First Bath

I'd say it went pretty well. Not sure what he'd say about it!

After almost 2 weeks....

Hello everyone! Nerdstar here and I just wanted to do a bit of my own update since Noah Maxx was born.

For starters, he is so cute that I'm still finding it hard to believe that he's at least one-half of me! While the GF's parents were here (they just left early this morning), her parents had as much of bonding time as possible with Noah Maxx. He was such a good baby and didn't fuss when it came to being held by people that he didn't know.

However, I am not so sure that hosting a family while we are still trying to get to know Noah Maxx, his schedules and other tendencies was such a good thing. Throughout the GF's family's visit, I was mostly tired and the effect of it was quietness. The GF tried her best to show her family around town a bit and made sure that they've got what they needed when it came to meals and everything. Now you know how family can be, in all its good and bad, and I think in times like this the good and the bad just seem to magnify themselves a bit more. Nevertheless, I am glad that her family got to meet the baby!

So far, Noah Maxx has been starting to cluster feed some, and we're feeding him with both formula and breastmilk. We suspect that he has a clogged tear duct in his left eye, and have been "spot treating" it with breastmilk, since it's got sufficient amount of germ killing antibodies, the GF found that out on the internet. Now only if he can produce poop like he should be, if you remember the GF talking about it a few entries ago, Noah Maxx has been having some trouble pooping, and that was why we have been feeding him both formula and breastmilk so he'll eat enough. Earlier today, after about 39 hours since his last poop, we finally had to get glycerin suppositories for him so hopefully, he'll be able to poop soon. Let me tell you! Inserting anything in the rectum is not my cup of tea!

I'm really looking forward to be spending a few quieter days with the GF and Noah Maxx before I'll have to drag my ass back to work. I got a few extra days of maternity leave time thanks to the fact that Noah Maxx was born a week late.

Bumps and Family

It's been a little crazy since the last update. Noah's still amazing. He's eating pretty much every 3 - 3 1/2 hours. But, he stopped pooping Monday night, so we took him in to the doc yesterday morning. A little q-tip up the butt seems to have helped. Which is great because we really didn't want to put suppositories up there!!

We've had some trouble with breastmilk coming in enough. We had a lactation consultant come by, and while she was mostly helpful, it also felt a lot like a sales job. Ugh. The doc yesterday said to keep up with the boobs and to add in an ounce or so of formula with the feedings to keep him gaining weight and pooping. That seems to be working well. We're not picky as long as he eats enough.

It's a little hard adjusting to sleeping in two hour segments. We both sleep much better in the mornings, but this is morning number 2 we've had to get up instead of getting to sleep in. Again, thank God for naps!

Last night I felt a weird bump on the back of his head, so this morning while I go pick my family up from the airport, Nerdstar will take him back to the doc just to check it out. I know their little skulls are still forming, but better safe than sorry where heads are concerned.

I'll do a quick update about the bump when I can.

UPDATE: Apparently the bump is a lymph node and is fine, we just have to make sure it, or others, doesn't get any bigger. The joy of parenting is all the unknowns - and there is no "normal" really.

It's been a good, long day.

More Pics

Week 1

Well, we're on day five and so far it's been wonderful. He's our handsome little fella, and is as mellow as can be. I spent ten months rubbing her belly and talking to him and telling him to be happy and mellow. So far so good :-)

The doc said his jaundice is better. He loves to sleep more than anything, even eat. He sleeps very soundly and wakes himself up a lot less if he's swaddled. He's been awake 3-5 hours a day I'd say. He just lays in our lap and stares out at everything as quiet as can be.

We were doing formula supplements due to the jaundice and dehydration of the first couple of days. Nerdstar's milk finally came in last night, now if he can just stay awake long enough to drink it. She's finding her breasts kinda painful. We've got a lactation consultant coming in the morning just to get a better handle on how it all works over time and how to take care of the boobs.

The cats seem pretty resigned to his presence. For the first couple of days they lived out on the deck, but they've come back indoors. Our friends were keeping Ramen for us and brought him back home today. I think he's going to do just fine with Noah.

Nerdstar's healing pretty well. I try to make sure she does all she's supposed to for herself. I have no idea how new moms without help take care of themselves and their babies.

Speaking of help. Ugh. Nerdstar's aunt showed up Saturday not long after we got home from the hospital and took over the kitchen. She spend all day for 3 days cooking all sorts of Chinese soups and stuff for Nerdstar to eat for the next two or three weeks. I'm sure it's all very healthy, but boy did it stink up the house! So while that's the good part, her overbearing personality makes it hard to have her around. At least when she nags and such it's in Chinese and I don't understand a work. That's always been for the best.

Evidently, there are "ancient chinese secrets" to recovering after giving birth. It mostly consists of doing nothing for a month, eating lots of hot things, and absolutely avoiding anything cold. Nerdstar was under strict orders not to drink anything cold, to not open the fridge or freezer, and to not run any fans in the house. Um, yeah.

We're learning just how much naps are our friends. I've felt pretty rested so far, Nerdstar maybe a little less so. I've made her go nap now.

I'm amazed at just how content I am. I love holding him and watching his face. I love all his little clothes. I just love him. He's just perfect.

Video

Home!

He was a little jaundiced, but he passed his test this morning to go ahead and come home. We'll take him for a repeat test tomorrow. It's going to be great to sleep in our own bed. And Nerdstar's aunt is here cooking her traditional Chinese soups and stuff for recovery.


He slept the whole car ride home and then some. We sat on the deck and let him get some sunshine, then we trimmed his nails, washed him off, brushed his hair - he already needs a haircut - and lotioned him up. He couldn't be any more handsome!!