Somebody at GP Loves Me

Today I got to go to Deddy's office for lunch and a party with his co-workers in the GP Procure to Pay department.

This is me and Deddy at his desk. Mommy dressed me in my business casual attire just for the occassion.

This is me with Gregg. He sits in the office next to Deddy's. He got the memo on today's dress code.
Check out the awesome bulldog with a "Somebody at GP Loves Me" shirt. Mommy said we are a cute pair.

This pretty lady is Marsha, and she is very sweet. She coordinated my party.

These are some of Deddy's co-workers. We are all excited about the cake and ice cream. Unfortunately, I think Jennifer got cut off in the picture. She bought me a teething ring and ADORABLE "peanut" outfit which is perfect because Deddy frequently refers to me as his 'peanut'. It's hard to believe I already have a tooth, isn't it?

Everyone was so generous, and I really appreciate the gifts. Mommy and Deddy said that I could pick out a monitor with the gift certificate because I am going to have to start sleeping in the crib in my own room soon. And Deddy said the baseball outfit was awesome.
I had just eaten, so I was a bit tired and slept through some of the party. But Deddy made sure I met everyone. I had a great day at GP. Deddy has told me about the great people he works with, and I enjoyed meeting everyone.

Practice Makes Perfect

Larsson spent some time with Aunt Alice the other day. She said she needed some baby practice before the arrival of Austin, and Tater was glad to provide it. They look like they are getting along perfectly, don't they?

Hallelujah!

Tater slept over six hours straight two nights in a row this weekend. I don’t know if that was a result of the shots and Tylenol or what, but we were grateful.

Sweet Tooth

I took Tater to the pediatrician for his two month check-up on Friday. Now mind you, I was NOT looking forward to this visit. I knew that at this particular appointment my sweet little baby boy was supposed to get five immunizations – yes five, four shots and one oral.

Now he got just one shot last time and I saw how well that went over.

So we got to the office with a little trepidation. We checked in and weighed in. (By the way, he has grown another half an inch and two pounds since our last visit at five weeks. He is now 22 inches long and 11 ½ pounds.) And the doctor asked the standard questions about how frequently he eats and sleeps and poops. Then she looked him over – the chest, the legs, the arms, the mouth… “Hold on, he has a tooth.”

“WHAT?!!?!?”

“He has a tooth.
Do you want to feel it?”

I moved a little closer and looked at where she was pointing in his mouth. “No, I can see it.” And there it was, the top of a little tooth peeping out over the gumline on the middle bottom. If I hadn't quit breastfeeding a few weeks back, I may have discovered this before the doctor....

So after that revelation, the doctor left and sent in the nurse to administer the shots. She laid out the shots, and then matter of factly informd me it was okay if I cried, that many parents did when their babies get shots. The thought that I might cry had not even crossed my mind.

So she started with the oral one, which he liked because it was sweet. Perhaps that little tooth is a sweet tooth like his mama's.

Then she gave him the four shots in rapid succession, two in each leg. Tater turned bright red and WAILED. The nurse put on the band-aids and quickly left the room. I picked him up and pulled him close and thought maybe I would in fact cry. My eyes watered a little, and I kissed him and gave him a bottle. He began to calm down.

After a short while, I dressed him, gathered our things, put him in the infant carrier and we went to check out, at which point the clerk reminded me that we would do it all over again in two months at our next appointment.

Ain't No Party Like Livi's Pool Party

Happy 9th Birthday, Olivia!

Happy Birthday to our favorite entertainer! Enjoy your day!

We look forward to celebrating with you tomorrow.

Love, Cousin Larsson, Uncle Nutz & Aunt Beckra

A Smile For Friday

Those Three Little Words

We are quickly learning that it is necessary to have a list of childcare – not just one or two names will do - so Justin’s co-worker recommended a lady that frequently helps his wife. She is a nice Mexican lady, and her name is Yuri. And… she speaks very little English.

So Yuri came this week for the first time to help with the baby and housework while I work. It was great – she kept herself busy without me having to give a lot of direction. She found things to do when the baby was sleeping (like re-folding every article of clothing in my bedroom).

We communicated very little. Although I did try. And Yuri mostly nodded or smiled or said “Ok”.

Then she came to me and pointed to the baby’s diaper. I immediately understood. I took her to the baby’s room and showed her where the diapers were. She set the baby on the changing table, opened the diaper and then exclaimed, “Oh!... they’re big!”

She was referring to the baby’s huevos grandes.

She hardly said anything to me all day other than "Ok" and those three little words.... And here I thought J’s “huevos-centric” nicknames and early observations by my father-in-law were exaggerations... I could not wait for J to get home so I could tell him.

I Am 8 Weeks Old!

Yesterday I turned eight weeks old. Mommy and Deddy cannot believe how fast the time has gone, nor how big I am getting. You should see me – I have gained a whole 5 pounds! And I can hold my head up really well. Mormor says I am super strong, especially when I squirm and push down with my legs.

I like to smile and talk and look at myself in the mirror. I enjoy music and my swing and the color red. Cuddles, naps and milkshakes are my absolute favorite! I also like to play games. Shh – Don’t tell….Mommy and Deddy suspect but aren’t sure... But I think it is funny to test them to see how fast they can put on my diaper, or toot and pass the blame. Sometimes, I can’t help but smirk when I "get" them.

I love hanging out with friends and family. This past week, PawPaw, MawMaw PhyPhy, Aunt Mimi, Auntie Rachel and Mormor came to visit me. My Morfar has been really sick, and I hope he feels better soon so he can sit with me while Mommy works. He is very comfortable, although he likes to tickle my feet.

This weekend, I get to meet my cousins, and I can’t wait! It’s Cousin Livi’s birthday, and I will get to attend my very first birthday party. Deddy said she and I are his fishing buddies. Cousin Brandon is the oldest boy, so I will probably follow him around a lot as soon as I am big enough, and I hope Cousin Bailey will teach me how to draw and make art. Last but not least is Cousin Autumn. I hear she is ready to teach me things and share her toys, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us. I know we will be good friends.

It sure is a wonderful life I lead. I am lucky to be so loved and I have a lot of love to give.

Well, gotta go - I have also been working on a small package. Another day, another diaper. Thanks to Mommy for typing this up for me… (since I can’t read or write yet).

Love, Larsson

Deep Thoughts by Littlest T

Just Do It

Ok, so I am cleared to begin doing some light exercising, which is both good and bad news because I hate exercising…. It is so hard to get back into it once you are out of it. But I am not going to go through the internal battle. I am just going to do it.

I used to work out with this great group of personal trainers who really helped me enjoy exercising and taught me a good bit about healthy living. One of the disciplines they taught me was a “Balance” card to create goals and track my progress. So here is my goal sheet.

Breathe (cardio): 45 minute walks 4 times this week
Agua (water intake): 80 oz per day
Lengthen (stretches): 15 minutes 3 times this week
Anaerobic (anaerobic exercises): 30 minutes of weights 3 times this week; 2 - 1 minute plank daily; 2 - 30 second squats daily
Nutrition (meals & vitamins): vitamin daily; meal plan with protein & fruit & veg (little to no cheese or bread)
Cleanse (bm’s):
Energy (massages, colonics, enhanced reading): get a massage this week; begin career blog; read 2 articles related to goals; locate 1 new recipe for meal plan

I am going to focus on 10 pounds at a time, and my goal is to lose two pounds this week. I am excited and appreciate any encouragement. If anyone is interested in taking a walk or more about the balance card, let me know.

And so it begins…

Barefoot in the Park

Yesterday morning, we went for an outing to Piedmont Park. Who knew it was Dogwood Festival? And what was our first clue? Well, it probably should have been the first three streets we passed that were blocked off, the crowds of people headed toward the park, and the fact that it is Spring.

It was a gorgeous day, and we enjoyed the scenery, the Artist Market, music and more. (See our pick for most unique festival goer below.) We were also fortunate to run into a couple work acquaintances as well as our friends - Andrea, Lee, Finn, Grover and Cathy - and look forward to seeing them again soon.


Turner's Choice for Most Unique Festival Goer: Mystic Warrior Dancer - VIEW VIDEO

Ten Things I Learned From Our First Outing

Notes from Tater's first trip to the pediatrician at five days old.

1. If you are putting the baby in the infant carrier/car seat, discover that he dirtied his diaper in the two minutes since you put on the new one AND he is NOT crying, don’t bother changing it. You can change it at your destination.
2. Pack a wee wee cover of some sort in your diaper bag.
3. Pull out all the items you need for a diaper change PRIOR to the change INCLUDING the wee wee cover. You don’t want to grab the first thing you find to stop the flow and prevent getting a shower. Particularly if said first thing is the ONLY other outfit you packed.
4. If baby gets spit-up or urine on his outfit, AND the wet spot is less than 2” in diameter, don’t bother changing it. Especially if you only have one other outfit with you. You might need that outfit for a bigger emergency (see #3).
5. Pack 3X more outfits than you think you need (see #3 and #4). While you are at it, pack something for yourself.
6. At the first visit to the pediatrician, the first order of business is to weigh the baby…. with no clothes or diaper. (See #1 and #4 – don't bother changing the baby.)
7. Plan to start packing the car at least one hour before you need to leave. Thirty minutes is not enough. You will be 30 minutes late.
8. The pediatrician considers the baby their patient – NOT YOU. Sign in with the child’s name – not yours.
9. ALL the questions the nurse asks are about the baby. “It’s not about you any more, Mrs. Turner.” (see #8)
10. Smile… because no matter how much you plan, you will still have unexpected emergencies and you will still be late. You are a new mom, and there is a lot to learn. You will laugh about it later. Why wait?

Say Cheese

Several weeks ago, the corners of Larsson's mouth turned up and there appeared a smile on his precious little face. We immediately wanted him to do it again and again, AND we wanted pictures. That smile was elusive; however, since then, that smile is becoming more and more frequent. It makes my day every time!

Mohawks, Mullets and Polar Bear Hair

OMG, my child is sporting a mullet!!

I came to this realization when I was trying to give Tater a baby Mohawk and there was not enough hair …. His hair seems to be growing mostly on the sides and back of his head... and not so much in the front.

Is there such thing as Baby Rogaine?

While we are talking about hair, Auntie Rachel said that Tater does not have eyebrows or eyelashes. That is actually NOT true – it is just so blond that it is clear. I call it his polar bear hair.

He is still the most beautiful baby boy - mullet, polar bear hair and all.

Happy Anniversary Hottie Biscotti!

Seven things from the past year for which I am thankful to you :

1. For a memorable trip to NYC
2. For all your support when I was laid off
3. For loving my pregnant belly & pregnant belly dancing
4. Taking care of EVERYTHING while I was on bed rest…. without complaining
5. For thinking it was cute when I began snoring REALLY LOUDLY
6. Our son &being there through every step of the delivery… with no sleep
7. An unending supply of love and affection

Happy 7th Anniversary, Deddy. I love you.

-- Bubbles

Having a Whale of a Time

Tater loves his new whale-shaped bathtub.

Happy Easter

Doesn't the little guy look cute in his Easter outfit?

Generously Showered with Blessings

Now that the little man is here, we have been enjoying and using all the generous gifts we received from friends and family. We are so appreciative and blessed.

Thank you to "The Aunts" for hosting a shower on March 29th for our wonderful family and friends in LaGrange. We were spoiled with so many clothes, toys and necessities.

Many thanks to Rachel and Alice for hosting a shower in Atlanta on February 1st (and to my mom, mother-in-law and aunt-in-law for chipping in a helping hand for preparation and clean-up). It was great to have friends - including many of my former co-workers - over to our house.

The Freshman 50???

The first year of college, "they" talked about the Freshman 15, referring to the weight that college students typically gain their first year.

Pregnant women tend to gain a lot more than 15 pounds, but where is the cute name ? Or is that what we refer to as the baby ? So what about the rest of the L.B.s?

Well, as a first time or freshman mom, I have the Freshman 50. Yes, 50. I was on bed rest starting at Christmas and have not been allowed to exercise since that time due to my blood pressure.

I return to the doctor next week, so let's hope I get the go ahead to start working on a summer body. It's getting nice outside, and Mama wants to put on a bathing suit without being harpooned this summer.

I Got It From My Mama

People have been asking who Tater looks like, and those that have already met him generally say he looks like me. I believe that is because the most prominent feature at this point is his nose, which definitely looks like my upturned snoot... although we think he has J's chin.

My dad recently sent me this picture of when I was a baby. Wasn't I a cutie? I think I see some resemblance between Tater and me. I hope to get one of J's baby pictures soon for comparison.

BTW, is it Mama, Momma, Mamma or any of the preceding??

Hospital Photos

Before we left the hospital, a photographer came by and took some photos. These were our two faves.







Birth Day: 2.25.09 @ 12:21 p.m.
Stats: 6 lb. 10 oz. & 21 inches

Celebrating Six Weeks

Today Tater is six weeks old. I can't believe it... and I am amazed at how quickly we are learning about each other (not to mention relieved that there have - knock on wood - been no major issues).

Tater is beginning to make more noises and "communicate" with us. He is awake and alert for longer periods of time, and when he smiles at us, we just melt.

I try and sing nursery rhymes for him but I can only remember a few words or a line or two here or there, so I quickly run through those and am relegated to singing pop and rap songs. "Push It" has whole new meaning and has become one of our faves for when Larsson is working on his special poopy packages. (Someone remind me to buy a CD of nursery rhymes before this child is old enough to sing along with me.)

Random Acts of Cuteness

Some photos from March.

Art is One Letter Away from Fart

I looked up Larsson in several name books before the baby's arrival, and they said that people with this name were generally creative-types.

We got a dose of his creativity when Tater painted the walls last night. I was in the living room while Deddy was in Larsson's room changing the baby. All of a sudden I heard a strange loud noise coming from the room, which turned out to be a big loud juicy wet fart (or perhaps more appropriately shart) followed by Deddy exclaiming, "Baby, I need help NOW!"

I ran into the room to see a streak four inches wide and three feet tall running down into a puddle on the floor. Apparently, Deddy was not fast enough getting the new diaper on the baby. DIS-GUS-TING!

Note to Deddy: It is important to be quick and efficient with diaper changes - even though it's 2 AM.

Gotta Make the Doughnuts

So I went back to work yesterday. Fortunately, I can work from virtually anywhere I can get an internet connection, and I am on a part-time schedule for the meantime. I am glad to have a job and in today's economy I felt it important to earn some dollars.

We are also lucky in that Morfar (my dad) is helping to take care of Tater while I work. Don't they look comfy? Yesterday, we went down and spent the day at my parents house.

You Know You Are A Mom When....

I have always been intrigued by titles and assuming new roles.... fiancee, wife, and now mom. Each one takes some adjusting and getting used to - not to mention responsibility and maturity. My cousin Jonatan in Sweden calls it earning "adult points".

I still can't believe I am a mom. I am going through all the motions and certainly giving all the love, caring and kisses I can, but it just feels surreal - like it hasn't completely hit me yet.... however, I have had a couple of moments where it became apparent that I was "in the motherhood".

You know you are a mom when...
You hear the words "Yay Poo-Poo!"
Out loud.
Coming out of your mouth.
And then you pick up the phone and call someone else to share the same exclamation.

The Miracle of Life

At 29 weeks of pregnancy (the week of Christmas 2008), my blood pressure began to spike. I was diagnosed with gestational hypertension and put on modified bed rest. I was instructed to stay in town and to basically lay around the house. I was really upset about the hypertension and the implications for the baby. And being on bed rest just added anxiety. (Fortunately, there are frequent marathons of the 182 seasons of America's Next Top Model that helped me get through the boredom.)

Finally at 39 weeks, the midwife said that she thought it was time to deliver the baby, as my blood pressure was continuing to rise - reading something like 160/100 at the doctor's visit. She instructed me to go home, get my bags and check into the hospital. So I anxiously texted Justin, and he met me at the house. Thus began our exciting night and the journey of Tater Tot on his arrival to the world.

We have quite a few pictures thanks to a nursing student who asked if she could observe the delivery. It was the first vaginal birth she would attend in person.... and ours too, so what the heck? She was sweet and snapped away with the camera to ensure we captured the moment on film. Keep in mind the position a woman is in when she gives birth and then I'll share that it was my dad's camera. I don't exactly know what all was captured, but I understand there were some photos that I may not have wanted others to see. Yes, my dad's camera.

Don't worry. We have now screened the photos and here are a few of our little miracle to share...

Note: If you are squeamish or do not want to know the details of childbirth, skip the remainder of this post.

Justin and I checked into Northside and were assigned to a private LDR (Labor & Delivery Room) around 1:30 p.m. on February 24th. The nurses came in and gave me an IV and took blood to check my kidneys, etc. By the way, the staff at Northside is PHENOMENAL - they really seem to like what they do and are GREAT at it. Around 5 p.m., the midwife gave me Cervadil to begin the induction process and move the delivery along. My mom, sister and mother-in-law came by to visit and join us for dinner. I began having contractions, but as I had never had them before, I wasn't quite sure and oddly enough, I don't really remember what these felt like. They were very mild, but they definitely got more intense during the night. I vaguely remember those - they felt something like strong menstrual cramps, - but thanks to a sleeping pill, morphine shot, and probably that phenomena that allows women to forget details of childbirth, that pain seems like a strange foggy dream.

My water broke some time around 11 p.m., and we spent most of the night working through contractions. Of course, Justin has been so supportive and helpful throughout the pregnancy. And that night, he jumped up and was at my side every time I had a contraction, so I don't think he got more than 30 minutes of shuteye.

At 5 a.m. the next morning, the nurse and midwife returned to remove the Cervadil. Luckily, I had begun to dilate, so they gave me Ptocin to help the delivery progress further and an epidural for pain. God bless the epidural! That is a wonderful and strange thing. It made my legs feel like numb, heavy pieces of rubber - Gumby legs. As I received my epidural, Justin started making wake-up calls with the update, and shortly thereafter, my mother, father, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt-in-law, and sister-in-law arrived. I was so tired that I remember everyone being there but not much else as I tried to rest.

Around 11:30 a.m., Dr. McDaniel came in to check on me and said it looked like "go time". Our family left the room, and the doctor taught us how to push. With Justin holding one leg and the nurse holding the other, I took deep breaths and pushed as he instructed. It was not too long before the doctor said I see his hair - to which I replied, "Oh my gosh, he has hair?" This lasted about 20 to 30 minutes and was a lot easier than I expected. I remember thinking, "That was it?"

Thankfully, that was it. And at 12:21 p.m. and in the blink of an eye, Larsson was here and our lives were forever changed. They put him on my chest for a minute and then whisked him away to be cleaned up and checked out by the nurses.

After a little time as a new family, we invited our families in to meet Larsson. Everyone was immediately mesmerized by this little blessing. And I remember my dad said, "Now you have experienced the miracle of life."

To Blog or Not to Blog?

I have debated started a blog for awhile now - considered what to name it, what I'd write about, whether to focus on my life in general or career or what. However, it took until now for me to make the commitment.

I couldn't be more excited about sharing the laughter and joy that Tater has added to our lives. And I can't think of a better or easier way to keep a simple diary that I can share with family and friends of how he is growing and changing each and every day. Thus, most of my posts will be focused on the little man.

What's in a nickname?

We recently brought the "most beautiful baby" (as my mom says - although I couldn't agree more) into the world. We are so enamored with him, as are his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

We named the most beautiful baby in the world with family names; however, so far, we mostly call the baby by nicknames. Justin (who wants to be called "Deddy") is the king of nicknames and very quickly assigns his own names for friends and family.

During my pregnancy, I OFTEN craved potatoes. I ate a LOT of them. Hey, it was what the baby wanted. (It's amazing what the baby wants and does during pregnancy.) Hence, Deddy gave baby his first nickname - Tater Tot. That nickname has stuck and since, little Larsson has earned quite a list of terms of endearment from Deddy and Momma.

Tater
Tate
Sweet Tater
Cutes
Monkey
Pookie
Toot
Butters
Butternuts (courtesy of Deddy, as are several more with the word 'Nuts')
Mr. McNuggets (also courtesy of Deddy)
Pumpkin
Muffin
Baby Love
... etc. etc. etc.