Its been 3 and a half weeks that I have had my son. I went to the mall yesterday with Ashley and it went really well. Landon is still a good baby and everyone thinks hes sooo cute, well bc he is! Life is different with Landon. I have to make sure he eats, is changed and that I have all of his needs wherever I go. Its not about me anymore. I cant just pick up and leave! I like to make sure hes eaten before I go anywhere so that gives me a 2 hour window to do something but I cant really plan all of his meals... yet. I have chosen to take the eat-on-demand approach to feeding him rather than feeding him at certain times. He lets me know when hes hungry. Lately hes been doing some cluster feedings which are difficult. He will want to eat on and off for a couple of hours. The other night he was eating for 2 hours on and off... about an hour total time on the breast. I was really upset because I felt like he wasnt getting enough food. My breasts felt like they barely had milk by the end of the session. I am wanting to make more milk so that way I can store some so Taylor can feed him at some point. I do enjoy feeding him though. He wakes up about 3 times during the night, which isnt too bad. I stay up about an hour each time to feed, burp and change him. I think I am getting used to this schedule. Its just hard when I am not at home with him. I am used to my boppy pillow and rocking chair and changing table. When I was at the mall I really felt like a mom pushing the stroller and carrying the diaper bag. I used to see people with their strollers and think "wow thats going to be me someday"... and now its me! As long as the people I am with are patient and understand we might have to stop to feed or change him then everything should be okay. I dont mind taking longer at the mall to accomodate Landon and right now I have no set schedule where I have to be at certain places at a certain time so that works out. My schedule and life now revolves around Landon! Hes all I think about.
In other news, Taylor got a new job working for Orek as an Assistant Manager. We are both really excited and hope that this job works well for him. I think its better pay and better hours. He will start on Monday. Taylors parents and aunt will be here this weekend then next weekend my mom, grandma and aunt will be here. I think that will be the end of every-weekend visitors, unless our parents decide they still want to. We dont need as much help anymore because I am moving around really well now. We are pretty much settled now. Still, we remain extremely grateful for all of the help we have gotten. It has been a huge blessing and something I will never forget. We have gotten help with cleaning the house, laundry, cooking, groceries, and running erands for us. It has been really nice but we both know our parents cant take care of us forever. So Taylor and I are both ready to take over our responsibilities again. We are also starting to plan our wedding! Well my mom and I mostly. We are trying to figure out a venue and everything. I need to find a dress soon! I am still not as thin as Id like to be but that will come with time. I will start excersising soon :) I cannot wait! For now walks around the mall and small walks outside are good enough. I am glad to be feeling better but I am still not 100%. I officially hate surgery and want to avoid it as much as possible. I know my next pregnancy will probably result in cesarean birth but thats just something I will have to tackle when it comes again. I dont wanna think about it! Right now we are content and have our hands full already!
So thanks again parents for all of your help! We love you all so much and couldnt have done this without you!!
Love,
Aly, Tay and Landypants
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Rolling Over
So, Landon is at the top of his class. He can roll over on his own! Today we were able to catch it on video! Hes still such a great baby. I let him wake me up when hes hungry so we are more on his schedule than anything. Its usually every 2.5 hours sometimes longer. Last night was another good night. Actually Taylor and I had this whole weekend to ourselves and we did really well. As long as I go to bed early I can get enough sleep to stay awake throughout the day. Its still hard to get up and not have a night to sleep all the way through but its better than having a cry baby who never sleeps! It will be nice to have a night where I can sleep straight through... I havent had that since before I was pregnant! Anyway, life as a stay at home mom has been pretty good. I have been able to move a lot better. The doctor took the glue off of my incision. It was bleeding a little bit so they gave me an antibiotic just to make sure I dont get an infection. The scar looks really good though. I dont think it will be bad at all. Its been nice to feel better. I was going a little crazy feeling so crippled. I do not like surgery at all!
We had our first real outing yesterday with my mom. We all went to La Cantera mall and had a late lunch and did some shopping. It was soooooo nice to buy normal clothes! We had a great day and Landon did really well. I changed him in a bathroom for the first time, with help from my mom of coarse. Thankfully he didnt pee on me! Its definitely more difficult to travel with him. I have to look for all of the ramps, carry around an extra bag and make sure there are areas to feed and change him. Overall we had a great trip and using the stroller was a lot of fun. I really felt like a mom. Its starting to sink in more that this is my life. Its going to be different. I think since I have just been home it hasnt really hit me as much. But when we were out its a completely different story. I am going to take him to bible study on Wednesday by myself. We will be at someones house to it will be easier.
So I guess everything has been good other than that. Taylor is getting a new job so prayers everything will work out with that! I am still doing well with recovery, hopfully I can start walking more soon! And Landon is growing and getting bigger. He smiles in his sleep, still cant wait for his social smile to come through. Hes eating sufficiently and getting heavier. Starting to outgrow newborn diapers and clothes. We all just love him so much!! My mom is here again this week and more of Taylors family will be here this weekend. It will be different when we dont have so much help! Right now our parents have been very generous with getting us groceries, cooking us dinner, taking us to eat dinner, letting us go out on dates, and doing laundry. But there will be a day that comes where I have to do it all! I think we will be okay though. It will be nice when I start feeling 100% better and get used to my new schedule. I guess the next challange will be when and if I go back to school this summer. I am hoping that works out. So prayer for that as well would be nice!
Ok, Landons hunger is calling and I need to feed him! Will write soon :)
Love,
A, T and L
We had our first real outing yesterday with my mom. We all went to La Cantera mall and had a late lunch and did some shopping. It was soooooo nice to buy normal clothes! We had a great day and Landon did really well. I changed him in a bathroom for the first time, with help from my mom of coarse. Thankfully he didnt pee on me! Its definitely more difficult to travel with him. I have to look for all of the ramps, carry around an extra bag and make sure there are areas to feed and change him. Overall we had a great trip and using the stroller was a lot of fun. I really felt like a mom. Its starting to sink in more that this is my life. Its going to be different. I think since I have just been home it hasnt really hit me as much. But when we were out its a completely different story. I am going to take him to bible study on Wednesday by myself. We will be at someones house to it will be easier.
So I guess everything has been good other than that. Taylor is getting a new job so prayers everything will work out with that! I am still doing well with recovery, hopfully I can start walking more soon! And Landon is growing and getting bigger. He smiles in his sleep, still cant wait for his social smile to come through. Hes eating sufficiently and getting heavier. Starting to outgrow newborn diapers and clothes. We all just love him so much!! My mom is here again this week and more of Taylors family will be here this weekend. It will be different when we dont have so much help! Right now our parents have been very generous with getting us groceries, cooking us dinner, taking us to eat dinner, letting us go out on dates, and doing laundry. But there will be a day that comes where I have to do it all! I think we will be okay though. It will be nice when I start feeling 100% better and get used to my new schedule. I guess the next challange will be when and if I go back to school this summer. I am hoping that works out. So prayer for that as well would be nice!
Ok, Landons hunger is calling and I need to feed him! Will write soon :)
Love,
A, T and L
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Best Baby Ever!
So life has been adjusting well with our new addition. Hes such a good baby and does everything according to the books. He has been gaining weight and fitting into his newborn clothes. Hes been sleeping well at night and eating well when awake and making lots of poopy diapers for us! Yesterday was Valentines Day and my sister and Jessica came to watch Landon while Taylor and I went to lunch. It was really nice. I am still slow to walk and move around but it was nice to get out again. I cant wait until we can take Landon places. We saw a baby who was one week old while at Olive Garden. I just dont think I would have wanted to take him out so soon! We have gone to dr appts but thats it. I might take him to bible study next week. Just depends on if I am allowed to drive or hold more than his weight by then. I will go to my dr this friday so hopefully Ill get an OK to do more stuff! I think we have a good routine where I would be more comfortable taking him out. I feel like I know him now. I can distinguish his cries and I know when hes hungry, tired, or wants to play. Its weird how that happens. But like I said before, he is a great baby! Last night I took care of him and stayed on the couch while Taylor was sleeping because he had work. Well, we stayed up pretty late anyway, about 1am. But instead of him taking over until 3 or 4, I took the whole shift and it was sooo good! Landon is sleeping longer now because his eating is more sufficiant at his feedings. The books say that they will learn to eat more at feedings and be full for longer periods of time. So hes going about 3-4 hours between feedings now, thus giving us more time to sleep or do other things between feeding time. I was able to get 2 to 2.5 hours of sleep at a time, giving me about 7 hours of sleep last night total! I am just so thankful for a good happy baby. Hes also starting to become more alert and awak during the day which is good. We still dont have a lot of playtime yet but we will put him on his tummy and back and move his legs and arms and now I have also been trying to stimulate him with some rattles and soft toys so he can feel different textures. By two months he should have his social smile and I cant wait until he smiles back at me! He will smile in his sleep and he has the cutest little dimples, just like Taylor.
It has been an absolute joy to watch him grow. I cant wait for certain milestones but for now I am enjoying the time we have now! I love him sooooo much!
Monday, February 13, 2012
16 days old!
So Landon is now 2 weeks... And it feels like time has already gone by so fast. We have a good schedule with him and hes a really really good baby! I have already lost soo much weight and it feels great to be thin again. I really cant wait to start working out. My incision is healing well. I am so over feeling "crippled". I just wish I were back to normal already. Breastfeeding is going much better. Landon favors the left side but the right is the one that is its own milk factory. Its about twice as much when pumping as the left. So hopefully it will even out soon.
Today we had a two week check up with the pediatrician and it went really well. He has gained weight! Seven pounds now! So hes finally fitting into his newborn clothes haha The dr said he looked great and acted great. His circumcision is healed properly and his belly button was a little bloody so he cautherized it. I think I spelled that wrong.. Oh well. I feel so lucky to have such a happy, healthy baby. When your pregnant you always worry that something might go wrong or that you wont know what to do or that your baby will cry all the time. I am also so lucky to have so much help right now. I cant imagine having to get around by myself while I am still healing. Taylor and I are truly blessed.
So anyway, its just still different getting used to the fact that I have a child and that I made him with my body. Taylor and I went to eat dinner with his co workers the other night and it was the first time I had talked about Landon to strangers. They were like oh, you have a son? Its a good feeling. It makes me feel like I have so much more life experience. I was talking to a married couple about being pregnant and having a child. I'm all grown up now! Crazy... Life just moves forward and keeps on moving thats for sure. I am still really happy and I still look at Landon in awe. Hes just growing and changing and its really neat to see. I am happy with my family :)
So other than that everything is going well. I have been able to get some sleep and I am healing and getting better at feeding him. Hes peed and pooped on almost everyone that has changed him. And everyone just adores him! I am glad he is so loved. I am not as emotional anymore so thats good. I am still so happy and so full of love!
Until next time,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landon
Today we had a two week check up with the pediatrician and it went really well. He has gained weight! Seven pounds now! So hes finally fitting into his newborn clothes haha The dr said he looked great and acted great. His circumcision is healed properly and his belly button was a little bloody so he cautherized it. I think I spelled that wrong.. Oh well. I feel so lucky to have such a happy, healthy baby. When your pregnant you always worry that something might go wrong or that you wont know what to do or that your baby will cry all the time. I am also so lucky to have so much help right now. I cant imagine having to get around by myself while I am still healing. Taylor and I are truly blessed.
So anyway, its just still different getting used to the fact that I have a child and that I made him with my body. Taylor and I went to eat dinner with his co workers the other night and it was the first time I had talked about Landon to strangers. They were like oh, you have a son? Its a good feeling. It makes me feel like I have so much more life experience. I was talking to a married couple about being pregnant and having a child. I'm all grown up now! Crazy... Life just moves forward and keeps on moving thats for sure. I am still really happy and I still look at Landon in awe. Hes just growing and changing and its really neat to see. I am happy with my family :)
So other than that everything is going well. I have been able to get some sleep and I am healing and getting better at feeding him. Hes peed and pooped on almost everyone that has changed him. And everyone just adores him! I am glad he is so loved. I am not as emotional anymore so thats good. I am still so happy and so full of love!
Until next time,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landon
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Landon 12 days
Well it is my due date! But I am so glad to have a 12 day old baby boy in my arms. Things are getting on a good schedule: eating, diaper change, playing, sleeping. He cries when necessary, usually if hungry or being changed. Overall, a perfect child. My incision is starting to feel better and my nipples are getting used to feeding. So far the left side is good but the right still gives me trouble so I am pumping the right and feeding with the left for now. Thankfully my milk is flowing well and I havent had any trouble breastfeeding other than the soreness, which everyone says will go away by around 2 weeks! Its definitely been different getting on a baby schedule. Taylors sleeping habits have come in handy. He takes the late night shift and I pick up around 3 am. I was able to get some sleep last night but I still wake up when Landon cries... Maternal instinct I guess. Like I have said before, it has come really natural to take care of my son. I love being a mom so far. I cant believe I am the one, well Taylor and I are the ones, who will teach him how to crawl and walk, and talk and tie his shoes. Taylor will teach him soccer and we will do math problems with him. We wil teach him how to drive a car and take pictures of him at his prom. Gosh... My life will never be the same. What a blessing! I just love him so much. My mom always told me that I'll never understand how much love I have in my heart until I have a child of my own. Its so true. I cry a lot now over nothing. Just looking at him, trying to sing to him and being so overjoyed when he uses his neck during tummy time. I am such a proud parent and it really brings tears to my eyes. I am also so lucky to have Taylor. I feel more love for him than ever before and I know he will love me and take care of me until I die. We decided we wanted to get married this year. I just dont think I can wait. I want to be an Albritton! It seems like the last name would make us complete. I want to be apart of him for as long as I live!
So here are the things that make me so in love with my son that I dont want to forget:
His little noises when he sleeps and eats
The faces he makes after hes eaten and hes sooo satisfied with a full tummy
Him looking into my eyes
Singing songs to him
The way he smells
When he smiles in his sleep and I can see his dimples
When his little hand wraps around my finger
Having him sleep on my chest- seriously the best feeling in the world!
Being able to feed him with my body
Knowing there is no one else like him in the world
And honestly, this will sound so super cheeseball, but I really love looking at him, studying him, and just remembering that he will never be this small again, and cherishing the moments I have with him right now.
Gosh, I love him so much! I am reading a book on getting closer to God through prayer and the first chapter quotes a scripture that talks about loving Jesus more than your spouse, parents and children. I had the same thought and dilemma as the author, how can I love God more than I love my son? I got to thinking about it and thought that God loves us as his children and he gives us children so we can get a glimpse of that love. But the love I have for Landon isnt comparable to the love God has for us. Just like I had to experience this kind of love only when I had a child of my own, God want us to experience his love because he is our own God as well. Then I started thinking about how I have been so blessed this past year. Reuniting with Taylor then moving in and having a baby... All seems way out of wack, but I know that this happened for a reason. God has blessed me with everything I have ever wanted and I cant figure out why. So to go back to that scripture, and relating it to other scripture that says everything on this earth belongs to the Lord, I must say that Landon is not mine. He is a gift from God. God gave me Landon and he gave me Taylor and it is my job to take care of them the best why I can. At the end of the day, if these two perfect guys are taken out of my life, I have to remember that God has a plan and that I have to trust in him. I had to trust that he would allow Taylor and I to make a good family. I had to trust that he would allow me to heal from the death of Kobi. And now I have to trust that he will provide me with what I need to take care of my baby boy. I really just want to cry all of the time. Just because I am so happy. And so blessed. I have never felt more love in my life as I do right now. I know it might not always be like this but I never want to forget this moment. I want this to be in the back of my mind when things get rough: God will always have my back. For years I knew that logically, but never felt it until now. I want to always remember this feeling.
Ok, I will stop being so emotional now. Thanks for reading and Ill post again soon! Taylors family will be here this week/weekend to help. We are so grateful to have so much help and support!!! Everyone loves Landon, because he is sooo freaking cute! And I am not just saying that because I am his mom. He really is the most cutest, perfect child ever!
Love,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landon
So here are the things that make me so in love with my son that I dont want to forget:
His little noises when he sleeps and eats
The faces he makes after hes eaten and hes sooo satisfied with a full tummy
Him looking into my eyes
Singing songs to him
The way he smells
When he smiles in his sleep and I can see his dimples
When his little hand wraps around my finger
Having him sleep on my chest- seriously the best feeling in the world!
Being able to feed him with my body
Knowing there is no one else like him in the world
And honestly, this will sound so super cheeseball, but I really love looking at him, studying him, and just remembering that he will never be this small again, and cherishing the moments I have with him right now.
Gosh, I love him so much! I am reading a book on getting closer to God through prayer and the first chapter quotes a scripture that talks about loving Jesus more than your spouse, parents and children. I had the same thought and dilemma as the author, how can I love God more than I love my son? I got to thinking about it and thought that God loves us as his children and he gives us children so we can get a glimpse of that love. But the love I have for Landon isnt comparable to the love God has for us. Just like I had to experience this kind of love only when I had a child of my own, God want us to experience his love because he is our own God as well. Then I started thinking about how I have been so blessed this past year. Reuniting with Taylor then moving in and having a baby... All seems way out of wack, but I know that this happened for a reason. God has blessed me with everything I have ever wanted and I cant figure out why. So to go back to that scripture, and relating it to other scripture that says everything on this earth belongs to the Lord, I must say that Landon is not mine. He is a gift from God. God gave me Landon and he gave me Taylor and it is my job to take care of them the best why I can. At the end of the day, if these two perfect guys are taken out of my life, I have to remember that God has a plan and that I have to trust in him. I had to trust that he would allow Taylor and I to make a good family. I had to trust that he would allow me to heal from the death of Kobi. And now I have to trust that he will provide me with what I need to take care of my baby boy. I really just want to cry all of the time. Just because I am so happy. And so blessed. I have never felt more love in my life as I do right now. I know it might not always be like this but I never want to forget this moment. I want this to be in the back of my mind when things get rough: God will always have my back. For years I knew that logically, but never felt it until now. I want to always remember this feeling.
Ok, I will stop being so emotional now. Thanks for reading and Ill post again soon! Taylors family will be here this week/weekend to help. We are so grateful to have so much help and support!!! Everyone loves Landon, because he is sooo freaking cute! And I am not just saying that because I am his mom. He really is the most cutest, perfect child ever!
Love,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landon
Monday, February 6, 2012
Landon 9 days old!
Wow... I cant believe it has already been a over a week since my precious angel was brought into this world and captured my heart! My last post was my 38th week of pregnancy. Two days later I went into labor, and now I am blessed with the most beautiful baby boy!! This will probably be a long post, so if you are interested in reading about my labor, hospital stay, and life as a new mother, please keep reading!!
Labor & Delivery:
Friday January 27th was a great day. I had my dr appt at two and they scheduled me for a c section on February 2nd. Yes! The day was finalized and I was so excited to have a date to look forward to! That day, Taylor was also hired at San Antonio Marketing, Inc. He was so excited and we wanted to celebrate our new life to look forward to. My BFF Ashley was also accepted into PA school so we all went out to eat to celebrate great accomplishments at Perico's. Taylor and I stayed up late to watch movies and were planning on enjoying our last week as "non-parents" and were looking forward to sleeping in all day on Saturday. Little did we know, Landon had his own plan. I woke up around 4:30 am Saturday to pee and all of the sudden water started to run down my legs. At first I thought I had to pee so badly that I was peeing myself, but then I realized it was water, and lots of it! I also had really bad cramps. So I had to take my pants off and actually use the bathroom and at that point my mucus plug had also come out. I freaked out and Taylor woke up and started to pack his bag. We got ready and started heading to the hospital, but had to stop to turn in some redbox movies because Taylor didnt want late fees! haha! As we were driving, my contractions got worse and worse. We entered the hospital through the ER and Taylor went to park the car. Slowly we walked up to L&D and checked in and got a room where they checked my dilation and hooked me up to fetal monitoring machines. I was having contractions every 15 minutes when we arrived and was a centimeter dilated and 80% effaced. It was about 5am. We waited for Dr. Serrano who was to come in at 8am and for them to prep me for surgery. As time went on I began to have really really bad contractions. It literally felt like someone was ripping me apart by my legs. I couldnt have medicine because I had to wait to get the spinal. By the time I went into surgery my contractions were 4 minutes apart and hurt sooooo bad!!! My body couldn’t stop shaking because I hurt so badly. I squeezed Taylor’s hand and hugged onto him and tried to breathe. I told him to stop talking and that I wanted to bite him. I tried pinching his skin at one point. I just wanted the pain to stop. He would try to comfort me and tell me that it would be over soon and that Landon was going to be here soon... My response was that I didnt care and he didnt understand. Typical. I think I was a little mean but not too bad! So then after I get into the OR they have to give me a spinal, which is an anesthetic that numbs you from the ribs down to your toes. It was a really weird sensation to not be able to feel half of my body. Taylor was then allowed to come in and stay with me while they cut me open! I didn’t know at the time, but before he came into the OR with me he threw up in the bathroom! Nerves and lots of emotions I guess.. Anyway, all I could feel was tugging on my belly and after about 15 minutes of that Landon was born and we heard him cry for the first time!!! It was amazing… I coulnt believe he was here and alive and crying! Taylor and I both cried and he went to go meet our son for the first time. It was a bummer that I couldn’t move because I really really wanted to see him. After they cleaned him off Taylor brought him over to me and I got to touch him and kiss him and we got our first family photo!! They then began to sew me up and Taylor got to go to the nursery where my mom, Jenna and Jessica were all waiting. It sucked having to wait for them to finish because I really wanted to see him and hold him. Once I was in recovery, they finally brought him in and he was absolutely perfect! I was still really sore and messed up from the surgery and was on an IV and lots of pain medicine. I looked like I was a meth addict… But I didn’t care. I was able to breast feed him for the first time and it was really special. Then everyone came to visit—Taylors family, my family and some close friends.
Hospital Stay:
The first night was rough. I was still hooked up to IV and catheter and could move. I hadn’t moved from the bed in 24 hours. I had leg compressors on my calves to keep circulation going in my legs that was super annoying. My incision was hurting and I could not get comfortable enough to sleep. Around 5 am my nurse came to help me get up for the first time. It was so hard to sit up, stand up and walk to the bathroom. I have never moved so slow in my life. But it felt like a huge accomplishment to get to the bathroom and pee on my own. The nursery took Landon for a few tests that night and would bring him back so I could feed him. The next day we had some more visitors and I was more alert and able to talk to people. Landon had passed all of his tests and was doing really well. He sleeps really well and doesn’t cry. The next day I took my fist shower, which was a really big deal. My mom had to help bathe me and dress me because I couldn’t stand on my own. I also tried to walk a lap around the postpartum. Once you walk a lap then you can shower. I didn’t make it very far… only a few feet down the hall before I had to walk back. I was finally able to make my first lap Monday morning. It was a very slow lap but I was happy to be walking. I also had my first breast pumping experience on Monday. There is free lactation consultation at the hospital and we requested a breast pump. A lady came to show us how to use it and I pumped my first milk! It was still yellow. Real milk doesn’t come in til later, but I was super excited. This meant that I could have the nursery feed him while Taylor and I slept, and also give Taylor a chance to feed him. It was nice to get some rest but still very difficult to get in and out of bed and find a comfortable sleeping position. My incision hurt and using my abs hurts, even now still. We decided to stay in the hospital until Tuesday. Landon was circumcised on Monday morning and I felt like I just needed some more time to stay and make sure everything was ok. The hospital and nurses were all really nice. I got a complementary leg and foot massage, and we also got a “stork” meal, which is a nice meal given to you and your partner after you give birth. Everyone loved Landon and thought he was so cute, duh, because he is! Coming home was really exciting. Taylors parents were there to help load the car and get everything ready. My mom couldn’t make it because she was sick with the flu, perfect timing, huh? She was really bummed out to be missing things but she needed to get better before she could be around Landon and I. Landon was sooooo cute and little in his car seat. We strapped him in and got me a wheel chair and headed to the car. It was so nice to finally have Landon at home. We had been waiting for so long to bring him into his room and dress him in his clothes and use all of the stuff we have gotten for him. For months I had wondered what it would be like when he was here and I was rocking him in the rocking chair and holding him and looking at him. Gosh it was magical.
First week home:
The first two nights Taylors mom stayed the night with us to help out. Taylor ended up going to work on Wednesday and we just stayed home and watched Landon. His parents had gotten groceries so we had food and had put some stuff together for us while we were in the hospital. So sweet. The first night was rough. Just getting used to everything was a challenge. Finding his schedule, feeding and changing him, and trying to get him to sleep in his crib. Taylors mom cooked dinner for us that night and ended up staying again to help with the night shift. On Thursday we had our first doctor appointment for Landon. I breastfed in public for the first time at the office too! It was kinda fun. Anyway, everything went well. He had lost an ounce but was fine. Dr said his poops were good and his jaundice levels were good. So we will see them again on the 13th of February. Thursday my mom was going to start taking over. She was finally better and came to stay that night with us to help. She also stayed Friday night. Saturday was our first night alone. We stayed up kind of late and I stayed on the couch to get up easier at night. My incision was hurting a lot and its hard to get in and out of bed still. The last feeding was the roughest. I had used a bottle because my boobs were sore and he just wasn’t falling back asleep. I was trying to stay awake but it was hard. I finally gave him some more milk and he slept well. I love it when he sleeps with me on my chest. It’s the best feeling in the world. He also makes really cute little noises when he sleeps and when he eats. He is a great baby. Only cries when hes hungry, being changed, or being bathed. Other than that he loves to sleep! Just like his daddy! Sunday was also a good day. We watched church and some friends stopped by. Tara came over to watch the superbowl and I had made Landon a cute onsie that said “Go Giants”… and the Giants won! I had my mom stay again last night so I could get some sleep and I did. It was nice. Only bummer is that my incision has been hurting really badly and is swollen so I am now about to go to the dr to make sure everything is okay. I hope it is…
Life as a mom:
So far, I have been peed on, pooped on, and spit up on! We have had a lot of firsts and its sooooo exciting! Landon is a perfect child and a very easy baby to take care of. I am just now getting used to his schedule. We have had some tummy time, first baths, first time in his crib and just today his belly button fell off! It is so fun to watch him and just cherish how little he is and this time I get to spend with him. I never knew how much I would love him. He just fills up my heart with so much love and joy. I was pretty emotional the first few days. Just overwhelmed with where life has taken me and overjoyed with these two special and perfect guys in my life. Taylor and I just couldn’t be more smitten with our son. And of coarse, Taylor is soooo proud that Landon looks like him! Definitely an Albritton! I have also been super happy with how Taylor has taken charge as the man of the house and has taken care of me. I feel so lame not being able to get up and move around easily. It has been really frustrating to be so slow and in pain. I just want to be healed already. My incision really hurts and I have never had surgery before so I had no clue what to expect. I expected the worst and its been the worst. On top of that, breast feeding is difficult too. Trying to get my nipples used to feeding is painful in itself. So I have really been hurting in both places now. I am trying to do the best I can, and it is worth it because Landon is perfect. Its just the process of healing that is tough. I get really excited though when he latches on and has a good feeding and eats well. It is already rewarding to see him using his neck muscles to pick up his head. And its even more of a joy when he looks into your eyes. He is my baby and I cant imagine life without him. Its funny because now that he is out of my womb, he still stays in the same positions he was in while inside of me. He sleeps with his arms up beside his head and its sooo adorable. The pediatrician said we don’t have to put him in his crib yet because it might be too big. We had trouble with him sleeping so we have been using his bouncy swing chair for a bed. I guess we should have gotten a bassinet, but we just didn’t know. Hes very cozy in his swing but I want to start trying his bed so he gets used to it. Sometimes I will just let him sleep with me. I love it when he lays on my chest, I know I already said that but it is really one of the best feelings in the world!
I know I have a ton of more stuff to say but I will leave it at that for now. I have to get ready to feed Landon before I go to the dr. I will close with saying that I have never been more happy in my life. I am so ready to marry Taylor and spend the rest of my life with him and Landon. God has blessed me so much… its unbelievable! I am going to write more frequently because I know there are probably lots of things I wanted to say on here but forgot.
Until next time,
Alyssa, Taylor and baby Landon!
Labor & Delivery:
Friday January 27th was a great day. I had my dr appt at two and they scheduled me for a c section on February 2nd. Yes! The day was finalized and I was so excited to have a date to look forward to! That day, Taylor was also hired at San Antonio Marketing, Inc. He was so excited and we wanted to celebrate our new life to look forward to. My BFF Ashley was also accepted into PA school so we all went out to eat to celebrate great accomplishments at Perico's. Taylor and I stayed up late to watch movies and were planning on enjoying our last week as "non-parents" and were looking forward to sleeping in all day on Saturday. Little did we know, Landon had his own plan. I woke up around 4:30 am Saturday to pee and all of the sudden water started to run down my legs. At first I thought I had to pee so badly that I was peeing myself, but then I realized it was water, and lots of it! I also had really bad cramps. So I had to take my pants off and actually use the bathroom and at that point my mucus plug had also come out. I freaked out and Taylor woke up and started to pack his bag. We got ready and started heading to the hospital, but had to stop to turn in some redbox movies because Taylor didnt want late fees! haha! As we were driving, my contractions got worse and worse. We entered the hospital through the ER and Taylor went to park the car. Slowly we walked up to L&D and checked in and got a room where they checked my dilation and hooked me up to fetal monitoring machines. I was having contractions every 15 minutes when we arrived and was a centimeter dilated and 80% effaced. It was about 5am. We waited for Dr. Serrano who was to come in at 8am and for them to prep me for surgery. As time went on I began to have really really bad contractions. It literally felt like someone was ripping me apart by my legs. I couldnt have medicine because I had to wait to get the spinal. By the time I went into surgery my contractions were 4 minutes apart and hurt sooooo bad!!! My body couldn’t stop shaking because I hurt so badly. I squeezed Taylor’s hand and hugged onto him and tried to breathe. I told him to stop talking and that I wanted to bite him. I tried pinching his skin at one point. I just wanted the pain to stop. He would try to comfort me and tell me that it would be over soon and that Landon was going to be here soon... My response was that I didnt care and he didnt understand. Typical. I think I was a little mean but not too bad! So then after I get into the OR they have to give me a spinal, which is an anesthetic that numbs you from the ribs down to your toes. It was a really weird sensation to not be able to feel half of my body. Taylor was then allowed to come in and stay with me while they cut me open! I didn’t know at the time, but before he came into the OR with me he threw up in the bathroom! Nerves and lots of emotions I guess.. Anyway, all I could feel was tugging on my belly and after about 15 minutes of that Landon was born and we heard him cry for the first time!!! It was amazing… I coulnt believe he was here and alive and crying! Taylor and I both cried and he went to go meet our son for the first time. It was a bummer that I couldn’t move because I really really wanted to see him. After they cleaned him off Taylor brought him over to me and I got to touch him and kiss him and we got our first family photo!! They then began to sew me up and Taylor got to go to the nursery where my mom, Jenna and Jessica were all waiting. It sucked having to wait for them to finish because I really wanted to see him and hold him. Once I was in recovery, they finally brought him in and he was absolutely perfect! I was still really sore and messed up from the surgery and was on an IV and lots of pain medicine. I looked like I was a meth addict… But I didn’t care. I was able to breast feed him for the first time and it was really special. Then everyone came to visit—Taylors family, my family and some close friends.
Hospital Stay:
The first night was rough. I was still hooked up to IV and catheter and could move. I hadn’t moved from the bed in 24 hours. I had leg compressors on my calves to keep circulation going in my legs that was super annoying. My incision was hurting and I could not get comfortable enough to sleep. Around 5 am my nurse came to help me get up for the first time. It was so hard to sit up, stand up and walk to the bathroom. I have never moved so slow in my life. But it felt like a huge accomplishment to get to the bathroom and pee on my own. The nursery took Landon for a few tests that night and would bring him back so I could feed him. The next day we had some more visitors and I was more alert and able to talk to people. Landon had passed all of his tests and was doing really well. He sleeps really well and doesn’t cry. The next day I took my fist shower, which was a really big deal. My mom had to help bathe me and dress me because I couldn’t stand on my own. I also tried to walk a lap around the postpartum. Once you walk a lap then you can shower. I didn’t make it very far… only a few feet down the hall before I had to walk back. I was finally able to make my first lap Monday morning. It was a very slow lap but I was happy to be walking. I also had my first breast pumping experience on Monday. There is free lactation consultation at the hospital and we requested a breast pump. A lady came to show us how to use it and I pumped my first milk! It was still yellow. Real milk doesn’t come in til later, but I was super excited. This meant that I could have the nursery feed him while Taylor and I slept, and also give Taylor a chance to feed him. It was nice to get some rest but still very difficult to get in and out of bed and find a comfortable sleeping position. My incision hurt and using my abs hurts, even now still. We decided to stay in the hospital until Tuesday. Landon was circumcised on Monday morning and I felt like I just needed some more time to stay and make sure everything was ok. The hospital and nurses were all really nice. I got a complementary leg and foot massage, and we also got a “stork” meal, which is a nice meal given to you and your partner after you give birth. Everyone loved Landon and thought he was so cute, duh, because he is! Coming home was really exciting. Taylors parents were there to help load the car and get everything ready. My mom couldn’t make it because she was sick with the flu, perfect timing, huh? She was really bummed out to be missing things but she needed to get better before she could be around Landon and I. Landon was sooooo cute and little in his car seat. We strapped him in and got me a wheel chair and headed to the car. It was so nice to finally have Landon at home. We had been waiting for so long to bring him into his room and dress him in his clothes and use all of the stuff we have gotten for him. For months I had wondered what it would be like when he was here and I was rocking him in the rocking chair and holding him and looking at him. Gosh it was magical.
First week home:
The first two nights Taylors mom stayed the night with us to help out. Taylor ended up going to work on Wednesday and we just stayed home and watched Landon. His parents had gotten groceries so we had food and had put some stuff together for us while we were in the hospital. So sweet. The first night was rough. Just getting used to everything was a challenge. Finding his schedule, feeding and changing him, and trying to get him to sleep in his crib. Taylors mom cooked dinner for us that night and ended up staying again to help with the night shift. On Thursday we had our first doctor appointment for Landon. I breastfed in public for the first time at the office too! It was kinda fun. Anyway, everything went well. He had lost an ounce but was fine. Dr said his poops were good and his jaundice levels were good. So we will see them again on the 13th of February. Thursday my mom was going to start taking over. She was finally better and came to stay that night with us to help. She also stayed Friday night. Saturday was our first night alone. We stayed up kind of late and I stayed on the couch to get up easier at night. My incision was hurting a lot and its hard to get in and out of bed still. The last feeding was the roughest. I had used a bottle because my boobs were sore and he just wasn’t falling back asleep. I was trying to stay awake but it was hard. I finally gave him some more milk and he slept well. I love it when he sleeps with me on my chest. It’s the best feeling in the world. He also makes really cute little noises when he sleeps and when he eats. He is a great baby. Only cries when hes hungry, being changed, or being bathed. Other than that he loves to sleep! Just like his daddy! Sunday was also a good day. We watched church and some friends stopped by. Tara came over to watch the superbowl and I had made Landon a cute onsie that said “Go Giants”… and the Giants won! I had my mom stay again last night so I could get some sleep and I did. It was nice. Only bummer is that my incision has been hurting really badly and is swollen so I am now about to go to the dr to make sure everything is okay. I hope it is…
Life as a mom:
So far, I have been peed on, pooped on, and spit up on! We have had a lot of firsts and its sooooo exciting! Landon is a perfect child and a very easy baby to take care of. I am just now getting used to his schedule. We have had some tummy time, first baths, first time in his crib and just today his belly button fell off! It is so fun to watch him and just cherish how little he is and this time I get to spend with him. I never knew how much I would love him. He just fills up my heart with so much love and joy. I was pretty emotional the first few days. Just overwhelmed with where life has taken me and overjoyed with these two special and perfect guys in my life. Taylor and I just couldn’t be more smitten with our son. And of coarse, Taylor is soooo proud that Landon looks like him! Definitely an Albritton! I have also been super happy with how Taylor has taken charge as the man of the house and has taken care of me. I feel so lame not being able to get up and move around easily. It has been really frustrating to be so slow and in pain. I just want to be healed already. My incision really hurts and I have never had surgery before so I had no clue what to expect. I expected the worst and its been the worst. On top of that, breast feeding is difficult too. Trying to get my nipples used to feeding is painful in itself. So I have really been hurting in both places now. I am trying to do the best I can, and it is worth it because Landon is perfect. Its just the process of healing that is tough. I get really excited though when he latches on and has a good feeding and eats well. It is already rewarding to see him using his neck muscles to pick up his head. And its even more of a joy when he looks into your eyes. He is my baby and I cant imagine life without him. Its funny because now that he is out of my womb, he still stays in the same positions he was in while inside of me. He sleeps with his arms up beside his head and its sooo adorable. The pediatrician said we don’t have to put him in his crib yet because it might be too big. We had trouble with him sleeping so we have been using his bouncy swing chair for a bed. I guess we should have gotten a bassinet, but we just didn’t know. Hes very cozy in his swing but I want to start trying his bed so he gets used to it. Sometimes I will just let him sleep with me. I love it when he lays on my chest, I know I already said that but it is really one of the best feelings in the world!
I know I have a ton of more stuff to say but I will leave it at that for now. I have to get ready to feed Landon before I go to the dr. I will close with saying that I have never been more happy in my life. I am so ready to marry Taylor and spend the rest of my life with him and Landon. God has blessed me so much… its unbelievable! I am going to write more frequently because I know there are probably lots of things I wanted to say on here but forgot.
Until next time,
Alyssa, Taylor and baby Landon!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
38 weeks!
Seriously feeling uberly pregnant at this point, and definitely ready for Landon to be here. I was pretty much ready a few weeks ago! So I have been trying to keep myself busy and sane until he arrives. I hung out with my friend Erica who has 3 kids, and her youngest is 6 months. It was really nice to talk to someone about everything I am going through who really understands. Not that I cant talk to my friends (no offense), but they just dont know how it feels... yet! I know they will be grateful to have someone to talk to when they are pregnant as well. Anyway, it was comforting and made me feel normal. We talked about everything and its nice to have someone who is open and whom I can share everything with, and who doesnt gross out... Some things are not blog-appropriate! Symptoms continue to stay the same... I have increased pressure in my lower abdomen and pevlic area, leg cramps, insomnia, frequent peeing, fatigue, sore breasts, and just overall anxiousness about he big day! I go to the doctor tomorrow and he will do fetal monitoring as well as check my cervix to see if I have dialated yet. So far no contractions, no loss of mucus plug and no breakage of my water. I am hoping something has changed and I am hoping even more that he will want to schedule me for next week since I will be 39 weeks by then. Landon is definitely still breeched and I am comfortable with the fact that I will have a C-Section. I've been watching A Baby Story, Baby's First Day and like shows on TLC. Just makes me want him to be here even more. Its nice to see a variety of different pregnancies and labor stories. Some women have natural others have to have c-sections. I feel well informed about both. One woman was trying to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and it wasnt working out. SO, I was thinking I might not even get to experience vaginal birth and real labor pains if I just do cesarean with all of my kids. I guess I am okay with that. I mean, I might not even have a choice and the good thing is that I can at least get pregnant with my wacko uterus.
Well everything has been good... and like Dr. Serrano says, we are just marking time and waiting. Landon is about 6 and a half pounds now, maybe more. I definitely can feel that with his movements! I still feel huge but everyone tells me I am small for being so far along. People who have had kids mostly tell me that, my friends think I am big haha. Which is okay because I think I am big, but normal I guess. I cant wait until all of my friends get pregnant to see how everyone changes and grows. It will be interesting. I am already trying to plan my next child with Bailey so we can be pregnant together. Maybe in 3 years or so. We will see!
In other non-baby-related news, Taylor got a job interview and will go for a second one that entails training this Friday! Yay! I am really hoping that this is a good, fun job for him that will hire him when he graduates. I know he will be successful. So prayer for him and this job opportunity! We are also doing really well in our relationship. Its amazing how much communication helps, so that little cliche phrase "communication is key" really is true. I am thankful to have someone who listens and understands, and even if he doesnt understand 100% he still tries. He massages my feet and helps me off the couch, which is all that I need right now. Just for someone to be there for me. Anyway, I am really happy still :)
So I am not going to post a picture today. I will tomorrow and I will give an update on what the doctor says... Hopefully he will schedule me for next week!!! That is what I am praying for. YAY!!!
Love,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landypants!
Well everything has been good... and like Dr. Serrano says, we are just marking time and waiting. Landon is about 6 and a half pounds now, maybe more. I definitely can feel that with his movements! I still feel huge but everyone tells me I am small for being so far along. People who have had kids mostly tell me that, my friends think I am big haha. Which is okay because I think I am big, but normal I guess. I cant wait until all of my friends get pregnant to see how everyone changes and grows. It will be interesting. I am already trying to plan my next child with Bailey so we can be pregnant together. Maybe in 3 years or so. We will see!
In other non-baby-related news, Taylor got a job interview and will go for a second one that entails training this Friday! Yay! I am really hoping that this is a good, fun job for him that will hire him when he graduates. I know he will be successful. So prayer for him and this job opportunity! We are also doing really well in our relationship. Its amazing how much communication helps, so that little cliche phrase "communication is key" really is true. I am thankful to have someone who listens and understands, and even if he doesnt understand 100% he still tries. He massages my feet and helps me off the couch, which is all that I need right now. Just for someone to be there for me. Anyway, I am really happy still :)
So I am not going to post a picture today. I will tomorrow and I will give an update on what the doctor says... Hopefully he will schedule me for next week!!! That is what I am praying for. YAY!!!
Love,
Alyssa, Taylor and Landypants!
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