Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Happy Birthday to Daddy!
Even though Bryan is away - we decided to celebrate. Can you blame us? We love cake. More than anything, though - it brought a little piece of Bryan home.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Luke: One Month Old!
Dearest Luke,
A parenting resolution. Even though you are the second child and my life is twice as busy as it used to be. I promise to do my best to photograph, document and write about your life just as I do Jack.
. . . . .
My days are melting together! This post is very late - but I'll get it all up here soon enough.
Luke likes to eat. A lot. If I'm 2 seconds too late on feeding him. He'll let me know. He sucks each feeding down immediately. He's a good pooper, unlike Jack; I'm going through diapers like crazy. He's very strong. He loves to look around over my shoulder. He likes to be in the middle of all of the action. He is a ginger, with a lot of hair (a lot of hair for having two parents with thin, fine hair) He likes to sleep (but will always wake for his food). He sleeps through Jack's rowdy playtime - in the same room, right next to him.
It's amazing to be a parent for a second time around. And I think Jack thinks it's pretty amazing to be a big brother. He's very affectionate - always giving Luke hugs and kisses. Always.
Luke doesn't have an doctor's appointment until he's 2 months old. Looking back, I see that at 2 weeks, Luke weighed more than Jack did at 1 month.
. . . . .
Sibling Comparison:
 |
| Jack at 1 Month: See Jack's 1 Month Post |
Birthday Boy!!
Someone's birthday is right around the corner! Want to send some love?
Letters, drawings, greeting cards - or whatever your heart desires can be sent to:
SFC Neal, Bryan
GA ADT II
FOB Shank (East)
APO AE 09364
Letters, drawings, greeting cards - or whatever your heart desires can be sent to:
SFC Neal, Bryan
GA ADT II
FOB Shank (East)
APO AE 09364
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Jackism
Jack: Mama, why is my penis so big?
Me: wha?
Jack: Because look ... (starts to pull down his pants)
Me: Oh. Eh. Just stop touching it.
Finally it dawns on me a 'big penis' is a toddler stiffy. Time for daddy to come home, please!!
Me: wha?
Jack: Because look ... (starts to pull down his pants)
Me: Oh. Eh. Just stop touching it.
Finally it dawns on me a 'big penis' is a toddler stiffy. Time for daddy to come home, please!!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Jackism
After using the potty, Jack came charging at me pantless demanding I look at his penis.
Jack: Look at my penis!
Me: OK - I see it (trying to change the subject and hurry him along)
Jack: No, mama - say it's nice!!!
Jack: Look at my penis!
Me: OK - I see it (trying to change the subject and hurry him along)
Jack: No, mama - say it's nice!!!
Jackism
As all of you know, postpartum care means a lot of maintenance to the female body. (I remind you all that I haven't had personal space since February 10, 2009) Well, I was in the bathroom replacing my pad (TMI, I know - but it's all part of the process). Jack busts the door in and looks at me, my panties and back at me.
"Mommy, why do you have a band-aid in your panties?"
Lord.
"Mommy, why do you have a band-aid in your panties?"
Lord.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
3 Weeks Old
Luke it 3 weeks old today - and it's SO hard to believe! He's growing strong and holding his head up. He's becoming more and more alert each day and finding his little voice. When he's upset, he'll squeal like a little piglet and when he's content he makes a 'nom, nom, nom, nom' noise.
Jack still loves him. His teacher said today that Jack is the proudest big brother. I concur. He's so helpful and is always concerned if Luke is anything but happy.
We're getting into our swing of things. We get Jack to school at the same time everyday (a-mazing!) and are there to pick him up promptly every afternoon. Jack parades 'baby brother' around to everyone while I make sure all the preschoolers are reminded about personal space.
As mentioned before, Luke can sound like a piglet and rightfully so. Luke eats the max recommended amount for his age every 3 hours. No questions asked - and 'mama, you better not be late.'
Luke and I have broken doctor's orders and have left the house before August 15. I figure if he's going to a preschool, a grocery store will be okay.
His eyes are blue and his hair is strawberry blond - which he has a lot of! His complexion looks to be pasty, but he is a newborn, so only time will tell. And I was worried he wouldn't be as cute his Jack ...
Jack still loves him. His teacher said today that Jack is the proudest big brother. I concur. He's so helpful and is always concerned if Luke is anything but happy.
We're getting into our swing of things. We get Jack to school at the same time everyday (a-mazing!) and are there to pick him up promptly every afternoon. Jack parades 'baby brother' around to everyone while I make sure all the preschoolers are reminded about personal space.
As mentioned before, Luke can sound like a piglet and rightfully so. Luke eats the max recommended amount for his age every 3 hours. No questions asked - and 'mama, you better not be late.'
Luke and I have broken doctor's orders and have left the house before August 15. I figure if he's going to a preschool, a grocery store will be okay.
His eyes are blue and his hair is strawberry blond - which he has a lot of! His complexion looks to be pasty, but he is a newborn, so only time will tell. And I was worried he wouldn't be as cute his Jack ...
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Jackism
I don't have much privacy in my house these days. While pumping, Jack barges into my room.
Jack: What are you doing?
Mama: Pumping milk for baby brother (yes, as you know I'm rather frank with my children)
Jack: Oh. I can't pump milk for baby brother.
Mama: Why not?
Jack: Because I'm a boy and I have little boobies. You're a girl and you have big boobies. (pauses) Big, HUGE boobies!!!!
Jack: What are you doing?
Mama: Pumping milk for baby brother (yes, as you know I'm rather frank with my children)
Jack: Oh. I can't pump milk for baby brother.
Mama: Why not?
Jack: Because I'm a boy and I have little boobies. You're a girl and you have big boobies. (pauses) Big, HUGE boobies!!!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Growing Strong!
Luke and I have successfully ventured to the doctor for his 1 and 2 week appointments. Last week when they asked us if anything was wrong, we unfortunately had to say 'yes.' Luke's belly button was infected - green and gooey ew-y. Dr. Rao - best pediatrician ever - said it hanging partially off and pulled it off the rest of the way. We had to clean it with alcohol. (Child abuse!!)
There is no doubt that Luke likes to eat. Born 21.25 inches long and weighing 8 pounds and 1 ounce, he left the hospital weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces. . .
Since the last appointment, Luke has upped his feedings from 2 ounces to 3 ounces (both at 2 hour intervals). However, Dr. Rao insisted we get to 3 hour intervals . . . so we're going to work on that. The kid is a piglet, though. Wish me luck.
There is no doubt that Luke likes to eat. Born 21.25 inches long and weighing 8 pounds and 1 ounce, he left the hospital weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces. . .
 | |
| 1 Week Old |
1 WEEK STATS
Weight: 8 pounds, 4 ounces (65%)
Length: 21.5 inches (95%)
Head: 14.25 inches (50%)
Since the last appointment, Luke has upped his feedings from 2 ounces to 3 ounces (both at 2 hour intervals). However, Dr. Rao insisted we get to 3 hour intervals . . . so we're going to work on that. The kid is a piglet, though. Wish me luck.
2 WEEK STATS
Weight: 9 pounds, 5 ounces (75%)
Length: 22 inches (95%)Head: 15 inches (55%)
I missed the doctor photo today. Luke decided to poop EVERYWHERE, so in the hurry to clean it all up, I forgot to take a picture.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Welcome Luke David Neal
July 5
5 Days Until Bryan's Departure
As directed, I called the hospital at 5am on Thursday morning to see what time I was to come to the hospital. The woman who answers tells me there are 4 women being induced that morning and the beds are first come first serve - can I be there by 6am?
You bet.
I notify auntie Robbie to let her know that it's a green light and to come over to sit with Jack until he wakes. Bryan and I quickly got ready and drove the 7.4 miles to the hospital. (I honestly thought it was closer to our house than that)
Holy crap. We were going to do this! We were going to have ANOTHER baby. I still really hadn't come to terms that we were pregnant again. Excited? Of course. Was it surreal? Absolutely.
We arrive at East Georgia Regional Medical Center at 5:58am. We were the first ones there. Jackpot.
We check in and fill out the same paperwork that we did 6 days prior.
They showed us to a room, I redressed into a hospital gown and before I knew it, the IV was stuck into my hand and the Pitocin started to drip. (6:30am)
Were we really about to do this? Was I ready? I had to be. But Bryan was leaving. Can I handle two kids? By myself? Oh boy.
7:45am
They break my water and offer an epidural. I'm not sure where I was during my delivery with Jack - but I thought epidurals had the opportunity to wear out. So, in my head I wanted to wait a little but to avoid the chance of that happening. But little did I remember, the epidural stayed in - and they could continue to give me drugs.
Lindsay and Robbie arrive. I listen to Lindsay, Robbie and Bryan chat away while I clench my way through some contractions.
Fine. Give me the epidural now.
Enter the anesthesiologist. I sit and feel him prod around my back. I feel pain in my left side. Bryan tells me later the man put a drill bit in my back and that he seemed rather clumsy (not the word you want to hear describing your anesthesiologist)
My left side goes numb. I refer to my left leg as dead - literally. I had no control over it. Pain goes shooting through my right side. Manageable at first; but not for long. Leah adjusted the pain killer - still can't feel my left leg, and can feel every movement on my right; it almost felt amplified. I had the opportunity to have the anesthesiologist tinker with my epidural - only if I hadn't dilated by 6. Good news - I was at 5. Mr. Clumsy comes back in, baffled. He asks some questions, where it hurts, etc. The next thing I know, he's removed my epidural and I'm getting another one. Two epidurals for LBN2. If this second one didn't work - there was nothing else they could do. I'd have to deal with it.
I felt another contraction. Crap. I think I felt a total of 3 contractions before I fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was totally numb and relaxed. I'd wake up to Robbie asking me - Whoa, can you feel that one?
Before I knew it Robbie said my contractions were off the chart. I thought I felt a little pressure, but I wasn't 100% sure. Robbie insisted we get the nurse. Leah came in and check to see where I was dilated - and it was GO time. Baby was here - not time to waste.
Dr. O arrives, tables and instruments are being wheeled in. So many things I didn't remember about Jack's delivery. I was so numb they had to place my legs in the stirrups. I couldn't believe it. It made it kind of hard to push because I couldn't feel anything. But hey, I couldn't feel anything - so I really can't complain. I'd say Luke arrived after about 4 huge pushes. It wasn't too difficult. I've been blessed with easy pregnancies and easy deliveries.
And I was in love the second I met him.
Later that day, Auntie Robbie picked up Jack from school and brought him to meet his new baby brother. Jack marched right in. It was love at first site. Jack now likes to go to sleep next to his baby brother. He doesn't like to leave the house without him. I catch Jack giving Luke hugs, covering him up, smothering him with kisses, offering him pacis and bottles...
I don't want to jinx myself - but I think they are going to be the best of friends.
5 Days Until Bryan's Departure
As directed, I called the hospital at 5am on Thursday morning to see what time I was to come to the hospital. The woman who answers tells me there are 4 women being induced that morning and the beds are first come first serve - can I be there by 6am?
You bet.
I notify auntie Robbie to let her know that it's a green light and to come over to sit with Jack until he wakes. Bryan and I quickly got ready and drove the 7.4 miles to the hospital. (I honestly thought it was closer to our house than that)
Holy crap. We were going to do this! We were going to have ANOTHER baby. I still really hadn't come to terms that we were pregnant again. Excited? Of course. Was it surreal? Absolutely.
We arrive at East Georgia Regional Medical Center at 5:58am. We were the first ones there. Jackpot.
We check in and fill out the same paperwork that we did 6 days prior.
They showed us to a room, I redressed into a hospital gown and before I knew it, the IV was stuck into my hand and the Pitocin started to drip. (6:30am)
Were we really about to do this? Was I ready? I had to be. But Bryan was leaving. Can I handle two kids? By myself? Oh boy. Sidenote: Small town fun. My nurse, Leah and I were in English 1101 & 1102 together. Not only did we write short stories together ... but she now has seen and probed every inch of me. Never saw that one coming when I was 19.
However, at 19 I ALSO never saw sitting in a labor and delivery room with Bryan Neal coming either. ha.
7:45am
They break my water and offer an epidural. I'm not sure where I was during my delivery with Jack - but I thought epidurals had the opportunity to wear out. So, in my head I wanted to wait a little but to avoid the chance of that happening. But little did I remember, the epidural stayed in - and they could continue to give me drugs.
Lindsay and Robbie arrive. I listen to Lindsay, Robbie and Bryan chat away while I clench my way through some contractions.
Fine. Give me the epidural now.
Enter the anesthesiologist. I sit and feel him prod around my back. I feel pain in my left side. Bryan tells me later the man put a drill bit in my back and that he seemed rather clumsy (not the word you want to hear describing your anesthesiologist)
My left side goes numb. I refer to my left leg as dead - literally. I had no control over it. Pain goes shooting through my right side. Manageable at first; but not for long. Leah adjusted the pain killer - still can't feel my left leg, and can feel every movement on my right; it almost felt amplified. I had the opportunity to have the anesthesiologist tinker with my epidural - only if I hadn't dilated by 6. Good news - I was at 5. Mr. Clumsy comes back in, baffled. He asks some questions, where it hurts, etc. The next thing I know, he's removed my epidural and I'm getting another one. Two epidurals for LBN2. If this second one didn't work - there was nothing else they could do. I'd have to deal with it.
I felt another contraction. Crap. I think I felt a total of 3 contractions before I fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was totally numb and relaxed. I'd wake up to Robbie asking me - Whoa, can you feel that one?
Before I knew it Robbie said my contractions were off the chart. I thought I felt a little pressure, but I wasn't 100% sure. Robbie insisted we get the nurse. Leah came in and check to see where I was dilated - and it was GO time. Baby was here - not time to waste.
Dr. O arrives, tables and instruments are being wheeled in. So many things I didn't remember about Jack's delivery. I was so numb they had to place my legs in the stirrups. I couldn't believe it. It made it kind of hard to push because I couldn't feel anything. But hey, I couldn't feel anything - so I really can't complain. I'd say Luke arrived after about 4 huge pushes. It wasn't too difficult. I've been blessed with easy pregnancies and easy deliveries.
And I was in love the second I met him.
Later that day, Auntie Robbie picked up Jack from school and brought him to meet his new baby brother. Jack marched right in. It was love at first site. Jack now likes to go to sleep next to his baby brother. He doesn't like to leave the house without him. I catch Jack giving Luke hugs, covering him up, smothering him with kisses, offering him pacis and bottles...
I don't want to jinx myself - but I think they are going to be the best of friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
