Beautiful

I'm not sure I posted this picture yet...however it is one of my all time favorites.

Often, when I'm having my 3 o'clock quiet time with Roark and singing John Denver (yes - JD does have a positive impact of Roark's sleeping) I think of this photo - it warms my heart.

Brilliant

I don't mean to brag...but Roark is pretty awesome. I promise I will not be one of those parent's that brags about how her son is the best child ever...no I will not do it, instead I will just declare it here - on the Internet for it to be immortalized forever.

Last night, we tried a new bottle to help with Roark's little tummy trouble (insert funny joke here about how Roark inherited his tummy issues...) and he reached for and held the bottle. I kid you not! We tried to get a picture but we were so amazed we couldn't take our eyes off of the sheer brilliance.

Granted, he hasn't done it again - but it was still pretty cool.

Even Archie likes tummy time...

My Favorite Book To Read To Roark...

The past couple of days have been rather challenging, thanks to our dear Roark, and Erik and I are a bit sleep deprived.

However, we've been able to get some peace reading this book to Roark.

Please make sure there are no kids around when you listen to this link, unless they are of the age where they are not talking yet...




Must Read (in this case, listen)

The More You Know - Something To Be Thankful For--

It is my belief to pass on important tidbits of information, especially if it can save lives...Drink Up People!

Drinking coffee cuts harmful effects

Everyone Needs An Iris

Bath, bottle, bed, and Bears

Roark is awesome; there are times when it is hard for me to decipher if it is daytime or nighttime but those times are few and far between.

As a matter of fact, last night I was the one that kept waking up - expecting Roark to be up any second. He actually slept great - only woke up twice and even then he was back to sleep in 30 minutes.

My world has certainly changed and my days are now filled with dirty diapers, quality tummy time, cuddling time, and feeding. Everyday, I try to get out of the house with Roark. Yesterday, my adventure included shopping with my Mom (which is always a great time) and in the afternoon, I went to this store by the house looking for old wooden letter toy blocks that Erik and I saw months ago. We thought it would be neat to get the baby's name in the blocks and hang it in the nursery. So I got the blocks and went to pay for them:

That is where I met Iris. Iris asked me to put Roark up on the table so she could see him. We started talking and she suggested to take pictures daily to mark his development. Little did she know I have been - so I shared the photos with her.

She was amazed as to how much he has grown. She then gave me the blocks as a gift.

Everyone needs an Iris in their day - to remind us that people are good, life is wonderful, and time with loved ones should be enjoyed - and not rushed.

So this Holiday season relish the time with your loved ones and be an Iris to a stranger.

Pictures of Roark

Some of you mentioned you weren't able to see the pictures taken of Roark when we were in the hospital. Here is another link to try...

Photos of Roark

Truth be told...this morning I was a little sad that I didn't have more pictures of him when he was all swaddled up...

It's A Sad Day...

The news came over the wire yesterday...I couldn't believe it - I was hopeful it was a bad dream.

But yes, it is true Ashton and Demi are getting divorced and I am devastated. I thought for sure their love was true and sacred, and that their marriage would last.

Alas, it is a sad day and a dark weekend.

In order to cope with such sadness, I found solace in these videos...Mayhem and Raccoon.

Hope these videos can make you smile.

A Special Shout Out - Jean Smith

Not a day goes by when I don't hear from my friend Jean Smith...she really has kept me sane throughout my roller coaster days of emotional up and down swings.

She is an excellent listener and a true voice of reason. Not that I'm hallucinating but I have done some crazy things...she just reminds me that my world has change and I'm operating on very little sleep while trying to maintain a clean house, shower daily, do laundry, and care for a newborn.

Thank you Jean - your friendship is priceless.

Support

Support goes a long way. The past couple of weeks have been truly amazing and it is crazy how one can function on very little sleep - it is as if I'm on autopilot...but what is helping me cope with sleep deprivation is the support of my husband, friends, and family.
Erik has been truly wonderful during this time - trying to juggle work, a baby, and Roark (get it, I'm the baby...hahaha).

My family has been totally rad (yes, I went old school on that one) too. Bringing Erik and I food - and simply checking in on me

My cousin Meghan, even when things are going a little rough for her, she manages to text me to see how things are going.

Then, I'm blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law who sent me an email stating that I'm a natural when it comes to a loving mother. HOLY COW. My mom has told me the same thing - which is so great to hear. Honestly, I was worried I wouldn't be a good mother - but instincts are astounding.

And just now my dear friend Joanne commented about how much I've grown up. Which, I guess, is a good thing, right? However, not to fret - I still laugh every time Roark breaks wind - or sprays me with the "firehose (yes this has happened several times - you would think I'd learn my lesson. But honestly, he usually gets me at the 4am feeding - which I will use as my excuse)."

So, if you think of it...lend your support to someone in the next few days. No matter how minor you think it is - it could mean the world to that individual.

Thank you everyone!!!

Time Flies

3 Weeks Old

4 Days Old

Everyone has told me to relish these moments because time passes quickly and children grow up so fast. Today, Roark is 3 weeks old and he has grown so much!

He continues to entertain me...as well as surprises me. The way he is looking around and finding things fascinating is truly amazing.

Opinion...

 

Is it me or does Mitt Romney look like Butthead?

Sunshine On My Shoulders

I found it...Roark likes John Denver. He was a little fussy this morning so I put on a little JD and he fell asleep...I'm sure many people fall asleep to John Denver. Maybe it is the hormones, but the words to Sunshine On My Shoulders are beautiful:

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song to make you feel this way

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a tale that I could tell you
I'd tell a tale sure to make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I'd make a wish for sunshine all the while

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
Sunshine almost all the time makes me high
Sunshine almost always

Sunshine

So picture this...I'm holding Roark so his head is on my shoulder...and we are "dancing" in his room and I'm "singing" (I'm not that good of a singer, just a reminder). When I get to this part: "If I had a day that I could give you; I'd give to you a day just like today," I'm crying...thank you hormones. Keep in mind that I am not sad. Oh no....it is just the best feeling in the world to feel his breath on my neck and that he is comfortable enough in my arms to fall asleep...plus the fact he doesn't mind my singing is a total bonus. I wish I could bottle this...seriously.

As mentioned in the previous blog, Roark got to meet his other grandparents. He was very well behaved...it was wonderful having them here, with Allie.

Here is a picture:

Family Lovin'

The Boys

Big Sis Allie caring for Roark

Nana, Roark, and Sippy Cup

Papou and Roark

 There is no lack of love for Roark...(yes, I know the picture with Nana was posted already, but it is worthy of another look - take note of the care she has in holding Roark and her sippy cup - that is talent).

Today is another big day in little Roark's life - he is meeting his other set of Grandparents. So more pictures will be posted...

I'm sorry that I was unable to post anything yesterday but honestly, I couldn't get enough of this little guy because he is starting to focus on things - and his eyes were crossing. He was my entertainment. He also has become my new dance partner...I need to find a song that calms him down, just like Notorious B.I.G. does for this baby.

baby

He Did It!!

It is recommended that by the time the baby is two weeks old he/she should be back to his/her birth weight, because a baby tends to lose a little weight after he/she is born. Well the Nugget did it. We had our two week appointment today and he is up to 10 lbs 2 oz, and is 21 3/4 inches.  He has already outgrown his newborn clothes, and two sets of diapers. We should have called him Marmaduke.

Oct. 26, 2011                                November 10, 2011
Height: 21"                                     Height: 21 3/4 inches
Weight: 9 lbs 1oz                           Weight: 10 lbs 2 oz

*In the hospital, Roark's weight went down to 8 lbs, 2 oz, so he is gaining weight nicely. Today we are scaling back his feedings to every 4 hours as opposed to every 2 hours. We will see how the Nugget adjusts.

As mentioned earlier, my mom was here helping out while Erik knocked 'em dead at an LTE conference in Dallas. It was absolutely wonderful to have her here - she helped out a lot by holding, feeding, and changing Roark. She also gave him his first sponge bath, which he gladly thanked her by pooping all over the place once the bath was done. You see, things like poop, spit up, tinkle (I love that word - I should really expand my vocabulary) don't phase me anymore and my mom and I had a pretty good laugh.

Really, who needs sleep?

It is amazing that this little one has so much control over our sleep patterns. He is 2 weeks old today and eating us out of house and home...but that is good. Tomorrow is another doctor's appointment where I expect them to tell us that he is 20 lbs.

Spoil

We are so very blessed to have wonderful friends and family. Everyone has been so kind and helpful with us. My mom was nice enough to make us several dinners...I hope to get the recipes posted at a future date. Erik's brother (my brother-in-law), Jason and his wife Lori surprised us by ordering dinner from one of our favorite restaurants...we are spoiled.

Another person who is spoiled in our household is Roark, of course. 

Nana is staying here for a couple days...here she is with her sippy cup and Roark.  She held Roark pretty much all day, and he LOVED it!

Thank goodness for Nanas.

Day of firsts...many more to come

Yesterday was a day of firsts for us...

First of all, Roark met his first buddy Matthew, my friend Nikki's little boy; Matthew was born in June. Here is a picture of their meeting.

I can tell that they will be good friends, just like Nikki and me. How can I tell? Well, about 10 minutes later, Roark started crying, then Matthew started crying. It turned into a chorus and Erik acted as the conductor...which he did an excellent job (he might be able to turn this talent into a side job, as a conductor of baby cries). Then I was trying to get Roark to burp...but Matthew burped for him.

Then the four of us all went shopping. Which was quite the excursion, but it was a good time.

Another first was changing and feeding Roark in my car. Not while driving (as my mom joked). It was in the parking lot. What a change in my world. Never thought that I would ever change/feed a baby in my car. Luckily, it was a success and Roark happily took his pacifier and fell back to sleep.

The other first I experienced was having Roark spit up on me-where it missed my clothes entirely but went down my shirt. I really don't know how he accomplished that...needless to say - I was impressed by his aim. Again - when did this stuff become cute?

Finally, in retrospect of the day...Roark has found his voice. His cries have become louder, but are still adorable. I am so very fortunate to have a loving husband and a wonderful little boy.

P.S. The pets have all adjusted nicely to Roark. It seems that the dogs are very protective and the cats mind their own business...go figure.

When did this become cute?

First of all...I can't remember if I mentioned how we selected Roark as his name...Roark is a Gaelic name meaning champion. or famous ruler. Erik and I wanted a strong name...Plus Howard Roark is a character from one of my favorite books, The Fountainhead. Howard Roark is a fascinating character...he is an individualistic young architect who chooses to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision. The architect tie-in is nice too, since Erik is an architect buff.

So this morning I got pooped, peed, on puked on. The trifecta of horror complete. But it was still cute...I'm really disgusting



Emotions...

So, yes, maybe before I've cried at Hallmark commercials. Big deal...now it seems that I cry simply to allow myself to release this overwhelming amount of love and happiness because I feel like I'm going to burst.

By no means am I sad. No, not at all. This is the absolute happiest I've ever been! I would love to bottle this feeling and give it away. I wouldn't sell it because the feeling is priceless and everyone should feel this way at least once in his/her lifetime.

I mean, just look at this picture...

Happy One Week Birthday Roark

I promise I will not do this to him all the time...

Yesterday's doctor's visit went very well - he is now 21 1/4 inches, and up to 8 lbs 12 oz. He should be back to his birth weight in no time!

Early Morning Feedings

First of all, Happy Halloween - a day late. Sorry I didn't post these yesterday. I was enjoying the fact I got another good night of sleep.

My Mom made the Supeman costume...

I love the early morning feedings. If you were to drive by the house you would see me standing in front of the window, holding Roark either singing, or dancing around with him as he takes his bottle. I'm not a good singer, but he doesn't know this yet - neither does Erik which is why I do it when he is asleep. It is one of the most invigorating feelings to hold your child and belt out Mandy by Barry Manilow, which quite honestly out of the songs this morning was the only one he was fussy about. He did, however, like John Denver.

We are taking him to his first doctor's appointment and I pray that he is continuing to gain weight. I can honestly say - my arms are getting a workout - I can't wait for summer so I can show off my pipes...just kidding.