A Day in the Life of Andrew

Hello. My name is Andy and I am Pat and Julie's new, highly trainable young primate. My dad told me that this post would be the 100th on the family blog, so I decided to celebrate the occasion with a detailed description of what it truly means to be two weeks old. Enjoy!

This is my bed. It's really nice and comfortable. My parents worked hard to make it that way. I don't like it, though. I refuse to sleep here.

This is Mom and Dad's bed. It's just the right size for me. This is where I sleep. I can't wait until I can kick Dad out and finally have some peace and quiet!

I usually wake up hungry or in desperate need of a diaper change. I'm still training my folks in their parental duties, so I kindly let them know of my needs by wailing at the top of my lungs. I want to make sure they hear me. I know that I'm sleeping right next to them, but they are rather advanced in years and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Thankfully, my parents are quick learners. They usually get me my food in a timely manner. After eating I'm so stuffed that I just can't stay awake. I pass out and take a well deserved nap.

Sometimes my parents give me a bath. I must say that I'm not a big fan. If they keep this up I just might have to pee on them.

When I'm angry (right after a bath), I like to be held and catered to for a while. My grandma is a pro in this department. Mom and Dad still have a lot to learn!

Mom and Dad also like to dress me up and take pictures of me with visitors. Unfortunately, I'm easily startled, especially by camera flashes. It can take awhile to get a good shot of my handsome mug.

By the end of the day, I'm so tired from feedings every two hours, constant love and attention, and the stress of teaching my parents what it means to be a parent, that I just have to crash for a couple of hours. Dad is usually home from studying by this time, so he gives Mom a break and we settle down for a nap. It's a rough life, but I'm holding up well. My parents seem to be pretty happy, which is good; they'll need these fond memories when I'm a little older and tearing up the house!

Well, that's it. The story of my life. I hope you enjoyed it and remember to come and visit. I love being held!

One Week!

Well, it's been one week since Andy joined us, and it's all we were promised and more! Sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and frequent crying have made us stagger around the apartment like undead zombies and made us wonder if it will ever get better. Then there are the times when he's just fed and cuddles against your chest or when he's awake and looks at you like he's just found his new best friend. That's when Julie and I look at each other through our bleary eyes, smile, and realize that it's all worth it. So, in celebration of Andy's first week of life, here are some more pictures. Enjoy!

More Andy!

Due to popular demand, here are more pictures of our new, highly trainable young primate. Enjoy!

Better Late Than Never!

Yesterday, Julie and her parents, Wayne and Debbie, hopped on the subway and went to Manhattan to check out some sights and hopefully get things going with our baby who seemed a bit reluctant to leave the comfort of Julie's womb. No major contractions followed their sojourn, however. Later that night at about 10:00 pm, Phil, David Badger, and I were playing a rather intense game of Call of Duty 5 (thanks Julie!) when Julie suddenly bolted to the bathroom, calling my name as she broke land speed records for the fastest pregnant dash. After discovering that her water broke, we dutifully called the doctor's office and were connected with Dr. Rosser, the OB/Gyn on call for the weekend. She told Julie to go ahead and come to the hospital; however, according to Dr. Rosser, there was no reason to hurry as first time labors usually took quite awhile. Julie commenced to leisurely take a shower and get ready. We finally began our five minute walk to the hospital at about 11:15 pm. Contractions had begun, but were still fairly mild. When we reported to the triage unit, however, the fun had begun; Julie was dilated to 5 cm with contractions right on top of each other. Needless to say she was admitted right away. The labor was mercifully short and, at 3:17 am on November 29, Andrew Wayne was brought kicking and screaming into this world, weighing 7 lbs. 10 oz and measuring 20 inches in length. Julie was absolutely amazing throughout the entire process. She delivered the baby naturally, without any pain medications. I am in awe of her strength and composure and count myself lucky to be married to her.

And now, without further ado, I give you the amazingly cute Andrew:

P.S. - The winner of the game "Guess Andrew's Birthday" is Vania, who guessed November 28 at 6:42 a.m. The closest guess for weight was a tie with Kim and Cassie both within five ounces at 7 lbs 5 oz and 7 lbs 15 oz respectively. Congratulations to the winners and we will get you your prizes as soon as I figure out what they are!

P.P.S. - After a careful review of the closest guesses for weight, it has been brought to my attention that the winner is David Badger with a guess of 7 lbs 12 oz and a length of 20 inches. Congratulations David! I contribute my mistake to the fact that when I wrote the blog I had only had an hour of sleep!

My Wife Makes Me Laugh!

On the left is Julie at 2 years old. On the right, she is 30. Some things never change! I love you, dear!

Baby Andy Predictions

Okay, so I look really tired in this picture but I am 37 weeks pregnant, I can't help but look the way I feel. Besides feeling tired and stretched I feel great. I really can't complain.

Several friends have already started to make guesses as to when Andy will be born and how much he will weigh. We thought we would start keeping track of those guesses. Feel free to join in the fun by adding your guesses to the comment section of this blog. We are taking guess on the day the time and Andy's weight.

No, David, if you guess right you can't name our next child, but we may send the winner a gold star or something.

By the way I am due November 23rd, if that helps.

Halloween Hijinks!

Julie and I went to our ward's Halloween party last night. Our costumes speak for themselves. I fully realize that I will lose all dignity and respect by posting these pictures, but I already lost a considerable portion of it by appearing in public dressed like this. Why should I worry now? Enjoy!

Pooh Bear and his pot of Hunny. Go ahead. Laugh. Everyone else already has ;)

Chet and Meagan were a senorita and her pinata. If you hit him he threw candy. The kids loved it.

Nate and Nikki as Senator McCain and Governor Palin. Their break dancing moves put us all to shame!

The missionaries organized a pie eating contest. I lost. Spencer won. This doesn't bode well for the BYU / Utah game.

The baby continues to grow. Julie thinks she's huge. I think she's beautiful. The baby agrees with me!