Yes, being a parent is such a wonderful experience, but there are many things that people don't tell you.
For instance:
~There is A LOT of crying involved (by both the baby and mother)
~Peeing your pants becomes cool (for both the baby and mother)
~The first poop is a doozie (for both the baby and mother)
~Naps are necessary (for both the baby and mother)
~Diapers aren't a dime a dozen
~Laundry will double if not triple
~Babies eat a lot (very frequently for long durations)
~Babies fart loud
~Babies get acne too
~Babies suck hard
~My boobs feel like an implant job gone wrong
~The shower becomes a place of refuge
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE being a parent and Kyler is quite a joy, but let the truth be known! I'm sure that just like the pains of pregnancy have been forgotten, so will the pains of having a new little one in the house!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Cameron Cuties - Kyler's First Official Play Date
This was the year of babies at Cameron! Kim had twins, Abby and Luke, in April, I had Kyler in June and Angy had Lanie in July. We all met up today for a "play date" which is code word for Mommy's social time. It is so nice to talk with other moms about becoming a mom and all of the stuggles and joys of being a mom. Plus it was great to get out of the house for a while!
The Mommas (Me, Kim, and Angy)
The Babies (Abby, Lanie, Kyler, Luke)
The Mommas (Me, Kim, and Angy)
The Babies (Abby, Lanie, Kyler, Luke)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Appreciating Parenthood
What is a parent?
Webster's dictionary defines a parent as:
par·ent
1 a: one that begets or brings forth offspring b: a person who brings up and cares for another
2 a: an animal or plant that is regarded in relation to its offspring b: the material or source from which something is derived c: a group from which another arises and to which it usually remains subsidiary
I now believe that being a parent entails much more than this definition. I'm not too sure that there is one clear definition that could possibly represent what a parent is and does. To me being a parent is having an extreme amount of patience, being a good role model/citizen, being a protector from all evil, getting up in the middle of the night (it is amazing how much one can accomplish on little, interrupted sleep), changing lots of dirty diapers, loving someone more than I love myself, and constantly putting that person before me. And these are only a few of my personal experiences - like I said before, there is no clear definition. When I was pregnant, many people would try to tell me just how much joy being a parent would bring into my life, but it is only now that I truly believe them. No one can tell you nor could a class possibly prepare you for what becoming a parent is like.
Don't get me wrong, I am loving and appreciating every minute of parenthood.
Another thing I truly appreciate about parenthood, is watching Josh develop into a parent of his own. Every time I think about Josh as the father of my child it brings me tears of joy. He has been a incredible father figure already, and it has been less than 4 weeks. He was so very supportive through my entire pregnancy, he was astounded by the labor and delivery, and the way he adores our son is simply heartwarming.
Last but not least, becoming a parent has made me appreciate the gracious gift of a good parenting that my parents have given to me. Wow! I just think back to what I put my parents through and can only hope that Kyler is just a little more respectful than I was to my parents. I can not thank my parents enough for what they have taught me, given me and how much they have loved and still love me!
Webster's dictionary defines a parent as:
par·ent
1 a: one that begets or brings forth offspring b: a person who brings up and cares for another
2 a: an animal or plant that is regarded in relation to its offspring b: the material or source from which something is derived c: a group from which another arises and to which it usually remains subsidiary
I now believe that being a parent entails much more than this definition. I'm not too sure that there is one clear definition that could possibly represent what a parent is and does. To me being a parent is having an extreme amount of patience, being a good role model/citizen, being a protector from all evil, getting up in the middle of the night (it is amazing how much one can accomplish on little, interrupted sleep), changing lots of dirty diapers, loving someone more than I love myself, and constantly putting that person before me. And these are only a few of my personal experiences - like I said before, there is no clear definition. When I was pregnant, many people would try to tell me just how much joy being a parent would bring into my life, but it is only now that I truly believe them. No one can tell you nor could a class possibly prepare you for what becoming a parent is like.
Don't get me wrong, I am loving and appreciating every minute of parenthood.
Another thing I truly appreciate about parenthood, is watching Josh develop into a parent of his own. Every time I think about Josh as the father of my child it brings me tears of joy. He has been a incredible father figure already, and it has been less than 4 weeks. He was so very supportive through my entire pregnancy, he was astounded by the labor and delivery, and the way he adores our son is simply heartwarming.
Last but not least, becoming a parent has made me appreciate the gracious gift of a good parenting that my parents have given to me. Wow! I just think back to what I put my parents through and can only hope that Kyler is just a little more respectful than I was to my parents. I can not thank my parents enough for what they have taught me, given me and how much they have loved and still love me!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Family Photos
When Kyler was just 11 days old we took him to his first photo shoot. These are just a sample of the incredible portraits taken by Shannon Conner.
It's ok, I cried too!
It's ok, I cried too!
Meeting people Kyler's size!
Kyler has been introduced to many new faces, but rarely gets to meet people his own size. Last week we introduced him to his first girlfriend, Lanie Kay.
This week Kim brought over her twins that are 12 weeks old, yet practically the same size as Kyler. It was really fun to see what sort of things Kyler will be doing at that age, but I'm sure that he will be much bigger. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures, but next time we visit we will!
Grandma and Grandpa Urich
Kyler was introduced to Grandma and Grandpa Urich on Sunday. He enjoyed their attention. Kyler loved being rocked to sleep by Grandma. He was able to relax when Grandpa was holding him as he let everything go (more than once). He was also spoiled with four new outfits. 
Check out all the boys!!!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Two Weeks and Loving Life!
Kyler is doing very well! He is "thriving" as the nurse at the breastfeeding clinic put it. On Wednesday he weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces and was getting plenty to eat! He likes to eat just like his mommy and daddy!
Thursday was a big day too. Kyler's plug fell out of his belly button and we were able to have a real bath. I don't think that he liked it too much!
Today we welcomed Lanie Kay Kinyon (Angy and John's new arrival). She was born at 2:19 am weighing 8 pounds exactly and 20 3/4 inches long. Congratulations Angy and John!
Thursday was a big day too. Kyler's plug fell out of his belly button and we were able to have a real bath. I don't think that he liked it too much!
Today we welcomed Lanie Kay Kinyon (Angy and John's new arrival). She was born at 2:19 am weighing 8 pounds exactly and 20 3/4 inches long. Congratulations Angy and John!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Fourth of July Fun!
We had a great day as a family for the Fourth of July! We started off the day by going to the Greeley Stampede Parade with Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Toni. Kyler slept right through the whole thing!
Then we were invited to a BBQ at Josh's old college roommates house. Kyler was the hit of the party.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Visitors Welcome!
Whew! We are finally figuring this whole parenting thing out. Kyler is starting to get into a routine and so are we! We would love for you to meet our new little one, and if you have already we would love to see you again! Not only do we need some adult time, but Kyler loves to meet our friends too! We only ask that you call before coming.
Uncle Adam with Kyler
Kyler is the first infant "Uncle" Dave has EVER held!!!
Kyler meets Grandma Mohr and Cousin Jillian
Mommy's BFF Angy and Ky
Auntie Courtney has the trick!
Proud Papa John gives Kyler some advice.
Nanna's first great-grand SON! Yay!
I think the Cransons look like parents already!
Uncle Jeremy does diaper duty - you can too!
Uncle Adam with Kyler
Kyler is the first infant "Uncle" Dave has EVER held!!!
Kyler meets Grandma Mohr and Cousin Jillian
Mommy's BFF Angy and Ky
Auntie Courtney has the trick!
Proud Papa John gives Kyler some advice.
Nanna's first great-grand SON! Yay!
I think the Cransons look like parents already!
Uncle Jeremy does diaper duty - you can too!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Labor and Delivery
Wow! I have been meaning to post for sometime now, but if you are a parent you know just how busy the first few days are!
On Wednesday night we had plans to go out to dinner with the Cransons, but then I started to have some serious contractions that were only about 15 minutes apart. Needless to say we decided to stay in and the Cransons brought us some dinner - thank you Jeff and Jaime! Shortly after they left at 8:30 my contractions started becoming more intense and about 5-7 minutes apart. Josh was so great at timing and helping me through them. We then decided to go into the hospital at about 11:00 p.m. They checked me in and hooked me up to the monitor. At this point I was about 4 centimeters dilated, but my contractions had subsided. The on-call doctor for my group told me to go back home where I would be comfortable and go in at 8:00 in the morning.
Well, as soon as I got my clothes on and started walking to the car my contractions started up again. Josh did take me home only to have my contractions get much more intense. I laid down in our bed and oohed and ahhed every time a contraction came. At this point, my contractions were about 3-4 minutes apart. I told Josh that I really couldn't take much more and then the contraction from hell came. I didn't know which end to put on the toilet - this one was obviously the deciding factor to go back to the hospital at 2:00 Thursday morning.
Once we got back to the hospital, the triage nurse checked me in. She said, "There is no way we are sending you home this time. We have a whole different person on our hands!" The doctor checked me and I was 7 centimeters dilated. The nurse then said, "I know you weren't sure about drugs the first time, how are you feeling about them now?" I responded, "GIVE ME THE DRUGS!" Everyone was so accommodating and got me what I needed in amazing time!
Once I had the epidural I was greatly relieved. The on-call doctor came in and checked me and I had progressed to 8 1/2 centimeters.
The epidural had stopped my contractions and I was able to get in about 2 hours of sleep - which I was very thankful for.
Then at 7:00 in the morning my doctor came in to do a scheduled c-section, but it had been moved, so she decided to see how ready I was. She checked me and I was 10 centimeters dilated, but my water hadn't broken yet, so she decided to break it for me. It didn't take much. Once my water had been broken Kyler's head was noticeable and it was pushing time. It only took 4 contractions to push Kyler all of the way out.
One of my requests was to have Josh announce the gender of our baby, so my doctor held the baby up and said, "Ok Josh, what is it?" In a very shocked voice Josh yelled, "It's a boy!" Kyler was then laid on my chest and Josh cut the umbilical cord, and I couldn't believe the immediate love I had for him!
On Wednesday night we had plans to go out to dinner with the Cransons, but then I started to have some serious contractions that were only about 15 minutes apart. Needless to say we decided to stay in and the Cransons brought us some dinner - thank you Jeff and Jaime! Shortly after they left at 8:30 my contractions started becoming more intense and about 5-7 minutes apart. Josh was so great at timing and helping me through them. We then decided to go into the hospital at about 11:00 p.m. They checked me in and hooked me up to the monitor. At this point I was about 4 centimeters dilated, but my contractions had subsided. The on-call doctor for my group told me to go back home where I would be comfortable and go in at 8:00 in the morning.
Well, as soon as I got my clothes on and started walking to the car my contractions started up again. Josh did take me home only to have my contractions get much more intense. I laid down in our bed and oohed and ahhed every time a contraction came. At this point, my contractions were about 3-4 minutes apart. I told Josh that I really couldn't take much more and then the contraction from hell came. I didn't know which end to put on the toilet - this one was obviously the deciding factor to go back to the hospital at 2:00 Thursday morning.
Once we got back to the hospital, the triage nurse checked me in. She said, "There is no way we are sending you home this time. We have a whole different person on our hands!" The doctor checked me and I was 7 centimeters dilated. The nurse then said, "I know you weren't sure about drugs the first time, how are you feeling about them now?" I responded, "GIVE ME THE DRUGS!" Everyone was so accommodating and got me what I needed in amazing time!
Once I had the epidural I was greatly relieved. The on-call doctor came in and checked me and I had progressed to 8 1/2 centimeters.
The epidural had stopped my contractions and I was able to get in about 2 hours of sleep - which I was very thankful for.
Then at 7:00 in the morning my doctor came in to do a scheduled c-section, but it had been moved, so she decided to see how ready I was. She checked me and I was 10 centimeters dilated, but my water hadn't broken yet, so she decided to break it for me. It didn't take much. Once my water had been broken Kyler's head was noticeable and it was pushing time. It only took 4 contractions to push Kyler all of the way out.
One of my requests was to have Josh announce the gender of our baby, so my doctor held the baby up and said, "Ok Josh, what is it?" In a very shocked voice Josh yelled, "It's a boy!" Kyler was then laid on my chest and Josh cut the umbilical cord, and I couldn't believe the immediate love I had for him!
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