The tidbits I forgot...

My mind has the attention span of a fruit fly...I finally got Andrew's initials painted and put up in his room-decided on that since I couldn't find any artwork that I liked...well, that I liked for Andrew ;)!

This was the fun we had giving him breathing treatments after the RSV diagnosis.
At first, I thought we would have problems because he hated the mask at the doctor's office. Once we got home & did a couple, he acted like it was nothing-I guess that's probably pretty typical for a baby. Throw a fit until you realize it doesn't hurt!

Valentine's Day and other tidbits....

So, we've been staying pretty busy at the Chance house-our NELAC audit is approaching for work, which doesn't leave much time for anything! However, we managed to finish our Italian cooking class last week (a huge thanks to Sarah & Connie for babysitting!!) We had a terrific time & tried several new things...and they weren't bad! Now we're looking forward to having a big day of cooking some weekend w/the Stillwater crowd...and taking another class.

We were also lucky enough to get some Valentine's pictures taken last weekend. Bob let us know that Aperatures Studio was doing a special & the wonderful Miss Natalie came in on her day off to take our pictures! I wasn't sure how a red background would look, but I think the pictures turned out great! Now I can add some new images to my digital frame at work-it's so Harry Potter!

Andrew went back to the doctor for a recheck on his cough...just seems to be a cold (RSV is gone)...and he weighs 13.5 pounds..almost double his birthweight! He's actually laughing out loud these days-not just smiling! He's drinking 6oz. and starting to grab & chew on everything-I wonder if he's teething? I'm constantly amazed & humbled by our son. I think the world would be a better place if we could all capture a small amount of a child's joy.

3 months...and still not sleeping 8 hours!

Today Andrew is 3 months old. He's brought so much joy into our lives (don't get me wrong...he brings a lot of crying too!)-it seems like he's been here forever or only a week-which one probably depends on if he's crying at the time! He's a little over 12 pounds and 24 inches now, but won't go into the doctor until next month. He's more observant every day-grasping at toys, fingers, fabrics...and all the while, looking at everything! It's still impossible to trim his fingernails unless he's sleeping...and we've survived his first 'daycare disease' rather well-he's tolerating the breathing treatments and saline drops like a champ (after screaming bloody murder in the doctor's office), so I feel we've conquered 'RSV' and Andrew's learned a valuable lesson about those 'daycare girls';).....last night as he was sleeping-I looked over & he was having the best dream because he was actually laughing in his sleep! Right now, this is how he's looking-completely exhausted from his rigorous day at school-those bottles take it out of you!

Saying Goodbye

Sunday was a tough day at our house. I finally made the decision to put Romeo to sleep-his renal failure had progressed & he was fighting us on eating and fluid therapy. He was the last of my 'babies'....I still miss each one-always will. At least I know they're all in heaven...lounging....well, Prissy is begging for food...the cats are lounging;)

Andrew's new stuff

So Danny & I were both sick the weekend of the baptism...and while I blamed my initial sickness on Andrew (he did have a snotty nose!)...he's only last weekend developed a nasty cough. After talking with our pediatrician, unless the little bugger develops a fever, there's not really much we can do except make him comfortable. In the mean time, he's starting to reach out for things & the other day I got him on video holding his first toy. Tonight, he was all smiles, even while coughing, so I just had to get a video of that also-clothing furnished by Aunt J-me;)

Andrew's Baptism....1-17-10

We had a wonderful time in Wichita Falls a couple of weeks ago at Andrew's baptism. Not only did we get to see Tracy & her family (Aunt Karen's daughter), but Aunt Nicky & Uncle Joe were suprise attendees as well! It meant a great deal to me that we were able to have Andrew baptized at St. Paul-the church has been a home to my family for generations. Cousins Leah & Kirk honored us by being godparents for Andrew-it's very special that we're godparents for each other's child....& I don't even remember how many fits Holland had;)

We had great food-Daddy & Aunt Janice made tons of chili & cheese potato soup-yum!...and german chocolate cake!

Craft time

I was working on a few things before my parents came up last Thursday and Andrew helped out by offering color advice;)

A week of beginnings...and torture for Mom

So Monday (Jan. 4th)was Andrew's first day at daycare! I held it together pretty well, I think, I only cried a little that morning....Andrew, naturally, slept & seemed completely unconcerned that he wouldn't be seeing his mother for hours and hours and hours! We stopped by at lunch-hoping to visit-but our little monster was so deeply upset with his situation that he was sound asleep in the swing. Being the incredibly strong woman that I am, I refrained from waking him up-I knew he was crying for me on the inside;)

On Tuesday, I took Andrew in for his first round of vaccinations. I have never been more impressed with technique in my life! Andrew got 3 shots (2 in one thigh, 1 in the opposite thigh)...the nurse was so quick that in the time it took Andrew to realize what was happening (and that he was totally not happy about it) she was finished. It was comical to see Andrew's face-the 'what in the world' look after the 1st shot morphing into 'I think I don't like this' at the 2nd...and finally yelling after the final shot! He was just like the puppies & kittens after 1st vaccinations-cried for literally 10 seconds and then realized that there wasn't anything to cry about! Andrew's grown so much-he's 24" long now & 11 pounds. He's in the 85th percentile for height and 50th for weight. The doctor was happy w/his growth-I know I'm kind of happy that he's still a 'skinny' baby! His big belly is just too cute with his monkey arms (thanks Dad!) and long legs.

It feels like Andrew's been in our lives forever...really have to pinch myself, knowing that he's actually only 8 weeks old.

Christmas revisited....

Since the blizzard prevented our parents from traveling, we had our Christmas on New Year's weekend. My parents were able to come up early & go with us to Sara & Connie's house for a NY party-lots of good food & time with friends...and Danny & I actually were awake at midnight (1st time in 3 years I think!). The next day, Bob & Mary Ellen came up & we had a great meal before opening presents. Andrew was completely wired (as pictures show) about his gifts....Danny got his speaker & coat, while I got terrific pj's & a digital picture frame (I figure the 3,200 picture limit will last until next year!)...

Christmas weekend randoms....

So, for one thing, boppies aren't just for babies (see illustration). And a girl should know that two guys aren't going to have the endurance for a movie marathon, so sad really, that I'm the only one that's able to stay awake!