First Bath

Andrew has been home for a week and his cord has finally fallen off. Today he got his first real bath and he handled it pretty well. He wasn't happy when we first started due to the water being too cold but once we warmed it up he did great and seemed to enjoy the experience. He didn't pee or poop in the water so we were able to get him completely clean from head to toe.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Having a newborn has been easier than I would have thought. While in the hospital Andrew was alert, easy going, non fussy, and a favorite of the nursery and the nursing staff. We've only heard him really scream twice, most of the time he does this pathetic whimper that I wouldn't really call a cry.

He loves his pacifier and quickly calms himself with out any coaxing from us. He still breast feeds like a champ and I really haven't had any problems with it. Mom thinks I have super breast milk because the boy has shown absolutely NO signs of jaundice at all.

Andrew's first doctors appointment was this week and the doctor loved him. At 5 days old he had already surpassed his birthday weight by an ounce, weighing in at 7lbs. 10 oz. The doctor was ecstatic about it and doesn't feel that we need to be seen until his one month appointment. He's in the 50% for height, weight, and head size and is a healthy and happy baby!

Baby Time!!!

Although we were hoping that Andrew would come early or at least as soon as possible when it came to my 39 week appointment we scheduled an induction for 1-18-11.
Tuesday morning came and we made our way to the hospital excitement and nervousness filling both our minds.

After settling in they started a small dose of petocin and by 11 my contractions were in full swing coming 3 minutes a part and lasting 1 minute each. As I worked through a contraction I could hear another women down the hall let out a blood curling scream. I looked at my mom and weakly mentioned that the scream was not very encouraging. Laughing, everyone in the room agreed and thought that she must be going natural. It was then I weakly asked for my epidural.

The Dr. was great and was in and out with in 10 minutes. He did a great job and the entire time I had mom at my feet chattering in my ear to distract me. Once the epidural started working I felt like I could handle the rest. At 3:pm I was 5 cm and averaging 1cm a hour. We made the calls and let the family know that I would probably be pushing around 7:pm. At 4:pm I felt the pressure building and when mom checked her eyes got big and she called for the nurse. I was 9-10cm and the nurse had plans to give me 30 min- hour before we called the dr.; however, with in 15min. I was ready and in need of pushing and they came in to get everything ready. We pushed for 15min before the dr. became concerned and recommended I rest for the next 30 min. Before the 30 min. were up I felt the need to push again and a little under and hour later I was sobbing at the sight of my son.
Born at 5:58pm 1-18-11 weighing 7lbs. 9.2oz. and measuring 20 inches long he is perfect!
The next two hours in recovery his eyes never shut as he took in everything around him. He nursed right away on his own and with no coaxing; we all were in shock. He has a laid back and calm disposition. Often times he's content just to sit and watch or look around but he never minds being held either.

The nurses all loved him constantly complimenting how cute he is and how great of a baby he is. Labor and delivery went so smoothly I fear my next will be horrible. :)

A Lesson for Brandon

I wrote this a little while ago but am just now posting it:

Chuckling at her determined facial expression Brandon looked at his wife and asked again: "Do you know what you want?". For more than an hour she had been complaining that she was hungry but nothing sounded, looked, or smelled good. Just under 9 months pregnant she obviously was craving something and couldn't figure out what it was; frustration had made her movements through out the kitchen louder than normal as she slammed one cabinet after another trying to decide. The fridge had already been opened 3 different times but nothing had ever been pulled out or considered and the freezer lacked appeal as well.

20 minutes later Erin entered Brandon's office grinning from ear to ear. Brandon sat back from the desk and just smiled knowing that she had finally decided on something. Ignoring her husbands smirk she perked up exclaiming: "Life cereal, I want Life cereal," As soon as she made the realization another came quickly behind it, "but we don't have any."

Now laughing out right Brandon stood and began making his way to the living room to put on his shoes and asked if Erin wanted to go with him to the store. Agreeing that it would be best both readied themselves for the short trip to Krogers to grab a box, or two, of Life cereal to pacify Erin's craving and fill her now grumbling stomach.

Knowing that Erin would not want to walk the possible long distance from the parking lot inside Brandon pulled the car up to the door and laid out the game plan: "I'll drop you off here, you go get what ever you want and I'll come find you once I park the car. That sound okay?"

As Erin started her sluggish exit of the car she smiled and replied with a small puff of exertion: "Yep, I'll be in the cereal isle." Moving at the speed of a turtle she waddled into Krogers like a duck knowing full well that her husband was laughing at her movements from the car. Brandon quickly found a parking spot, parked the car, and made his way into the store. Remembering that she said she would be in the cereal isle he headed that way not realizing his mistake until he spotted his wife from half way down the isle.

A quite laughter escaped from his mouth and his shoulders shook lightly at the sight of her. There close to the end of the isle stood his wife obviously in serious contemplation. In front of her were a plethora of cereals and in her hands she held more than a box of Life cereal. Looking like an ever pregnant woman with a craving Brandon asked: "How hungry are you?".

Confused at what he meant by that Erin ignored the question and excitedly shared her find: "Did you know you can buy grits like you buy oatmeal and make it at home?!" Continuing to laugh Brandon began taking items from Erin's hands and asked if she was ready to go. Both made their way to the self check out and readied for the trip home. Once home Brandon carried all of Erin's finds to the kitchen and pulled a bowl down from the cabinet for her but not before making sure to tease her yet again.

Their small trip to Krogers had turned into something more and Brandon learned that he should never have sent his pregnant wife with a craving into Kroger's by herself. As he learned, you never knew what she might come out with despite what was on the list. When they left the house the list only had one item; however, when Brandon found Erin in the cereal isle she held:

Grits, Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal, Cinnamon Life Cereal, Oatmeal Crisp with Almonds Cereal, Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal, and was debating whether or not to add Pecan Rolls. Telling Erin that she looked ever so cute with her baby belly and her arms full of goodies Brandon couldn't help but laugh and help her carry her cargo to the checkout.

At home and not completely understanding the humor of the situation Erin's mouth watered as she opened the Life Cereal and poured herself a generous bowl. She quickly made her way to the couch to tuck in with a blanket and her meal with a satisfied smile as Brandon just sat back in the recliner and laughed. He was all to glad that she was content and happy and hopefully completely stocked for future cravings.

A Mothers Prayer

Father,
The blessing I hold with in me is greater than I ever thought it could be. This is what you created me for and to have you share your life giving gift with me is amazing, thank you. Even before my child enters this world you know him and you saved him. You've held him and you love him. Nothing I could ever say or do could ever compare to what you've already given him so I ask that you let me try.

Teach me your love so that I might show it to him.
Teach me your compassion so that he may learn what it means.
Teach me your patience so that he may understand it's importance.
Teach me your truth so that he may learn it's value.
Give me the strength to pick him up and the courage to let him go.
Give me wisdom to teach him your ways of right and wrong.
Show me how to guide him in your will.
Show me how to step back so he can walk his own path.

Make him brave in this broken world.
Make him strong so that he might stand up and stand out.
Make him compassionate for those that need you.
Make him hungry for you.

I know that scripture states I am to have pains in my child laboring (Genesis 3:16) but due to modern technology I have the option to have that taken away. Please don't let that hinder my experience and allow it go smoothly and quickly so that I may greet the gift of my son with tears of joy. Keep us both safe on his journey into this world and bring him to us healthy and happy.

Where Did It Go?

With a UK basketball game filling our large flat screen TV and my husband fully engrossed in the picture I have had to spend the last half of my Saturday afternoon finding ways to entertain myself.

With plans to take Tiko for a walk I bundled up to quickly run out and check the mail before heading out. With my coat on I unlocked the door and whistled for Tiko. We both headed out the door and I walked down to the mailbox with Tiko lagging behind in the driveway. Once my hands were full of the daily mail and I turned to head back up the driveway I saw Tiko take off at a sprint and anxiously wait for me to meet him at the door. Once he sat down and let me enter the house first I gave him the okay to enter. With a bit of excitement in his step he bounded into the house and pounced on his giraffe at the edge of the rug. Tiko landed on the giraffe at an angle and the little toy got pushed under the rug. In Tiko's excitement the corner he had just disturbed got flipped back down and the giraffe became hidden under the rug.

Tiko began jumping around and searching frantically for the toy as I stood in the foyer watching and laughing. Excitement still covering his face he ran in a circle slowly becoming confused as to where the toy went. He bounded left, he bounded right, ran into the bedroom, and made the circle around the love seat but the giraffe was no where to be found.

I stayed in the foyer through the whole exchange just laughing at my crazy dog and listening to Brandon encourage Tiko to go get it. Tiko's excitement over the game never ceased; however, as more time passed he did grow more and more frantic. Finally giving him a break I uncovered the giraffe and patiently waited for Tiko to make the discovery. Seeing that giraffe was under the rug and he was going to have to go in after it Tiko nervously approached the rug. With a quick grab and dash plan Tiko retrieved his giraffe with triumph and began parading it around the room. Completely forgetting that we were going to go for a walk he coaxed me into a game of tag instead; I guess the walk will have to wait until after dinner.

Rubber Ducky Saga Continues

Almost every doctor will recommend that a pregnant women not travel after she reaches 36 weeks in her pregnancy. Thus this Christmas holiday at 37 weeks pregnant Brandon and I found ourselves stuck at home unable to visit family. Luckily for us we have the most wonderful family ever and they came to us! December 23 the entire Kennedy clan packed up their cars and came down for a day of Christmas festivities at the Mann house. The house was full and I loved every minute of having the usual Christmas Kennedy crowd together; my parents, grandparents, sisters, brother-in-law, and both my niece and nephew were all in attendance.

We spent the day opening Christmas gifts, eating a delicious Christmas meal, and laughing at my nephew. As the day progressed he grew more and more tired and his antics more and more funny but it all boiled down to the rubber ducky. If you remember the duck was originally bought for him but was claimed by Tiko. It has become a favorite toy of Tiko's and when Kyndahl discovered it the chaos and laughter was non stop.

Kyndahl, exploring the house, happened across Tiko's rubber duck and excitedly began to squeak it and cry out to any one that would listen "My duck, my duck. Look at my duck,". He climbed on the couch proudly claiming his prize while Tiko anxiously awaited for him to throw it. Thinking that Kyndahl was playing a keep away game with him, Tiko waited for a moment when Kyndahl was not paying attention before slowly sneaking up to him, grabbing the duck, and taking off running with a smile that could only be described as triumph on his face. Kyndahl immediately began crying and screaming: "MY DUCK, MY DUCK, I WANT MY DUCK, HE TOOK MY DUCK!!!" No amount of consoling helped and trying to explain to a 3 year old that it wasn't his duck to begin with was no help. Kyndahl didn't care that it was Tiko's duck he wanted the duck back.

We retrieved the duck from Tiko and gave it back to Kyndahl stopping the melt down in its tracks. Tiko, again, thought this was all a game and yet again set to attempting to play with Kyndahl and the Rubber Ducky. Kyndahl grew tired of Tiko's attention and kept telling him "NO Tiko!" causing Tiko to grow aggravated and growl. Seeing that Kyndahl was not going to share or play and Tiko was insistent on playing we decided that the duck needed to be taken away from both of them.

Again, Kyndahl's tears and screams could be heard in an instant. He was utterly heart broken that we had taken the duck away. Tiko on the other hand began frantically searching the house for the missing toy continuing the game he thought we'd been playing. We all couldn't help but laugh through out the entire scene. Eventually Kyndahl was consoled with another toy but every now and again he would look over at one of us with his lip out and hopeful eyes and ask: "My duck?"

Reflection

The Mann family 2010 year end review:

The year started off with a bang as a new President was elected at my job.

Brandon turned 27.

I joined the Praise Team at church and began singing with a group again- LOVE IT!!!

Brandon beat me, for the first time, in frisbee golf.

Work had a Ladies Mad Hatter Tea Party where we all got gussied up with our fancy hats and drank fancy tea. It was a fun and relaxing afternoon for all of us.

Brandon and I actually gardened; something I was quite proud of, only to have it destroyed by the absurdly high temperatures.

I had surgery for my endometriosis and less than 2 weeks later we got pregnant.

We lost Granddaddy Carrico and a week later found out I was pregnant.

We traveled to NC for the 4th of July and spent a wonderful long weekend with family and friends.

My sister came home from Japan to stay! Getting to see more of her this year has been a MAJOR blessing and we're SO glad she is home for longer than a few weeks.

We lost Aunt Barbara Nell and Uncle Kenny to a motor cycle accident. A tragic and surprising loss to the family given that we had only lost granddaddy a month or so before.

I started having contractions at 18 weeks and was put on bed rest for the rest of my pregnancy.

I turned 25 and despite being on bed rest Brandon made sure that my birthday was a very special day for me.

My sister gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Avery Letta Asher, and my sweet nephew turned 3!!!! I can not believe how old he is or how big he is. We have spent the last 3 years laughing at his antics, words, and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute with him.

I hosted a Kennedy Christmas at our house this year with great success and Brandon and I spent our New Years Eve watching Big Bang Theory and Salt. :)

Tiko has provided much entertainment this year, as he usually does, and we're looking forward to seeing how he will react to his new brother. He's been so great with the neighbor's little boy and with our nephew that we have no worries that he'll do great with Andrew.

It has been a year with many trials, ups, downs, and blessings. It has flown by and we both are excited to start 2011 and get our roles as parents up and running.