FLASHBACK:::: Babywatch 2008 - We have a Belly Button

Hello,

So, after hearing repeatedly about how you cant get anything done when you have a newborn in your life....I would like to report....in case you did not know.... It is IMPOSSIBLE to get anything done when you have a newborn in your life!

You cant get anything done partly because you have absolutely no time in between feedings, diaperings, and trying to get some sleep, but also partly because you have absolutely zero attention span and so you move about as if to accomplish something and find yourself standing there for a minute or so hoping that you recall what it was you were trying to get done. So, while I meant to send out more pictures sooner, it just did not happen. However...here you go....

So, the biggest news in Mack's world is that he now has an official belly button. And a very cute belly button at that....it looks like a smile :)

Here is some more Mack love for you all....I title this series...Baby on Sheepskin....yes I know the series contains only subtle differences that perhaps only I can see...but...well....I have no excuse...I am a first time mom and it is all new and unique and the most interesting thing in my current world...that....and I have absolutely no self restraint when it comes to photos of the little man...hope you enjoy!

Love, Love, Love to you all!!!

XOXO,

Michelle & Mack

FLASHBACK::::Babywatch 2008 - Hello to the World outside my house!

OK folks....two more FLASHBACK posts and then we are caught up on most of the news surrounding little man's birth. I am finishing them up tonight so we can start fresh on our previously posted photo project tomorrow...

Hello to all of you that exist in the world outside my house!

I have actually come to think of it as "The World Out There", because these days it seems like a place very far far away that I have fuzzy memories of visiting. Right now, my life is a long circle of 3 hour cycles of feeding, changing and taking care of Little Mack. I am ok with this because I am pretty sure that nothing as cute and fascinating as Mack is happening outside my house. I have heard that he will eventually be interested in things other than eating and sleeping, but in the meantime the outside world comes and goes from my life in my recliner with Mack.

I apologize for my lack of correspondence and of course photos from week 3 of little mans new life...it was a very busy week as we continue to learn more about each other.

We saw our pediatrician who declared Mr Mack perfectly healthy. We go back on March 4.

We took our first bath. He has now decided that anything that requires me to strip him down to nothing and lay him out on his back in a bright room that he is probably not going to like what is coming. The bath was no different. This is the same response I get when it is time for a diaper change. On the plus side, baths and diaper changes are really the only times he cries.

We finally weaned completely off the formula, though I still worry if he is getting enough. He just seems so small...He does however eat ALL THE TIME!

We finally found a pacifier that he will tolerate though very reluctantly. He's be perfectly happy if I agreed to be his personal human pacifier all the time, but since I do have goals in my day....like a shower or a sandwich, he is learning to settle for the offering.

But enough of all that...enjoy the pics which is what you all want anyway!

XOXO,

Michelle & Mack

March Photo Project

OK...so after several months of talking myself out of it, I am taking on this photography challenge for the month of March. The basic idea is I will post at least one photo every day from March 1- March 31. I am sure I will flake out on more than a few days, but I am already planning to carry my camera with me and pay a bit more attention to the visually interesting things I see and keep committed to blogging. I often think of things I want to post about...but sometimes those get away from me. So stay tuned for a photo a day starting tomorrow and don't laugh when I fall off the wagon around March 4th or so...cut me some slack...I am gestating here...

To launch us off a day early, here is little man playing around with some de-heliumed red balloons we had loitering about on the living room floor after a party yesterday. They are a giant knot and he was having a ball in them...until he got tangled and they followed him about the room...

I did set him free... eventually...

My week in photos

Of course I took my 2-3 baths a day...and found a new hat - this one with a chin strap!!!

Helped mommy take all the toys out of the toybox....over...and over...and over...and over. So many messes to make...so little time.

Suffered through mommy's never-ending need to take pictures of me...

Practiced banging my sticks together. I do have quite the rhythm...and I love to dance...

I practiced standing more...but I still can crawl faster than I can walk. I am highly suspect of this walking thing.

I played the drums...actually, I play the drums on just about anything...

including mommy's head...

Those Lashes!!!

Like wings of an angel, I tell ya. They are just so impossibly long and beautiful...

Our Valentine Adventure '09

Well you started off your Valentines weekend with a BANG! Somehow at just over one year old, you managed to get yourself a little Valentine's action from one of your sweet friends in baby class. I think you won her over with your rockin in-the-mood ensemble for the weekend. She was certainly sweet on you this day and you did not seem to mind the tiniest little bit. I was just happy you kept your mouth closed, which is more than you do for me...

We had a little Holiday surprise for our baby class friends...

And sweet treats for all...

You were dressed in your holiday finery...and fully rested from a very good nap.

On Saturday we set off for the Aquarium which you LOVED...you were all up in the windows of the tanks...and stayed for a very long time studying the fish. You really liked it when you figured out you would not fall through the glass...you were a bit hesitant at first. But once you figured that out...there was no stopping you.

Watching the seals...

Our visit with the Lorikeets...they were very agressive...and the little buggers bit me! You never actually got your hands on one, but you did get pretty close.

Then more fishy time...

Next you caught a nap as we crossed over to Disneyland. Unfortunately, your mama did not do her homework and we got shut out of the park on the only blackout day all winter on our annual pass. No problem, I thought. We will just pay for the day...so we trekked over and the line to just buy a ticket was an ungodly 1-1.5 hours at 1pm on a Saturday...just to buy the ticket! Being as you are not old enough to know what you were missing, and probably didn't really care either way, and I know we will have many Disney days in our future....I decided to pass on that not-s0-thought-out idea and go explore Downtown Disney and the nearby hotels. You loved these waterfall gardens the best...

oh yes...and the fish...who were begging for you to share your puffs with them...

Then on Sunday morning we had a blockbuster day at the zoo. The weather was spectacular. It seemed that all of the animals were out and moving around. Every time you would spot one, you would study it...look at me...and then giggle. It was so cute. There were some crazy loud monkeys scraming for a good 30 min or so....you LOVED that too - they cracked you up...I think you were a bit confused by the giraffes as they were significantly bigger than the one you have in your room. But you studied them for quite some time...when you were not eating puffs, that is.

We were fortunate to come upon a chimp and you could get a good look. Heck, you two were only about 2-3 feet from each other...only separated by the glass. The two of you studied each other for nearly 15 minutes before he turned and went off to do whatever chimps do all day.

It was a fabulous weeked filled with many hugs, kisses and giggles from you and for you. Your momma will do just about anything to get those baby belly laughs out of you. You do make me work hard for it. But oh...it is so rewarding! I hope you had as much fun as I did. I love you, baby boy!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you all a day full of love and adventure!

FLASHBACK::::Babywatch 2008 - Self indulgent mommy alert - warning!

OK...only a few more of these to go...but it is so fun to go back and read. How far away this seems now...

Hi there....

So it has been a week since Little Baby Mack blessed my world and I wanted to say thank you to all for all your kind loving thoughts and comments throughout his drawn out entry into our world. Thank you for being excited for me and as joyful as I am about welcoming my sweet baby boy into life. As I looked through all the many wonderful emails from you all, I told Little Maverick I was collecting his fan mail. His many doctors and nurses have also repeatedly commented on what a wonderful disposition he has and how easygoing he is throughout his many needle sticks and medical interventions. He may end up with a massive ego if we keep this up, but I think we are all safe for now. All the adulations do not appear to be going to his head as of yet.

So as it has been a week since giving birth, I am starting to feel a little bit more like I can put a coherent thought together...almost. Although we have only been home together for 4 days, they have been some of the most amazing days of my life as I stare in amazement at what I have been so blessed with. Talk about feeling unworthy....there are no words for what I feel as I look at his content tiny face sleeping so soundly with his little fist tucked up under his chin - (see photo). The thought that occupies most of my brain when I am not trying to figure out how to operate Mack's newest toy/gadget is the fact I am now a mommy. A parent. It is not as if I did not know this was coming, but the reality of it is completely overwhelming and daunting. I remember thinking as I signed us out of the hospital with all the paperwork, that the parent/mother signature was me....not my mom. It was overwhelming to think that once I left...I was responsible for him...responsible for another human. I am his mother. I know someday it may seem that fact will not be so remarkable, but today it is pretty darn amazing.

I still feel short of being a complete functioning member of society, but have been wonderfully cared for by my dad and my sister for the last week while they dealt with a hormonal crying mama as she adjusts to life after gestation/multiple inductions/NICU and more. Gram arrives today and I am sure the pampering will continue as I recover in great luxury...I must admit, it is so nice to have some help.

I have alot of thoughts to share...for those that are interested. I am seriously thinking about moving this to a blog as to not clog up email for all of you and then you can follow the Magnificent Adventures of Michelle & Mack at your leisure...but this is a thought for a future time.

There are plenty of things about the last week I know will remember for the rest of my life. Even when I am old and can barely remember my own name. But as I sat with him alone in NICU with him gazing up at me drifting in and out of focus in his little eyes looking into that beautiful face with his hand/arm tucked up under his chin....the thought is that "This is the happiest moment of my whole entire life" - and promptly burst into tears...It is true that my brain is being controlled by an inordinate and possibly lethal amount of post-baby hormones and my vision may be a bit intense and skewed at any given moment whether happy or sad or sentimental or overwhelmed. But this is the thing....I have had this same thought every day that has come after that one. Mack has changed my life unalterably. Though I am not as scared as I thought I might be when I took on this endeavor. Instead it feels as if I have traded one life full of adventure, fun, family and love and blessings for another that inexplicable has more meaning, substance and

beauty than the one before. And I would not change it for anything...

I have one more story I want to share....the actual story of his birth. Then we will see where we go from there. I am working on it....

ok...so a few more photos for those who have asked - I title this series "I am a First Time Mom and I have NO restraint"...It might look alot like the same photo to you and could be titled "Baby Sleeping in different clothes, but that is just because the various facial expressiong of my baby aren't the most fascinating thing in your world. They are in mine..if you are over it..then just delete and move on....I will also get back to you all who have been so supportive....Every email has meant so much....I know I have been remiss on my responses, but the love for you all is there and I will resurface shortly - I hope.

Thanks again family and friends...we will be back with you soon.....

XOXO,

Michelle & Mack