From Russia with Love

So most of you already know how the story goes...Our OBGYN ended up not delivering our little guy because the day I went into labor he was busy spending time with family gathered for his daughter's weekend wedding.  When we were informed of this possibility so many months ago, Clint and I both laughed because we knew then that even if it was only one day that our doctor was not available out of the year to deliver our son,  that would be the day he would decide to enter the world.  Now, I'm not complaining because Clint and I are very blessed in many ways, we just know that short cuts, easy rides, and luck are not on our sides most of the time.  We always seem to take the winding and less traveled roads, but I wouldn't change these journeys for the world...After all, they brought us Christopher.

Today we stopped by my OBGYN's office to get a pic with the Russian doctor who ended up delivering Christopher, Dr. Sofya Tsyganovskaya (Try to pronounce that one!), or Dr. Sofya, as everyone calls her:)   Although I was nervous about this predicament, she did a fabulous job!  We also got a pic with my OBGYN, Dr. Pearson, and nurse Anita.   Everyone commented on Christopher's size, "A thriving Boy", they remarked.

"Mother of the Week"

Today is a big day on many fronts...Christopher is 3 weeks old, Big Brother Bear is 6 years old, and Mamma Kasparian made a major discovery today...Christopher's O+ bottle nipples were working fine in the beginning when we introduced the bottle, but the past two days we all thought something was going wrong with the nipples because the flow seemed clogged , and Christopher started spitting up more formula than usual and was gassy.  This also led us to believe that perhaps the answer was that Christopher wasn't digesting his formula as well anymore.  After much thought and a late night Internet search, I put two-and-two together that perhaps what was needed was the next flow level in nipples.  Although the next level is marked for 3-6 months, they say that this is just an average and that more aggressive eaters, my son:), may need the level sooner.  So, off I ran to the drug store this morning at 9am while my little boy slept in hopes that this was the answer.  I quickly returned, sterilized the nipples, and had them ready for his next meal...Voila, the mystery was solved!  My mother instinct had arrived! I took this little achievement with great pride and introduced myself to my husband and father visiting this morning as... "Mother of the Week".

Here's a morning pic of Christopher hanging with papa after his bath...Yes, the little man has baby acne:(

For the Swaddle-Challenged

My neighbor's daughter,  who has a little one herself, gave me the best advice when she directed me to the "Miracle Blanket".  Yes, that is its' name, and as cheesy as it is, it is so true!  For those of you who are swaddle-challenged or who have a baby Houdini like us, run out and get one now!  

http://www.miracleblanket.com/index.htm

No matter what books I read, what videos I watched, or how many times the nurses showed my husband and I how to swaddle our baby boy in the hospital, we would fail miserably every time we tried.  Just when we would think we managed the perfect swaddle, BAM!...out would pop one of Christopher's arms flailing around knocking himself in the face.  Although he screams initially, the minute he is snug as a bug in a swaddle, he is so peaceful and not punching himself in the face.  Everyday is truly a new learning experience...At least our nights are now a little more under control.  We actually had a 4 hour sleep session the other night!  I woke up fearing that someone had taken my baby because I felt so unusually rested:)  

What's New with Christopher

It has been a little over two weeks and although the only consistency in our life right now is no consistency, there are some definite traits of Christopher that I would like to document and share because I realize each new day he is growing and changing so quickly...

First, Christopher LOVES to eat, and when he is hungry you better have his bottle ready in seconds flat!  I'm glad it's the bottle's nipple he attacks now instead of mine:)

Next...He is the Prince of Hiccups.  Poor little guy gets some big ones that he battles like a champ!

...He likes his early morning baths, he hangs his legs over the sides of the baby net so his feet dangle in the warm water inside his infant tub.

...He grunts when he's sleeping, something that is cute but keeps mamma up at night.

...He makes an owl hoot shape with his mouth, one of my favorites!

...He likes taking a nap in his new swing every morning after his bath.

...He loves sitting in the backyard listening to the Hawaiian chimes in the breeze that Grandma Audrey got us.

...He loves going on walks inside his baby Bjorn with his big brother Bear.

Here's a few pics of some of these activities...You'll also note the exhaustion in my face...Sleep deprivation has officially set in!

Rising From the Ashes

I officially crashed and burned on Saturday.  I woke up to not one, but both breasts with infection.  Happy Anniversary honey, five years and what do you get...A hysterical wife with red-hot breasts (not the kind that are sexy).  After much crying, I realized an important decision needed to be made.  My son may have my husbands Armenian looks, but he definitely has my Italian appetite.  Although I really wanted to breast feed exclusively, I have been struggling with the constant feedings (most every 1-1 1/2 hours) and my son's aggressive approach to the nipple.  I can't blame him, the big boy is hungry!  So, my first thought was that I would pump exclusively and feed him breast milk in a bottle.  After a few bottle tests, I am happy to report that he likes the "Born Free" bottles, they seem to have the slowest flow for newborns.  But after two days of pumping constantly I realized quickly that I will not be able to manage being a pump station either.  After a few more tears, a few texts to girlfriends, I started thinking pumping and supplementing with formula.  I think this course of action will be much more manageable.  I have a call into Christopher's pediatrician to officially see what advice they can give me as well before I start this new endeavor.  So, I may not be a full-fledged "Breast Feeding Goddess", but hopefully I qualify for "Pump Princess":)  

Happy Two-Week Birthday Baby Boy!  Last night and this morning Christopher has been making lots of grunting noises...Papa says it's growing pains.  Here's a pic from this morning's bath...  

Goddesses Among Us

Now I thought breast feeding would be tough, but I now know that I under estimated the challenge.  You start with a longing to provide the best nourishment for your baby and an opportunity unlike any other to share a special bond with your child the first year of their life.  I was very fortunate because Christopher and I were able to have a good 30-minutes together right after his birth to bond right away.  Just then, right before my eyes I witnessed the amazing process I've read so much about but still didn't quite believe...Christopher found his way to my breast and was able to latch right away!  My heart was filled with joy, step one accomplished!  Then the great nurses at Providence St. Joesph's helped immensely making sure that Christopher continued to latch on properly.  All seemed well when we left the hospital, I was so grateful for this blessing I now shared with my child.  A couple days in, my breast feeding bliss went from joy to extreme pain and feelings of doubt.  I made an appointment with my doctor and a lactation consultant right away because I feared that I had an infection.  Luckily this was not the case, just a badly attacked nipple.  After a session with the lactation nurse I was able to get over my fear of feeding on this breast and was back in business.  Now, I'm not going to lie to you, things are better but still a work in progress, and a little pill called Motrin is essential in the process.   I still feel very fortunate to have this opportunity and will forever bow down to all women who breast feed, or whom I now refer to as the "Goddesses Among Us". 

Life would be unimaginable without girlfriends

Oh, where to begin...I could not have managed this past week alone without the help of my good friend Jennifer.  We have known each other since high school, a long time ago:).  She is a wonderful mother herself of a one-year-old baby boy, who took time away from him to come stay with me while my husband went back to work.  Within a short period of time she has taught me so much, I owe her the world!  I no longer fear the breast pump and giving Christopher a bath, among managing being a new mother in general.  Not only did I benefit from Jennifer being her, but Christopher sure got his share of kisses and cuddles.  Thank you Auntie Jennifer, we love you!  Please come back to visit us again soon...

BIG Healthy Baby Boy!

Today was Christopher's first pediatrician appointment.  I must say he handled himself really well, very brave.  Although, we did not manage to get through the exam without a feeding...No surprise when he weighed-in at 8 pounds 6 ounces (4 ounces past his birth weight).  I was informed by the doc that newborns usually don't get back to their birth weight until around 2 weeks, not my boy...He did it in one week, 2 days!  Besides obviously being well nourished, I was told that Christopher is a very healthy baby boy, words that warm the heart.

Ahhh...the Sounds of Teddy

Last night Christopher slept in his bassinet for the first time for a whole 3 hours!!!  All this was achieved with a little help from a friend, Teddy.  Christopher loves the womb sounds that Teddy makes (a gift from Auntie Jennifer).  I have to admit that I have grown rather fond of him as well:) 

A Day of 1st's...

Happy 1st week Birthday to Christopher!  It was a big day of celebrations, filled with many new firsts...

1)  Christopher took his first sleep in his bassinet (short as it was, I'll take it!)

2)  Christopher took a pacifier for a few moments ( I'm hoping this will help give me some relief from his every-hour feeding requests)

3)  Christopher got his first sponge bath (I'm going to invest in Aveeno baby products now because their "calming bath soap"  really does work!)  

4)  Mamma  extracted his first boogie ( It's funny how something so gross, is so cute when it comes from a baby)

As for our visit with Aunt Jennifer...I am so blessed to have her here since Clint has to work long hours this entire week.  I know now that I could not do this alone quite yet. She has already taught me so much, improving my learning curve greatly!  Christopher loves kisses from her and loves to nap on her lap.  Pics of her visit coming soon...

Some Catching-Up to Do...

Our Boot Camp Leader taking a time out in his Car Seat

It is just about 6am and I have just completed another successful breast feeding session with my little one...something that fills my heart with joy every time I do it.  Now that it has been a few days since Christopher has entered the world, I figured I better get to what I promised to do...send out constant updates as much as I can as I take this new journey as "mom".  What Papa and I have been taught by Christopher so far:

1)  We no longer have a schedule, it is his schedule

2)  We are not very good swaddlers, could use some practice:)

3)  I like to eat A LOT, and will equally poo/pee A LOT!

4)  No matter how hard you try to get my to sleep in my bassinet or crib, I ONLY LIKE SLEEPING IN MY CAR SEAT!

5)  Look out for flying objects of both kinds while changing me

6)  Despite all our rookie maneuvers, our silly songs can stay, they are a big hit!

As you can see, after being home for only a few days, we're already well into CAK Boot Camp.  Although I often have no idea what I'm doing, I'm loving every moment, even the lack of sleep that makes me see spots now and then:)

Today, Aunt Jennifer is going to be arriving for a couple of days.  We are looking forward to our time with her and will touch back in on our visit together.  Till then, I must rush to try to get at least 1-2 hours sleeps before my next round of breast feeding.

Introducing CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY KASPARIAN...Born on Labor Day 9-7-09, 8 pounds 2 ounces, 20 3/4 inches...

Epidurals rock!

More Drugs Please

Here he is!!!

My proudest Moment

New Papa

Vicky, Greatest Delivery Nurse Ever!

8 pounds 2 ounces!

Going Home Outfit

Welcome to the outside world little one

First Car Ride

Meeting Big Brother

Happy New Home

The Days of UNO

Well it is 40 weeks and our little guy is officially late! Still nothing much to report other than the fact that I have creamed Clinto at UNO several times now.  In an effort to help pass time in a low key manner, we took a trip to Toys-R-Us to buy a pack of UNO cards the other day.  I have to admit these games, and the fact that I keep winning :), are truly helping pass the time...At least I can still crack a little smile while we continue to wait for our little man's arrival...

A Few Nursery Pics...

                                                          "Pooh" Station

                                                              Mr. Frog

                                                            Place of Rest

                                                            "Wild Things"