Monday, January 28, 2013

Monday, January 28, 2013

3 Months and Counting!

Chuck and I have officially made it two weeks with a baby at home - and we have all survived:)  We have had the help of family and friends, but I think we are doing pretty good so far.  Last week we had a successful trip to the pediatrician and eye doctor.  Our first trip outside of the house was to the pediatrician in Oak Park. I managed to leave the house late, get stuck behind a Metra train and forget my wallet at home.  Luckily the pediatrician's staff was very understanding and accommodating to new mom's:)

We have the routine newborn check-ups at the pediatrician, nothing really extra needed for Charlie. We will have at least one more follow-up eye doctor appointment - this is common for most preemies.  And 1 visit to the plastic surgeon.  Charlie wanted to inquire about a nip & tuck:)  In all seriousness, his nose was pretty banged up from his  nasal canulas.  Our appointment is for a consultation to make sure everything is healing ok.  I like that he already has a plastic surgeon - perhaps there will be a buy one get one free nose job package?!

Charlie's weight is up to 5 1/2 pounds-ish.  My mom, Chuck and I drew straws to see who would hop not he scale with Charlie...I lost.  I think his weight is around 5 1/2 pounds, but I'm not 100% sure.  I don't think any home scale is really that accurate:)  But we are thrilled to have him eating like a champ!


 Since moving home Charlie has made a new friend, Rooster from his activity mat.  They seem to be getting along swimingly.


To put Charlie to bed Chuck has fallen in love with the "Daddy Sack". This is a preemie sleep sack that actually seems to work miracles.  

Before Daddy Sack....

After Daddy Sack.

Taking a dip in his new and improved tub!

Our new nanny - oh wait, it's Grandma Wendi!


Uncle Adam & Aunt Mare Bear stopped by for lunch:)  Charlie can't wait to come visit Libertyville!!!

This past weekend I played photographer for Aunt Colleen's babies.  We had a full house!

Aunt Colleen, Mommy and our babies!  I chose a sepia finish on this photo due to my puffy eyes and lack of showering - oops.

 Colleen's mom and Maisy checking out baby Charlie;)

 Emily, Aunt Lisa and Sid stopped by to welcome Charlie home!  Emily makes a great photo assistant if anyone is hiring!

 Grandpa Joe and his new buddy!  Charlie can't wait to work in the garage with Grandpa - or just hang out and watch Speed Channel and eat candy.


Mommy also played shutterbug with Charlie this week.  Stay tuned for the final pics!

My little valentine.

Still figuring out how to pose Charlie with his cool wheels:)


Our first walk!  Today was quite balmy in Riverside, so we decided to venture out for our first walk.  This was only the second time that Charlie has been outside - he's been held hostage!  Below are some pics from our trip!

Bundled up from head to toe.  He's tiny, but he's in there!

Riverside is very much like Maybury, you'll see what I'm talking about soon:)

Our local library

Charlie and Daddy checking out some books...

Charlie stopping by the fireplace reading nook to catch up on his periodicals.

 Saying hi to the local fire department and police station.  

The Riverside Metra stop.  This is important for two reasons - 1. This is how Mommy gets to and from work. 2. This is also a seen in the major motion picture "Lake House" staring Sandra Bullock and Charlie's favorite actor Keannu Reeves.

Me posing with Charlie:)

Bundled baby

Visiting the new pizza place

Charlie ordering pizza from the new pizza place

Visting the new pond

On our way home

Doing his Maggie Simpson snowsuit impression. 

 Charlie hating his 3 month tie photoshoot...

Really hating it!

Trying to keep his eyes open with Grandma Christine:)

Tummy time with Sophie:)

Thanks everyone for following our updates on Charlie.  He appreciates all the love you send each day.

xoxo - Sarah, Chuck and Charlie





Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tuesday, January 15, 2012

HOMECOMING!!!!

As most of you have read on Facebook, Charlie is finally home!  I still cannot believe it!

On Thursday of last week we were told Charlie would be discharged over the weekend.  We could not believe the news!  Chuck and I were overwhelmed with excited and a little fear :) that Charlie was finally coming home.  A quick trip to Target prepared us with some of the essentials that we did not have yet  - diapers, wipes, more diapers.  Just the most important items a new baby needs at home:)

On Friday I had an impromptu transition meeting at work and Chuck wrapped up a few things he needed to prepare for the arrival of Charlie.  We also had one last "date night" downtown before becoming 24/7 parents!

It was bittersweet saying goodbye to our favorite nurses and friends we had made over the past 2 1/2 months, but you can imagine our excitement of finally having our little guy home.  And we beat his due date by 5 days - GO CHARLIE!!!!




 On Monday, before our discharge, my Mom, nieces and sister-in-law came for one last visit!

 Charlie's favorite cousins!  Don't tell Sidney, but Charlie already can't stand One Direction:)

Just hanging out with Em!


Mom and Lisa with the baby!

 I'm sure Charlie won't be spoiled at all with all these girls!

Our last night in room 1064D:(  
Linda (below), Christina and Kelly were our primary nurses during our stay.  We cannot thank them enough for helping us through this long and sometimes difficult journey.  I will miss seeing them everyday, but am excited to keep in touch and update them on Charlie's progress.  

I'm sure they will find new Charlie's to help make healthy - but none as cute as ours...and that come with a Chuck and Sarah!!!

Our friend Mary came by to say goodbye.  
We will miss Sam, Mary and Meara but cannot wait for their homecoming as well.  Meara is a rockstar and closely following Charlie to discharge.  
Meara and Charlie cannot wait for their playmates!  They also have no choice;)

One last hurrah before becoming full time Mom & Dad.  We celebrated with dinner at Mastros...and over serving ourselves.  Or maybe that was just me.  Oops!

I have glared at the little "Anticipated Discharge Date" magnet since we arrived on 10/28/2012.  
Now I am ecstatic to see it finally in use!  WE WIN!!!!


Our Last Day! 


Daddy posing with Charlie while I should be packing up his room, but I insist on taking pictures of things that i already have 100 pictures of:)


 Wave goodbye to your roommates Charlie!

Charlie is overwhelmed with excitement about leaving.  Or he has no idea what is going on!

More of Chucky and Charlie:)


One last view from Charlies bed - Goodbye neighbors!!!

I had LOTS of personal belongings to pack up!

 One our wall I kept all his weekly ties.  I vowed not to go to 4 sheets (which would be over 12 weeks).  And we did it!  One day shy of 11 weeks.  GO CHARLIE GO!

Charlie getting his professional pics taken by Bella Baby.  
He was not as excited for his photoshoot as I was!

Our nurse Christina!  I think Charlie secretly flirted with Christina while we weren't looking:)

Carseat Baby!
Springing for the expensive carseat came in extra handy when we had a little guy to put in it.  
Thanks Aunt Abby and Aunt Colleen!!!

As prepared adults and parents, Chuck and I waited until we left the hospital to have the valet show us how to install the carseat.  I'm glad Charlie's parents are responsible. 

See ya later Prentice!

 I thought it was necessary to take a picture of Charlie in front of the hospital.  Instead it looks like we forgot him on the sidewalk.

This is the back of our car AFTER we had already taken one load of belongings home.

Ready for his first car ride to his new house!

It's a good thing Chuck drives like an old lady sometimes...we were in safe hands!

Charlie's favorite radio station;)  Oh wait, it's mine!

Bring home Charlie!


One big happy family!

Happy 11 Weeks Charlie!  

Why do you hate Sophie so much!

Charlie getting ready for his doctor's appointment. 
Charlie doesn't know this yet, but he loves giraffes and cardigans.

My mom came up to take care of me, I mean help take care of Charlie:)

Chuck and I wanted to thank everyone again for their support while we waited to bring home our baby. We are beyond excited to have Charlie home and cannot wait to watch him grow.  I will continue to update the blog with Charlie's progression and humor you with my hilariousness!  

Stay tuned for more updates and THANK YOU AGAIN!  

XOXO,
Chuck, Sarah and Baby Charlie