Three Weeks

Yesterday Alex was three weeks old. I was hoping to take some photos and make a post, but yesterday was not a very good day for us. My sweet, precious angel turned into quite the grumbler. Probably because he was so stinking tired from not taking his morning naps like he needed to. Which, consequently, brought out the grumbler in his mommy by mid-afternoon. Thank goodness Daddy's golf game got rained out (sorry, babe!), and he could come home a little early to help us out.

Anyway, today is a new day. It has started out much like yesterday (why won't he nap?!), but we've been much more productive this morning. Little man got his bath, and now he's smelling all sweet and babylike. Delicious!

This was my first time to bathe him solo. It's funny the "milestones" that you become proud of as a new parent. Oh, and the deep, deep respect I've gained for single parents. I've always admired the endurance that most single parents have, but now that admiration has been taken to a whole new level.

Here are a few of the things we're experiencing with Alex right now.
• He loves his pacifier. We cannot be without it. You'd think the world was about to come to an end if it falls out of his mouth.

• Yesterday he had his first blowout diaper. In fact, he had two. I've known this was coming for a while. He can make some good "prizes" (as Noni calls it).

• A few times a day we are lucky enough to change his diaper without any fussing whatsoever. These are rare, but a tad more frequent than in the beginning when there was barely a time he didn't cry while getting his diaper changed.

• His jaundice is completely cleared up. For a while, his little eyes still had quite a bit of yellow even though his skin tone was evening out. But now his skin and his eyes are yellow-free.

• He's started spitting up. This is now happening more regularly. And at random times, I might add. I thought it would usually come when I burped him, but not so much. It's just whenever the mood suits his digestive system. And usually whenever I don't have a burp cloth nearby to clean him up.

• He's beginning to notice things he couldn't see before. For example, when we change his diaper downstairs, he looks up at the ceiling and notices the chandelier, whereas before, he would just gaze at whoever was changing his diaper. He also notices the little toys hanging from his swing or car seat.

• He likes his swing. And thank goodness for that. I love having another form of "entertainment" and "arms" to hold him other than myself.

• He's still eating every three hours. Almost like clockwork. Except for the couple of times a day where he thinks he needs a "snack" in between his regular feedings.

Ok, little man has conked out for a nap. That's my cue to hit the shower so that maybe, just maybe, we can meet Daddy for lunch today.

Outfit from Great Granny

My Granny - Alex's Great Granny - made several wonderful gowns for Alex. We LOVE them. This one's still a tad too big, but I thought I'd post a picture of him wearing it anyway. There are the cutest little Dalmatian buttons on the side. Thank you, Granny! =) XOXO

Munchie's Many Faces

Haaaayy!!


Peace Out


Fish Lips


Grrrr

Our Little Munchie

Mommy and Daddy love our little munchie!

Hungry Baby

As my shirt says, "I'm hungry." Let me contemplate what sounds good today...


I'm thinking either...milk or milk. Which should I choose? Such tough decisions.

Aunt Sylba Comes for a Visit

Last weekend Alex, Jerry and I had a very special visitor. Jerry's older sister, Sylvia, (known to Alex as "Aunt Sylba"), came to see us. She made lots of meals that we were able to freeze, and she gave Alex lots of love. Alex is a very blessed little munchkin to have so many people who love him. Thank you for the visit, Aunt Sylba. We love you!

Alex and his Noni

Let me introduce you to one of Alex's favorite people. This is his Noni. 

Noni has spoiled him plum rotten. He loves to hear her talk to him - she has a magic touch that soothes him. And he just stares at her with adoration. And what's not to love? I happen to think that she's pretty spectacular myself. Love you, Mom! Thank you for all of your help with Alex. (And the laundry. And the cooking. And the cleaning. And the moral support.) You're the best.

Hello from Alex

Alex says "hello" to all of our friends and family back in Texas! We love you guys!

Sammy and Alex - 11 Days

Today, Alex is 11 days old. Here's a picture of Alex with Sammy, his sock monkey friend. Our goal is to take a picture of the two of them on the 8th of every month so that we can see how much Alex has grown. 

Week One

Two words to describe the first week. We survived.

Jerry has been quarantined to our office since Sunday. Fortunately our office has French doors so that I could take Alex by to see his daddy for daily "visits." It's been very hard seeing Jerry in there, and we are so excited that tonight is his last night to have to stay isolated. I am so ready to get to have him with us again.

I have been trying to heal from third degree tears that I got during the delivery. I'll spare the gory details, but suffice it to say that it's not been easy to get around the house and take care of Alex like I'd like to. Fortunately my mom is here, and has been able to help us out. Alex has been spoiled by her, and, boy, does he love his Noni. She seems to have the magic touch with him.

On a happy note, Alex is doing GREAT. His jaundice is starting to clear up. He's gaining weight. He's nursing well (and all the time, I might add). And he's generally a happy baby. Although, he DOES NOT like getting his diapers changed. And there are plenty to change. 

I haven't managed to get as many photos as I'd like this first week, but here are a few that I thought I'd share.

Sweet dreams.


First bath.


Precious angel.

The First Few Days

Jerry, Alex and I made it home Friday afternoon and have been doing well. Until this morning. Which is when we found out that Jerry has a case of the flu. Please say prayers for Jerry – that his flu symptoms go away quickly – and for Baby Alex, me and my family (mom, Evan, Zack and Janna) that none of us get the flu, too. 

On a happier note, Alex is doing great! He's eating and sleeping well and has been a real trouper. He's got a little case of jaundice, but it seems as though he's managing through that ok. We take him to the doctor tomorrow for a little check-in.

Longer posts and more details to come...

48 hours

As Amanda & I were up this morning for a feeding at about 6:00 am we realized that it had been exactly 48 hours since her water broke.  As we reflected on the blur that was the last 2 days, we were in awe of the gift & blessing we have received.  

There is an old saying about parenting .... if you aren't one, you can't understand it, and if you are one, you really can't explain it.  I know we imagined what this would be like, but it really is a unique & special privilege that can only be experienced.

We really appreciate all the kind & thoughtful, emails & phone calls we have received over the past few days.  As you can imagine, we haven't had much time or energy to post any updates since Alex was born.   Amanda's mom is here and has allowed me to go home during the day to rest up to help with the night shift.   As soon as Amanda's water broke on 7/8, she called her mom.  Tanna (Amanda's mom) left TX about 45 mins after the call and drove 16 hours straight to VA.  She arrived about 10:30 pm, just about 3 hours after Alex was born. 

We are expected to be released from the hospital this morning, and from what I hear, that is when the real fun begins... :)

I know AC or I will have more postings over the next week or so, but for now we wanted to share a few more pictures of our little man.

 

Alex has arrived!

At approx. 7:33 pm EST.  Alexander Cole Correa decided to grace us with his presence.

He gave us a little trouble there at the end, and it turned out that he was face up, 

which makes passage a little more difficult.  After what seemed like 10 mins of pushing and alot of nurses & and the Dr. scurrying about and pulling him out with forcepts, he finally made his appearance.  

He is 7 lbs 3/4 oz.  A little cone headed due to the trauma of the birth, but he is perfect.

Both mom & Alex are doing well.  Amanda is resting and doing well, but is pretty wore out and starving. :)  Food is on the way.  As soon as we get u

p to our room, we'll post more, and I am sure Amanda will share her thoughts on her experience.

thanks again for all your thoughts & prayers.

Love, J

Progress...

Alright, making progress...

Amanda is now at 9cm, and Alex is tolerating the labor "wonderfully"....  The nurses words not mine.  But great to hear!  I think we are getting close to meeting him.

She is doing AWESOME!

Hello!

Hi there. Not much progress to report, but I wanted to say hello from the labor ward. I'm still at 7 cm last the doctor checked, but the good news is that I'm not in pain. Let me just say that I am a BIG fan of the epidural. =) Ok, we'll post more when we have further news. Thanks for all of your encouraging words and your prayers. We appreciate them all. XOXO. AC

AC is still resting and feeling pretty good...  Epidural...   Good!

Here are some picts from this weekend, almost 38 wks and from today...

Still working on figuring out how to download video...

And we wait...

Just a quick update.

Amanda is still doing really well.  The epi has really kicked in and she is sleeping now.

Around 3:15 pm est she was dialated to a 7.   The dr. should be in again in a bit to measure her again.

The first shift of nurses we had this morning were a God send....  Christian women w/ an amazing bed side manor.  At 3 pm the shift changed and we got some new ones, but they seem very good too.

AC had her blood pressure drop a bit earlier, and they gave her some ephedrine and fluids to help stabilize it.   The nurse briefly mentioned that if it continued to drop & impacted the baby's heart rate, they might have to consider a c section.  But they were simply creating the awareness, just in case.   Since then her BP is back up and doing well and there has been little else happen yet.

I can tell that Amanda is a little wore out from the whole event but she has been a superstar!

I'll update you all again soon...

Amanda & Alex's big day!

I think most of you know by now that the BIG day has arrived.    Amanda's water broke around 6:00 am this morning, and that was when the fun began.

After we finished packing bags, wrapping up loose ends at work, and loading up the car.  We headed to the hospital and Amanda was admitted right away and has continued to progress very well.

She got to her room around noon or so, and has spent the past few hours working through the pain of contractions.  She has done really well!  The Dr. just gave her the epideral, and I think the meds are kicking in, as she is resting now. 

It is approx. 2:45 pm EST, and is currently dialated to about a 6 & 90% efaced.   Alex has started to make his way down.  With any luck, she'll continue to progress and Alex will be here soon.

Those of you who know my beloved wife will appreciate her latest question...   "How soon after he is born can I eat?"  :)  Forget the pain, when can she eat... that's my girl... 

Thanks for everyone's thoughts & prayers.

Love, J