MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From Andrew, Ashley & Alekzander

 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
  Luke 2:14

Photos @ 2 weeks old

Laying on Mom & Dad's bed

OK... enough rest...

...back to doing push-ups!

Obligatory 'naked baby' shot

Either whispering something into the bunny's ear or about to see what it tastes like

doesn't he look so excited about his first Christmas coming up?!

Father and son in our Broncos gear... GO BRONCOS!

Aunt Tessa snuggle time!

Some QT with Grandma Markovitch

Smiling for the camera! :)

Gripping the paci tight while in a sling on Ashley

Mystery or Baseball Prodigy?

Last night/this morning Alekzander was fussy after his 5:30 feeding. I went and checked on him several times and eventually tried the pacifier. Though half asleep myself, I know I put it in his mouth and left him lying there sucking. A few minutes later he was crying again; so I went to check on him thinking I'd find the pacifier stuck uncomfortably under his cheek. I couldn't find it anywhere - not in his swaddle blanket, or under his stuffed Cyrus... no where in or under his crib. I finally got him settled sans paci and started to leave the room... when I got to the door, I saw the pacifier in the corner behind the door (which I had closed prior to leaving him and then once I came back in). There was no way I could have kicked it because I walked forward - not backwards... so the only thing that makes since is that Alekzander must have chucked the pacifier about 8 feet to the opposite corner of the room through the bars of his crib... You decide - mystery or baseball prodigy? I told you my child is extraordinary!!!

Eighteen

In 18 days, Alekzander and I have learned a lot - about ourselves and one another. For my new mommy friends, here are 18 lessons I have learned since meeting my sweet little boy. I can't wait to learn more as I watch Alekzander grow.

1. Baby expressions are hilarious to watch as they are ever changing.
2. While waking a sleeping baby to eat seems counter-intuitive, your sanity is worth the forced schedule.
3. Even good natured babies have a witching hour - or two or three.
4. Breast feeding does hurt - but it gets easier for mommy and baby.
5. Baby socks don't smell after being worn for a day or two - unless the baby kicks his feet near/in his dirty diaper.
6. PJ day is acceptable for mom and baby - even if the day turns into days and the same PJs are worn two days in a row. Its not like either one of you is running a marathon.
7. Most noises that come out of baby are cute. The not-so-cute noises are followed by a not-so-cute smell!
8. Don't change a diaper too early during a feeding because baby will fill it again before he's done eating!
9. Gold stars are not handed out during labor. C-sections hurt, too!
10. Mittens will save a baby's silky smooth complexion and keep their hands warm.
11. Don't be a super mom and over-prepare/wash your collection of newborn diapers and clothing. Your newborn may not fit into either!
12. Its okay to be protective of the sweet baby that lived safely inside of you for ten months.
13. Take at least one nap during the day while baby naps!
14. Use a cloth diaper on top of the changing pad. Diaper changing can be unpredictable!
15. Daddy's have magical calming and swaddling powers.
16. It is never too early to start reading to a baby.
17. Snuggles and skin-to-skin are great for baby and mommy.
18. Remember to take a deep breath and a hot shower whenever you can. Both are priceless when you have a new baby in the house!

All the stockings are hung...

...by the chimney with care

Alekzander's playtime

Ashley caught a little bit of Alekzander's playtime... he obviously loves the little dog that Nate & Noelle gave him!! :)

Normal? or Extraordinary?!

This past week has been exhausting but incredible as I begin to adjust to motherhood. We have a healthy, big, strong baby boy on our hands who amazes us every day.

During our very surreal hospital stay, and my extremely scary c-section, I was an open book about my physical pain. I decided everyone in the room constantly needed a play by play description about what I was feeling, especially during surgery. The nurses and doctors kept telling me everything was normal, but they knew my acute awareness of everything was causing me to panic. To me, the sensations were not normal, but I was thankful that I had a team of professionals - and a calm husband by my side. When I finally heard Alekzander's vigorous cry, I was able to relax a little because I knew that he was here and well.

Since then, the focus has been less on me and more on him. Analyzing every cry, startle reflex, breathing pattern... I'm constantly wondering if his behaviors are "normal." Every doctor, nurse, and lactation consultant has assured me that my baby is healthy and normal. The other night while watching Alekzander feed, I realized that I didn't have a normal baby; I have an extraordinary baby. Of course I am biased, but he is nothing short of amazing. He is strong and alert, and absolutely precious.



We had our first 'away-from-home' adventures of parenthood...which left us all a little tired and a little frazzled at times. On Tuesday, we took him to the pediatrician for his first visit. The doctor reminds me of Santa - a very wise and well educated Santa! Our appointment fell during Alekzander's feeding time, so we had a mad little hungry guy on our hands for a while. But he was a perfect patient and didn't even cry when they weighed and measured him. Fully stretched out, Alekzander is 21 inches long (not 20 in. as they 'estimated' when he was born) and weighs 8 pounds and 6 ounces.

Yesterday we tried to time a trip to Target during a nap time, but Alekzander didn't really like Target. He screamed throughout half the store and only stopped when his stroller wheels hit the carpet in the baby section. What a smart little boy! :)



Bath time also proved to be a little stressful yesterday, but all of our excitement made for a good night's rest! We're surviving...and are absolutely smitten!

Homecoming

The view of Charlotte from the hospital window.

Welcome to your new home Alekzander!

Christmas tree @ the hospital...
look what I found under the tree! ;)

Snug in his car seat on the ride home.

The Swistak family is home and in front of
the stork that we've used to celebrate over 10
friends' births... now its Alekzander's turn!

Update: turns out he was actually 21"


Our awesome neighbors (the Woodmans) had balloons
on the mailbox and this cookie cake waiting for us on
our front doorstep! Alekzander is quite a stud...
good looking & solid little man that he is! :)


Finally coming to a rest in the nursery and
about to meet his crib for the first time :)

Special somethings...

Alekzander's (not so small) footprint which has already left a lasting impression on our hearts.

Snuggles, sunshine, snoozes, and showers have done my soul well these past 2 days. It is like a time warp in the hospital, but we are amazed at all the incredible people that have crossed our path since Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. We're savoring this last day in the hospital (coming home Sunday) and the extra TLC that Alekzander and I are receiving.

A sweet story from earlier today... Alekzander had 2 small feedings back to back and kept snoozing on me. We decided to dress him and get him ready for a little stroll around the nursery block and he got so mad! He was still hungry, or so he thought, but couldn't keep his little eyes open. I tried to calm him down and he finally began to relax...especially when the church bells started ringing at noon. The music lasted a good 10 minutes and the bells seranaded him to a sweet, peaceful sleep. It was precious.

Happy 1 day old Alekzander!!!

Thanksgiving night... settled in (at the hospital) and Alekzander and I have all of our Broncos gear on for the Turkey Day game! Even playing the Giants at home the Broncos are underdogs by a touchdown and with the 4 game slide we've taken, things don't look really good for us... but a guy can hope and a fan is always loyal.

It would be an awesome for them to 'win one for Alekzander' and Grandpa Swistak said on the phone that he would give the Broncos winning any other games if they could win this one for him!

One big problem... the hospital doesn't have NFL Network. Searching around online I eventually found the game hosted @ Justin.tv and we were good to go. In case you don't know... these websites have people all over the globe that have suped up computers connected to their TVs and they graciously broadcast the game for free for those that can't get them in their areas (like me, my Dad in NY and Brother in Italy). This host was from Germany and had over 3000 people watching (more on that later).

Broncos leading 16-0 at the half!

Watching online like this gives you a chat window off the to side. Talking with other fans and being a proud new Dad, I told everyone how I just had a baby boy and he's wearing his Broncos gear!


Near the end of the game, I was told that the channel host was going to say something about Alekzander over the live feed to everyone watching! I called my Dad and told him to listen just in time to hear (in a very strong German accent)... "Congratulations Alekzander Svveestock! Zee Newest Broncos Fan in US". At first my Dad thought I had somehow hopped on his computer and said that myself but I explained how over 3000 across the world just heard that. This was a big deal because these channel hosts don't normally interrupt the broadcast.

With the game in the bag, I got off the phone with my Dad after talking about how cool it was to get a Broncos win for Alekzander when I realized that with only a couple minutes left in the game, it was almost the exact time he was born the day before. I watched the clocks closer than the actual game from then on and sure enough... time runs out, Broncos win 26-6... and its 11:26pm!

Happy 24hrs of birth present to Alekzander!!!

Thanksgiving

As could be expected Thanksgiving will forever have a deeper meaning in the Swistak household!
Our baby boy was delivered to us less than 24 hours ago now and already he has rocked our world in the greatest of ways! I'm sure some of it has to do with the sleep deprivation but holding him and having him here has made time have no meaning. It feels like we have already known him, held him, loved on him for days and days already.

I'll watch Ashley and Alekzander sleep and time will stop... he'll be awake and looking around and waving his hands in the air (like he just don't care) and minutes will feel like seconds.

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

When I first heard him cry it truly was a joyful noise... I was reminded that it is God that had made Alekzander as he entered through gates with thanksgiving. I constant prayers are that Alekzander will grow to know and love the Lord as we have and continue it to future generations.

Ashley... THANKS for GIVING me the gift of a baby boy!

Welcome Alekzander John Swistak!!!

Now introducing... standing (laying really) 21 inches* and weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds 15 ounces...

ALEKZANDER JOHN SWISTAK!!!

Arriving just before midnight on Wednesday, he wasn't officially a Thanksgiving Day baby but he sure gives us reason for thanks!


Will post more info/pics/updates tomorrow but Dad needs some sleep!!! We've been here and on go since 7am!!!

*edit/update:  they had him @ 20" after birth but at his first pediatrician appointment at less than a week old they actually measured him out and he was 21".  I asked the doctor if it was possible for him to grow an inch in such short time and he just laughed.  He said they must not have measured him correctly at the hospital.

its GO time!!!

Have been at the hospital all day (since 7a)... we are in the delivery room and waiting for the planets to align. Water has broken, contractions are going, dilation is happening ... just need to progress further so here we wait.

Ashley is truly being a rock star mommy! She has been a champ and is in great spirits.



Posting a picture of what will probably be Alekzander's first outfit... will be fitting since it looks like he could be born after midnight tonight which will be THANKSGIVING!

2000 and Late!

Is it really possible that there is an 8 pound 8 ounce baby inside of me??? That is the estimate from the qualified pro today at the doctor's office. I think its time that he comes out... as it is now, I'm so 2000 and LATE!

At our 40 week + 1 day appointment today, we had a non-stress test (NST) for baby, an ultrasound, and then a chat with the doctor...

Regarding the non-stress test, this little guy is far from stressed. He had to be woken up several times by jingling keys in front of my belly and massaging my belly. All he wanted to do was sleep. I think he was boycotting one of the nurses (who is not my favorite) and just wanted to be left alone. The stimulation amidst deep sleep caused him to pass the test; his heart rate (baseline of 144 bpm) jumped the appropriate 15 beats each time he was jolted awake. But all was well with the NST.

For the ultrasound, we learned that he has plenty of fluid. On a much more shocking note, he is estimated to weigh close to 8 and a half pounds. The average baby measures in the 50th percentile at this point in the game. Our big boy measured in the 79th percentile. Andrew complimented me on making a good baby home... maybe too good??? We did get to see a profile shot of his little face... complete with chubby cheeks and a little button nose!

When we finally got to see the doctor, he said everything looks great. I told him that the baby really is ready to come out. He asked for proof. I told him that he's 8 pounds 8 ounces... isn't that enough? The doctor's first response was - "That's not so big..." By the end of the little consultation, I think he called my baby big about 3 or 4 times. Not quite the pep talk I wanted!!!

Regardless of his size, he will come out one way or another. Hopefully soon. The receptionist told us she hoped we'd be holding our own little "butterball" by Thanksgiving. I hope so too!

40 Week Pleadings!

Dear Alekzander,

You are a very anticipated, prayed for, and popular little boy. Today - as I reached 40 weeks of pregnancy - that is 10 months in case anyone is counting!!! - I received numerous phone calls, messages, and even a visit from friends and family who are so excited about your upcoming birth. Don't you want to meet all these people who are so excited to meet you?!

Of course, only God knows the day and hour of your birth, which I was also reminded of more than once today, but here are some of the guesses we had about when you would come...and the silly reasons why (in no particular order):

1. Milk expiration dates... its only natural that when we come to the end of our milk's life your life will begin... right?! So far we're 0/3. The current milk in our refrigerator expires 11/27 in case you're wondering.
2. Auntie Tessa's day off from work.
3. Tessa's birthDAY - the 17th (but in July not November).
4. Multiple offers to "share" a birthday with you.
5. Church gospel concert would excite you enough to come.
6. Numerous requests to meet you before they leave for Thanksgiving vacation.
7. Before Thanksgiving - because you really want to be here for turkey and pie.
8. During a football game - be it Panthers, Broncos, Steelers, or App State.
9. During the nationally televised SU basketball game... Dad would have traded any of the SU wins this week to meet you!
10. 11/23/09 @ noon - to be perfectly on time.
11. After eating a jalapeno infused meal.
12. As soon as the Marko-fam made it up the mountain to Blowing Rock.
13. After our 39 week OB appointment and lovely internal exam.
14. Immediately following a special trip to get pretty toes.

I'm sure there are many more hopes (disguised as creative guesses) as to when you will come (soon, buddy, soon!), but we will try to be patient. We just really can't wait to meet you. We love you already.

Love,
Mom and Dad

SMILE!

These days, there are very few reasons NOT to smile... we know that in just a short time, we will be meeting our son who will bring us an infinite number of smiles for years to come.

Our sweet friend - and wedding photographer - Abbey Lesher - graciously took two sets of maternity pictures for us...the first at 34 weeks, the second at almost 38 weeks. We have so much fun with Abbey because we can be our silly selves...and she loves for us to talk and tell stories while she takes pictures.

These are a few pictures which she narrowed down from the hundreds she took over the course of 2 days. It was hard to choose my favorites...

Single Digits...

We're down to single digits. Today was officially 7 days until Alekzander's due date... I think we're both anxious to meet our son...and the excitement grows each day. Even though the due date is still a week away, for the last 2-3 weeks, we've been hearing from family and friends, "Are you ready?" Of course we're ready... this adventure has been nearly 10 months in the making, and we know that we have so much to look forward to as parents! But, no matter how ready we are - or our house isn't - it doesn't really matter because only God knows when this little man will come into our lives.


A friend shared something she had read before she became a mommy... it seems like the perfect explanation of the love you have for a child. Without a doubt, it was written by a mommy! "You [will soon] have a piece of your heart that lives outside your body." You'll cry when he cries, hurt when he hurts, smile when he smiles... I can't wait to meet the piece of my heart in the flesh... in just a few (hopeful) days.

Photo by Abbey Lesher: In Alekzander's room @ 34 weeks w/Ultrasound picture from 18 weeks.

November 9, 2009 ... The Big Day

Not necessarily THE big day (ie: Alekzander's birth), but certainly A big day in our household. Monday night is the match up between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Denver Broncos. My favorite NFL team versus Andrew's favorite NFL team... we'll be civil of course, but it is going to be a tense night during Monday night football!

Originally, our primary care physician estimated our due date as November 10th... since then all our ultrasounds and measurements have indicated November 23rd as Alekzander's due date. So... an exciting Monday night football game may or may not bring Alekzander in to the world... to at least one ecstatic parent (as a result of the game's outcome). If he does come earlier than expected, naturally we'll both be thrilled regardless of whose team walks away with a big W!

Steelers Outfits from my PA relatives!!


Andrew's 2009 Father's Day Present from me and Baby A
More Broncos gear to come... without a doubt

Gifts from Marko-Grandparents
AMAZING hand-knit bunting and "helmet" made with love by my mom