One Month Check-up

I had my one-month doctor visit today with Dr. Mallory… nothing but Pink Hearts, Orange Stars, Yellow Moons, Green Clovers, Blue Diamonds and Purple Horse Shoes! In other words… all is sweet.

My official weigh-in was up to 8 lbs, 15 oz. (they really couldn’t round up to 9 lb? This better not happen if I’m a pound or two shy when I try out for Pop Warner football in a few years).

I was also measured at 21.5 inches, but I prefer 1-foot, 9-and-half inches. Sounds more mature.

Mom and Dad asked a ton of questions about me and what comes next and when is the right time for this and that. They wanted to know some things about our upcoming trip to Florida like suntan lotion for me, swimming pools, the ocean, flying, etc. Talking about all of those exciting things got me so excited I peed my pants.

Well, it was probably coincidental, but I’m excited nonetheless.

Another thing they asked the doctor about was when to introduce a pacifier. They’ve been waiting to make sure I don’t get nipple confusion or something like that. Really? Give me a little credit here that I can tell the different between sucking on skin that has milk coming out of it or a little plastic knob. Ye of little faith.

The Doc thought one month would be a great time to start me on a pacifier. So wouldn’t you know it, after the appointment mom went to the gym to work out and Dad and I went home. I got a little fussy a few minutes in and boom, the pacifier was out and in my mouth. Aaaaaaah… soothing.

I took to that bad boy like mold on a two-month old green pepper.

Since then, the pacifier and I have had a love-hate relationship. I really love that thing, but sometimes it puts me to sleep when I really don’t want to sleep. So then I spit it out and hate it. I have a similar relationship with lots of things right now like my swing, laying on my stomach, laying on my back, laying on my side… just when you think I love it… nope, hate it.

Just keepin’ it real.

Meet and Greet

Back-to-back big days. One day after going out on the town with Daddy’s college buddies, we all drove up to Appleton bright and early for a little meet-and-greet/post-birth baby shower at Nana and Papa Herb’s house. Big ups to Auntie Whitney and Auntie Pammie for putting it together and Nana and Papa for hosting.

Whitney put together the invitations and they were pretty clever. Here was part of the copy:

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Introducing, in his world-debut,
At starting guard for the Herbs…
Tyler Clay!

Weight: 7 lb, 5 oz
Length: 19.5 inches
Date with team: April 22, 2010
Shoots: 78.4% of diapers
Dribbles with on: Both hands
Passes: Gas
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Whitney also gave me perhaps of the greatest presents I've ever gotten (other than the gift of life -- thanks Mom and Dad). She hand-painted my name on canvas to hang above my bed. Here's what it looks like:

The rationale for the “meet and greet” was that Mom and Dad had so many family and friends in Appleton that they wanted to show me off to and that they know would want to meet me. Rather than take me around town to everyone’s house, they just sent out informal invites basically saying “we’re going to be at “x” place, at “x” time, come by and say hi.

Great turnout for the party, probably 50-60 visitors. So nice, but kinda wore me out.

It was a hot day, made the back patio the place to be. I basically spent the day being passed around like a family recipe. Every couple minutes I found myself in the arms of someone new. I was at peace being the center of attention, pretty much sleeping through the whole day.

Not much new in terms of my development. I have rolled over a few times, but it was really just to show off. Since those first few I’ve been just teasing people by teetering on my side but then failing to flip all the way.

I’m just trying to lower the expectations a little. Plus, I find it funny when my parents tell people I can roll and say, “watch this,” only to have me not turn the trick.

Mind games already.

Hangin' with the guys (and a few gals)

Big day. BIG day.

A group of probably 12 of Daddy’s college friends came to Madison for the day to revisit some old haunts and see people (they say to see Mom and Dad, but I’m sure it was mostly to see me). Dan and Meg flew in from D.C., Jamie, Ann and Gijon came from New York City and a bunch more drove up from Chicago. Pretty neat.

We started out with my first trip to Madison’s legendary Farmer’s Market. Holy meconium… sensory overload!

First of all, it was hot and sunny out. Tough to be comfortable even when you don’t really sweat. Second, there was soooo much new to look at and experience I couldn’t focus on anything.

Mom walked me in the Bjorn so I could see everything (and by everything, I mean everything not obstructed by Mom since my face is smashed up against her). People, dogs, flowers, bread, art, cheese. Sooo much cheese. Pretty awesome though

We had lunch outside at a little deli. I wasn’t having it.

None of Mom and Dad’s friends that were there have kids and I think I freaked them out a bit. Wasn’t one of my finest performances. Just general malcontent. Let’s just say I probably lengthened the birth control plan for most of them.

I gathered myself with a nice long walk in the stroller (the hum of the road usually does the trick) down to the Memorial Union Terrace. When we were there I got the sense that Dad and his buddies spent a lot of time there. They seemed quite comfortable.

I chilled (ironic choice of words considering the heat wave, no?) and Dad played a new game called Beerfinger. They wouldn’t let me play. No fair.

When Mom and I finally left, it had been quite a long day for me and my schedule was shot. Dad carried the torch for us into the night though.

He didn’t share details.

Be cool my babies

I guess it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged and apparently my fans are getting restless. I’m talking to you Leighton… be cool my baby.

Instead of blogging, I’ve been busy doing (and making) a whole mess of things. Today, May 20th, marks the one-month anniversary of my birth. I celebrated with one of the sweetest burps. You had to be there.

Moving on…

The latest news is that I’ve started rolling over like a 401k. That’s right, I can now flip from my stomach to my back. Doesn’t seem like that big of a deal to me, but Mom and Dad think I’m some sort of medical marvel.

Another thing I’ve discovered lately… ceiling fans! Those things are fascinating. They just go around and around over and over and over again. I could watch those things all day. I’ve started grabbing onto things with regularity as well… usually Mom’s shirt while nursing. Gives me leverage.

I’ve also probably grown a bunch since the last blog entry. I haven’t been officially weighed or measured, but let’s just say I’m starting the stretch the limits on a few of these onesies. Little tight in the sweet spot if you know what I mean.

Thankfully, we have a lot of giving friends/family and a closet-full of outfits to grow into.

The weather’s been getting really nice again in Madison, so Mom and I have been spending more and more time outside. A few walks, some sitting on the back deck, it’s been great. Mom hides me from the sun though and it’s probably a good thing. I tend to react to the sun like a vampire. Minus the teeth.

My eyelids just don’t shut tight enough.

The highlight of the last week was my first road trip… spring break Appleton baby! I got to spend the weekend with Nana and Papa Herb. Love those two.

To be honest though, for me, being in Appleton wasn’t all that different from being at home in Madison. I loved the cuddle time with Nana and Papa that’s for sure, but my schedule was pretty much the same. Sleep, eat, stare at things. Sleep, eat, stare at things. Sleep, eat, stare at things.

Last thing that needs to be said, Dad put a ball in my hands for the first time. It’s just a small fabric football, but it fit like an old mitt used to keep babies from scratching their faces. He tried to change my grip and work on holding the laces and stuff, but let’s be serious… I can’t even grip reality, let alone a football.

In due time Pops… in due time.

Tall, skinny with a small head

Another day, another trip to the doctor’s office… or so it seems. I’m healthy and all, but I guess they just want to monitor me closely in these early days.

Can I ask a question though? Why must they strip me naked to weigh me? I mean honestly, when mom goes on the scale she gets to wear her clothes. Me? I’m out there for all the world to see. It’s bad enough that Mom and Dad insist on photographing me in various states of undress, but that is at least private.

First time they tried to weigh me naked, I peed on ’em. Take that.

Moving on… this trip to the scale was another positive. Official two-week measurements were 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 21 inches long. That means I’ve grown 1.5 inches since birth and I’m now above my birth weight (which was 7 lb 5 oz).

We also learned at the check-up that I’m in the 65th percentile in length (above average… yes! Must not be Mom and Dad’s genes). I’m in the 16th percentile for weight and my head measures in just the 6th percentile.

So let me get this straight… I’m tall and skinny with a tiny head? So I’m Jon Leuer? Niiiiiice.

Other than that, I’m a happy and healthy baby.

Another big activity was Mommy and Baby hour at the hospital. We got to hang out with a bunch of other new mothers and babies. I also got to hang with my new main man Winston. His parents and my parents went to birthing classes together I guess and he was born a few hours after me. Small world, right?

Well, small isn’t a term often used with Big Winston. I was just over 7 lbs at birth and he was 10 and a half pounds! He’s my left tackle.

I slept though most of the class, but I heard mom talking to other moms about mom stuff. Booooring, but mom liked it, so I’m cool with it.

Friday night… in a word… awesome. My first dinner party and it was at Bo Ryan’s house of all places! Whoa.

I got to show off for all the Badger basketball players and coaches. I was working Coach Ryan a bit… never too early to start self-recruiting yourself is it? Class of 2028 baby!

Can’t wait to watch games at the Kohl Center this year. I heard every second of them last season from in the womb, but something tells me the experience is even better in person.

One last update from the world of Mr. T… my belly button fell off this weekend! I was getting tired of that unsightly scab, anyway. I’m just glad Mom and Dad didn’t try to save it for some scrapbook or something. Gross. Plus, it felt weird to lay on my stomach.

Now “tummy time” is T time.

Week 2: Dad to work & sleep cycles

Dad returned to work this week. Bummer.

It was nice having him around the house and he kept saying that “he could get used to this paternity leave thing.” He also understands now why so many Moms (and Dads in some cases) never return to work after maternity leave. Who wouldn’t want to stay at home all day and stare at me? I mean really.

Before Daddy went back to work we had a little talk… I told him Mom had everything under control. He called a bunch from work to check in, and between you and me I’m not sure he really got much done this week on the job. Let’s just say he was “distracted.”

Mom and I kept busy around the house. Lots of walks around the neighborhood, plenty of naps and all the milk you can drink. Life is pretty much awesome.

People always ask Mom and Dad if they’re getting any sleep. I often wonder if people want to ask me about my sleeping patterns, but I’m probably asleep when they ask.

But really, I think my parents are sleeping a decent amount. I’m on a three-hour “eat, wake, sleep” cycle during the day, but it stretches out a bit at night. Typically, my final feeding for “the day” is around 11 p.m. Then I sleep until around 3 a.m. or so, get up to eat and have a diaper change, then back to sleep until around 7 a.m. So really I’m only keeping my folks up for about an hour a night (most nights).

That sounds reasonable right? I mean, I can’t make things too easy for Mom and Dad otherwise they’ll want to turn around and get me a little sister. I’m not ready to share.