Big News

It's official! I am turning in my letter of resignation at work tomorrow. After a lot of discussion, Sam and I have decided that it will be best for me to take a few years off work. It was really hard making the decision to leave International Paper after seven years of climbing the corporate ladder but I know in the long run this is the best thing for me and my family.

I am going to return to work on Monday to clear out my desk and say goodbye (more like see ya later!) to all my coworkers.

I am a little nervous about not working. It is hard to imagine being unemployed - I always thought I would be a career mom. I worry about losing touch with the outside world. I really valued the interaction I had with all my coworkers. That being said, I do not have any regrets and I really look forward to all the quality time I am going to get to spend with my son and the new opportunities this will present!

Clean Bill of Health

I had my 6 week check up today. Hard to believe that 6 weeks have already past. I am still recovering in some ways but the doctor said I looked good and was healing nicely. They want me to stay on the anti-depression medication for 6 months. It seems like a long time but the doctor said that it will help me stay level. I know I want to stay on it for at least another month, I guess we will see how I feel after that time.

On a more humorous note I think it is it is funny how different my postpartum recovery time has been than what I thought it would be. By this point I really thought I would be working out and really focusing on getting back in shape. What a joke! The only exercising I have time to do is walking the stroller around the block several times a day to stop a crying baby. There is also I lot of baby bouncing going on too (great for the abs!). Despite all the nice meals we have been eating (+ dessert) and the lack of quality exercise, I was happy to see that I am getting much closer to my pre-pregnancy weight. I probably won't be able to fit in my pre-pregnancy jeans for a few more months but at least the weight is coming off.

Nothing else to report. Harrison took lots of naps today. I followed the "sleep when the baby sleeps rule" so I am feeling well rested. After all the naps, I have a feeling it will be a LONG night. I am hoping he will prove me wrong.

10 Things I Have Learned From Harrison

10. When you are hungry scream at the top of your lungs and thrash around like a crazy man. It also helps if you try to suck on any available body part regardless of the holders gender - arms, noses and chins are favorites.

9. Baby nails are sharper than razors but nearly impossible to cut. Don't even get me started on baby toenails.

8. Formula poo really is much worse than breast milk poo.

7. All hell breaks loose at 4pm.

6. Walking outside solves almost any problem.

5. Day and night mean absolutely nothing.

4. Lights are profound and mysterious things that must be stared at.

3. A new clean outfit should be spit up on immediately (bonus points if the adult does not have a burp cloth handly).

2. Always scream at the top of your lungs when guest are present. Quite down and act like an angel as soon soon as they leave.

1. Gas is your biggest enemy!

Tub Tub

We weighed our little chuck this afternoon. It was a very unscientific process (I got on the scale with Harrison and then I got on the scale without Harrison) so it might not be the most accurate measure. Either way, Harrison was a whopping 13 pounds! It doesn't surprise me at all...I think I can practically see him growing right before my eyes!

Since we showed a picture of Harrison screaming yesterday, I thought I would show the other extreme. Here is Harrison at his best :)

From Week Four

I'm Back

I want to apologize for being away for a while. I am hoping that I will have more time in the next few weeks to post more frequently. For those of you that I haven't talked to, I have been having a little trouble these last couple of weeks. About two weeks ago I started having panic attacks when going out in public or when people would visit. Each time I would have one it would be worse than the one before and they started getting more frequent. When I was having an attack it felt like I was drugged and I had very little control over myself. I couldn't sleep or eat and I would have trouble breathing. It was a very scary time and I am so thankful Sam was there to help me through it.

I have been put on medication (Zoloft) and it is really helping. I have also been limiting my social interactions since they seem to trigger the panic attacks. I have been on the medication for about 8 days now and I am finally starting to feel like myself again.

I just wanted to share this with everyone so you would know what I have been going through and why I disappeared for a while. It is good to be back!

One Month Old Today

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!

From Week Four

Harrison showing off one of his favorite nightly activities.

Announcements

From Announcements

I thought I would post the announcements I created. I was pretty proud of how they turned out (except for a little mix up on the back, darn printer). I am hoping to start a little side business of doing announcements, calling cards and maybe even little hang tags like the closet dividers in my spare time. I just need to figure out how to get started. I have a printer right now but I am not happy with them...I would like to find a local printer I could work with. I really enjoyed making the announcements and came up with 10 different templates before Harrison was born...have lots of ideas for others in case anyone is interested just let me know :-)

Harrison's New Swing

Fisher Price Rainforest Swing: $65

From Week Three

4 C Batteries: $6

From Week Three

1 hour of peace...

From Week Three

PRICELESS!

Birth Story Posted

I have back posted my birth story on Harrison's actual birth date. If you are interested in reading the specific details of Harrison's birth either scroll down to that day or click on the following link:

http://coverdalechronicles.blogspot.com/2008/08/disclaimer-i-have-been-asked-to-post.html

Harrison's First Doctor's Appointment

Harrison had his first doctor's appointment today. He is in great health! His weight is 9lb 3oz (50%) and he is still 21 inches long (75%) and his head circumference is 36cm (50%).

We talked a lot about sleep schedules and feeding habits. We were also concerned about Harrison's right arm since he seemed to favor his left arm. Turns out he has a broken collar bone from delivery. Evidently this is really common with bigger babies and the broken bone heals quickly on its own. We have already seem improvement in the right arm but it was nice to know what was causing his lack in mobility.

We really liked his doctor and look forward to seeing her again for his two month appointment. Harrison was pretty pooped from the whole event!

From Week Three

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my 30th birthday! Nothing big planned - I think we are going to celebrate with a party in a month or two. My day has been great though.

From Harrison Week Two

Sam has done a lot of the baby duties and cleaned the whole house. I got to take a long nap, take a shower, and run out to Target. Before the baby this wouldn't have seemed like a big deal but now being able to do all three and still eat breakfast and lunch were huge. Tonight will also be special. Our friends Amy and Matt have been sweet enough to offer to come over and fix us dinner. I am really looking forward to the adult company!

Quick Update

I have been working on a few post to share soon. I have been a lot busier than I ever thought I would be. Between feedings, diaper changes, cuddling, and trying to get in a little me time the hours in the day really fly by. My mom has been in town the last two weeks helping out. She did some of the nighttime duties and gave me an extra set of hands during the day. She also helped with the confidence issues that come with being a first time mom. She left to go home on Friday and I am now flying solo for a little while until Sam's parents come up. I really miss her and I was really sad to see her go. I look forward to her next visit!

I promise to post again soon. I have Harrison's birth story all typed up. I am also working on a daily schedule that I hope have completed next week sometime. I am sure there will also be a lot of pictures to share.

From Harrison Week Two