One month check-up

We went to see the pediatrician this morning for Owen's one month check-up (a few days early--he's not a month old until next Monday). Going to see his doctor is more for us than for him...they're great at reassuring us that we're not doing anything to permanently mess him up (at least not yet).

We discussed his recent fussiness and were assured that this is a "classical presentation" which often occurs at around 3 weeks old. The pediatrician gave us several very helpful recommendations so we'll see how the next few days go. Best of all, the pediatrician told us in no uncertain terms that one study showed that there is a link between fussiness and giftedness...well, that explains it! I mean, we know he's a genius! I am not making this up (although I'm sure she was)! What a hoot!

Also, for all of you who are into baby percentages...Owen is now 22.75 inches long (which for one-month olds puts him in the 90th percentile), weighs 10 lbs and 4.2 ounces (50-75th percentile) and has a head circumference of 14.25 inches (10-25th percentile). So, he may look like my baby pictures in the face, but he's built like his daddy--tall and skinny, with a little peanut head.

3AM playtime

So, we're trying the swing again. He woke up as soon as I took him out of it. I can forsee a vicious cycle here. Nonetheless, a happy, awake baby is better than a fussy asleep baby (yes, they can fuss while they sleep). So, here are some new pictures I referenced in my last post.

Owen has started stretching out while he sleeps more and more, although his favorite way/place to sleep is still on someone's chest.

Here we are just hanging out.
Here is Daddy giving Owen his first bottle.
More bathtime. It really is quite an event.
Not as good as the swing, but Owen likes his bouncy seat for short periods of time.

Three week update

Owen has been fussier the past few days. So much so that he doesn't quite seem like himself. He's not quite as happy during his awake times and he doesn't seem to rest as well during his asleep times (which means we don't rest as well either).

As a result, we've learned a few things:
1) We were idiots to put off trying the swing. This thing is magic!
2) Owen refuses all passies except his Texas A&M one. Gig'em!
3)"Fussiness" is a loaded term in parenting. For every person (parent, physician, other "expert", random person on the street) you ask, you'll get at least two causes, cures or other thoughts on fussiness.
4) There seems to be a direct correlation between gassiness and fussiness. Suggestions?
5) Grandmothers are awesome (we already knew this). Bee keeps telling us its okay if Owen cries! And Nana is here to help us handle it when he does!

In non-fussiness news, Owen is continuing his daily regimine of "air treatments"--prescribed by Nana for his mild diaper rash. This means he lays on her chest sans diaper to let things air out. He is extremely appreciative of the good care he is receiving and has shown his gratitude by peeing on her only a few times.

Let's see, what else? Yes, he's still getting bigger and cuter by the day (fussiness or no fussiness). He's taken his first bottle of breastmilk (dad enjoyed giving it and mom enjoyed the break)! Baths are getting easier and our walks are getting longer.

I'm sure there's more, but he's finally fallen back asleep (thank you swing), so we're off to bed (hopefully). We'll post new pictures tomororw.

Update and bath time head shots

Here's an update. Owen will be two weeks old tomorrow! Bee left Friday (all were sad) and Nana (Kyle's mom Franny) got here yesterday (all were happy). Grandma help is wonderful, especially since Kyle has been back to work for a week! Owen is already past his birth weight (the docs want babies to be back at it within two weeks and he did it under a week--little eating champ.) And he's sleeping for longer and longer stretches (up to four hours) not necessarily at night, but we'll get there!

One funny story from the hospital I almost forgot about. My dear friend Megan called to check in on us. Here is part of our convsation, where I accidentally confirmed that Owen's middle name was Tennessee (just to be clear--it's not, it's Timothy).

Megan: What's his middle name?

Alison: Timothy (Megan heard Tennessee)

Megan: Like the state? (Alison heard Saint)

Alison: Yeah, I guess so.

And lastly, here are a few pre and post-bath photos. He's still pretty squirmy/squeaky during the actual bath part (which takes at least two people), but the after part (all warm and swaddled) he likes.

Favorite things

More pictures of the little guy. He likes his little play mat--lots to stare at.

What he probably likes more than anything else is being sacked out on somebody's shoulder. Here he is with Dad.

A few more pictures

Here are a few more pictures of our Owen. We're having so much fun with him. He's awake more and more every day--he is starting to follow our voices/faces with his eyes, and he can already hold is head up really well. From the day he was born he would lay on you facing one direction, pick his head up, "look around" and put his head back down facing the other direction. He's a real hoot!

This is his first walk. He's making his "little bird face".

Nap time on mommy's shoulder.
Eyes locked with Bee.

It's a Boy! It's a Boy! It's a Boy!

Kyle and I are thrilled to introduce Owen Timothy Mezger, born at 3:45pm Monday, October 8th! He weighed 8 lbs. 10.6 oz. and was 21.5 inches long--a big strong boy!

Labor and delivery went very smoothly. Alison's mom, Becky (Bee), got to be there, which was great. Our OB and nurses were awesome--it was a team effort!

We got to come home Wednesday and have been adjusting to our new Owen-centered schedule. He is definitely the little boss man. Already we can tell that he has a very sweet disposition. (He is also extremely strong, handsome, and a genius, but we may be a little biased.)

He likes to sleep on Mom, Dad, and Bee curled up in a little ball. He's also big on eating--a lot. He's already had his first bath and stroll through the neighborhood. Pictures below are from the first few days...we'll post more soon.