What's the dill pickle?

Harrison has earned the nickname "pickle" from my brother, Matthew.  I have no clue where it came from, but Pickle he is. So "what's dill pickle" ... we enjoyed a nice family weekend together.  We were able to do some Christmas shopping on Saturday until Brian was called into the hospital.  Sunday, we headed to Dubuque for a little gathering with the Ludwig's.  Harrison got a bundle of great things and enjoyed all of the snuggles from Grandma and Grandpa.

This weekend will be the first of many airplane adventures for Harrison and his keepers.  We leave early Saturday AM for Seattle.  Remember way back when... I was put on bedrest before a big trip out West... well this is the rescheduled trip.  So we will be in Seattle with my parents for a few days and then head north to Vancouver to meet up with Brian's friends Alecia and Todd.  Any advice for parents flying with a 2 month old?  :)  This could be interesting!  We are looking forward to spending time with family and friends.  Our first family vacation together is sure to be an exciting experience.  Stay tuned...

"I'm Bringing Chubby Back"

Harrison is turning into our own little chunkster.  He is quickly outgrowing his newborn clothes, which makes me sad.  I am already packing away some of his tiny duds.  He has had three chins for weeks, but now is developing a serious case of the rolls.  Brian and I like to compare him to Humpty Dumpty--short and round.  He has his 2 month check-up on Tuesday and I am willing to wager that he is no longer in the 50th percentile.  Here are a couple of pics of me when I was a young (but not so tiny) babe.   I think Harrison looks just a little like his momma.  :)  

 

Home Again

Our trip to Indy went off without a hitch.  Harrison only woke to eat once on the way down and once on the way home.  Brian and I were expecting all hell to break loose once we started the drive, but I think we got lucky.  Brian's interview went extremely well.  The group treated us to a fantastic dinner at St. Elmo's steakhouse.  We left the peanut with Brittany and Jason (a little practice parenting for them as they are expecting their 1st in December).  While it was hard being away from him, it was nice to have "adult" time plus a little wine!  

We enjoyed meeting up with friends Matt and Krista, Dianna, Jen, Drew and Micah, Katie and Adam, and all of my family.  Thanks to everyone who welcomed us and drove all over to meet up with us.  We had a blast and hope to be back "home again in Indiana" in the next couple of years.  

Reflux and Road Trips

So first things first... reflux.  Harrison had been choking and coughing during a majority of his feedings for last 5 weeks.  We tried everything from positioning and slow flowing bottles to Zantac and Prevacid.  Finally, we were frustrated enough to get a second opinion from another pediatrician.  Upon hearing our concerns, he suggested we have an upper GI and swallow study, which low and behold, showed that our little boy was refluxing so bad, it was coming up to t

he back of his throat and nose.  This has been easily resolved with thickened milk, which has reduced his choking episodes.  Needless to say, we have changed pediatricians!  Harrison is much happier-- I like to say he is fat and happy (he now weighs 12 1/2 pounds!)  The following photos are evidence of the "fat and happy."  Note the double sometimes triple chin!

Tonight we are headed to Indianapolis for a couple of reasons.  Most importantly, Brian has a job interview!  Thursday and Friday will be packed with meetings, tours and dinners.  On Saturday, we will be hosting a baby shower for Brittany, as she nears "D-day" (aka delivery day).  Sunday, we will be venturing over to Great Grandma's to visit with a few relatives and then we are off.  Sounds easy, huh?  Well, I am totally overwhelmed with packing a 7 week old for a 6 hour drive that I think I am going to go nuts.  I am, by default, an over-packer, but I think I went a bit overboard.  You never know what you will need! So wish us luck as we head out of town, way too optimistic about the drive.  

Here are a couple more pics from the last couple weeks.  Harrison changes everyday... and I probably change his clothes two to three times a day!  He is smiling a ton now, which keeps Brian and I laughing despite being sleep deprived.  When are they supposed to start sleeping through the night?  :)

  

Cutest little pumpkin

We ventured out to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard yesterday with a few friends.  It was 80 degrees here in Madison!  Harrison slept the whole time in his Bjorn (what a wonderful invention that is!).  Brian and I love scoping out the greatest pumpkins, so hopefully this is a tradition we can continue for many years to come.  We had a great time. 

What isn't a great time is the lack of sleep that is happening in the Ludwig household.  The littlest Luds loves to be held and cuddled close, but the *instant* you lay him down, he is wailing.  While I love holding our baby boy, a girl needs some sleep.  Of course, everyone has their opinions on what they think is going on... whether he is spoiled (NEVER!) or belly aches... All I know is that we are due for a solid 3 hour nap anytime now! And as I update this blog, you guessed it, someone is waking up just 2 hours after he ate! 

Anyways, here are a couple new photos of our little pumpkin!

  

Baby hands and feet

Baby parts... these little hands and little feet get kissed at least 10 times a day!  

Week 2

The last 2 weeks have gone by so quickly and it's amazing how much Harrison has changed in the short time that he has been here.  He is eating well and usually sleeps a good couple of hours between feeds.  He gained a whole pound and his little cheeks are quite chunky!  

 My mom headed back to Seattle this week and we already miss having her around to help.  We had some great meals and the house was always clean... always a relief. This weekend, Brittany and Jen will be coming up to meet the new guy.  I am sure they will fall instantly in love... I mean how could you not? :)  

Here are a few new pics from the week.

Growing like a weed

Being home with Harrison has been wonderful.  We are enjoying every minute of it.  He is eating like a champ and gaining weight.  We were at the pediatrician yesterday and he is up to 7 pounds 12 ounces.  Soon enough he will tip the scales at 8 pounds!  Momma is loving dressing him up in all of his clothes.  And his Daddy enjoyed watching their first college football games. Here are a few pics from the last week.  

Announcing Baby Luds

... and he has a name!  Harrison Reid Ludwig was born yesterday at 7:15 in the evening after a rather uncomplicated delivery.  For being 3 weeks early, he is weighing in at 7 pounds 8 ounces and has the cheeks to prove it.  19 1/2 inches long.  He is gorgeous and we have fallen instantly in love.  We'll keep this short for now, but wanted to pass along that he has arrived and everyone is doing well.  Here is a quick pic for now!  

On our way

Well, after a very restless night and a total of maybe 4 hours of sleep (that's a big maybe!), we will be leaving shortly to venture in to the land of Meriter.  It's hard to believe this day has finally arrived and there are no words to express the sheer excitement and anxiety we are feeling.  Keep your fingers crossed that 1. the littlest Luds is a healthy bean 2. that his momma can push him out and 3. that his poppa can deal with his momma ALL day long.  :)  

If my child looks like this, we are in trouble!

So I found this crazy website that predicts what your children will look like based on photos of you and your hubby.  Tell me this is NOT what my child will look like!  I think the Santa hat makes him look even worse!!  Thought it was funny, and that you all would enjoy it, too.  Enjoy! Enjoy!

...and counting

Nearing the end... As we near the end of this week, we are getting more and more anxious to meet the little dude.  I am nested out; this house is more than ready to have a baby in it!  We are packed and ready to roll! 

This photo is really of Dakota (who we think may have a *little* bit of a hard time adjusting to not being the baby) but it's also of the lack of toes that you can see looking down from my point of view.  I feel like a swollen beast and my toes look like sausages, but I think once Baby Luds arrives, I will enjoy looking back at these pictures.  

I see the OB again on Friday.  She will decide then whether or not I will be admitted on Sunday night or early Monday morning.  I am hoping for the Monday morning deal... I really want a sausage McGriddle from McDonald's on my way in!! Hey a girl's gotta have some pushing motivation!!  We'll keep everyone posted! 

14 days and counting...

After meeting again with my OB on Friday, it was decided that we would proceed with an induction.  The big day is September 8th.  Baby Luds will be just over 37 weeks, which is considered full-term.  The plan, as of now, will be to go into the hospital on Sunday night and start the medications to induce labor on Monday morning.  

Brian and I are experiencing a slew of emotions as we approach this day. We are so nervous, yet so eager to meet our little man.  We cannot wait to see his little face and know that he is OK.   

This will be Brian's final week on Trauma and he is anxious to begin his Peds rotation.  It has been a long summer, full of crazy fools who like to lose limbs or drive drunk.  You should see the photo library he has accumulated.  My mom will be in town this week to entertain me and help with the finishing touches around the house.  

See you soon little Luds...    

A Peek Inside

Hey friends! Brian and I had the opportunity yesterday afternoon to peek in on the peanut, who is NO peanut. My OB wanted to check on Baby Luds' growth since he has consistently been measuring big. There are no concerns and he looked absolutely gorgeous! Check him out! They guess his weight to be 5 pounds 11 ounces right now. He has some definite chub on those cheeks!

I see my OB again on Friday and hopefully will receive some answers as to what's going on. I continue to have a weird array of symptoms, all of which cannot be explained. A girlfriend I work with said "whoever said a woman's body was made to bear children must've been a man!" And I completely agree with her because apparently my body is not enjoying being pregnant anymore! The countdown is on and I have nested to the extreme! I think I'm ready...so let's go Baby Ludwig, it's just about time!

Bedrest it is

All is well here at the Ludwig household.  I am officially on bedrest these days and hating pretty much every minute of it.  It was fun for the first day or two, but now I am bored, bored, bored. While I know that this is what's best for Little Luds, it makes for long days.  

I have my second appointment of the week on Friday, and hopefully things continue to look good. My labs values have improved, and although the doctor has no explanation for the improvement, we are psyched to have good news.  

Brian continues to LOVE his job! :)  Anyone who has talked to him in the last 2 months knows that this rotation is pretty much kicking his butt.  I think after today, he has 15 days left on trauma, and hopefully his workload will lighten up.  

On tap for the weekend... our birthing class! Woo hoo! Wish it were something *a little* more exciting!  

Look who stopped by to visit!  Brit is also having a little boy and is due in December. 

  

A cute pic of a frustrated Brian putting together our Pack n Play!  Priceless!

Just a photo for your viewing pleasure!

I decided that this picture of me last week wasn't too bad (despite swollen "cankles" and face.) So I thought I would throw it on the blog for all of our out-of-towner friends and family to see. Our little man continues to do well, aside from stressing out his momma and poppa. I see the doctor again tomorrow due to some abnormal labs. I am sure all will be fine, but keep us in your thoughts.

Good news and Bad news

Brian and I were anxiously awaiting our trip to Seattle and then to Vancouver to visit friends, but our little man had plans of his own.  Tuesday was a night full of unknowns and ultimately left us canceling our trip.  The day started with what I thought was a simple headache.  I had worked the two previous nights and was headed into work that night.  I downed some Tylenol and thought a little caffeine would do the trick.  5 hours later, the headache intensified and I had some vision changes.  Well, many of you know me pretty well, so to say I freaked out is an understatement.  I called Brian to come pick me up from work, and we were off to Labor and Delivery triage (which is where the on call doc sent me.)  Long story short, my blood pressure was up and they were worried about preeclampsia.  After about an hour's worth of rest, my BP was trending down, and I thought we were in the clear.  Boy, was I wrong. Not only did they say that I would be doing nothing but resting, they also put the smackdown on our trip.  We were so bummed to have to call my parents and our friends to say that we would not be making the trip.  We were really looking forward to getting away.  

So there is good news in all of this:  Baby Ludwig is doing well, and continues to grow and grow.  I believe this week, he is measuring about 4 pounds and is 15 inches long.  He gets the hiccups about 4 times a day, which does drive me quite crazy!  Poor baby!  We were at the doctor yesterday, and while they will be keeping a close eye on things, right now, both baby and I are doing peachy.  The other good news is that Brian and I are having TONS of couple time!  I think we are both enjoying actually spending time with one another, although Brian did tell me the other day that I was annoying.  :)  He's in love!

I will be sure to keep everyone posted.  For now, enjoy some pictures! Dakota had a biopsy this week, so that explains the cone.  And the other is of Brian and the dog taking a nap, which thanks to having A LOT of free time this week, has been a daily occurrence.  

30 Weeks...

It was a quick trip to Indy, but what a great time I had. I drove into a wicked thunderstorm (I still think there might have been a tornado) crossing the Illinois/Indiana border. But the weather for my first baby shower was absolutely gorgeous. It was great to see all my family members and catch up. Most of them I hadn't seen since our wedding! Katie, Brit and Jen did a fabulous job of planning. There were a lot of unique touches that made the shower so special. Thanks girls! Love ya! I brought home a boatload of gifts for our little bean. It's amazing how much "stuff" babies require; Brian and I are so thankful for all of gifts we received. We got an assortment of gifts, including those that were handmade. Littlest Ludwig is a spoiled boy already. The other highlight of my trip home was a stop at Long's, which makes the BEST doughnuts on the planet. I won't tell how many of those I ate! Mom and I headed back towards WI on Sunday morning after making a quick pitstop at an old friend's house.
Baby Luds' room is now 90% complete. His drawers are organzied, clothes hung and folded (still with tags on, for all the mothers out there!) a new rug on the floor, curtains hung and pictures up. We made progress! Walking in that room now feels like HIS room. Now we wait for him to come. Mom and I treated ourselves to pedis after our hard work!
I am feeling quite well despite the humid hot weather we've had. All is well on the prego front. My only issue has been my "cankles" that seem to develop after about eh 3 hours of sitting, standing, or doing nothing at all. It's beautiful, let me tell you.
Otherwise, Brian is doing well. He is working a TON, and it's a rare occasion that we actually get to see each other. It's been difficult being apart, but I would rather him be gone now than after Baby Luds arrives. On the upside, he has begun the post-residency job search and at least the end is in sight! Onto the photos...