6 Week Check Up

Tummy time

Ben and I ventured out of the house today to the pediatrician's office for his 6 week visit. All good news! He weighs 11 pounds 4 ounces, and is 24 inches long! I feel like some Mom's are always talking in "percentile's", like "he's in the 95th percentile" or whatever. Well I have no idea what percentile Ben is in, I forgot to ask. I'm sure I could Google it;)

I can hardly believe it's been 6 weeks! This means that I'm halfway through my maternity leave (which I don't like to think about too much). It has flown by, but I've had a few of my mom friends tell me that the 2nd half will go much slower than the 1st half. I can believe this, considering a good chunk of the first half was spent in the hospital! So with 6 weeks left and beautiful weather, I plan on lots of walks and trips to Clay Terrace.

ALSO, very exciting news... drum roll please... I'm back in my pre-pregnancy jeans!!! I was so proud this morning. Although I have to admit, even though they technically fit, they don't fit the way they used to. I think things have shifted around a bit. Oh well, it's still exciting. Now it's time to focus on getting swimsuit ready. I think we'll forget the bikini this year and settle for a nice looking tankini:)

Video attempt

I hope this works! I've never posted a video before and I'm really not sure what I'm doing.

Ben has been smiling more and more lately... It's probably not reactive smiles to Nick's silly voices or my 'peek-a-boo', more likely just gas or something. But he was in a really good mood this morning and I happened to get some smiles on video:) Enjoy!!

New Mom = Little time for blogging

I know it's been a while... and for those of you who have been asking for pictures I hope you enjoy! I have very legitimate reasons for the lack of posts in the last few weeks:

A. When Ben lays down for a nap, Mom lays down for a nap
B. I have been practicing to defeat any standing records for fastest diaper changer, including Desitin application
C. I spend minimum 4 hours a day feeding Ben- I sometimes refer to him as my newest appendage
D. "E" has been airing Legends of the Fall" for the past week every afternoon around 1:00 ET. Need I say more?

So I hope you will forgive me for neglecting the blog... I promise to try and do better! In all honesty, Nick and I are adjusting pretty well to what we consider to be our "new normal." I love being a Mom. I have learned to eat standing up over the kitchen sink, that a hot homemade meal is a luxury, I can live comfortably off of limited and very interrupted sleep, and that I can't carry a tune (even Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star). More importantly, I have learned that there is nothing more precious than holding, squeezing, and loving my son. He is perfect in every way, and I can't think of a better way to spend my days than at home caring for him. Thankfully, he is not judgemental of my singing.

This is Ben's face while I'm singing my rendition of that "Bushel and a Peck"

song that my Mom always used to sing to us...

Behold... my camo clad little man

Pooooooor Gunther... feeling very neglected

All bundled up, ready for a walk!

Proud Papa

First Bath

Ben's umbilical cord finally fell off, so it was time for his first official submersion. He was pretty cranky about it, probably just a little cold!

Ben's "not-so-happy" face

Ben's "Oh-so-happy" face

Our little Boilermaker

Uncle Aaron and Aunt Carrie are coming for a visit tonight, and we thought we'd get Ben dressed for the occasion. This little outfit was a gift from them- it is so adorable! Since Ben comes from a long line of Boilers, we thought we'd get him started early:)

"Mom, why do you have that camera so close to my face?"

It's a little rumpled, but you get the idea...

New pictures of Ben

We've been home from the hospital now for a week (I think, the days are meshing together), and we are quickly adjusting to life at the Vollmer house with a newborn! Life, as we knew it, will never be the same!! We are loving it though... the diaper changes, feedings, rocking, and cuddling... it's all worth it!

My Mom was here until Tuesday and she was absolutely amazing. She had officially been here for almost 2 weeks, and yet she was happy as ever to be helping us out. Between cleaning, cooking, and laundry she kept pretty busy. Thank you Mom- we couldn't have done those first few rough days at home without you!! I love you!

Nick's Mom Becky was also here for a day, and much like my mom spent her time cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. It's so nice to have the help! Today Nick's Dad Scott is here... and he's not doing so much of the cooking and cleaning, but it is great to have his company and help with Ben! Nick isn't ready for me to be home by myself yet due to the surgeries and that, but I have to say I don't mind it. I've enjoyed the visitors that we've had, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of you come our way!

Here are a few of my favorite pics from the last week...

Dad on diaper duty

Wonder what he's thinking?

This one has to be my favorite- his first swing experience!

Grandma cuddling her brand new grandson

Gunther, you are not forgotten