Henry Turns One!

The Saturday before Henry's birthday, friends and family from all over gathered in our new home to celebrate his first year of life! So many amazing milestones we celebrated in the last year. You can see most of them here.

A few weeks before the party we took some pictures in the yard to capture this milestone.

 

And then we partied!

Rice Krispie treat favors

On his actual birthday (Sunday, September 14) we celebrated 

with a Cracker Barrel breakfast and opening family gifts. 

What can I say about our last year with Henry. I know what I can't say... that it was perfect. We had our ups and downs as a family. Just the time spent learning how to raise this new human being was a challenge of it's own. However I wouldn't have changed any of it. Without his 3am wake up calls, I would have never had the extra snuggles or the bond that we shared while I nursed him on demand. My favorite moments were watching him learn and hitting the milestones. I'll never forget the way I felt watching him take his first steps or the joy that I saw in his face when he learned how to sit up on his own. We are so lucky to be the parents of the most playful, lively, and laid-back little boy. If you would have asked me what parenthood meant before having Henry, I might have said stressful but worth it. Now all I can think to say is gratifying, entertaining and incredible.

Thank you Henry for being the best gift Mommy and Daddy have ever received. We love you more than you'll ever know... to the moon and back.

Our Forever Home

A place to call our own. Finally. Nick and I waited a long time for this day.

Everything is perfect about it. It has 4 bedrooms, a large family room, an office, big eat-in kitchen with a formal dining and living room, as well as a large basement with garage and added workshop. But I saved the best for last... the YARD IS AMAZING. There is a large backyard that we plan to fence in. It sits on 1/2 acre and the house itself is 2700 sq ft. Definitely some room to grow!

Here are a few photos to walk you through some of the rooms.

Henry's room:

Guest Bedroom:

Spare (eventual little brother/sister) room:

Master Bedroom:

Upstairs hallway:

Guest/Kids bath:

Formal Living Room:

Formal Dining (future Playroom):

Front Foyer:

Family Room:

Half Bath:

Back Yard 360 (post fence installation):

Only pictures I'm missing are of the kitchen, office and basement.  To come at a later date!

I hope you enjoyed the walk-through!

How we survived the first 3 months - My Newborn Essentials List

Every new mom has her own list of necessities that she must have with a newborn. Before having Henry I read every pin and blog post that listed some of their favorite items. For us we found comfort in many different items. So here is my list.

1. Halo SleepSack Swaddle - We discovered the swaddle sleepsack about a month after Henry was born, and it was the most glorious finding. While the swaddle blankets were very useful when he was first home, he soon started wiggling too much and was able to loosen the blanket throughout the night. Once we found one of these it was so much easier to swaddle him at night. We were able to make it taught with the velcro closures. He definitely slept more soundly with it on.
2. Nosefrida - Henry caught his first cold the first week he was in daycare. After multiple attempts to suction his nose with both a bulb syringe and an automatic aspirator... I gave up and found myself at New Baby Products buying a Nosefrida. [since writing this I've seen them for sale at Target] This was the best decision. It gets the job done! He hates it, but honestly he would hate anything I put up his nose. There is a filter that you replace frequently, and this prevents any germs coming through the tube. You get over the whole idea of sucking out the snot when you do it the first time. It makes you and your baby's day so much better. Promise! Every new mom should have this on their registry.
3. Medela Harmony Pump - When my "milk came in" I found myself in much discomfort. I wasn't ready to use the electric pump because I hadn't replaced all the parts yet (my sister gave me her Medela Freestyle pump), but I needed something to take the edge off of the engorgement. Let's just say I wasn't lacking in milk production. I used this hand pump frequently those first few weeks as my supply was leveling out. This may not be for everyone, but if you find yourself uncomfortable I'd say $40 is worth investing to feel better.
4. Aden & Anais Bamboo Swaddle Blankets - Like I mentioned before, the swaddling blankets (see #1) weren't Henry's thing but we found these blankets useful for other things: Carseat cover, floor mat, light blanket for covering, wipe-up cloth, etc. What I loved the most about these blankets vs. the standard Aden & Anais was how soft they were! Because they are made from bamboo fibers it really made a huge difference. I can equate it to the difference between wool and cashmere.
5. BabyHawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier - With her second child, my sister was a "babywearer". The number of wraps, slings, and ties she had to carry Maren was quite unusual. However I'm happy she did because then I had the benefit of getting her hand-me-downs. We can both agree that the BabyHawk Mei Tai (pronounced May Tie) is our favorite because it allows you hold your baby as close and comfortable since it uses tie straps instead of "click" straps. If you are interested in babywearing but it's not in the budget to buy and try out all the different types I suggest finding your local Babywearing International (BWI) group and borrow from their lending library. Many people are familiar with the Ergos and Moby wraps and these are nice, but I encourage you to look at more options out there. There is a whole world of baby carriers that we don't see in the main stream brands.
6. Gumdrops pacifier by Hawaiian Medical - I know that amongst the breastfeeding world there is a big no no for using pacifiers too soon... but we were rebels and took our chances. The lactation consultant at the hospital made us aware of the free pacificers that were in the drawers of the baby crib. She said that even though some LCs say don't use one until breastfeeding is established these pacifiers were BF friendly. You can find gumdrops in the pacifier section at any store, but these were different. These had a soft silicone feel to them and Henry took them immediately. Later we were gifted a set that was a hard shiny silicone (from the store) and he didn't want them at all. Before we left the hospital we kept "stocking-up" with the nurses. I think we took home 10+. The only store I've found these particular gumdrops for sale is New Baby Products here in Atlanta. The hospital offered gender neutral orange ones, but if you care they make them in blue and pink too. (Oh and just for the record... Henry took the pacifier no problem AND he latched just fine. 6 months + of breastfeeding and going!)
7. Up & Up Infant Gas drops and Acetaminophen - Newborns have tummy troubles and the gas drops helped relieve those. Some swear by these and others don't. I say it's worth a shot. Babies are just fussy in general and you really don't know why most of the time. We also later figured out he had reflux issues too. The infant Tylenol was helpful during monthly check-ups when Henry received shots. He was very grumpy afterwards and the Tylenol helped with the pain. I went with the Target Up & Up brand because it was cheaper.
8. Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 LX Infant Car Seat & SnugRider Elite - We have loved our click connect carseat. Not only is it the lightest seat on the market currently, but it literally clicks into the base to ensure it's connected properly. We chose Graco because of the referrals from other family and friends who have used their products before. The SnugRider Elite has been wonderful when you need to run into a store quickly and pick up a few things. You can take the carseat out and snap it in. No fussing with moving your little one to a new stroller. Although, if I'm by myself at the store and I can only push the buggy, so I don't typically bring in the stroller. I will usually wear Henry on me (see #5).
9. Fisher-Price Cradle 'n Swing My Little Snugabunny - WE LOVE OUR SWING! Henry is 6 months old and we still use is so frequently. When he was really little it helped prop him up to relieve him from reflux pain. Now it soothes him to sleep when he takes naps at the house. The best thing about this swing is that it plugs into a wall outlet... no batteries!! This was important because I knew we would be using it often. We moved it around the apartment a lot and looking back on that I may decide to get a Rock 'n Play for the next child, but this was a life saver for many different reasons. In my opinion everyone needs a swing --- if it's the only thing you get for your newborn.
10. My Brest Friend pillow - Before Henry arrived I had debated on whether or not to buy this pillow. With some deliberation I finally decided that my hand-me-down Boppy from my sister will be sufficient enough. During our first week at home I learned quickly that the Boppy was not for me and I needed something more structured to nurse him from. What I love about the MBF pillow is that it snaps around you like a belt and stays put. When they are so little it's hard to get them in the right position and with the MBF I tightened it to just under my boobs. The Boppy never stayed put and Henry was alway falling through the "crack" that was made between the pillow and my abdomen because it wasn't fitted properly around my waist. I will say that even though I only used the pillow for the first 1-2 months it was still the best purchase. I will definitely use this for future babies.

So there you go. My top 10. I know there are more items I'm missing and there are definitely some I hated and were unnecessary, but these are the shining stars that I could not have gotten through those first 3 months without. My advice for soon-to-be new moms --- pick other mommy brains, find out what worked from them and what did not... however take advice like a grain of salt. It's so true when they say every baby is different. You figure out what works for you. Also don't go overboard before baby arrives, just get what you think are the necessities. You or your spouse will be making many trips to Target, Babies R Us, or [fill in your store preference here] the first few weeks. You typically have to keep trying things until you find one that work... and then just wait until the baby changes it up on you again.

Good Luck!

Henry's Birthday - And the days leading up to it

**Warning - It's a long one.**

So as you know by now Henry decided to join our family 2 weeks before his actual due date. It was certainly a surprise to us when I woke up at 6am on September 12th and my water broke on the way to the bathroom. Nick had been sleeping on the couch because the day before he had gone to the doctor, only to hear that he had bronchitis. I remember telling him the night before... "don't worry dear, you will be fine by the time this baby comes." Ha... I think God laughed at me as I said it.

So at 7am I called my doctors office. After answering questions from the Midwife on duty she determined I should head on into the hospital. Good thing I had the bags packed! There were a few things we didn't have ready (phone chargers, camera, iPad, etc.), but fortunately I wasn't frantic and calmly asked Nick to pick up the last few things before we left.

We arrived to Northside around 8:30am and I was whisked away to a labor and delivery room after a little confirmation of paperwork. Once we were in the room and settled things started happening. Nurses came in, introduced themselves, and eventually the midwife, Christine, came around to check-in.

After the nurses confirmed that my water had broken, they started me on a round of pitocin to induce the laboring process. When they had checked my progress there had been no previous movement, which was surprising since I was at 38 weeks. I remember the words "1cm is a generous measurement" being said to me. That set the tone for the next 40 hours. Throughout the 8 hours on pitocin when I was checked again at 5pm nothing had changed. Christine then decided to take me off of the pit, let me have dinner, try a different method overnight, and pair that with sleeping medicine. I'm pretty sure that was the last time I ever slept.

The next morning there was a little progression and I was told I was "a legitimate 1cm now." Christine returned before she left for the day and wished me well. A new midwife, Kristy, visited and we had high hopes Baby L was going to be born that night. They started me on pitocin again at 10am and it actually started working (FINALLY!). The contractions started to get more intense around 2pm, which was when I ordered the epidural at around 3-4cm. I got comfortable for the rest of the day. Movement was being made, however still going slow.

I remember making friends with the nurses who were on my service. They were on a 12 hour shift and I just knew he would be born during that. Also have a I mentioned by this time it was Friday the 13th? I had to accept the fact that my baby would be born on a day that is usually associated with bad luck.

Well the nurses shift ended at 7pm... and I had to say my goodbyes. A new nurse came around, she was sweet, but I was still bummed that the other ladies weren't there. Regardless we still had to get this baby out of me! Around 9:45pm is when I was told by both the nurse and the midwife it was time to start pushing. And push I did... for 3 hours. I'm certain the midwife left to deliver other babies 4 times all while I was still pushing. He was being stubborn right from the get go.

I watch the hands on the clock move quickly as we approached a new day. Midnight came and went and that's when I realized he wouldn't be a Friday the 13th baby after all. Woo hoo! Let's go baby.

However by midnight the doctor on rounds, Dr. Wooten, had been called in. It was clear I may need some extra help. At 3 hours of pushing I was exhausted and my epidural was running low. (Nick later told me they actually dialed it back to make me push harder. Ummm what??) I will admit I was pretty delirious from the pain at this point and just wanted to stop, but there was no stopping. My wonderful husband was so encouraging and stood by my side the whole time. I couldn't have done it without him. He literally was my rock.

Ok so the doctor... yes so he was there and the midwife kept saying "if you can push for 20 more min..." the the doctor would be able to use the vacuum on Henry. I'm certain she told me 3 different times to push for 20 more min. I had to get to a specific point where the baby was low enough that the doctor could pull him out. It was 10 minutes to 1am and I remember the doctor looking at me all ready with the vacuum and said "You realize if this doesn't work we will be rushing you to have a c-section." I shook my head and just looked at Nick thinking "I just want this baby out."

With just one last push the doctor worked his magic and Henry was born at 12:51am. I had so many emotions at one time.

I was so exhausted and in so much pain that I was having a hard time focusing on the fact that Henry was here. But as I listened to the nurses "pinking" him up, I also overheard the doctor say to Nick "You're baby is only 1 minute old once." Nick panicked to get the camera out. I'm happy we snapped these first pictures of him. His head was egg shaped b/c of the vacuum that was used to finally pull him out.

So that's it. Just under 43 total hours after my water had broken, Henry finally made an appearance. I certainly hope he doesn't get his stubbornness from me. Regardless, it was love at first sight. ♥

Baby L's Arrival - 9.14.13

He's here! He's finally here! After 9 long months our has son arrived.

Henry Stephen Larsen

born at 38 weeks, Saturday, September 14th, 2013 at 12:51am 

weighing 7lbs even, and 20.5 inches long