Sweet Dreams

Is there anything in this world more heavenly than a little boy fresh out of the bathtub? I just finished cuddling my precious Tanner until he fell asleep. I'm so in love ... exhausted, but in love! Sweet dreams to you all! I'm going to go crawl into bed and enjoy my next 2 hours of sleep before I have to get up again!

Weekends

I used to really look forward to the weekends, but now I'm discovering that they are much more stressful than our quiet weekdays. Tanner is nothing short of an angel on the weekdays (usually), but his schedule is always a little mixed up on Saturday and Sunday, which usually makes for a fussy baby. I never thought I'd look forward to a Monday!!

Last weekend we went home to Michigan. It is SO GREAT living close enough to our parents to be able to make the trip home whenever we feel like it. And despite the stress of dealing with a fussy baby, I'm thankful that both sets of grandparents were able to enjoy their new grandson! Maybe the reason I feel like Tanner is so cranky on the weekends is that the only time I really get ahold of him is when he fusses. The rest of the time he is snuggled in someone else's arms. Usually, after a few moments of crying, someone hands him to me saying, "I think he's hungry." Needless to say he sucks me dry on these days -- nursing as much as once every hour and a half. Too much information?? Oh well.

Anyways, we did have a really good time at home. Jon golfed and fished with my dad most of the weekend. Now that my brother is away at school, my dad is Jon's new playmate -- too funny. I'm glad they are spending time together. Tanner was able to spend time with all of his grandparents and great-grandparents. We'll be heading back home this weekend for my new sister-in-law's bridal shower and more precious time spent with family. I'm leaving on Thursday morning to get a little extra time with my mom. Jon and I are planning to go out on a date on Saturday night -- dinner at our favorite restaurant and then on to see the new Harry Potter movie. I'm really looking forward to it, and I think my parents are looking forward to babysitting.

Jon had his first experience feeding Tanner last night while I was at they gym. He did a great job and I think he really enjoyed it. I know I enjoyed having a little bit of time all to myself -- even if it was just an hour. Last night was my first time at the gym since Tanner was born. Boy do I have a LOOOOOOOONG way to go before I'm back in some sort of shape! A little bit frustrating, but completely worth it when I look at the sweet little boy snuggled in my arms right now.

Check out our recent pics ... He's getting soooo big!

Grammy is on the phone AGAIN??

Don't you just want to snuggle me??

Our little monkey in his swing

Oops! I almost forgot -- On Friday, I got to visit with my cousin, Carolyn, my Aunt Jan, and my other cousin's wife, Beth. Beth's son, Bridget, was born just 6 days after Tanner. We had such a good time together!

Carolyn and a sleepy Tanner.

Another picture?? I don't want to model anymore, Mom!!

Beth, Bridget, Me, and Tanner

In his Pooh Hat

Cuddling with Daddy after he got home from golf. I'm sooo cozy!!

I love my grandpa! His lap is so comfy!

I'm SOOO tired!!

Tanner with Great Grandma Shirley

Tanner with Great Grandma Fagan

We've had a fun few days here. My mom decided to come on Monday (just for the day), but we talked her into spending the night and then staying another night. I love having her here to spend the days with me. She is such good company and just loves on Tanner all day long. We just kind of hung out on Monday, watching "The Next Food Network Star" marathon all day. Yesterday, we went for a walk to the park and had a picnic. She left this afternoon after my friend, Catherine, arrived to spend the day with us and meet Tanner. I love having company during the day!

Some pics of Tanner from the past few days ...

Our Cadet

My baby brother, Eric, reported to Cadet Basic Training at West Point just over two weeks ago. With three older sisters and a mother who adore him, he has been thought of often since then! He was able to email a picture to us and he looks healthy and happy! Thought I'd share ...

Eric (left) and his roommate.

What a Dad

Kudos to Jon last night for being superdad during bath time! We decided to give Tanner his first "big boy" bath last night (i.e. not a sponge bath). We thought he would love it, but he screamed the whole time! Jon was so level headed and calm despite the screaming. He did the whole bath and by the end, Tanner was LOVING having little cupfuls of water poured on him. Needless to say, he wore himself out from all of the crying and passed out on Daddy's chest on the couch soon afterwards.

Here are some recent pics of Tanner and his Daddy.

Is that Grammy's voice I hear coming from the phone??

My two boys -- both so cuddly!

All worn out from Bath Time

Sometimes the LORD makes it so obvious that he is listening to our requests and answering our prayers! My mom and I got a call today from my Grandma.

"We're getting a new baby in the family!"

Immediately, we start guessing which cousin is pregnant. Is it Carolyn? Nicole? Carla? No. No. No.

Nobody is pregnant.

It's even better than that. My cousin, Anthony, and his wife, Kristin, adopted their first little boy from Russia a few years ago. When they got him, he was almost a year old. He is just the cutest little boy you've ever seen. They have been waiting for a while to adopt another baby -- a newborn this time. Just yesterday they received a call letting them know that they had been selected by a couple to adopt their baby, who was born last Friday. They will be leaving tomorrow to pick him up. We are SOOOOO excited for them -- they are the sweetest, most faithful couple. God is SO GOOD.

This means our family has had three new additions within two weeks -- Tanner, Bridget, and this new little one. Plus two more this year. We are so lucky!

Fussy Boy

My little boy has been so fussy this weekend! I wonder if it's because there is so much more going on here during the weekends when Jon is home than on a normal weekday, when it's just me and Tanner and things are pretty quiet around here. I'm also wondering if I made a mistake introducing the pacifier. It really helps to soothe him, but it is constantly falling out of his mouth, making him upset. UGGH!!! He finally went down to sleep at a little past 8:00 this evening, and so far, it's the longest he's been asleep all day. And believe me, Jon and I have tried several times today to put him down for a nap! Hopefully, we can get back into the swing of things tomorrow! :)

Tanner's two week check-up was this past Friday. He did SO good with the doctor! Not one little fuss, and he was naked almost the whole time (which he usually hates!). The doctor we saw was the same one who saw Tanner in the hospital and I love him! He is just so laid back and good at helping you not to worry about every little thing as a parent. I will have to request him for all of our appointments. My little guy has been growing like a weed! He put on 12 oz. since the last appointment, 8 days earlier, and has already grown over an inch since he was born! I'm so proud of him, but also feeling a little sad as I prepare to pack some of his newborn outfits away, as he is getting too big for them.

We had company again this weekend. One of Jon's good friends, Nick, who he met in Iraq came to visit. Nick was called back to the Army on Individual Ready Reserves and served with Jon's unit for part of the time he was there. It was the most Army talk I've heard in a long time. I know it's wierd, but I've kind of missed that! Jon used to have so much really interesting stuff to talk about when he came home from work each day. Anyways, it was nice to finally meet this friend that I've heard so many stories about.

Well, I better get going. Jon and I are getting ready to watch a movie we rented -- "Half Nelson" with Ryan Gossling. I hope it's good! I'll probably fall asleep, though. I always do!

A Visit With Friends

Yesterday was such a good day! My good friends from girls' nights in Colorado Springs, Annie and Katie, came to visit me and meet Tanner. Katie and her husband moved back to the midwest this summer, so they are living about 5 hours away. Katie made the drive all the way here just to spend the day with me. Annie was in town visiting family and we thought it would be so much fun to get together. The girls totally spoiled me. Annie brought a yummy lunch for all of us and we just sat and talked all day. It was so nice not to have to worry about entertaining them, but knowing we would all be happy just to chat in my family room all day. It made me remember how much I miss all my girlfriends from Colorado!

Katie, Tanner, and Annie

Tanner is so relaxed in Annie's lap! He loves feeling the breeze on him outside.

Last night was a long night. Every once in a while, Tanner just refuses to go to back to sleep after he nurses. After his 1am feeding, he was up until 4am. I'm so tired! Any suggestions for what to do in these situations? I'm trying to catch up on some zzz's while he's sleeping today. Despite these random sleepless nights, I really can't complain too much about Tanner's sleep habits. He has been such a champ sleeping in his crib in his own room for the past week and a half. He is a good napper and a good eater. My sweet boy ........

Thank-you, Michelle, on your awesome suggestion to buy a bebe au lait cover for nursing in public. I checked out the website and they are so cute! I'm going to go check out a boutique down the street that carries them today!

11 Days Already!

Has it really been 11 days already since my boy arrived? I just wish I could grab hold of the clock and make it stand still. Time is going by so fast -- Tanner is growing and changing so much -- looking bigger when he goes to bed each night than he did when he woke up that same morning. I am trying to just savor every moment, every cuddle, every smile -- maybe not the middle-of-the-night feedings, though. :)

I had my first attempt at nursing in public on Sunday after church. I know some people feel that it's not appropriate, but I'm not going to let that sway me. I'm determined to be able to feed my baby whenever and wherever I need to -- that's one of the conveniences of breastfeeding, right? We went to Potbelly for sandwiches and found a booth in the back. I attempted to cover myself and discreetly unbutton my shirt and proceed to nurse. Of course, Tanner chooses this feeding to be particularly difficult -- shaking his head back and forth, latching and unlatching several times, acting like I'm choking him. Jon came back from getting our sandwiches and said "you did a great job -- I only saw your boob 3 times." Great. I asked him if they offered him a free sandwich in exchange for the peep show I was putting on for the restaurant, but I guess they must not have noticed. Anyways, if any of you mothers have tips for nursing discreetly in public, please share!

My mom came on Sunday night and will be staying until Wednesday morning. I love having her here. I haven't had to do a lick of laundry and she just cleaned all of my bathrooms and vaccumed for me today. She is completely in love with her little grandson. I don't think he's been set down for three days! Today we went for a walk that was supposed to last about an hour. On the way back, we decided to stop and get lunch. Then we went to the park across the street from the restaurant (hardly anyone there), so I could nurse Tanner. It started raining just as we finished, so we had to seek shelter in the ice cream shop next to the park -- what bad luck, huh? :) We finally made our way home about 4 hours after we originally left. It ended up being such a fun day.

Here are a few pictures of Tanner from the past several days.

Tanner's First Sponge Bath

Jon puts his "Daddy Boot Camp" skills to work

Getting ready for a walk.

He loves his pacifier!

Getting ready for his second sponge bath. Isn't he adorable!

So cuddly!

"I'm not sure if I like this sponge bath business!"

Snuggling with Grammy

So happy in the mornings!

Still Obsessed With My Little One

I hope you all had a fantastic 4th of July! What a perfect opportunity to spend time with family and, of course, eat lots of yummy food! Jon's parents came yesterday to spend the holiday with us. My mother-in-law was so good to me -- she brought along all of the food and she and Jon got everything ready so that I didn't have to lift a finger! Wonderful!

Yesterday morning was my first opportunity to get out of the house since Tanner was born. Where did I go? Starbucks, of course. I was anxious to have a little bit of time to myself, but honestly, I didn't enjoy one minute of it. I missed my little boy the whole time (and I was only gone for an hour) and spent the whole time thinking of him. When I got home, he was still sleeping, just like he was when I left. I'm so silly to have separation anxiety like that!

Last night, I broke down and tried the pacifier again. It's one thing to nurse your baby for nourishment (I LOVE it!) and quite another to be his human pacifier. I couldn't take it anymore. Especially with everyone home and wanting to hold him, he kept waking up and acting like he needed to be fed every half hour. Finally, I got out the pacifier and held it in his mouth until he took it. It totally broke my heart. I don't know why. I'm not against using them -- I think I just felt a little sad knowing that something else was soothing him other than me. Anyways, it worked and he was able to be awake AND content at the same time. Now I'm just going to have to buy about 100 of them to make sure I have one with me all the time.

This morning we went for a little walk and then to Tanner's first doctor's appointment. He did SO good! What a relief! (The pacifier was a godsend!) He has already gained back most of his weight -- he was 7lbs 6oz. I feel like I can finally relax a little and know that all this nursing is working to help my little boy grow big and strong. He still has a tiny bit of jaundice, but the doctor said not to worry about it. I was so proud of him by the time we left. I told him that if he was just a little bigger, I would take him for ice cream because he did so good. I guess Daddy will just have to take ME for ice cream tonight instead. It will eventually make it's way to Tanner's tummy -- right?? :)

I can't believe he is already 6 days old! I am already torn between wanting him to grow nice and big and wanting him to stay just the way he is. I am constantly surprised by the strength of my feelings for him. Motherhood is no joke. I always wondered as a teacher if you felt different about kids when they were your own. Now, as a mother, I would say -- Ummm YEAH -- COMPLETELY different!



Not much else is going on here. Hope you enjoy these pics from the past few days.

Our little slugger. We put socks on his hands so he wouldn't scratch himself.

Wardrobe compliments of Uncle Patrick, who tried to talk us into naming him "Knute" after Knute Rockney.

"Are you SERIOUS??" This is how he looks when you wake him up to feed him.

Slide Show

I can't believe it's taken me so long to put this together. Well, actually, I can. My life right now revolves around breastfeeding -- rejoicing in each poopy diaper that shows me he is actually getting some nourishment!

I am totally addicted to this little human being. I just want to inhale him. He is the sweetest, softest little thing I've ever known. We are starting to have a little bitty routine. I usually have to wake him up every 2-3 hours to nurse. We nurse, do a diaper change, nurse a little more, then back to sleep. Exciting, huh! The first two days home, we couldn't get him to fall asleep on his back at all. Jon actually had to sleep on the floor the first night with Tanner on his chest! It's hard not being able to ever put your baby down! Last night, after beginning the night on the couch with Tanner sleeping on MY chest, I was trying all I could think of to get him to go down in his crib or his pack and play without screaming. (I even tried a pacifier, which is a no-no in those early breastfeeding days! -- Thankfully, he wasn't at all interested.) Finally, I figured out that if you swaddled him with his arms out, after his diaper change, before going back to nursing, he will fall asleep peacefully and allow me to put him in his crib. Thank the LORD!!! Hopefully, this continues to work. Otherwise, it's back to the drawing board!

Click on the link below if you want to see the slideshow of his first few days!

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbM2rJu3btmLiY&notag=1

My Sweet Boy is Here!!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and good wishes these past few days!

A few hours after writing my last post, I went into the hospital, hoping they would tell me that I was in active labor. However, after my exam, they found that I was still only dilated 1 cm. My goodness, was I disappointed! Luckily, they gave me an IV and some pain medicine and let me stay the night. The medicine put me right to sleep and I got the first good night's rest I'd had in a while. The doctor came in to examine me again in the morning. I was fully expecting her to send me home again, but I had dilated to 3.5 cm and they said that I wasn't leaving the hospital without a baby! YAY! I was so excited and relieved to say the least. Little Tanner was coming to meet us at last! And the best part was, they started my epidural right away, before starting the pitosin to make my contractions stronger. Boy was I in heaven! That epidural was WONDERFUL!! I literally slept most of the day away as I quickly progressed to 10cm. By 4:30 I was pushing, and at 6:44 the sweetest, softest, most lovable little boy was placed in my arms. How do I even begin to describe the feelings I had the moment I saw him!

I am trying to figure out how I can put a slide show of all of our pictures on this blog, but for now, here are a few to hold you over. Jon, Tanner and I are doing well. We are home, which is definitely nice, but a little scary, too, with no nurses to help when I am in need! I had a bit of a meltdown yesterday as Tanner seemed to forget how to nurse somewhere between leaving the hospital and arriving home. We'll keep working on it, though -- he seems to be doing better this morning. More updates as soon as I get a little rest. Enjoy the pics!

Our little smushy boy.

7lbs 7 oz

20 inches long

June 29, 2007

6:44 pm

The Hall family.

This is my favorite way to spend time with my guy -- all wrapped up inside my PJs!

The two loves of my life. Aren't they precious! Jon has been superdad -- SO helpful and loving! He definitely has the magic touch with our new boy.

All bundled up for the ride home.

He didn't like actually being put in his carseat. But just like his mommy, he was asleep as soon as the car started moving.