Trick or Treat!

Hayden's First Halloween!!  Since, I always call him Buddy Bear, we dressed him as an adorable little Teddy Bear!! He looks so stinkin' cute, I just what to squeeze his little cheeks over and over!!  Can't wait for all of our future Halloweens!!

6 month update!

It’s been a while since we’ve posted, and a lot is going on!

Hayden’s first tooth has come in the past week. It’s a small little nub on his lower gum-line. He was in a bit of pain during this time and has not slept particularly well. Now that it’s broken through the gums he’s relaxed a little.

Unfortunately, he now has a cold and a lot of mucus built up in his nose/sinuses. We are hoping it is just a cold and not a sinus infection as we’ve heard they are notoriously difficult to diagnose in babies. This is because much of their sinus system is still developing (we had no idea!). He understandably won’t sleep in his crib longer than half an hour as the fluid build up gets to be too much. So, we either hold him or put him in his bouncy chair on an incline. We feel awful for him L

On a more positive note, Hayden is sitting up very well on his own. He occasionally tips over, but you can see he makes an effort to control his upper body. It’s really cute seeing him play his little piano (more like club it with his hand). He reminds us of Schroeder from Peanuts.

Another positive note is that Hayden can entertain himself for longer stretches. Up until the past few weeks he would become restless or bored after 10 to 15 minutes of any particular activity. Now he can go 20 to 25 minutes. That means actual sit down dinners for Mom and Dad together J

It's been a while...

It's been some time since our last post. Hayden is just about 5 months old now!!! He has grown so much. Crystal saw a 6 week old while attending Gymboree with Hayden this past week. She couldn't believe Hayden was ever that small.

Hayden has developed a lot recently. He's figured out how to roll from his back to stomach in the past week or so. We woke one night and found him completely sideways in his crib from moving so much. Even more surprising is that we have a wedge in his crib to keep him in a certain sleeping position (non-back). He managed his way out of that while rolling around!!!

He has a doctor appointment tomorrow (Saturday) where he will receive his next round of vaccinations. Last time he let out a silent scream when they inserted the needles into his legs. We expect this time his protests will be considerably louder. On the plus side, we now know to give him baby Tylenol after the shots to keep his legs from being so swollen and painful for him.

If someone were to ask me what the best thing is about having a baby so far I'd have two things. One, is coming home from work and seeing his face light up when he sees me. The other would be seeing Crystal mothering him.

Fast nipples, they don't make you suck!

So, now that Hayden is 3 months old we've read we should, or rather can, start using faster nipples for bottle feeding. Well, so far it isn't working out so well! While it used to take Hayden about 15 minutes to eat a 6-7oz. bottle (with burping), it now takes him about 5 minutes! "What's the problem!?!" you ask? The problem is that he becomes wicked crabby afterward. We think it's due to gassiness, but we can't be sure. He does not spit up, but as we said he's crabby and wants to be held non-stop.

So, we're thinking the slow nipples are still cool after all (don't you say otherwise!!!). In a few weeks/months when he starts eating rice cereal, baby food, steak (huh?) we'll see how things go.

College funds for our boy!

Parents can invest in 529 plans which are essentially mutual funds dedicated toward saving for a childs college. You contribute money after taxes, so you get hit there. However, so long as any withdrawal made by the beneficiary is made for the purpose of attending college, you are not taxed on any earnings.

We are contributing to a plan through Fidelity for Hayden. I set the account up before he was born, and so I was the initial beneficiary. Now that our boy has his own Social Security number (we'll see if that's around when he retires!), we've switched the beneficiary to Hayden. He's just over 3 months old and already has his own investment account, sweet!!!

As an aside, I also started investing in an IRA since my current companies 401k does not allow me to participate until I've been here a year (boooo!!!). What I did not realize is that I had to manage the funds myself since I did not think I could invest in a mutual fund (requires a large initial investment). I called today and found that because I contribute at least $200 a month, they waive that requirement. So now the monies are invested directly into a mutual fund! Vahoooo! Me picking my own stocks to invest in, and with a $19.95 commission, is not an equation for a healthy retirement fund!!!

Ah-gooooooo!

Hayden is becoming quite talkative in the past few days. He's been saying "ah-goooooo" for the past few weeks. But now, he not only says that more emphatically, but he's expanding his vocabulary by making funny new noises as well.

Mommy has noticed that when changing Hayden in his nursery he will talk to his stuffed giraffe. He also enjoys just looking at Mommy and I while we change him.

If you'd like to book Hayden for any speaking engagements, please give his mother a call!

Shots, they're not cool!

Poor Hayden has his first round of shots to vaccinate him against some nasty viruses this past weekend. The doctor and nurse did a tag team approach both giving him a shot in each thigh at the same time.

Hayden didn't know what hit him. He immediately tried to scream/wail but instead his face turned beet red while he took in a very deep breath for a scream that never really materialized. Mom and I felt absolutely horrible for the "not so little anymore" guy.

Later that evening, Hayden finally let us know how he felt about the ordeal. He started crying inexplicably as if he was in pain. We discovered that his thighs were swollen and very sensitive from the shots. If we so much as touched his thighs with too much pressure he would immediately cry. We unfastened the buttons on his jumper outfit and made sure to hold him to avoid this problem.

Hayden still looks a little pale from the vaccinations, but his temperment and sleeping patterns are back to normal.

His first portraits, awwwww!

Hayden had his first portraits taken a few weekends ago and the results are in. If you'd like to check them out, and even order a few, here is the information you'll need:

To get started, click below and enter your Customer Name (Crystal Rutherford): https://www.smilesbywire.com/home.asp?AC=LTP25002083009JCP or go to http://www.smilesbywire.com and enter the following: Customer Name: Crystal Rutherford Access Code: LTP25002083009JCP

1 month check-up, and more...

Hayden had his 1 month check-up yesterday with his new pediatrician. His growth looks good. He is 22 and 1/4 inches long and weighs in at 10lbs. 4oz. That's a 2lb. weight gain since birth!

We had a slew of questions for the pediatrician regarding things we've noticed with Hayden. Top on our list was his grunting. Based on the description we gave the doctor, he says Hayden appears to have a bit of reflux. This is something common in some babies and usually goes away after a few months. The doctor provided us with a soy based formula to use in lieu of a cow's milk based formula. This is supposed to help with his gassiness, etc. It takes a few days to kick in, so we'll see.

On a more positive note, Hayden is starting to make occasional cooing sounds now. He does it more often around his mother, but once in a while I get lucky.

The dogs are still adapting to the change in routine at home. Louie enjoys being outside much more than he ever has in the past. He will sometimes be outside for hours waiting for an unsuspecting person to walk by so he can bark at them incessantly. Guinness on the other hand likes to stare at us now as if she's waiting for us to fall asleep so she can work up some nastiness.

Oops, I tooted!

I being Hayden in this case! He was resting peaceably in his bouncy chair when he suddenly passed gas and woke himself up! Normally this would be considered gross and uncouth, but being a baby it's hilarious!

Hayden is more attentive in recent days. He really likes to look around the house, especially at lights. He will track a toy or rattle briefly and will have a look of complete surprise on his face when you bring it close and touch his nose.

He seems to be filling out a little more as well. He has chubby cheeks, and just feels heavier when you hold him (yes, even after a clean diaper).

Back to work

I went back to work yesterday (Monday) after taking 2 weeks off to spend with Crystal and Hayden.

I hate to admit it, but going back to work seems easier than taking care of Hayden all day. I already have more respect for Crystal after having birthed our son. I predict I will have more knowing that she will be taking care of him during the day on her own. It's definitely not an easy task!

I've noticed I have a different outlook on my job now that I have both a wife and son at home depending on me. Being responsible for my family definitely instills a little more maturity in you. It's something that I actually feel comforted by.

Grunting, etc....

Hayden constantly grunts in his sleep, and contorts his body as if straining to make a bowel movement. It often appears he wakes himself while doing this making his sleeping patterns a little weird. From what we've read, we should expect some of this up to 4 weeks as his disgestive system gets used to working independently from the former food source...the placenta.

I fret about every little thing that seems weird and want to call the doctor. Crystal is a little more relaxed and is better at dealing with things as they come up.

According to a handout from Hayden's pediatrician, he should be eating every 3 to 4 hours and consuming 2.5 to 3 ounces of milk at each feeding. We've found he usually prefers to eat every 2 hours, and occasionally will go 3 hours before feedings.

He looka lika man!

That's a Mad TV reference for those not in the know!

Everyday Hayden looks more like a little boy. Crystal and I are becoming used to handling him and determining what he wants. His sleeping schedule is starting to shift day by day. He sleeps a little more a night, and a little less during the day now

He smiles occasionally, although we are aware that's mostly due to gas. But we'll take smiles however we can get them. You can tell when he does smile he'll be a cute kid (not that he isn't already!).

The dogs are getting used to him too. For the first time, Louie actually sat next to Crystal while she held the baby and didn't shy away. Up until that point, he would always look away and not come too close. We're working on making sure the dogs do not view Hayden as a competitor for our attention (though we secretly admit he is!).

Lastly, if you'd like to save the full scale version of photos in the gallery to your computer for printing, etc. you can view the slide show in "Full Screen" mode by clicking the link above the slide show. Then, you can right-click on a picture and select "Save As". Alternatively, you can right-click on a picture and select "Print" to print it immediately.

Tummy Time

Hayden is definitely not a fan of tummy time... it is so sad to see how upset he gets when we put him on his stomach! :(  Hopefully, as the weeks go on, he will get use to it.

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First Bath

Hayden's first bath was a little uneventful, which I guess is a good thing!  He slept through the majority of it. :)  I'm sure, next time I will wish he would sleep.

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First night home!

Hayden "The Rocketman" Rutherford launched a shock and awe campaign of urinary and wailing assaults on his parents last night! A pee-pee tee-pee was placed on Hayden during his diaper change to ward off an expected urinary attack on Daddy. Unfortunately, Hayden's strength of flow was under estimated and the tee-pee was launched off and pee invaded Daddy's shirt and pants!

It was a rough night for everyone. Hayden was understandably upset being in a new environment. Not only that, but because of his high bilirubin and jaundice, he has to wear a special blanket when sleeping. He looks like a glo-worm!

Mommy is feeling considerably better and has more energy at times. But she is still uncomfortable, and tends to over exert herself, wearing out easily. She is very happy, and proud of Hayden, as he finally breast fed the way he's expected to! This plus the special blanket means "The Rocketman" will be clear of jaundice in another day or so.

Leaving the hospital!

We are finally leaving the hospital today with our son!

On Saturday morning, his pediatrician informed us that he was moderatly jaundice and would need to be under special lighting for a period of time to help him break down the extra bilirubin.

Crystal was understandably very upset. The doctor told us it is a very normal thing to happen considering some of the circumstances. Some of the nurses and other doctors were even surprised to hear the level of bilirubin he has qualifies as having jaundice.

He is doing much better now and pending his last test today, we will finally bring him home. Both, Crystal and I cannot wait to introduce him to his home and and his brother/sister from another mother (Louie & Guinness).

Our boy is born!

Hayden Jacob Rutherford was born on 03/22 at 5:02PM. He weighed in at 8lbs. 3oz. and is 21 inches in length.

Both Crystal and I are exhausted. Crystal pushed for over 3 hours before the doctor requested the use of a vacuum as the baby appeared to be caught up. We both had decided previously we did not want a vacuum to be used, but considering the circumstances and the utter exhaustion and extreme pain Crystal was enduring we opted to go ahead.

Although we knew we were having a boy, we were unprepared for the shock of seeing him for the first time. He's a big boy by his length and weight. He has a full head of long light brown hair. He has Crystal's facial features, but my hands and feet (poor guy!).

Mother and baby are doing well and are resting until Saturday afternoon at the hospital. We will bring him home for the first time on Saturday night.

    

 

So this pregnant lady walks into a hospital...

Sorry, no punchline. I just thought that alone sounded funny.

Nervous, excited, scared...all things I'm feeling and I'm not the one delivering a baby!

I'm catching an early train home today so I can spend the remainder of the day with Crystal. I'd like to have a big dinner only because I'm starving right now, but big dinner in Crystal + delivery = bad things :)

Two More Days!

Only two more days of feeling Squishy move in my stomach, before seeing him move in my arms. Part of me is sad (I know that sounds crazy), but my 10 months of pregnancy is coming to an end. Although, the other part of me is relieved.

Jake and I are very excited to meet Hayden. We both hope for a speedy and healthy delivery.