This video comes from my brother Gary, who visited Mom in the hospital the day before she was discharged. She suffered a minor stroke on February 10, spent a few days in the hospital and about a week in rehab. She's doing really well now that she's home. Her lifestyle has just a few minor adjustments from before (i.e. rails added to the shower), but anyone who knows Mom knows she's doing everything in her power for a full recovery and an active life. At this writing, she has a bit of loss of feeling in her left hand and foot, but there's no reason to think that won't come back 100%. Please continue to keep Mom in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to recover. We feel so blessed it wasn't worse. I'm certain Mom's faith played a big part in how this all unfolded.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Two weeks old
AJ is two weeks old and lots has happened in his tiny little life. He's had lots of visitors and has received many wonderful gifts and meals. We are reminded how lucky we are to have such amazing family and friends!
At AJ's 1-week weight check, we learned his weight had dropped to 8 lbs. (9 oz lighter than his birth weight) and that he was jaundiced. The doctor wasn't overly concerned about the jaundice as the levels were just marginally high, but she did express concern about his weight. We were instructed to increase the amount and frequency of his feedings. Two days later, he had gained 3 oz and the doctor was pleased. At his 2-week appt. today, he was back up to 8 lbs 8 oz (just one oz. lighter than his birth weight) and everyone is happy. AJ's face looks fuller and he's getting stronger by the day, so we know he's doing well.
He has the funniest little personality. I sense he's going to be a very determined boy. He grips onto my fingers with such mighty force, and he gives it his all when he cries. But the funny thing is that his cry is usually just one syllable. Like, "hey guys, I'm still here. How about some food?" He eats so fast (mom's genes, no doubt) and burps like a sailor when he's done. Assuming sailors burp loud? And usually a few minutes later, there's a rumble down south and a diaper that begs to be changed. His sleeping patterns are amazing to me. He sleeps all.the.time. Like probably 22 hours a day. Put him on my chest and it's a matter of minutes before both of us are out. He is pure love... snuggly and warm and soft and sweet. I could spend my entire day just holding him and looking at him.
Cohen is doing pretty well with the new tenant in the house. We had maybe 5 minutes of trouble ("baby go away" etc.) but he has definitely developed compassion and fondness for his little brother. He is noticeably more clingy to me, not wanting to leave my side. Having him continue to go to daycare is a positive thing for our whole family. He loves being with his friends and it's good that his routine stays the same, and I get a break from MommyMommyMommyMommy. He'll always be my number one dude, but these weeks are for AJ.
Several people in my family came to visit Saturday. Actually, "visit" doesn't do justice to the day. Mom brought turkey, dressing and the works, Gail brought potatoes, pies and more, Vicki brought tableware and drinks, and I pretty much sat at my bottom as my family spent the whole afternoon cooking and cleaning. It was so great to see everyone and eat such great food.
This week I may see Bev, Melissa, and my work friends. I'm totally enjoying maternity leave, despite a little cabin fever that's usually cured by a trip to Target. I've been able to balance relaxation (read: naps) and a little productivity. It's going fast!
At AJ's 1-week weight check, we learned his weight had dropped to 8 lbs. (9 oz lighter than his birth weight) and that he was jaundiced. The doctor wasn't overly concerned about the jaundice as the levels were just marginally high, but she did express concern about his weight. We were instructed to increase the amount and frequency of his feedings. Two days later, he had gained 3 oz and the doctor was pleased. At his 2-week appt. today, he was back up to 8 lbs 8 oz (just one oz. lighter than his birth weight) and everyone is happy. AJ's face looks fuller and he's getting stronger by the day, so we know he's doing well.
He has the funniest little personality. I sense he's going to be a very determined boy. He grips onto my fingers with such mighty force, and he gives it his all when he cries. But the funny thing is that his cry is usually just one syllable. Like, "hey guys, I'm still here. How about some food?" He eats so fast (mom's genes, no doubt) and burps like a sailor when he's done. Assuming sailors burp loud? And usually a few minutes later, there's a rumble down south and a diaper that begs to be changed. His sleeping patterns are amazing to me. He sleeps all.the.time. Like probably 22 hours a day. Put him on my chest and it's a matter of minutes before both of us are out. He is pure love... snuggly and warm and soft and sweet. I could spend my entire day just holding him and looking at him.
Cohen is doing pretty well with the new tenant in the house. We had maybe 5 minutes of trouble ("baby go away" etc.) but he has definitely developed compassion and fondness for his little brother. He is noticeably more clingy to me, not wanting to leave my side. Having him continue to go to daycare is a positive thing for our whole family. He loves being with his friends and it's good that his routine stays the same, and I get a break from MommyMommyMommyMommy. He'll always be my number one dude, but these weeks are for AJ.
Several people in my family came to visit Saturday. Actually, "visit" doesn't do justice to the day. Mom brought turkey, dressing and the works, Gail brought potatoes, pies and more, Vicki brought tableware and drinks, and I pretty much sat at my bottom as my family spent the whole afternoon cooking and cleaning. It was so great to see everyone and eat such great food.
This week I may see Bev, Melissa, and my work friends. I'm totally enjoying maternity leave, despite a little cabin fever that's usually cured by a trip to Target. I've been able to balance relaxation (read: naps) and a little productivity. It's going fast!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Our birth story
Anderson James Moll, who we'll be calling AJ, arrived just after midnight today, weighing 8 lbs 9 oz and just over 20" long. He was 5 days early, and here's how the story goes...
Saturday mid afternoon, I realized I hadn't felt much movement throughout the day. I called My Nurse and was advised to go to Labor and Delivery for monitoring. Turns out everything was fine, but as I was laying on the bed with monitors, it occured to me I was having very mild contractions.
Sunday morning I woke up and they were still mild. Around noon they become more frequent and intense. We made arrrangements with Gail's family to watch Cohen, and patiently waited.
Around 4:30 we left the house and dropped Cohen off at Gail's. Seeing him excited to be there and play with his cousins lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. That was the one piece of this whole experience that was giving me much anxiety! We had several great options for Cohen's care, but a worrying mommy like me appreciated the reassurance that her little boy was happy and fine. We arrived at the hospital at 5:15 and I was dilated to 5. I decided to wait on the epidural in hopes of progressing as much as possible. After a couple hours of trekking around the floor, I'd had enough. The anesthesioligist was a welcome sight and administration of the meds was problem free. It was now around 8:15 and I was dilated to 7.
As with Cohen, the epidural slowed down contractions. At around 11:15, I was dilated somewhere between 8 and 9 and Dr. Gisi suggested a light dose of pitocin. They'd check me again in an hour. Yay, a short nap was in the cards.
30 minutes later, our awesome nurse Kelly and her trainee Kaylin came rushing in. They'd been monitoring baby's heartbeat from outside and it had dropped suddenly. Kelly quickly checked me and announced it's time to start pushing. She called Gisi and the delivery troops in. She had me do one big sample push to see how baby's heart rate responded (he was fine). In her words, baby was about to fly out!
It seemed like forever before Gisi arrived. Finally, he took his spot and told me to push 2 more times. On the 3rd push, he told me to stop while he situated the ambilical cord and made sure baby was in the best position for entry into this world. One small push (ahhh!) and AJ was out!
He cried immediately. Hard. They put him right on my chest and I had several minutes of awesome bonding time with my little dude. When his crying settled down, I got such a kick out of the little murmers and coos coming from this tiny little person. I told him he sounded like a baby kitty or mouse (and Dominic is giving me crap about calling my baby a kitty). So adorable and sweet. And slimy and sticky.
They took him away for his APGAR and examination. This took place in the corner of our room and it was reassuring how calm everyone was. He loved the warming table. He came back swaddled and slightly less slimy, and Dominic and I had more time for cuddling and acquainting ourselves with our new son. Just as quickly as the doctor and delivery team arrived, they were gone. The whole thing took less than 20 minutes!
AJ is one special little guy. He came out rather scratched, bruised and cone-headed, but now (18 hours later), he's perfect. We love his blonde wavy (blonde? hmm...) hair and his teeny, tiny parts. He's significantly shorter and heavier than Cohen was as an infant, which makes him seem almost stocky. The nurses have commented how strong and tough he seems. He's also determined. When he tries to nurse, he gives it his all and focuses intently. Most of all, he's sweet. He sleeps peacefully and seems low key when he's awake too. He's barely cried so far (except after being born). Every once in awhile he'll show his disatisfaction by one tiny little wail, then he's done. Please please please let this temperment remain!
As the newborn scrunchy face fills out, we see a resemblence to Cohen. Especially the mouth and chin. Like his brother, AJ was born with nearly invisible eyelashes and no eyebrows. It will be interesting to see if he eventually sprouts long, lush, perfectly curled lashes like Cohen's. AJ also has remnants of lanuga (thick, light hair) on his shoulders. I inspected his entire little body and I'm pretty sure he's the softest human I've ever met! Newborn skin is priceless...
I'll be posting photos and more frequent updates. Today is the start of my 12-week maternity leave, and I'm so excited to have this special time with my new little angel!
Saturday mid afternoon, I realized I hadn't felt much movement throughout the day. I called My Nurse and was advised to go to Labor and Delivery for monitoring. Turns out everything was fine, but as I was laying on the bed with monitors, it occured to me I was having very mild contractions.
Sunday morning I woke up and they were still mild. Around noon they become more frequent and intense. We made arrrangements with Gail's family to watch Cohen, and patiently waited.
Around 4:30 we left the house and dropped Cohen off at Gail's. Seeing him excited to be there and play with his cousins lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. That was the one piece of this whole experience that was giving me much anxiety! We had several great options for Cohen's care, but a worrying mommy like me appreciated the reassurance that her little boy was happy and fine. We arrived at the hospital at 5:15 and I was dilated to 5. I decided to wait on the epidural in hopes of progressing as much as possible. After a couple hours of trekking around the floor, I'd had enough. The anesthesioligist was a welcome sight and administration of the meds was problem free. It was now around 8:15 and I was dilated to 7.
As with Cohen, the epidural slowed down contractions. At around 11:15, I was dilated somewhere between 8 and 9 and Dr. Gisi suggested a light dose of pitocin. They'd check me again in an hour. Yay, a short nap was in the cards.
30 minutes later, our awesome nurse Kelly and her trainee Kaylin came rushing in. They'd been monitoring baby's heartbeat from outside and it had dropped suddenly. Kelly quickly checked me and announced it's time to start pushing. She called Gisi and the delivery troops in. She had me do one big sample push to see how baby's heart rate responded (he was fine). In her words, baby was about to fly out!
It seemed like forever before Gisi arrived. Finally, he took his spot and told me to push 2 more times. On the 3rd push, he told me to stop while he situated the ambilical cord and made sure baby was in the best position for entry into this world. One small push (ahhh!) and AJ was out!
He cried immediately. Hard. They put him right on my chest and I had several minutes of awesome bonding time with my little dude. When his crying settled down, I got such a kick out of the little murmers and coos coming from this tiny little person. I told him he sounded like a baby kitty or mouse (and Dominic is giving me crap about calling my baby a kitty). So adorable and sweet. And slimy and sticky.
They took him away for his APGAR and examination. This took place in the corner of our room and it was reassuring how calm everyone was. He loved the warming table. He came back swaddled and slightly less slimy, and Dominic and I had more time for cuddling and acquainting ourselves with our new son. Just as quickly as the doctor and delivery team arrived, they were gone. The whole thing took less than 20 minutes!
AJ is one special little guy. He came out rather scratched, bruised and cone-headed, but now (18 hours later), he's perfect. We love his blonde wavy (blonde? hmm...) hair and his teeny, tiny parts. He's significantly shorter and heavier than Cohen was as an infant, which makes him seem almost stocky. The nurses have commented how strong and tough he seems. He's also determined. When he tries to nurse, he gives it his all and focuses intently. Most of all, he's sweet. He sleeps peacefully and seems low key when he's awake too. He's barely cried so far (except after being born). Every once in awhile he'll show his disatisfaction by one tiny little wail, then he's done. Please please please let this temperment remain!
As the newborn scrunchy face fills out, we see a resemblence to Cohen. Especially the mouth and chin. Like his brother, AJ was born with nearly invisible eyelashes and no eyebrows. It will be interesting to see if he eventually sprouts long, lush, perfectly curled lashes like Cohen's. AJ also has remnants of lanuga (thick, light hair) on his shoulders. I inspected his entire little body and I'm pretty sure he's the softest human I've ever met! Newborn skin is priceless...
I'll be posting photos and more frequent updates. Today is the start of my 12-week maternity leave, and I'm so excited to have this special time with my new little angel!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
December update
Cohen has had a huge learning spurt in the past few months, specifically with his letters. He knows what sound each letter makes, and can recognize certain words (Cohen, Mommy, Daddy and Nathan). One of his favorite activities is sitting with me at the laptop and writing words and names. I tell him how to spell something and he 'hunts and pecks' to find the correct letters. He does great! One time he saw a letter on our counter addressed to Dominic's niece whose last name is Dudley. He pointed to the word and said "Daddy!" Not bad!
He's also continuing to amaze us with his verbal progress. He comes up with some hilarious things. Like, one time Rudy was doing something naughty (big surprise there) and he patiently said "Rudy, stop that." He repeated it a few times, each time louder. Finally he gets in her face and said "Rudy Moll, you stop that right now or time out!" He also calls Dominic "Daddy Moll" when he's trying to get his point across.
He loves Christmas lights more than anything. Sometimes we drive around neighborhoods after school and he oohs and ahs at the beauty of nicely decorated homes. He scouts out the good ones and says excitedly, "Go over there Mommy!" It's funny hearing him butcher the word 'beautiful' as he conveys his excitement.
Our recent quest is to get him out of his crib. He loves sleeping in his crib and has never tried to climb out, but we're getting close to eviction time as the new tenant's arrival gets closer. He does okay in the big boy bed, except when he wakes up in the middle of the night and comes downstairs on his own. To counter that, we put a baby gate on the doorway to his room. Last night, in his attempt to escape, he plowed into it and started crying. So yes, there are a few bugs to work out as we make this part of our routine, but we'll get there.
Potty training, on the other hand, may be awhile. It's not even on his radar.
He's a great little boy, despite an occasional display of terrible two behavior. He makes me laugh 100 times or more a day. I'm so grateful his sweetness remains from infancy. His hugs and loving attitude can turn my mood around in a flash.
My pregnancy is going fine. At this writing I'm 36 weeks and we've yet to finalize the name or prepare the nursery (which sounds worse than it is - it just involves moving the crib to Kraeton's room). Dominic and I are so completely laid back this time, but it will all turn out fine. I have mixed feeling about wanting to go early vs. full term. I have so much to do in the next few weeks (finish Christmas shopping and finish a huge project at work), but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want this pregnancy to be over. I'm huge and uncomfortable. Part of me is a tad scared (terrified) of what it will be like with two kids. Our life is getting easier by the day and Cohen is such an awesome little dude. A newborn will certainly change things. I can't wait to see his little face and hold him and be his mommy! I'm definitely up for the challenge.
Anyway, here are a few photos from recent weeks...
He's standing in front of the first face he's ever drawn. You can see the circular area for the head and two scribbles for eyes. That scrunchy, squinty face is how he says "cheese" for the camera.
He's also continuing to amaze us with his verbal progress. He comes up with some hilarious things. Like, one time Rudy was doing something naughty (big surprise there) and he patiently said "Rudy, stop that." He repeated it a few times, each time louder. Finally he gets in her face and said "Rudy Moll, you stop that right now or time out!" He also calls Dominic "Daddy Moll" when he's trying to get his point across.
He loves Christmas lights more than anything. Sometimes we drive around neighborhoods after school and he oohs and ahs at the beauty of nicely decorated homes. He scouts out the good ones and says excitedly, "Go over there Mommy!" It's funny hearing him butcher the word 'beautiful' as he conveys his excitement.
Our recent quest is to get him out of his crib. He loves sleeping in his crib and has never tried to climb out, but we're getting close to eviction time as the new tenant's arrival gets closer. He does okay in the big boy bed, except when he wakes up in the middle of the night and comes downstairs on his own. To counter that, we put a baby gate on the doorway to his room. Last night, in his attempt to escape, he plowed into it and started crying. So yes, there are a few bugs to work out as we make this part of our routine, but we'll get there.
Potty training, on the other hand, may be awhile. It's not even on his radar.
He's a great little boy, despite an occasional display of terrible two behavior. He makes me laugh 100 times or more a day. I'm so grateful his sweetness remains from infancy. His hugs and loving attitude can turn my mood around in a flash.
My pregnancy is going fine. At this writing I'm 36 weeks and we've yet to finalize the name or prepare the nursery (which sounds worse than it is - it just involves moving the crib to Kraeton's room). Dominic and I are so completely laid back this time, but it will all turn out fine. I have mixed feeling about wanting to go early vs. full term. I have so much to do in the next few weeks (finish Christmas shopping and finish a huge project at work), but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want this pregnancy to be over. I'm huge and uncomfortable. Part of me is a tad scared (terrified) of what it will be like with two kids. Our life is getting easier by the day and Cohen is such an awesome little dude. A newborn will certainly change things. I can't wait to see his little face and hold him and be his mommy! I'm definitely up for the challenge.
Anyway, here are a few photos from recent weeks...
He's standing in front of the first face he's ever drawn. You can see the circular area for the head and two scribbles for eyes. That scrunchy, squinty face is how he says "cheese" for the camera.
He spells Cohen on his own. He got a little help with Moll.
Here's our first snowfall of the winter. Nearly 20"!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Surprise baby shower at work!
My coworkers Michelle and Andrea made this awesome 3-D duck cake, and I received an adorable ceramic duck filled with bath supplies and a very generous Target gift card. I love my coworkers!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
He's 2!
Cohen turned 2 a couple weeks ago. Like last year, the celebration was low key. He had a DQ bday cake for dessert when we had Gail's and Carol's over for a cookout, and he enjoyed a special shopping spree at Target. He got a tricycle, which is still a tad too big for him, a Barney DVD ("purple Barney"), letters and numbers that stick to the side of the bathtub, an awesome FP Little People airplane from Pevestorfs, and an Elmo book from the Giffords. I'd say he faired pretty well.
For the past few months we've been experiencing a language explosion. He can say hundreds of words and seems to learn several new ones every day. He uses funny little expressions like "Aw, man," "Whoa!", and "Wow."
He knows his ABCs - the song - and can identify about half the letters by sight. W is his favorite letter. He'll spot it on signs, packaging, etc. and make a big deal out of it.
He knows most of the colors, but sometimes gets hung up on red and blue. Yellow is his favorite, followed closely by purple.
He can count to the teens. Around 16, it becomes an infinite loop.
He knows shapes really well. His favorite is oval. For some reason I always crack up when the word "rectangle" comes out of his mouth. He's still a little guy and "square" would suffice just fine.
At his 2 year appt., he weighed just over 30 pounds and was 36" tall. That's in the 90+ percentile for height... pretty consistent with how it's always been.
He does countless endearing, funny, or amazing things every day. Every day I go to bed amused and proud. Just to name a few...
He's in a phase where he hates what I wear to work. "No like Mommy's shirt" is the first thing out of his mouth practically every morning.
When we play with sidewalk chalk, the more owls the better. Right now our driveway is covered with fat owls, fuzzy owls, baby owls, you get the picture.
He enjoys reading his books to himself. He usually conveys the main points pretty well, even though every page is summarized in about 3 words. The exception is 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. He knows every word, complete with animation.
He also sings along with songs. Muppin Man is my favorite.
Rudy has become his best friend. He'll play with his toys and say "See that Rudy?" and "Watch this Rudy." In the morning, he loves helping feed the kitties and will follow Rudy to every room in the house to make sure she gets her 2 pieces of Pounce. When she eats it, he'll say excitedly, "She likes it!"
He calls Dominic "Dom" sometimes. Only when he needs to yell. I crack up when he belts out from the top of the stairs "DOM, COME UP HERE!"
He continues to be a huge Mama's boy. Only I can feed him, bathe him, put him to bed, etc. This could get very interesting in 3.5 months when his little brother arrives.
He's a clean freak. Whenever we go from one activity to another, he picks up after himself without being asked. "Put it way" and "Keen up" are common phrases in his vernacular. I totally thank daycare for this habit!
It's been a great summer. He's totally fun and easy and agreeable. We had many enjoyable evening bike rides or walks to various playgrounds. Such awesome family time. I'm sad the warm weather will inevitably leave us!
I'll post pictures soon. My new camera is rocking!
For the past few months we've been experiencing a language explosion. He can say hundreds of words and seems to learn several new ones every day. He uses funny little expressions like "Aw, man," "Whoa!", and "Wow."
He knows his ABCs - the song - and can identify about half the letters by sight. W is his favorite letter. He'll spot it on signs, packaging, etc. and make a big deal out of it.
He knows most of the colors, but sometimes gets hung up on red and blue. Yellow is his favorite, followed closely by purple.
He can count to the teens. Around 16, it becomes an infinite loop.
He knows shapes really well. His favorite is oval. For some reason I always crack up when the word "rectangle" comes out of his mouth. He's still a little guy and "square" would suffice just fine.
At his 2 year appt., he weighed just over 30 pounds and was 36" tall. That's in the 90+ percentile for height... pretty consistent with how it's always been.
He does countless endearing, funny, or amazing things every day. Every day I go to bed amused and proud. Just to name a few...
He's in a phase where he hates what I wear to work. "No like Mommy's shirt" is the first thing out of his mouth practically every morning.
When we play with sidewalk chalk, the more owls the better. Right now our driveway is covered with fat owls, fuzzy owls, baby owls, you get the picture.
He enjoys reading his books to himself. He usually conveys the main points pretty well, even though every page is summarized in about 3 words. The exception is 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. He knows every word, complete with animation.
He also sings along with songs. Muppin Man is my favorite.
Rudy has become his best friend. He'll play with his toys and say "See that Rudy?" and "Watch this Rudy." In the morning, he loves helping feed the kitties and will follow Rudy to every room in the house to make sure she gets her 2 pieces of Pounce. When she eats it, he'll say excitedly, "She likes it!"
He calls Dominic "Dom" sometimes. Only when he needs to yell. I crack up when he belts out from the top of the stairs "DOM, COME UP HERE!"
He continues to be a huge Mama's boy. Only I can feed him, bathe him, put him to bed, etc. This could get very interesting in 3.5 months when his little brother arrives.
He's a clean freak. Whenever we go from one activity to another, he picks up after himself without being asked. "Put it way" and "Keen up" are common phrases in his vernacular. I totally thank daycare for this habit!
It's been a great summer. He's totally fun and easy and agreeable. We had many enjoyable evening bike rides or walks to various playgrounds. Such awesome family time. I'm sad the warm weather will inevitably leave us!
I'll post pictures soon. My new camera is rocking!
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