Jack...aka...'The Monster'

Lee and I have called Jack a 'monster' from the beginning as he will make you believe the world is ending if he doesn't eat soon:)  We have a stuffed elephant (thank you Aunt Gretchen) on his changing table and we always change his diaper right before he eats.  We started realizing that Jack loves his elephant but he also tries to eat the elephant because he is so hungry.  This is hilarious and don't judge that I took video of this and delayed him eating by 2 minutes.....

Jack's First Day at MerryHill School

Today was Jack's first day at daycare!!  The MerryHill school he is at is not even a mile from my office.  So I'll be going to check on him at lunch:)  And any time I 'need' a break!  He did awesome this morning and he has two awesome teachers so I know he is in good hands! 

Pictures with Mom and Dad on his first day.....

Quick Update

Back to Work - I can't believe it but I'm already back at work!  I've actually been back for 2 weeks now!  I've adjusted well to not being around Jack all day but I miss him terribly and I am always so excited for 5pm so I can get home and see him!  My Mom watched him last week and my Mother-in-law watched him this week.  Next Monday he will start daycare at the Merryhill School right by my work.  Literally I can walk to the daycare.  They have an open door policy so I will be going to visit Jack during lunch or when I feel like taking a break.  The thought of being able to go spend 15 or 20 minutes with him during the day, whenever I want, just makes my heart happy! 

Speaking of Jack, he will be 8 weeks old on Monday.  He is really starting to fill out and get some meat on his legs and arms.  He is so fun right now!  He will smile and he makes the funniest faces, especially when he tastes something that he doesn't like.  There isn't much that can prepare you for being a parent and I feel so blessed that Jack is healthy and that Lee and I are able to communicate our way thru stressful times.  I am so thankful for all the help Lee and I have had with Jack.

I have taken the camcorder out so I promise to post video of Jack as well as lots of pictures!

Some of the pictures below are from several weeks ago (if you haven't noticed, I'm not the best blogger these days:).

Jack's first walk outside.  Mom and I took him for a walk when we had a nice day and Jack loved it!

This is a video of Jack waking up.  He was stretching and making his usual noises - I took video of him and sent it to Lee at work.

This is Jack's 'I'm hungry and becoming a monster' face:)

Sweet picture 

Jack in his 'I love my aunt' onesie from Aunt Meredith. 

Sleeping peacefully, swaddled and with paci...

Cute whale pants from Aunt Gretchen. 

This outfit is from Aunt Gretchen - I think he looks like 'Sailor Jack'! 

Lee and I bought Jack this onesie with 'Monsters' on it because we call him a monster when he gets hungry!  He loves to eat!! 

The cutest smile! 

Tummy time on Daddy's tummy - making his neck so strong. 

Until next time....

William Jackson Gwaltney - Est. 01/23/2012

Finally....right?!  I have now been a Mom for a month and I still feel like the fog hasn't lifted much.  There is so much to learn and so little sleep to get when it comes to being a Mom.  I wouldn't change a thing...I'd just like an extra hour of sleep every now and then.  So I have a lot to write to get everyone caught up on what has happened at the Gwaltney Household in the last month.

January 22, 2012

Regular day - Lee and I went to Cracker Barrel for brunch (I had pancakes) and then we headed over to Bass Pro Shop to look at guns.  Yes, guns.  Lee is interested in getting a gun when we buy a house.  To be prepared if we have to be.  Anyway, we went home after that and Lee had pitching lessons that afternoon and then a basketball game at 9pm that night.  I was in bed when he called after his game, it was around 10pm.  We got off the phone and I 'rolled' over and felt a bubble.  The next thing I know, I am feeling water and I get out of bed and there is more water.  I'm in shock.  I really didn't think I'd have my water break that early (if at all).  Lee got home a couple of minutes later and I called him in to the bathroom and explained what happened.  He was in just as much shock as I was.  I think his first words were 'I need to take a shower', lol.  I called my doctor and spoke to the OB on call.  He said to go ahead and start for the hospital.  We packed our bag and Lee took a shower, then we said good bye to our current life and left to start our new journey.  We got to Baylor Frisco around 11:30pm and by this time I am having contractions.  We check in and get into our Labor & Delivery room.  Our nurse was awesome.  We get hooked up to the heartbeat and contraction monitors and we wait.

January 23, 2012

Still hanging out, listening to Jack's heartbeat and trying to breathe through my contractions.  Lee's parents and brother are at the hospital at this point.  So is my sister, Meredith.  Once my OB got there, she examined me and said she thought Jack felt like he was breech. They did a sonogram to confirm and at that point it was decided I would have a C-Section.  I think it was about 2am.  At 2:54am Jack joined us:  at 7lbs 5oz and 19.5in., he was beautiful! 

January 26, 2012

We brought Jack home on Thursday.  I was so emotional about going home with him, yet I felt a certain peace about it.  I can't even explain the emotions you go through after giving birth, I was a crying machine.  I'm better now:)  Jack sleeps in a bassinet in our room. 

February 1, 2012

Mom helped me the first week I was home with Jack.  We took him to the pediatricians office on Wednesday to get him weighed.  They are supposed to be back up to their birth weight by the time they are 2 weeks old.  I wanted to gauge how I was doing nursing him.  He weighed 7.5lbs at birth and 6.14lbs when we left the hospital.  I wanted him to at least weigh 7lbs, he weighed in at 6.13lbs.  I felt defeated but we continued on until our 2 week  appt.

February 5, 2012

Jack had newborn pictures taken today.  He wasn't thrilled about this but the pictures turned out amazing!  Jill Ann did such a great job!

February 8, 2012

Jack's 2 week appointment went fabulous.  He weighed in at 7.6lbs!  We were so happy we could have thrown a party!  He measured 20.8inches long. 

February 14, 2012

My Mom was in town today so I was able to leave for the first time.  I felt like I had escaped something:)  I went to get Lee a couple of things for Valentine's Day.  It was nice to be out and about again.  I'll be so happy when Jack is big enough to be out and about with me. 

February 15, 2012
Lee and I had our first date night since Jack was born.  We went to a sushi place and it was great!  We had such a fun night out!

February 22, 2012
Jack's 1 month appointment was today.  He is growing just as he should and got an A+ from the doctor.  He now weighs 8.6lbs and measures 21.5inches.  He had to get one vaccination and he was not happy about this.  It made me so sad for him:) 

These are the milestones so far.  I have a little over a week before I have to start back at work.  We will put Jack in a daycare that is right by my work (I could walk to it).  But we will wait until Jack is 8 weeks old, my Mom and Mother-in-law will watch him for a week each once I go back to work.  We are so blessed that Jack is healthy and progressing so well!  Thank you all for the well wishes!

Kristen, Lee & Jack

36 Weeks = A Very Anxious Mommy to Be!!!

Before I talk about my anxiety, I need to first say how thankful I am and how blessed I feel that I can even say 'I am 36 weeks'!  There was a point when Lee and I were very sure we wouldn't make it this far but with the prayers of our friends and family and by the Grace of God, Baby Jack is still growing and getting ready for his debut.  We have LESS than 30 days to go!!!  Now, I'll talk about my anxiety..........

I started back to work (at the first of the year) 2 days a week and it is going really well.  It's nice to be in the office and have coworkers to talk to.  This is our busy time of year though, so reality is, it has been just that, busy and a little stressful.  I take it a day at time.  Along with going back to work, I picked up a cold and have been trying to get rid of it since Tuesday.  My doctor called in an antibiotic on Friday and that has definitely kicked in.  I'm starting to feel much better.  It's one thing to have trouble sleeping because you are just uncomfortable and have indigestion but put in not able to breath and it's downright miserable. 

I am now going to my OB once a week until Jack arrives.  We have scheduled our appointments out and I believe they are the 18th, 24th, 31st and February 10th.  Did I mention LESS than 30 days to go!!  Jack's room is done but as I have figured out, he will be sleeping in a bassinet in our room for a while before he moves to his room.  So his room is more like a 'storage' spot for the time being.  We need more room.  I think this summer we will start the 'house buying' process.  I think we have everything we could need for Jack.  Now we just wait for his arrival.  This is where my nerves kick in.  I'm nervous about labor, I'm nervous about becoming a mother.  I'm nervous about taking care of a tiny baby that I call my own, yet I have a sense of peace about this too.  It's hard to write in words how exactly I feel.  Especially now, it is surreal to me that we don't have but a month (or less) to go.  It is starting to sink in that Jack could come at any time and the question is, am I prepared.  Yes, I have the material stuff that he needs but mentally, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this.  What a miracle it will be once he arrives and the love that Lee and I will feel.  I'm so excited for that day and yet I am still so nervous:) 

I guess I should say, my cup runneth over......

33 Weeks - A Milestone Achieved

I am now a little over 33 Weeks!  We have met the 32 Week Milestone and surpassed it with no problems!  We are truly blessed and thank everyone for the prayers sent our way.  Last week we had an appointment with our OB and she listened to Jack's heartbeat and measured my stomach.  We don't do much at these appointments right now.  Our next appointment with her is January 5th and I think I will be going to her every week after that until Jack gets here.  We also had our LAST appointment with the specialist at Children's Medical Center last week.  They measured Jack and everything looked really good.  Most of all, my cervix is holding up just as it should be and since I am past the 32nd week, I don't have to go back to them any longer.  I have to say I'm a little sad not to be going to the specialist though, he was the nicest man, Lee and I both were so impressed with his demeanor and that of his whole office staff.  The other reason I'm a little sad not to go back is they have the best technology and we won't be getting the bi weekly ultrasounds of Jack any longer.  A little selfish I know, but it was so fun to see him.  I may have one more with my OB but that is probably it. 

I have many a sleepless nights these days.  I am usually awake from midnight to 3 or 4 in the morning.  Sometimes I just come out to the couch and try to find something on TV to watch.  If I have indigestion I can usually get a little more comfortable on the couch.  I must say, indigestion is a terrible thing.  I will be so glad once Jack gets here and that side effect of pregnancy goes away.  There are some nights that I do sleep thru the night and I am SO grateful for that!  I had what is called 'round ligament pain' at the bottom right portion of my stomach but that has subsided.  It is quite painful though and very hard to get comfortable.  I should say, it is hard to get comfortable at all these days:)  My back hurts some but not all the time.  My wedding ring is off more than it is on right now.  My fingers tend to swell in the mornings so I don't sleep with my ring on.  My appetite isn't lacking either.  I love to eat! 

Lee and I have been to a Childbirth Class and Baby Care Class at the hospital.  The Childbirth class was ok.  I think it made me more anxious about labor and delivery than I was before attending.  One thing I did take away from it was to be prepared for a long day.  You don't just walk in and push and out comes baby:)  Although, that would be great!  The Baby Care class was great.  We learned alot about what to do once we bring Jack home and I think Lee and I are more nervous about that than anything else.  What do we do with this little person once we have him to ourselves?!  Thank goodness for Grandmothers right?  We also had our carseat installed correctly and were shown how to do this by technicians at the hospital.  We have met with a couple of pediatricians and decided on Dr. Newton with Centennial Pediatrics for Jack.  We really enjoyed meeting Dr. Newton and they are close to work and home so that made a difference for us. 

Jack's room is basically ready for him.  We have curtains up and we have the bedding (thank you Chris and Miriam).  Lee bought a rug and lamp and now we just need to hang some shelves.  Lee also painted some wooden letters that say 'JACK' and we will hang that in his room.  The picture at the top of the blog is what Lee painted.  We put the swing together last night.  Mom washed most of Jack's clothes and pajamas for me.  We need to wash his blankets and sheets.  Other than that, Lee and I just need to pack a bag for the hospital and we are ready to go. 

The holidays have been alot of fun this year!  We had a fabulous Family Christmas (with Lee's family) and they thru us a baby shower that was amazing!  Thank you Aunt Karen for the hard work you put into our shower - you did a fabulous job!!  We are so blessed! 

I think that is it for now. I will continue to update after our appointments and as needed.  I will return to work next week for a couple of days a week.  I am really excited about this as it will be nice to get out of the house some!  I will do this until Jack arrives.  My office isn't even a mile from the hospital where I will deliver so if something happens, I'm just down the street.  Thank you again for the prayers and positive thoughts sent our way!  They have worked wonders! 

Happy New Year - may 2012 be the best yet!

Picture of Jack from last week's ultrasound - plump cheeks:)

Jack's bedding.

Another picture of Jack's bedding.

Sweet gift from my husband! 

29 Weeks - Thanksgiving 2011

I will officially be 29 weeks tomorrow!  Less than 80 days to go and less than 60 until I am 'full term'.  Seems unreal!  We will see Dr. Zaretsky on Tuesday to, hopefully, here more good news on my cervix holding up.  I'm also seeing my regular OB every 2 weeks now that I have entered my 3rd trimester.  I feel like I'm at the Dr. alot these days.  But seeing as how I don't get out of the house much anymore, the Dr. visits are a nice 'outing' for me.  I have started to wake up during the night for several different reasons:  just uncomfortable, indigestion, bathroom breaks.  I usually stay up for a couple of hours and then end up falling back asleep.  I've started to get used to this pattern now and I agree with those that have told me 'this is a sample of what is to come once Jack gets here'.  Jack is moving all the time these days, which has been really fun to feel and now watch.  I can see my stomach move when he moves.  Lee can also feel him move really well now.  Lee likes talking to Jack, this makes me smile because there is just something special about watching your husband talk to his unborn child:) 

Since I am 'resting', we didn't get to travel to Georgia with the rest of the family to see my sister for Thanksgiving.  We did get to go to Lee's parents home in Willow Park though and had a great time!  The food was fabulous and the company was even better! 

I want to take a minute to give my THANKS this 2011: 

• My Husband - thank you for taking on 'everything' since I have been put on 'rest'.  You have taken on the responsibility without complaint and I wouldn't be able to get thru this without you!  I tend to get a little depressed being home all day and night and not being able to leave very often.  Lee came home with 3 new OPI nail polish colors last Friday for my next mani/pedi visit.  He is always so good about little surprises that he knows will lift my spirits.  I love you Lee - my cup runneth over....
• My Mother - thank you for your unwavering support.  You have put so much into Baby Jack and now you are helping Lee and I however you can and we appreciate it more than you know!  I am so happy that 2011 brought you to retirement! 
• My Father - thank you for your good advice always.  Thank you for your help getting the last part of the baby bed put together:)  I am so excited for your retirement in just a few short weeks! 
• My In-Laws - Barbara and Bill - thank you for the food, the hard work and being so flexible with your schedule to come and help with whatever we need!  We are so grateful for you both and appreciate each and every thing that you have done for us (and Baby Jack)!
• Meredith - thank you for also stepping in to help when we have needed it!  You are so mature for your 23 years and I am so proud of everything you have achieved!  I'm so proud to be your sister!
• Gretchen - thank you for the AWESOME care package with so many AWESOME goodies!  I miss you and love you!
• Miriam - thank you for being a friend that I can count on at any time, any day!  I strive to care for others the way you do, you always put everyone else first.  Thank you for putting up with me everyday and thank you for stopping by to have lunch with me every now and then!  Thank you for already loving Baby Jack, for loving me and my husband!  I look forward to many more years of 'talking it out':)
• Allison - thank you for always making me laugh when I need it most!  Our friendship goes back years and I smile each time I think of the memories made in college through our current state of 'big and pregnant'!  I know we have both said this but who would have thought 10 years ago we would be sharing our lives still and pregnant at the same time:)  Thank you for loading us up on clothes for Baby Jack!  We could never repay you for such a blessing!  Thank you for stopping by to have lunch with me and giving me company!  I'm looking forward to next week:) And I'm looking forward to Emma and Jack being great friends!
• Amy - thank you for being such a positive influence.  I've always looked at you and Chris as 'the perfect match'.  You are great together and you are both great parents.  I will continue to learn from you and, of course, drink a glass of wine or two with you:)
• Stephanie - thank you for the best stories and making me laugh out loud!  Thank you for listening and for the advice during lunch.  I strive to be a working mother that has it all together like you do!  I am in awe of you and how you do it all!
• My doctors - I am so grateful that technology and research has come so far and will continue to get better.  We are lucky that Dr. Varadi (my OB) sent us to Dr. Zaretsky (specialist) to have my cervix checked out and because of this, he was able to catch the issue early and put a stitch in my cervix before things were so advanced that nothing could be done.  We know we are in great hands with both doctors!  

Lee and I want to again say thank you to those of you that have kept us in your prayers during this time!  They are working and we continue to ask for your prayers until Baby Jack gets here.  We are so blessed....

Below are some pictures from Thanksgiving.