4 weeks old!

     Merritt is a month old today! While it seems like such a short time to most people, not sleeping has made it seem like an eternity to me. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the world! This afternoon he kept looking up at me with this sweet little look on his face and making gurgling noises. Talk about melt a mama's heart. There is nothing on this earth better than having your own children! He also had his one month checkup at the doctor. Below are some of the stats :)

Month at a Glance

Age: 1 Month

Height: 23.5 inches (grew over an inch from his appointment 2 weeks ago), 80th percentile.

Weight: 9lb, 10oz, 50th percentile.

Head: 38

Milestones: His eyesight this past week has really developed. Merritt looks around at everything and is very alert! He started having playtime in his crib and pack-and-play with toys and books. 
Sleep: Merritt sleeps a lot during the day and we put him to bed around 8:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. most nights. He wakes up every 3 hours, but if I'm lucky (like the other night) he will wake up every hour!
Best Moment: When he smiles while he's eating or sleeping. 

Worst Moment: Waking up in the middle of the night, changing his diaper, feeding him and then feeling him have another blowout - not only can I hear it, it leaks through to my pajamas. I had to change his clothes and diapers 3 times that night.

Health: He is healthy! We have been referred to a Pediatric Cardiologist because he was born with a small heart murmur. Today at his Doctor's appointment the Doctor couldn't hear the murmur so I am praying that it closed on it's own! 
Eating: Merritt likes to eat every 2 hours during the day and about every 3-3.5 hours during the night. 

Teeth: 0

A New Mama's Lifesavers

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Our newest addition!

We are now a family of three! What a wonderful, crazy, chaotic past 3 weeks we have had. But before I get into that I'd like to introduce you to our newest addition.

Merritt Camden Foster

Born August 31, 2012 at 8:43 a.m.

8 pounds, 3.8 ounces; 21 inches long

Merritt was born at 38 weeks and was really ready to make his entrance into the world. So ready in fact that my labor was from start to finish about 5 hours. I woke up that Friday morning to what I now know was transitional labor pains and headed to the hospital at 7:00 a.m.. He debuted at 8:43 a.m. and had a little bit of a rough start. Because things moved faster than expected he ended up having Meconium Aspiration which in simple terms means he pooped before being delivered and therefore it was in his stomach and lungs. In addition to that he also had fluid in the left side of his lungs and a small heart murmur. He ended up being taken to the NICU (or the penalty box, as the nurses liked to call it!) and stayed there for 8 days.
Looking back on that first week I have no idea how we got through it. I know that it was by the grace of God and family and friends support and prayers.

Merritt is now home and turned 3 weeks old this past Friday. He is the best thing that has ever happened to our family. Everyday I wake up and thank the Lord for blessing us with this little boy. While we aren't getting much sleep and some days are hard, I wouldn't have it any other way. It is an amazing thing to be a mom. My heart is full.

Thank you to all of you that have loved us by coming to visit, brought us meals, gave us gifts and for being there for us as we have made the transition home.
We love and appreciate each of you!

Until next time (when I have a free moment!),

Merritt's Mama...it's official now!

The Last Trimester

     Everyone told me that the last trimester would be the longest part and that it would drag on. That hasn't been my experience at all! I can not believe how fast this whole pregnancy has gone. Don't get me wrong, I have been pregnant since December so looking back it seems that I've been sporting a baby bump for a very long time, but now that I'm at the end it seems like a blink. Here are a few things that I've learned during this season in my life :)

*Worrying doesn't help or change anything. It just gives you high blood pressure!
*Food cravings aren't always weird. Mine just takes me back to my childhood - PB&J Sandwiches and Root Beer Floats.
*A body pillow might just save your life.
*Strange dreams are now the norm.
*Ask for help! Friends and family are waiting to do things for you. 
*I took for granted being able to tie my shoes or get dressed. At this point those things cut off all breathing or circulation. 
*Whether you waddle or have swollen feet (or both!) your husband will still think you are beautiful!
*Since this is our first baby I'm reminded everyday to cherish the last few moments that Cameron & I have together as a couple. 
*PRAY! 

Last week's belly picture!

     As I prepare to be Merritt's Mama I am humbled and blessed that God has given me this amazing task. It's only because of His faithfulness that my husband and I are in this place today. While we have a lot to learn (actually we have EVERYTHING to learn!) I know that if we trust the Lord we will be parents worthy of this special calling. Keep me in your prayers during this last 2 weeks leading up to Merritt's due date. Everyday brings new feelings - ready but nervous! 

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure to officially "follow" my blog! 

xoxo,

Lindsey

Passing The Time

While I have a list a mile long of things to-do before the baby arrives I decided that sewing was one of them this morning! I have to admit that I've been a little frustrated at the selection of boys clothes that stores offer these days. With the exception of Baby Gap, Naartjie and H&M, most other stores carry all the same onesies, pants and with that comes a monkey, dog or monster. Not my favorite! While out shopping with my mom and sister last week I came across a darling pair of orange linen pants with a vintage giraffe at a boutique. Considering that they were $35 and that baby would probably only wear them for a short time I passed them up. I did check out how easy they would be to make but it's really the fabric that made them cute! We just so happened to walk into a thrift store after that and on the sale rack was a orange linen dress for $3. I grabbed it off the rack and knew what I was going to make! While it didn't have vintage giraffe's on it, it was also $32 cheaper and I love a good deal. Now to take apart the dress and use the fabric! Here is a before picture:

 I used a pattern I had from a book called Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner. 

Here is the link to her book which I highly recommend! http://store.annamariahorner.com/seamstome1.html. I don't normally use patterns because I like to create my own unique pieces but for these pants I decided to follow some direction :) 

and I did make some modifications as well.

Starting to take shape!

 When I finished the pants I decided that I needed a onesie to match! You can take any design you'd like to cut out of fabric, use heat and bond adhesive and transfer that design onto just about anything! I made an elephant with a floppy ear to match his pants and had a green star button which added the perfect finishing touch.

Elephant onesie and pants (front).

Back view of pants.

Now I really do have to get some house work done and try to have my hospital bag packed! 

Pregnant Mamas

     I have been blessed during this pregnancy to be joined by a lot of my friends who are sharing this first-time experience too. Every time I turn around I feel like someone else has announced that they are expecting. What a fun time to share - whether it's the first kicks, braxton hicks or labor and delivery, each girl has been able to talk about her experience which gives the next one encouragement. A few have already given birth and I love watching their little ones grow and others have yet to deliver and I am a part of that club for a little while longer. Cheer's and blessing to all my mama friends!

(From left to right) Ariana - due in October;  Danielle - due in October; Sarah gave birth to Colin in February; Lindsey (me!) due in September; Lindy gave birth to Cohen in February; Crystal due in January.

Megan due in September & Holly gave birth to Eisley Grace 1 week ago

Sweet Sarah and Colin

Lindy & Cohen :)

Holly and Eisley Grace 

Name Change & Updates!

     First off, I have no idea where the time has gone! My last post was in the middle of July so I'm sorry for not posting anything sooner. I've been thinking about the blog and there are going to be a few changes coming up. I ended up changing the name! What do you think? Also, I'm trying to improve the function of the blog so hopefully that will be done soon.

     Merritt's due date is approaching very quickly! In about 4 1/2 weeks our little guy could make his debut, unless he decides to come late or early. We are ready for him! This past week Cameron and I attended our hospital's all day birthing class and took a tour of the birthing center. While this was a VERY long day of information it was also very helpful! It put labor and delivery in perspective for me. I'm going to need a lot of prayer! :) We have also installed the car seat in my car, finished the nursery, and made lots of lists that need to be finished before he arrives (if I don't write things down at this point my pregnancy brain eats it up!). All that is left is to pack our bags and leave them by the door.

     Pregnancy symptoms have drastically changed this week. My feet are no longer my feet! Jake, my brother-in-law decided that "Big Foot" was an appropriate nickname for me at this point. I can no longer bend over and pick anything up, no matter how hard I try. I officially have to rely on people more to help me which takes quite an adjustment mentally since I like to be independent. So, thank you to my family and friends that have to pick up after me now! 

See! I wasn't lying! 

     The nursery is finished with the exception of some closet organization and a lampshade! I'm excited to share these pictures with you! Please leave me your comments and let me know what you think :) 

Ta da! I have to admit that I am in love with his room!

My mother-in-law recovered the glider that a friend gave us

My dad make the bookshelves and there will be one more at the top!  He has quite the book collection already!

Paper lantern mobile.

M is for Merritt.

I LOVE his crib and bedding!

    
 I've also been finishing projects and thought I'd post the diaper bag that I made for Merritt. Here it is!

Front

Back

Inside Pockets

     Thanks for stopping by! Please leave me a comment. I would love to hear your feedback! Until next time...

Tis The Season for Baby Showers!

What an eventful time these last few weekends have been! My sisters had a Circus themed Baby Shower for me last weekend and my Mom and sisters had a Bird themed Shower for me yesterday. All I can say is that we are extremely blessed and overwhelmed at the outpouring of love that we have received! This little boy is certainly spoiled already. 

 Me and my Mama!

 Everybody loves a Circus! 

 The Aunties and Grandma to be! 

A Little Birdie Told Me...

 

 Cameron got to come to the shower with me! 

 Dessert

 Favors

 32 Weeks Pregnant!

This was definitely more pictures than I thought I would post but I couldn't choose between them all! Thanks for stopping by...xoxo.