Ben Loves Daddy

This is the best tummy time.

Go Astros!

Milestones

Today, Ben's umbilical cord stump fell off. I had to search in his little outfit to find it!
Here is his new tummy.

Tummy Time

Since our pediatrician recommended tummy time this morning, we decided to try it during our wake times today. I have spliced two videos together - our first tummy time attempt with Daddy and our second attempt when Daddy was gone working. We are making progress. But, not too much. Don't grow up too fast.

First Trip to the Doctor

Finally, back in my pack n play after my first trip to the doctor and the grocery store.

Ben had his first appointment with the pediatrician this morning. We went with a pediatrician recommended by my OB since we don't know many people around here yet. We loved him! Dr. Chopra was extremely kind, complimented Ben (and Mommy!) so we were all very happy. The nurse was fabulous as well, so it was a great experience overall.
Stats:
Born 7 lb 1 oz
Left hospital 6 lb 11 oz
Today 7 lb 8 oz

Born 18.5 inches
Today 20.375 inches

Don't know what his head circumference was at birth, but he is at 13.5 now.

Apparently, the APA is now recommending a multi-vitamin for breastfed babies even though Mommy is taking her vitamins, so the nurse told us a couple we could try. But, she said if he refuses and spits it up, just forget about it! I like her!

The doctor also recommended 30 minutes of tummy time 4 times a day. I can't wait. I have been excited about tummy time. He is barely awake 30 minutes, 4 times a day, so we will see how that goes.

One Week of Ben

This has to be my favorite onesie so far!

I have posted a lot of pictures and videos, but not much talk about him.
Here is an update on his first week:
Barely slept at all while at the birth care center. Slept great as soon as we got him home.

Is on a 2.5-3 hour schedule with little disruption. He eats, gets a clean diaper, plays (during the daytime hours), and then back to sleep.

During the night, he keeps the same schedule, minus the play time, so we can't complain. We get pretty good sleep.

Breastfeeding is going well. He had some trouble latching on while at the birth care center and the first couple of days home. The nurses were a huge help and gave me the confidence to keep trying. Now, he nurses very well.

He seems so tiny. He only fits in his newborn clothes, not really into his 0-3 month clothes. But, he does look like he has gained some weight since we brought him home. We go to the pediatrician for the first time tomorrow, so we will get to see just how much he actually weighs.

He hosted his first social event on Monday while my mom was still here. We opened our home to the staff of World Impact for a "Sip & See." We made some punch that turned out to be a pretty nasty green color, so Ryan called it Baby Poo Punch. Sadly, that is a pretty good description. Obviously, this little event was very laid back, like all things in Wichita, so people came and went and got to meet Ben for the first time. He did extremely well, but was definitely tired after that. It look a couple of cycles through the schedule to get him back on track.

My mom and sister are back in Texas now, but Grammy and Papa Tom (Ryan's mom and stepdad) arrive this Friday. We are anxious for our next group of visitors to come and see Ben.

He continues to move his head and open his eyes when Ryan or I talk to him which just melts our hearts. He really loves to hear his Daddy's deeper voice!

Ryan has endured three "pee fountains" and I have received one. Whew. That boy has some timing - we just aren't quite fast enough sometimes.

He has received two baths at home so far and didn't really care for either one. But, at least he is clean, right?

He seems to enjoy his aquatic play mat as much as he can at this age. He pretty much just lays there and his reflexes will kick a leg to hit the ball or his arm will hit one of the toys or mirror. He enjoys his little swing for only about 10 minutes at a time. I don't let him sleep in it, so he doesn't swing long before he puts himself to sleep and gets moved to the crib or pack-n-play.

He continues to make us so proud and humbled that we are his parents. Ryan misses him terribly when he has to go to work, but we try to go see him or Ryan comes home and works from home for a while. Life is good in the Carter house!

Top 10 BENefits To Being An Aunt

My sister Candice has been here with Ben since Thursday at 4am when she and my mom arrived from Midland, Texas. They leave today in an hour or so. She wrote these 10 BENefits last night.

(In no particular order)

1. Each morning I got to wake up to a 7 pound bundle of cuteness peering up at me.
2. I can spoil him rotten without any complaint.
3. He smiled the minute I held him - no matter what anyone or any text book says that he can't. We know the truth, don't we Ben?
4. I now have three reasons to leave Texas...B E N
5. After diapers and feedings and many changes of clothes, he is placed in my care for a "little loving"
6. I get special visiting privileges to watch you grow and develop each day.
7. Aunts have a way of bargaining with Mom if you really, really want something. (Like taking you out of the crib because you want to be held.)
8. Watching your Mommy and Daddy bean with pride and share smiles over the slightest sound of your voice.
9. Discovering the true meaning of "Love at First Sight."
10. The best gift my nephew has given me is choosing my sister for his mom!

I have loved spending every moment of these past few days with your new son. He's the perfect addition to the Carter Family. I love you guys!

Love, Aunt Can Can

Ben Slideshow