6 Weeks Already...

Our little boy has sure changed in the past six weeks as I am sure all of you with kids or have been close to babies know. To go from a little baby that is so fragile and not knowing a thing to being a little less fragile ;)! with eyes open and starting to follow things is quite an accomplishment. Jacob definitely knows mommy and daddy's voices and tends to follow the voice and/or looks for the voice when he hears them. He is also watching us as we move around. Of course, he still can't really see us when we are walking around, but he can at least tell it is us by our voice and that our figures are moving. He is already intrigued with the flashing/flickering lights of the tv. Let's hope we don't have a couch potato on our hands, although I am sure a couch potato once in a while will be good...

Jacob is beginning to get a little interested in toys, but isn't quite there in understanding the concept yet. He is definitely beginning to show his personality and looks like he will be following in his mom's footsteps at a young age. He really enjoys being entertained and active, which is why we are looking forward to him playing with toys and hopefully being able to entertain himself on occasion. This will all come with time.

The formula situation at this point seems to have worked itself out, but we still have a few days to really know for sure. He is definitely becoming a bigger eater as we are on the doorstep of giving him 4 ounces when he eats. 3 ounces every hour and 45 minutes just isn't cutting it anymore... So, we have been alternating between 3 and 4 ounces depending on how long we would like him to sleep. Yes, he is a pretty good sleeper and is difficult to wake up. It won't be long and mom and I, well mostly mom, will be able to sleep most of the night, if not all (well, okay 5-6 hours...).

We are definitely enjoying our little/getting no so little dude. You always hear "enjoy them as much as you can because they grow up so quickly..." It is really true as I/we can now relate. It is already somewhat difficult to remember how small he really was only six weeks ago. Good thing we took a lot of pictures, eh? LOL!!!

New Formula Status

The new formula has now been used for about two days and Jacob seems to be a little better. He is still being fussy as it took a week to get to the point of pain and will probably take a little time to alleviate it. The latest report is that his "tooter" is working much better which will hopefully give him some quicker relief. You can also tell that he is feeling a little better because his cheeks aren't near as rosy as they were. So let's hope this new formula is allowing Jacob to be on the way to being a good baby once again!!!

Not sure if it has come up or not, but Jacob does has some baby acne or bumps like acne due to receiving blankets, etc. rubbing up against his cheeks. The pediatrician wasn't concerned with this as we were either... As long as you are there, you might as well ask.

You Don't Want To Be That Parent...

No, you don't want to be the parent that calls the doctor every two seconds, but at the same time you want to be sure that something isn't really wrong...

Jacob had a rough night last night and some of the late afternoon yesterday. This morning was no different and he became extremely worse about 8:15 am. Jacob was unconsoleably screaming and went on and on until about 10:15 am when mom decided that something must be wrong because his crying was different and a mess hadn't been found in the rear of his diaper for at least 12 hours which has not been the norm. Mom called the pediatrician to see if there was something that she could do or what it might be. Some checking was done and there wasn't an opening. The person who answered the phone went away and came back and by that time, Jacob had started his episode again. The office person said "Oh my, he shouldn't be screaming like that!". With that she said to bring him in and they would be sure to have a doctor see him.

Mom loaded them up and were off to the doctor in 15 minutes. Upon arrival, mom was asked who was there to seem them and she said Jacob. She responded with "Oh, he quieted right down to come to the doctor's office..." That's all Jacob needed to hear as he quickly became loud once again.

It didn't take long for the doctor to see Jacob. He asked some questions about the introduction of the formula from the last visit and whether or not he was/has still been getting breast milk (which he has been). The doctor checked Jacob's stomach and found it to be distended. So, basically, the formula Jacob was put on the last time he was at the doctor wasn't the right kind, so we have now been introduced to Enfamil Prosobee which is more of a soy formula. The prior formula just wasn't being digested well.

Jacob is doing much better this evening, but is still having a little bit of a trying night. He is definitely alleviating some gas troubles with tooting and belching. He is making his mommy proud.... ;)!! Mom is to completetly cut out any dairy products until she is finished with breastmilk production. The doctor didn't say that Jacob is necessarily lactose intolerant, but we are just going a different route because his digestive system just might not be as tolerant of some formulas yet. Jacob is scheduled for a follow-up visit next Tuesday. It takes about a week for a baby's body to let you know whether or not it agrees...

Oh, by the way, Jacob is 9 lbs, 15 ounces.

M vs MSU Football Party!!

Here is Jacob getting into his pregame warm so that he is focused for the game...

Jacob can be fussy when Michigan is not doing well... The day started off with a trip to grandma's house followed by a quick stop at home and off to the party. All the while we were on the road Jacob basically slept the day away and was very content. Even after getting to the party, he was sound asleep while the women were anxiously awaiting him to wake up so that they could see his eyes and hold him.

The game is now nearing the end of the 3rd quarter and going into the 4th when Jacob became "unsettled". Jill and Michele took turns along with mom and dad trying to console the newest Wolverine fan in the group. Fortunately, the Wolverines started rallying and we were able to console Jacob. Thanks Michele for taking a loooonger turn in using your motherly ways to calm him down. I'll bet you didn't think a little guy like that could/would spit up so much/so many times... Thanks Jill for letting Michele snag a shirt to use!!!!

After the game was over, a round of Happy Birthday was sung to the old man who was requested to sit in the family birthday chair. I was honored to sit in such a chair. There were many smiling kids who just couldn't wait to dive into the cake. There were many claiming dibs on the football!!

A great time was had by all by all and the best thing was that Michigan claimed victory once again. Maybe next year some poor lonely State fans will be brave enough to show their face(s)... Right Dorf?!?!?!

Lordy, Lordy Look Who's Forty!

Yep, that's right!! Doug has reached the ripe age of 40. Turning 40 was just like any other day with a 5-week old. I took the day off and the two days before to enjoy some family time.

Birthday morning started off with getting up with Jacob first thing (5:30 am) for his feeding and changing. Mom had been up a good amount of the night and needed a break. After a little while Jacob settled down, so we were off to the basement with Jacob in his bouncer to play a game of PS2. It was a morning with Jacob. After mom got some shut eye, she was off to do some errands. She could only stand being away from Jacob for an hour and was back, besides, her errands had been completed. This was only the second time that she had been away from Jacob since he was born.

Not wanting for anyone to make an "adult" lunch, dad decided he wanted to go out to eat. A burger was sounding good, so we loaded everyone up and were off to Fuddruckers. We waited until the lunch rush was over and were able to have most of the restaurant to our oruselves.

Back to home we went, where Amy gave me my presents. To my surprise, I received Lion's tickets for the game with the Giants on November 18th. She said that I could take a buddy and go. Without hesitation, I asked her to go with me. After all, she is my buddy so why would I think of anyone else???... So, if it works out, we will be going to the game together.

Not to settle for being 40 and everyone thinking it is old because I don't... Grandma came over to watch Jacob and Amy and I headed off to Great Lakes Crossing to hang out at Gameworks. We had fun just bee bopping around the different games and Amy was able to play one of her old time favorites, Frogger. We ate dinner at Benningans after changing our minds a few times because we didn't really want to wait anywhere. When dinner was over, we were asked if we wanted dessert and we both said no. Of course, Amy then persisted and said, "Are you sure that you don't want any dessert for your birthday?" Our waitress quickly asked, "It's your birthday? You have to get dessert!" So, after some discussion we decided to stay and share a dessert (it had ice cream and wouldn't have made the short distance home...) Oh boy!! I heard one clap and knew I was in for it. Amy asked, "What is that?"... Oh, I knew... Time to embarrass Doug!! Yep, before you knew it there were about 15 people around our table clapping and announcing it was my 40th. The harrassment wasn't too bad and it was cheap entertainment for the large table next to us with a lot of kids. Glad I could bring them some entertainment at my expense... ;)! It was pretty fun watching them clap along. A boy about 6 years old hollered over "Happy Birthday!!" after the singing was complete.

It was a great evening and mom did well knowing that mom and dad were both away from Jacob. She said the first half hour or so and then the last hour were the worst, but she was a real trooper and only called once... We had a great evening out for the first time by ourselves in 5 weeks.

My First Halloween!

The day of many events started off with my bath so that I would be clean when mommy showed me off at her work. Hopefully, everyone appreciated that... ;)! Yep, our first stop was a visit to Danmar Products. We didn't even really make it in the door before there were many people crowding around me peeking over the side of my car seat. Mommy's boss told dad that he could scoot in past the foyer. I think he just wanted daddy to get me in closer to him so that he could see me better... right Dan? Hidie was the first to hold me. Actually, she might have been the only one to hold me because she wouldn't let anyone else touch me. Of course, I then got hungry and mom and dad got me back. Everyone was a very nice to me and my mommy and daddy. They had doughnuts, cookies and cider for everyone there and for us. Thank you to the people of Danmar for making my first visit a welcomed one. Sorry if I don't remember everyone's names yet. Maybe on my next visit, my daddy can take pictures of everyone with me!!

After our visit with everyone at Danmar, we ventured down the road to grandma's house. I decided that I would be good at grandma's house at least today because it is her birthday. Grandma decided that she wanted to hog me a bit (I don't mind...) and she sent mommy and daddy upstairs to take a little nap. Grandma and I just hung out and chatted. Then we ate dinner and had some Boston Creme Pie that Grandpa Randy had made from scratch and were "On The Road Again..."
Another little jaunt down the backroads and we arrived at my cousin's house so that we could go trick or treating. I basically just hung out in my stroller as we all walked around while Sydney and Colton filled their bags with goodies. They did pretty well. I can't wait 'til I can get some teeth and bite into some of that stuff... Mom did take me to my first house to trick or treat. Of course, mommy had to say "trick or treat" for me, but I got my first candy. Mom ate the sucker and gave the licorice away to Coltman. The guy took his mask off so I wasn't scared, but mom said it was okay to put it on because I am getting bigger! and am going to be a real "tough guy".

While we were walking around, I got to meet my Great Uncle Larry! I think he was surprised we stopped by to see him. We didn't get to chat too long because Syd and Coltman were starting to get a little tired out from all of the walking. It was still nice to at least stop by and meet him.

Back to Aunt Ab and Uncle Jer's house to help grandpa and grandma finish passing out candy to the trick or treaters. Grandma was passing so much out that she even had to raid Aunt Abby's stash so that she could make a few more kids happy. After we ran out of candy, it was time for birthday cake for Uncle Jerry, Grandma and Daddy's birthdays. After a round of "Happy Birthday", cake and ice cream, we loaded up and headed back home. I slept quite a bit so that everyone was able to have a good night. Now it is time for me to make up for it and keep mommy and daddy up all night... hee hee hee!!!! My "devil's night" a night late....

Halloween Party At Grandma's House

Jacob got a bath and dressed and was all spiffied up and ready for the trek to grandma's house. Heck, he was even in his car seat ready to be stowed away... When all of a sudden he spit up! Fortunately, mom had actually put a bib on him because it saved the outfit until we at least made it to grandma's.

Jacob was able to see his cousins, aunt, uncle, etc. and meet more cousins and a great aunt. Along with family, he met his newest and closest friends, the twins (Zack and Hannah). They are the newest as they are only 4-1/2 months old and closest because they are closest in age and there mom's have known each other for many years... They are still amazed that they are both "wiser" and were still pregnant at the same time. With at least one of the babies feeding all of the time, we weren't able to get any pictures of the 3 musketeers like we thought we would... Plenty of years to get those!!

With all of the commotion, Jacob didn't get a chance to carve a pumpkin or decorate any cookies, but he did sneak a peak at the jack o' lanterns with grandma. Maybe next year he will be able to jump right in a little more.

Good Morning Everyone!

4 Week Celebration

Yep, that's right!! Jacob is 4 weeks old today. Dad got home and mom basically hadn't eaten all day again. So it seemed to dad like the timing was good for a venture out to Red Robin for dinner. Jacob had just gotten fed and seemed like he was going to take a good nap, so we loaded up the truck and we were off. Jacob was content the whole time (sleeping) with only a peek now and then. Dinner was very nice and mom was just a talkin' dad's ears off, but it was good to converse and not necessarily about Jacob. We all went home and we actually had to wake Jacob up to feed him. Nope, no birthday candles or anything silly like that, at least not yet. We may think about the milestones as we cross them, but aren't going overboard. Dinner and being 4 weeks old are just a coincidence... ;)! This isn't the first restaurant that we have been to with him, but the first that food doesn't come in a box... LOL!!!

Jacob was 8 pounds, 9 ounces yesterday at the doctor and the doctors were happy with that.

Today was also a big day because he not only went out for dinner, mom and Jacob went shopping at the mall. Mom picked up her rings after they were sent out a for a grand cleaning. So, between the mall and dinner, we think there may be some good rest in the good 'ol crib and bed...

Jacob Goes To The Pediatrician

Jacob's eyes have continued to be gunky pretty regularly even with putting dropping in them three times a day since his two week appointment. Some days, they have been a lot worse than others. So, mom called the pediatrician today to see if she should take him in. The person that answered the phone basically said that based on the symptoms that the nurse/doctor would tell us to bring him in, so the appointment was made. Mom also had some breastfeeding questions and said when she came in they could discuss what has been going on...

So, off to the pediatrician mom and Jacob went. Basically, Jacob has clogged tear ducts and now instead of using the drops three times a day, he needs to get them four. It was also noted that we should only clean his eyes with a wet warm wash cloth and not to use any wipes or anything else to clean his eyes. This is somewhat common, but not as common as just putting the drops in three times a day. So, as long as it doesn't get worse, we won't need to take him back until his 2 month appoinment later next month. There was some discussion between mom and the doctor and how she has been coddling Jacoob and not taking care of herself. Dad can now say I told you so to mom as mom learned that dad's thoughts were right. Mom was doing what she thought was right for everyone, but dad started with some tough love and was getting prepared for even tougher love. I will let her type about that part of the appointment. Let's just say that there will be some changes in the next few days and mom will be taking better care of herself and dad will be even more persistent about it...

Here's a video of what has been happening for basically the last almost four weeks with the exception of a couple of nights...

Update On The Tadpoles

I wrote a post recently about my fraternity brother, Tadd in California and his wife being pregnant with twins. The outlook was "cautiously optimistic" about being able to keep the pregnancy going for basically 39 days so that the babies could reach 28 weeks. Hava has been having contractions on and off, but was able to receive medication which caused the contractions to subside. I don't know if they started again or not, but the twins were born earlier today and were still away from 28 weeks by about 27 days:

Derby Jackson (the boy) - 8:46 a.m. - 1 lb, 6.5 oz
Loen Rose (the girl) - 8:44 a.m. - 1 lb, 7 oz

Please keep the four of them in your thoughts and prayers, or as Tadd put it, anything you do to support them through this obviously difficult time.

There is hope as one of our older alumni from the fraternity responded back to Tadd's message with "If it will make you feel any better, and make you more hopeful, I was born about 16 weeks premature as well. This was back in 1944 when medical techniques weren't as sophisticated as they are today."

Hungry Or Tired?

We're going with tired since he wouldn't stay feeding. He is now VERY fussy and we are trying to calm him down. The video makes him look like an angel compared to now... ;)! Oh well, I guess it is just that time of the night.

Technology And Stuff...

Sometimes technology can be a little frustrating, but won't stop getting the job done. It just might mean taking a detour... I have been trying to upload a video of Jacob's mommy trying to wake up Jacob. He was making all sorts of faces and stretches. Unfortuantely, it seemed to have gotten too long for adding it directly to the blog. After 3-1/4 to 4 hours or more the last two nights, the system errored out. I am assuming it was due to the length. So, I guess it is time to shoot some shorter excerpts of Jacob making faces. He can be quite animated at times.

Mom, dad, Jacob and Frankie have been attempting to go on a walk at least once a day while we can. On Sunday evening, we went a little over a mile and mom was fine. I think she might have gotten a little tired, but held up very well. Frankie, for being 13-1/2, didn't slow us down as much as the first few... She has regained her scents of the area and is not stopping to ponder as often. Hopefully, we can get a few more in before winter really kicks in, but that could be asking for a little too much.

Newest Michigan Fan Roots Them Onto Victory!!!

Jacob D., Michigan football's newest fan, rooted them onto victory (27 - 17). He was sporting his new Michigan outfit for the game. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to hold off getting it dirty (spit up) until the game started, but what can you do... At least he didn't need to be changed out of it until after the 1st quarter was over.

Jacob was a little fussy before the game started, but a quick hummation (okay, so I might of made up that word...) of the Victors (Michigan's fight song) and he was quickly quieted and content. Good thing mom didn't have the video camera out because I'm sure it was way out of tune... ;)! During the game he did get a little restless when Michigan wasn't scoring, but was quickly relieved and relaxed once Michigan started scoring. A big Michigan football thank you goes out to Rob and Julie for coming over with pizza to enjoy Jacob's first mini football taligate.

After doing some laundry to get ready for Michigan's next game against Minnestoa, we will be sure to get a picture of Michigan's newest fan for all to see!!

Jacob Hangin' Out In His Bouncer

Jacob just hanging out in his bouncer on a Saturday morning (3 weeks, 1 day old).