Dragon Boating!

Pender County Government Employees and the Sunburst Foundation partnered up to participated in the 1^st annual Cape Fear Dragon Boat Race.  We had a blast! It definitely was a new experience but we had fun doing it.  We were NOT “in it to win it” but the 2 charities the event sponsored did!

What is Dragon Boat Racing you may ask? It is a 20 person paddle boat with a steer person and drummer.  The boats race about 250 meters; which does not seem that far until you are in the boat paddling.

It is not about the muscling of the boat but team work and synchronization.  We were luckily enough to have Ivan, a veteran from Afghanistan join our paddles; we gave it our all and improved the time from the 1^st race to the 2^nd. But other teams really knew what they were doing and sadly we did not make the finals. 



That's my team on boat #2!

Over a 1000 people showed up to watch the spectacle of the racing dragons-

The money raised by the event went to the Sunburst Foundation and the Step up for Soldiers; I have attached the websites below.

I find myself looking forward to next year’s race!  “Paddles Up!”

http://capefeardragonboat.com/

http://www.stepupforsoldiers.org/

http://www.sunburstfoundationofwilmington.org/

HD in HD

If you are not a fan of the WB show One Tree Hill filmed in Wilmington NC, you are not alone. Nick and I were not fans until Hampton made his Television debut as Baby Lydia.  Ok do not judge … the show needed babies to play the role, Hampton is just one of the Baby Lydias, and it was just for a few hours.  I know Hampton will not be happy later when he realizes that he played a girl (and a cute girl at that). Oh well, he will appreciated the bank account with his first pay check.

http://www.cwtv.com/cw-video/one-tree-hill/this-is-my-house-this-is-my-home/?play=54a2e51e-3dcb-48d0-9b3c-f214926fb48e

So we did it!

5/23/2011

Hampton had his first shot today! Nick and I chose a delayed vaccination schedule; so instead of  a group of shots we opted for breaking the shots in to separate vacations. The HIB was number 1 and boy was he a trooper. Me, not some much, I cried before and after.

He sported his snoopy band aid and went on about his day. He did not seem to notice or have one side effect. So I can say it was a win-win for everyone. I am glad we decided to break the schedule up over mutliple visits.

In the video clip all those tears were over the empty bottle! (Please excuse video skills-still learning to master the FLIP)

3 Day Weekend!

Happy Memorial Day!

I love a 3 day weekend! Unfortunately, those just do not come around that often.  It was a busy weekend and the whole family had a great time.

It weekend started with our dear friends the Davis’ Birthday Party for Maggie! Happy 11^th Maggie -and in dog years that’s 77 years old. Hampton lounged by the pool and enjoyed having all the kisses.

Saturday  was the annual Diminishing Republic Party. Hampton’s Grandmother helped find this little island that is only an island at low tide. So every memorial weekend Saturday everyone heads out to the island at low tide to celebrate. Hampton made his grand debut.  He loved the boat, the beach, and the party, but he really DISLIKED the Coast Guard Approved Life vest.

Sunday we packed up all the baby gear and headed to the south end for some beach time. Wow! One baby sure needs a lot of stuff.  We really do like the “pop-up” tent; which keeps the sun and heat off of Hampton.

Sunday night off the Aunt Amie and Uncle Jesse’s for a cookout with friends. Our friends Katie, BJ and Bryson were visiting from Raleigh. Also Mike, Susan and Sophia decided to join the fun!   Yummy food and great friends (mixed in with margaritas) – a fun time was had by all.

Monday wrapped up the fun weekend. We put a baby pool on the back porch; Hampton and Snoopy enjoyed cooling it in the water.

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday – and stayed safe.  As much fun as we had- everyone needs to send a thank you to our military that keeps us safe-

Side Note: We watched the movie Taking Chance (with Kevin Bacon) - tissues are needed. This reminded me that although I had the luxury of spending this weekend with my friends and family. Many families had paid the ultimate sacrifice for this county. The movie was very moving and sad but you have to see it!

Poor Lulu!

My mother-in-law’s dog, Lulu is currently having surgery. Lulu starting feeling bad 2 nights ago and after an all-nighter in the emergency vet the diagnoses was Pancreatitis. However, after 24 hours of treatment this poor little girl just kept getting worse. Another day at the vet and 3 x-rays later the discovery 2 WHOLE bottle nipples and parts of a pacifier in this 8 pounds yorkie mix stomach.  OUCH!

How did she swallow a whole bottle nipple? Lulu will eat anything, she does not discriminate. So everyone please say a little pray for Lulu-

UPDATE: Lulu has made a full recovery from the consumption of 2 Dr. Brown bottle nipples and a soothie pacifier.

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate… that is the question-

Hampton should have started his first round of “shots” at his 2 month check-up; however I pushed starting them off until his 4 month check-up.  My reason behind this delay; babies still receive the moms antibodies (if exclusively breastfeeding until about 5 months…) so I have had all of my vaccinations so therefore he is receiving my antibodies.  But as his 4 month check up approaches I am rethinking the whole vaccination thing.

My husband and I chose the Bradley Method to deliver Hampton, which again is all natural childbirth with very little medical intervention (no drugs, no epidural, no IV etc.); which leads me to what I should decide inoculations.  Doctors (in most cases) treat the birth of a child as an illness by the use of way too many medical interventions.  Do not get me wrong or be offended if that is the route you chose or due to a complication had to have some form of medical intervention. A C-section saved the lives of my sister’s twins. But because we were blessed by a pregnancy with no complications we chose a different path.  So how do I know that vaccinations are all safe? If doctors can “over” treat the birth of a child- how do I know we are not “over” treating vaccinations? 

This is a topic that you are either for or against but we are on the fence!! Vaccinations have saved lives but also hurt people as well- . So Nick and I still are walking the preverbal fence – anyone have thoughts on the subject?

I will let you know the 4 month check-up T minus 70 mintues!

Bad Bad Book –

At 3:30 AM, as I was rocking my un-swaddled, non-sleeping child, I decided to catch up on my email/facebook, with a love of my life of-course after Hampton, Snoopy, Nick and Max. Yes, Snoopy still out ranks Nick but only by a fraction- but that’s a story for another day. Anyway back to a love of my life the Iphone (Steve Jobs-bless him), when I check an email from a friend, who’s 2 ½ year old is having “going to bed issues”. In this email is a pdf of a children’s book not a book that I would ever read to Hampton. But it obviously was written by parents for parents- the book, “Go the F to Sleep” by Adam Manbach.

I know I am a horrible parent but I have never laughed that hard during the day and especially at 3:30 AM. I know Nick probably thought I had finally reached a sleep deprived breaking point.  It really reminded me that somewhere out there is another mom or dad in the same boat I am. And if you need a bed time laugh read this book- silently and not to children.

We love the Swaddle Blanket!

Wednesday May 11, 2011

And so does Hampton. That wonderful baby blue micro-fleece with Velcro tabs; this blanket has been our friend for 15 weeks.  Hampton has been sleeping in the swaddle position since he was hours old. As a new mom the act of swaddling was way too complex for me. Luckily Aunt Amie (the mother of 3) had demoed the Swaddle Blanket, and suggested this godsend. This blanket can be easily assembled no matter what time it is and with Velcro that hold the swaddle in position all night!

 But as all good things come to an end – so does the swaddling.  Hampton is learning a new trick; he is trying to roll from his back to his belly. As all parents know back sleeping is the pediatrician preferred sleep position. Swaddling keeps the arms and hands at the baby’s side so when he rolls over in the swaddle it could become a SIDS risk factor. We decided it is time to retire our good old friend, the Swaddle Blanket.  As the final days of swaddling are drawing near, we decided to start “weaning” Hampton off of the tight little burrito that lulls him to sleep every night.

We thought the sleep sack, which is like a sleeping bag with arm holes, would be similar to the swaddle but allow more arm and leg movements would make the transition easier for him and us. The sack worked the first night and we thought “that was easy”.   Night 2 not so much, Nick and I were up every hour. Hampton, Nick and I had no sleep and very grumpy. Nick and I had to work the next day which did not make for a great day.

So… hello old friend-we love the swaddle blanket-

Night 3 we broke down and used the swaddle blanket. Sure enough Hampton slept thru the night. We have not kicked the swaddle habit yet- that will have to wait for the weekend-

Happy Mother’s Day!

Sunday May 8, 2011

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers but especially us first timers-.  I always thought that I knew what motherhood would entail, boy was I wrong. It is hard to comprehend how much you will love someone that you have only known for 15 weeks.  You really do not what your life will be like during the 10 months you carry that new little person but afterwards you cannot remember what your life was like before.

Even at 3:30 AM (like today) you stumble out of bed so tired you can barely make it to the crib, mumbling under your breath, complaining about being exhausted. Then you looking down and the crying stops and he smiles at you; as if to let you know he missed you.  Somewhere in that smile you forget that you are exhausted, and your body probably will never look the same, your life is so reverently changed you do not care about the bags under your eyes and the pooch under your belly button.

My first Mother’s day was very nice we had lunch at my sisters with my Mother and Grandmother, and then off to my brother-in-law’s for dinner with Nick’s mother. Needless to say Hampton was exhausted by his duties and when to bed at 7 PM (too bad he did not sleep thru the night)

Nick and Hampton bought me a very nice top from a really “trendy” expensive store in Wilmington. It was a very sweet and lovely gesture; I loved the top. Unfortunately as I have recently had a baby and still nursing the large flowing SIZE 6 just does not quite cut it.  Nick nicely explained to the sales women my wife just had a baby (this is very important) and she is still breast feeding (the second important note) all of which were pointed out to the size 0 sales woman girl. I guess to the world of size 0 and size 6 seems gigantic.  Did I mention I was a size 6 before the pregnancy and I never thought a 6 was large?

I gained 50 pounds with Hampton and I only have 8 pounds before I am at my pre-pregnancy weight. But as all moms know certain parts of my body are no-where near the size “they” were before the baby. Actually they may be confused with celestial bodies and generate their own gravity.

It was a great day and I am just happy to have spent the day with my family! Which after all is what Mother’s Day is about in the first place and this gift comes in one size fits all-

What did we do before?

We are so lucky that our baby is healthy and happy. Our new little family is very blessed and when I am exhausted from work (all 3 jobs: mommie, job and wife) I try to remember that. I do wonder what Nick and I did with all out time… we must have been really, really bored.

Napping

Ever wonder where sleeping like a baby comes from? Well because the first 8 weeks of Hampton’s life did not involve sleeping… at all. But, now this little guy loves a good nap and so does our Jack Russell Snoopy. 



Sound sleeping



The “first” children in our lives Snoopy and Max are adapting well to having a new family member.

Both boys catching some zz's

Snoopy does not mind the baby foot

Did you see my last post?

Friday May 6, 2011

About how great the weather and weekend was going to be…. Pay attention “was going to be” key word WAS.  As fate would have it I was very sick starting Friday night- hence the creation of Parenthood Rule 2.

Parenthood Rule Number 2:

Rule 2: Whatever minor sickness your child has developed (i.e. ear infection) which usually occurs on the weekend(s) and/or holiday- will somehow in their cute adorable baby bodies be incubated into a biological warfare grade illness.  So when you (i.e. parent) contract this newly created illness (again on a weekend) the symptoms will be 1 step below the bubonic plague.

I contracted Hampton’s illness or in my case a sinus infection- So now after my doctor’s visit  (so a grand total of 3 doctor visits in 1 week)Hampton and I are both on Amoxicillin-  Hampton was almost  100% better 3 days after he started his meds; I am a completely different story. It’s been about 10 days now and I still sound terrible- like the worst case of Laryngitis ever.  I am starting to feel better though-

The things we do that torture our children…

This weekend we “pretended” it was Easter. I dressed Hampton in his adorable Easter outfit with his Easter basket and off we went to Airlie Garden. Most of the azalea blooms were gone but it was still beautiful. To get the full “Easter” effect I put Hampton in his basket. I do not think Hampton enjoyed sitting in his Easter basket.  Plus, the new mommie that I am I took about 1000 pictures- which lead into

Parenthood Rule #3-

PARENT RULE #3- Your normal smiley baby, who smiles at anything WILL NOT smile once there is a camera, pointed in his direction.

Well we still enjoyed walking around the garden; I would definitely recommend visiting Airlie any time of year. It is hard to believe some place that beautiful is right in our backyard and we had never visited.



Looks really happy about this



Friday Friday Friday!!

Happy Friday!

Wow, are we glad this week is over.  This weekend is the weather is going to be perfect! So we plan on enjoying the outdoors.  Most importantly I plan on “pretending” it’s Easter. Poor Hampton felt so bad on Easter Sunday we did not dress him up in his little Easter outfit. So we are having a late Easter.

Parent Rule 1

So we, as new parents, figured out the ONE of the long standing jokes of parenthood. I have officially begun to document these phenomena that ALL parents experience as Nick and I do.  

So Parenthood Rule #1:

RULE 1: If there is a holiday weekend your very healthy child will develop a sickness that requires the ever elusive doctor. As NO pediatricians (in Wilmington, NC) have any form of office hours on holiday weekends parents must resort to desperate measures… calling the Wellness Helpline. This ever helpful wellness help phone line scares the parents into taking the child to the ONLY Medac open in Wilmington, NC or to the regional emergency room. So you/we choose the lesser of the 2 evils- Medac.

Here you will wait for 2 hours to see a doctor that tells you the baby’s ear is infected but the infection is not quite bad enough for antibiotics- so we will take the wait and see method. Which for all of you who do not know- we will wait until the baby gets sicker and then come back. But in the mean time give the baby infant Advil which “helps with the inflammation” but and I mean BIG BUT also masks the spiking fever and is NOT FDA approved for infants under 6 months (Hampton is 3 months).  So this brutal cycle begins, as you find yourself waiting in the pediatrician’s office the next day with every other parent who has experienced this phenomenon.

So if you could not figure it out poor Hampton missed his First Easter festivities with an ear infection! The good news is 1 antibiotic, 2 doctor visits, 3 nights with no sleep, 4 doses of Advil finally Hampton is feeling much better.

Sick little guy waiting on the doctor!

Mommie helping out ... while we WAIT some more.

Doctor Visit #2

Tornado!!

Tornadoes in Pender County!

It was a close one on Thursday! I working in Burgaw, NC which is in Pender County (about 25 minutes north of Wilmington). And all the weather hype came to true in Pender County when 4 tornadoes touched down. Luckily no one was hurt!

There were actually 4 tornadoes that touch down a couple just a few miles from my office-

Looking towards Watha



Creepy looking clouds



Happy "3 Month Birthday" Hampton

Happy Three Month Birthday Hampton!

On Friday April 22, 2011 Hampton turned 3 months. Wow has the first 3 months of his life flown by.

January- just a few days old!

February 2! his actual due date ( and those cute jammies no longer fit)

March- (New Mommie had way too many clothes on him)

March- looking more like his daddy

April (isn't he cute!)

Mommie's Little Angel

Here are a few pics documenting the first 3 months of his wonderful life.

At least it is a 4 day week!

 So the only good thing I can say about being back at work this week is… Friday is a holiday so the work week is only 4 days.

The good part of the week is that Hampton is transitioning to his new daily schedule at Aunt Amie’s wonderfully.  So far he is eating well (which is great because the bottle is not is favorite means to eat), he is napping well and he overall seems to be happy.  Amie is the mother of 3 and has the patience of Job – and all Hampton’s cousins Danner, Sawyer and Porter seem to be Hampton’s daily entertainment.

So Happy Easter!!

Danner helping Nana with Hampton

Sawyer kissing a crying Hampton

Future Best Buds

Missing baby’s firsts

And as if my first day was not bad enough- Hampton (the baby genius that he is… not exaggerating  much am I?) decided Monday would be a day of firsts: moms first day at work, Hampton’s first day at Aunt Amie’s and the first time Hampton rolled over from his tummy to back. So Amie is on a mission to video this amazing feat of baby greatness.

So what is a working mom to do?


Waiting for Hampton to "roll over"



Waiting..

All work and no baby…

Monday April 18, 2011

Makes new mommy crazy-

So Monday was my first day back at work from 12 week maternity leave. I guess it went as expected… at least I have 30 mile commute to pull myself together.  Not to mention I had to ask people NOT to talk about the baby unless they wanted the water works to start.

For the last 4 years I have been Land Planner for Pender County; and I enjoy my job. But leaving my “muffin” (Aka Hampton) was a lot more difficult than I thought. 

Our day starts early 5:30 AM for the mad dash to get all the baby gear ready for transport (which is my husband Nick). Did I mention that I am not a morning person and motherhood has not changed that. It was difficult enough for me to find the shower, clothes, keys and car in the morning without added a cute muffin into the picture.  And if 5:30 was not bad enough my husband Nick is the definition of OCD, so he wanders around the house “organizing” things. The key word being “things” nothing that would be helpful (god bless him).  Nick places these “things” in their proper places- only not to be able to find them later.  So one sleep deprived mother, walking out of the house for a 30 mile commute, crying about leaving her 1^st born, has to locate baby wipes because the wipes having been “organized”.

Here is the kicker the wipes were, are and always located on…. the changing table

Happy Monday -

Loaded and ready for delivery

Time Flys By...

I consider myself blessed to be able to experience the 12 weeks I have had home with my son. I planned in advance- saved vacation and sick days as well as purchasing a STD (Short-term disability) Policy to cover my maternity leave.

So I have had the most wonderful 12 weeks getting to know Hampton's quirks, personality and just this new little person in my life. Now as the time draws to an end I am feeling very sad about return to my job/career which I love. I never thought about being a "stay @ home" mommy mostly because I DO NOT like to cook or clean, but now my husband and I are left contemplating the right decision.

To stay or go?
I am planning to return to my job Monday April 18th- we have decided as a family that with today's economy and job market... I should stay in my position.
Some may ask what about Hampton- well he is the luckiest little baby if mommy and daddy cannot be with him during the day who better to keep him than my only sister Amie (mother of 3 children) did I mention that Sawyer is 3, his twin sister Danner is 3 and Porter 18 months are so excited that "baby Hampton is coming over to "be their friend".

Pregnancy to 5 miles!

So on Monday April 4th,  I started a running class which is similar to the "couch to 5K", except instead of the 5k (3.1 miles) it is an 8k (5 miles). The class has about 15 people in it and so far it is a fun group of girls and 1 guy.

The class last 10 weeks- so hopefully I will lose the last of my baby weight.

I gained 50 pounds with Hampton. My husband and I decided that the Bradley Method for childbirth was the best option for us.This childbirth method focuses on meditation and relaxation for a drug free, no medical intervention natural birth. This method also focuses on pregnancy diet- eating healthy no matter what the weight gain is... So 50 lbs later minus one 8 pound 10 ounce baby etc., I have 11 lbs to go.

For more information on the Bradley Childbirth Method
http://www.bradleybirth.com/

Happy Birthday Hampton

Hampton Darby Frank

Baby Hampton

made his grand debut on January 22, 2011, at 2:10 pm weighing a whopping 8 pounds 10 ounces and 19 1/4 inches. He has stolen our hearts and we couldn't be more in love with our little man!!



At New Hanover Regional Medical Center



WOW - Now that's a big tummy!



After 3 and a half hours of pushing!

Happy Birthday Hampton



January 22, 2011
8 pounds 10 onuces
19 1/4 inches
2:10 PM