Introducing...

Welcome to M4 – Mackale Brooks.  Our family is now complete! He was born via c-section on Monday, July 9^th at 12:55pm.  He weighed 8 lbs 9 oz and was 22” long.  We had a very restful stay at the hospital in a private room and were discharged on Thursday around noon. 

Some further observations:

·         Having number 4 was quite different from the others as I guess they assume you know what you are doing. I had much fewer interruptions and definitely less teachings (if any?). 

·         Mackale has been an easy baby from the get-go and we are all enjoying him immensely.  I hate to say it but I think he has been the easiest out of all of them. Does that mean he is an easy going child or am I just that much more comfortable with being a parent and know what to do? 

·         It has also been the best recovery-wise for me.  Again, is my body just taking care of itself or am I just more aware and know what to do?

·         I also got my tubes tied – and it feels like more people are asking if that will be all.  Even my own kids are asking for another one.  Crazy!  I would gladly have more but felt that our doctor felt that 4 c-sections was enough.  I did read on the internet that some people in the US have had 8 and 9.  Not too common up here from what I gather.  Although our Dr did say that I was in really good shape inside and had healed nicely.  I hate to say it but it does make you think.  Except that I will still be 40 next month.  Oh yes, that was the other factor. 

·         We have made do with significantly less supplies.  The only equipment we have used in the first month are a bassinet, car seat, bath tub, diapers, diaper wipes, clothes, blankets, sling, double-long stroller. 

·         We asked to not receive any gifts as we already have all that we need.  We hate to put him into that 4^th child situation but it really is true – by the time #4 comes around you either have all you need or you realize you never needed it in the first place.  

 

 

 

 

Month 1

Physical - You are currently weighing about 8-15oz.  You appear to be right in the middle of the norms. You are wearing newborn clothing and have outgrown your first onesie.  We have kept your clothing VERY simple – with the warm weather you have only worn short sleeve onesies and we have about 5 that we have rotated through.  This is quite the change from big brother Matthew – one of the joys of being number 4!

Outings, significant events in the month – We’ve been to church a few times and saw lots of our church family.  We also met up with our MOPS friends at the water fountains.  We went to the Jones cottage for a weekend. Aunt Sarah and Macy came up from South Carolina.  Lots of people visited us at home.

Health, dental (Dr appointments, illnesses, milestones) – 2 Dr appointments for a goopy left eye for the first few weeks and we tried an antibiotic cream for it which didn’t seem to work.  Finally we just let it take its course and it eventually cleared up. Otherwise everything has been typical for a one month old.

Sleep routine – You are having two long naps during the day and seem to be having a good long one at night.  Regardless, we have been sleeping together for the most part on the couch (easier to sit up and not disturb daddy in the middle of the night) – and it is working well.   Mommy feels rested once she is finally awake (now if you can just get Mitchell to sleep in a little longer J)

Elimination routine – yeah, we haven’t started taking you to the potty yet but we are noticing that you don’t like being wet or dirty and cry about it (who wouldn’t?).  We are changing you as often as we notice - which is quite frequent.  We are going the cloth route again and haven’t had any issues – probably doing a load every three or four days.  Thank you Aunt Sarah for all of the diapers!

Eating – likes, dislikes, schedule – Just me!  You are eating well, we had no beginning issues at all.  You are frequently falling asleep during a feed but that is okay.  You do lots of cluster feeding before bed and in the morning but since you are sleeping 4-5 hours I am fine with that!

Things you like/ dislike – objects, things to do, entertainment.  Now as your first month comes to a close you are actually awake and alert a bit more.  We love to see your deep blue eyes and see the faces you are making.  You seem to be more comfortable in the car seat than in the bassinet but ultimately prefer being held or in the sling.  Daddy finds that you like walking with you in a football hold around the house when I need him to hold you.  All of your siblings love to pat your head and give you kisses.  Marlee asks daily to hold you. 

It has been a lovely month getting to know you little man!  I am trying to take it all in and relax and really enjoy this time with you – especially knowing that you are our last.  I feel sad about this in some ways but it is encouraging me to take each day as the blessing that it is!  I love the faces you make and the softness of your head and skin.  I love the way you smell!  I love that my own recovery has been steady and good.  Some days I have been a little sore at the end of the day but we have been able to take it easy the next day.  I especially love that it is summer time and we have no set agendas – all the better to enjoy this time with our family.  We are so thankful that you were born healthy and safe and have transitioned into our family with such ease. We are blessed!

July 2012 Wrap-up

JULY 2012
It’s that time again!  Another month has passed us by and it is time for a wrap-up.  So why do I do this? First of all my memory is terrible and often find myself wondering when such and such happened. Second of all I love lists and information. Third of all I believe I am a type A personality. Let's just say that I like to see my life all wrapped up, nice and tidy with a bow. Enough said.

Here's a look at our month:
Entertainment – what we’re looking at , listening to and going to!

Books, Magazines, Blogs read:
Dive #1,2,3 by Gordon Korman; Junior fiction quick reads – really well done though; I had to go to the library to get #2,3 as soon as I finished #1
I survived the earthquake of SanFrancisco by Lauren Tarshis – another junior fiction book that was a quick read that I could discuss with Matt
The Coke Machine by Michael Blanding; This one was okay.  It was basically about the history of how Coca Cola came to be and its relationship around the world.  Not all that great.  Which I could have surmised really.  So given that, and its effect on health in general, I am still trying to cut down.  But I do admit, that it tastes really good.  Bummer!
Silvertown by Melanie McGrath; This was given to me by my dad and gives a glimpse into the history of this area of England – just around the corner from my Nan.  It was interesting. I can conclude by saying that I am very thankful that I was born where and when I was.  Things have “progressed” to a better life for us.
Beyond the Sling by Mayim Bialik; Written by the actress “Blossom”, she gives insight into how and why she raised her kids by attachment parenting (Sling, co-sleeping, EC etc).  It was very well written other than her believe that various things have “evolved” over millions and millions of years. Her description of “gentle discipline” warrants further research.
Harry Potter and the Order of thePhoenix; While it took me a bit to get into it (I think I was distracted), once I got past 100 pages I was hooked.  Again.  Well written and suspenseful.  Matt and I are having some very good discussions about the books and movies. 

TV, Movies, Live Entertainment:
Bones (Finished S 6) (Netflix)
Muppets (rental)
Mighty Macs (library)
Hoodwinked (library)
Brave (theatre)
So I Married an Axe Murderer (Netflix)
Jumanji (library)
Dolphin Tale (library)
Puss `N Boots (library)
Cop Out (library)
HP and the Goblet of Fire (#4)
Daily Happenings & Special Events:
Canada Day fireworks on lakeshore with Hodgins (1^st)
Strawberry picking (2^nd)
Cierra to Cameron’s birthday party at Retro Planet (5^th) - $25 Toys ‘R Us gift card
Funeral for Aly (7^th)
Alison hospital (July 9^th to 12^th)
Church summer camp (Sky) (July 16^th to 20^th)
Marlee to Ruby’s birthday party at Art Center (22^nd) - $20 Michael’s gift card
Cierra to camp (July 22^nd to August 4^th)
Marlee to art camp (July 23^rd to 27^th)
Sarah and Macy up to visit (July 28^th to August
Travel (1 hr plus): n/a
Financial/ changes to the house etc.: (gifts, renos, big purchases, household purchases): n/a
Health/Development/ Exercise/ Extra Curricular Activities:
Drew: golf tournament (work), running
Alison: c-section, tubal ligation on July 9^th; stayed in hospital until Th 12^th; see hospital notes for details; itching on joints started again in hospital!; lost 23 lbs
Cierra: Foot appointment
Matt: baseball, VPO, lots of swimming; everything is “sick” (aka cool)
Marlee: lost 2 teeth; lots of swimming; art, Polly Pockets, Barbies
Mitchell: hair cut on 13^th; similar speech – using signs a lot more; sleeping at night well; getting along well with baby – lots of kisses, pats; wanting to nurse a lot more (“umm”) (back to 3x a day while we “adjust”); mommy’s boy at home for anything bedtime related; watching lots of TV (Fireman Sam, Cars, Bob the Builder, Little Cars)!
Mackale: born Monday, July 9^th at 12:55 pm weighing 8 lbs 9 oz, 22” long.  Healthy and beautiful.  He eats well, likes being held and generally eats, sleeps and goes to the bathroom!  I have not started EC with him yet but plan to… first Dr visit Th July 19^th weighed 8 lbs 7 oz; all good.
Accomplishments/ Disappointments (Goals - Gotta Do’s, Wanna do’s; OLW, projects):
Have not done much in this area other than rest up and read.  There is dog hair everywhere and the lack of being able to do things at week 3 is getting old!
All Around Us/ Other (News, Trends, Births, Deaths, World Events, City News Etc):
2012 Summer Olympics in London, England – I would really have liked to be able to watch some of this on TV!
Foodland is being torn down – currently boarded up :(