Blessing Day

Owen was blessed October 27th, 2013 by his father

Love this picture-Owen was a champ and slept right through the whole thing

His cute outfit was made for him by his aunt Amy

Love the little slippers

Grateful to the family members who were able to make it-Owen was able to meet 7 of his cousins!

Owen-1 month

Little Owen just turned one month old!  I can't believe it, it has gone by so fast in one sleep-deprived blur.  The first couple weeks were just survival mode.  The question I've been asked the most is what is it like to be a mom. To be honest, it has been harder than I thought it would be, but also so much better. I love him so much, I can't believe it.  Our days have been sleeping, snuggling, crying, lots of diaper  and wardrobe changes, and eating all. the. time.  All that eating must be doing something--he is in size 1 diapers and some of his 0-3m clothes are getting too small!

Look how big he is!

Lately he has been becoming more and more alert.  He's got big, blue, intelligent eyes and loves to look around at everything.  He is starting to make eye contact.  He loves going for walks and looking at the trees and getting fresh air. He still hates baths, but loves car rides, they calm him down every time.

Owen has gotten to spend lots of time with both grandmas and we are really grateful for all their help.

He's also starting to practice his smiles, and although they're not intentional yet, they are my favorite.

 He also loves his daddy.  They spend a lot of time snuggling and rocking.

Matt is already a great dad.  He's a champion diaper changer and a huge help.

Owen's first pumpkin patch.

Owen's first costume-- He dressed up like a little minion for the ward Halloween party

He didn't like it much

 It's a little bit bitter sweet watching Owen change so much already, but we're so excited to watch him continue to grow and see what the future has in store for him.

"milk drunk"

2 weeks

Today is Owen's  2 week birthday!  He had his first doctor's appointment.  Here are his stats:

Weight: 9lbs 4 oz-73rd percentile

Height: 22.5 in-99th percentile

Head: 15 in-97th percentile

Looks like we have one tall and skinny little man

We are still adjusting to life with a newborn, but love having his sweet spirit as part of our family.

Our little "monster" does not like baths

Love those blue eyes

cuddle time is my favorite

Likes going on walks and looking around

Matt walks into the bedroom where Owen is sleeping:  It smells like a hospital in here

Me: What do you mean?

Matt: Just kind of like... pee and tired

Introducing...

Owen Matthew Phillippi

Born Sept 26, 2013

4:23 pm

9 lbs 1 oz, 21.5 in

Owen's due date came... and went. I tried all the old wive's tales-- walking, spicy food, and even had Matt get me a pineapple. On the 25th, I was 41 weeks along and went in for my weekly check-up. To my disappointment, I was still only at a 1. My doctor did an ultrasound.  It estimated an 8.5 lb baby, but there was still plenty of fluid surrounding him (meaning it was safe for him to continue to gestate).  I had a tentative induction scheduled for the week after, but my doctor gave me the option of moving it up to sometime that week.  I have never wanted to be induced, I felt I would rather let things happen on their own when they were meant to.  The thought of an 8.5 lb baby and  being very tired of being pregnant helped me change my mind.  Our doctor left to call and see when there was an opening. She came back in and said, "It looks like there is an opening for tomorrow, what do you think?"  It felt a little unreal. Even though we had been planning on him already being here, it was strange to think "tomorrow we're going to have a baby!"  That night I started having a few mild contractions, but nothing too severe and nothing regular. Around 8:00 we set off to the hospital.  They checked me when I got there and I was still at a 1. They decided to go ahead and proceed with the induction and gave me the cervical softener, with plans to start the pitocin in the morning. I tried to sleep, but the contractions became more frequent and painful and it was a restless night. By morning I had only progressed to 3 cm and was more than ready for the epidural. I got it around 6:30.  I have to tell you, epidurals are incredible. All of a sudden I couldn't feel a thing and I was able to nap a lot of the day. Around 3:00 I started feeling very strong urges to push. I was still at a 9.5 and so was told to wait.  That was the longest 20 minutes of my life!  At 3:20 I started pushing and at 4:23 he was born. In nursing school I was part of several births, but doing it yourself is an entirely different experience. It took so much focus and concentration, by the end I was exhausted. A memory I will always treasure is watching Matt's face as he saw Owen for the first time. Pregnancy is a pretty one-sided experience, and it was magical to see the man I love holding a little person who is half me and half him. Finally this baby who we have prayed for for so long is here. He is perfect. I could just look at him all day. So thankful that he's ours.