7 weeks...

A friend of mine told me this week that the days are long but the years are short. How true she is! Some days seem like they will never end - the diapers, changing clothes, nursing, chores, etc. But then I think of how old Nate is now, and time seems to fly by.

We've been having lots of fun watching the Olympics. Having Tivo seems to be the only way - pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding! And what else can I watch at 3 am?

This week Nate has begun shadow-boxing. I am thinking only in a matter of days will he find his hands! It's been fun to watch him do this, until he smacks himself in the head! I've also been worried this week that I haven't been taking enough photos...I think I'm doing okay. Ry also updated our website with more pics too!

Our week's events:
Day 42 - Nate goes out for girls night! We went to a great neighborhood place, It's Italian, and Nate was the hit of the restaurant - cooing and all with everyone there. I'm also proud to say that I took Nate out by myself to run some errands today. He did a good job, and I think 3 stores are our limit! Had to treat myself to Starbucks!
Day 43 - Had another great meal tonight! Thanks Paula for the great ham and potatoes! I need to get that recipe from you!! Everyone has brought us such yummy food!
Day 44 - Nate's godmother, my sister Tessa, came to visit for the weekend! Had her even changing diapers! Nate and I also went to the grocery store for the first time on our own, before she came. He did great - all I need now is help bringing in the groceries! We did take Nate to Kohl's for some clothes shopping and Tessa had him in the Baby Bjorn. Everyone thought he was hers!!
Day 45 -Party day!! We celebrated Andrew Morgan's baptism this morning (he was due the same week as Nate and is a few weeks older) and then went to an engagement party for my former boss Laurie and her fiancee Eric.
Day 46 - Nate has begun blowing bubbles. How cute!
Day 47 - Much more shadow boxing today! Yea!
Day 48 - Went to his first luncheon today and he did a great job. Was the hit at the event (the last time most of the people had seen me was when I was pregnant). Took dinner to the Gretencord's and had a nice visit with them.

My friend Amy let me borrow a great book, How to Photograph Your Baby. We've decided to try a lesson a week, so here is what we learned this week - getting up close, natural light and shadows!






Photos from this week
okay, this was from last week...but too cute not to post! Nate and his friend Thomas

Nate vs. Tivo

Our happy family

Ry, Nate, Mr. Parks and Henry

cute pic of our pup Charlie

Me, Nate, Lisa and Andrew (he was born 3 weeks before Nate, but we were due just days apart)

Nate resting with Tessa neni

Nate, me, Tessa neni and Kelly neni

6 weeks...

Okay, my only excuse not to get this post done on time is the Olympics! I have been glued to the tv. I think that is how I am going to remember nursing Nate - all the Olympics I have watched! We celebrated the opening with some yummy Chinese food and had a great time. Wasn't it great?!? I've totally enjoyed the beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming and diving. It's interesting having it on so many channels - to watch other sports like handball, weightlifting, badmitton, and more! Not sure yet which sport Nate likes best...

Another great thing is that I am now driving! Yea! On our first day in the car we took my mom to Taylor to catch the train to Ft. Worth (she had a great time - can't wait to take Nate on it), and then we headed up to Granger to visit Mrs. Butler and JoJo. That's the farthest Nate has been from Austin.

A special thanks to Mrs. Rose for the great soup she brought us this week. It was delicious!! I need to get that recipe from you.

Week 5 update:
Day 35 - Mama leaves on the train - and we are sad to see her go. We went up to visit our friends in Granger.
Day 36 - Our family friend Meredith comes to visit.
Day 37 - the Olympics begin! Yea! Mommy and Nate also go out for lunch with friends for the first time.
Day 38 - Spend the day watching the Olympics. We went on a safari with Texas Alliance for Life (what we "won" for Nate raising over $1000 for the their Walk for Life). Nate also met some of my former co-workers and volunteers.
Day 39 - Nate did great at Mass! Slept the whole time!! We also went to Sam's for the first time and Nate seems to have had his first "cooing" conversation with us.
Day 40 - Mrs. Nicholson picks us up to go to the Mornings with Mommy meeting at our church. We have a fun time with the other moms and kids. I also have my 6 week check-up - all is good! We've also found out that Nate is getting much better at holding up his head.
Day 41 - Mrs. Rose comes to visit and brings us yummy dinner! Thanks!

And we had a little photo shoot this week...

in the paper...

As many of y'all know, I am a practioner with the FertilityCare System of Central Texas. We teach the Creighton Model System of Natural Fertility Regulation. Lately I have had several protestant clients (many feel this is a "Catholic" system), and in response to that a reporter from the Austin-American Statesman contacted me. My clients are the main focus of the article. We discussed the rising use of natural systems with protestants and she wrote a nice article in yesterday's paper. Enjoy!

I know using a natural system has been important to many of my readers. Any comments?

week 5 part 2...

I just wanted to post how helpful my mom was this past week! It was wonderful to have her (and my dad who was here a couple days too) here to help out! I was able to finish some thank-you notes, get a few extra naps in, have a nice, long shower, venture out to eat with Nate, and even go to bed early (thanks for rocking him to bed Mom). It was wonderful having you here Mom - I only wish you lived closer!!

My birthday lunch at Saltgrass

Me, Nate, and Grandpa

Naptime with Mama

Girls Night Out (to see Mamma Mia at the drafthouse)

Mama and Nate

5 weeks...

Well, this past week we have been having lots of visitors, me and Nate - Mrs. Nicholson and Thomas, my uncle Tom, cousin Kelly, Mama and Grandpa (my parents), Gretchen (who brought us dinner) and the Pojman family (who brought us dinner and gifts!)! Lots of people to hold Nate, and help change some diapers too! Special thanks to my mom who stayed until Wednesday - it was sure great to have the extra hands to hold Nate, change Nate, let me catch up on emails and correspondence, etc. It's been kinda hard since you've been gone!

This week has been lots of celebrations and firsts too - lost the umbilical cord, 1st bath, photo shoot, 1 month birthday, Mommy's birthday, and 1st grocery trip. In regards to his photo shoot, we are meeting with a photographer who will take professional photos over the course of his first year (every 3 months). You can check out the photos at www.kappy.com then go to sessions proofing and then client portraits. The password is Dobson.

Haven't had any food allergies yet, but this week I have found out that I can't have caffeine (especially those yummy Java Chip Frappuccinos) after lunch...Nate doesn't sleep well that night. And a glass of wine every now and then is a good way for me (and Nate) to relax.

He's been doing such a good job eating now, and going up to 6 hours between feedings! Yea! We just tell him that's what all the other kids are doing... Now I just need to find the camera charger to get the rest of my pics off!

Week 5 update:

Day 28 - Mrs. Nicholson and Thomas visit. Thomas (age 8 months) is totally mesmerized by Nate. Can't wait for them to be playing soon. Thanks Shana for bringing me lunch! Nate also kisses Daddy for the first time tonight.
Day 29 - This day started off with lots of laundry - by 9 am Nate was on his 4th outfit! Glad the washing machine is upstairs! No wonder they tell you to have lots of outfits. We also found out that not all diapers fit Nate the same... My cousin Kelly and uncle Tom visit (Kelly is moving here from Anchorage). Nate loves to flirt with Kelly - maybe it is her long black hair. Nate also takes his 2nd bottle tonight.
Day 30 - Nate finally loses his umbilical cord today! Yea! In celebration we have Nate's first bath - and he gave us a little sprinkle too! Mama and Grandpa (my parents) come and visit for the weekend.
Day 31 - Nate is 1 month old today! Amazing! He has also started to grab at clothes now - a little more hand coordination! Also, with the help of my parents, we successfully venture out for our first dinner out - a great local Greek restaurant. Nate does great! Nate also has his first "photo shoot" today.
Day 32 - Happy Birthday Mommy!! I would never have thought this time last year that I would be holding my son a year later! What an amazing year it has been! We went out to eat again today - Saltgrass - and Nate did good. We've noticed that Nate's eyelashes are growing. I think his are longer than mine. Nana and Papa also gave him a kiddie gym, and we set that up for him today.
Day 33 - My mom is staying until Wednesday, so we decided to venture to the grocery store. I'm finally getting out of the house. Kinda boring for Nate, just slept in his carseat. Nate also grabbed Mama's glasses off her face today.
Day 34 - Today I had my longest time away from Nate - almost 4 hours. Mom, me and Danielle went to see Mamma Mia (very cute). Really missed Nate, though...

And some photos from this week:

Hi Daddy

Going in the tub

Wash me

Robe time

His tiny toes

with Tom bacsi and Kelly neni

Happy 1 month birthday!!

Happy 1 month birthday, my dear son! I can't believe you have been with us for an entire month! You are growing and changing every day!! We are soo blessed to have you as part of our family! Yea Super Nate!!

10 years ago today...

Ry asked me if I wanted a new title - girlfriend! I eagerly accepted!! I can't believe we have been together soo long!! And then I got the title fiancee (about 4 years later), then wife (6 months later), and now mom. Thank you honey for all my special titles!! Happy "dating" anniversary!

4 weeks...

Well, we have been adjusting to our routine (well, maybe just spending time together) this week. Nate has been battling a little congestion, and mom has gotten some visitors too! I did start pumping this week too (thanks Kathryn for your pump), and it was a little hard for me to be there when Ry fed Nate the first time.

I am totally amazed by you parents out there! I am still really exhausted most days - I can't see how I could do this and take care of other kids, cook, etc. Ry has only cooked 1 of my frozen meals since we got home. We have been truly blessed by such great friends who have taken care of us! Special thanks to Kim, Rowena, Sharon, Shana, Robin, Christina, Kristy, Linda, Shelley and Danielle who have provided us meals! It has been wonderful!!

Week 4 update:
Day 21 - Nate is starting to hold his head up, especially when placed on Daddy's chest. I call it the turtle. Also, spent most of the day cuddling - our "mommy hold me" day.
Day 22 - We tried to venture to take Nate out to dinner tonight. Got all dressed up, and had our giftcard in hand (thanks Justin and Danielle), but when we got to Chili's we got nervous and just got dinner to go. Still yummy!!
Day 23 - When Nate and I were walking up the stairs, he had the pacifier in his mouth, but when we go to the top, it was in his hand. Yea! Nate held his first item!! And special thanks to Shelley, Darrel and Kayla - we loved our Chuy's fajitas for dinner!!
Day 24 - Nana and Papa came to visit for the weekend from Waco. Nate is focusing more on faces (not just the edges) and is cooing and making more sounds! Yea Nate!
Day 25 - Nate kissed Mommy!! It was super cute! Our congestion started last night, so that was a little hard. Also noticed that his tear ducts seem to be working now too - so hard to see your son tear up! We also had a diaper explosion and milk eruption today!
Day 26 - Since we are still congested, we stayed on the couch most of the day. Nate is cooing and smiling more!
Day 27 - Yea, Mommy has visitors!! Rowena, Dustin and Henry come to visit! We had a great time chatting and catching up. Henry is 1 month older than Nate, so it was interesting to see how much Nate will change in the next month. I also pumped for the first time today and Nate got his first bottle. Special thanks to Sharon who brought us dinner! Great pizza!!

With Nana and Papa

Napping with momma

Nate and his pacifier

Momma, Henry, Rowena and Nate

Nuzzled up with daddy (Nate pushed himself on Ry's hands so he could get up to this position)

Reading stories with Dad (not sure who is having more fun, Nate or Ry)

Hanging out with Daddy

3 weeks...

Wow, time is flying by!! This has been a harder week for me and Nate, since Ry has gone back to work. It's wonderful that he was able to spend 2 full weeks with us, and help in the adjustment of our new family. Nate is growing lots, becoming much more aware of his surroundings and gaining much control over his head, arms and legs. This boy is getting strong!

First, Nate had his 2 week appointment on Wednesday, July 16. He made it up to his birthweight! Yea! Back to 8 pounds!! Now now more waking him up to feed at night!! What a relief! He has been sleeping more that 3 hours in a stretch at night (even going up to 5 even almost 6 hours between feedings), so that has been helpful to our sanity. He also grew 1 1/4 inches, pushing him to 20 3/4 inches! I'm glad we don't grow that fast now - I would be huge.

I also had my check for my c-section scar with my doc on the 16th as well. All looks good and I'm healing as I should. When I asked my doc when I could return to driving, he said 3 MORE weeks!! This is due to healing of the scar and how he doesn't want it to impair my driving and reaction time. 3 MORE WEEKS!!! This means I won't be driving until after my birthday!! Momma is going to go stir crazy soon, if not already!!

Week 3 update:
Day 14 - 2 week check-up, growing like a weed!!
Day 15 - Daddy's first day back to work! Comes back home for lunch! Yea! Turned his head for the first time during tummy time and we introduced the pacifier (and he loved it). Spent most of the day cuddling on the couch. Thanks to Christina for bringing us dinner tonight!
Day 16 - Stuck out tongue for the first time. Not sure if it was an accident or on command...
Day 17 - First outing! Went to Linen's and Things and Target. Had to head home fast - Nate was hungry. Special thanks to Nana and Papa to assist! Also, Tessa neni stopped by for a visit on her way between San Antonio and Ft. Worth. Whoop!
Day 18 - During tummy time tonight he rolled from his tummy to his back, and a few minutes later from his back to his tummy. Kinda surprised himself too!
Day 19 - Seriously, we heard him laugh today! Really! Soo cute!!
Day 20 - Nate's not a teenager (well, in days) anymore, but did start getting some of that teenage-like acne! Hope it clears up soon!!

Just a few photos:
Getting ready to go in the car... or as Ry tells Nate, getting ready for take-off

Nate and Uncle Justin, his godfather

Playing with Mommy as we wait in the pediatrician's office

Sleeping on Daddy's lap

two weeks...

Well, this week has been a whirlwind for our family! We have been adjusting to having Nate a part of our family, late night feedings, his circumcision, baptism and host of family and friends visiting.

Some interesting things we have had to deal with is our lack of sleep. Feeding every few hours gets taxing our minds and bodies! For example, both Ry and I have had a few "hallucinations" - first he thought Nate was in his pillow, but it was really his arm behind it. Ry also thought that Nate was in bed with us and couldn't find him, but he was just in his bassinet. Another night Ry woke me up to feed Nate and found me breast-feeding my pillow. I couldn't understand why he wanted me to feed him again (and I thought I was finally getting the hang of it - Nate my pillow did such a good job!).

We've also been blessed with lots of meals this week from friends! Thank you! My friend Sharon set up an on-line calendar for us, Care Calendar, and it is an easy way to organize meals and all. If you are interested, I'll send you our log-in info so you can check it out!

I've been trying to note Nate's daily achievements! I can't believe he is growing soo fast!

July 9 (day 7) - Nate did his first "super stretch" - arms and legs at the same time. He also did his first crazy, mega spit-up that scared Mommy.
Day 8 - Nate is circumcised. He did a great job, although I had to leave the waiting room since I could hear him crying. We also noted his first real smile today. Nate also meets my dad, Grandpa, today!
Day 9 - one thing to note with circumcised boys - they are much more sensitive down there. Nate squirted the changing table and wall twice! Nate also met his great-grandma (Dedi-Mama), my aunt and uncle from Hawaii, my cousin, her husband and Nate's 2nd cousin Emma from New Zealand, and Ted bacsi today! The reunion is beginning! We also met with a lactation consultant today and Nate is doing a great job nursing and latching on, as well as I am creating enough milk for him too!
Day 10 - Nate is baptized! We had a great group of friends and family to celebrate this great event. Will devote a posting this weekend to include photos and a recap of the special day.
Day 11 - Nate begins to hold his head up. This is especially noticeable when you are holding him on your shoulder.
Day 12 - Nate turns his head. We noticed this when Daddy was holding Nate and he was following Mommy as she was going through the room! Yea!
Day 13 - One thing Nate has learned from his cousin Emma is how to kick. Boy, his legs are getting strong and he loves to kick, especially when I'm trying to get him to nurse.

Will post more about the baptism and weekend of family. Sorry for the delay...feels like these last few days I've been trying to catch up on sleep and all from the weekend! Seriously, it has taken me 72 hours to finish this post! And I can't believe today is is Nate's last "teenage" day - 19 days old today!!

Here are a few special photos from this past week!

Me, Nate, my cousin Julie and her daughter Emma

Stephen bacsi, Nate, Matt bacsi (Julie's husband) and Emma

Nate and his Dedimama (great-grandmother - our Hungarian name for her)

Nate and my dad, Grandpa

Emma and my sister Tessa

Nate and my brother, Ted bacsi

Nate and his great-grandparents from Ry's side (came down from Pennsylvania)

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!

Happy Birthday, Nathan James Dobson

Our little Pumpkin, Nathan James Dobson, was welcomed into our arms last night, July 2nd, at 9:17 pm. He weighed in at a hefty 8 pounds at a mighty 19 1/2 inches long. Mom and Dad had quite an adventure bringing this little one into the world -- hence the delay in posting. Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers! Mom and Nate are doing great now, albeit a bit tired. Dad is keeping the family together.

off to the hospital...

We are off to the hospital! Check-in is at 6, induction at 8. Not sure how long this will take, so it may be early evening or tomorrow when Ry posts something here.

Please keep all 3 of us, the doctors and nurses in your prayers! We can't meet you little pumpkin...just a few more hours!

St. Gerard, pray for us.
St. Gianna, pray for us.
Mary our Mother, pray for us.
All you saints in heaven (who aren't too busy), pray for us ;-).

D + 12 or I - 1...

We got to try out the amenities at the hospital yesterday... Due to being late, we had a few extra tests, especially for my rising blood pressure. I really think my doc wanted me to go since I was in such a good mood :-)

Going back in today for another test, and if there is still no progression we are on for tomorrow (6 am, really?). Then 24 hours from now I will be induced waiting for this baby to come! yea!! I can't believe it! It is almost here!

Thanks again for all of you who read this blog and pray for our family. Hopefully the hospital has wi-fi and Ry can update here soon tomorrow!

Just another day until we meet our little child, our little miracle...

D + 11 or I - 2...

Okay, is this getting a little ridiculous? Sorry for my "late" posting this morning, I actually slept in. Maybe Pumpkin knows something I don't...at least we know that in 48 hours I will be in labor...

The massage was great yesterday - for all the pregnant and post-natal momma's out there, I would highly recommend it! Awesome! Then Ry took me out for Hawaiian snow cones! yum! Then some walking too! We ended the evening with a nice, romantic dinner at Chee Zee and my super husband shared a sugar-free dessert with me!

Today we are going to the doc again this afternoon. I will pack my hospital bag and hopefully be able to use it!

Here are some pics also from this past week!

41 weeks


us (me, Ry, my brother and sister) with our grandparents


me and my little brother Stephen