Somebody is One Month Old!!!!

And that somebody is my handsome little prince, Nolan!!

Here are his stats!

Weight at Birth 7 lbs 8oz Today 8lbs 8oz

Length at Birth 19 in Today 23 1/2 in

He became more alert as his original due date approached. His schedule is still pretty sparatic and unpredictable. He has his days and nights totally confused but we are working on it!

Here are his one month pictures in his cute one month onesie!

BIG BLUE MADNESS

In Kentucky at this time of year everyone (okay, almost everyone) starts to shift thinking from football to basketball, especially UK fans! October 16th was the first day college teams could start having of official practices. Each year UK hold Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena to ring in the new basketball season. This was not just any BBM it was the first with our new coach John Calipari, so this was a big deal! We knew we had tickets and were going, but we couldn't decide what we should do with Nolan. Should we take him to his first BBM? Or would it be too loud and too much for a one month old? We really wanted to take him but we didn't want to put him in any danger with the noise and crowd. So we did want any green and novice parents would do, we talked to our pediatrician. It was just a coincidence that the morning of BBM we had our one month check up! And to our surprise he gave us the green light to take him, so we did! Please understand if he would've told us not to take him or seemed worried about Nolan we would not have taken him!

We left for Lexington right after his doctors appointment. Nolan was AMAZING on the way there, he slept the whole 2.5 hour drive! When we arrived in Lexington I fed Nolan and then we went to meet up with Matt's dad and brother. On the way to meet them, I was bored and decided to read our tickets and thank goodness I did! On the back of our tickets it said "all children require a ticket regardless of age." CRAP!!! Matt and I both had a ticket but we didn't get him one or even think of getting him one since he is a month old and would be sitting on our lap. That's when the trip got a little stressful. What to do? Do we try to sneak him in? Do we attempt to sweet talk the person taking tickets? Do I send Nolan in with Matt and I go somewhere? At this point I was already googling the closest mall! Well, the story has a happy ending! Matt was able to talk to a Lexington Metro officer and explained our situation and he spoke with guest services and they let us in!!! Hallelujah!

We had a great time at BBM! Nolan was an angel! Once again, he slept through the whole thing! This lil boy can sleep! He slept through fireworks, the pep band, the crowd, and music...we joke that the louder it is the better he sleeps! He finally did awaken from his slumber towards the end because he was hungry-so I slipped out and had to nurse him in a bathroom stall (not my proudest..or classiest moment as a mommy but you do what you gotta do!) However, when I was in the bathroom I ran into another mommy and baby! Her daughter was 3 months old but I was still excited to see another little one there! We had to stop and chit chat about some of the dirty looks we got and compare notes on our lil babes! Nothing like 2 mommies crossing paths to nurse in a bathroom stall at a sporting event!

We had a great time and I am so glad we took Nolan with us! It looks like it is going to be a great year...for our new family and our beloved CATS! C-A-T-S CATS CATS CATS!!!

Nolan's Fourth Week

Wow! I can't believe Nolan is a month old already. This sweet time in his life is flying by so quickly. It is bittersweet to watch him grow and change. It is amazing to see him grow but it is also sad that he is changing so quickly! We had a very busy week (note the lack of postings lately!)

* 1 month appointment and our little guy is putting on the pounds! He is currently 8lbs 8oz and 23 1/2 inches long. He is in the 10% for weight and 90% for length--needless to say he is going to be tall and skinny like his daddy!

* We went shopping for family pictures in Evansville. We figure we will pack as many short family trips in while we can since he travels so well.

* Nolans daddy had an interview for a new job as a detective and got it!!! We are so proud of daddy!

* Nolan had more visitors including his Great Uncle David and Great Aunt Rose from Shelbyville

* I left Nolan and daddy alone for a couple hours while I ran up to school to do some work. They both survived! haha

* Nolan experienced his first trip to Lexington and BIG BLUE MADNESS! He did great!

* Got some more lovin from his grandparents

Nolan's Third Week

I am finally feeling a little more confident getting Nolan out and about. We had a great week! I can't believe he will be a month on Wednesday, time is flying by....waaaaayyyy too fast!

* Went to a doctors appointment

* Stretched out feedings to 3+ hours

* Made a trip to Bowling Green

* Went to a baby shower (our cousin's wife is due in December!)

* Had more visitors

* Kept his mommy and daddy up VERY late a couple of nights

* Had his first bath

* Still having tummy troubles

* Got to watch football on daddy's new t.v.

Nolan

rub-a-dub-dub

Monday night we gave Nolan his first real bath. He wasn't to thrilled to say the least. It might have gone better if 1. he wasn't asleep when we gave him his bath-I would be crabby too if I was in a deep sleep and woke up in luke warm water and 2. if the water had been a tad bit warmer but Matt and I being the amateurs we are were worried it would be too warm.

The actual bath wasn't a big hit BUT after he calmed down he was SO calm and relaxed. We were able to get some sweet pictures!

Daddy's Gone a Fishin...

Anyone that knows Matt knows he L.O.V.E.S to fish. Last week, he took his pawpaw fishing. We thought it would be neat (and a cool picture) to see the difference in size between the catfish he caught and Nolan. He really can't wait to take Nolan fishing with him and probably would take him, if momma would let him. I just hope Nolan loves to fish as much as his daddy!

I Have Arrived

Nolan's original due date was October 4th, so on that day we found the perfect onsie for him to wear it said, "I Have Arrived." How appropriate!

Nolan's Second Week

This week was much like the last except a little bit more alert!

This week Nolan:

* Had another Dr. visit

* Gained his weight back

* Got another heel prick :(

* Made his first trip to Uncle Lee's (the picture below is Matt teaching him which jig is best!)

* Made his first trip to Evansville (and was so good!)

* Started having tummy troubles

* Had more visitors

* Lost his belly button

* Eating about every 3 hours...poo's....sleeps (repeat)

* Made his first trip to a restaurant (Red Lobster...of course!)

Nolan's First Week

Nolan was a busy boy during his first week in the world...not really he slept most of the time! But he was 3 weeks early, so that is what he was suppose to be doing.

Arrived Monday September 14th, 2009 @ 4:54 p.m.

Got circumsized

Got released from the hospital

Had his first dr's visit

Had many visitors (including both sets of aunts and uncles!)

Lost too much weight

Ate every 2 hours....pooed....slept (repeat)

Found his foot...and put it in his mouth (see pic below)

Made his first trip out to his grandparents houses

Had 2 sleepovers at his grandparents while our house was sprayed

Melted his mommy and daddys heart

Aunt Kelli and Uncle Mark
Aunt Lindsey

My Better Half

If there was one thing that got me through the rough days of pregnancy it was Matthew. Whether it was because my clothes didn't fit right, I was sick, moody, scared, or during our couple of scares, I could always look to Matt to take care of Nolan and me. I knew I could count on him to tell me it would all be okay and/or to say something to make me laugh.

There are a few things I'll never forget:

*The look of surprise and excitement when we realized we were expecting

*The look of triumph and him pumping his fist in shear joy when we found out we were having a boy

*His eyes light up when we heard the heartbeat for the first time

*The look of worry when I was sick

*The look of love during my pregnancy-the closest thing to unconditional love that I have ever experienced (besides mom and dad of course!)

*The look of pride and lovewhile I was in labor

*The look of a father looking at his soon after Nolan was born

I can not say enough about Matthew and what he means to me and Nolan. He changed all of Nolans diapers in the hospital when I couldn't get out of bed (even the dirty ones!) He is right there with me when I am nursing, changing diapers, changing outfits, or giving him a bath. Nolan is so lucky to have such a great hands on daddy and I am so lucky to get to experience the love of a lifetime.

Nolans Arrival

We were scheduled to be induced on Monday, September 14th at 5:30 am. Our alarm went off at 4:00 am. It is really weird to describe how I felt the night before trying to go to sleep and getting ready that morning. My emotions were mixed but I was in control of them. My fears had subsided and I was more anxious and excited to meet our son. We got up and began our last car ride alone. It was still dark outside and it was a pretty quiet drive to Owensboro. I think we were both just overwhelmed with emotions and thoughts about what the day would hold.

When we arrived I had never seen the hospital so quiet or calm. We checked in and got settled into our room. We took a couple last minute belly shots and made small talk while waiting for the cna to come in take my vitals. When the cna came in she took my vitals and briefed us on what the day would hold, I think that is when it sunk in that we were having a baby TODAY! Next, a nurse came in to set up my iv and fluids. I was VERY nervous about my IV because I had never been in the hospital before or had an IV. She was a little blunt telling me that it probably would hurt...not exactly what I wanted to hear. The funny thing is that it didn't hurt. She thought I was funny because I thought that the needle would be in my arm and she laughed and informed me that there was no needle just a valve. Phew...I was nervous about a needle being in my arm for a couple days and handling a baby. Later, my wonderful dr came in to break my water and get my pitocin started. Once those 2 things happened, we were in business!

Once the pitocin was started I really started feeling intense contractions. I was surprised that I was very quiet as the contractions got worse. I had never had intense pain like that and was curious how I would handle it. I got my epidural around 10:00 and it was painless! I was never worried about getting an epidural because I knew that I couldn't see it and that it would help me feel better. Once the epidural kicked in life was good again! However, it was time to rest! We rested and visited with friends and family until about it was time to push.

At 3:00 my wonderful delivery nurse came in and warned me that I had progressed to 8 cm and that she would be back at 3:30 to start pushing. I couldn't decide if I wanted to be fully dilated or if I wanted a little bit more time. I remember watching the clock and getting very nervous. And sure enough she arrived at 3:30 and it was go time!

I pushed for about an hour and a half. Labor was not bad except I didn't know if I was pushing correctly. Matt and my mom stayed with me throughout labor and were a great support team. Matt was wonderful, he would kiss my forehead and give me encouragment when I needed it. I remember that my labor was very quiet as well and that in between contractions I would lay back and close my eyes. I don't think I was sleeping but I am not really sure what I was doing...resting or going to my happy place I guess.

At 4:54 p.m. Nolan made his entrance into the world.

I was so blessed with a wonderful labor and delivery, granted there are parts that are a blur. I know that I had lots of friends and family praying for the doctors, nurses, Nolan, and myself. I had peace the whole day; I knew that God was looking out for everyone involved in my labor and delivery. I had peace knowing that prayers were being said and that Nolan and I were in wonderful hands.I had my husband and best friend by myside encouraging me and my mom there for support. My labor and delivery nurse was the best and did a wonderful job helping me deliver Nolan. Dr. G was great as well making sure my lil man and I were safe and healthy. I am one very blessed momma that I had a smooth delivery and a healthy son!

Nolan Matthew Wise

We found out that we were expecting on Feburary 2, 2009 during the ice storm. Our due date was October 4th, 2009. We were both so excited and scared to be expecting our first baby! We didn't get to go to the doctor until I was 8 weeks and it was the longest weeks just waiting!

I just KNEW I was going to be having a girl, I even told the ultrasound tech it was a girl. However, I was wrong, way wrong because we knew found out at 13 weeks (that is really early to find out but you will see below why we found out then) that we were in deed, no doubt about it, having a lil man! I am not going to lie, I was scared to death about having a litle boy! I didn't know anything about little boys. But eventually the scaredness turned to excitement!

My pregnancy was wonderful! I loved being pregnant eventhough I did have a couple complications. At 13 weeks I was began bleeding and immediately thought the worst but after visiting the amazing Dr. Griffen (Dr. G) we found out it was just from implantation. So don't assume the worst if you start bleeding because the first thing they will tell you is that it is not uncommon for you to bleed. I also had low iron and had to be put on iron pills, but they made me feel so much better. I immediately regained energy when I began taking them. I also experienced pre-eclampsia at the end of my pregnancy but even that wasn't bad. I had a very mild form because I only had 1 of the 3 main symptoms. I had protein in my urine but no high blood pressure or swelling. After typing that it seems like I had a rough pregnancy BUT it was not, I was so blessed with a wonderful pregnancy!

During my pregnancy I felt great especially during my 3rd trimester. I had a pretty easy pregnancy! I didn't have heartburn, swelling, cravings, high blood pressure, mood swings or any of the things that people complain about having while pregnant. I felt the best I ever had while I was pregnant, it was one of the happiest times in my life. I loved guessing what the sex was, finding out the sex, wondering what he would look like, finding out what was going on each week, picking his name, feeling him kick, feeling hiccups, and just knowing that he was safe inside me.

At my 35 week appointment we went in thinking it was a normal routine visit and it was--until the end of the appointment. I could tell at that moment that Dr. G was serious, his whole demeanor was different. He said that my protein in my urine was too high at 280 and that I had to do another 24 hr urine test and if it had reached 300 then I would be on bedrest and deliver at 37 weeks. WHAT!?!?! I felt great and I told him I didn't need bedrest, but I was immediatly told that in fact I did because my precious cargo was in a "hostile environment." You can't imagine the shock and fear that I had when he spoke to us about this and then mentioned that I had mild pre-eclampsia. Me??? I was in shock as we left the office and I broke down when we got to the elevator. I was so blindsided. But I had to recover quickly because I had to get to school and teach my kiddos and talk to my principal. I did my 24 hour urine test and prayed for low numbers. The next day we had to go back in to deliver the "jug-o-pee" and do some blood work. I tried to remain calm and relaxed that day and hope for the best. I DID NOT want to go on bed rest! I felt too good, didn't want to depend on others, and really wanted my maternity leave to be spent with my little bundle of joy and not spent laying around. But God had other plans! Nurse Carla (a total blessing during my pregnancy) called and said, "You weren't thinking low enough" and I immediately knew that the numbers were not in my favor. My levels had jumped to 325 and bedrest was in my immediate future. This was not how I had planned to end my pregnancy but you know what they say about making plans. On top of all of this our kitchen was in the middle of being remodeled and Matt was set to have surgery to remove his rod and screws from his leg the VERY NEXT DAY!!! Needless to say the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy was a whirlwind!

Where it all began...

Since this blog is going to be dedicated to mostly my husband (Matt) and newborn son (Nolan), I thought I would tell you a little bit about how it all began!

Matt and I met our freshmen year in college when we had a class together. I was dating someone at the time and I thought he flirt because he was always talking to different girls. We met again a couple of years later when a mutual friend wanted to set us up with another mutual friend (are you still following me, confusing I know!) That didn't work out so we started talking and the rest is history. Matt proposed on the beach at sunset while we were vacationing on fall break, it was very romantic and sweet! We married on 06-07-08 our 7 year anniversary.

We had been married about 6 months when we found out we would be expecting our first baby! It was during the ice storm and is time in our life that we will never forget.

Nolan and I are so lucky to be blessed with such a great husband and daddy. He is the best husband in the world, he supports me in every way and shows me unconditional love. Nolan is so blessed to have Matt as his papa! Matt is right there with me changing dirty diapers, helping with nursing, and showers Nolan with love. I am so excited for Matt to share all his fishing tips and tricks with Nolan! They are going to be two peas in a pod!

1st Post!!!

Wow! I have been reading blogs now for over a year and have always wanted to create one of my own. I think it is a wonderful way to chronicle and journal everyday blessings in life. I especially wanted to start one when we were expecting our first child, but for some reason I put it off. I think I was intimdated. However, now that our little bundle of joy is here I see how quickly he changes and does little things everyday that make me smile...I want to create something so that I don't forget them! So now I am jumping in with both feet and am so excited to share all of our everyday blessings with you all.