Nathan- 8 weeks already!!!

I can't believe my itty-bitty Nathan will be 8 weeks old tomorrow. Time is really flying by. And, the first weeks are always a blur with the sleep deprivation. I don't want to forget any of this.

Sleep is becoming more and more, and I'm so relieved. Just like with my first two, Mom got Nathan to sleep the longest, the first time she and Dad had him overnight. This occurrence was last Saturday. Mom had been asking for him, and we had been invited to one of my best friend's birthday party, so I 'cut the cord' and left him for the first time, overnight. I didn't expect it, but I got teary-eyed driving away from Mom and Dad's, leaving him. I trust them 100% of course, but there's just something about leaving him like that. I think it's even harder with Nathan, than it was with the other two, because he's nursing beautifully, and we're together so much. I prayed so hard for success with nursing, and God has blessed me with this. Yes, it has been exhausting, especially in the first few weeks, but I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I cherish every moment I have this bonding time with him. It is such a special thing, really. I had no idea. Thank you, God, for this gift with my last little one!

Back to his first night away. I think he ate his last bottle about 9, and he only took an ounce. Then, he slept until 3am!!!!!!!!!!! He took another bottle, then slept until 7:30am!!! And, while he was snoozing at Mom and Dad's, I was getting what felt like, the best sleep of my life, in my bed!! Wow- what a difference a full night's rest can make you feel, after 7 weeks of just power naps in the night. I was so energized Sunday morning!!! Ronnie and I had breakfast, then headed out to pick up all 3 boys and get to church. It was a great morning at church, with Nathan's first time in the nursery. He did beautifully, sleeping the whole time in this little old lady's arms. She met me in the hallway, before I even dropped him off asking if I was leaving him this time. I told her I was and she said 'he's mine!' She rushed into the baby room, and let all the other workers know 'she had called him'. It was so cute, and I felt at ease leaving him in her arms.

Nathan has outgrown the colic-crying quickly. I really don't know if he truly ever had it, but just was upset with all the reflux spitting. He definitely does have reflux, and we're trying out some medicine to see if it will help. The good news is he's steady gaining weight, so that's a good thing. We just don't want the reflux to make his throat sore, that's why we're trying meds. to see if they can be of some help. The laundry this little guy produces is amazing! One large load a day, easy!

He has started smiling and cooing the past few weeks. I've yet to get a great smile on camera. As soon as I do, I'll post it. I need to get the video camera out to get some smiley moments. The first few are so precious. Jacob is hilarious imitating the noises I make to get Nathan smile. What's so funny is, it works! Nathan loves looking at Jacob and smiling. Of course, it makes Jacob so proud, when he causes baby grins.

I guess every parent looks at their child, thinking he's the most beautiful one they've ever seen. But, you truly feel that way. I can't imagine a more beautiful little boy, with his clear, olive skin, dark hair, and blue eyes. He really is gorgeous!!! I am in love, for the fourth time!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes, Ronnie is one of those times:)

Nathan's 1st week

Well, as most of you know, our sweet Nathan arrived Friday night at 12:04a.m. He weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz., and was 20" long. He surprised us with his weight, since our ultrasound measurements had us expecting 10 lbs! Our pre-delivery guesses were-- Ronnie- 10lbs. 2oz./ Alice- 9 lbs. 14 oz. We were convinced he was huge. Big baby still, yes, but not huge to us, since our first two were 8 and 9 lbs.

He is GORGEOUS, if I do say so myself! He has the most beautiful skin, clear as can be, and a ton of soft, dark hair. Still trying to figure out who he looks like. Most people say his daddy, for sure. I'm just trying to figure out who he favors more, between Jacob and Ethan. Both of them were born looking a lot like Daddy. But now, Jacob is taking on the Helton traits more, the older he's gotten, while Ethan is a Messer looking baby for sure! Hospital picture comparison, Nathan looks more like Jacob. I think he looks like Nathan, and will look different all together. Time will tell.

He's such a sweet baby, already smiling during his short awake times during the day. I'm just in awe at how 'perfect' he came out. Our high risk doctor, even though he was very positive, was convinced he'd have jaundice at birth. And, he was no where close-- having perfectly pink skin right away. He is perfectly healthy from head to toe, and we are so thankful to God!!!

He had his first visit to the doctor this morning, and got another great report. He's already back up to birth weight, after losing 6 oz. in the hospital. No surprise as much as he eats! Mommy's having a hard time keeping up, but I'm managing. I'm so glad that part is going so well

Jacob and Ethan are adjusting well so far. Jacob LOVES to hold him, and wants to at every opportunity. While Ethan just says 'hi, baby' every now and then, with a pat or rub on his head. Having three will be a challenge, I'm sure, but I'm open to it. Thank goodness for Ronnie, Mom and Dad for all of their help right now!!!! While healing, I need a lot of extra help, and they have all given more than enough.

Ronnie and I are so proud of our family, and this new addition just makes it feel complete. Thank you, God, for yet another little blessing. We'll do our best to make you proud as his parents!

Getting closer to meeting Nathan!!!

Not much to update on really, but it's been a while, so I thought I'd let everyone know how it's going. It blows my mind that in just 9 1/2 weeks he'll be here!!!! (or less if I get my way!!!)

Went to the OB today. I had my glucose test done 2 weeks ago, as well as having my iron tested, and the antibody screen as usual. All looked great. My levels are perfect. The antibody level is still just as low as it's always been.

I am being monitored weekly now at the high risk doc, and we go back there on Friday. He still looks great there too. They are looking for possible side effects from this antibody in my blood. Some of which could be low blood or anemia. He doesn't show any sign of either one yet.

His head is down, and has been for about a month now, I guess. See-- he is SO ready to come out early!!! The midwife today even said, 'wow, your baby is so big, I can already tell where the rump is, and where the head is!' Yes, I know, I have a big baby-- thanks! I wonder how much he weighs now. Think they'll check measurements to get that estimate next Friday at the high risk-- they only check that every 3 weeks.

So......we wait, and are just so happy at how well he's doing. I'm feeling pretty well, just feeling huge!!! I'll try to post a pic soon. I just don't know how much more my belly can stretch!!!

We plan on getting the nursery going this weekend. Ethan is already moved out, so it's just a matter of my cleaning the room out, and Ronnie and I painting. The new bedding is already here, and I'm so anxious to set it all up. I'll post pics as soon as it's ready!!!