Sorry it has taken us so long to post, but we have been busy. I had to go back to work on November 18 so we had a lot to prepare for. We hired a nanny, Deneen to look over Ethan while I am at work. She is working out great and Ethan is adjusting to the change. Ethan did see his pediatrician Tuesday and he is up to 13 lbs 8 oz!



Ethan and I at my parent's boat club's annual ball. This year my dad was Commodore. We had a good time and Ethan was such a gentlemand!

(Yes, I did get my hair cut and have bangs for the first time since middle school.)









Ethan is getting so strong. He was able sit up while on my lap. I didn't have to hold him up for support for a few seconds.












The weather is getting chilly so Ethan had to get bundled up to go to the grocery store with me. From the looks of it, he may enjoy his cold weather apparel.

He is smiling and cooing more often. Ethan has a facination with lights and likes staring at Christmas lights.

Ethan and I on Thanksgiving. The turkey just came out of the oven and he is getting excited!

Here is Ethan with my cousin's children. Next to Ethan is Madelien, Kaley and Alex. They had a lot of fun on Thanksgiving.

Ethan was alert and seeing the family.

Ethan just hanging out smiling!

Ethan is now 2 months old. We went for his 2 month check-up and he is a growing boy!

Weight: 11 lbs 12 oz (50th percentile)

Height: 22 inches (25th percentile)

When he was born he was in the 10th percentile for both weight and height. He is growing at a steady rate.

He also received 5 vacinations. Though they are necessary, it was difficult seeing him upset while getting the shots.

Ethan also had his first voting experience. He waited in line and watched me fill out the ballot.

Michael, Ethan and I met with several potenital nannies this week. We were pleased with our options and have narrowed it down to two. Once we check their references we will offer the position to one to have them start on November 17 as I have to go back to work on November 18 :(.

Happy Halloween!

Ethan was resting to get ready for Halloween. Grandma and Grandpa came over to help pass out tricks and treats.

Thankfully the weather cooperated this year as he was able to be outside for a majority of the early evening.

Our neighborhood sure enjoys Halloween! The neighbors across the street had a fire pit going in their front yard and tiki torches lining their walk-way. It was nice as we were able to meet more of the families in our sub.

Ethan is looking forward to next Halloween so he can Trick or Treat!

Three Stages of a Lion's Fan

Hey they are winning! Maybe this is the week???





Tired . . . big yawn . . . the game is getting boring.



Crying . . . 0-7. Maybe next week?!?!

We went on our first road trip with Grandma up to our cottage. It was winterized a week ago so we went up and did the final items - clean out the fridge, put plastic over the mattresses, etc. It was so beautiful with the leaves changing color. We hope next summer we will get to enjoy it more that this past one. Daddy is excited to teach Ethan how to fish!

On the way back from the cottage we stopped to vist my cousin Kerri, her husband, Scott and their 18 month old, Nicholas. Nicholas played with Ethan on his mat and ran circles around him. I know what to prepare for when Ethan is his age. Wow, so much energy!

I am just chilling in my swing.

Ethan definately likes being held by mommy, but that is ok because mommy loves holding Ethan!

On Monday Ethan went on his first shopping adventure. He was so excited he slept the entire time we were out. Once we got home he needed a nap from the outing!


Ethan is now lifting his head on his own and becoming more alert. He is starting to grasp things like Mom's hair, Grandma's necklace . . .

Grandma is playing with Ethan and his swing. As the mobile was going around Ethan kept reaching for the leaves on it. He was sucessful and grabbed it. He is starting to smile a bit too.

We went on an outing Wednesday and Ethan is now heavy enough to be carried in the baby carrier. He seemed to enjoy it as he put his head on my chest and slept. I enjoyed it as I was getting exercise without having to go to the gym!

Bath Time

Once I put Ethan in his tub, he was unsure whether he liked it or not. It didn't take too long for the verdict to come in . . .

Once we were finished we put him in his swing and life was good again.

The Arrival

Here is the story of Ethan Charles . . .

I wasn't feeling too well on Sunday, August 31 so I went to bed thinking it would go away. Throughout the night I was awoken with painful cramps, but didn't want to think much of it as I was not prepared yet for the arrival and the baby. I was supposed to have 5 more weeks to get things ready!

It is now 5:00 am and Michael and I are reading through our books to see if there is a description of how contractions are supposed to feel. We decided we would call the doctor to get his imput. With it now being "Labor" Day my doctor was on vacation. We spoke with Dr. Gibson and she advised us to make the trip to the hospital.

With Michael just having back surgery he was unable to drive as well. I called my mom around 6:00 am to come pick us up. We are now trying to pack our bags for the hospital. We still didn't think too much of it and thought we would be home that evening. With our semi-packed bags we left for the hospital.

As I was admitted, the contractions were 4 minutes apart and I was 4 cm dialated! At that time I realized Iwas having the baby that day.

On Monday, September 1 we welcomed Ethan Charles at 2:19 pm.


Here is Ethan just minutes after he was born. He was 6 lbs 11 oz and 20 inches long.



If he would have been full term I am scared to see how big he would have been!






With him being premature, he was relatively healthy. There were a few minor issues the first few days that the doctors were able to monitor.

On Wednesday Ethan got jaundice. They used a technique called phototherepy to reduce his bili ruben count. This contraption was set up in our room so he was able to stay with us at the hospital. At night time he did go to the nursery.

Yay! Finally we get to go home! On Saturday we were finally discharged from the hospital after our 6 night stay. Though the nurses were great we were excited to be home.

Ethan had his first car ride. He enjoys riding in the car and being in his car seat. As you can see he sleeps very well!

We adjusted pretty quickly to having a little one around. We still haven't gotten much sleep and he likes to eat every 2-3 hours!

We were regulars at the pediatricians office the first week. Ironically Ethan sees the same pediatrician that I did when I was a baby!

Within the first week, we were still monitoring his bili ruben count. We had to get his blood drawn 4 times that week. They draw the blood from the heel of his foot.

We went to the doctor again on September 22 and they are no longer concerned about the jaundice. He weighed 7 lbs 2 oz and was 21 inches long.

We went on our first walk around the neighborhood. We haven't taken him out too much or had many visitors because his immune system is not fully developed because he was early. He is doing very well now with gaining weight and growing. He is able to lift his head up and is getting stronger daily.

We took him on his first outing! We went to the apple orchard on Saturday, September 26. I think he enjoyed it as he slept through a majority of it. I know I enjoyed the donuts and cider!


Now that we have adjusted to having a little one around and getting into a routine I will be able to update the blog frequently and post pictures of his milestones.

Michael and I are so blessed to have a healthy baby boy!