SLEEPYTIME & PHOTOTIME

It's been a busy week here in Apex!  Last Friday me, Lathan and Nonni (my mom) went on our first shopping trip!  It turned out to be an all-day affair with many firsts...the first lunch out in public (Panera), the first breastfeeding foray out in the world (I highly recommend the "ladies lounge" at Nordstrom in Southpoint), and baby's first exposure to that weird high pitched sound that some of us hear in department stores (anyone else hear that or are aliens trying to communicate with me?).  It's weird, Lathan was cool out in the mall but when we entered stores he pitched a bit of a fit.  We even tested it a bit and, sure enough, he didn't like going into the stores.  Maybe that's some kind of anti-shopping gene passed down by Andy.  Ha!

Monday we went out to Durham to meet our friends Seth & Jessica and their daughter Fereday for lunch at TOAST.  It was awesome!  That is SO our kind of place--and it's baby friendly.  It was good to get out with them and compare notes and, of course, see how their beautiful daughter has grown.  

On Tuesday Andy and I decided to try going out again and we went to our "cantina" downtown in Apex.  It was a quick trip (we can usually have a meal there, pay and be back in the car in 30 minutes).  Lathan started to get a little antsy towards the end so we made quick work of it.  Still--it was my first post-partum margarita--it was a big day!!  It was SO delicious.  Thanks LaRancherita!

Here are a few fun pics to check out...

Here's a cute one of him sleeping--he's got this thing with his left hand--frequently in a fist and propped up on his chin.  He's a thinker.

Next, a shout out to Leslie Hollis for gifting this awesome "SwaddleMe" wrap!  It's really been great.  I like to think of it as a baby straight-jacket.  It works MUCH better than a standard receiving blanket and keeps him snug.  His a picture of post-swaddle bliss.

Lastly, we had a lovely photo-shoot the other morning--me, Lathan and MooShu.  I was working on some photos for the announcement (yep, still haven't sent that out--we'll be able to send out birth and graduation announcements at the same time at the rate I'm working).  MooShu was very interested in what we were doing, as he always is and found a way to work himself into the pictures.  He's incredibly photogenic just like his new baby brother.

If you don't say "AWWWWW" when you may need to check your pulse...

I couldn't help but include this pic as well...I think I'm responding more to him rather than the other way around but it's a start.  I just read our "baby sign language" book yesterday so I'm going to start working on some communication ASAP.  It will be awesome for him to sign "milk" or "change" without trying to read the cries!  We're just enjoying our morning happy time together in the nursery here!

PHOTO FEATURE REQUEST

There has got to be some kind of "anti-squirm" feature they can add to cameras these days, right?  With all of the "smile recognition" and low light settings there are they've got to know that huge numbers of photographs are taken of new babies that SQUIRM!  I would say one out of every 25 shots we take defeat the squirm factor.  

Now that my rant is out of the way...HAPPY ONE MONTH BIRTHDAY LATHAN!! 

 I can't believe it's been a month, and what a great one.  We enjoyed our rainy birthday by eating, sleeping & pooping with the occasional story-time and some quality "look around at all of the stuff in the house" moments.  While I was scarfing down some lunch Lathan kicked-it in his carseat on the counter and discovered the kitchen.  Since it was day-time but not too bright I think he was able to take in more than usual.  

Andy took a few shots of Mommy & Baby in front of Frank, our lovely pink camellia that's in full bloom (but that will likely be toast in a couple of days because of the cold).  I don't know how we came up with that name but he, Frank, has really taken to it.  We moved him when we first bought our new house and he's been by the garage ever since.  TMI? Tough biscuits.

So I had an audience during one of our nursing sessions the other day--nothing freaky...just all the pets staring at us!  Skippy made one of his rare and infrequent approaches to Lathan and gave his sweet baby foot a lick. (Any of you who know Skippy the cat know that he's a foot licker).  When I said that Skippy was "licking" the baby Andy said..."no he's not, he's TASTING him".  AUUuugghh!  Skippy wants to devour Lathan!  I guess it's not that weird, I want to spread him on a cracker with some fig jam and eat him up too.  Anyhoo, I thought that was hilarious and creepy all at the same time.

Well, tonight State & UNC meet back up in Chapel Hill so we're going to see what kind of pain will ensue.  I've heard that the infamous Zeller will be in for UNC tonight.  Wow!  He was our pick at the beginning of the season until he was injured.  I thought he was out for the whole season!  Of course he's got to come back on Wolfpack night...ugh.

Yesterday we (Lathan & I) made our first excursion to CE Rental as mother & baby and had a blast!  Vicki has a magic touch with the little guy...he didn't make a peep the whole time we were there!  I had fun showing him off to the crew there but missed Wil & Charles...we'll catch up with you next time guys.

I think my time is running thin (it's almost dinner for all of us) so I'm going to wrap this one up.

Here's something for a good laugh...

It's business time.

ACC MADNESS Y'ALL

That's right folks...Duke-UNC tonight at 9pm.  Lathan's gonna get some bouncing during the game I'm sure. Fortunately Andy and I aren't the types that yell at the screen during a game.  We do high-five a lot when there are face-melting shots from behind the arc though.  I even preempted American Idol for this game (don't worry...there's a backup plan-Tivo in the bedroom!).  I'm sorry but I've got to see the conclusion to Hollywood week, right Idol fans?  By the way, in case any of you didn't see the amazing buzzer beating shot by Lawson a week or so ago in the FSU game you gotta check it out.

Lathan had the best seat in the house (our house, that is) for the last UNC game.

Speaking of bouncing...I've noticed that Lathan likes it when I'm laughing.  I'm sure he's used to the motion from being in the womb.  We were cracking up at the Daily Show last night and he just snoozed right though my guffaws on my chest.  We've decided he's going to be a funny kid.  Of course we don't get to decided that...we may get Alex P. Keaton instead.  Either way, he's cool.

We've had a lovely day today.  Lathan and I took our first walk around the neighborhood!  We used our car-seat adapter for the "uppababy" stroller (we are really diggin' the stroller) and it worked splendidly.  It wasn't a long walk but he seemed to like it.  There was a lot of wind today so we decided it felt like the beach (this was a good test run for heading out to the grandparents place at Hatteras).  He had a nice shady trip out but lots of sun on the way back. There was no fussing so we're chalking it up as a successful trip.  

Finally, watch this hilarious SNL "commercial".  Couldn't have had a timelier release.  You may need your own pampers in order to watch this.

Getting into the Groove

I can't believe it's almost been another week!  This time 3 weeks ago I was kickin' around a work, gathering linens for the party and adding up mileage.  It seemed like a regular day (although it was my last sizable event before I planned to take some maternity leave) until around 6:30pm then BAM! baby-time has arrived.  It seems like kind of a blur looking back now--not that I don't remember all details...it just has gone by so fast!

I have to say, I've been eating quite well since on my baby-moon. Having a 

chef at home is a definite plus!  Andy mentioned today that he had used the cuisinart more in the last 3 weeks than ever.  Tonight it's braised beef spareribs, mashed potatoes & broccoli!  Yumm!!!  If it weren't for him I would be eating frozen pizzas 3 times a day--not to mention Lathan would be really bored.  He LOVES to look at Daddy.  This morning Andy had him mezmerized on the changing table.  I was reading about fathers magical abilities to quiet the baby yesterday in one of my books. Apparently it's one of those closely guarded trade secrets.  I've really got only the one, well, actually two tricks up my sleve :)

Lathan and I have really gotten into the "napping" groove though.  It's true when they say "sleep when the baby sleeps". It's helped me keep my wits about me in a major way.  Over-all I'm probably getting the right amount of sleep for an average adult in a 24 hour period, it's just in 2-4 hour increments.  Last night was our smoothest night yet as the middle of the night feeding was very quiet, only a little over an hour, with almost no pacing and "shhhhshh"-ing before getting back to sleep.  I attribute part of that to more frequent feeding during the day yesterday and a damn fine swaddle & quick nurse right before returning to bed at 3:15am.

  Some times you just nail it.  Other times an arm pops out faster than he can soil a fresh diaper.

Lathan had another eventful bath this week of which I was able to capture a couple of shots.  He actually liked it for a while, then we presumably took too long (it was probably the pause for picture taking that did it) and he went into full wail mode.  You sure do want to just eat him up after a bath though...all warm and sweet smelling.  Yum. Special thanks to Chris & Jacklyn for the baby bathtime goodies.  You can't beat the classic Johnson & Johnson products (oh, the irony!!).  Seriously though, why does baby shampoo smell so awesome?

Andy also went back into work this week for a bit (don't go Daddy!!) and came back with some awesome loot from all of our buddies at the museum.  I will be sending proper "thank yous" soon but I can already say Lathan's enjoying his mobile (he really does like to study it) and his super cute night lights--they look like little alien-worms.  We also received a nice stash of moo-lah for the babe which we'll be putting toward starting his college fund.  Another gift we got in the mail this week from my brother & sister-in-law were two onesies--one NCSU & one UNC so that Lathan can choose his affiliation.  They mentioned that the NCSU one was on sale!!!! Ha!  

I guess it's been an busier week that I realized. I guess you can tell as this is the first chance I've had to actually sit and type out an email.  The days have been flying by (slow down!!) and Lathan already looks like he's trying to grow up!  Time does fly when you're having fun!

Eyes Open!

Happy two weeks Lathan!  It's hard to believe.  The days slip by so fast! 

So, many of you who have come by to see Lathan have found that he's usually sleeping when you're here so you can't see his eyes.  Here are a couple of shots where you can finally see what he looks like in an alert state (yay!).  He is adorable while he's sleeping but even more so when he's looking at you with what we think will be his baby blues.

Here's one where he's on the changing pad (sometimes a smiley experience and sometimes a scream and kick experience--we've found that just the sound of the velcro tabs on the diapers sometimes set him off).  

Here's another but close-up.

Here's Lathan and Mommy getting some face time in the kind morning sunshine.

Also today we're trying out the "moby wrap" for the first time!  That's one of those hippie-looking long pieces of fabric that you wrap in a strategic manner around your bod and tuck the baby in.  So far it's awesome!  He's tucked in right now and I have both hands free to type! (Thanks Kathryn--we love it!)

We took a quick trip outside and walked around the backyard in the sunshine (it was about 2pm when we made our outing).  It's actually a really nice day--about 60 degrees--so it was a pleasant little trip.  Mooshu accompanied us as our guard dog just in case any cats or burglars or cat burglars approached us.

Andy's out picking up supplies (you think you go through diapers fast...how about wipes! Yikes!) and some goodies for the game tonight (superbowl sunday y'all!)  We'll be fastforwarding through all of the game time so we can watch commercials and a few minutes of the halftime show.  Bummer it's not Prince in the purple rain again...or better yet--JT and Janet!  Yowza!!

We'll see how the baby likes hot-wings and blue cheese dressing.

Family Matters

Good Morning All!  

It's been a week full of diaper changes, increasingly expressive faces, lots of sleep (for some) and little sleep for others. Last week was the big week for family visitors though as you can see below!  We had great Aunt Fran & great Uncle Steve, Great-Grandmother Nana, Uncle "B" (my brother Benton) and Aunt Wendy and Anna & PopPop (Andy's parents LouAnne & Phil). 

We're trying to get in as much of a groove as we can, although all the experts say don't try to get on a schedule--it's next to impossible at this point.  So far that's true.  We're happy to play it by ear as we learn something new every day and fall more in love with the little pickle.

He's cooing & squirming right now...

Time to get back to it for mommy!

HAPPY 1-WEEK BIRTHDAY LATHAN!

Well, we've made it a week!  Andy and I just celebrated Lathan's one-week birthday with a card and a picture out in the cold!  Darn that indoor lighting...if it were better we wouldn't have to brave the cold.

Baby likes the brisk air though--you can tell by the scowl he makes, ha!

   

We signed the card (we figured we could include the photo and write what the first week was like for him to open later in life) and both of us remarked how it was weird but cool to write "MOMMY" and "DADDY"  for the first time in this context.

There are so many little details like that that you just don't think about before parenthood--right other rents out there?

Lathan got to meet his Great-Aunt Fran & Great-Uncle Steve yesterday as well as Lynn Crimmins (you NCMA-er's know Lynn).  They all had a chance to greet the little one even though he slept through most of it.  Later Lathan met his Aunt Wendy and Uncle "B" (Benton) for the first time.  We tend to gauge how much he likes someone by how much he can sleep during their visit (just kidding).  He was pretty snoozy yesterday.  

Mom, Dad, Benton & Wendy came over last night and cooked us a great dinner along with some delicious cupcakes (we'll call that baby's first birthday cupcakes--thanks Nanni).  We're working on the grandparent names--if anyone has suggestions go ahead and put 'em out there.  We're trying Nanni on for size right now.  Grandfather Armstrong is giving "Poppy" a try on for size too.

Today we have Andy's parents (Anna & Papa or LouAnne & Phil) coming in for their first visit as well as my grandmother, Nana (the great-grandmother).  They all seem very excited to meet the golden headed child.  

Also, Mommy (that's me!) got her first trip out of the house solo this morning.  I went to Target where I got a latte from Starbucks and strolled around like I was on Rodeo drive.  It was so luxurious.  Also, it was fun to walk through the baby section and feel like I really belonged there now.  During my pregnancy I always felt like I was kind of sneaking into that area--like a 15 year old in a casino.  You know you're not a legitimate player yet, always trying to look like you belong, but also flying under the radar so you don't get kicked out.  This time I was a high-roller placing the big bets.  :)

Well, I started this around 11:30am and now it's 8:10pm.  Almost time for another feeding (for both me & Lathan) then some quick shut-eye (after watching the premiere episode of Lost--finally!)

WHEW!!!

Man, what a whirlwind so far!  I thought I was going to be able to give a Dick Vitale type play-by-play on this thing but it's a little hard to stay up to the minute when every one is filled with feeding, diapering, cooing, bouncing, running to appointments and the occasional hour or so of sleep BABY! (That's the Vitale "baby" in case any of you ACC fans were wondering).  We did actually catch a couple of games the other night though (that's why sports commentators are on the brain) while we were in between baby moments.

Well, here's what you've all been waiting for... photos!  We've taken a ton, as well as some videos (got to figure out how to upload those to the computer first!), so I'm having to edit down.  I'll post more tomorrow but here are some of our favs.

Andy has been amazing... everything from labor & delivery (you should hear him tell it from his perspective--"surreal" is a term he's used frequently when describing it) to all of the activity at home.  Lathan LOVES him to pieces.  It's amazing how wide he opens his eyes and how quickly he quiets down when held by daddy.  I've always told Andy that babies love him...I think this proves me right (somebody quick... put that down in the record books!!)  He's a natural at it too... it's awesome to watch...I can't believe how lucky Lathan and I are to have him  (ugh, I'm getting misty just thinking about it).

I mentioned to two different moms (my own and my friend Madeline) that I've been crazy hormonal since the pregnancy started and just about anything could make be start weeping (for instance, WALL-E, just glancing though a baby book, a killer face-melting dunk from Danny Green-sorry State fans, we watch a lot of UNC ball in the house lately). They both said that that doesn't change.  It's funny (strange funny) how when you're asked an arsenal of questions about how your feeling post-partum, no doubt to identify if you have any depression, if you've been crying at all.  H-E-double hockey sticks YEAH I've been crying (not excessively though)--how can you not be moved to tears when you're staring at something so beautiful & sweet.  Jeez I'm sappy... let's move on to poop. (Just kidding)

So, just for general update purposes...he's doing great but has had a little bit of jaundice so he's been kickin' it on top of a very rave-a-licious blue light mat (sounds like some freaky European club--"dude let's go to "GLOW"  and have some appletinis & lay on the blue light mats").  Apparently it's doing the trick as his results from the 2nd heel prick blood test said he was improving.  I can tell he's looking "pinker" too.  Ronnie-man, I can't wait for you to see this kid.  Andy and I crack up at how much he reminds us of you...golden-red hair and rosy cheeks (you know how you used to do "Sad Ronnie"?  Lathan has that down pat and he's never even met you!!)  Usually we get to see Sad Ronnie-Lathan face when there's a diaper prize awaiting :)   Anyhoo, he seems to be getting much better (yay).  It hasn't affected his demeanor at all though...very sweet, happy, lots of squeals & squeaks and of course, the occasional crying/screaming.  Nothing disturbing though (thank goodness).

We're having a great time with him but we also miss you all.  Can't wait to show him off to you soon.  We've had a few outings (Dr.'s office, hospital for labwork) but not much big...we may wait a bit to parade him around just to avoid any overwhelming moments for him.  It won't be long though.  If anyone is interested in coming by to see us just let us know and we'll try to set something up.  Our schedule is erratic to say the least but we've come to know when we can handle visitors for the little monkey (or minkey if you're a Peter Sellers fan).  You should see his little shoulders--they're crazy fuzzy and with his long arms and tight grip he really does come off like a monkey-boy.  Maybe we should've named him Tarzan.  I guess we'll save that for the next one :)

Oh yeah, we were being discharged from the hospital just after the inauguration of President Obama (we had the pleasure of watching it on CNN uninterrupted in our room-surprising for a hospital-all you moms & dads know what I'm talkin' 'bout)!  We commented on how cool it is that the country is making it's transition just as we are!   Historic.

Enjoy the photos. 

xo

jennycakes, bossman & monkey-boy

   

Bun's done!!

Ding! That's the timer (although my natural belly button timer never officially popped out). It turns out the baking instructions were a little off and he was done a couple of weeks early!

I won't go into the gory details but here's the short version:

1. water breaks (leaving work)
2. went to hospital (friendly security guy who gave us the score of the UNC game)
   
3. waded through non-medicated contractions for 4 hours (ouch)
   
4. finally got epidural at 3:15am (ahhhh...best decision I've ever made regarding pain)
   
5. tried to "nap" until about 9am (ha)
6. started pushing at around 10:45
7. bouncing baby boy with a great set of lungs at 11:25am!! YIPPIE!

Not bad for 16 hours and 40 minutes, huh?

He's absolutely beautiful...can't wait to share some photos once we get home from the hospital and can load up some shots for all of you!

Here are the stats:
Lathan Dean Hicks
(Lathan-Andy's Dad's middle name, Dean-Jennifer's Grandmother's maiden name)
Born January 18, 2009 (Capricorn for you horoscope buffs)
11:25AM
7lbs. 5oz.
20.5 inches long
Big feet! (Just like his folks)
Potentially red hair (hard to tell right now but it's likely!!)

Thanks for all the well wishes from everyone! Just wanted to let you all know how thrilled we are and that we're totally in love with the little guy. He's healthy and handsome...the best we could've wished for and lil'mama & daddychef Andy are doing great too.
xo
The new "rents"

Busy week

Well, it's been a busy week getting close to the big day...less than 3 weeks remaining.  WOW.

We attended our final childbirth class on Monday where we enjoyed pizza (thank you) & cookies (again, gracias) with our fellow classmates and learned about labor with pain medications.  It was also a very "arts and crafty" class including making paper-plate fans (yes, I know how juvenile that sounds) with encouraging words on them for labor.  It truly felt like a second grade project but somehow all of us got into it and "bedazzled" our dorky fans. Now I kind of want to have it with us at the hospital...I think it might give me a laugh.  We also made the "birth plan" this week which should probably be called "a list of demands that are unlikely to be met".  It's a wish-list for labor... assuming everything goes the way you want.  Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky.  I did try to make it very positive so the nurses won't think I'm some kind of control freak.  If anyone has suggestions on what kind of nurse-greasing goodies I should take don't hesitate to let me know.  I'm thinking double-chocolate cherry cookies or something of that nature.  Too bad we can't take them some filet mignon with one of Andy's killer sauces...that would have them feeding me grapes and fanning me with palm leaves, don't you think?

Also had an appointment on Tuesday where I'm told that everything is looking "perfect".  I got a verbal gold star from my midwife (although one of the nurses who weighed me said I must have had a "hungry couple of weeks" since my last checkup--how dare she).  We're feeling pretty good about the whole thing but I'm always looking forward to the next office visit.  He (baby) is 37cm right now (and I'm 37 weeks-right on target) and he's in the "head down" position.  For those of you who have given birth you're probably thinking..."nice--good boy".  For those of you who are wondering why that matters...it's better he be ready now to come out the right way rather than be in one of the "breech" positions--butt down, one leg down, sideways, etc.  You really learn a lot of interesting information when you're preggers.  

I've been working a decent amount this week but can definitely feel it once I get home.  Still, it's good to be around everyone.  I have gotten a few "what are you doing here" comments but I assure those who ask that they'll get a much needed break from me soon enough. :)

We've been narrowing in on names for the bambino--but we're still going to keep it hush-hush until he arrives.  

We're entertaining a bunch of family names, some cool names we've heard over the years and a couple of unusual ones.  We don't want it to be a nightmare in school with a weird name...although it's doubtful our kid will have the weirdest one.  I can't believe some of the names I've read online and in naming books. For example:  Moxie Crimefighter?   Seriously Penn Jillette (you know, Penn & Teller).  Could you handicap this kid a little more.  Oh, it's a girl too.  Actually, Moxie doesn't really bother me...I guess it's the whole package.

Or how about Matt Lauer's kid Thijs.  Granted, it's a Dutch name but who in the US is going to know to pronounce that "tice"?  Not I.

I did get turned onto a super-cool site (for you Obama fans) this week by a friend at work, Mary Blake, that I've been obsessed with for the last few days.  Here's a sample of the fun.  It's a site to create a "poster" inspired by Obama's pop-art campaign posters.  Check out the Obamicon site at  paste magazine.  I couldn't resist making this cute one of our baby-dog Mooshu.

Not much else to report... although I expect I'll be able to provide some more interesting content in the next couple of weeks.

I can tell you though that Andy has been hard at work on his killer potting shed and it's looking great.  Almost every afternoon he's been able to get out and complete a "row" of shingles (lovely scented cedar shake).  He's about halfway through at this point.  Once the roof is finished it's most likely onto the windows and the interior... he'll have to wait on the outside as the temp has to be more moderate for stucco.  We'll be sure to have a shed-warming event sometime in the late-spring or summer! 

Thanks to all who have sent gifties!!  They're all so adorable and I do have plans to send out some cute thank-you notes in case you were wondering.  Here's a parting photo of me when my aspiration was to be a comet spokes-model.  Funny how chubby knees & legs never go out of style.

Enjoy.