2.10.2011

Baby Love

Oh my goodness....I could eat him up!! Here are some pictures of Lane from today....
Just chillin'

look at my dimple mom

the snow wears me out!



don't worry my other baby is adusting

2.09.2011

A quick one

We are settling in nicely here at home with Lane. He seems to be a good baby. He is eating around every 2.5 hours, sleeping alot, and of course pooping alot. I am breast feeding, and thankfully my milk came in a couple of days ago, so it is getting a little easier. I see now why people say breast feeding is a learning process for both mom and baby. The first few days were stressful, but we have persevered and I believe are getting the hang of it. We went to the pediatrician yesterday, and I learned several things as a new mom:
1. always take a change of clothes with you even for an hour outing. (Lane sprayed his daddy and his outfit  during his weigh in)
2. always take an ample number of diapers with you even for an hour outing. (Lane went through 4 diapers during his appointment)
3. newborns look so awkward in car seats (I never thought I would be one of those overly OCD moms about such things, but I sat in the back seat to make sure his little head stayed upright...please tell me I am not the only new mom that has done this)

He is back up to 7.2 pounds...he left the hospital at 6.13, so he gained 5 ounces in 2 days! I felt much better about his nourishment after that.  My mom is here, and I don't know what we would do without her! It is like having a security blanket nearby. She takes him at night in between feedings so we can sleep, wonderful.
Thank you all for your prayers and messages....We are truly blessed!
Here a a few pictures until I can find a little more time to post his birthday story.


2.05.2011

Meet James Lane Osborn Jr.

Baby Lane (still weird not calling him Baby O!) arrived yesterday February 4th, at 4:11 pm. He weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces and is 21 inches long. He is perfect!  We are in awe of this miracle God has given us. It was a smooth and easy delivery (more detailed post to come). He has been welcomed by a large group of family and friends who already are spoiling him. He is named after his daddy, and so far looks very similar (except my nose).
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from his first day of life...









2.01.2011

Nursery Pictures

 I wanted to keep the nursery "neutral" so I could reuse all of the main items (this also makes sense to my practical husband). We James painted the walls patriotic white by Benamin Moore. I like it more now, at first it was actually a little bluer than I thought it would be.

The crib was a gracious hand-me-down from my sister. I did add an antique glaze to give it that "aged"effect. My SIL Lacey suggested it, and I am glad she did.


 All of the bedding is Pom Pom at Home, organic linen in flax. (My friend Kate helped me pick all of this) My favorite are the pillows. Can't you see them on twin beds one day?! The doggie on the left was James's first purchase for Baby O. The one on the right was mine growing up, Abdul, yes weird name, but we actually had a dog named Abdul the dove dog and I guess I wasnt very creative and used it.
 The chest is from a consignment antique shop on Hwy 31. The mirror is from Urban Surburban in Crestwood. The glider was purchased at market in Atlanta for a great price! Another favorite...swivels, glides and reclines...what more could a girl want?

 James making fun of me taking these pictures...he does not understand that anyone would really want to see any of this. But I assured him, all existing moms, soon-to-be moms, or hoping- to- be one day moms would appreciate it.
 This little hutch is from Three Sheets in Homewood. Mom and I found it and I loved the little details...also knew I needed somewhere to store toys and books. Pardon the image quality (the color is not accurate). The top picture is James as a baby. The bottom is me. Baby O will go up when he gets here. The cross is from my friend Caroline. The wire storage bin is from Urban Surburban for 15 bucks, another favorite purchase.
Another area I get a big eye roll from the husband. The shelf is from a consigment shop in Edgewood, can't remember the name?) Can you tell what I have been doing during the last 9 months? Consigments shops are so great. Anyway, the blessing ring is from my shower...the day gowns as well.


I picked up the bassinet yesterday...I love it! Wish I took a better picture, but you get the idea. The print is an ikat from King Cotton. The bassinet was James's when he was born. Shelia is letting me use it, and my friend Maggie's aunt made the new cover.

Thank you all for the words of encouragement, tips, and comments lately. I really appreciate them, and can't wait to share updates when he is really here. I think know God is teaching me patience. It is in his hands, and I am learning to surrender to Him.

1.26.2011

Pregnancy Stats

Just a waitin'... I now know why everyone says the last few weeks are the hardest, I am so ready to meet him!
For the record...

How far along?: 39 weeks


How big is baby? Last Friday we did another growth scan, and he was measuring 6 pounds and 11 ounces. Right at about 40% statistically for 38 weeks. I am still measuring small (aka my stomach is measuring 2 weeks behind), but honestly, it is probably the smallest thing on me right now. Everything else has a nice swolleness to it..feet, ankles, hands. I did have a panic moment and ask if I was measuring 2 weeks behind did that mean he could be 2 weeks late, and Dr. P assured me it didnt work like that..whew!
Weight gain/loss?: I honestly don't know...I stopped looking at the scales at Christmas when I hit 25 pounds. For my sanity, I decided that I really didn't need to know. My nurse Jessica always thinks it is funny to tease me and try to get me to look. But I would guess 35ish, oh who am I kidding, maybe 40.

Stretch marks?: None, thankfully.

Maternity clothes?: I live in my Paige maternity jeans, some form of maternity shirt (or one of James's button downs), with a black vest my mom bought me for 17 dollars from Coldwater Creek, and these lovely shoes in a 9.5. (I tell you specifically bc I normally wear a 8.5). We bought them awhile back for mom, but thankfully she handed them over so I could have something comfy and cute to wear these last 2 months.


Sleep?: Not so much. I wake up several times to go to the bathroom, several times to Amos barking at something outside, and several times to Baby O kicking me bc apparently HE is uncomfortable. Oh well, again, I heard this prepares you.
Food cravings?: My egg thing never really went away, but calmed. I have been eating alot of turkey sandwiches with honey mustard. Also anything sweet. specifically chocolate cake. like I could eat a huge piece of Zoes chocolate cake right now

Movement?: went from sweet kicks to more karate kicks, it is funny feeling him position himself from side to side. I also thought I could tell he was head down, but face up (back of head towards pelvis) by the pressure in my back....sure enough the ultrasound tech said that was the case. So we are praying he rolls over for an easier delivery
Belly button?: I thought it was going out, but it has held!
What are you looking forward to this week?: today is my last full day of work, my parentals are coming in to town tomorrow, mom and I are going to pick out countertops and cabinets for our Selma house renovation tomorrow (updates on that soon) My next checkup is Friday, so we shall see if there is more progress!

I am also working on a nursery update...we are pretty much ready...still last minute organizing...

1.20.2011

Best Lasagna Recipe!

The newlywed Rossells brought us dinner a couple on nights ago, and it was such a treat! Lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and my favorite for dessert, chocolate covered strawberries. Perfection. Rich and Molly made the lasagna and said I could share the recipe. Give it a try, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.


Lasagna
(via all recipes)

Ingredients


1 pound sweet Italian sausage
 3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
 1/2 cup water
 2 tablespoons white sugar
 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (this was delicious on top)
12 lasagna noodles (Rich used whole wheat) 
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 pound mozzarella cheese (probably why I like it so much)
 sliced 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
 
Directions


In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving
 
YUM!

1.19.2011

CHC Shower

Yesterday at work, Baby O was showered with more goodies. I am so blessed with a wonderful work enviroment, with coworkers who are also friends. They have been especially sweet and thoughtful lately as I waddle walk around the office.






Down to the home stretch, hopefully less than 2 weeks to go! I was 1.5 cm dilated last week, so at least some progress. I have another appt this Friday, so hopefully he is moving on down. I will be back soon with a delicious lasagna recipe a la Rich and Molly Rossell. It was unbelievable, and Rich was sweet enough to pass along the recipe.