God is Good

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."-Matthew 6:34

That is exactly what I tried not to do when it came to finding someone or some place to keep Trace. Back in May when I started looking for childcare, many of the places I looked for had 8 months to 2 year waiting lists and they were pretty expensive as well. I was wondering what in the world I was going to do. I would visit places and tell them when I was due and they would look at me like I was crazy because they said I had waited so late. I prayed and prayed that we would find somewhere for Trace to stay but never was too worried about it. Friends of mine would ask me where Trace was going to stay and I would tell them I had no idea. They would be freaking out for me.
I put him on two daycare waiting lists. One place couldn't take him until January and the other place he was 17th on the list.
Finally, Trace came and people continued to ask me where he was going to stay when I returned to work and I would continue to tell them I have no idea. I had somewhere for January but needed somewhere for him to stay in December. I thought maybe I can ask my Grandmother and friends to keep him for the 3 weeks I will be working in December.
Then one day Bobby came home from work and told me about a lady that he worked with who told him about her daughter's caregiver. She (Natalie) suggested we call Muriel (caregiver). Muriel kept Natalie's husband when he was a child and is now keeping their little girl. I was kind of skeptical at first because I didn't know Natalie and so I didn't really know how reliable the source was. Of course, I thought my standards could have been higher than hers for childcare. But open minded, we called Muriel. Muriel said she would be more than happy to meet with us and asked us to come while the children are in her home so we can see how she interacts. She keeps a 2 year old girl and a 1 year little boy. She had also committed to keeping newborn twins in January. Her husband wasn't sure if she should take on a 5th child (Trace). We met with her anyway in hopes she would change her mind. We loved her from the first day we met her and she said she would at least keep him in December until the daycare could take him. The daycare where Trace was on the waiting list was $150/month. Muriel charges $80/month. WOW!! Big difference!
Trace started with Muriel December 1st. He loves her and she loves him! Her and her husband just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and they both keep the children. She has been keeping children 27 years and has kept around 54 children during that time. I would say she is pretty experienced.
She is AWESOME! Everyday I pick him up she has written down his day. i.e. when he ate, bm's, laughed, smiled, talked, etc. She takes him outside everyday for around 40-45 mintutes with the other children and in the spring time will take them on walks.
After the first day with Trace she said she would hate for me to put him in a daycare and that let's play this by ear to see how well they adjust to each other. Today, I have good news because Muriel committed to keeping him FOREVER!!! I AM SO EXCITED!
God is soooo good! I knew there was nothing to worry about and that he would provide for us and put Trace in good hands. It means so much to be able to leave your child somewhere and not have a worry in the world about what he is doing and if they are taking care of him like you would. Murield and Chuck are a God send and we couldn't have asked for a better situation.
God is good all the time, all the time God is good!!

New Trick

It has been two weeks now since I updated you on what was going on in the White House. Trace and I survived my first week back at work and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was really sad to leave him the first day but did well by only tearing up a little bit. I only called to check on him once per day for the first 3 days. Honestly, I love the lady he is staying with so I wasn't nearly as worried about him as I thought I would be.

Now to Trace's new trick. He is becoming so much fun. He just laughs, talks and smiles all the time now. He is now grabbing his toys and holding on to them and pulls them close to his mouth But the best thing so far is that last night he rolled over. Yes, rolled over from his tummy to his back!! He was playing on his little gym and I put him down to do tummy time and all the sudden he pushed up on his side and the next thing I know he had rolled over. I couldn't believe he had just done it so I put him on his tummy again and he immediately rolled to the other side. Of course we had to get it on video and if I knew how to download video to the computer I would put it on here. He did it about 3 or 4 more times and then I had to call my mom, grandma and Julie and tell them.

This morning when I dropped him off at the sitters I told her about him rolling over. I was hoping he would roll over for her. When I picked him up this afternoon she said he wouldn't do it for her and he hasn't done it again for us tonight. But at least I know he can do it and I can't wait for him to show us his trick when he ready again. We are really enjoying every minute with him and it is really going by fast.

Back to Work

I have to go back to work tomorrow. :( Honestly, though, I don't think being a stay at home mom is for me. I need a routine, somewhere to go everyday, some reason to get out of my pajamas (I know I would take Trace places) but on the days I don't have to go anywhere it would be hard for me to get dressed to stay around the house.
I have enjoyed every minute of these past weeks with Trace and I will be sad to leave him. He is going to stay with a lady in Irmo named Muriel in December. She has been keeping children for 27 years and has kept around 54 children over those years. WOW! She is super nice so I am really not worried a bit. She told me I could call her every hour to check on him. I will try not to. :)
She currently keeps a 2 and 1 year old and is supposed to be keeping twin newborns in January. Her husband doesn't think she should take on a 5th child (Trace) once the newborns get here. Let's pray that her husband changes her mind so Trace can stay with her in January. If not, then Trace will be going to Red Apple Daycare/Preschool (which is fine too).
I will keep you posted on how tomorrow goes. Please keep me and Trace in your prayers as he adjusts to something new and I readjust to going back to work.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bobby and I are so fortunate that both of our families live within 1.5 hours of Columbia. We always alternate holidays and this year it was our turn to spend Thanksgiving with Bobby's family. My parents, brother and his girlfriend came up on Wednesday to spend the day with us since wewouldn't be home for Turkey Day. Mom and Dad hung his letters over his crib and the shelf I painted. You can't tell from the picture, but I painted little baseballs on the hooks of the shelf. Now all I need is the ties for the bumper pad and the glider and his room will pretty much be complete besides some odds and ends.

Before they left to go back home, we all went to Fatz. This was Trace's first restaurant outing and he was AWESOME! He fell asleep once we got in there and then of course once our food came he started to get a little fussy. Bobby took the initiative to take him to the restroom to see if he needed a diaper change. After about 5 minutes (seemed like 30) Bobby and happy Trace came back to the table. "That was an adventure" says Bobby. I was like oh goodness, what happened? Bobby said "Well, I took off his dirty diaper and went to put on the new one and I couldn't find it. I looked down and saw it floating in the toilet." :) But he proceeded to tell us that the inside part of the diaper was facing up and it didn't get wet and the outside part of the diaper is "just like Rain-X-it drips right off." haha So Trace came back to the table with a diaper Bobby had just pulled out of the toilet. Whatever works!

On Thanksgiving we went to Bobby's house in North Augusta and Trace got to see his Nana and Papa White, Aunt Megan, Uncle Michael and great grammy and pop pop Flake. He also got to meet all of his Great Aunts and Uncles and cousins that he had never before. It was a lot of fun. Other than being really sleepy and a little tummy ache, Trace was great. We had a great time and look forward to seeing the family again at Christmas.

Healthy Boy!

Trace had his 8 week check up today and we are so thankful we have a happy, healthy growing boy! He has grown almost 4 " and is up to 21 3/4" long and weighs 9 lbs 12oz. The doctor says he is doing great. Can you believe I didn't really have any questions for the doctor today? I know the doctor had to have been shocked. He did say that Trace will probably not sleep all the way through the night until he is around 11 or 12 lbs. I am going to pack in the formula!!

I think it should be required that babies go to the doctor once a week (just to get weighed). He is not supposed to go back for 8 more weeks at his 4 month check-up. I need the reassurance that he is doing well and his weight is on track. I am sure we will see the doctor before then. ( I am sure there will not be a great reason either). Maybe I should just purchase a scale for babies?!?!

Eight Weeks!

Time flies! I can't believe Trace is already 8 weeks old. We go for his 8 week check-up tomorrow and I am anxious to see how his growth is progressing.

Since the last post, things have changed a good bit. We started him on soy formula and it has made a world of difference. He eats now around 10:00 pm and then sleeps until 3:30 or 4:00 to eat again. Once he goes down after that feeding, he doesn't eat again until around 10:00 am (and he usually sleeps until close to 10:00). I go back to work on Monday so this is an answer to prayers. Even though it isn't an "all night" sleep, 4-5 hours of uninterupted sleep is awesome!

Trace has found his fingers and fists and loves to suck his thumb. He also smiles quite a bit now and smiles in response to me and Bobby. I love it!

To the Doctor We Go...Again!

Oh my goodness! I should park a cot in the doctors office as much I stay in there. haha After last week's doctors visit, the doctor said I could start Trace on formula. He weighed 8.15 ozs and said he would do just fine on formula. So for the first few days I mixed formula with breastmilk.
I started Trace on straight formula on Friday. It has been great for both of us because I feel a little more free and more comfortable knowing exactly how much he is eating and he is not getting frusterated like he was. He has been eating like 2-3 oz. every 2.5-3 hours. Well, Monday night I decided I would try to give him 4 ounces. What was I thinking? After about 3 ounces, he decided he was finished but obviously I was not. I kept pushing it in his mouth until he had no choice but take the 4 ounces. Well, the last burp was a doozie. He burped, then spit up and then projectile vomitted through his mouth and nose and wasn't breathing for a second or two but seemed like 10 minutes. Quite the scare as you can imagine. I suctioned out his nose to make sure all the milk was out. About 10 minutes later he was fussy and I assumed he was probably hungry considering he just lost his WHOLE bottle. Bobby gave him an ounce and he kept it down fine. That was about 9:45 pm and then he slept and woke up fussy again at 10:45. So, of course, he was crying so I assumed he was hungry. We gave him 1.5 ozs. Took it burped, fine, went to sleep. So you know I was not putting him in his bed after he threw up earlier. So I slept with him on the couch. He woke up at 1:45 am crying so I decided I would try and offer him 2 ozs. After 1.5 ounces, out it came! Not out the nose this time, thank goodness! He ended up sleeping until 5:45 and I fed him 2 ounces and he kept it down. I was just waiting until 8:00 to come around so I could call the doctor. He also sounded a little congested so that was another reason for me to call. After speaking to the nurse, she decided it would be best for me to come in. Appointment was schedule for 2:2o yesterday. I had my postpartum check up that morning as well.
Thank goodness, my grandmother came that day to keep Trace so I could go for my postpartum check-up because she was able to go to his doctor with me. He obviously is having no problem taking the food because he is now 9.9 lbs. The doctor said his congestion was normal. He wasn't so sure though about his vomitting. He told me that it could be a few things....overeating, reflux or something I can't spell or even remember how to pronounce (polystinosis or something). He said it normally is more common in males and first borns. GREAT!! I actually had a friend of mine whose son had this a few weeks ago. They have to go in to the stomach and dialate a valve so that food can move through and get digested. So, Dr. Capp decided he would go ahead and call the hospital and schedule an ultrasound for that afternoon and if it was positive he told me they would probably admit us and the surgery would be performed either that evening or Wednesday morning. Oh my goodness, for those of you that know me very well, you know I was a basketcase. But I wasn't nearly as bad as I would have been had grandma not been with me. She kept telling me it was going to be okay and to not worry. I held it together pretty well until we got to the hospital and saw other children there. It broke my heart!
The ultrasound technician (Mrs. Personality...Not) came and got us and took us to the room to get his ultrasound. She quietly looked at stomach and was not saying much. I was having to ask her what she was looking at because at this moment I really wasn't believing the "no news is good news" thing. I thought she just didn't want to tell me something. But once she was finished she said it looked good and the radiologist would take a final read and then contact my doctor. She sent us home and said if it were positive they would have us stay so most likely everything is fine. I felt much better leaving but still a little uneasy until that confirmed. About 6:45 last night, the doctor called and told me that the results of the ultrasound were negative. So then why the vomitting? He switched his formula to Enfamil Prosobee. (which I and I think Bobby were on when we were babies).
He said he really thought I just overfed him. He said his stomach should tolerate 4-5 ounces but Trace was only taking 2-2.5 because I would feed him everytime he cried and there was no need for him to eat a lot at one feeding because he knew he would get more food in just a little while. It all makes sense now. So today, I stretched out his feedings and didn't feed him everytime he cried and he seems to be doing a little better. He has eaten 3-3.5 ounces every 3-4 hours. YAY! Oh yeah and last night he ate at 8:00 and then went to sleep. My grandmother loves to just hold him so she did and I didn't mind at all. She told me to go to bed so I could get a couple of hours of sleep. I was thinking he would wake up to eat around 11:00 or at the max 1:00. He has gone 5 hours before only a few times. So Bobby and I went to bed and I woke up to her at the bedroom door at 3:15. Oh yes, 3:15!!! Can you believe it? He went 7 hours last night and slept 5 of the 7. YAY!! I am sure it was only because he was in her arms. I don't really think if he was sleeping in his bed, he would have slept that long. That would be great though. So I fed him 3.25 ounces and then he waited 4 more hours and then ate 3.5 ounces. It has been the same schedule all day today. I am so anxious to see how long he will sleep tonight not being in her arms. Within the next few days, I am going to try the 4 ounces again but I just dread that spit up/vomit if it happens again. It is sooo scary!! But we will survive and I am looking forward to figuring all this out.
So all this to say, I guess I am overfeeding my child and now have to get him on some sort of schedule and can't feed him everytime he cries.

Last Two Weeks

Well, It has been over 2 weeks and I have not updated the blog. I am so sorry! A lot has happened in the past 2 weeks so I will try and catch you up on what has been going on in the White House. With the election and everything, as you can imagine the White House has been quite crazy!

Trick-or-Treat

I decided not to dress him up this Halloween but he had 2 adorable Halloween onesies that he wore-one of which his MeMe (my mother) gave him. Because our neighborhood doesn't have many trick-or-treaters, we went over to Erin and Greg's house (Bobby's boss) to see their Sarah as a princess and John as a cow. Sarah is two and John is 11 weeks. Bobby had fun trick-or-treating with Sarah and Greg.

MeMe Came to Visit

MeMe had a conference here in Columbia and we were so happy that she came and spent the afternoon with us after her conference was over. Trace loves his MeMe. MeMe and Papa Boo are very excited about keeping Trace when Bobby and I go to the bowl game in December or January and we are so thankful that they don't mind. My mom actually put the Carolina Football team on her prayer list at church that they would do well and go to a good bowl so that Bobby and I would go and she could keep him. How funny!! Hopefully her prayers will be answered.

GO COCKS!!
Trace and I were very excited that Daddy decided to stay at home with us instead of going to the Tennessee game. We dressed up like we were at the game and had our own little tailgating party. Bobby grilled out bacon wrapped filets (again...I'm addicted) and baked potatoes and we had a blast spending time with Daddy.
For those Clemson fans reading this, Trace is not upset in this picture because he has on Gamecock gear but because I had just told him that Clemson actually beat Boston College and he was a little upset. He is definitely already a diehard Gamecock! Lake Murray Dam
Trace and I met April and Anderson (friends from Sunday School) to walk the Lake Murray Dam. The dam was recently renovated and is now pedestrian friendly and great for walking, running or riding bikes. It is beautiful but I forgot to take a picture of the lake from the actual dam. If you ever get a chance to go out there, you need to do it. It is well worth it. Anderson is 2 weeks younger than Trace and so cute with a head full of hair.

Trace's First Visit to Spartanburg
On Sunday, we went to my grandparents house to celebrate my and Bobby's birthdays. Trace met his Great Uncle Mark for the first time and enjoyed playing with MeMe, Papa Boo, Papa Hoover, Grandma, Uncle Robert and Aunt Autumn. Needless to say Trace is so spoiled. Grandma cooked our favorites....Ham, mac-n-cheese, creamed corn, fried okra, green beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, pineapple casserole and topped it off with Red Velvet Cake. YUMMY!!! Growing Boy!!
Trace is growing so fast. He was 6 weeks old on Monday. Where does the time go? He has changed so much in these past 6 weeks.
He is talking back to us when we talk to him, he lays on his gym mat and talks and kicks his feet, he's slowly finding his thumb, he holds his head up when on his stomach, he watches his mobile on his swing, he loves looking at his mommy and daddy, he follows us when we walk by, he loves laying on his changing table, he smiles at us, and that is just a few of things we are enjoying so much about him.
I took him to the doctor yesterday because I thought he was having trouble going to the bathroom. The doctor said he was normal. haha That seems to be what he tells me everytime I go. I am a complete worrier! He weighs 8 lbs. 15 oz. He is growing so fast.

Props to Publix

So yesterday I decided to take Trace on his first outing to Publix Grocery Store and my first trip there since he arrived. I was a little anxious not knowing if he was going to be fussy, having to carry the big diaper bag and also being clueless on how to put the carseat on the buggy.
I called my friend Erin, who has 2 children of her own, for a little support before I made the trip. She explained to me how to put the carseat on the buggy. I had planned on carrying the diaper bag because I have been using it as my purse as well. She said I probably didn't need to take the it since I was going straight there and coming right back home. Don't ask me why but I carry my license in a little license holder and not in my wallet. So all I needed was my license, debit card, blanket for Trace, grocery list, pen and of course-Trace.
I put Trace in his carseat and we headed on. Trace was a champ! He was asleep at first and then once we were in the store he woke up but was sooo good. I took my time as I was trying to take it all in. I forgot what the grocery store looked like and was kind of overwhelmed with all the options. I wanted to buy EVERYTHING!! Of course I had a list, but got waaayyy to much.
So it came time to check-out and I get in line and the gentleman clerk was commenting on how cute Trace was and I was telling him that is was our first "outing" since his birth. He congratulated me and then was telling me about his grandchildren. The people at Publix are too kind. He and another clerk put all of my groceries on the belt. I guess I looked helpless...haha! The clerk started to scan my items and I went to get my debit card and what did I not pack??? MY DEBIT CARD!! I blurted out "OH NO!!" He said how can I help you ma'am? I was so embarrassed and told him I did not have my debit card. Usually I would have my purse which has my checkbook in it. But no, I didn't bring my purse. The only thing I had was my license. He was soo nice and told me that it would be ok and if it didn't happen this time then it was sure to happen eventually with a newborn. He said he would go ahead and ring up my groceries and put them in the cooler in the back and I could just bring my debit card back and pay for the groceries at the customer service counter. Are you serious? I can not believe I have done this. So off Trace and I went back to house groceryless to get my debit card. When I returned to pay for my groceries, I repeatedly told the clerk at the customer service desk how embarrassed I was and they were just so reasurring to tell me that this happens much more often than I think. Do you think they were just telling me that? Well, it did make me feel better. The manager then took my groceries to my car and loaded them. I was so impressed by Publix and their employees and I appreciate their hospitality in not making me feel like a complete idiot. So I give LOUD props to Publix!! They are my favorite! :)

One Month Old!!

Wow! Can you believe Trace is already one month old already? We definitely can not. It seems as if only yesterday I was in the hospital waiting on his arrival.

Trace has grown a lot in the past month. He doesn't go back to the doctor until his 8 week check up which will be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. But yesterday I got on the scale here at home and then stood on the scale with him and it was 7.5 lbs heavier. YAY!! He is growing!!!

He is starting to "coo" and "ooh" a little bit and pay more attention to our faces and all his surroundings. He has finally outgrown his premie clothes and is beginning to fill out his NB clothes. Trace's grandmother came to see him yesterday and enjoyed cuddling with him while he took one of his afternoon naps.

Date Night

Tonight my parents and brother came down from Chesnee (Spartanburg) to watch Trace so Bobby and I could have a date night. I was sooo excited about this!! That is one thing that has been hard for me is not being able to spend alone time with just me and Bobby anymore. Don't get me wrong, I love Trace to death and wouldn't trade anything in the world for him but I do miss that alone time. I always here that once you have children, when you are alone with your spouse, it is hard not to talk about your children. I went into date night and laid out the ground rules for us "No talking about Trace!" Ok-so that is so much easier said than done. How in the world do people do that? I am the one that stated the rule and I am the one that couldn't follow it. Bobby did a great job! I asked Bobby what we talked about before we had Trace and we couldn't remember. I tried really hard but probably made a C+.

We had a great time even though it was a short time. We went to Outback and I had a bacon wrapped filet and it was GREAT!! Although not near as good as the one Bobby grilled us the other night. Even though I talked about Trace a little bit, it was so great just to be with Bobby for an hour and a half. We laughed, joked, and talked about adult things instead of talking in baby talk. :)

Trace had so much fun with Grandma and Papa Andrews and Uncle Robert (Bubba). My mom fed him, changed his diaper, gave him his medicine and did a great job. My dad and brother played with him, cuddled with him and just loved on him. I have a feeling like I said in an earlier blog...they are going to become "Irmo Regulars." (Which will be fine with us!) I love seeing them and I love seeing them love on my child. Trace is so loved!!

Trace having fun with Uncle Robert!

Cuddling with Papa!

Uncle Robert loving on Trace

Precious!!!

Can you tell Uncle Robert loves Trace??

Trace is exhausted after playing with Grandma, Papa and Uncle Robert!
Come back soon, I love ya'll!! -Trace

Growing Like a Weed

Trace is now 16 days old and as of yesterday he weighed 6 lbs. .09 oz. Last week he had grown an inch already. Everyday he is becoming more and more alert and aware of his surroundings. He loves for me to put him on my knees and he will smile as I sing and do the hand motions with him to "The Wheels on the Bus" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider."

We are kind of worried about what he is going to want to be when he grows up. If today has any indication of his future, we might be in some kind of trouble. He doesn't like to get his clothes changed but loves lounging around in just his diaper. Lets hope he doesn't grow up wanting to lay around in his underwear. haha

Family and Friends

Bobby, Trace and I are so blessed to have the most wonderful family and friends! Thanks to everyone for the phone calls, visits and dinners. The support has been so appreciated and I do not know what I would have done without all of you.

Trace has already met so many of his new family members and friends. I was so thankful that my mom was able to come and stay with me the day we came home from the hospital until the following Saturday. She really enjoyed spoiling Trace every chance she got and I really enjoyed getting to spend this time with her as well. I can't wait for her to come back. She and Dad came up one week night just to see Trace. They will be "Irmo Regulars" sooner than they thought. That 1.5 hour drive from home just got shorter.

Grandma and Papa Andrews (What they will be called has been left up to Trace)

Nana and Papa White

My grandmother also came to stay with us for a few days to help out around the house. We enjoyed her cooking and Trace enjoyed his cuddle time with his great grandmother. She will be back soon!!

Great Grandma Hayes with Trace (my grandma)

Great Grandpapa Hayes (My papa)

Great Grandpop and Grandma Flake (Bobby's Grandparents)