Staying busy

We have been busy the past couple of days.  On Wednesday, my mom, Austin, and I went to eat lunch at a restaurant!  We sat outside on the patio so that Austin would have some fresh air.  He slept the entire time in his car seat like this.

We also went to the weekly weigh-in at the hospital.  They have these weigh-ins every Wednesday at 10am and I plan to go every week so that I can make sure my little guy is eating well.  He still weighed 7 lbs 8 oz (same as Saturday at the pediatrician).  I fed him there and then weighed him after eating.  He drank 2 oz during that feeding and he should get about 21 oz every day in order to gain weight.  So if he gets 2-3 oz, 8-9 times a day, Austin should be getting bigger by the day.

On Thursday, aunt Lauren arrived!!!  She is staying until Monday to play with her little nephew.  We hung around the house most of the day.  My very sweet friend Kristen brought us fajitas for dinner that night.  Austin is sleeping a little bit better.  His crying fits are really just caused by his tummy hurting.  He has had a couple of nights where he slept for 5 hours between feedings (so I get 4 hours of sleep straight).

On Friday, Amanda and Cecile got here.  They are on there way to Jackson Hole, WY and came through Denver for a night just to see baby Austin!  Amanda's first comment when she saw Austin was "Oh my gosh, he looks just like David!"  Hopefully he will develop some of his mother's features later on.  We went to eat lunch at Hanson's on the patio.  We then took Cecile on a mini-tour of our area of town and took her by the country club we go to.  She hadn't seen our house or where we live (Amanda had when she and Stephen visited last November before little Austin was with us).  Austin slept through lunch and the tour in the car.  The motion of the car really does put him out.  We hung out at the house during the afternoon and ate dinner at home.  Austin got a lot of love and kisses from Amanda and Cecile, who held him the whole day!

David and Andrew arrived later in the afternoon and my David met them at their hotel downtown before all 3 guys went to the Rockies game.  Andrew loves going to baseball games at other ballparks and he had not been to Coors Field before.  This morning we went to their hotel before they left for the airport to introduce Austin to David and Andrew.  We were sure to dress him in his best burnt orange again for Andrew.  David taught Austin how to put his Horns up (see below).

After that, we came back to the house to pick up Lauren (who had gone running on Highline canal trail while we were at the hotel; I wish I could have gone with her...I am ready to run again, but not quite healed enough to do that).  We took Austin on his first trip to the Farmer's Marker at Cherry Creek.  It was also the first time to use the BOB stroller.  It's not as hot today (high of 87) here so it felt really nice out at 11am walking around the Farmer's Market and we didn't have to worry about Austin being too hot.  I am paranoid about keeping him out of the sun though so we put a light blanket over his car seat to shield him from the rays.

We have had a lot of firsts the past few days and are ready for many more!!  Here's a couple more photos of Austin just hanging out.

 He just might punch me

 He was not crying....it was more of a yawn, but he sure looks angry

Eyeing Savannah

Savannah is learning that the little guy with a big, loud mouth, is off limits for now

Popular little guy

Over the past couple of days we have had quite a few visitors.  Austin is a popular little man!  I don't think I posted a picture with Stacy and DiDi yet.

On Sunday, Doug and Tory came by the house on their way to the airport.  They had been in Aspen for a wedding over the weekend and Brad (who lives here in Denver but went to UT) was taking them to the airport.  Since these guys are all Texas fans, we dressed Austin in his UT gear for their visit.  They had not been to our house either so we were so happy they could swing by, even though it was a short visit.  Doug had originally asked David if he could stay at our house on Thursday 8/11 before heading up to Aspen.  Hahaha...good thing we declined because that ended up being our first night at home.  Not that we don't love them, but house guests on our first night home would not have been fun for us, or for them.

That same day, David's cousin Christy, her husband Corrie, and their girls Hayden and Maddie, came over.  They just got back from Yellowstone and Jackson Hole.  They brought Austin some cute socks with moose on them and some yummy cookies.  Hayden is 9 and Maddie is 7....future babysitters?  Christy even offered to watch Austin if I need to run an errand or too.  I think I might take her up on that.

Last night, Ryan came over to watch the Texans game with David at a near-by bar/restaurant.  Austin wasn't decked out in burnt orange, but Ryan still got him to put his horns up.

Austin has been spending some quality time in his bouncer that Uncle Stephen and Aunt Ricki gave him...thanks!  This morning we tried out the Baby Bjorn for the first time and Savannah appreciated that since we ventured outside and played fetch with her.

P.S.  Thank you, David, for sharing your thoughts.  I appreciate your compliment that I am dominating being a mother.  I wouldn't say that, but I am loving it so far, that's for sure.  Our little guy will grow up so fast, so let's enjoy every day with him.

A View from the Other Side - David

W----O-----W, I told Amy I would make a post and thats really all that I can come up with to describe the last 5 days. It started so simple, Amy was cranky and had a bump in our stomach. I was fine with that and life wasnt too much different.

On Tuesday at 2:22 AM with a wife that was a champion with 40 minutes of pushing, out came a little man with a striking resemblance of his father. With a smirk and my heart pounding my life flipped upside down in the best possible way. The only way I can explain the birthing process is that of driving by a car wreck and cant help but look. Sorry Amy but hopefully I only have to see that one or two more times.

The days in the hospital were great but boring and I was honestly ready to get home. When we finally walked in the door on Thursday morning and I set the car seat down with Austin sleeping it was sense of OH S*&$. We were truly on our own and couldn't press the "ring nurse" button where we could ask any questions about a sound Austin made or a small blemish which we thought would scar him forever. Luckily we have a veteran around in Amy's mom to calm us down when I think that our baby is having a stroke. These little guys are tough. Within twenty minutes of being home I was holding Austin and hear this thunder down under and as much as I tried to avoid changing diapers this was occurring within the first hour. Oh crap... literally

My precious pup is depressed. The queen of the house is officially taking a back seat and she couldnt be more devastated. People need to understand that Savannah was our child and now there is slight sense that she knows this little guy that is getting all this attention is going to be sticking around. She wants to know everything about Austin and is going to sniff and lick her way to understanding him. Austin makes a noise and savannah is eager to run over and see what the fuss is about. My pup might be sad and lacking attention but she is part of our family in a way that most wont ever be able to comprehend.  Savannah you might not be the center of attention but you are still someone we love.

Five days in and life couldnt be better. Amy is still feeling the effects but getting better day by day and hoping she will be able to get out for a walk early this week. Sleep is really my only concern because if I lack sleep I get grumpy and dont function at my usual 1000% self. First two nights, Austin got an F with only letting us sleep for about an hour. Night 3 (last night) at home he was a champion and I honestly didnt wake up except to check on Amy (which I did from bed) in one of his feedings. Lets try to repeat last night little buddy.

I am so proud of Amy for becoming the mother I knew she would be with Austin. Ever since we got married there was subtle prodding about having a child. I know why now because this is part of who she is and she will be an amazing mother. I would be in tears if I had to go through what she has the past 5 days but she is DOMINATING this for the most part. Good job babe.

Each day that passes Austin is growing up. I can see him becoming more alert as the days pass and am already looking forward to that catch we will play from the day he can throw until I'm an old man. Cant wait to teach him about life and coaching him through the easy and tough times in life. Cant wait to catch our first ball game together. Cant wait to see him hit his first drive straight and look up with a big grin. Cant wait to help him with his homework. Cant wait to watch you you grow up little buddy, but dont do it to too fast because I want to enjoy every second.

David

Couple Notes: Sorry about the grammar, its late and almost time for bed. A pic from today with a little lounging from my two children and yes I am the least photogentic person in the world.

First Bath and First Dr Appt

Last night before bed, David and I gave Austin his first bath.  He was NOT a fan of that!  His tub has a hammock that can be used for a sponge bath, which he will have until his umbilical cord falls off.  We tried to be really fast in order to limit the trauma.  Here are some pictures of the clean little guy.

Austin's first visit to the pediatrician was this morning.  The good news is that he has gained 2 ounces since we left the hospital on Thursday.  He weighs 7lbs 8 oz as of today.  The doctor checked all of the usual things: lungs, heart, reflexes, eyes, ears, etc.  He said "he's perfect".  I am thankful that he is healthy and eating well.  We go back to the doctor when he is 2 weeks.  Between now and then and while I am on maternity leave, I plan to go to the hospital for the weekly weigh-ins.  That way I can be assured his gaining weight and eating well.  Besides the doctor, we have not left the house yet.  Hopefully we can go on a stroll sometime in the next week or so when I am feeling up to walking.  We have been doing a lot of resting during the day lately, considering I probably slept 1 hour last night.  I was able to take a 2 hour nap this afternoon.  My mom continues to help, help, help.  She made me lunch and watched Austin while I napped.  David resumed normalcy by going out to the golf course for 2 hours.  He is playing golf tomorrow morning...lucky him!  My mom and Stacy went out to dinner but my mom will be back tonight to sleep here.  She even said she would take a shift tonight so I can have at least 2 consecutive hours of sleep.  Thanks mom!

Savannah loves Austin

Night owl

We made it through our first night at home.  Austin is a night owl!  I know this is common for infants...to get their days and nights mixed up.  He definitely did that last night.  David went to work today so he slept in our room and I "slept" in Austin's room.  He did not want to sleep at all.  He just wanted to eat, be held, and fuss.  Every time I would pick him up, he would stop crying immediately.  I think he might have been having some tummy issues.   I am thankful he is doing well with eating.  He feeds every 2.5-3 hours and I do enjoy that bonding time.  Today my mom made me breakfast and lunch, cleaned-up around the house, played with Savannah in the yard, and even made a trip to Babies R Us to get a sponge for his first bath at home.  I am so thankful for her help.  I even got 2, 1-hour naps today.  We are going to bathe him tonight before his next feeding.  I am sure the little guy will be in for a rude awakening with the bath.  I will be sure to post some pictures.

My awesome friends, Pippa and Michelle, brought us some food.  Pippa brought pizza, which we ate last night and Michelle brought a lasagna, which we will probably cook tomorrow or the next day.  Michelle organized 7 girls from our Bible study to bring meals over the next two weeks.  I am very thankful!

Stacy got to town today and came by to meet Austin.  He is smart and is staying in a hotel; he probably wouldn't get much sleep around here.  David and my mom prepared a yummy steak dinner with corn on the cob and broccoli.  I even had a few sips of wine!  It tasted good :)  Savannah has been a bit mopey.  Today I let her come into Austin's room and lay on the rug while I nursed him and she did good.  I think it will take her a little while to adjust to this new tiny guy in the house that she would LOVE to play with but can't just yet.

Austin hanging out during our steak dinner.  His hair looks blonde to me.

I like to sleep during the day