Murphy Memoirs: February 2010

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Our furry baby

For as many times as our Roscoe dog gets in trouble for...

eating blueberry muffins (wrapped in plastic in the middle of the counter - NO idea how he reached them) we had been saving for this morning's breakfast

barking at the mailman (every day!)

escaping our gate and roaming the neighborhood (last Monday's adventure)

slobbering on the baby's head (yes, it happened last week while I was nursing Nash - and I'm sure it won't be the last time)

consuming all the cat poo he can find on our daily walks

wanting breakfast BEFORE 6 am

attempting to lick clean plates when we're unloading the dishwasher

countless other shenanigans

How can we not be totally in love with this furry ball of love? Especially when he's slobber free - a rarity displayed in the picture below.

We love you Roscoe dog!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Nash Thomas Murphy is one month old today! It is really unbelievable that Matt and I have been parents for an entire month now - it has gone so fast. We're doing our best to cherish every moment - even those when he's screaming!

We had our one month well baby checkup this morning with Dr. Stecker. Our little man weighed in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long. He's in the 10th percentile for height, weight, and head circumference...not sure we expected much more considering the size of his momma and daddy! Dr. Stecker was pleased with his weight gain and progress - he definitely got her stamp of approval. He really didn't enjoy the Hepatitis B shot he got though (although I think taking the band aid off made him scream more!). Necessary evils, right?

This is what our precious little guy is up to at one month old:

Nash is eating every 3 hours during the day and anywhere from every 3 to 6 hours during the night. We definitely don't wake him up at night to feed him - and sometimes get a great stretch of uninterrupted sleep!
Nash is officially sleeping in his crib during the night...he's made the move from the cradle upstairs in our bedroom. We're all sleeping more peacefully after this decision!
Our days are into somewhat of a routine...I don't consider it a "schedule" because it's definitely flexible and just sort of where we've ended up. After he eats, we play for 15-30 minutes depending on how awake he is and then he is down for a good nap, usually in the swing.
Bath time is officially every other day at this point...the bathtub was quite cumbersome and on Auntie Jessi's recommendation, we purchased a bath sponge/lounger type thing at target that he seems to enjoy. It keeps his head out of the water and his little parts are much more accessible for washing. We've began turning on a space heater in the bathroom for when he gets out of the tub - we hated seeing him shiver as we dried and dressed him...he loves the heat!
Nash is beginning to take a pacifier a bit more often now, although he's still pretty picky about when he will take it. Usually when he has quite a bit of gas and we resort to the gas drops - he'll take the pacifier immediately after that (tricky, tricky - we know!). He is beginning to find his hands though - and inevitably they get sucked on for the fleeting moments he can keep them close to his mouth.
He is beginning to follow us more with his eyes and is responding to our voices. He's also following brightly colored toys and things with contrasting colors. He loves to watch himself in the mirror we have next to his changing table...he's totally mesmerized. He's definitely drawn to the sunlight that comes through our living room windows during the day - we love to lounge in the sun! (Can't wait until it's warmer and we can actually get outside!)
He loves the moby wrap - falls asleep everytime! Nice to have a way to keep him close and still get some things done around the house.
His eyes are still very blue, and we think he has red hair! We're not banking on it staying red, but it's absolutely adorable right now!

Looks like red hair to me!

We love the bonnet!
Matt's grandmother made this for him when he was born.
What a great gift - thanks Annie!

Nash's first band aid

Snoozing in the sun

Hanging out with Roscoe dog

Teeny toes

Look ma - no hands! (And a soon to be clean kitchen!)

Diaper changes have become much quieter since the discovery of the mirror obsession!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Weeks 3 and 4 - He just keeps growing!

Time keeps flying by! We can't believe how quickly Nash is growing and changing - what a blessing to be able to be home and watch him transform into this little person who is growing to know and love us as we grow to know and love him more every second.

These couple of weeks have been so much fun...Nash and I are settling into somewhat of a routine during the day while Matt is at work. We definitely look forward to Matt's return home in the evenings - we miss him and can't wait to hang out with him every night!

We continue to get a few visitors who are anxious to meet our little bundle of cuteness and we love showing him off! Our front porch has become package central as well - this kiddo has so many cute little boy clothes now! People have been so generous with their gifts of food for us, visits to keep me occupied, and cute things for Nash - thank you!

Now for pictures...what everyone comes here to see anyway! I'll have a one month post up soon...Nash has his one month well baby checkup on Tuesday. We can't wait to see how much this little guy has grown in the month he's been with us!

WEEK 3

You could say we're just a tad proud..

Grandma Kay the night before she left...don't look too close, I'm pretty sure you'll see some tears

Hi everyone - these are my friends - Ants and Baldy!

The night before the dreaded drive to the airport to drop my mom off!

Nash's first dip in the tub

Playtime is hard work!

3 weeks old!

WEEK 4

Nash finally filling out a newborn outfit!

Nash's first experience on his activity mat - it was a hit for about 10 minutes!
Long enough for me to enjoy a cup of coffee with TWO hands - yay!

Good morning! And yes, those are bags under my eyes!
Totally worth it, by the way.

4 weeks old!

Week 2 and Fun Visitors!

Nash's second week at home was filled with awesome company and a few excursions. Auntie Jessi, Uncle Tyler, cousins Macy and Mya, Auntie Katy, and Uncle Clint drove down from Indiana on Friday January 22. They stayed with Aunt Becky and Uncle Brad (thank you Aunt Becky and Uncle Brad!) but made it over to the house Saturday afternoon to meet Nash for the first time. It was so much fun to have everyone here in the same place - we were only missing Papa Joey! I think Grandma Kay was in heaven with all three of her grandbabies in the same place...we'll try to make that happen again soon!

After the meet and greet - the boys (excluding Nash) headed outside for some Saturday afternoon cornhole while my sisters and I and my mom caught up. It's really so nice to be able to do that - all of you who have family close...don't take it for granted! Once the sun went down, we all braved the two block jaunt to a local mexican restaurant for dinner and margaritas. Seven adults and 3 babies in carseats - we were quite the crew. Did I mention they sat us in the bar? We had a great time (and great margaritas) and it was a perfect way to end a great day.

The next day we (Matt, Nash, myself, mom) loaded up and headed over to Aunt Becky's to hang out there for the day. The boys went golfing and my sisters were so kind to watch Nash while my mom and I went out for a little shopping - too much fun. The Colts played that afternoon/evening and thankfully they pulled it out - Nash was sporting a little football sleeper, but no Colts gear as of yet. Next season buddy, next season.

After dinner, it was time to head back to midtown and that meant goodbye to the crew who drove so far to see us. I'm not really good at goodbyes, and add three sweet babies to the mix and there were plenty of tears. At least I didn't have to say goodbye to my mom at the same time - I would've been a mess.

It was such a blessing that they were all able to visit - I'm so thankful that they were able to meet Nash so early. I will cherish these first meeting pictures forever. Jess, Ty, Katy, Clint, Macy and Mya - thank you SO much for you visit...we love you and can't wait to see you again!

After their departure, the rest of the week was spent with my mom. I cannot begin to describe how awesome she is and how lucky I am to have a best friend in my mother. I know that's extremely cliche, but in my case - very true. She was such a blessing to have around - taking the monitor in the morning so I could get a few extra hours of sleep, laundry, cleaning, etc. We got out of the house a few times to run some errands and take a quick shopping trip to the mall...it was nice to get out and feel not so cooped up. She watched Nash on Saturday night before she left while Matt and I met our friends Jen and Danny for a nice dinner. What a treat! Of course all good things have to come to an end, and so did mom's visit. I took her to the airport and did my best not to cry - it totally didn't work. I held it together somewhat while she walked away, but I don't think I've ever cried so hard as I did on my drive back home. She arrived home safely, and we've spoken every day since. Mom - thank you so much for being here with us, I am so lucky to have you and Nash is so lucky to have such a cool Grandma! We love you!

OK - on to the important things...pictures. Beware: picture overload - I couldn't help it!

First meeting!

Auntie Jessi...Nash. Nash...Auntie Jessi.

Auntie Katy...Nash. Nash...Auntie Katy.

My gorgeous sisters and my gorgeous baby.

Macy and Mya watching the dream screen..

Uncle Clint and Macy hanging out.

Grandma Kay and Mya

Macy, Nash, Mya

Mya, Nash, Macy

Grandma Kay and all of her love bugs

Another group picture

Jessi and the crew

Katy and the crew

me and the crew

Clint and Nash

Uncle Ty and Nash

Matt, Uncle Brad, Aunt Becky and Nash...analyzing country music videos

Aunties loving on Nash

The day Nash's cord stump fell off

Gazing at Grandma Kay

The ice/snow storm in Memphis

We had to capture it on camera..

It happens so rarely, it needed to be documented!

We just kept snapping the pictures while Grandma Kay was here!

My favorite boys

Sleepy before a bath

Getting his hair washed

2 weeks old!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

First Week at Home & First Dr. Appointment

Our first week at home was pretty great...Grandma Kay, Papa Joey, Nannie, and Opa were all here to greet us when we arrived home and help us get settled in.

When the caravan arrived home, I walked in the door first with an outfit Nash had been wearing at the hospital in hopes of letting Roscoe dog smell it and get a bit used to the scent of his new family member. He really just wanted to toss it around in his mouth and play tug of war with it - not quite the plan. Matt then walked in with the baby as we both tried to give Roscoe attention and introduce him to Nash as well. After 3 days of not seeing us, Roscoe was pretty hyped up but took it all in stride for the most part. For the next 3 or 4 days - Roscoe was pretty bummed. He was definitely pouting and rebelling (peed on our guest bed comforter!) and not really interacting with us. His routine really hadn't changed - he was still getting two walks a day, still sleeping on our bed, but he was definitely aware that things are different now for the long haul.

After our greeting of Roscoe dog - on to more important things we went: lunch. Food at the hospital left plenty to be desired and Papa Joey and Opa smartly suggested Gus's Fried Chicken - no one disagreed. It was the best fried chicken I had ever had in my life - and no heart burn followed - I was in heaven! :)

Shortly after lunch (and after my mom showed me how to use the breast pump), my parents took off to drive home to Indiana. That departure was a very quick departure - the tears just get worse the longer we linger and say goodbye. Not that there were any less tears, but I don't have to watch my mom cry and she doesn't have to watch me cry! (And, I knew she was coming back that Friday!) My parents left, but Matt's parents stayed - and thank goodness they did. We were totally spoiled - Annie and Frank cooked and cleaned and let us relax and hang out with our new love, it was so great. We have a freezer stocked full of yummy food thanks to them. The whole time we were there, I don't think there was a piece of dirty laundry in our house. The second there was something dirty - Annie had a load of wash going. We keep trying to figure out a way to thank them for all they did, but it's proving to be quite a daunting task!

Nannie and Opa left on Wednesday evening to drive back to Pennsylvania - and again, more tears. We were really sad to see them go, but were already looking forward to their next trip in March with Uncle Marky!

Thursday was our first day at home as a family of four (yes, we're including Roscoe dog!). The weather was a gorgeous 65 degrees and we were able to get out and go on a walk with Nash and Roscoe, it felt really great to get out of the house. We definitely do much that day except hang out and stare at the new love of our life and talk about how amazingly cute he is.

Friday morning was Nash's first doctor's appointment with Dr. Stecker at her office. We were there at 8:30 and got right in. Nash had already gained 11 ounces in the time he had been home! He came home from the hospital at 5 lbs 4 oz and weighed in at a whopping 5 lbs 15 oz at his appointment. He was also 19.5 inches long - although I'm pretty sure the length measurement is pretty unscientific - those squirmy little people are pretty difficult to measure! He had gained so much weight that Dr. Stecker determined that he was eating well enough and didn't need to see him back in the office until he was a month old. So, we return to see her on February 16.

After his appointment, I returned home while Matt went to work and Aunt Becky came over to hang out with us for a while and to watch Nash while I went to the airport and pick up my mom. It was a great feeling knowing she'd be with us for over a week! Needless to say, she couldn't wait to get her hands on our little bundle of sweetness known as Nash.

That Friday evening Matt and I were sure to stay up until 12:53 am to ring in Nash's 1 week birthday - thankfully he slept right through it! I'll end this post here...enjoy some pictures of his first week at home!