Of A Different Spirit

I thought I'd post a little something about Caleb's 6 week check-up for those that are interested. The doctor says everything is great. Of course, I had a lot of questions about things to which her answers were always "that's fine" or "that's normal." He is now 11 pounds, 15 ounces. All of his measurements are in the 50th percentile or above which basically means he's very normal.

We really like his doctor. She's very laid back about things unless the situation dictates that she be aggressive about the treatment. She takes plenty of time with Caleb and gladly answers any question.

Needless to say, he's growing a lot. He is also starting to smile. He smiles mostly at Keith, although he does smile at me or other people sometimes too. I should have some 6 week pictures to post soon.

It is hard to believe that Caleb is already a month old. Although, it does seem like forever since we reported to the hospital. He is doing wonderfully! He has already grown and has gained about 2 pounds. He also looks different than he did when he first came home. Sometimes he seems to change overnight. I know many of you have been awaiting new pictures and updates, but I just had to wait until I had these pictures, besides he doesn't do a lot except for sleeping.

My sister, Mindie came over and did a newborn photo shoot with Caleb. He did a great job. I have included a few of these on this post. They turned out great! Mindie did a wonderful job. She even got some with his eyes open. If any of you would like some of the pictures, just let me know and I will email them to you.

The past few weeks have brought a few changes. He has been opening his eyes more often. At first, he didn't open his eyes much at all. He now has a few periods during the day when he is alert and looks around. He really likes bright colors. I have found these toys by a company called Lamaze and he loves them. The toys have bright colors and different textures that seem to interest him, but his favorite seems to be just having someone talk to him for a little while.

The only thing about his alert periods is the fact that he gets somewhat fussy when he gets sleepy again. It isn't bad though, because after a few minutes of rocking and a short story and he goes right to sleep. We have been very blessed with how laid back he is. The only time he is fussy is when he is trying to communicate a discomfort to us. So, we know when he needs something. Otherwise, he is sleeping or quietly observing.

When he does make noise, it is really cute. The cutest is when he snorts. He usually does this when he is hungry and it always makes me laugh. He also has an assortment of grunts and whines that, unless someone is holding him, causes me to check on him. It seems that if exercise doesn't cause the baby weight to fall off, my constant checking on him will. Whatever works is fine with me!

His expressions are also entertaining. His face and eyes are very expressive. We usually get looks like "what is that" or "what are you doing, " but we also get a lot very sweet looks where he just seems to be studying the face of the person talking to him.

He really likes to be clean. He lets us know when his diaper needs to be changed between feedings. He also doesn't mind his bath. As long as he is fed, we get through a bath without one peep. He is content to look around the bathroom and observe the cats looking at what is going on.

Keith and I have really enjoyed this past month. Although it has been filled with challenges, the challenges have been overshadowed with the joy that is parenthood. We are treasuring this "newborn" period and are looking forward to all of the great moments that the periods to come will bring.

Well, with the exception of having more blood work done, this has been a really great day. The photo-therapy lights are gone and we have don't have any more doctor appointments for a month! Needless to say, we are all very happy and will now be on a more normal schedule instead of one dictated by a noisy machine.

He's napping now and completely oblivious to the day he's had. Ahhh, isn't that the life?

The cats are getting used to him and are starting to fall into their own place with the adjustment. Churchill is mostly interested in all of the baby gear. He will sometimes get close enough to sniff at him, but he doesn't do too much more than that. Pippin on the other hand is taking the adjustment differently. He is somewhat...protective I guess. He spends most of his time sitting next to the bassinet unless he is preoccupied with Churchill or eating. He usually stays close when someone he doesn't know is holding Caleb. The situation dictates his involvement. These are some pictures of the cats. I'll probably do that from time to time because they were our first "babies."

I really think they are going to have a lot of fun together when Caleb gets older.

Yes, yes, I know...a very cheesy reference to Coldplay. I just couldn't resist. Anyway, I know I haven't posted in a while and now that Caleb is here the demand for posts has increased. I finally have some time to sit down and write for a few minutes while Caleb sleeps.

His jaundice is working out of his system and we are very happy to have a break today from doctor appointments. I am relieved that for the first time since he was born, Caleb doesn't have to have any blood work done. His blood work came back yesterday with a 13.2 count for his levels, which is wonderful because it is dropping and will continue to do so.

I have had some requests for more pictures, so here are a couple of him at one week.

His personality right now is pretty laid back unless he gets too hungry and even then it isn't hard to calm him down. He sleeps well, which is a blessing. He is quite an angel.

Well, enjoy the pictures and I should have a new post soon reporting that the jaundice is no longer an issue.

As you all already know we have a new beautiful boy and are so excited!!! Thank you all for your comments, they have been so much fun to read.

I have had some requests to give a little more detail about our hospital stay and his first few hours. So...here it goes.

We arrived at LRMC at 6pm and got all set up. They started me on a low dose of Pitocin at around 7pm and around 8am the next day the labor pains began. They increased the dose slowly throughout the day. Sometime in the late morning, I was in active labor and 14 hours later (all the while increasing the Pitocin) he was here. Breathing techniques and concentration were my best friends. My coaches were fantastic and added their own special touches to the day. Keith was my most important pain relief. He hardly left me and didn't leave at all once the active labor started which I am so very thankful for. He really hung in there as did the rest of my support team which is what enabled me to continue. I really owe a large part of the success of the process to my support team and to all of those that gave me advice in the months that led up to it. I also gathered a lot of strength knowing I had the support of so many others that weren't in the room. So, all of you that were thinking of us and supporting us were also a part of my support team. Thank You!!!!!

The experience was an interesting one that, of course, I won't forget. It was certainly a wonderful moment for Keith and me to see our son for the first time. It made the previous 9 months feel real. We couldn't wait to show his first few pictures with all of you so that you could share in the moment as well.

He is an angel. He is quite laid back, but we'll see as he gets older. He has done wonderfully at home. He sleeps well which means that, with the exception of feeding and changing, we sleep okay too. The only problem we've had is jaundice. He has a slightly sunny, yellow glow about him. Actually, as I am posting this he's on a photo therapy blanket. It isn't too bad, but they really do want to get it out of his system. We go tomorrow for another appointment to see how his level is. Please keep him in your prayers.

I'd also like to announce the birth of Caleb's newest cousin, Avery Hill. He is so very cute!!!! We are so excited for Shaun, Robyn, and new big brother Evan.

Aren't his "sunglasses" cute?!