Wednesday, July 09, 2008

1 week old...

Well, I can't believe Nathan has been with us an entire week now. It has just flown by! I used to spend so much time updating this blog, checking email, etc. but with his 3 hour eating schedule, seems like my free time is at a premium. Note: the 3 hour schedule is the max he should go between feedings. I'm also feeding on demand, as needed, but trying to figure out his hunger cues, and not that he is wet, needs to burp, etc.

I'm working now on his birth story. Let's just say, it didn't go according to plan. I had a long labor, and actually ended up having to have a c-section. If you are interested in the full story, let me know.

I also wanted to explain why we named our son Nathan. I've always loved the name, and when doing research on names, found out that Nathan means "God has given". We didn't think anything would be more perfect. His middle name is James, just like his dad and grandpa. I also found out that Nathaniel was another name for the apostle Bartholomew. St. Philip the Apostle brought Bartholomew/Nathaniel to meet and follow Jesus. The first child we conceived and lost to miscarriage we named Philip Gabriel. How interesting is that!

Here are some highlights and photos from the week! Please keep Nate in your prayers tomorrow as he has his circumcision and on Saturday evening when he will be baptized and welcomed into the Catholic Church. Hopefully it won't take a week until the next post...

highlights -
July 2 - Nathan is born!! yea! After almost 14 hours of labor we are able to meet our son!! nana and papa Dobson, mama Thibodeau, Tessa neni (aunt), Stephen bacsi (uncle), aunt Danielle and uncle Justin are there to meet our son!!
July 3 - Nate's first latch. Mommy and Daddy make it through the first day with the great help of our nurses at the hospital. They were great!! Mrs. K and Mrs. Bratten and Benjamin come to visit.
July 4 - great nursing day! first holiday - happy independence day! A special thanks to the Gretencord family who brought Daddy lunch (and dinner). Yum!
July 5 - was able to nurse without breast shield. We also get discharged from the hospital. Thanks to aunt Danielle and uncle Justin for helping us load the cars with all our loot, as well as help us when we got home. Loved the decorations! And Nana Dobson - thanks for spiffing up the house - it is beautiful!! Mommy and Daddy are also too nervous to let Nate sleep in the pack 'n' play, so he comfy sleeps between us!
July 6 - we notice that Nate is blinking! also meets great-grandma and grandpa McAninch. Tonight he spends his first night in his pack 'n' play! yea!
July 7 - first doctor's appointment. pediatrician asks if Nate has started sucking his thumb. Had not at that point, but started that afternoon! Also, mom's milk finally comes in!!
July 8 - modesty strikes! Nate loves to cross his legs when having his diaper changed - another challenge!





16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay a post!! So many firsts to start trying to remember. We look forward to seeing y'all on Saturday and welcoming little Nate into the Church!

Amber said...

Look at all that hair! Alexis, you look beautiful, even after 14 hours of labor and a c-section. I'd be interested in your birth story when you're ready to share it.

I'm really glad nursing is going well. So many women struggle with it, and I think the first days and weeks are challenging for anybody, especially when compounded with sleep deprivation. But with patience and love, it can and will be a beautiful experience.

Thanks for posting so many great pictures. I can't wait to see more!

Shelley said...

He is so adorable. Good job Momma and Daddy, we are so happy for you! So glad to hear the nursing is going well...and actually three hours is a long time. Mine only went an hour, maybe two, at that age. I would love to hear the labor story whenever you have time.

Kathryn said...

Hooray - you made it a week! Three hours is impressive, John Paul was my cluster feeder, every 30 minutes. Keep up the nursing, it's a decision you won't regret...I promise. Saturday will be such a blessed day, that sacrament holds a special place in my heart. You have so many exciting memories ahead. Wow.

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear that things are going well, and that you are recovering from your c-section. I look forward to reading more about this precious child, and will say an extra prayer for y'all on Santurday. Love ya!

Unknown said...

I love it!!! :)

Prayers for you guys!!

Anonymous said...

I am so impressed that you are able to do a posting. At one week I was just working as hard as I could to feed Sebastian. Did not have time for anything else. See you Saturday.

Kristen said...

Yay! Thanks for the update. I love birth stories, so if you want to share, I am interested. :-) Glad you guys are enjoying him. You all look great!!!

Blair said...

Yay! Congratulations Alexis and Ryan, and welcome to baby Nathan! Sounds like his first week has gone well. I'm anxious to read the birth story too...I can relate as a mom with 3 long labors to 10cm all ending in c-sections :-/ Prayers for you all this weekend as he becomes a new creation in Christ! Remember to try and lay low, Alexis. I'm always going-going after my c-sections, and we had early baptisms too (7days, 7days, 11days)...try to have a chair ready if you need to sit down and rest. Keep up the great work with your sweet boy!

Amber said...

I just noticed your "note" about feedings, and I think you're doing everything just right.

With Aurora, I try my best to give her full feedings, and make sure I'm not trying to sooth her with food when something else might be bothering her (she could be tired, or bored, gassy or uncomfortable). At 3-months old, she's doing great eating every 3 hours during the day, and sleeping through the night.

I believe you should parent in whatever style feels right to you and gives you confidence in what you're doing. I'm more of a scheduler by nature - but I totally respect attachment parenting and everything inbetween.

Katie Rose said...

So beautiful. So wonderful. So excited to meet Nathan tomorrow at his baptism. I, also, would like to hear his birth story--and, I'm so sorry that you needed a C-section. I'm sure that was a disappointment to you. See you soon!

Em said...

Alexis, just reading this now. Your baby is beautiful, and every birth story is worth sharing even when it turns out differently than planned. I love the pictures you have up. Enjoy these coming months... they go by so fast!

Mary said...

Hey Lexy!

So good to hear that everything turned out okay! What a trooper you are! And I do agree that you look absolutely beautiful even after such a long labor. I love Nathan's name & think he is too cute!

I love birth stories, so when you are up to it, I'd love to hear yours.

We love you! May the Lord bless & keep you & your beautiful family!

Love,
Mary =)

Anonymous said...

Wow! Cute pictures. Congratulations! When I get back from Portland I'd love to stop by and see the baby, I'm living in Austin now! =)

FloridaWife said...

Congratulations again! We are so close together...I was doing all that in late May/early June. I'm still trying to figure stuff out over here.

Amber said...

I just noticed the "plus one"! Maybe you should be the Texas Trio :)

I hope you're all doing well, and look forward to your next post.