Growing Like A Weed

TJ is getting bigger and bigger by the day, it seems. At our weekly breastfeeding group last week, the little munchkin weighed in at 9 lbs, 2 ounces! That was nearly a week ago, and we'll weigh him again in the morning. This will be our third week going to the group. It's a great, free program where moms come and nurse, share stories of successes and frustrations, and meet with a nurse to get advice and help with nursing. It's nice to share stories with other moms and to find out I'm not the only one with certain struggles and questions. It's also great to check TJ's weight each week... it let's me know he really is getting the nutrition he needs. It's also fun because the place is near Frankie's work, so we go and have lunch with Daddy when we're done.

This week Frankie took his first out-of-state trip since TJ was born. It was tough for him to leave, but we were able to chat with our webcams, so he was able to see TJ a few times during his short trip. Grandpa & Grandma came up to stay with us since I really didn't want to stay home alone overnight with a newborn. Plus, they'll find any excuse to visit their little grandbaby (and bring him presents)! :)

We've had a busy week so far. I started my Buggy Fitness class Monday morning, which we will go to every Monday and Friday morning. We bring our kiddos with us to class, and get a great workout without needing daycare. It's a lot of fun and a great way to meet other moms, babies and get in shape. And, it really will kick me into gear. I thought it would ease us new moms into things, but nope -- our instructor kicked our butts! I hope I'll still be able to go up the stairs after Friday's class. :)

I'm halfway through my maternity leave already, and I'm starting to have anxiety about leaving TJ and going back to work. Yesterday was the first day I missed work. It was difficult watching breaking news coverage of the Deer Creek Middle School Shooting while sitting at home. I wouldn't trade my time off with TJ for anything, but at the same time, I can't get rid of my love for my job and the adrenaline that comes with covering major news events. I have to admit, I was a little jealous of those in the booth.

Today we had a chance to finally meet baby Grayson, my girlfriend's little boy who is 4 days younger than TJ. It was nice to catch up with Alanna and see her little cutie. Unfortunately, TJ's feeding cut our lunch short, and we don't have pictures of the two buds together, but we will soon!

This weekend Uncle Rode is coming into town for work and is staying with us. It's been so great to have so many friends and family coming to meet our baby boy since it's hard to get out of town right now.

Time Flies...

We can't believe TJ is already four weeks old! What a crazy, amazing four weeks it's been. It seems like just yesterday it was January 17th and we were anticipating the birth of our son... and it's still hard to believe we've had him in our arms for a month!

He's becoming more and more alert each day, and he's really starting to follow our voices and faces with his big blue eyes. He's starting to really enjoy his bouncer and feedings are getting easier. We still have some frustrating moments, but they're happening a lot less often.

I'm starting to feel a lot better, too... now, our only complaints are really exhaustion -- go figure!

This week was a busy one, again. We celebrated the birth of our nephew, Joseph Francis Martin on February 11th. That's also my mom's birthday. Mom and baby are healthy and home, and we can't wait to meet him.

Since my mom's birthday was last week and Frankie's is this week, the three of us went to Canon City and celebrated with the family. We had an awesome Italian meal at the Belvedere, and everyone had a great time playing and cuddling with their little Grandson and nephew.

On Sunday, we spent Valentine's Day at Jack in the Box. We had milkshakes and came home and watched a movie. It was perfect. We also had part two of our photo shoot with my girlfriend from college. TJ did an awesome job and the sneak peek of photos look amazing. Here's a link to her blog: www.amnphotography.blogspot.com


Uncle Jonas and Aunt Nathalie flew in from New York last night for a ski trip and spent the night with us. Of course, they thought TJ was adorable!

This week we're planning on taking to TJ's first CSU basketball game since Frankie has to shoot it. Other than that, we're just going to take it easy, well, as easy as you can take it with a four-week-old. :)

No One - Dat Who!

I don't think Frankie ever thought life would be this good. In the past three weeks, his son was born and the Saints won the Super Bowl! What? Really? He says he's still walking on air. :)

Uncle Justin flew in to watch the game with us. It was a relatively quiet Super Bowl "party" that ended with Daddy finally shaving his playoff beard! It was the first time TJ saw Daddy's face. :)


TJ's had a busy week this past week. In addition to celebrating the Saints first Super Bowl win, he spent a lot of time out of the house with Mommy and Daddy.
TJ went to Mommy's work last week where he was a huge hit. Everyone loved him. He also went to CSU with Daddy on Friday and met Coach Miles and Mommy's friend, Courtney.

In the past three weeks we can't believe how much TJ has grown and changed. The one thing that hasn't changed is that we can just sit there and stare at him for hours. He's such a sweetie and doesn't have too many fussy moments. He's staying awake longer and waiting longer to eat, which helps us get a little more sleep at night. :) Now, we need to work on honing our schedule to help keep things on track and incorporating activities like tummy time.

We signed up with a group called Bright Beginnings and had our first visit this week. It's a great program that helps us interact with TJ and begin his development now. It gives us things to do with him now to help give him a head start, and it provides us with great resources, so we're excited about that!
Things are starting to get back to normal for the animals, too. Bo is finally coming around me and loving on me even it's just for a few minutes at a time, and Jackson isn't whining as much. :) PJ never seemed to be affected at all, so nothing's changed with her.

We can't believe three weeks have already gone by. Already we want time to slow down so we can enjoy our little boy even more.

TJ's Photo Shoot

Here's a link to my friend's blog... it's of Part 1 of TJ's newborn photos. She did an amazing job!

www.amnphotography.blogspot.com

Two Week Update

We can't believe TJ is already two weeks old today. His actual due date was this past Saturday, and both Frankie & I can't imagine if he'd waited that long to arrive.

Everyday we have had different challenges, but everyday we have fallen more and more in love with our little boy.

TJ had a blocked tear duct causing his left eye to become matted, but that's cleared up now. I've developed an infection from feeding, but I'm on antibiotics and am getting better. He has really good nights, followed by not-so-good nights, and Daddy and Mommy are learning to function on very little sleep. ;)

Daddy is back to work, and this will be our first week on our own. Aunt Angie was here helping for a few days last week, but now it's just Mommy & TJ. I'm actually excited for it to be just the two of us.

Yesterday, my friend, Adriane, came over to photograph TJ. She had taken our maternity pictures, so it was nice to have her take his newborn photos. I'll post the link to her blog once she has the pictures up. We're waiting to take the family photos until after the Super Bowl when Daddy finally shaves his playoff beard!

TJ had his two-week appointment and he's doing great. He's already gained past his birth weight and weighs in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and he's 20 inches long. He had another heel prick to test for genetic disorders and he actually fell asleep while the nurse was taking his blood! She couldn't believe, and really, neither could we!

This week, we're planning on visiting Mommy's work and going with Daddy to Fort Collins for his work. Then, Uncle Justin flies in for the weekend to meet TJ and watch the Super Bowl with us!

Who Dat!