Liam's First Bath

This is a little late, but here is Liam taking his first bath after the umbilical cord fell off.

This is no Walk in the Park

May 20, 2010

Liam and I had a very busy day today. We met Catherine, Erika and Joy for lunch and spent the afternoon introducing Liam to the work crew. Of course Liam was a hit in the office and only cried once. ;)

At 5:00 we left the office to meet Meags for a walk home. What a great walk we had from the Sear's (sorry, Willis) Tower to the United Center. Thanks Meags for making the walk home fly by. We cannot wait to do it again.

Second Month Check-Up

May 13, 2010

What a busy day. My parents came into town with Uncle Victor and Carson. This was Carson's first visit to the Chi and we hope not his last. My parents treated the kids, Victor and I to lunch at Rainforest Cafe (unfortunately, JB had to work). Liam is a bit young for this, but it was fun to get out with the family.

Carson, on the other hand, was the perfect age and loved it. In fact, he asked my Dad if he would put Apes down in the basement. It is so fun to see life through the eyes of children. Needless to say we had a great time.

Carson, Liam and Grandpa outside after lunch.

After lunch we dropped Victor and Carson off at my place for a nap while we headed to Liam's Dr. apt. This is the second month check-up and we were seeing Dr. T for the first time. All I can say is that we absolutely love her. She listened to all of my concerns and put my mind to ease with any worries I had as a new mom. As Dr. T and I talked Liam sat in my arms with his fist underneath his chin listening to us. Periodically, he would sigh as if he comprehended everything Dr. T said. ;)

This visit Liam weighed in at 15 lbs. and 26 5/8 inches long. He is in the 97th percentile for weight and height. Thankfully, Dr. T reassured me that Liam is in proportion and not to be alarmed. This visit Liam had to received a round of shots that he took like a champ. I was so proud of my little man.

At this visit Liam was also diagnosed with acid reflux. I believe that he has more of the silent reflux (where he swallows it back down instead of spitting up large amounts). Liam was showing all the signs of reflux (gagging/coughing at times, abdominal pain, etc.). Eventually Liam will outgrow reflux, but in the meantime, we are giving him medications three times a day. In addition, we are adding a little bit of rice cereal to his formula. The combination of the two seem to be helping him keep the formula down.

We ended the Dr.'s visit with talk about Liam's sleep habits. Currently he is sleeping three to four hours at a time. Dr. T said that he is right on track and not to expect more regarding sleep patterns. So, we left the Dr.'s office with Mama and Papa in tow. We picked up Liam's medicine and headed back home. As we walked in the door, there was Carson ready to play. Poor guy did not want to leave. In fact, he told my parents and Victor goodbye and that he would see them later. He was ready to stay with Baby Liam and Aunt Leslie. Oh Carson - we cannot wait for you to come visit again. Love you much.

Thank you Mom, Dad and Victor for making the trip to the Chi. We had a great day!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day to the wonderful women I have been blessed with in my life. It feels great to join the club of motherhood. Thank you Liam for making this day so special. I love you to pieces.

Here is A Newborn's Conversation with God - Enjoy (sorry so long)

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have
to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand
when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words
you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will
teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach
you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach
you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth
could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave
now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."

Mom, Liam and Leslie - Mother's Day 2010.
Liam and Mama - Mother's Day 2010.

Happy Anniversary

April 26, 2010

It is amazing how time flies. Two years ago JB and I exchanged our wedding vows with the love and support of friends and family. Happy Anniversary JB! I cannot wait to see where this path leads us.

Happy Birthday Mom

April 27, 2010

Liam took his first train ride on the South Shore to South Bend this morning. We headed intoElkhart to celebrate my Mom's birthday. Liam did awesome on the train ride in. He mostly slept in my arms the entire two hour and twenty minute ride. I didn't mind. ;)

We had a great time celebrating with Victor, Carson and my Grandma as well. Unfortunately,JB had to work and was unable to make it. We ended the day with cake from Allen's bakery and dinner at Red Lobster.

Happy Birthday Mom!! We love you more that words can describe. We hope you enjoyed your day.

New Doctor

April 6, 2010

Today we had our first visit with our new pediatrician. I decided to make the switch after much deliberating and conversations with other moms/friends.

It was so nice to walk into the office and be greeted with a warm welcome from Regina. As I checked us in I was only able to get out Brown when Regina said, "We have been waiting for you Liam." My mom was with me at this appointment and we both felt comfortable at this office. Regina's welcoming confirmed that I had made the right decision to switch.

We met the Dr. and unfortunately were unable to see Dr. T. at this visit (first month checkup). However, we loved Dr. Lu. She was good about answering all of my questions and just put my new mom worries to ease. We discussed at this appointmet the possibility of Liam having reflux as well as the diaper rash that we went to the ER for in March.

Surprise, surprise - Dr. Lu confirmed my thoughts that this was a yeast rash and that we need an ointment to clear this up. Amazingly, all it took was cream that people use to cure athlete's foot. That's right this was something that was available over the counter. You can imagine my frustration when I received this information. Here poor Liam had this rash that could have been easily cleared up. In fact, once we used the cream, the rash was gone in four days.

Dr. Lu also confirmed that Liam had thrush and to continue to use the script previously prescribed. Liam is weighing in at the 97th percentile for height and weight, which is perfectly in proportion for both weight and height. Liam ended this visit with a shot in the leg. He cried briefly, but was immediately consoled by Mama.

The rest of the day Liam wanted to be held and loved on. Of course, I was happy to oblige. ;)

Quick side note, the nurses loved Liam's red hair. What a great visit.

Happy Easter

April 4, 2010

Once again we headed into Elkhart to celebrate Easter with family. It was a great day to travel and Liam did well on the drive in. My mom made a wonderful dinner and a terrific Bunny cake for the kids. I hid over 30 Easter eggs for Carson to find this afternoon. I know, a bit much for a two year old, but my mom couldn't help herself when she found the filled sports eggs. The funny part is that half way through the hunt Carson told me he needed his power wheels to finish the search.

Obviously, Liam is too young for an Easter egg hunt, so he enjoyed being the center of my Great Aunt Bernice's attention. This was their first meeting. Liam also enjoyed the loving arms of my Aunt Debbie and Cousin Nancy for the first time.

Unfortunately, the ride back home did not go as smooth since it took almost four hours to get back home with all the traffic. Poor Liam was ready to get out of his car seat and I was ready to get out of the car. Hope everyone enjoyed the day.

Visit From Meags

April 2, 2010

Today Liam was finally able to Meags. Originally we were going to meet on Tuesday, but after the ER visit we rescheduled for today. Thanks Meags for coming over and for the great Cubs outfit. This is Liam's first of many Cubs clothing I'm sure.

Courtney and Nate Visit

March 31, 2010

Today Liam was able to meet Cousin Courtney and Nate. We had a great time visiting with them and an even better dinner at Leona's. We appreciate you guys taken the time to stop by and see us on your way to Vegas!!!! This is Nate's first time out west and I am sure that he is going to love it.

First ER Visit

March 29th = first ER visit

Last night was our first visit to the ER. Liam has a horrible diaper rash that will just not go away. It just breaks my heart to see his red little bottom. The rash first appeared last Thursday and has yet to improve. I have let his bottom air out, soaked in a bath, used various ointments, changed the diapers, changed formula as instructed by the Dr. and changed the brand of wipes. All of this and still no improvement.

The ER doctor confirmed that Liam has thrush (as I suspected) and provided us with a prescription. Unfortunately, he did nothing regarding the rash.

Visit from Katie Cous

March 26, 2010

Thanks Katie for a great visit. Not to mention, thank you for the wonderful dinner and breakfast.

Thank you Erika for our Saturday visit and for lunch. Sorry no pictures of this visit, but I will get you next time with Ava. ;)

Diaper Rash

March 27 2010

Poor Liam - ha has a diaper rash that will not go away. It started on Thursday and seems to be hanging on. I have been changing his diapers every hour on the dot, unless he needs to be changed prior to that and monitoring him with a watchful eye. When JB came home we called the Dr. and was instructed to change his formula from milk to soy. We are doing this immediately and hope this will clear up the diaper rash.

March 28, 2010

The diaper rash appears to be getting worse and I am at my wits ends. His little buns are so red and he looks like he is in pain with each change.

March 29, 2010

My parents are here to help with Liam. No change in status with the diaper rash. We called the Dr. twice this evening and she said that I am doing everything that I can do, but if I feel that he is unable to make it through the night, then I should take him to the ER. The night seemed to go on with Liam getting no relief from any of the ointments that JB bought. I even tried putting corn starch on his little buns. I couldn't handle it anymore, so we packed up Liam and headed in to the ER.

Happy St. Pat's Day

March 17, 2010

Happy St. Pat's Day!!

We had our firs visit into Elkhart today. I wish that it was under better circumstances, but unfortunately we are in town to see JB's grandfather. Grandfather has been battling cancer for sometime now and the prognosis is not good. Sadly, we are not sure how much longer he has with us.

While in town we also were able to see my parents. Liam was also able to meet cousin Carson and Uncle Victor. We were not sure what Carson would think of Liam once he arrived, but once Carson realized that his toys and Papa were safe from Liam he was okay.

This was a quick visit and Liam did well on the ride in. It was nice to see family and for Carson and Liam to finally meet.

Carson meeting Liam.

Liam getting changed on Mama and Papa's bed.

Mama changing Liam

Liam's First Dr. Visit

March 15th

Today we had Liam's first Dr.'s visit. My parents are in town and my mom is going to the Dr.'s apt. with Liam and I. We are meeting JB at the Dr.'s office since it is close to his job.

My mom and I left with plenty of time to get to the Dr.'s office, but you never know with Chicago rush hour traffic. Thankfully we made it to the office a half hour before his appointment. Liam was an awesome as we sat in the waiting room for our name to be called.

Once Liam's name was called, we began his first Dr.'s visit. When we left the hospital, Liam was 10 lbs. and 22 1/2 inches long. At this visit, Liam weighed in at 10.5 lbs. and 23 inches long. The nurse could not get over the fact that I was up and moving around. I have to admit that her amazement at my ability to get around so quickly after birth made me feel great.

I wish I could say the rest of the visit was just as great. Unfortunately, I left the Dr.'s office feeling as if I was the world's worst mom. When we were finally able to see the Dr. our visit consisted of talk regarding breastfeeding vs. formula. I was told that I was given wrong information at the hospital and that I was teaching Liam instant gratification. I was shocked - instant gratification, really? The Dr. also said that Liam could go a day without eating and that he gained too much weight since leaving the hospital. Seriously, this was not what I was expecting. Great, I am going to be one of those mothers who is on Jerry Spring or Jenny Jones with the overweight toddler.

I was already having a hard time with breastfeeding and this just made me feel worst.

The Dr. did a quick exam of Liam and most of my concerns were met with the response that this was normal baby behavior. The exam was a bit too quick for me, but I am a new mom and did not know what to expect. Not to mention, I think the Dr. was more interested in my mom than Liam. Seriously, he asked if my mom was really my sister three times or more.

After three hours my mom, Liam and I left the Dr.'s office. JB had to leave after an hour and a half to get back to work. I expressed my frustrations with my mom as she reassured me that I was doing everything right. This was not at all how I imagined this appointment going

Now what?

Here is a pic of Liam in the office as we wait to see the Dr. Of course it was during his feeding time. Good thing the Dr. didn't see this feeding. ;)

Welcome Liam Andrew Brown

March 9, 2010

Liam Andrew Brown arrived this afternoon weighing in at 9 pounds and 15 ounces. Liam measured 22 1/2 inches long. I know what you are thinking, what a big boy. ;)

I feel in love with Liam instantly. He is adorable with his big brown eyes, red hiar and pink lips. Yes, that is correct, I said red hair. Once we met Liam with his red hair, JB and I agreed that the name fit him perfectly. As a side note, Liam was the only name that both JB and I both liked. Believe me there were many suggested, but we always came back to Liam. Andrew is after my sisiter Andrea. For those of you who do not know, I lost my sister when she was eight years old (I was twelve) in a car accident five days before Christmas. This was a great way to honor her and I was touched with JB's thoughtfulness.

Final Dr.'s Visit - March 8th

Today is our final Dr.'s appointment regarding Baby Brown. Dr. Clinton confirmed that there is no change in Brown's status. Therefore, we said goodbye to Dr. Clinton until Tuesday morning for delivery. In the meantime, we are heading home to relax before going to the hospital at midnight for inducing.