Swinging and Bottle Feedings

It's gotten busier for us around here. Fischer is awake more, and it seems like he wants to eat ALL THE TIME--which means he's growing! But it means less blog time. So here's an update :)

On Friday, June 27th, we discovered that Fischer likes his swing--yay!!! It's even more super-duper that Daddy did a little "Spiering Engineering" and made it so the swing runs on plug-in electricity instead of expensive batteries. Thanks to Bright Beginnings, too, for the hand-me-down swing (they use smaller 'travel' swings in the classrooms, now). This is fabulous!

We have also been giving Fischer one bottle feeding daily for the last week or so. It gives me a chance to spend a little time away if I have to (like grocery shopping this past Saturday), and it gives the boys a chance to bond, too. At first it seemed like most of the milk went down his chin, but since, Fischer has really gotten the hang of it. He will polish off a 4 oz. bottle for Daddy if he's really starving and hollering, but otherwise, he kind of dilly-dallies, and it can take him an hour to drink it all (usually with some encouragement from Mom).

With breast- and bottle-feedings, Fischer sometimes has a hard time burping. This is particularly fun (note the sarcasm) in the middle of the night. We try anything and everything to calm him down: walking around, patting his back while he lays in all different positions, his swing, his carseat, his bouncy seat, etc. Eventually, there's either a burp, and all is right with the world again, or there's a little spit-up accompanied by some big hiccups. Either way, he is fine again eventually. The challenge is keeping your cool when he's going berserk--Joe and I are good at taking turns. This is the only thing that seems to make Fischer really cry--so he's still a good boy :)

We'd like to give a shout out to our German friend, Petra, who knitted Fischer's sweet purple booties. We received them as an Easter present when we were visiting Petra, her hubby Michel, and their twin 10-year-olds Kim and Tom this spring. Thanks!

In other news, on Thursday, June 26th, we got to show Fischer off at the annual Schroeder's Flowers employee picnic at Bay Beach. Joe's cousin Lisa finally got to meet him, and he rode in his stroller without his carseat. He seemed to enjoy the bumpy ride on the grass and lying flat was the way to go--the carseat is alright if he's riding, but when he's still, he prefers not to be so pent-up and strapped down.

On Saturday, June 28th, we went to the Weitzel's house for grilling out. Joess, George and Nina told us we can come and visit anytime we're in need of some air-conditioning! No need for it when we were over this last time, though. It had rained off and on all day, and was quite cool. We had a good dinner and visited for awhile. Our friend Steve was there, too. He brought some decadent cheesecake for dessert--yum!

You know, going into parenthood, I wasn't sure how our roles would turn out--seeing as how we planned to breastfeed. That meant that I'd be getting up throughout the night and generally be available at all times to feed the baby, and we'd both do diapers, playing with, bathing, and comforting the baby. Joe has really been great, though. He takes care of ME, too. He times Fischer's bottle feedings so that I can get a good nap. He makes me meals and will even feed me if I'm feeding Fischer when it's time to eat (I don't have a hand free). He reminds me that things like laundry and dishes don't take priority over taking care of myself (it's amazing how human a shower can make you feel!). So for all of this and his continuing verbal encouragement, I want to give Joe a gigantic trophy with "Awesome Husband and Dad" engraved in it! Thanks, Honey!!! I also give every parent credit--this is not an easy job, and that's with a content baby! I couldn't imagine how rough it would be if Fischer had health concerns or was otherwise a fussy baby. We are so blessed to be healthy and to have each other, not to mention all of the love and support we find around us in our families and our friends (our "chosen families"). Thanks, everyone!

Oh, Boy!

Although a bit out of order, this stuff is fun to post, too!


We learned of Fischer's pending arrival in early October, 2007. It took a week for the shock to wear off--we didn't expect it to happen so fast.

I had a very happy and healthy pregnancy. It was nice not to worry about body image and eating a little more! Most importantly, we were going to be PARENTS soon! We chose not to find out whether we were having a boy or a girl. We just wanted to be sure the baby was healthy, and that there was just ONE baby (just in case).

It was ideal to be pregnant through the winter--no worries about making sure my legs were shaved, applying sunscreen to places on my body I could no longer reach, or about picking out a swimsuit--yikes! Not to mention, that our baby's due date was June 10th. Perfect! We could get outside right away instead of being pent up indoors. Also, I'd have most of the summer off of work.

Fischer was born exactly a week early. What a good boy--he wanted summer to get started after such a looooong winter!

Stampin' Out the Heat

On Sunday the 22nd, Joe got a bit creative with the camera. He got a shot of Fischer sleeping in his crib on his "lamby"--a lambskin my German family gave us when we were in Germany this spring.


Joe also had the idea to find out what Fischer sees when he's on his changing table (that Grampa Ken made for us--it's GREAT). We got a bit slap-happy at this point, and we couldn't stop laughing!

On Tuesday, Fischer went along to a Stampin' Up! workshop at the home of one of the ladies I do rubber stamping with. The women all oohed and ahhed when we arrived, and just about argued over who got to hold him when he wasn't eating. While the other girls held him, I ended up making double the cards (mine and the person's who was holding Fischer!). He was very well-behaved!

Wednesday was coffee with Flora and Kristy in Appleton. We had a nice, but hot, walk to Copper Rock where we enjoyed decaffeinated iced coffees. We ended up hanging out for awhile so Fischer could eat while Flora explored--she was so silly!

Last night we all slept in the basement to keep cool. Fischer's been spending time in just his diaper so he's not so hot.

We spent some time in the yard today to get the benefit of some little breezes. Even though we were in the shade, we wanted to keep Fischer's skin protected (because he's too young for sunscreen), so we made a little "tent" using his play gym and a blanket.

We're still battling his diaper rash. His nurse told us to use Neosporin [because it turned into little blisters :( ]. Grammy Pam also said airing out his bottom would be beneficial, so Fischer spent a little nakie time outside today, too.
This afternoon, I'll be showing him off at the salon when I go to get my hair cut. It's fun to bring him places, not to mention how nice it is to get out of the house.

Welcome, Fischer....Welcome, Summer!

Today we celebrated Fischer and the beginning of summer with a potluck of our own. Second cousin Kaylee came with Auntie Terri and Uncle Mike. Kaylee gave Fischer some kisses while Terri held her, and neighbor Chris held Fischer.

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us--despite a little rain and even some hail! Of all of the children who came, Fischer was the only boy. It was good to see Lyra, Kaylee and Flora--what beautiful ladies! Our little potluck was just right. Our party even lasted until dinner time, so neighbor Mike got the grill going with some chicken and burgers--Thanks, Mike!

We hope everyone made the most of this longest day of the year. We were very happy to have spent it among our family and friends on such a pretty day.

"Real" Baths Rule!

Friday morning, Fischer had his first "real" bath in his baby tub (now that his umbi fell off). We put a little baking soda in the water to soothe his sore bottom--which is already improving! He was a bit apprehensive at first, but really liked the water on his skin :)


Later in the afternoon, Dad suggested we get some relief from the heat by driving up the shore of Lake Michigan to Algoma, where it was 15 degrees cooler than in Green Bay. We had a little picnic and took a walk on the pier, and then Fischer let us know it was time to go home. It was a nice day! When we returned home from Algoma, we found a package by our door. It was from Fischer's great Aunt Linda and second cousin Kim--a clothesline full of lots of little boy clothes, including some personalized burp cloths, as well as some extra clothespins and a little toy bin. Thank you! I sure do plenty of laundry these days :)

After a short time at home, we went together to our friend Amy's house for a potluck. Her sister was visiting from Alaska, and it was a good time for a get-together so everyone could meet her. Lots of friends got to meet Fischer for the first time--even though we spent quite awhile away from the party so he could eat! I think he's going through a growth spurt: he eats more often, now, and fusses when he has to pass gas (from either end). He is ever-changing, but just as precious as ever.

Into the Great Outdoors

Wednesday was coffee with the girls as usual. This time (as we do every-other week), we met in Green Bay and went to Kavarna on Broadway.

The owners were there with their daughters. 2-year-old Johanna checked Fischer out, and enjoyed playing with Flora.
After coffee and lunch, we walked down Broadway to check out their Wednesday farmer's market. Lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers, hand-crafted items, as well as live music. We bought some sugar-snap peas--yum!

After we relaxed at home for a short time, our friend Steve, who was camping out at Bayshore Park, invited us out to his site for s'mores. Fischer chilled in the car most of the time--can you see camp in the background?

Bayshore offers lots of fun stuff for families--including a big climber that looks like a ship. I asked our neighbor kids, Kurt & Taylor, (who had joined us with their mom) to pose on the ship for me.
When we returned home, we were exhausted from all of the fresh air. Today (Thursday), we plan to take it easy!

His Belly Button is "Umbi"-lieveably Cute!

Later Tuesday evening after Fischer's doctor appointment, his umbi stump came off! What a cute little belly button he has :)


To wrap up the evening, Fischer spent some of his awake time hanging out on his play gym. He really likes the whistling lion.

Every time I'd make it play, he turned his head to look at it.

2 week check-up

Today we went to visit Dr. Hoyer for Fischer's 2 week exam. He's now 22 inches long (grew 2 inches since birth!), 8 lbs. 14 oz. (gained about 3/4 of a lb. since birth), and his head is 37 cm around. For weight and head circumference, he's in the 50th percentile (right where he should be), and for length, he's in the 95th percentile (tall!). So basically, he's tall and skinny :) The doctor said we've been doing the right things for his diaper rash (probably from pooping so much), and his goopy eyes (probably blocked tear ducts--very common) and gave us some easy tips for how to proceed. All in all she said to keep up the good work.

In the next week or so we're going to have Joe introduce bottle feeding so that Fischer can be away from me for more than 2 hours at a time (like when we go back to daycare, or when someone babysits). I plan to breastfeed until he gets teeth, and then will continue to pump to give him my milk until he's a year old. The doctor said not to be surprised if Fischer won't take the bottle from me--and that when Dad attempts to feed it to him, that Fischer shouldn't be able to hear, see or smell me or he'll definitely refuse the bottle! These little squirts sure are smart!


This afternoon we hung out a lot at home. After a nap with Mom, Fischer tried out some Tummy Time. He liked it for about 5 minutes, then he let me know that was enough for today. Tummy Time aids in the development of his neck, shoulder, back and arm muscles. He'll be raising his head up in no time!

One last note, it'll be any day now that Fischer's umbilical cord stump falls off (Joe and I call it his "umbi"). The doctor swabbed around it with alcohol today, and during his most recent changing, I noticed it was hanging by a thread--gross, maybe, but it will be exciting to see his little belly button...you can bet there'll be a post on here about it.

One last note after the last note: We're having a potluck this Saturday, June 21, to welcome Fischer home, and to honor the summer solstice. We'll have soda, water and baked potatoes with all the fixins. If you can come, bring a dish to share, your own alcohol, and a chair (unless you don't mind sitting in the grass or on the carpet). Just give us a call so we know how many potatoes to bake :)

First Father's Day

This morning, Joe was greeted with breakfast in bed (French Toast--yum!), a card with Fischer's footprint, and a special hat. Happy Father's Day, Honey! Not the most photogenic moment for our little boy, but smelling Daddy's breakfast was making him hungry, too!


After a long morning nap together, we headed over to Joe's parents' for a Taco lunch to celebrate Father's Day with family there. When we returned home, Scott and Donna--Joe's best friend since gradeschool and his wife--came to visit.


We got and received lots of "Happy Father's Day" calls today :) It was a special day.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Yesterday Fischer tried (and liked) riding in the Snuggli for the first time. We walked down the street to NeighborWorks for their open house. They are a statewide organization that rennovates homes to be sold, and helps people afford down payments in exchange for staying in the homes at least 5 years as they make improvements to the homes they buy. It was with the help of NeighborWorks that Joe and I got our home. There were two houses in our neighborhood open for walk-throughs. One had actually been moved from a few streets away, and the other had been gutted and re-done. Both were absolutely beautiful. It was nice to fantasize about moving into one of them once our obligatory 5 years in our current home are over. Joe was like, "And here's Fischer's room..."

We have the tent set up in the yard so Fischer and I can catch catnaps without the wind and direct sun and bugs getting to us. Schmooze insisted on being in the picture, too.

After our neighborhood walk, a feeding and a diaper change, it was time to visit our nextdoor neighbor Helen. She just turned 99 in May. She was sooooo excited to meet Fischer, and couldn't say enough about how cute and quiet he was (she'd know, too, as his bedroom window faces her house!)
He was alert and sweet the whole time! We were marveling at the fact that Helen is 100 years older than Fischer...what a difference 100 years makes.
What a beautiful day we had. We ended it with a grill-out with our neighbors and a movie to unwind in the evening (we just joined Netflix--yay!). All that fresh air and good company made my boys very sleepy.

As for the Cats...

A note on our cats. I'm sure some of you may be wondering how Noel and Schmooze are handling the transition of having a new "little brother". So far, so good! Joe and I are sure to give the kitties as much attention and affection as they had before, and we also make sure they are never around Fischer unsupervised. The cats are certainly aware of Fischer. They've sniffed him, and cautiously checked him out--while I was holding Fischer the other day, we approached Schmooze and I bent down so the cat could see the baby. Schmooze nuzzled Fischer's head and gave him a gentle lick on the head. How sweet! Also, when Fischer cries (usually because of those darn cold wipes during diaper changes!), the cats come and pace around us with looks on their faces that seem to say "Something's wrong. Is he ok? We don't like it when he cries!" As I'm posting this, it's pretty warm in our livingroom, and both cats are totally stretched out and crashed out.
Noel above..............................................Schmooze below

Friday the 13th--Lots going on!

On Friday, June 13th, Fischer had a big day. First of all, his right eye has been a bit goopy. Then, we tortured him with his "snot sucker" to relieve a little congestion. Finally, Daddy noticed a slight diaper rash, so Fischer now gets a little Vaseline at changings. Daddy gave Fischer another bath this morning. I offered my assistance on an as-needed basis. All was going well, until I heard a bit of a commotion...You see, Joe had put a pee-pee tee-pee on Fischer while he gave him a sponge bath on his changing table. While Daddy was leaning in for some kisses, Fischer's wee-wee blasted off the tee-pee, getting Joe's shirt all wet! All I could do was laugh, and say "Don't move, I'm getting the camera!" This is the first he's peed on either of us (not too bad, considering it was day 10!)


Fischer and I went to see the movie "Don't Mess with the Zohan" starring Adam Sandler. Although Fischer slept through the whole movie, I thought it was pretty good. When the movie ended, Fischer was just waking up looking for lunch (we had seen a matinée).

In the evening, we had lots of visitors. Friends Holly and Maurice brought their son Collin to meet Fischer. Collin is exactly 6 months older than Fischer--his birthday was December 3rd, 2007. So between me and Holly, the Paparazzi was in full swing. Our boys are such good sports for the cameras!







While Holly, Maurice & Collin were here, more friends George, Joess & Nina stopped in for a visit. They hadn't seen Fischer since we all went to George's 50th birthday party last Sunday, and they said Fischer had changed quite a bit in the last 5 days (slow down, would ya?!). Nina is very comfortable holding Fischer (she's 12), and we plan on having her babysit next summer.

Coffee with the Girls--Appleton

Yesterday was Fischer's first time joining the girls for coffee. Kristy and I meet every Wednesday--alternating Green Bay and Appleton (where she lives). As I'm currently on leave from work, we decided to meet during the day instead of our usual evening time. We walked to Copper Rock on College Ave. and enjoyed lunch and coffee outside. Kristy's daughter Flora, who was present at Fischer's birth, too, joined us as well as Flora's second cousin Everett, whom Kristy was babysitting. It was a beautiful day!

When Fischer and I got home, it was still nice outside and we wanted to take a nap. So Joe and I set up our tent in the back yard, and Fischer and I slept in there for awhile. We both dressed warm--good thing as it cooled off by the time we woke up! Fisher will be a good camper :)

Such a Treat when he's ALERT!

Since Fischer spends the majority of his time snoozing, we really try and make the most of the time he's awake! Yesterday we read a few books, sang some songs (we like "Baby Beluga"--I'm going to learn it on the guitar for him), and told stories.

Yesterday was Fischer's official due date--what a good boy to not keep us waiting. Considering how warm it's been this last week, I'm so glad to not be big and pregnant and uncomfortable!

The Bright Beginnings Ice Cream Social was last night. We went as a family, and it took us about half an hour just to get down the hall to where the cake & ice cream were; everyone had to get a good look at our little guy and ask how we were doing and tell us how CUTE he is. We're not biased...

DAD,....... Huh....never would of guessed that!

Hey
Fischer is doing Great his first week. Everything is going by the book. He and Mom are getting to be best buddies. When he and Mom go out to see the world, he is on his best behavior, enjoys the car ride and is shy showing his eyes to all of the people that are Ohh -ing and Ahwwwing him.
Grammy Pam helped with the transition, she deserves a Big Hand.

Sunday, we visited Uncle Mike and Auntie Terri...
...and Fischer got to meet Grandpa Mike.

Grandma D was nothing but smiles. I think that they all liked each other.

We had a great meal and a nice Family time. Kristina and Lil cuz Kaylee took a long adventure yesterday with Mom and Fischer, it looks like they are going to be close too.

Auntie Terri said a thing that I have been hearing from people on both sides of the pond, they never thought that Fischer would be here.
Last week, he was born and we have loved him ever since.