Happy 1 month birthday Walker

Wow, what a month.  It has gone by so fast.  It is crazy to think that a month ago I was working in the schools with 35 kids and families.  I really thought it would be hard for me to stay at home and not work because I love my job, but it has been so easy for me to be home and with Walker all day.  I could stare at him for 24 hours straight and not get bored.  He is such a funny and animated little guy.

This month he has:
-had newborn pictures taken
-met many family members
-been to his doctor check-ups
-been to Arkansas Children's hospital
-had his first road trip (to little rock)
-stayed in his first hotel
-went on many walks
-rolled over
-gained over one pound in a week
-slept for four hours straight (only once though :) )
-pooped all over mom...twice in one day...
-worked on getting days and nights straight
-been to visit dad at work
-had his first lunch/play date with his cousin Nora
-had a sleepover with G-mama
-had your first bottle from dad

He has grown so much this month that I am excited, and kinda sad, to see how much he changes and grows in April.  He was 8lbs 6oz when he was born and as of Friday he ways 10lbs 13oz.  He loves to eat...
I can't wait to see his personality and all of the fun things he will learn to do.

first visit to the grandparent's

a walk around the dog park

pound it?

hello ladies

modeling his owl onesie

saying his prayers before bedtime

our typical morning conversations

Trip to Arkansas Children's Hospital

Last week, I got a phone call from Walker's pediatric office that notified me that they needed to discuss some of his tests results with me.  The nurse notified me that his blood test came back with a positive gene mutation for Cystic Fibrosis.  She explained that we would need to go to Arkansas Children's Hospital and have him tested for CF.  She went through a lot of information, which I was hearing because I was still stuck on "positive...for Cystic Fibrosis." 

I called Marcus and let him know and then went straight to the internet.  Everyone, including the nurses, kept telling us that it would be very rare if Walker did have CF, but most likely he would just be a carrier.  After researching some, we learned that either Marcus or myself is a carrier and must also have a mutation that we passed to Walker. 

 We left Sunday evening for Little Rock.  I was super nervous and stressed out about the trip and about the test.  Walker did great in the car and in the hotel. 

Hanging out in the hotel while mom and dad get ready

Getting ready to drive to LR



The next morning we went to the General Pediatric Clinic at ACH.  They got us checked in and then sent us to the pulmonary lab where they conducted a sweat test to determine if Walker has CF.  The test takes about an hour.  We waited in a room for the results. 

I was so stressed out that I started to get a migraine, but I was prepared for this because this happens often when I am stressed.  I took some Tylenol and then felt better.  A woman from the lab came to give us the results and told us that Walker is negative for CF disease but is a carrier since he does have one genetic mutation.  Again, I didn't hear much after that because I was too relieved and focused on the word "negative."  I said many many praises to God for this and worked on catching my breath so we could make the drive back home. 

Overall, this was an eye opening experience for me though.  Being at ACH and praying that my son is healthy had a big impact on me.  I saw so many families and children with serious illnesses (even played with one in the waiting room) that I felt guilt, strength, courage, sadness, and hope all at once.  I have continued to pray for these families and hope that I continue to remember them and not take Walker's health for granted.

My birthday & jury duty

March has always been a big month, and now is even bigger with 2 birthdays to celebrate.  My birthday was last weekend, the 26th.  This year it was hard for me to think of what to do for my party.  In the past we have had costume parties, gone to the casino, or other fun things...but now with baby Walker, those things are slightly harder to do.  I decided I would be the most relaxed if we just grilled out at our house with some friends.  Marcus was in charge of planning and getting everything together, however, he got "fired" by my friend Cortney for not really doing much (in his defense things at work have been super busy).  But, I am glad that Cortney took over!  The party was great and I think everyone had fun.  I occasionally had to hide out in the bedroom to nurse Walker, but otherwise was able to enjoy the party and hang out with our friends. 


Getting ready to make my wish




Cortney made my favorite, Strawberry!




Walker had on a special outfit for mom :)

The girls plus Walker...what a ladies man

 Last week, I was called for jury duty.  This makes my 5th summons that I can remember, possibly 6th.  Unfortunately, (but not really) I have always been unable to attend.  I really didn't want to go this time since Walker is so little and I don't want to leave him with a sitter.  I called my doctor and they gave me a  medical release since I had a c-section and technically am on 8 weeks rest.  So, I took my doctor's note up to the courthouse yesterday and dropped it off for the judge.  This morning, the judge (yes, the judge) called me...yikes.  Well, after we chatted about the baby, my job, how I have been feeling, etc. (he was very friendly), he let me know that I have been released from jury duty this term, but will be summoned again in August.  Ridiculous.  I can't say I have ever been personally called by a judge.  Learning about the different terms helps it make sense why I am always being called.  I think I just keep getting pushed down the list to the next term each time I give one of my excuses...guess I should just "do my civic duty," as Marcus puts it :)

The weekend also had some other adventures, but I will write a separate post about that.

Happy 3 week birthday Walker

My little man is 3 weeks old today!  Time is going by so fast.  It is crazy to think that Walker has been a part of our lives for 3 weeks.  My life has changed so much, but I feel like it has been a fairly natural transition. 

This week, Walker has been lifting his head up more and for longer periods of time.  He is also talking (grunts and squeaks) almost all the time.  We can tell he is trying to focus on things and will sometimes respond to noises or talking by turning and looking in that direction.  My mom, her friend Karen, Jetty, and I took Walker on the Crystal Bridges walking trail this week.  He slept almost the entire time.  He also went on another walk down by the dog park on Monday with my mom, Karen, Amy Smart, and me.  After both walks, we stopped by Yum Yo's for the grown-ups and Walker and mom stayed in the car (mom is still a little apprehensive about going out into public too soon).  Walker also made his first visit to his grandparent's house this week.  That was exciting for everyone.  He did great in the car and while he was there.  I can't believe he will already be a month old next week.

Walker's tummy troubles seem to have settled some.  He hasn't really been fussy since Sunday.  He is back to being calm and sleepy.  However, he does cry during bath time, but I try to make this as fast as possible. 

We have had more visitors this week and have loved getting to introduce Walker to everyone. 

Next week, we are going to Arkansas Children's Hospital on Monday for some testing.  It is nothing major, but we would love extra prayers and positive thoughts that day.  We will also probably get out more next week and maybe even visit Marcus's office... 

  

  

Walker's 1st few weeks

I am having a hard time trying to describe these past two weeks.  I knew I didn't really know what to expect, and anytime anyone would ask me, "are you ready?" I would admit that I was trying to be as prepared as possible, but that I wasn't sure what to be ready for.  I am not sure how you can ever really be ready to bring home a newborn. 

Marcus and I have been so blessed.  Walker has been a very sweet and content newborn.  During his first week at home he slept often, and would even need to be woken up after 5 hours at night to eat.  He allowed all the wonderful visitors to pass him around and cuddle with him.  He is eating well, and I feel we are bonding quickly.  Walker is so strong, lifting his head up the day he was born and moving his body with a lot of force.  I knew that he was strong before he was born because I was able to feel his kicks...and they weren't always comfortable :)  He is such an incredible baby! 

Marcus and I were very fortunate to have someone stay with us every day until Walker was 2 weeks.  The first week, Marcus's mom stayed and helped cook, clean, and help me figure this mom thing out.  That Tuesday, Walker had his first doctor's visit.  My mom and Marcus's mom also came.  Walker weighed 7lbs 8oz and had gained half an inch.  The doctor said he looked very healthy but did have a little jaundice.  For some reason I was SO nervous at this appointment, I actually had sweat stains...This first week our daily routine was to eat every 2-3 hours, unless it was at night, which was every 4-5 hours.  We then either have some awake and explore time or sleep time.  I have become very into poop color and how many dirty diapers he has each day.  Yes, I realize this sounds gross but when it is my only way to really tell how he is doing with breastfeeding, I am okay with it :) 

Headed to the doctor's

Week 2, my mom stayed with us and helped me try to establish a routine and feel more in control of the day.  My sweet friends Alexia and Cortney took me to dinner on Friday night for an hour so I could get back out in the real world, even for just a little bit.  Our friends have been so great and have come to visit us often.  This week, Walker returned to the doctor for his 2 week check up.  He has passed his birth weight and now weighs 8lbs 15oz!!  He is still 20 1/2 inches, so he is getting kinda chunky :)  He would nurse all day if I let him.  He is not sleeping as great as before, we go about 3 hour stretches between feedings at night.  During the day we are still going 2-3 hours.  We have started going on walks and getting a little bit of fresh air.  He also spent some time in the sun this week to help get rid of his jaundice. 

As we go into week 3, Walker continues to be a wonderful baby boy and is smiling and focusing more and more each day.  However, he struggles some with gas and tummy troubles.  We are trying to work together to help him find relief from these things until his digestive system matures.  I have decided not to worry too much about a routine because of his fussy times.  We are focusing more on getting passed this stage and just having all the cuddles and loves that he needs when he is not feeling well.  I believe the routine will come later on it's own. 

So far, being a mom has been incredible.  I never could have imagined the amount of love that I would have for someone so quickly!  I also have an incredible amount of worry and paranoia when he is not feeling well...  He has completely changed our lives and we have embraced this change.  He wins the heart of anyone he meets and I love spending my days with him.  I am looking forward to what the future will bring.

Baby Walker has arrived

James "Walker" Necessary arrived 3/3/11 at 12:10 p.m.  He weighed 8lbs 6oz and was 20 inches long.  He is beautiful and happy.  It was love at first sight.

Birth Story:
Marcus and I decided, with the suggestion of my doctor, to have a c-section during my 39th week of pregnancy.  The factors that helped us with this choice were that Walker was measured at 7lbs 7oz in week 37 and healthy.  The baby was high up and not showing signs of dropping into position, along with no progression towards delivery in my body during the last week.  It appeared that Walker had missed his opportunity to fit into my pelvis to come out and was now too large to drop.  So...I did a little research and decided that a c-section would be fine.  Pros were that we would know exactly when he was going to be born and could tell family, less pain for me during the birth, and we wouldn't have to worry about getting induced and him not dropping after hours of labor.  Cons were a longer recovery time, pain after surgery, have to wait to see Walker until after post op. 

The night before (Wednesday 3/2) my parents offered to take me out to dinner for my "last meal" before surgery.  I had worked all day and didn't leave until 6:30, but still got to the restaurant before they did.  I was sitting at the table when my parents came in and behind them was my sister!  This was a huge surprise because she is living in New York and I was told that she wouldn't be able to make it.  After dinner, Marcus's mom arrived in town and the two of us went to Walmart to purchase a pink hat and a blue hat for the delivery so we could signal to the family the sex of the baby...we ended up finding full outfits and blankets in both boy and girl sets :)  I had a lot of trouble sleeping that night and was exhausted when I woke up the next morning. 

We had to be at the hospital and in pre-op by 7:30 for surgery at 9:00.  I had a massive headache and was incredibly thirsty (you can't eat or drink anything after midnight), not to mention stressed out...which made me a little grouchy.  The nurse hooked me up to IV fluids and got me ready for the c-section. 

What is it going to be?  Pink or blue?

Marcus saying a prayer for us before surgery

We were then notified that Dr. Seale's previous surgery had run into complications and that she was running late.  The family that was waiting were able to go to lunch and come back in time for the surgery. 

At 11:45 it was go time.  I felt so much better by this point from the IV fluids and the added time to rest and prepare.  I get ready for the actual surgery and Marcus joins me. 

We sit behind a blue curtain and before we know it we hear "It's a boy" and the beautiful sound of crying.  Marcus and I exchange a look of "oh my gosh, we did it, and he is healthy!"  Marcus goes over to the warming table with the baby and then brings him to me to see.  Then, they go to the nursery and to the waiting family. 

I am left in the operating room getting put back together and listening to the nurses and doctor discuss the previous night's American Idol.  Although I had watched the episode and had some strong opinions, I didn't comment because my mind was so stuck on the perfect image of my new baby and hearing those cries over and over in my head.  Then, I got wheeled to post-op and felt like I was there forever...but it was actually only 40 minutes.

Once in my room, I was able to hold and nurse Walker and visit with family.  We had many visitors and I was feeling really good (I am sure it had a lot to do with adrenaline).  The day was perfect.  Instincts and skills I never thought I would posses, slowly came and helped me to feel like a mother to this new baby.

We stayed in the hospital until Saturday afternoon and came home to a clean house and tons of food.  It was an incredible weekend and one that we will not forget!

My mom and sister were sent to Target to get "boy clothes"

Baby Necessary's Nursery

We are quickly approaching the arrival of little baby Necessary and I think we have just about everything covered...at least the basics.  In no way am I claiming to be ready, because I think that is naive.  I don't think there is ever "ready" when it comes to having a baby or raising a child.  However, Marcus and I are trying to be as prepared as possible.  I have had my hospital bags packed for over a month now thinking that might help spur things along...no such luck.  We have the bassinet up in our room, clothes and blankets have been washed and are ready to go.  The only thing I still need to do is install the car seat base in our cars and have it checked. 

I go to the doctor on Tuesday for my 38th week check-up.  Last week we found out that little baby Necessary is not so little (7lbs 7oz) and will probably not be overstaying his/her welcome past 40 weeks.  If he/she continues to grow at about 1/2 lb per week, then we are looking at one healthy baby and a nervous momma about delivery. 

I wanted to post some pictures of the nursery and show how we are using the generous gifts that so many wonderful people have blessed us with.  This baby will definitely not want for anything. 

The theme of the nursery was easy for me to pick because Marcus and I had to move out all of my old sorority stuff that was decorating one room to make space for his new office/guest room.  My sorority was Chi Omega which has owls as a symbol, so I have collected these for years.  When we decided to not find out the gender I picked brown and green to be the colors (which I probably would have picked anyway).  It was actually really cheap and easy since I didn't have to buy any decorations.  Some of the items I spray painted to match the color scheme, but otherwise I just placed them in the room.

This is the hanging I made to go on the door of the nursery.  I found the owl and ribbon at hobby lobby.

This is a metal hanging I saw at Gordman's on sale and the owl is a gift from Megan (thanks Megan) that I just placed into the branches.  This hangs on the wall behind the door.

Here is the view from the doorway.  The tree is a vinyl sticker and was easy to put up with the help of my sister in law.  The swing is a hostess gift from one of my showers and will probably move to various places in the house once baby arrives.

The mirror I already had but spray painted green and the lamp I just added some ribbon around to match the room.  I found the globes at hobby lobby and put in some Christmas lights for a night light.  I found this great brown and green lattice fabric and sewed the curtains and pillow for the glider.  Ella (my cat) has helped me practice my rocking already.  She loves the glider.  The wooden 'baby' hanging was just received this week at one of my showers.  I am planning on hanging it on the wall, but just haven't found the perfect place yet.

This is the view of the other side of the room.  The green cubes are the toy boxes and are already full of rattles and other fun toys.  There is a sound machine on top of the cubes that plays all sorts of music and sounds.  The bookshelf was a gift from Grandpa and Grandma Walker.  I spray painted the owl vase brown and added some brown and green floral stems from my Christmas tree decorations. 

I am really looking forward to reading to my little one.  I am thankful for all of the books that were gifts from so many.  There are even cute owl books that came with matching owl stuffed animals. 

Here is a closer view of the crib.  I wanted solid, simple bedding and used the mesh bumpers because they were cheaper and are supposedly safer.  They were also some of the only ones I could find in a solid color. 

I made this mobile out of unused Christmas decorations.  It is owl ornaments, string beads, and ribbon. 

The changing table has a diaper wreath on it from one of my showers and then diaper cakes with owl toppers from another.  I used brown cubes to help organize all of the different things you need for changing diapers and the extra bedding.