Blurry Smile

I took this picture of the boy smiling today. It's a little blurry. I snapped a really good one right after that, but my camera battery died at that very moment. So, this is the best I have these days. Enjoy.

There's more pictures here.

5 Weeks Old!

So, the boy is five weeks old today.
He's changed a lot lately. He's been sleeping a little bit better. And he seems happier. He still needs constant entertaining, but at least he's not crying all the time. We'll see if it lasts....
I decided to see if any of his "cute" clothes fit. He mostly wears pajamas, because they are easy and we don't go many places. I chose the outfit that Lorena (and Steve and Josiah) gave him (before he was born). I don't think he'll be able to wear it too long, because of the weather. The pants are a little big, but that makes it all the more cute. I can only take pics of him sleeping in the day, because of the whole "constant entertaining" thing. For the record - getting his picture taken doesn't qualify as entertainment for the boy.

Target Trip

I have discovered the wonders of taking daily trips with the boy.
1. We get out of the house, which seems smaller and smaller everyday.
2. It kills some time.
3. Isaac likes to ride in the car. He also likes to ride in carts. And if he gets bored with that, he likes to be carried around the store. So, it's a good stretch of cry-free time.
4. It wears the monster down and he usually takes a nice long nap when we get back. (That's what he's doing this very moment).

So, we went to Target today. We blew through a few of the boy's gift cards. We got him some sweet khaki pants, complete with knee pads. I guess that's just in case he starts walking before he's 3 months and falls down a lot. Or it's just stylish. We also picked up a Baby Einstein DVD. My pal, and fellow mom, Lorena introduced me to this marvelous creation, and she loaned us Baby Beethoven. At first, Isaac wasn't all that interested, but he seemed to enjoy the music. Lately, though, he's been watching the moving puppets and toys and shapes, so we decided he needed his very own. We chose Baby Mozart.

Well, he's up. Time to try the Mozart.

Semi-Smile

I took down the video of the "Semi-smile" to preserve space on my blogger account.
Here's a link to it on our picasa account. Enjoy.

Last Week "Off"

Today is the first day of my last week off of school. I'm not really all that excited to go back. On one hand, I will get a much needed break from the crying. But, I know that the crying will not last and I will be missing out on a lot of stuff from 6 weeks until 4 months. What if he starts to like the babysitter more than me? That will be tragic. I'll cry. Then, I'll be mad, since I was the one that had to have him and then get through the first 6 weeks. I'll beat her up. And I'll take it out on him when he's old enough. I'll probably ground him for it when he's 12 or so. :)

Anyhow, in other news, I am still battling a vicious cold. I don't know if Isaac has it yet or if he will get it. Hopefully not. Derek is home today. Partially because I'm sick. Partially because his back still hurts. It was a rough day yesterday, but he had a pretty good night. It would be glorious to have a good day.

sick again

yesterday i got a cold. there's not much i can take to ward it off on account of the breast milk. this would have been fine, if derek was able to take over monster patrol. but, derek did something to his back and can barely walk. to make matters worse, after an awesome day, the boy had an absolutely miserable night. and to make matters worser (hehe), derek's work was broken into and it looks like he'll have to go in for a bit.

it's good times at the lidbom house right now.

Sleep!!

Isaac finally went to sleep last night around 11 or 12. I don't know exactly, because I was in bed, while Derek was on duty. He woke up around 1, and I took over. He ate and slept until about 5. I fed him again and he sort of slept until 7. He stirred often and had to be patted back to sleep.
Now he just ate a big breakfast. That's another thing we've been battling with - he likes to eat an ounce, cry, get changed, cry, eat another ounce, doze off, wake up, cry, eat another ounce, etc... So, hopefully, this is a sign that we can get him back on to bigger, more structured meals - instead of being a grazer. But, the best news of all, is after he ate, Derek put him in his swing and he sat and watched the spinning fish and then fell asleep! He's been sleeping for about a half an hour and it's so so so so nice and peaceful. I'll enjoy it while it lasts....

Friday Cry-Day

So, the boy cried today.
All day.
While he was getting changed.
While I drove.
While he ate.
So, I figured, I might as well give him a bath, since he was going to cry anyways. He didn't cry for the bath. I don't get it.

He only slept from 1pm until 2:30 and then again from 5:30 until 7:30. That would be 3.5 hours since 6:15 am, when he woke up. Of course, there were a few minutes here and there, but the second I would lie him down, the sleeping would end, and the crying would begin.
There hasn't been a day where I have counted down the minutes until Derek got home like I did today.

Derek's walking with him now. I don't know if we've just already spoiled him, or if he's just a not-so-content baby. He has to be entertained every waking moment of his life. There's no sitting still and holding him. And there's certainly no putting him in a swing or lying him under a mobile and letting him gaze away. He's definitely difficult.

The boy is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my entire life.

4 Weeks and 1 Day

So, Isaac is growing like a weed. He turned 4 weeks old yesterday. And he had a monster day to celebrate. He wouldn't sleep from about 2 pm until 8 pm, so that was particularly miserable. Then, he slept pretty good until midnight, but from then on was slightly unfun.
Today has been pretty good so far. We went to Babies R Us and picked up some new clothes, because his newborn stuff is getting a little snug. It was good to get out on an adventure.
Now, Derek's mom is here and I hear him wailing a little bit. I hope we're not in for another long stretch of sleeplessness...

Funny Math

Derek sent me these today:

This reminds me of something SarahPowers might have attempted in high school:


This is even funnier, but I'm not sure SarahPowers had enough Calc knowledge to pull it off:


This is how I felt in some of my college math classes (Vector and Tensor Calc, Complex Variables, Partial Differential Equations...):


I've seen this one before. I would give a point for humor:


I would give a point here, as well. My kids don't even try to be funny. They either make up a bunch of nonsense or they leave it blank. Or my favorite -- they write "IDK" - for "I Don't Know". Thanks, I wasn't sure.

And then they were gone

My Mom (Grandma), Uncle Frankie (Great Uncle Frankie) and Brother (Uncle) left early this morning. I was sad to see them go. All the extra hands have been very helpful. They got to see Isaac smile. That was good. They also got to see him cry, poop, eat, and sleep. Those are his specialties. We tried to take him for a walk yesterday when it was nice out. He didn't enjoy that too much. I'll probably try again today, but instead of the stroller, I'll strap him into his BabyBjorn and see if that works out a little bit better. That's all for now....

They're Here....

My family arrived on Saturday night. I tried to post about it yesterday, but was interrupted by a crying monster baby...

Here's some pictures of our adventures:

Great Uncle Frankie holding Isaac:


My mom attempting to burp the boy:




Jake's wild hair, after a rockin' night of sleeping on the floor:

Busy Day

Yesterday was a very busy day for the monster. Probably the busiest since we were at the hospital. Those days were very busy for him too (being born, being circumcised, getting shots and tests...). Anyhow, yesterday, I took Isaac to Derek's work so that he (Derek) could show him (Isaac) off to all of his coworkers. Isaac was a big hit amongst the ladies. With every earpiercing shreik, more and more women would peek out of their offices and flock to the little man.
We came home and had a quick feed and change and headed back out to dinner with D-rizzle and G-dawg Nicholson. We tried J. Butler's, but it was packed out, so we headed to an old Lewisville standby - Ciccione's. It was also packed out, but we waited it out, because the boy was sleeping. He was very good the entire time. I am a little disapointed with Ciccione's, as there was no changing table in the bathroom, but other than that, they are very baby-friendly. I suppose we are regulars, because several employees congratulated us. It also helps that Diane (teacher at FHS) moonlights there and I often stop by to visit her.

Today, the mom, the uncle and the great uncle and the mom's dog on on their way to visit (and help). As of 10 minutes ago, they were about 30 miles north of route 19 in West Virginia. Our estimates put them about 4 - 4.5 hours away. Exciting. And relieving.

Little Man

Sleeping with Grandma Lidbom

Sir Isaac took a long nap with Derek's mom today. It was a good break for me. And she rather enjoyed herself as well.

Some Pictures

Sleeping. I think this picture is about a week old (1/3 of the little man's life).


Chillin' in the glider rocker by the stupid window that lets light in even when the blinds are shut tight.



Yesterday, during a post bath naptime:

back to the nerds

I went to school today and taught for a period. It was good to get out of the house and back into civilization.
The kids were good. They were a little rambunctious at first. One student even asked what childbirth was like. Nice. Anyhow, we learned about the derivatives of inverse functions. I say we, as I was a little rusty myself.
I'll go back Monday, Wednesday and Friday next week for that class.

The boy was good. It was rough going this morning. We planned to get up at 6:15 and I would be on Isaac Watch while Derek got ready and then we would switch for me to get ready and be out of the house by 7:30. We managed to make it, but it was definitely not like any mornings we've ever been used to. Isaac was an angel with the baby sitter. I guess he slept a lot of the time away. He cried when I picked him up, but only until we pulled out of the driveway and started rumbling down the road. Now he's fast asleep, and I'm about to join him!

Three Weeks

Isaac is three weeks old today.
At times, it seems to go by very very fast. But, at other times, it seems that time is standing still. This morning, while he cried and screamed and wailed - time dragged on. But, I can't believe that it was already three weeks ago that we were at the hospital holding the brand new baby. Crazy.

Lorena came over today and gave me a (much needed) break from the screaming boy. He didn't sleep ALL morning. She got here after he finally had a nap and played with him while I did a little cleaning, wrote lesson plans and met with a plumber type repair guy who was looking at our hot water heater, to see why the pilot keeps going out. She also introduced me to Baby Einstein dvds. The boy seemed to enjoy it. Her son LOVES them, apparently.

Tomorrow, I go to school for one period. My kids in Calculus haven't learned an ounce of new material since I left, so I'm going back for a period here and there to keep them moving. It will be good for Isaac, to have some test runs with his "other mom", Jena, who will be watching him when I *big sigh* have to go back on March 7th.

Finally, in other news, sort of -- My mom (the grandma) is coming down this weekend. With Uncle Jake. And possibly Great Uncle Frankie. Hooray. Visitors! and Helpers!

Sick Mom

Yesterday, we attempted to take the boy to church.
He liked the music, but as soon as the pastor started to talk, he started crying. I rushed out to the nursery to attempt to console him. It was also around this time that I realized I was not feeling particularly well. I was very cold and achy and had a headache.
Derek brought me home and drove around with the boy, so that I could sleep without hearing little boy cries from the other room. The boy also sleeps really well in the car, and hadn't slept much all night or morning, so the trip served to get him some beauty sleep.
So, yesterday was pretty miserable. I was too cold and achy to get to sleep. Tylenol helps a little, but when it's wearing off, I'm pretty uncomfortable. My next dose is at 2:00 pm. I'm eagerly awaiting that....

First Bath

Isaac had his first real bath today. I totally expected him to freak out, but he didn't really seem to mind. He was a little squirmy, but we made it through and now he smells sooo good. Of course, he went to the bathroom as soon as we put his clean butt into a diaper, and when we changed him, he peed everywhere. So, much for the clean baby.
Here's a post-bath shot:

Derek also posted some action shots here.

Texas Land and Cattle

We went out to eat (w/o the boy) last night.
1. There was no prime rib on the menu so I had to settle for ribeye.
2. The hosts were not very hospitable. Guess that's what you get when you have to hire high school girls.
3. Igot a little sick. I think my body has forgotten how to digest less than medium meats.

Other than that, it was nice to get out, although it felt really weird to be without the monster.

Yesterday, Last Night and Today

Yesterday, I took the boy to school to meet my "other kids". He slept the entire time. The girls were excited to see him. The boys couldn't have cared less. Some of the nerds tried to ask questions about math, but I refused. I'm not a very good teacher, I guess. I don't suppose I'll be getting any teacher of the year nominations. :)

Last night was a miserable night. Isaac was up for most of it. He's been a little grumpy today, which I attribute to his sleepless night. Derek's mom is relieving me right now, and I don't hear much -- scratch that -- he just wailed. Hopefully she can get him to sleep.

They (Derek's mom and dad) are going to sit for the boy tonight so we can go out to eat. I've been taunted for about 7 months by a new restaurant called "Texas Land and Cattle Steak House". Since pregnant girls aren't supposed to consume less than medium cooked meats, I have been unable to enjoy one of my favorite meals -- medium rare prime rib. Well, tonight we're gonna put an end to my hiatus. I'll let you know how it goes.....

Photogenic Baby

Kristen Boone stopped by today and dropped of a cd containing all these super cute black and white pictures of Isaac T. She took them last Tuesday when she brought us some delicious chicken pie and cookies. And salad, but it was overshadowed by the pie and cookies. Anyhow.... Here's a sampling of her artwork.

Two Weeks

I snapped this super cute picture of the boy today.
The doctor suggested a little bit of "tummy time" so that he could develop his upper body strength.
He wasn't quite doing pushups yet, but he did manage to lift his head and turn a few times. It won't be long until he's in the Strongest Man competitions...

Lost

Season 3 Part II of Lost begins tonight.

When the "fall season" ended, I was so mad and couldn't wait until it started again. Then, we had a baby. Now, I don't know if we'll manage to keep up. Thank goodness for TiVo. (Or TimeWarner DVR, in our case).

Fat Baby

We went to the doctor today. Isaac has gained one pound and four ounces since last Monday. He's 8 lbs and 8 oz. as of today. He can put down some food.

In other news, he slept a lot better last night and today. Relieving, somewhat. But, I know we aren't out of the woods by a long shot....

At wit's end...

Our baby won't sleep.
For hours.

It's not just a "sleep through the night" issue. He just would rather be awake.
This wouldn't be so bothersome, if he was happily awake. But, he cries and cries and cries. I don't know if it's digestion problems. His food sure is making it's way out the other end. I don't know if we're feeding him too much or too little. This morning, he ate at 10:00 am. At about 2:00 he still hadn't gone to sleep. Derek's mom came over and relieved me and I think he's conked out now.
It's extremely frustrating.
I've tried going into a dark room with no distractions. I've tried overstimulating his little eyeballs. I've laid him down without any patting. I've patted only. I've patted and rocked, patted and bounce, patted and swayed. All to no avail.

I'm pretty sad about the whole nightmare.

Better Night

We had a much better night last night...
The boy slept from 11 until 2ish. Then we fed him and he chilled back out and slept with me from 4 until 7am. It wasn't great sleep, but sleep it was (for me, that is).

This morning, however, is a different tale. He's not really slept much at all. He finally just conked out about a half hour ago, so hopefully Derek and I can get a little rest. So, without further ado, I'm going to rest....

Rough Night

So, Baby Isaac T. decided that he wasn't going to go to sleep last night. He ate and ate and ate. Had a number of diaper changes. Cried. Cried more. But, not much sleeping. I was asleep for most of this, because he super nice husband decided to handle the boy for a few hours so I could rest.
Around 4:00 am, I came out of hibernation to help out and relieve Derek and let him get some sleep. Isaac feel asleep with me and we got a couple of hours of rest before starting the whole process over again. He is sleeping again, right now, possibly resting up for another sleepless night??

Wide Awake

Derek took this picture of the boy yesterday.
I like it.