"it's been one week since you looked at me..."

It's hard to believe that one week ago today, Aidan was born. He's one week old!

So far, he has mastered what I like the call, "The three P's"-- peeing, pooping,and pimples. Pimples on a baby? You bet. After his first pediatrician apppointment on Friday, Aidan woke up the next day with baby acne on his cheeks and forehead. Apparently, it is a common baby condition. Oh, the things you learn as a new parent. I have been assured that it will go away on its own. So, as long as Aidan is comfortable, I'm fine with it. He's still awfully adorable.

Today, Paul, Aidan and I got out of the house and took a walk what with the sunshine and all. All our neighbors met Aidan and Aidan met all his future playmates-- the neighborhood boys that range in age from 1 to 6.

In between feedings, naps and swaddling, I've had little time to reflect on Aidan's birth and how life has changed in the McJannet household, so I hope to put these memories in writing soon. Paul has been the "good daddy"-- he quickly calms Aidan when he has one of his crying jags (especially just before feedings) and he tends to Aidan during the 11-1 a.m. night shift when Aidan is especially fussy so I can get some extra sleep in. He's also been cooking dinner and getting the laundry done. Aidan and I are so very lucky.

My mom has also been a great help-- she stayed with us for three days after we got home so Paul and I could get some rest between feedings. Those first two days were pretty tough as everyone settled into their new roles of mom, dad and child. Mom was there to help calm Aidan, and gave me encouragement when breastfeeding didn't quite take off right away. Paul's parents came to visit this weekend, allowing us a quick outing to Babies R Us to buy a few items for me and Aidan. I hadn't been out of the house (except for his doc appointment on Friday) and getting out for fresh air and grocery shopping was just the medicine I needed to clear my head and feel like myself again.

I'm happy to report that we've gotten to a place where Paul and I can "read" his cries and Aidan and I are in sync when it comes to feedings. We've discovered that Aidan hates to have a wet or poopie diaper and he absolutely cannot eat until he's got a fresh diaper (which he promptly de-freshes as soon as we change him!) This high expectation for cleanliness seems to be relaxing as this morning, he managed to sleep through a wet diaper which soaked his basinette sheet. He is also learning to wait for his feedings instead of crying his head off-- I woke up to find him quietly waiting in his basinette. Aidan also has this cute, vigorous little head shake he does before he "latches on" to feed. Sometimes he growls at the same time. It makes me laugh every time.


So, Happy One Week, little Aidan! I'm sure you'll be giving more surprises and discoveries for your mommy and daddy this week.

welcome to the world, aidan paul!

We welcomed our son, Aidan Paul (he's officially graduated from the name "Skittles") into the world on Sunday, March 12 at 3:28 p.m. Here is is own official website.

More about his birth and becoming a parent soon. Right now, I've got a diaper to change!

we're ready for you, baby!

Today was my last day of work (yes, I actually worked up to the very end!) It was nice to be able to wrap up major projects and feel like things will be in good hands while I'm on leave. Paul and I went out for dinner (one last time?) at Red Robin to use my free birthday burger coupon, topped off with apple crisp. It was a nice splurge before delivery day tomorrow.

So, here is the scoop-- my doctor will be on call this weekend, so I get to be cared for by the doctor I've seen all these many months. The plan is to get a call from the hospital between 6-8 a.m. but our doctor told us not to wake up at the crack of dawn for the call. She recommended waiting, getting the call, taking a shower, getting a bite to eat and then make our way to the hospital where I will be induced. If all goes well, Baby McJ will be born on Saturday. Or, he may decide to take his sweet time despite being induced. If that's the case, our doctor will send us home to relax so we aren't "held hostage" at the hospital. So, baby could appear as late as Monday.

She seems pretty positive that the initial inducement plan will do the trick, so we'll be positive, too.

Stay tuned for baby news soon!

skittles lets mommy have her birthday first

Thank you, Baby McJ, for letting mommy eat all weekend for her birthday! (Not that I would have been disappointed if baby did come during this weekend, but I think it would be nice for the baby to have his own birthday.)A tasty brunch at the Rusty Pelican; a perfect, romantic dinner at Palomino and awesome Chinese food for dinner on Sunday. Good food, good company-- you can't miss!



Okay, Baby... this weekend, it's your turn!

it's done, it's done!

Tito Lars has completed his masterpiece for Baby McJ. Yea!

Click here to see a slideshows: "The Making of a Mural" and "Baby McJ's Nursery."

eight days and counting

This is Baby McJ's last ultrasound. The technician estimated that he was around 7 pounds already and right on track. This ultrasound image doesn't do his sweet face justice. On screen, he looks like a sleeping angel. In this picture, he looks more like the Jason on Friday the 13th or the "Scream" character.

I look at this picture and think of his saying, 'Enough poking already. Can't a guy get a little privacy?!"

Baby McJ likes to push back when the doctor puts the doppler on my belly to check the heartbeat or take an ultrasound. He also likes to run away (if that is possible in such close quarters) from the poking. The other day after work, you could actually watch my belly undulate as the baby squirmed for a comfy postion (he was probably doing that to freak Paul out I love seeing the look on his face when the baby makes my belly move!) My doctor tells me that March 11 will be delivery day (unless Baby wants to come out on his own earlier) as she doesn't want to take a chance on him getting too large. (His original due date was March 13.)

So, mommy and daddy-to-be are busying themselves with putting together baby gear (Paul) and washing baby clothes (Laurel). I woke up at a little after 5 a.m. today full of evergy so I straighted up our living room. Baby isn't even here yet and the living room was overflowing with baby stuff! I wouldn't let Paul put together the pack-n-play last night because the clutter was getting to me. Now there is room to move, so go to it Papa Paul! :)

more shower fun

Skittles and I enjoyed our second baby shower hosted at Mom's house. More good food, visiting with aunties and catching up with good friends. And, of course, oohing and aahing at more adorable baby clothes and fun stuff for baby.