Sick Family

I woke up Sunday not feeling great, but by the time we left the west side and were nearly home...Ryan and I both felt pretty awful, with sore throats and headaches. We were feeling worse by the minute, so Ryan called in sick for Monday. By Monday, we could tell Casey wasn't feeling great either.


On Wednesday we called the pediatrician, as Casey had a runny nose and cold. She said to get a humidifier and saline drops for his nose. We tried that, but the poor guy seemed to be getting worse, sneezing green snot, coughing and having a hard time nursing. So, today I took him to the immediate care, when he woke up he just sounded awful! They were so busy, we were sent home and told they would call me when they were ready for him. We went back and the Dr gave him some antibiotics to help out. We see his pediatrician Monday. Poor guy just doen't feel great, and spits up so much! We are going through serious amounts of burp rags and clothes. Casey just wants to be held and snuggled, which is fine with me, but makes it very difficult to do anything at all!! I think Ryan and I are on the tailend of the cold, so hopefully Casey is too. I asked the pharmacist what I could take for a cold while breastfeeding, and she said nothing...try saline drops and humidifier. I am a little jealous of Ryan and his dayquil and nyquil, but they pass into your milk and the pharmacist did not recommend it.

McAllister Christmas

Ok, the hardest part about updating my blog, is finding time to type with 2 hands. My netbook has heloped, its so tiny, doesn't take up much room on my lap, and now I have a baby wrap, freeing up my hands...although the wrap blocks my view of parts of the keyboard...

Last weekend, we took Casey on his very first road trip! We drove to see my family and celebrate Christmas with them in Lake Tapps. Its about a 4 hour drive, so I fed Casey immediately before we left, hoping to make it as far as possible before he woke up! By the time we drooped the dogs off at their favorite boarding kennel, and ran some errands, it had been an hour. Casey slept the whole drive until about 10 minutes before my Mom's house. He woke up and started crying, the pacifier was working, then we got stuck in construction! Poor Casey really lost it about 3 minutes before we got there! Once he was fed, he was happy! My Dad had surgery, so was still in the hospital, and my Mom with him, so we visited with Kelly, Caleb, Dustin and Jenna before hading to Shauna's, where we stayed.

Casey was not so sure about the cradle to sleep in (Shauna has a beautiful hand made cradle, made for Cooper by his Grandpa Fred), so after getting up with him about 6 times, he came to bed with us!! That helped all of us sleep! He actualy slept about 5.5 hours, which he had also done the night before at home, his longest stretch yet!!

Saturday, we had to take Tobie to the vet, he had been vomiting, had diarrhea and had refused several meals. He was pretty lethargic too. After a small fortune, he got some meds to make him feel better. Shauna and Keegan then jumped in the expedition and we followed Matt, Kelly and Caleb to South Center to Red Robin to meet a friend oif Kellys. We had 3 slings and infant car seats at our table, which was quite a sight! A weird lady walked by and put her hand in Casey's car seat, almost touching his face....not okay! Yes, he is adorable, but no petting! Later that night we went to Mom's for pizza. Dad was discharged from the hospital, and was home! Casey finally got to meet him! With our family growing so much, it always gets pretty chaotic and loud, with 7 different conversations at once....its great!

Sunday was our Christmas celebration. My Grandparents came over, meeting Casey for the first time. Grandma brought lasagna for lunch. We finally had all 4 cousins together! There were lots of pictures taken!!

Christmas is coming!

So this latest update is coming from my new netbook! I have wanted a laptop for quite some time, mine is over 4 years old, is missing the backspace key (Thanks Rylie) and is just old and slow. We have looked for a long time, but I am cheap and don't like to spend money....so no new laptop. I finally decided I was fed up with the old one, and I got the HP Netbook (a 10.1 inch mini laptop...only weighs 2.8 pounds!!) from Costco. My brother will be happy to hear its from Costco!


Casey went to his second Christmas Party on Monday night. Our dog club, the Columbia Basin Dog Training Club, had its Christmas Party and gift exchange. We put Casey in his Elf in Training outfit, although he slept in his carseat the entire party! Ryan got his pin for earning Josh's Rally Novice and Advanced titles, and I got McKenzie's for earning her Rally Advanced title. Casey and I got a stuffed dog, for adding him to the family! He and Lila were the 2 new babies in the club this year, Lila is 4 months and a cutie! The gift exchange was fun, we both got great doggy gifts, that Josh and McKenzie will definitely enjoy.


Yesterday, we took Casey to Christmas party #3...at my work. I am on maternity leave, but we went in for the potluck and white elephant gift exchange, and to show off this cute kid! The white elephant exchange is always funny, people bring the weirdest things!


Casey has started sleeping 3 hours between feedings at night, much nicer than 1-2 hours. Although last night, he woke up a few extra times, and so did Tobie, so it was not a great night sleep. He slept most of yesterday, and last night after he ate and burped, he projectile vomited/spit up all his last meal....all over me, him, his blanket and the couch, and boppy. That was a mess! And lucky me, he did it again this morning, all though he hadn't eaten quite as much this time. Thanks Casey.


My Dad had surgery yesterday, and all went well. We are headed to the west side for Christmas a weekend with my family, so Casey will get to meet his Grandpa Fish, who should be out of the hospital on Saturday. He also gets to meet Great-Grandparents Al and Dede, his Aunts, Uncles and cousins! The 4 little boy cousins will all be together for the first time. Yay!


Casey got to see his Grandpa Larry on Wednesday night/Thursday morning, on his way to Spokane. Casey was quite cozy sleeping in Grandpa's arms for hours! I don't think Grandpa minded one bit to snuggle with Casey!!


We took Tobie to the "spa" aka PetCo grooming center. Between my pregnancy and now having a newborn, Tobie looked quite a mess, he had what we call "grinch feet", where the hair is way too long around the feet, and all the haoir that shed, but didn't fall out. Good thing there is no doggy CPS, or they may have impounded him on lack of grooming! Ryan dropped him and reminded the staff Tobie loves to lick people when they least expect it, is blind, deaf and almost 14! He had to sign a general waiver, a senior citizen waiver and a special needs waiver. But Tobie looks awesome! He looks exactly like the conformation champion he is, rather than a homeless aussie....


Time is just flying with Casey. Tomorow he will be 4 weeks old already! I can't wait for him to start smiling! I see smiles in his sleep, and they are too cute! Casey has his eyes open more and more. They are a beautiful blue. He is starting to pick his head up off your shoulder and turn it during tummy time. He tries to nurse everything, which is so funny. Watch your nose around him when he is hungry!! He is still a noisy kid, lots of grunting, and growling. Can't wait to hear his little giggle! We moved to size 1 diapers, no more newborn! He is still wearing newborn clothes, but he is just about too big for them. I never thought he'd even wear newborn sizes, but since he was 3 weeks early, he got to wear them!

Last night, Ryan and I took Casey to his first Christmas party at my friend Kelly's house. It was so nice to get out of the house and interact with people! Ryan had worked 2 days, which meant I saw hime about 1.5 hours each day, and since I haven't ventured out with Casey alone, it's been a little lonely at home. There were a few friends from work, it was great to see them. Oh, and there was a chocolate fountain, with mini creme puffs. YUM! Kelly gave Casey a onesie with Dwight Shrute on it! Awesome:) Before we headed to the party, Casey had fed for almost 2 hours straight. He had been eating all day, I think he is growing! I told Ryan even if we could only stay 10 minutes....I really wanted to go!! I am so glad we did!


It snowed yesterday too! Casey's first snow! We tried to nap, since Casey was up every 1-2 hours the last few nights, and this mama needed SLEEP! Casey was not interested in sleeping, sadly, we just dozed until he threw a big enough fit, I got up and fed him again. (He had JUST finished eating before we tried napping.


Last night, Casey slept 3 hours between each feeding! I tried reading during feedings, after talking to my sister (she said it would make the time go by faster in the middle of the night). She was right, although sometimes feeding is a 2 handed activity:) I feel much better after getting a little more sleep. I have been reading "The Girlfriends Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood"....great book and so hilarious.


Today, I have wrapped all the Christmas presents for next weekend, while Casey is sleeping. Yay! I think Casey knows when I blog, because he always wakes up while I am on here! So I am off!

Newborn Pictures

Yesterday we took Casey to Sears to get pictures taken. We wanted newborn, family and holiday pictures! We weren't super impressed with Sears, but we love the pictures we did get. Getting a newborn to "pose" for pictures is pretty difficult!

His face is just so sweet here! It was Ryan's idea to stack our rings in this photo...I think Ryan did more posing than the photographer! The print we got of this also has the quote "All because two people fell in love".

This was a tight fit...and I didn't think his stocking was coming off afterwards! Casey tolerated a lot of pictures...then he was just done! I fed him at Sears, my first attempt at feeding in public. I have a "hooter hider" that I put into use...Ryan says I flashed once, but he body blocked me!

We also took Casey to see Santa Claus, and get his picture taken. He looked so tiny in Santa's arms! Casey has been a good boy this year, so Santa should be good to him:)

I really love being a Mom. I wish I could take pictures of every face he makes, record every noise, and every outfit he wears...I just don't ever want to forget these times with him, while he is so small. It still amazes me that Ryan and I created this perfect baby, and he is the same creature who kicked me constantly in my belly! I love that when he cries, he is comforted by my holding and rocking him. I love that he curls up on me, with his head under my chin, with that angelic face! He is just so sweet when he sleeps, and so sweet when he is awake and looking around.

Shopping!!

Ryan had today off, so I made him let me escape the house! I am STILL too sore to be able to carry Casey's carseat, so I have been stuck at home while he is at work. We went to lunch at Bruchi's (yep, another turkey sandwhich) and went shopping. We got great deals at Old Navy, 3 nice shirts and a coat for me...only $40 bucks! We also went to my favorite, Maurices, and I got new jeans (not maternity, woohoo!) and a sweater, cami and socks. It's been a long time since I have bought clothes that don't have massive elastic bellies:) Casey was great, he just cried at the very end, he was ready to eat, but the car quieted him down til we got home.

I love Christmas time and Christmas cards, we have started getting cards in the mail....a nice change from bills! I actually get lots of samples and coupons in the mail, so getting the mail is very exciting to me (yes, I am THAT boring).

Well Casey woke up...must cut this short!

Update

Wow- time flies when you have a newborn!

We have had lots of visitors the last few weeks. We met Casi and Chamisa at Red Robin as they passed through town. Rachel, a friend from water aerobics came to visit and brought us dinner, a few days later, Audra, also from prenatal water aerobics visited and brought us dinner. We were able to visit with Ryan and Tiphanie, and hopefully not scare them too much about what lies ahead (they are having their first in March!). Kirsten, a friend from work came by to visit and brought us dinner too! We are lucky to have good friends in our life, and a chance for outside conversation with other adults is great!

Last Saturday, we attempted a great feat. We took Josh and McKenzie (our 2 year old aussies) to PetCo, for a photo with Santa, and the three of us. I was mighty nervous, that the dogs would cause trouble, that Casey would cry unconsolably, or that I would have to stand too long and not make it! But, we did it! We are all looking towards the camera at least.

Casey is definitely growing. When we went back to the pediatrician on 12/1, he weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces! He gained back his birth weight and then some! He is actually on the 90th percentile for weight...big guy for being born 3 weeks early! His pediatrician says he is doing perfectly. His jaundice has cleared up as well. We will go back at 1 month. Casey's umbilical stump finally fell off, yay! We are getting ready for his first bath in the tub, Ryan has been sponge bathing him in the sink, so it didn't get wet.

Casey was sleeping pretty good at night for awhile, he would sleep 3-4 hour stretches between feedings, but the last few nights its only been 1-2 hours. He must be growing! After he eats, he is usually wide awake (not me, still half asleep!) but I am able to put him back to bed and he will fall asleep on his own. He is a very good baby, and entertains himself well. He likes his play yard, his swing, and laying in the boppy next to you. We were told by the pediatrician he can cry for no reason upto 3 hours per day, but so far, we haven't had any of that! Casey just cries a few minutes here and there, til he gets what he is upset about.

Ryan and I call Casey "the little pirhana", because when he starts to root, he will shake his head, growl and launch himself onto anything! Then when he has his prey, he continues growling and sucks like crazy. It's pretty hilarious! This also gives him the nickname of "the little tiger". He is a noisy kid, he grunts, groans, and growls....it's adorable! He is all boy for sure!

Casey isn;t old enough to smile, except in his sleep, but his facial expressions, sleeping and awake are so cute. It looks like he has at least one dimple, when he smiles big in his sleep. I call his sad face "crab-pot", he will scrunch up his whole face for a few seconds before crying or fussing.

Ryan had to go back to work on Monday. This was very sad for me, because Ryan is so helpful! He has been doing everything, while I heal and get back on my feet. Other than feed Casey, Ryan has been doing. Casey and I survived our first 2 days alone, but those long 12 hour days with no interaction besides the dogs and Casey are a bit boring (not that Casey doesn't keep me busy).

I have been taking tons of pictures of Casey! I already see how much different he looks that when he was born, so I want to capture it all. Plus he has so many cute outfits, many of which have special meanings, as they are from his cousins or were gifts. So, I have to take lots of pictures. I can't wait to start scrapbooking them. Thursday (Casey's actual due date!) we are getting newborn pictures taken, can't wait to see them! Casey's hair keeps changing, it's a mixture of light brown, blonde and strawberry, so who knows what it will do! It was much thicker and curlier at the hosital, it has been slowly falling out. His eyes seem to get bluer and bluer.

Well, I hope to keep this better updated, mostly for myself to try and journal all Casey's milestones, and my loyal readers (I think this is only my Mom.....)

Black Friday

I can't believe I missed black friday shopping this year! I love this day of shopping...the last few years I have shopped with my Mom and sisters...we are serious shoppers.

This year, I was just too sore to possibly even try, not to mention Casey, who likes to eat every 2-3 hours:) So, Ryan and I made a list, and Ryan went out for what we wanted most. He hit Target at 5am! Impressive! He also hit Kohls and Best Buy...all super busy places. Ryan is a good sport! He got up at 3:30...well, we were already up with Casey....hungry boy. Ryan was able to get a lot of the things we were after.

Later, Erick and Roxie came to visit Casey. They were in town visiting family. After visiting and holding Casey, Erick showed off some of Zlatan's (his police k-9) skills. He is a beautiful and very talented dog! We also got to see all the yorkies.

As Roxie and Erick left, Nicole arrived! With all 4 of her shelties! Nicole brought Casey a cute puppy robe and towel set...so cute!

We took a great nap this afternoon, after not much sleep the night before!

Thanksgiving

So much to be thankful for! We didn't really expect to see Casey for Thanksgiving, so how exciting to get to have his first Thanksgiving! Ryan went to many stores on Wednesday to track down a Thanksgiving outfit for Casey, and found possibly the last outfit in the tri-cities!

Mom made a great french toast Thanksgiving breakfast, before we had to take her to the airport. She headed home to have another Thanksgiving, Caleb and Keegan's first Thanksgiving!

Ryan and I picked up our pre-made Thanksgiving dinner from Safeway...with a new baby, this was so convenient! We didn't have to cook, just heat up everything. Our turkey outweighed Casey! This will give us lots of leftovers.

Here are some things we are thankful for this year:

*The safe arrival of Casey! At 37 weeks, he was early, but healthy. He was not affected by the gestational diabetes (which went away with delivery!) Casey is definitely the best thing Ryan and I have done! He is beautiful, and we love him so much already...we loved him before we met him!

*One year ago, my Mom was diagnosed with a fist sized brain tumor. She underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor. This was a terrifying time for my family, and I will never stop being thankful that I still have my Mom. This year she got to experience the birth of Casey with Ryan and I, and also welcomed grandsons Caleb and Keegan in August!

*We are thankful to both have secure jobs that we enjoy! In this economy, so many people have lost their jobs and homes. We both love what we do, and are in jobs that value their employees.

*We were able to raise almost $1700 for breast cancer this year. While we had planned to walk the 3 day 60 mile Susan G Komen cancer walk, we just couldn't manage it with me 6 months pregnant, and my Dr did not think it was a good idea. All of the money we raised still went to the Susan Komen for the Cure fund, and we are thankful we could raise so much money for such a great cause.

*This year, Ryan and I were able to train with our aussies in agility, obedience and rally, and to compete in many shows. We won lots of ribbons this year, and both Josh and McKenzie now have their Canine Good Citizen title, and their Rally Novice and Rally Advanced title. We are thankful for such loyal, smart, fun, beautiful dogs that enjoy hiking, walking and playing at the dogpark....and are being so good with Casey.

*I am so thankful to celebrate another Thanksgiving with Tobie. I have had Tobie since I was in the 10th grade. Every day I have with Tobie I am thankful for. At 13 and a half, I don't know how much more time I get with him. Tobie can't see or hear anymore, but has so much spirit and licks and love to give. He sleeps on our bed every night, usually where he least fits, spooned against my legs.

*This year we were able to go to Vegas! We also got to camp with family in Chelan and Sea Side. We visited family and friends in Bend and Seattle, and attended Casi's graduation in Pullman. We traveled to many dog shows, and put a lot of miles on our Escape and Expedition! Ryan and I love a good adventure filled with family and friends! We are thankful we are able to do this, and have so many friends and family we can spend time with.

Week 1 at home

The week we brought Casey home was definitely a sleepless one! Luckily, we had my Mom to help out, so we could get some naps in. Casey was sleeping a lot, but he was not always interested in sleeping in his bed...he preferred being held, which means the holder doesn't really get to sleep! He was eating so often as well. Because Casey was 3 weeks early, he had some latch problems, and we were using a small feeding tube to deliver supplemental formula to get him to open his jaw a little more while nursing. This involved Casey, me, and one other person (Mom or Ryan). Because I was still so sore, I was feeding lying down, which was pretty awkward.

Tuesday, Casey went to the pediatrician for the first time! He weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces, up a little from the 7 pounds 8 ounces from when we left the hospital. We did a jaundice blood draw, because he was pretty yellow. Poor guy got a prick in his foot and it took forever to get enough blood. It was so hot in that room, I was sweating, and it hurt so much to be standing...I almost had to leave! Casey was a champ and hardly fussed at all. Later that day, we went to the post-partum clinic at the hospital, and checked in with the nurse. I slept in the afternoon, it was exhausting and I was still so very sore, moving made it worse.

Wednesday, my friend April and her baby, Mya came to visit. Mya and Casey have an arranged marriage, so it was time for them to meet!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and my Mom is heading home. It was so great to have her here with me for the birth of Casey, and to help out at my house. I got lots of great lessons on swaddling and taking care of a baby. Again, shouldn't I have had a test before taking such a tiny baby home?! When Mom leaves, we are on our own....yikes! We are lucky we have lots of people to call with questions.