Hunter's Second Week

Time is already flying by way too fast

First of all we finally decided to empty our diaper genie.  This is the load of diapers that we got just from having Hunter at home for less than a week!  Holy cow!

Family Photo from when we had visitors.

 We started off week two by venturing out to Target!  As usual, Hunter slept the entire time.  We even checked out in the coupon Nazi's lane and that took an extra 30 minutes, and he was still passed out the entire time!

Hunter got some time with Dad while watching football!  I absolutely love how he has his hand resting on his face!

Hunter also got to meet some more of his family.  Great Uncle Bub, Great Aunt Kit, Madison, Katharine, Great-Great Uncle Jim and Great-Great Aunt Deanna all came down to meet the little guy!  Grumpy Great Grandaddy also got a second visit with Hunter.  He and Hunter sat on our couch and chatted for the longest time!  Hunter also wore his special VMI onesie just for GGGDW!  

Hunter had a second Christmas with my parents.  Once again, he slept the entire time!  He got the most precious outfit from Uncle Brett - who knew that American Eagle sold baby clothes!?

Craig, Grandma and I took Hunter to the mall to do some shopping on Sunday!  Grandma had a very hard time leaving him in his stroller!  Craig strolled him into Victoria's Secret to see if he could pick up any girls with Hunter - it didn't work!

Craig and I went into Express for 2 minutes.  By the time I came back out this is where Hunter was.  When I left him he was in his stroller!

One thing I really struggle with is putting the little guy down to sleep.  I just want to hold him 24/7.  I realize that if I ever want to get anything done around the house then I have to do it while he's sleeping, which means I have to lay him down.  I've been working on this..

Hunter has also kind of moved himself from eating every two hours to eating every three, which helps me get an extra hour of sleep at night!  We've also discovered that the little guy likes to nap on his stomach a lot better than trying to sleep on his back!  Of course, laying him on his tummy does make me a bit nervous, so I'm only letting him nap on his belly and I swaddle him at night so he can sleep - as soon as I wrap him up like a burrito, he's pretty much out!

Hunter also had a very busy day on Saturday.  Uncle Brett came down to take newborn pictures of him.  This was Brett's first time at doing newborn pictures and I think he did an absolutely amazing job!  I'm so happy with the pictures!  Here are some of my favorites:

I'm positive he's the cutest kid I've ever seen!

This is one of my all time favorite pictures!  I love when he holds his head up like that and looks around!

He was not a happy camper during the baseball picture shoot!  I like this one because it looks like he's throwing the ball!

This one was the hardest picture to take.  Apparently Craig and I are both idiots when it comes to forming hearts with your hands!

He was giving a speech for this picture!

We go to the doctor tomorrow.  I can't wait to see what they have to say!

Hunter's First Week

I cannot believe it.  My sweet baby boy is already one week old!  A lot has happened in his first week - or at least it feels that way!

The first task was leaving the hospital.  On all of the other days we stayed at the hospital the doctors didn't mind coming in at any hour of the day/night to check on us.  On the day we were supposed to leave, I'm pretty sure I couldn't have paid one to come in that room early enough.  Hunter's doctor was super nice and gave him the green light to go home around 9:00am.  1 down, 1 to go!  Mine didn't decide to show up until around 11:30 - go figure - I was supposed to be leaving around 12!  I also thought it was funny that she walked in asked how I was feeling and then said I was free to go.  She didn't even check me over or anything!  Oh well!  We finally made it home, and that is all that matters!

Next task on hand for Hunter was meeting his brother - the dreaded Bryer greeting.  The whole Bryer thing has actually gone a lot better than we expected.  Bryer is just very nosey - and he will NOT leave my side if I have Hunter - which can be a bit aggravating.  Everyone that knows Bryer knows he is famous for licking EVERY-FREAKING-THING.  That means he wants to lick Hunter too, I would rather chop his tongue off then let that happen!  Gross!

Then the real fun begins, the first night at home with our little rascal!

Luckily, the nights have been going pretty well (knock-on-wood).  He wakes up to eat every 2-3 hours (sometimes I even have to wake him up) and then he will usually just falls right back to sleep.  At first I couldn't sleep even if he sleeping, for fear that something would happen, but now I've come to the point where I know if he is sleeping I need to be doing the same thing!  Since we've been home Craig has been sleeping downstairs with Bryer and I've had the bedroom to myself with Hunter - we just aren't quite ready to leave Bryer in a room with Hunter while Craig and I are sleeping.  That night is coming soon though, and I can guarantee you my eyes will not shut that entire night!

I've also been able to learn a few things about my buddy Hunter.  We love to pee through all of our clothes, so I have to do laundry constantly.  If he doesn't pee on his outfit then he sweats through it - I think the poor guy got my sweat gene.  He also HATES getting his diaper changed - he screams bloody murder the entire time I'm changing him and it absolutely breaks my heart.

Hunter also had his very first Christmas.  He was so excited about Christmas that he slept the entire morning and missed everything!  He did get an Elf on the Shelf from Uncle Jason and Aunt Christie, and let me tell you, I cannot wait to pull that little guy out next year.  I'm sure Hunter will still not care one bit about it next year either, but who cares, I'm pumped!

He sat in his bouncy seat for the very first time - I think he really enjoyed it!

He had his very first sponge bath - did not enjoy that!  I cannot wait until I can give him a real bath and soak him up in baby lotion!  He's going to smell HEAVENLY!

Hunter made his first trip to the doctor!  He did really well!  I was a little worried about that because I had to bring him in hungry and feed him there, but he did amazing!  His weight was 7 lbs 2 oz - 2 more oz to go to reach his birth weight!

Hunter also got to nap in his crib for the first time!  He's doing so well!  Everyone who knows me knows that I have to obsess about something, I am almost thinking that things are going a little too well - something must be wrong!  haha!  In all seriousness, I couldn't be more thankful to have such a handsome, easy-going baby!  I'm so in love!

I've also learned a few things this week.  

1.  If you point his weenie down then you can save a lot of outfits and blankets!  Last night we made it the entire night in the same blanket and we only changed outfits once - that was a miracle!

2.  Functioning on little sleep is possible.  I didn't say my brain is working all the way, but I am functioning.

3.  When you love someone so much you could care less if they pee straight on your shirt or poop all over you while your changing them!

4.  I could sit on the couch with Hunter laying on me and snuggle him 24/7.  I hope he's always a cuddler.  

Hunter Lee

Well, the day finally arrived and I have my son here in my arms and I cannot even begin to explain to you how absolutely amazing it feels!  I waited nine and a half long months but every bit of it was worth it in the end.

I went to the hospital on Tuesday, the 20th to be induced.  They started me off bright and early with some pitocin.  I went into the hospital at 2 cm and 75% effaced.  At the end of an 8 hour session with pitocin, I was 2 cm and 75% effaced.  Fabulous.  I was excepting to have a kid by then and I hadn't even changed one bit!  After 8 hours they take you off of it to let your body rest, and they were going to start it up again early Wednesday morning.  Luckily, throughout the night a miracle happened and I started contracting on my own.  I was in a huge amount of pain on Wednesday morning, so the very first thing they did was give me my epidural.  When they gave me my epidural I was at 6 cm - I tell you what.  That epidural guy is my new best friend.  I felt absolutely NOTHING from my belly down.  I was so numb that I couldn't even move my legs.  Yes - that was quite strange and I didn't really like it, but, compared to feeling labor pains, I'll take it any day!  Needless to say I pretty much slept until I was ready to push.  The doctor had to come in and break my water at 8 cm which pretty much shot me to 10 in no time.  I pushed for about 30 minutes and then I was holding my sweet Hunter in my arms!  He was born at 3:09 pm (yes - 30 hours of labor) he weighed 7 lb 4 oz and was 19.5 inches long!

It is absolutely crazy the love that I have for this little guy.  I thought I was crazy about Bryer but I will not hesitate to drop-kick him in an instant if he even thinks about messing with Hunter!  Hunter will be a week old on Wednesday.  I cannot believe it!  It's already moving way too fast.  So far I would say that he's been really an easy baby.  He eats really well, if you wrap him up like a burrito he will sleep for you pretty much anywhere - and thats about all he does!  If we could stop him from soaking all his clothes with pee - we would be good to go!

I also have to say that I truly have the most amazing husband ever.  He was there for me through the two long delivery days at the hospital and then he is there right away whenever I need help with Hunter.  He's been phenomenal and there is absolutely no way that I could have done it by myself!

I cannot wait to experience the journey of motherhood with my sweet little Hunter - I can already tell he's going to grow up WAY too fast!  And yes - I will be one of those mothers that sobs my eyes out the first day of kindergarten.  I can't even think about taking him to daycare right now - I'm not going to be able to function!

On the way to the hospital!

Yes, I'm Crazy!

Well, I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy (thank God) and I've had nothing to do the past few days but sit around and think.  Those of you who know me, know that's not necessarily a good thing!  I've decided that the last month of pregnancy is just torture!  The whole "waiting game" just plain sucks!  You never know if/when you're water is going to break and you're going to have to rush to the hospital.  I'm also so uncomfortable.  No matter how I sit or lay I just cannot get comfy!  His feet are jabbing me up in my ribs and he keeps shooting lightening bolts through my crotch (sorry)!  Needless to say, I'm beyond ready for this kid to make his entrance.  I already think that he's messing with me (apparently he has his father's humor).  He knows that I would love for his birthday to be as far away from Christmas as it can be, I was even pulling for him to come the end of November.  As you can see that didn't happen, and I believe his plan is to hang out in there until he's served his eviction papers on Tuesday morning!  Then I start to think some more (never good) and in order for him to enter this world, I have to go through labor.  Oh crap!  Now that I know exactly when he's coming this will give me more time to obsess about what is actually going to happen - really really not a good thing!  I will be able to anticipate the pain, which means I will probably think it's worse than it really is, and I'm sure the entire time I will think that I'm dieing a slow death.  I really hope that Craig knows what he's getting ready to get into!  Then, the cure for the pain is the dreaded epidural.  Which gives me yet another thing to worry about because they are sticking something in my spine - thats already crooked.  Then, I've also been worrying that Baby J's head is too big and once he starts to go he's gonna get stuck.  I've also been worrying about the fact that the induction may not work - which would really just upset me to no end!

Just wanted to vent, and give you a glimpse as to what it's like to be in my head - which really is not a good thing.

Needless to say let the obsessing begin!  Craig is already contemplating sleeping on the couch on Monday night because he knows I won't be sleeping!

The End of the Thankful List

Well I was waiting to finish the last of my Thankful List because I was hoping that I could say "I'm thankful that Baby J decided to come early."  Not looking like that is going to happen, so I guess I'll have to finish the list anyway.  I went to the doctor today and apparently nothing has changed since last time.  UGH!  I also asked the doctor to guess at how much he thinks Jimmy-John weighs and he said he would guess around 7 pounds.  I'm hoping he is right - I think I can handle 7 pounds!  This kid better hurry up though - I'm getting rather impatient.  My due date is a week from Sunday, I really would like to not be pregnant on my due date, I'm hoping he can work with me on that one!

Anyways.. here we go..

26.  I am thankful for chocolate.  It's DE-LICIOUS!

27.  I am thankful for the prong collar.  My in-laws recently bought one for Bryer as his Christmas present and I love that thing!  I can now take him outside on walks and he doesn't act like a big idiot!

28.  I am thankful that my husband is forgiving.

29.  I am thankful that we are living in North Carolina which has no snow right now as opposed to living in Minnesota which is already freezing cold and has snow!

30.  I am thankful for pictures that help capture amazing memories!

Thankfuls #16 - 25

Wow.  I've not been posting things I've been thankful for lately!  After quite an eventful Thanksgiving - I figured I can do some catching up!

16.  I am thankful for my husband (I know I've already mentioned him - but some things are worth mentioning again)!  He was a huge help during our Thanksgiving event.  Whatever anyone needed anything he was there right away to help.  He also kept reminding me to sit and put my feet up.  He got my mother Dos Equis (which she LOVED)!  He also whipped out the video camera and took some video of our first family Thanksgiving on Bravington Road!

17.  I am thankful for the fact that I have AH-MAZE-ING cooks in my family!  We had a huge Thanksgiving breakfast and a huge Thanksgiving dinner and every bit of it was fabulous!  Mom, Nan and Gogga - you guys are extraordinary cooks - Paula Dean doesn't have anything on you guys!

18.  I am thankful that my Dad rested.  Dad has a cold, but thats not the point.  Yesterday he slept until 9ish.  Then, took a nap outside on the porch for a while.  Then went upstairs and slept for a good 3 hours before Thanksgiving dinner!  I've never seen him go anywhere and not work - much less sleep. It kind of worried me a bit but I am so glad that he was able to relax while he was here!

19.  I am so very thankful that I live close enough for my entire family to come down and visit whenever!  3 hours sure beats the heck out of 18!

20.  I am thankful that I had a great doctor's appointment on Wednesday!  We've finally started making some progress!  I am 1-2 cm dilated and 25% effaced!  WHOOPIE!  I know that this still hardly means anything, but it's exciting for me!  The doctor also told me that the most they would let me go past my due date is 1 week - which means we will DEFINITELY have Baby J before Christmas!

21.  I am thankful that I passed the NC Diver's test so I can get my driver's license.  Only after a year and a half of marriage I will finally be Ashleigh Jarrell!  (However - I am not thankful that I had to wait for 3 hours in order to take that stinking test)

22.  I am thankful that my brother is an amazing photographer!  He took some great pictures around our house and I cannot wait for him to take newborn pics of Baby J - whenever he decides to make his grand entrance!

23.  I am thankful for laughter!  There is a ton of it - especially when my family (the Grizwald's) gets together.  Here are some examples for you:  Yesterday, my brother says "That turkey looks so good I would take it to Prom."  I thought that was hilarious, so I posted it as my Facebook Status and my hilarious FU comments and says "What will he do with it for after prom?  Get it drunk and stuff it?"  Also, my brother thinks that my belly and pretty much anything to do with pregnancy is gross - he also hates milk.  As I was making eclair cake I used most of the milk in the jug but there was just enough for one sip left.  So I turn up the jug of milk to drink it and he makes a vomiting noise - I start laughing.  I gather myself and try to take the sip again.  Mom walks over, pulls up my shirt to show Brett my belly, he freaks out and I spew milk everywhere!  I could go on all day about everything that happened - you guys would get tired of reading!  :)

24.  I am thankful for NC fall weather.  This time last year Craig and I were already sitting in snow.  This year we aren't even wearing jackets yet!  I love it!

25.  I am thankful that Bryer acted like a semi-normal dog while his visitors were here.  I cannot even explain how proud of him I am!  There were 10 people plus a tiny dog in the house and nobody left bleeding!  He did amazing!  That should give all you people that think he's gonna kill Baby J some hope!

I've Been Replaced + 13, 14, 15

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed something at the Jarrell household.  I have been replaced by Bryer.  I use to be Craig's #1, now, Bryer is the new #1 on his list.  I've been watching this over the last few weeks and Craig is constantly telling Bryer how much he loves him.  He tells the dog he loves him at least 4 times as much as he tells me.  Craig is always asking Bryer for kisses (which makes me want to vomit).  I think I get one kiss a day - if that!  Craig always calls Bryer over to him if he is on the couch or on the bed to snuggle - and of course Bryer hops right up and they will snuggle all night.  I get nothing!  Here is a good example:  Last night I was sitting on the futon with Craig watching the Vikings/Packers game.  I decide to skoot on over towards Craig and I put a pillow on his side and lay on him.  About 5 minutes later, Craig gets up, dumping me on my side, so he can go lay in the floor and snuggle with Bryer.  It's okay though, I am fine with being #2, at least I think I'm #2, I'm not sure, it could be softball!

13.  I am thankful for football.  It's the greatest sport on Earth to watch!  I would be even more thankful if my fantasy team could beat Craig's fantasy team this week!

14.  I am thankful for Mexican food.  It is by far my most favorite food in the entire world, I'm pretty sure I could live off of it!

15.  I am thankful for music - not all - but most!  I love to dance and without music this wouldn't be possible!  :)