12.25.2010

Merry Christmas!!!

Dylan just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! He had a great morning opening up his presents from Santa and can’t wait to see the rest of his family tomorrow for more presents. Here’s to many, many more to come!!!



12.20.2010

7 months!

The holidays are finally here, and Dylan already had fun this weekend doing Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa B! He received a lot of presents and loved playing with all the wrapping paper!

Well another month has passed and Dylan still has no teeth. We can see and feel them, but they just haven’t popped out yet...as I say every month, maybe next month! But we did start feeding him some solids. So far he really likes sweet potatoes, pears, and bananas. But he HATES green beans, we’ve never seen such a face of disgust before. I’ve been making his vegetables so far and really enjoy doing it. 

This month Dylan started using his “big boy” car seat. I’m still trying to adjust to the change. He is not crawling forward yet, but can spin himself in circles when I put him on his belly. And right now he’s at the stage where daddy is AMAZING! I love seeing how bright his face lights up when Keith gets home. Dylan visited with Santa twice this month (once at the mall, and once at school) and cried both times. But I’m pretty sure Santa wasn’t offended and will get Dylan some nice presents anyway! And he also performed at his school’s Christmas Show.

And the best part is that Dylan is starting to raise his hands up when he wants us to pick him up or hold him. I love his attempts to communicate with us!!! I know, I’m such an SLP mom...


11.21.2010

6 months...half a year!

Yea Dylan, 6 months already! You’re such a big boy! Dylan started eating cereal this month. He began waking up at 3am hungry, so we figured it was time to start on some solids. We started feeding him a bowl before bedtime and he was not interested at all, but after about 4-5 days he began eating like it was his last meal! Now he also has a bowl in the morning and a bowl before bedtime. His daycare teachers say he enjoys eating breakfast with his friends in the mornings. Tomorrow we see Dr. Coco for his 6-month appointment so hopefully he’ll give us some guidance on continuing solids and introducing some fruits and vegetables (and just in time for Thanksgiving too!).

Dylan also started sitting up on his own this month. He looks so cute! Daddy bought him a jumper and he LOVES it. He can jump on it for 45 minutes straight with no problems. And Dylan is definitely starting to show his personality more everyday. He is reaching for toys and items he wants, and when he doesn’t get it, he will get upset. He also likes playing with Keith and I’s iPhones, and when we don’t let him play with it, he starts getting fussy. He is definitely the ‘first child’ (and only child, if Dylan gets his way). But we love the little person he’s becoming :)

This weekend we had Dylan’s 6-month pictures and some family portraits taken, so hopefully we’ll be able to see them soon. I know Sara did a great job! Here’s to a stress-free Thanksgiving holiday!!!


11.01.2010

Happy Halloween!

Dylan wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween! He didn’t get to experience a true Halloween since mom and dad were both sick all weekend and he was asleep by 7:30 pm, but we still carved his little pumpkin and (as you can see) he still got in costume. He’s the cutest cow we’ve ever seen!!! Now we can move on to preparing for the holiday season...yipee!!!



10.21.2010

5 Months!

We’re almost getting to the 6-month mark, and are getting VERY excited! Dylan had a bit of a rough month unfortunately. He started teething, which was not fun for us. But the Hyland Teething Tablets have really worked some wonders thankfully. No teeth have come out yet, but Ms. Nancy (his daycare teacher) is convinced that they’ll pop out soon. Dylan also had his first cold, and we really didn’t like that. I hated seeing my little guy so helpless and nothing I could do about it. But he is feeling better and it will hopefully stay that way before the next one hits!

On the plus side, Dylan is finally starting to notice and play with his toys! He is pushing the buttons on his exersaucer and pianos and is starting to reach for objects above him and pull on them. Dylan is also doing much better with rolling over and is beginning to sit-up on his own more and more everyday. I wonder when he’ll start crawling (hopefully not for a couple of more months!). He is also sitting in his highchair while we eat, waiting for the big day when he has his first taste of solids!

Dylan had a lot of visitors this month too! Grandma & Grandpa Simmons and Aunt Stacey came to visit one weekend and then Grandma & Grandpa Barrientes came to visit the next weekend. Plus he finally got to meet Aunt Jackie for the first time! It was great having so many people coming to visit him, he was definitely brought into 2 amazing families. Dylan also made his 1st visit to the pumpkin patch! Although there wasn’t much for him to do (but definitely when he’s older!), we took a lot of great pictures and memories.

The holiday season is coming up and we can’t wait for Dylan to experience the madness! But most importantly, we can’t wait to start our own traditions with our new family...


9.20.2010

4 months!

I know every month I say how I can’t believe how fast time is flying, but it really is! Dylan is starting to do so much now, becoming his own person...I guess I thought he would’ve stayed in the newborn phase a little longer.

Dylan is beginning to learn so much! He’s started sleeping longer at night (~8pm-6am), however the past 2 nights he seems to have regressed on his blissful nighttime sleeping habits. I’ve read that that can happen around 4 months, so hopefully it’ll pass soon. He’s also starting looking at Keith and I for reassurance whenever he’s with a stranger...I guess he trusts us after all! Dylan is also doing much better with grabbing items and holding them in his hand. He’s had trouble with pulling his pacifier out of his mouth, but now he’s able to put it back in his mouth! He seems pretty happy to have figured that one out. I think Dylan gave up on sucking his thumb and now just shoves his whole hand in his mouth...its the cutest thing to watch :) In the past few days he’s finally started reaching for items in front of him, but mainly when he’s in his Exersaucer.

Dylan has also rolled over for the 1st time. He’s done it in front of me 3 times already, but we haven’t been able to videotape him doing it yet...he seems to be a bit camera shy. He is also talking up a storm, and I love it! All I hear coming from the back seat every morning and afternoon is him babbling and cooing! He’ll sometimes get a little impatient if we’re at a long red light, but other than that, he’s a great car rider. And I have never seem so much drool come out of one baby before! Everyone tells me he’s teething, but I think he’s just a drooler (gets it from his daddy).

Dylan also had his 4-month appointment a few days ago. He is now weighing in at 17lbs, 10 oz and is 25 1/2 inches long! Dr. Coco doesn’t see a need to start any cereal or solids until 6 months. He had a great appointment and is right on track...what more could I ask for! I see him growing everyday and I just can’t believe my eyes sometimes...


8.19.2010

3 months!

Dylan has been doing great this month with so many milestones accomplished!!! Dylan has started sleeping through the night (approx. 9pm-6am), which makes mommy and daddy extremely happy! He has also started smiling a lot and laughing, which is the most amazing sound I’ve ever heard.

Keith and I have both returned to work this month, so that means that Dylan started daycare. But luckily its located on the new campus I’m working at, so its extremely convenient for me and definitely gives me some peace of mind knowing he’s that close. His teachers are very nice and I know he’s okay with them during the day. Dylan is adjusting very well to daycare and he spends a good amount of the day napping in the swing (his favorite place to nap). And every now and then I get to see him in the hallway going for a stroll in the buggy with his friends...it absolutely makes my day! Ms. Nancy (his nursery teacher) has even said that Dylan is getting very close to rolling over for the first time! It has definitely been an adjustment for me, not getting to spend all day, everyday with him, but it certainly makes me appreciate the time we do get to spend together so much more, and I get so excited when I go pick him up everyday.

My baby boy is growing fast...not sure I’m ready for that.

7.16.2010

2 months!

I guess the trend seems to be that I update every month! Dylan is almost 2 months old and is looking bigger everyday! 2 weeks ago he had the honor of being baptized at St. Ann’s Catholic Parish in Coppell. Uncle Joey served as Godfather and Aunt Stacey served as Godmother. He did such a great job during the ceremony and at lunch afterward. Keith and I are getting braver and starting to take Dylan out with us more to stores and restaurants. He still gets fussy after a while, but he’s getting better!

Dylan had his 2-month doctors appointment this week and everything is looking great! He weighed 12 lbs, 13 oz and measured in at 23 3/8 inches...he’s a growing boy. Dr. Coco also suggested we start putting him to sleep in his crib upstairs (which we were going to start trying this week anyway) so it could help him sleep through the night. Tuesday was the first night he tried it and he luckily went down with no troubles and slept 6 hours until 3:30am!!! After we fed him he went back to sleep and didn’t wake up until 7am, it was awesome! We’re so proud of Dylan and this huge milestone! He is also starting to be very verbal and cooing like crazy. Every “oo” and “ah” that comes out of his mouth makes mommy very happy. The only thing better than that are his smiles. Dylan is also starting to smile at us during playtime and each one just melts our hearts.

This week I started taking Dylan to Gymboree for Play and Learn class and we had a lot of fun. In this class (0-6 months) they focus a lot on tactile stimulation and tummy time. He really seemed to like the massages and feathers plus all the bright colors. The class was 45 minutes long and the instructor was so surprised how well he tolerated it for a 2-month old. He definitely wasn’t as fussy as I thought he would be. She was also surprised at how long he was able to tolerate being on his tummy (probably because we like to do tummy time at home with him). Overall it went really well and I’d like to take him as much as I can before I go back to work. Speaking of, we only have 4 more weeks at home before I go back to work and Dylan starts daycare. Keith goes back in 2 weeks, but he’ll be starting at a new school, so he’s very excited and we’re excited for him! I hope to update again soon!!!


6.26.2010

1 month down, countless more to go...

It seems like we just blinked our eyes and Dylan was already a month old! So much has happened in just a few short weeks and our baby is definitely growing fast. When we first brought Dylan home it was definitely an adjustment, especially since Keith and I had no clue what we were doing. Luckily Keith took a few days off of work and was a huge help (so big that I begged him to never go back!). We definitely had some sleepless nights (I never knew I could function on such little sleep) but we are doing much better these days. Dylan would also get extremely fussy during the day, and especially in the evening, but we’ve started to learn how to settle him down, and that has really made all the difference. We are really enjoying our time at home with Dylan and getting to know our baby boy. And even though we have some hard days, we are starting to feel more and more like competent (maybe even good) parents everyday. We’re very lucky to have this amazing miracle in our lives!



6.05.2010

Dylan is finally here!!!

It’s so hard to believe, but our beautiful baby boy is finally here!!! After my last routine appointment consisted of high blood pressure and extremely swollen hands and feet, my doctor was afraid that it was the beginning signs of preeclampsia and decided to put me on bed rest and induce the following week. So we decided as May 19, 2010 as the induction date, which was also Keith and I’s 3-year wedding anniversary. I checked into Labor & Delivery the evening before and we tried to get our last night of good rest. The next morning I was induced at 7:30 am and went a full 5 hours without any medical interventions (yea!!!)...but at 12:30pm I asked for an epidural. It was the smartest decision I ever made...labor was a breeze after that! 2 hours later not a lot of progress had been made and it didn’t look like Dylan was going to come out anytime soon, so we decided to go with a C-section. Thank goodness we did because he ended up being a 9lbs, 8oz baby! So it ended up being a blessing in disguise. And after 4 days in the hospital we were ready to come home!


We have adjusted nicely to life as a family of 3 now...we were so lucky that Keith’s parents were able to stay with us for about a week to help us get a good start to parenthood. Dylan definitely has his fussy moments (especially between 8pm and 3am), but he mainly sleeps, eats, and poops/farts right now. However, just in the past few days we’ve noticed he’s been able to focus more and is more alert when he’s awake. Plus, he’s a perfectly healthy baby...what more can we ask for!?!?

I’m recovering very well from my surgery and enjoying my time home with the kiddo. Keith has one more week of work before he’s home all summer with us, so that’s definitely something to look forward to. And he does a great job of helping me with Dylan during the day and at night, even if he has to get up early for work the next day... Dylan’s very lucky to have such a great daddy! We’re a very lucky family!

5.17.2010

Dylan will be here soon...

Due to recent high blood pressure concerns at my last appointment, my doctor has decided to put me on bed rest and induce me on Wednesday, May 19...so Dylan should be here in a few days! And the funny part is that May 19th also happens to be our 3-year wedding anniversary! This was certainly unexpected, especially since we had already talked about possibly inducing on the 31st if I went past my due date...but ready or not, here he comes. I went in for one more ultrasound this afternoon and he is already measuring at 8 1/2 pounds, so that makes me very thankful that we are not waiting until the 31st...who knows how big he would’ve been then!?!? I’ll be checking in to Labor & Delivery at 5pm tomorrow night and be induced Wednesday morning...we can’t wait to hold our baby boy in our arms finally!!!



5.02.2010

About 3 more weeks to go!!!

I can’t believe how fast time has flown by...Dylan is almost here! Our lives have been absolutely crazy these past few weeks trying to get ready for him and with the school year coming to an end. Keith has had his hands full lately with UIL competition (where his band received Superior ratings on stage and in sight reading, by the way), ensemble contest, instrument drives, and their upcoming Spring Concert. I’ve been keeping busy with finishing referrals, ARDs, paperwork, our end-of-year checkout list, and now packing up my room. It’s always a crazy time in the year, but being pregnant at the same time is definitely slowing me down. Its a miracle I can get myself out of bed every morning!

As far as Dylan is concerned, we’ve been doing plenty there too! A couple of weeks ago we took a childcare class where we learned baby CPR and all the basics about feeding, burping, bathing, sleeping, etc. It was very informative! We also took our Lamaze class too and we definitely learned a lot!!! Keith and I feel so much better about the whole labor and delivery process and we actually feel pretty ready for it. Of course now that I know what to expect, I’m definitely getting anxious about it. But I know I’ll have an excellent coach in there with me and he will help me during it all! Today we took the Baptism class so we can get Dylan baptized in the Catholic church...we’re hoping to have it done during the summer since all of our family is out of town and it’ll be easier to get everyone in. I also have most of my hospital bag packed, so we’re just waiting for some contractions! I’ve had a few here and there, but nothing to get too excited about. He should be here by the end of the month, so keep posted!!!


3.26.2010

So many updates, so little time!!!

Wow, time has really flown by since my last update! So many wonderful things have been happening lately, its hard for me to keep up! First of all, we finally decided on my name for our little boy! I let Keith pick the name (with my approval, of course), and we decided on Dylan Cole Marshall. We both really liked Dylan and Cole, so we just decided to use them both!

In the past couple of week we’ve also had 2 baby showers...one in Brownsville with my family and one in Houston with Keith’s family. We received so many wonderful presents at both showers and are very grateful for everyone’s generosity. Dylan really is going to be surrounded by such loving family and friends...he’s a very lucky little guy! And with all the new presents and gift cards we received we were finally able to start working on the nursery! Keith was amazing and painted the room all by himself (he wouldn’t even let me be in the room for more than 10 seconds)! We also got all the furniture in and bedding/decorations up, and I think it turned out great! Our only problem now is keeping the cat from thinking all of this is for him...he’s already been caught on more than one occasion sleeping either in the bassinet or in the crib.


 
Another thing we did over Spring Break was go in for a 3D/4D sonogram...we wanted to have one more sneak peek of Dylan before he gets here! He looked amazing and we got some great pictures of him!!! He was a little shy at first, but that didn’t last too long. We were able to see him open his eyes, smile (with adorable dimples), stick his tongue out, cross his arms, and play with his feet. We also counted 10 fingers and 10 toes, and we were even able to see some hair on his head. The technician said the reason our pictures came out so good was because mommy was very hydrated...at least I’m doing something right! It was really great to get to see Dylan again, and with all the wonderful baby showers and the nursery being done we’re definitely getting excited (and possibly a little scared)...either way, we can’t wait!!! About 8 more weeks to go...


2.14.2010

Snow Day and Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!! What a crazy couple of days! Last Sunday Keith and I went to Target and bought the dresser and changing table for the nursery. He’s already put them together and are stored in the guest bedroom, until we begin putting the whole nursery together. We ordered the glider/ottoman and that will hopefully be here tomorrow. Grandma & Grandpa Simmons bought us the crib/mattress and that will be here in March!
 
On Thursday Keith flew out of town to his convention in San Antonio and that was the day Mother Nature (or Jack Frost) decided to bless us with a record-breaking 11.5 inches of snow! It was amazing, it literally snowed all day and night! Unfortunately Keith wasn’t home to play in the snow and build a snowman with me, but I still enjoyed it. And to make things better, we didn’t have school on Friday, so 3-day weekend! Luckily he was able to come home today so I don’t have to be alone for Valentine’s Day. For his present I got him a couple of trombone and UNT onesies for the baby...I wonder which one will be his take-home outfit???

Baby Marshall has been very active lately. I don’t think he likes it when I put my hands or arms on my stomach, so he makes it a point to push them away when it bothers him. He also seems to favor my right side...so many times I’ll look down at my stomach and see my right side bulging out as opposed to my left side, so I assume he’s just hanging out on that side. At times like that I wish I could see what he’s doing in there...


2.04.2010

Getting ready!

We got our first baby present in the mail today...so exciting! My mommy bought us the stroller for the baby and Keith put it together tonight. Aside from my growing belly, it definitely makes everything seem more real! I’ll be flying home the last weekend of February for my baby shower in Brownsville, then we’ll be driving down to Houston in the middle of March for our shower there. We’re planning on starting on the nursery while we’re off for Spring Break. We have to move the furniture that’s in the guest bedroom (future nursery) into the office, which will be the new guest bedroom. Then we’re going to paint the walls and put together all the furniture so I can work my decorating and organizing magic. I’m so excited to see how its going to turn out! It seems like we still have ages to go before he gets here, but its really only about 16 more weeks!

I have really been feeling him move lately, seems like he’s training to be a gymnast in there! He loves to move in the mornings, when I’m sitting at my desk getting ready for the day. I’ve also started seeing him move from the outside...its the weirdest thing looking down at my stomach and seeing it twitch and move. Again, just making this all seem more real! I am so ready to be this baby’s mommy!

1.04.2010

Its a boy!!!

Keith and I went in for the big ultrasound this afternoon and we found out we’re having a boy! We’re so excited!!! We would have been excited either way, but we’re just happy its not a mystery anymore. I’m pretty sure Keith is picking out UNT football gear for the baby at this moment.


 
Now comes the fun part of picking out a name! We had agreed on a girl’s name, but we seem to be having trouble agreeing on a boy’s name. Hopefully we’ll pick a name soon!

1.03.2010

We have movement!!!

So I was using my doppler this morning and thought it would be funny to have the baby hear its own heartbeat, so I placed the speaker on my belly. Well Baby did not like that at all! I immediately starting feeling some definite kicks or punches...it was an amazing feeling! It really does feel like gas. I really haven’t felt much after this morning, but that was all I needed! I’m still trying to take everything a day at a time and I realize that this was a huge milestone for us. Thanks for reading!

1.01.2010

Happy New Year!

Well hello! Here we are in 2010 and Keith and I can’t wait for what it has in store for us!  I have been wanting to start a website for the new blessing on the way for months and I’m so glad I’ve finally gotten around to it.

Not much has been going on with Baby lately, all seems to be going great! I recently purchased a fetal doppler and it has been amazing being able to listen to that little heartbeat after a long day at work or even when I just need a pick me up. If I can figure out how to attach media to this blog I’ll include a recording.  Every now and then I’ll feel a few flutters, but I’m still not sure about whether its baby movement or just gas. I’m hoping to feel a strong kick soon!
Baby has been growing quickly, and thats pretty evident in its mommy’s belly. I feel like I wake up every morning twice as big as I was the night before! But I’m not complaining, I’m just trying to enjoy my “beautiful pregnancy glow” that everyone has been lying to me about, hehe! I’m just happy the dreadful day-long nausea and morning sickness has come and gone. I was starting to think I was going to have to quit my job since I was so useless! The second trimester definitely brought back my appetite and energy...I’m just trying to enjoy it while it lasts!

In exciting news, Keith and I find out the sex of the baby on Monday, January 4th. We can’t wait to find out and share it with everyone!