kind of forgetting the whole looking after a baby afterwards part.
The combination of emotions leaves us not sure of how we are feeling. The ideal birth plan couldn't be further from our thoughts. Let's just have this baby!
It's also funny to go to work, arrive at the office, say "Morning!" to everyone and they all go "ohhhh, you're here, no baby then, we were hoping not to see you today."
Maybe the Midwives will give us some good news later on...
We're on day 284 of this journey, I think E is fit to burst.
The big thick "Your pregnancy, week by week" book is finished, we've been through the "What to Expect" iPhone App (which was very good and free), we've finished pre-natal classes. Now E and I seem so focused on the labour part that we're kind of forgetting the whole looking after a baby afterwards part.
The combination of emotions leaves us not sure of how we are feeling. The ideal birth plan couldn't be further from our thoughts. Let's just have this baby!
It's also funny to go to work, arrive at the office, say "Morning!" to everyone and they all go "ohhhh, you're here, no baby then, we were hoping not to see you today."
Maybe the Midwives will give us some good news later on...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Today feels odd
I'm caught up at work and on top of everything at the house (does anyone else get a good feeling when they pass the Municipal Waste test and all their recycling and garbage gets taken away when it should and not dumped over their driveway?). I'm achieving my goal of letting E relax as much as possible and save as much energy for D-Day (Delivery Day). It feels good to be back to my usual self after a spell of illness, in fact I feel twice as good as usual (kind of like that first "warm" day in the Spring when you put shorts on even though its only 12 degrees out).
However, I'm sitting here drinking a cup of tea waiting for my life to change.
Now, we're used to life changing, E and I have made decisions and taken chances that have led to plenty of change. The thing is, none of those choices involved just waiting for something you know is going to happen...to happen. There has always been a deadline, a closing day, a departure time. In a funny way it reminds me of the build up to School being finished for the Summer, so much to look forward to but you just have to get through the last few days of classes, except they haven't told you when the last day is.
Right now, I'm waiting for "that call". For the last couple of days I've had a surge of adrenaline every time my phone rings and I see it is E on call display. Is this it? I'm sure my in-laws get the same thing when either of us calls them. Fortunately, we've decided any non-labour related communication can be done by email or text while I'm at work. That will probably extend my life a little...
Our anticipation and excitement are building, I feel ready for this to happen despite not having a clue what to do when it does.
However, I'm sitting here drinking a cup of tea waiting for my life to change.
Now, we're used to life changing, E and I have made decisions and taken chances that have led to plenty of change. The thing is, none of those choices involved just waiting for something you know is going to happen...to happen. There has always been a deadline, a closing day, a departure time. In a funny way it reminds me of the build up to School being finished for the Summer, so much to look forward to but you just have to get through the last few days of classes, except they haven't told you when the last day is.
Right now, I'm waiting for "that call". For the last couple of days I've had a surge of adrenaline every time my phone rings and I see it is E on call display. Is this it? I'm sure my in-laws get the same thing when either of us calls them. Fortunately, we've decided any non-labour related communication can be done by email or text while I'm at work. That will probably extend my life a little...
Our anticipation and excitement are building, I feel ready for this to happen despite not having a clue what to do when it does.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Waiting....
My first post! I've decided to try and chronicle my adventures as a new Dad through the medium of blogging. Now I was never good at keeping a diary or anything like that so we'll see how this goes but I'm guessing there will be plenty to write, sorry blog, about...
Right now, E and I are "waiting". Due date has come and gone (so has the Superbowl) and we are in limbo. Not wanting to make plans, watching a lot of DVDs, mourning the end of the Football season, doing our best to stay relaxed... E must be sick of me asking her if she is OK every time she moves/breaths oddly/looks at me!
Neither of us are very good when we aren't in "control" of a situation and here we are being held at the mercy of a tiny baby who seems more than content to stay in his warm and cozy surroundings! We can't wait to meet our little guy but I guess he isn't quite so curious right now.
So the waiting continues.....another episode of Modern Family anyone?
Right now, E and I are "waiting". Due date has come and gone (so has the Superbowl) and we are in limbo. Not wanting to make plans, watching a lot of DVDs, mourning the end of the Football season, doing our best to stay relaxed... E must be sick of me asking her if she is OK every time she moves/breaths oddly/looks at me!
Neither of us are very good when we aren't in "control" of a situation and here we are being held at the mercy of a tiny baby who seems more than content to stay in his warm and cozy surroundings! We can't wait to meet our little guy but I guess he isn't quite so curious right now.
So the waiting continues.....another episode of Modern Family anyone?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)