It's a Big World, Mason
The Journey of Two Geeks and a Baby
Four months
Mason was born four months ago today. He came to us early due to complications in the pregnancy and we were worried about his development. The time for worry seems to be in the past as Mason has caught up in every way so far, very much exceeding our expectations. His height and weight are spot on, he is very vocal and expressive, he has opinions, likes, and dislikes, and he’ll be figuring out how to roll over any day now.
Right now his favorite game to play is turning himself sideways in bed to get closer to his stuffed animals. We’ll go to his room, see him between a couple of toys, and he’ll laugh like he’s just been caught doing something sneaky. Needless to say we’ve moved the toys out of his crib in one of many killjoy parental moves designed to keep him safe.
While he doesn’t understand the meaning of what he’s saying yet, he’s getting good at mimicry and babbling in baby language. His favorite words now are:
- Agoo. It means anything from “I’m good” to “I’m very happy right now” depending on how he says it. Nine times out of ten it is said with a big smile on his face.
- OK. This is mimicry of his parents who obviously say that word quite often. We’ll ask him, “Mason, are you OK?” to which he’ll respond, “OK!”
- Ee-gah. We have a picture of a bald eagle hanging in our living room. When I sit with Mason in the chair, him on my shoulder, he has a great view of it. He’ll sit and stare at it for as long as I’ll let him, smiling and babbling at it the entire time. We tell him often that it’s an eagle, and he mimics back “Ee-gah!” when we do.
- Ooooohhh. It’s like he’s wanting to say, “Ooohh, shiny!” He says this phrase when he sees something he really likes. I think he picked that up from Lori.
I’m still trying to teach him to say “daddy”, “ruby”, and “meta programming” but for now I’m happy with his current progress.
Two Months
On 10/12/2010, Mason turned two months old. I can’t believe how quickly the time is flying by.
Ok, I can. It’s all a big blur to me with the absence of that long, lost commodity of sleep. But I will admit caring for this wonderful boy is the best reason ever for losing sleep. He’s worth it!
He went for his two-month checkup today. He’s doing well, weighing in at 11 pounds, 13 ounces. I was quite surprised to see that number pop up, considering he was only 5 pounds when we brought him home from the NICU. His height is gaining also, coming in at 22.5 inches long. It won’t be long before he reaches the two foot mark!
He had his first big series of vaccinations. Five shots in his thighs, done expertly in rapid succession by his nurse, and he was done. He cried a little, but recovered quickly, especially after getting some yummy tylenol. When we got him home after that he seemed a bit loopy; I think the tylenol contributed to that.
Tomorrow a new adventure starts for him: daycare. I have mixed feelings about sending him off, but the woman watching him is a pro and I have every faith he’ll do well.
Ok, now about that sleep… I better get some before Mason wakes up.
First Doctor’s Appointment
Mason had his first appointment with his pediatrician today. He did well! He weighs 6 pounds even, and has grown 1/4 an inch in height putting him at 18.75 inches long. All things said, he’s very healthy and normal. He even got a chance to spray his mommy as the doctor checked him out. That made daddy laugh quite a bit. :)
Welcome home, Mason
This afternoon after watching videos and surviving our first sleepless night with Mason in the NICU, he was finally discharged. So now our happy family is home and ready to get life started.
Mason weighs 5 pounds now and is eating like a champ. Now it’s time for daddy and mommy to get used to waking up every 2-4 hours…
Quick Update
This is just a quick update: Mason is on 100% bottle feeding and he’s doing wonderfully. As I type this Lori is at the NICU feeding him again while I finish up work for the day. After work we’ll both head over there and begin the “rooming in” process!
That’s very exciting news because it means we’ll get to stay with him tonight and take care of him with minimal intervention to get all of us acclimated to each other. Then tomorrow he gets to come home!
At lunch I washed the car (like he’ll care), cleaned it out, vacuumed it, and installed the car seat base. We’re all set now to begin our journey away from the hospital. Wish us luck!
About
Mason Gourley was born on August 12th, 2010 at 9:22pm, a whole two months early. This blog is dedicated to the journey two geeks are taking in raising their first child.
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