2 Months Old

It really is true - time flies! He is already 2 months old and growing like a champ.  He is more alert than ever and has the cutest little smiles.  I love playing with him and watching him learn and develop more and more each day. 

2 Month Stats:
- 7.14 lbs (however, my scale says 8.2lbs :)
- 21.5 inches
- 38.5cm head circumference

- Still eating every 2-3 hours during the day.
- Already sleeping through the night, about 4-5 hours if not more.  He sleeps from 8-11pm after his bath, and then has a late night feeding at 11.  After that he goes down fairly easy and will sleep until 4am.
- No more preemie clothes!  It was bittersweet - I had to put away his first box of clothes.  I am so happy that he is growing and very healthy; however, his little preemie clothes were so sweet and tiny.
- People still think he is so small, but I think he is huge now compared to newborn days.  He is definitely growing fast.
- Received his first round of vaccinations today.  I think it hurt me more than him.  I have never heard him cry like that before, which made me cry - not fun!  He was fine in a few seconds, so I told myself to get over it, ha!
- Love his morning play time. He is most alert and ready to play after his 8am feeding.  He loves the play mat that Jill (my mom's BFF) gave us.  He has now learned to reach up with his feet and kick the toys, and he uses the piano keys to push off. 
- His smiles melt my heart!!  He is smiling more and more each day.  After feedings he will study me and then just smile away.  I love it!
- Still sucks on his knuckles and uses the pacifier to soothe him.

 

He was so funny during his "photo shoot".  He just watched and followed his dad the entire time.   It was hard to pick just one picture.

#allsmiles

 #moresmiles

 #happybaby

 Loves his play mat!  He is always so alert and focused - thank you Jill and Family!!

 We have been blessed with a few days of a "Texas Summer Cold Front" (low 90s/high 80s).  With a breeze it is quite nice, and makes for great family walks around the park.  We are still trying to figure out the whole bjorn thing :)

Love my boys and weekend cuddle time!

Kelsey Health Update - Part II

I am learning more and more things each week about my leg and blood clots.  Since my blood levels and viscosity have been consistent and back to normal for the past month, my hematologist recommended me to a vascular specialist since I am still in pain.  I went twice this past week for two more ultrasounds - one to look at my deep veins and to rule out Deep vein thrombosis again, and then the second to review my superficial vein system (veins close to the surface that branch off from the main veins).  The results show that I still have a blood clot in one of my main veins, and then a clot in my small saphenous superficial vein. 

To make a long story short, basically we need to wait out the main clot before we can tackle the superficial system.  I thought that the Coumadin would do that; however, I learned that the Coumadin just prevents any other clots from happening by making sure everything is normal and consistent.  My body has to process and dissolve the clots naturally; therefore, I am trying everything I can to help speed the process - oil pulling, double doses of Apple Cider vinegar, and Cayenne Pepper.  All three of these things help with circulation and are the best natural ways to get rid of clots.  Once the main clot has dissolved we can go in and take out my superficial veins (short/small saphenous and Great/Large).  Even if the superficial clot dissolves, those veins are already ruined and will do more harm than good - causing more varicose and spider veins, and will hinder my blood flow in my leg.  This is called superficial venous reflux disease.  The cure is to go in with a catheter to dissolve the vein, and then your body will flush the vein out naturally. 

We will keep a watch on everything, but the game plan for now is to wait out the clots and assess everything at the end of September.  Hopefully by then the main clot will be gone!

Once again, Derek and I thank you so much for all of your prayers and support.  This has been an interesting postpartum recovery for sure :)

 Diagram of the minor procedure.  I have had varicose veins in my leg since I was 18, and typically this is a cosmetic procedure; however, now insurance will cover this since this is a medical condition - HALLELUJAH!

 Diagram of our veins to help explain where everything is in my lower leg.

 

I think this picture is so sweet.  There was one day where I really could not walk and Derek had to go into the office, so we just hung out as a family on my bed with my leg propped up.  He was the sweetest boy and was so easy that day.

Capitol Chevrolet

We were first introduced to Capitol Chevrolet and our good friend Jenni Halamuda when Alison went down to Austin to compete in an American Idol type sing off to record a jingle for their commercials. And can you believe it - SHE WON!  You will have to ask her to sing the song, but it goes a little like this :

Tell your Sister, Tell your Brother
Family Service like no other
(I don't remember this line ...)
Capitol Chevrolet!

Little did we know that from that point on Capitol would be a car staple in our lives.   I purchased my first car there - my Cruze, "Penelope", and now it was officially time to upgrade for more space.  Penelope served me well, but with Eli, I need more leg room, and I was tired of hitting my top knot on the door every time I would try to put the car seat in.  (Yes, I am clearly aware that messing up my top knot is a first world problem; however, its the truth :)  So low and behold, I introduce to you our new Equinox - my very first SUV!  (Taking any name suggestions)

Lake Austin

Carlie was so nice to invite us over to her family's house on Lake Austin.  It was so much fun, but a little different with a newborn.  Gone are the days that I am having my Prosecco with a splash of La Croix, instead its mainly La Croix with a splash of Prosecco - at least for now :) I took the pack 'n play over there, but Eli wasn't having it - so we rocked outside on the porch.  My tan is definitely suffering; however, the scenery is amazing, and it was great to get out of the house.  Not to mention the company of Carlie and Vicki is always a great time!

 So beautiful - Thank you Carlie for having us!

This is pretty much how is was ... I love that I was able to get Carlie and Vicki in the background!

Ladies Lunching

Love these Girls!!  I desperately needed some girl time, and was able to sneak away for a few hours to enjoy an amazing lunch and a glass of champs at Perlas with Vicki and Casey.  Such a fun afternoon, we need to do this again soon!

Off to Poppi and Grammi's House

We all took a little trip out to Lake LBJ where my dad lives.  Another fun weekend with the family!

 I thought this was an appropriate onesie for the weekend - "Current Family Favorite" :)

 Uncle Kyloo being Uncle Kyloo - his hat says Big Lake Tube Testers ... I think he went into my dad's closet for this outfit.

 Baby Corner while everybody was playing at the water park.  My tan is starting to suffer, but its worth it :)  P.S - why do my legs look super long and giant - ha!

 

We call this the "Weekend At Bernie's" picture.  Aslynn kept on throwing the towel over Derek.  This picture just happened - love it!

 Enjoying the cool breeze on the lake!

 Just Swinging ...

This picture makes me laugh.  After dinner we were all just listening to some old school country songs and singing along to Willie, Merle, etc... This just happens to be the picture I got with Ali singing and comforting Eli.  Are you sure you don't want a 4th?!?!? :)

 

4th of July!

We went back to my parents house in Southlake for the 4th of July, and had so much fun just hanging out.  We did not have an agenda, just hung out and had fun enjoying each other!

 Love our morning Nap times from 6am-8ish.

 First real date night.  Thank you Mimi and Pa for babysitting :)

 Pool time at the Williams!  Eli loved his nap section with a covered "pool" and a fan blowing on him the entire time.

Hudson is in a water gun phase right now. I think the adults are enjoying them a little more :)

 Don't worry, I'm not nursing --This is just how Eli falls asleep.  However, I do like this picture of the sisters just chilling with their babes

 Eli is so relaxed in Mimi's arms with a cool breeze.

Love my nieces!  Ryder was so happy to have a companion in the stroller with her.

 We went to the Ft.Worth Zoo with EVERYBODY.  I had a onesie that said "Little Peanut" and I tried to get a picture in front of the elephants ... maybe next time it will be better.  Eli looks so awkward, ha!

Uncle Kyloo paid $2 for Hudson and Aslynn to go in the wind tunnel.  Aslynn loved it, and Hudson wanted out.  Poor thing, lol!

Family Picture at the Zoo - Eli, me, Mom, Aslynn, Ali, Ryder, Kyle and Hudson.  Such a fun morning!!

Kelsey Health Update

Unfortunately I am still experiencing side effects from the epidural/blood clot. I feel like I am best friends with all of the nurses at the hematologist office and the sonotechs at the hospital.  The good news is the original blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is completely gone.  However, I am now experiencing what is called "Superficial Vein Thrombosis".  This is when the smaller veins that branch off the main vein (with the clot) become inflamed and irritated. This is just has painful as the original blood clot, bright red, swelling, and it feels like major knots all in your leg.  I had to return to the hospital AGAIN for more ultrasounds on my leg.  And just as you thought it stops there, the superficial vein issue has now turned into an internal skin infection.  Now I am taking antibiotics as well as blood thinners. 
Finally after 7 weeks of this, I think we are starting to move in the right direction.  The infection is starting to go down.  My leg is still tight from swollen superficial veins.  Here is hoping!  Thank you for everybody's prayers.  It really means a lot to us to have such a great support team on our side.

 Trying to make the best of the situation at the hospital.  At least I have an amazing family.  Eli was great as always, and Derek was able to work in the waiting room while I was getting checked out.

Summer Time!

We have had so much fun enjoying friends and family.  Here is just a random glimpse into Eli's world recently!

 I am amazed at how Sienna has adapted to Eli.  She has been great and quite entertaining.  She loves sitting on my lap while I am nursing, and she loves hiding under Eli's new wooden rocking horse (Thanks Cherie ... we love it!! :)

 Jaime and Gay - my crossfit buddies.  Jaime is my trainer and Gay is my workout partner.  I miss these ladies.  Thanks for visiting!!

 My Uncle Joel and Cousin Julia surprised us again in Austin.  Loved them coming over!!

 Eli met his future BFFs.  These are Vicki's God children, Whit and Walker - identical twins!

 Take your son to work day.  It was fun visiting Derek at Dell for lunch.

Where is Eli?!?!?  Trying to make the Bjorn work....