Our Big Boy

It's funny that Rob blogged yesterday about how fast the 8 weeks have gone by since Preston entered the world because I had the same intent. But, since he wrote such a beautiful, heartfelt piece I decided to hold off on blogging. We were reminiscing this weekend about what we've been through since Preston first made his debut. It doesn't seem possible that he was being admitted into ICU 7 weeks ago. Even though it seems like a lifetime ago a recurrance is always a constant worry for us. But, we try not to think about it because Preston is growing up so fast! Instead of having scrawny frog legs, he has little rolls on his thighs. Instead of barely fitting into newborn clothes, he comfortably wears his 0-3 month clothes. Instead of being cuddled constantly, he'd rather face out to see the world around him. Instead of sleeping all day and staying up all night, he takes naps during the day and only wakes up once or twice during the night. Instead of getting sponge baths, he gets baths in his big boy bathtub. Instead of just laying there, he now smiles and "talks" a lot. It seems like just yesterday I was pregnant, wondering what our son would be like. Now I know and I've discovered a love like I've never known before because of this little guy that's already growing up too fast!

preston

early one hot morning in july
my wife woke me up and said that its time
i grabbed my clothes and threw them on quick
i was quite nervous i must admit
we headed down the hill as quick as we can
those whove ridden with me will understand
we got to st marys in record time
hoping this was the day id meet this boy of mine
well after 45 minutes of pushing he was here
that amazing miracle we hold so dear
6lbs and 8 ounces and 20 inches long
one look at him and my heart was gone
its been 8 weeks now since our miracle arrived
and ive never known a stronger sense of pride
hes started smiling and coming into his own
and to him forever my heart will belong
it aint all easy, dont get me wrong
but nothing is as rewarding as holding on of your own
someday well look back and wish he was still here
keeping us up at night crying his tears
but until then well treasure each day
we get to spend with the miracle God made

Sleep Deprived Daddy's Boy

Preston and Rob have created quite in a bond in 8 weeks (Yes, he's that old already!). I can tell Rob that Preston's been fussy all day but as soon as Rob gets home from work and Preston hears his voice he's all smiles. This morning Preston woke up so I got up with him while Rob slept in a little. He was a little "needy", wanting to be held. Usually the mornings are his best times, the times he does not need to be held a lot. When Rob woke up he stopped being needy and was all smiles. He and Rob had quite a conversation in bed while I made breakfast. Rob and I had planned to go to Fallon to go see a store Rob likes after Preston took his morning nap. Well, that never happened. He took catnaps all day long, but never took a real nap! Surprisingly he wasn't super fussy, despite the fact that he hadn't slept. Maybe it's because we held him but we were trying everything to get him to go to sleep....both swings, our bed, a walk in his stroller, a car ride. Nothing worked so we were hoping that he'd go to bed early. We were wrong. He downed 5 oz (the most he's ever had) a couple hours ago but he's still wide eyed and bushy tailed. Hopefully once he goes to sleep he'll sleep for a really long time so we can sleep as well!

Tough Guy

Early this morning I had to wake up Preston to get him ready to go back to the dreaded place where he'd already spent 4 days of his life....Renown Hosp. We had to go to get everything checked out and this hospital is the only place in town that our pediatrician trusts. So, I got him there and gave him his medicine and formula as instructed. Then we walked around the hospital for 45 minutes. Luckily, the hospital is really nice with a garden and Starbucks so he and I were both happy. Just as he was falling back asleep it was time for the bloodwork. When I walked into the room where it would be administered I was taken back with all the vials on the table. I asked the nurse to forgive me if I cried because it had been a few weeks since he had been poked and prodded last. She informed me I could leave the room if I wanted and that's ultimately what I did once Preston started crying. I wanted to be strong for him but it breaks my heart to see him get stuck by needles so much as such a young age. He had to have blood drawn to check the Acyclovir levels in his system, making sure he's getting enough.
Rob and I had a heart to heart last night and I told him I don't know what I'll do if the doctor calls and says he needs a higher dosage each day. Preston has become fussy and I think it's because of this medicine and what it's doing to his system. Rob and I had both agreed that we would stop the medicine yesterday if we weren't worried about the ramifications of the virus returning. We can't go through another round of ICU, spinal taps and IV treatments like before. So, for the next 10 months we will persevere through it and Preston will continue to be a tough guy that gets yucky medicine twice a day and bloodwork done once a month. He's more of a trooper than I'll ever be and I'm proud to be his mommy!

Great day!

As bad as yesterday (Preston was fussy most of the day and nothing would settle him down) was is how good today has been! Preston had a great night last night, only waking up at 2am to eat. Unlike yesterday, he took his morning and afternoon nap. Since I got about 5 hours of sleep last night I didn't nap with him today. Instead I was able to get some housework done. In between his naps he would talk and smile. The only time he got a little fussy is when I took him to my old school to see everyone. As soon as we left the school he quieted down. Guess that was his way of saying he doesn't want to be a teacher or principal! After we left the school I took him for a walk in his stroller around the lake. He liked his walk so much the other night I figured he'd be awake, looking at everything. Instead he fell asleep halfway around the lake. That's okay because he went to a babysitter for the first time ever this afternoon while I went to the dentist. I was a nervous wreck, hoping and praying he'd be good for our friend that was watching him. I didn't need to be nervous because when I got there she said he'd slept the entire time. Rob got home with a hilarious card and a dozen roses for me, which put a HUGE smile on my face! Now Preston is laying on his activity mat, talking away and as happy as can be. Today has been a GREAT day in every way possible!

Boy Bonding

Preston has become quite the daddy's boy. He'll be fussy with me, but as soon as Rob is around Preston is all smiles. Recently Preston started smiling and "talking". Tonight I was in the bedroom so Rob brought Preston in for family time away from the TV. As soon as he laid Preston on the bed, he flailed his arms and started "talking". Soon his eyes got as big as saucers. Rob translated the story for me to enjoy. It went like this.... "There was this big shark and I was swimming away from it. It made me so scared. (At this point Preston dirtied his diaper). In fact it made me so scared I pooped my pants. (At this point Preston stops flailing his arms and smiles). I made it to the beach and I was happy. (Preston started smacking his lips). And I was worn out." I was laughing so hard by the end because both boys were really into the story. Then Rob started singing and Preston was bobbing his head to the beat, smiling and trying to sing along. To top it all off, Rob grabbed Preston's nose. Preston turned around and grabbed Rob's nose....but started squeezing it really hard. Both boys were making me laugh. I love their father/son bonding time each night. Now it's bedtime so Preston is falling asleep on daddy's chest, all the while pulling his chest hair! (Another favorite pasttime of Preston's)

On the Road Again

Preston and I became "world travelers" this week. We drove to Winnemucca, Elko and to Sacramento all within a few days. Doing long road trips makes me realize even more how blessed we are to have such a great baby. He slept most of the drives and when he was awake he would just look around. I did find out during these trips that country music calms him down and R&B/ rap gets him aggitated. (He's destined to be a cowboy like his daddy!) I'm sure he is getting sick of his car seat though. When in Sacramento, my parents and I took him for a walk in his stroller. Instead of putting him in his car seat we just strapped him into his stroller like a big boy. He absolutely loved it! He enjoyed looking at the trees and sky, getting fussy just for a minute when the wind got too strong. As much as I enjoyed visiting Rob, seeing my parents and catching up with friends in Sacto. it was really nice to be back home. I'm glad to be back together as a family and pray that Rob doesn't have to go back out of town anytime soon. If he does, at least we know Preston can handle the car ride to go see him.

The Mucc

Rob is in Winnemucca for work so Preston and I drove there to be with him last night. We got there then turned around, got in the car and left to go to Elko for dinner. It was a beautiful two hour drive and I got to see parts of NV that I've never seen. All in all Preston and I were in the car for 8 hours, of which 7 hours Preston was asleep. He was awake while Rob and I tried to enjoy a basque dinner with our friend Paul. Once we got back to Rob's hotel it was about 11pm. At this point Preston decided he was going to have a one man slumber party. Since I was the chaperon I got to be part of the fun as well. We pulled an all nighter, me quietly begging him to go to sleep while Rob got some much needed ZZZZZs. Preston spent it passing gas. Whoever said baby farts don't stink has never been around our son. I had mistankingly left his swaddle blanket at home so every time he'd fall asleep, he'd pass gas and would startle himself awake. If I wasn't so tired I would've found the situaion hilarious. But I was exhausted so I didn't appreciate our unscheduled smelly all nighter! Luckily, after Rob left for work this morning I was able to sleep for about 2 hours while Preston took a nap as well. Once he got up I got ready to hit the "town". While I got ready, Preston discovered full length mirrors and LOVED laying there looking around. I ate breakfast at our friend's family's restaurant then walked around downtown. I wanted to stay until Rob got off work so we could spend more time together, but since he had got off late yesterday I didn't know what time he would get done today. So, Preston and I hit the road and had a nice drive back to Reno. Now I get to repack to head to Sacto for a short visit.

A World of Difference!

I was wide awake at 3am last night. Not because Preston was awake but because I am not used to getting so much sleep. Three inventions that have changed my life for the better: Angelcare monitor, Pack n Play, Baby Bjorn. In fact, if I knew who invented them I'd send them flowers and a thank you card. The Angelcare monitor is great (except that I notoriously forget to turn it off so it starts beeping REALLY loud in the middle of the night...every night!). It sensors Preston's breathing and movement and will go off if there is a problem. It has given me such a peace of mind that when Preston goes to sleep I don't lay there, watching to make sure he's moving/breathing. The other greatest invention for nighttime is the Pack n Play. We were using a cradle but the other night Preston let out a scream at 2am. I quickly got up, only to find him tilted and up against the bumper, not able to move away from it. It freaked me out and I took it out of the room the next day! We now use the Pack n Play and it has made a world of difference. He sleeps so much better...and for longer periods of time. These two inventions have helped me get more sleep in the past 4 days than I've gotten since Preston's been born. The last invention is a daytime invention. Rob and I try not to hold Preston too much during the day (at night he gets held more due to tummy problems from his medicine....and because he's extra snuggly at night!). Yesterday I had to get things done because we had 6 people coming over for dinner. Rob was taking a much needed nap and I was determined to do things around the house, even though Preston was wide awake. So, I tentatively strapped him into the Baby Bjorn and wa-lah! I had my hands free to get things done and he was a happy camper. I'm tellin' ya- there are things out there that make life with a baby so much easier!! If you know who invented these items let me know. I owe them flowers and a thank you card for helping us out!

A Lot of Nothin'

Wish I had stuff to write but I'm still overwhelmed with this mommy business. I took Preston to Sacramento earlier this week for a funeral. He slept in his pack-n-play like a big boy when we stayed the night at my parents'. He also won the hearts of many that met him while we were there. He even left his "scent" on one of my friends when he projectile pooped all over her and the sidewalk underneath him. Once we got back, he had a hard night and cried a lot this morning (and no he doesn't have a fever- that seems to be the common question when I say he's been crying.)
I've heard how much per hour stay-at-home moms would make if they got a paycheck and it'd be cents if I remember correctly. Sometimes I wonder what I got myself into not having a job outside of the home. I'm already having a hard time not having adult conversation. I run errands just so I can see other adults and get out of the house. I guess my real paycheck is the thing that doesn't have a monetary value, such as witnessing Preston's first non-gaseous, bonefied smile yesterday. He was in his swing and started smiling. It absolutely melted my heart to see him happy enough to smile. Today he was a fussy gus so I only got one smile, but I'll take what I can get. It's the little things that make the long sleepless nights and fussy mornings worth it!

What a Big Boy!

I can't believe that Preston/Cinco will be 6 weeks on Friday. How time flies! I've noticed in the past few days that he's getting bigger. He's almost out of newborn diapers, where at one time (in the PICU) he was wearing Preemies. He outgrew his newborn onesies and is quickly filling in his 0-3 month onesies. He's eating 2.5-3 oz at every feeding and is gaining weight like no one's business. He had gained 2 lbs at his last dr appt a week and a half ago. I am guessing that he'll be up at 9 lbs at his next appt on Monday because he feels heavier to me. The next milestones that we're looking forward to is him smiling without passing gas and him getting more sleep at night. I started him on a schedule yesterday and so far it's going good....during the day. Hopefully tonight will be a good night. I have his Angelcare monitor set up and tested (It alarms us if he stops moving/breathing during his sleep) so I am hoping to get sleep while he sleeps instead of watching him to make sure everything is good. We'll get there...eventually!!

Missing Grandmas

MISSING: Mimi and Grandma Herms
REWARD: Lots of snuggles from Preston

When both grandmas were here for their visits I relied on them heavily, especially during the early morning hours. Both grandmas would hold Preston, snuggling and having special time with him. During that time, I was able to get a few hours of solid sleep. Yesterday Preston was awake quite a bit so I was looking forward to a good night sleep. However, the night did not go as I had planned. He slept until 1am but then we were awake most of the night after that. He fell asleep while feeding so I put him in his cradle. An hour later he woke up hungry. When I fed him he ate too much and started spitting up all over his hair and cradle. Then I discovered that Huggies is not our brand of choice for Preston. Every time he had a dirty diaper it leaked through to his PJs. I think I changed his PJs 3 times last night and his cradle sheet once. By 5am his sheets were soaked and I didn't have any other clean one. Usually this is the magic time that he starts his "Grandma Bonding". However, there was no grandma/mimi to be found in the house so I brought him to bed with us. He slept for a couple hours, keeping me a awake however with his kicking and farting only like a man can. That meant I didn't get my coveted sleep. So, if you see Preston's grandmas please let them know that their reward can be claimed at Morgan Rd. He and I would both really appreciate it!

Tahoe

We decided to go to Tahoe for the afternoon, a favorite place of ours. After a beautiful drive, we made it to South Shore. I thought it was funny that I was in the bathroom, feeding Preston, and ladies kept stopping to admire him. They didn't care that I was "exposed". They just wanted to tell me how cute he was and wanted to know how old he is. After Preston was done we went upstairs to see what was going on with everyone else. While Rob, Wanda and I were talking I was told I needed to leave the casino floor since I had a baby with me. That was fine as I didn't want to be in the smoke-filled building anyway. I used that time to walk to Starbucks and enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery. It was the first time for Preston to be in California and he slept through the whole experience. On the way back from Tahoe we stopped to take family pictures with the pretty lake as the background. We topped off the perfect day with a great dinner at Texas Roadhouse....a favorite for Bobby and Wanda by now!

Baby Bawling

Rob took his parents to the petroglyphs this evening. I opted to stay home in hopes of getting things done around the house and rest. As soon as everyone left I put Preston down with the intent of getting things done around the house. Before long he was "wailing" as I like to call it. I chalked it up to him being held so much this week so I let him cry. Soon it became louder and more desperate. So, I went in to check on him and he was really warm. After taking his temp (which he loved I'm sure) I discovered he had a fever of 100.7. So I stripped him down and ran a cool wash cloth over his body a few times. I laid next to him in our bed because it was cooler in there than anywhere else upstairs. Unfortunately, that didn't calm him down either. His fever broke but he was still fussy. After he cooled off a bit, I held him to provide him some comfort. It stopped the crying but didn't get him to sleep. He missed his afternoon/evening nap so he is sound to sleep on his Mimi's shoulder right now. I didn't get much done around the house as hoped but Preston takes precedence over a spotless house any day of the week.

Proud Grandparents

Yesterday Bobby and Wanda flew in from MS to meet their grandson. As soon as they were off the plane Bobby picked up Preston out of his carseat and took off through the airport with him. When Wanda and I caught up to him, he was surrounded by women, asking all about Preston. Once we got home they both took turns holding him. Preston was well loved all day long. They are such the proud grandparents!