Monday, October 12, 2009

It's going so fast

It's been too long since our last post. Watson is getting to be such a big boy. He's a little powerhouse. Full of energy and really strong.

Let's see, since our last entry, Watson started crawling, right about 6 1/2 months. He also grew 3 more teeth and now has an even cuter smile. I just love it. He's also way into food now, which is good because we were beginning to wonder if he'd ever like anything but the boob. But he must need the calories for all the crawling, standing, and attempting to walk that he is doing.

As Watson grows into a little person he is getting more and more fun. We just love to watch him play and figure things out. He loves other babies and he loves people too, especially his Grandmas.

He'll be 9 months on Saturday, so close to being a year, I cannot believe it. 2009 has flown by so far and I imagine when Watson starts walking, and then talking it'll go even faster.

Will post again after Halloween.

Happy Fall everyone!







Tuesday, August 4, 2009

StuffOnBabies.com

It's finally here! The Stuff On Babies Blog!!

http://stuffonbabies.wordpress.com/

Send it to all your friends! Spread the word, we need more pictures of babies with stuff on 'em!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Busy Baby!

Since I last posted Watson has attended three weddings, cut two teeth, eaten real food, learned to read, and is now walking!

No but seriously, the first three things on that list are true. It's been a busy month and a half. We survived the weddings well. Although it must be noted that this kid does not appreciate loud, noisy parties, and when pushed to his limit, he becomes very cranky. Who doesn't though? So needless to say, the weddings start out well and by the end of the night he's crying and tired and pissed at me for keeping him there so long. Luckily he forgives me pretty quickly and moves on.

One of the weddings we went to was on the Oregon coast. That's right! Watson's first plane trip. We were feeling fairly anxious about it but it ended going as smooth as can be. I nursed Watson while the plane was ascending and he then fell asleep for about an hour. It's a short flight to Portland and before I knew it we were there and he was still in a good mood! Yay baby! The two hour car ride to the coast, not so much. He needed a lot of coddling and entertaining and there was still quite a bit of crying and fussing by the time we got there. Again, can you blame him? No one likes to be strapped in an uncomfortable seat for hours, staring at the same face that keeps trying to make you laugh or smile when really you probably just want to be left alone!

The plane trip back was smooth as well, although he was awake most of time. Luckily he was in a good mood and the people next to me were great grandparents who love babies. Even the two bachelors behind me complimented Watson on what a good baby he was the whole flight. Very sweet. So I can't say I want to fly anywhere any time soon, but all in all, it was a positive experience.

In other news, Watson now has two bottom front teeth. It's a good thing they are so cute and make his smile even more beautiful, cuz they were kind of a bitch for everyone when they were growing in. His sleep pattern still has not fully recovered.

In addition to new teeth, he has also tried some new food. He has tried some rice cereal, banana, and avocado. None of which did he like very much or seem interested in. I am going to revisit next month and see how it goes. It's not as if he's starving, contrary to what certain Grandmothers might think (No Mom, he does not need a french fry!).

Other than all that he really is just moving around like a wild baby, rolling and scooting and almost sitting up on his own. Soon enough he is going to be crawling all over the place, giving me a good workout. I look forward to it, I need the exercise.

That's it for now, Happy 4th of July everyone!



Love,



Andi, Brandon, and Watson




First non booby milk food!


Wedding #2



Teeth!


StuffOnBabies.com coming soon....

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Our little big man!

Well first of all, Brandon got puked on. What looks like bird shit on his head and shoulder is in fact Watson's fresh vomit. Brandon was throwing Watson in the air and saw a pile mouthful of vomit on its way out. In order to avoid it getting into his own mouth, Brandon moved Watson up higher and ta-da! On his head it went. It was nice to know that Watson does not prefer to excrete his bodily fluids solely on me. I'll have to thank him for that some day.

Other updates from Watson's world are that well, he's big. But you knew that already. As of the 17th, which was his four month birthday, he weighs 17 lbs, 5 oz and he's about 26.5 inches long. Some people say he doesn't look like he's that big, and maybe he doesn't, but when you pick him up he is one rock solid baby. He is quickly outgrowing clothes and baby holding devices. I'm wondering what the hell I'm supposed to do in order to take a shower when he outgrows his bouncer. Can someone tell me? Please? Because these are the kinds of things I need help with. Thanks.

So today he rolled over for the first time. From his back to his tummy. I never thought I could be so excited about something like this, but I really am. He's done it several times since this morning and every single time I'm amazed!

I guess that's it for now. Here's a couple more cute pics from this last week. That's his little fancy Sean John track suit that finally fits him. He looks so sharp in it. If anyone knows where I can purchase a fake gold chain for him to wear with it, I would appreciate it.

And then of course there is the requisite post bath picture. He has come a long way in that department with some extensive mommy/bath therapy.

Alright, that's it until next month. Watson has three weddings to attend and will also have his first airplane trip in June!























Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Bunnies and Buttcracks


Well by now the picture of Watson with bunny ears is famous in certain circles. I have been playfully shamed by some and told I'm going to hell by others for doing that to him. I mean really people, they're just bunny ears! They cost 3.99 at Walgreens! And he did not seem to mind them while they were on. If he grows up and has some sort of weird furry fetish, well then, I guess I'll take the blame for that.

Anyway, in addition to putting our son is stupid outfits and taking pictures, we've been participating in lots of other quality activities. As you can see, Brandon is teaching Watson the tough ways of the accountant. Bang that fist on that calculator! Show them who's boss!


Aside from his somewhat cranky old man personality traits, Watson is also suffering from male pattern baldness. That luscious head of locks has been withered down to what you see here. And the back looks even more ridiculous. He's rubbed it almost all off while sleeping. He's not any less cute, but I will say I am looking forward to it all growing back in.

We're also very tickled by Watson's butt. It makes us laugh. It's just so cute and tiny! Look at it! It's hilarious is it not? And you can never have enough embarrassing pictures of your kids naked, in my opinion. I am going to have so much fun showing them off to any future girlfriends or boyfriends!

So yeah we've been amusing ourselves quite a bit at the expense of our son. But we're also sensitive to his needs and his development. Last time I wrote he had only just begun to pay attention to objects. Now he is fully into holding and grabbing his toys (and also my hair and Brandon's beard). It's awesome to see his mind at work. He is also getting so strong. He's nearly 16 pounds now. He can keep his head up and he now has one of those little chairs to help him learn to sit. He seems pretty into it. Soon enough he'll be sitting on his own, then he'll be rolling over, and crawling, and then walking! It's just f**king amazing really, watching this kid grow! There is nothing I would rather be doing with my life.

I will wrap this up by saying that out of all the things I love to do with Watson, watching him sleep might be my favorite thing right now. That may change, but right now he is just so precious and wonderful when he's all cozied up in bed. I love the way he looks in the pic below, like a little sleeping creature. My little Watson gnome.

Alright that's it for now. I'm going to go take some more pics of his buttcrack now.

-Andi

Thursday, March 26, 2009

I don't mean to brag


But my baby hella cute!

I know, I know, I'm his mom. I am required to find him adorable, but seriously, he and his little man face kill me. Sometimes I just sit there and stare at him while he's sleeping and am in total awe. How did I end up with such a great baby? What did I do to deserve him?

A friend of mine is expecting in September and he emailed me and asked me what it's really like, day to day, to have a kid. I told him that it was a lot of hard work, and all hands must be on deck 24/7. I told him it was the craziest thing that I've ever done but it's totally amazing and wonderful. He wrote back saying "I like how everyone tells you everything bad but then follows that up with 'it's so amazing!!'"

But it's true! It's such a cliched response but it's a fact. I am not trying to sound like a PSA for having babies, but it is without a doubt, the hardest, most rewarding, and awesome thing I've ever done. Even when Watson is being a jerk or fussing or crying I still feel overwhelmed with happiness that he's in my life.
Some updates from Watsonland:

He is currently 14 lbs and 25 inches long. He is no longer wearing those gloves all the time because I started freaking out about his development. Since I took them off he has discovered his hands and spends a lot of time now trying to eat them. He also, just last night, reached for and grabbed a toy! May not sound very exciting, but it was! His brain works, I'm so proud! He also still hates baths. I don't really know what to do about that. I'm working on it.

I guess that's about it for now, so I'll shut up. Watson rules!
























Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Male Bonding Time

This past weekend Watson and I had our very first male bonding experience, that is to say we hung out, just the two of us. Andi went to a bridal shower in Manteca and left Watson at home with me to our own devices. I have been trying to get this kid alone for weeks now, but Andi has blocked my attempts, finally I have him! We did not do much, but we had a great time. We ate, he pooped, Grandma R. came over, we went for a walk, we ate some more, he pooped some more. I know it does not sound that exciting, but it was!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Watson at Seven Weeks

Here are a coule pictures from this last weekend.
We had a busy one. We hung out with some friends and and their kids on Saturday. It's really nice to be able to hang with people that have kids and know that they are thinking and feeling the same things you are. You can talk about kids for hours and not feel like you are boring people.

On Sunday Watson got to see both of his Grandma's. It really is something to behold two Grandmas smitten with their first grandchild, I highly recommend it.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Watson at Six Weeks

Thug Life. Watson at 6 weeks. He usually does not look this tough (see below). In fact, this took me about 6 shots to get one where he was not crying. Some people would have figured that meant he did not like the "bandana", I guess I am not some people.
Oh and he was 13lbs 2 Oz this morning, only about 235 more to go before he is a very intimidating Linebacker.





Watsons normal face.

Why so sad?

Monday, February 23, 2009

Watson at Five Weeks


Oh man, this kid is so cute it makes me sick. Not literally of course, but close enough. Everyday he gets bigger (almost 12.5 lbs) and cuter. Everyday he gets to be a little bit more of a person, and as his papa, it is very exciting. He smiles more now, and has even been known to smile AT people from time to time.
Basically, he makes everything that much better. This past weekend was spent running errands. Now that might not sound like fun, but when its with him and his mom, all of a sudden there is nothing I would rather be doing. Running errands was not all we did though, we also used that little bulb thing on his nose. Yes, that's right, I suctioned a big ol booger out of his nose, and it was very rewarding. Now he can breath a bit easier and I know its not the size of the nose but the size of the booger, it was HUGE.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

4 Week Picta


Watson on his 4 Week B Day.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

One Giant Boob

Well Brandon tried to shame me for not having blogged in here yet. It didn't work because I feel I have a pretty good excuse for not having the time to sit and write long winded posts about motherhood that people may or may not be interested in reading. I am living motherhood! I don't have that much time to ponder about it! But here I am, finally writing. Watson is asleep on my chest, wrapped in one of those Moby wraps. I had disregarded the Moby as overly complicated and annoying until yesterday when a friend and fellow mother encouraged me to give it a try. So I fished it out of the pile and did something novel. I read the instructions. The instructions with pictures that are very easy to follow and amazingly it worked! He's in it, snug and sound asleep in his favorite spot. Thank you Corry for the encouragement!

So anyway, I had been wanting to write sooner. The first couple of weeks with Watson were wonderful in many ways, except for one. Breastfeeding was about 100 times harder than I ever imagined it would be. Up until early last week, when we saw our lactation consultant for the third time, I was really frustrated and feeling scared that I'd never get it right. I was also just walking around feeling like one giant boob, like my only purpose in life was to have Watson permanently attached to one of my tits, and I imagined a life of doing nothing else but dragging him around at my chest, trying to make sure he was getting enough to eat! I was beginning to be obsessed with how much he was eating, making sure he was gaining enough weight, nursing for the right amount of time, etc, etc. It was consuming my mind, night and day. But magically, at that last appointment with our "milk fairy" (lactation consultant) Watson had gained quite a bit of weight and she confirmed he was getting a good amount of milk from both boobs. So I have since relaxed. Don't get me wrong, I'm still worried, but not as much. Considering the amount of poopy and peepee diapers I change, I have to assume that Watson is well fed. I no longer feel like I am a walking breast. I feel like I can branch out now and go back to doing and thinking about other things.

Well I guess that's all I got for now. Watson is stirring. Hopefully I'll be back soon.

-andi

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

First Day Back at Work

Yesterday was my first day back at work after three glorious weeks home with my family, it sucked! I knew it was going to suck as I was leaving the house and look in bed to give Andi and Watson a kiss goodbye. They looked so cute and peaceful laying side by side facing each other, I already missed them. I wish I could have put them in my pocket, or better yet, said fuck it and crawled right back in bed with them.

Alas, this is real life, not some fairy tale, so I sucked it up and went off to face my day. Work itself was more or less more of the same. The thing is, I actually really like where I work. I would give my actual job an 8 out of 10, but I would definitely give my place of work a 10 out of 10. There are great people, the culture of company is geared towards family, and they have always treated me well. No matter how much I like my job, it sucks not being with the two people I care about most in this world. Sucks, sucks, sucks! Basically I spent the entire day thinking about them and trying to wade through the multitude of emails eagerly awaiting my return. The emails were the easy part.

Finally, it is time to leave and I head home. When I get home I get back to what I love. I cook some dinner, hang with the fam a minute, clean up dinner, and low and behold its 8PM, time for bed. Again, this sucks. I know I am being a baby about this, and that millions upon millions of parents do the same thing. I get it, but it does not mean that I have to like it.

I'm sure we will get better with our nightly routine and I will have days where I get t0 spend more time with Andi and Watson, and let me tell you I am looking forward to those days. I thought I loved weekends before, but now that's my focus, make it to the weekend and the 48 hours I get to spend with those I love.

Brandon

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

I Take Yo Picta




No more pictures please.




His first sponge bath at home.









Why so scared?




Finally, his umbilical cord has fallen off.


Monday, February 2, 2009


Our little man at two weeks.

The First Poop Accident…..

Now, I have friends with boys, and they have told me certain things. For instance, he WILL pee on you at some point; there is no two ways about it. Well, it has been two weeks and he has not peed on me yet. He has peed on himself though, right in his eye actually. For the tiniest fraction of a second I felt bad for not covering his wiener up when changing his diaper, then I quickly realized how hilarious it was. I laughed, and now I put a washcloth over his tackle when changing his diaper, because while it was funny, too much of anything is not a good thing.

But this is about poop not pee. I was sitting in the living room when I hear my wife scream. Instantly the fear grips me. Did she drop him on his head? Has he stopped breathing? I run back to his room to find my wife holding him in front of her like, well a baby that has crapped all over the place. It is EVERYWHERE! UP her shirt, DOWN her pants, on the floor. Because it was not me, it was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I’ve noticed that being a mom removes all modesty you had in life, and that was just another example. I would include a picture, but she was breastfeeding at the time and had one of her milk factories hanging out. Yes, I did take a picture before I helped her. My day is coming.

Brandon

Being a new Dad….

Is more than I could have possibly prepared myself for. It is more work, more worry, more joy and so much more love than I thought in my wildest dreams.

Our little man, Watson Kirby Rusk, was born just over two weeks ago at a whopping 10lbs 7oz, he is quite the big boy. We spent our first three days in the hospital, getting to know each other, and just trying to recover from the 18 laborfest that was to be his first mark on this world. In the end he came out looking beautiful and both his and his mom are healthy, mission #1 accomplished.

Once home the real story starts. No one tells you, but even if they did you would not believe, the amount of worry that goes into those first few days. Is he too hot, why is he breathing like that, is he eating enough, it’s enough to make you go mad. One night in particular felt like a bad trip with my wife and I having a joint emotional meltdown as we fretted over how little he was eating. At that point there was no consoling us, he was going to wither away in his sleep and die, that’s it! Well, the next day, we visit the lactation consultant and not only is he getting enough he has been putting on weight ahead of the average for a newborn. Not to say that information has made all of our fears go away, but it is something to get us through those nights when those fears try and take hold.

It has not been all worry though, it has also been the deepest joy imaginable. It’s amazing what can now make me face light up. After we first got him home, he went almost two days without making business (taking a poo). As the hours ticked by without a movement the worry built up. Finally he let loose! I was so proud. Yeah that’s right, my kid crapped all over himself and I was proud. Being a new dad is a crazy thing.

Every day that goes by he is a bit more alert, a bit more in control of his movements. Being able to watch this happen is awesome. I had no idea my entire world could become so focused, but it has, on my son.

Brandon