TWO MEN & A LADY

This is Our Life ~ Our Photo Book ~ Our Journal that will never sit on a shelf, be placed in a chest or find its spot in the attic but instead put on display for all of you so you can share in our joy and sorrows that come complete with life. Learn from our mistakes (THERE ARE MANY) or give advice when needed. Welcome!
Clint ~Teri & Dax
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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Now You See It; Now You Don't

It's very strange that Dax appears to be somewhat bald on the top of his head in the daylight, but as soon as you take a picture a whole head full of it shows up. I guess this is because like his dad, he has ash blonde hair that is almost transparent until you take a picture and then all the sudden a whole head full of hair shows up.
I love spiking the hair that you can always see that's dead in the center of his head - and it's long too!

From Dax

From Dax

Feeding Dax

The only time Dax cries is when he's hungry of course. Once he's had his bottle, he is completely content and and usually falls asleep. He completely passes out and Clint likes to say that he's "formula drunk."

From Dax Misc.

From Dax Misc.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Dax's First AU Season

Dax got to watch (well... hangout while we watched) the 1st Auburn game of the season. It was quite a day and he had a lot of visitors - even a few Alabama fans. As always, we had two TVs side by side with both games on since they played at the same time and Dax didn't mind the noise at all - he actually enjoyed the attention he got - from the UA fans as well. ha ha.

Not surprisingly, Dax has a lot of outfits to show his team spirit, so I had him dressed in team colors on Auburn Eve as well. ;)




From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.



From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

3rd Week

This week flew by as well - it still goes from 9am to 4pm in a blink of an eye. Dax got to meet all of Mama's co-workers. I enjoyed seeing all of them.

He's eating more now and sleeping longer but getting more fussy than normal - but it's still FAR from being bad. He's still such a good baby. He rolled over from his stomach to his back at 3 wks and 3 days old. Don't know if that's early or not. But he was definitely lifting his head up at 2 weeks and I'm pretty sure that's early. He is such a shaker and a mover and when he does that I tell him (Dax) "Buddy, you're not telling mama anything. I already knew you could do that" ;) But it's fun for me to point out to Clint (when he gets to moving like that) "He moved just like that from week 24 to week 40 - can you imagine what that felt like?!?" ha ha.

*If you noticed certain pages appearing and then disappearing, it's because I had trouble loading the photos. Don't worry, they'll be back.



From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.


From Dax Misc.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

2nd Week & 1st Peditrician Visit

2nd week into the world was so much fun! Dax is such a good baby - he makes the job of new parents of a newborn so easy for us. I know that could all change in one week, so we are just enjoying it while it lasts. I don't ever think I've been less stressed and this happy before in my whole life. We are truly blessed!

Dax had his 1st Pediatrian visit and Dr. Simpson went on and on about how wonderful he was doing. His weight gain was right on track and I found out that the nurses had to of measured him wrong. Dax was a lot longer than 19 3/4s at birth because the Dr. Simpson said there is not way he grew that fast in the time since birth.

Not something most people think twice about, but it actually bothered me when they said he was only 19+ inches. I just knew he had to be longer due to the feet in the ribs so soon. I felt like I had been quite whiney about that for him to be only 19 3/4 inches. Both Grandmothers thought the nurse had measured him wrong as well. They obviously didn't stretch his legs out. Which is really hard to do - still because he's so strong and keeps them bent up like crab legs (it's too cute).

I was sooo impressed with Dr. Simpson's little computer clip board and thought is was really cool when Dr. Simpson showed me an average growth chart and typed in Dax's measurements and it showed on a graph that Dax was taller than average.
He's still tiny though - ha ha. But boy is he growing fast. He has long legs, arms - huge hands and loooonnnnggg toes. He can already make a fist with them. ;) Just like his Daddy - ha ha.

Dax's first trip to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's house


From 2nd Week



Dax getting cleaned up - hadn't lost umbilical cord yet


From 2nd Week



He loves bath time and is so good (Although by the look on his face it appears Mama is telling a story) ha ha


From 2nd Week



Sweet boy is pouting. ; ) Yep, he already knows the quickest way to pull our heart strings.


From 2nd Week


Dax's signature Pose


From 2nd Week


Playing with Mama!


From 2nd Week


Bath time before Pediatrician Visit


From 2nd Week



From 2nd Week


Clint and his "mini-me"


From 2nd Week

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Visiting Grandmother On The River

Saturday was such a beautiful day that we had to ride up to Grandmother's house. She has such a beautiful view and lives on the deep part of the Warrior River - we love going up there it's so nice. We also love seeing Grandmother!


Clint


From To Grandmother's House We Go



From To Grandmother's House We Go



From To Grandmother's House We Go



From To Grandmother's House We Go


Oreo, neighbor's dog bringing back stick Clint threw.


From To Grandmother's House We Go


Dax in his Automatic Sprinkler outfit (how true) and Grandmother


From To Grandmother's House We Go


Dax kicked back while we eat all the good food Glenda and John made us.


From To Grandmother's House We Go


Clint with Flash


From To Grandmother's House We Go

Monday, August 11, 2008

I'm New Here! 1st Week Into the World

Wow, I have to admit that I'm already sad that it's day 10 and it has flown by. It made me realize the value of each and every moment I get to spend with my son. Clint goes back to work Wednesday and we are going to miss him terribly and then when I go back I know I'm totally going to be walking out of daycare crying! How do working moms manage? Guess I'll find out soon enough.

Dax has grown so much since we've been home. When Clint measured him 3 days ago, he was 21 and 1/2 inches. He eats like a champion! And the more we look at him the more I wonder if I contributed any DNA whatsoever to this child, because he is identical to Clint right down to the wrinkles in his hand. (that's okay, as long as Dax grows up to be right about everything and have the ability to win every argument and finish with "I told you so" then I'll be certain he got a little of his Mama in him - ha ha) Just kidding of course. I actually hope he gets his Daddy's personality as well. Clint's personality is really hard to beat.

Clint and I love holding and staring at him just to see how many different facial expressions we can get in a minute. It's sooooo precious!! and funny. (Yes, I promise that's the last time I'll tell you how precious he is. Ha- maybe the last time. :)

One thing is for sure, Dax is going to be quite the comedian. He has us laughing so much and just like many have told us being 1st time parents of a newborn is so much fun. But most importantly it took a very short time to see that our lives now had a purpose that we never had before. Truly gives life new meaning.
What keeps us laughing? For one, it's not that we get peed on that makes us laugh - it's the moment he chooses to do it and the fact that we always think we're ready for him and as soon as we let our guard down that's when he nails us. LOL! Last Thursday he managed to catch Me, Clint and Mom off guard and peed on us all in the same day.

He started off with me. While I had my hand on him as I was turned around reaching into his diaper bag I felt tapping on my head (I thought it was Clint messing with me). So I turned around to see why Clint was taping on my head but of course it wasn't Clint, it was Dax peeing on my head. Thank goodness that the moment I turned in that direction he redirected his aim to the right or otherwise I would have caught it right in the mouth! Never in my life did I think that getting urine in my hair would make me laugh instead of upsetting me, but it did exactly that. I was laughing so hard that I had to stop before I could change his diaper. Of course later it was Clint, then an unsuspecting Maw Maw (who had previously laughed out loud when I told her about Dax peeing on my head) ;) Guess he wanted to show Maw Maw that no one would be spared. ;)

Oh! and the Grandparents... priceless!!! I know Paw Paw (my Dad) loves him so much (my Dad is hopelessly in love with all his grandchildren - you can see it in his eyes) but I know he's just dying for Dax to get old enough to throw that boy on a horse or give him a ride on one of his tractors. As far as Grandmother (Clint's mother) and Maw Maw (my mother) go... well, let's just say that there is not a minute that either of them are around Dax that they are not holding him the entire time. As soon as they walk in the door, they're ready to take him from us with no apologies (so sweet).

Grandmother kissed every square inch of his head the other day (several times over) while we were visiting her at the river and when we were at Maw Maw's house Dax was in his car seat asleep and Maw Maw didn't want to disturb him, so she just picked up the car seat and put it in her lap! and held him that way until we left. ha ha. I should have taken a picture of it.

Seeing the Grandparents with Dax makes mine and Clint's heart smile - VERY BIG!! As well as the Aunts and Uncles - Great and even Great Great. 1st and 2nd and 3rd cousins! We are so blessed to have the family we have.

Brian and Emma Brown, I can't wait until the day that y'all get to see him in person - It's about time for us to meet Isaac and see my sweet Natalie Ellen, Owen and Claire. I know Dax will love them.
Til next week!

Feeding Dax and watching video of Dax's birth (right after his birth - not the actual birth)


From 1st Week Album


Dax while I was updating his page on the 1st night home.


From 1st Week Album


Dax studying Clint's face.


From 1st Week Album


Clint picked out this outfit - ha ha.


From 1st Week Album


Watching a DVD of the Chic-fil-A Bowl courtesy of Dan.


From 1st Week Album


Naked as a Jay Bird but sooo cute.


From 1st Week Album


Sweet Boy


From 1st Week Album

Sunday, August 10, 2008

My Delivery - YAY! My Recovery - UGH!

I woke up at 2:00 am and had a feeling - I waited until 4:00 am to tell Clint and by 5:00 am we were out the door, by 3:09 pm our Angel was here. And we are enjoying every minute of it so far - even the hard!

He is healthy!!, happy and a calm baby! The nurses even commented on the same. Just like all 1st time parents, we are so in awe and could never have imagined just how much we would love him. I can't wait for all of you to see him!!

Here's the story from that unforgettable day:

I had been told that I was probably going to have back labor due to my back hurting after every weekly appts. at the end. I thought that you were only a candidate for back labor if your baby wasn't facing the right position before you went into delivery. It turns out I was wrong and my mother and those "been there done that moms" were right.

After several hours of my contractions coming less than five minutes apart but were completely tolerable, I thought - hey, I'm going to get off easy - ha, wrong!

Wow, when they finally starting coming about 2 minutes apart I felt like my back bones were being crushed when I would hit a contraction (which would show up on the monitor every time one came) Clint and my mother were fascinated by the monitor and the fact that by watching the monitor they knew I was having a contraction and the higher that white line would spike, the louder I would holler/cry/yell.

I remember when one would start, I would start squinting my face which would prompt Clint and Mom to look at the monitor which then would be followed up by their comments of "Wow, that one is going straight up!" Of course in all my agony I would think to myself "I don't need you to tell me that!!" ha ha. However, it was good that when it would start to go down, they would inform me of that as well, so I knew it would be over in a matter of seconds. I was shocked at how a contraction would be so painful but the second it was over, I was able to smile talk and etc. with no problem and like that horrible contraction had never happened.

That is until as soon as one would end another one would begin directly after and they would spike higher and higher every time. After about an hour or maybe a bit longer of taking that and the fact that they weren't moving things along as fast as you would think, my super awesome labor nurse called the doctor and pleaded my case to the doctor to let me have the epidural early. If I wouldn't have got that epidural soon, I was convinced that I was going to pass out from the pain or die one because each and every one would tire me out to the point where I thought there is not way I can handle another hour or more hours - yikes of this pain. The wonderful doctor obliged and soon (but of course not fast enough - ha ha) The epidural man (anesthesiologist) showed up with all his equipment.

Of course he showed up all bubbly and he started to tell me (in a very bubbly tone) what he was going to do and explaining how it worked (a procedure and directions he had done many of times). Mind you while he was explaining (bubbly tone and all) I was having unbearable contractions so right in the middle of his direction spill, I turned and looked at him and said (dead in the middle of a contraction) "PLEASE DON'T TALK! - JUST DO IT" (in my nicest tone I was capable of). His reply was "that's okay, I didn't want to talk anyway" LOL! Good answer we all thought and Clint and Mom laughed.

Once that epidural kicked in, it was all better from there. Actually it worked too good that I completely lost all feeling in my legs and even up to my stomach. I was so numb that it was kind of uncomfortable and at one point I even asked if I could have the epidural cut down a bit (I know crazy!)

They really insisted that I not do this, so I took their advice left the epidural at the level it was and I'm so glad I did. Because about the time I got to 7 or 8 cm and I started feeling them again. But with one boost, the pain was back to being tolerable again and by that time - victory! I was at 10 cm. It was time to push and the nurse informed everyone (family members all there to cheer me on and await Dax's arrival) that it was time to go to the waiting room. I was so happy to have all of them there. It really helped the time pass by fast.

So everyone headed out except Mom, Clint and Glenda. Meghan got everything ready and gave me my instructions. Sometime earlier I had been informed that Dax had passed meconium and that an NICU nurse would be on hand in case he inhaled once out and got it in his lungs. This would have really upset me, but Meghan made sure I knew that it was nothing to worry about, they just were going to keep him from crying at first until they made sure the meconium was all out.

After an hour of pushing - with Clint on one side and my mom on the other helping me out with Glenda, Clint's mom as a witness and also acted as a tension reliever due to a couple of laughs she got out of us during that time.

Finally, Dr. Goolsby was called when it was time and arrived for the last couple of pushes and as soon as Dax was out he worked his magic of suctioning out his nose and mouth so fast that Dax didn't have time to inhale that sticky stuff that would have been harmful to his lungs and within a flash Dax was laying on my stomach. He cryed just a little but then started looking around very calmly. He looked at me, Clint, Mom (I guess he got a glance at everyone in the room). I think Clint and I both cried a little. Not sure about Mom and Glenda but I'm sure they were in awe. It was amazing to be able to have them there with me and witness that miracle. I will never forget any of it. After the rough pregnancy I had off and on with severe bouts of nausea, migraines - just about every uncomfortable pregnancy symptom you can have - it was so easy to see why mothers are willing to do that all over again. The end result is an absolute gift from God.

The first night I was so excited, that I completely forgot that I had torn and was supposed to take it easy - I guess the epidural was still wearing off. I did so much that I caused myself to have a worse recovery that got worse after I got home. I had to sit longer and wasn't able to walk much at all.

At first I was afraid that maybe I was being a big baby, but by Thursday things were bad enough to call the doctor in which I found out I had a condition that "wasn't common, but happens" since I was breastfeeding, doctor Goolsby decided to not put me on estrogen and wait it out to 10 days to see if it were better. Well day 10 is here and I am MUCH BETTER.

Still having to watch it and take it a little slow but I'm really thankful I can get up and move around now. Clint has been such a great help - I absolutely could not have managed without him. He enjoys every diaper change, late night feeding (basically every moment he gets with Dax) so that it's really been a blessing to have that help. So far the only frustrating problem I've had was my recovery. But I'm so thankful that it wasn't worse.

The picture I attached is a picture my Uncle Alan took. Like all the pictures in this journal, you can double click on it to enlarge it. Good thing, because at first glance, my Aunt Sheila thought that a picture from an earlier journal entry was a picture of someone's rear end. ha ha.

Also..

A little cool detail - minor - but still cool is that August 1st was Dax's initial due date but the computer's said July 31st (only a day).

BTW, those 2 ultrasounds put his due date at Aug 1. (so I think it is crazy! that Dax actually falls in the less than 5% of babies that are actually born on their due date) - The same computers said he was going to be over 8lbs. Guess YOU STILL CAN'T TRUST TECHNOLOGY 100%

August 1st is also the due date by doing it the old school way which is by the last LMP date. My mom and SueAnn had figured calculated this up early on and now have complete bragging rights. Ha ha.

However in the last couple of weeks Dr. Goolsby knew what he was talking about by feeling of my stomach. He commented at week 37 that he wasn't going to be a very big baby probably 7. Meghan took down everyone's predictions while I was in labor, and she predicted the closest at 7lbs and 2oz while me. My nephew Austin had predicted 7 lbs and 2 ozs as well. Me, mom and Dr. Goolsby came in 2nd with a 7lbs and 6oz prediction - It's so funny to me that we ALL were off by close to a whole lb.

I only gained 13 lbs the whole time so I at the end we all started to believe that 8lbs was probably not the case (although still not impossible!) but I would tell people that he was going to be long and skinny like a Ramon Noodle. Well, his arms and legs are long and lanky and he was only 6lbs and 7oz so I guess I was right.

Being that Dax was completely healthy!! The weight of 6 lbs and 7 ozs was perfect as far as I’m concerned.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Spinner Dax Has Arrived!!!!

I can't even begin to tell you what a relief and blessing it was that he decided to make his way on out that day. I was set for an appt at 8:45am at Dr. Goolsby's office to talk about inducing Sunday evening on the 3rd. This was much earlier than the original planned Aug 7th (the "if he's not here by then" date) and this was only due to constant severe migraines that would not let up that Mama (me) was suffering. This was really really bothering me, since there weren't even the simplest or beginning signs of him coming soon or ever for that matter and also due to the fact that it wouldn't be because he was in stress or danger, it was because I couldn't put up with the migraines or the always unpredictable severe nausea for very much longer. So I was really uneasy about getting the ball rolling when it appeared that he just wasn't ready yet. Well, like always, God intervened and told Dax it was ready. Here's pictures of the past couple of days of Dax's Grand "Fun for ALL the Family" entrance. And when I say fun for all the family, trust me - it was just that and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

I didn't have to have a C-section which was awesome, but still have a bit of recovery to go from tearing (another blessing that Dax was the size he was - had he been any bigger, a C-section would have been unavoidable) and not having the good sense to take it easy the 1st, 2nd And still 3rd night is really taking its toll but with the support of Clint and the rest of our family - I'm making it just fine!!


Clint calls this my growl - this was between two huge contractions.


From Dax Delivery in St.V


I was loving posing for pictures between contractions (he was my right hand support man)


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Mom and me after the epidural, can you tell? (she was my left hand or leg holder (ha ha) support) even though at that moment she just happens to be on my right.


From Dax Delivery in St.V


With Dax's paternal Proud Grandmother handling back up. Yep, that makes 1 anxious papa & 2 anxious grandmothers all in the room with me when Dax made his grand entrance to the world!


From Dax Delivery in St.V


2 handsome men were there to cheer me on as well: Anderson and Austin - Dax is going to love these 2 big cousins!


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Dax's Great Aunt Sherry and her new nephew who I know she is going to SPOIL! :)


From Dax Delivery in St.V


One Proud Dedicated Papa! They hit it off instantly and by this time have already watched their 1st pro football game on tv together ;)


From Dax Delivery in St.V


One Proud Dedicated Paw Paw! Dax's Maternal Grandfather who can't wait to show Dax his "mean green air conditioned John Deere Tractor Machine"


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Super Happy Maw Maw Dax's Maternal Grandmother - She's waited a long time for a close by grandchild


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Dax's Great Aunt Sheila - another big spoiler! He's going to be so rotten.


From Dax Delivery in St.V



Dax's Great Uncle Alan, Big cousin Leah and Great Aunt Sheila


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Aunt Sheila with Meghan (the person that handled the whole show until about 30 minutes when Dr. Goolsby was there to catch and stitch - she did almost everything and was so awesome I wanted to get out of bed and give her a hug but I still couldn't feel my legs so she came and gave me one.


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Clint rolling Dax out to the hall so he could visit while Meghan was taking care of Mama


From Dax Delivery in St.V


What 12 hours of "was that a contraction?" beginning labor to excruciating back labor to pain free epidural Teri approven and 1 hour of pushing labor looks like. We are so happy right here!!


From Dax Delivery in St.V


He doesn't look like a 6lb 7oz baby - he looks tiny, but so much bigger too!


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Clint's still obsessed with his feet. And yes they are going to be identical to Clint's (hand too)


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Clint's has already been such a hands on dad - I'm so blessed!


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Clint can't stop either kissing him or staring at him. It's too sweet.


From Dax Delivery in St.V


All bundled up in his baby burrito. This was an important trick to learn.


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Filling our birth certificate info - Thanks Clint!


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Just precious! 1st time to wear his own clothes. My 1st cousin Brandy monogrammed this herself!


From Dax Delivery in St.V


1 second he's awake...


From Dax Delivery in St.V


and then down for the count


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Clint said he made Dax into a glow worm


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Even though he's going to lose this hair before growing other hair back - I'm enjoying his ash blonde hair.


From Dax Delivery in St.V


And just like every other parent with there own children - I think he's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.


From Dax Delivery in St.V


On the way home. This is the last outfit of his that he hadn't peed on. He's still peeing on us and for now we're still laughing. Our New Family!


From Dax Delivery in St.V



From Dax Delivery in St.V


The infamous 1st ride home picture


From Dax Delivery in St.V


He had very long nails and kept scratching his face - Daddy tried to clip them and traumatized himself and said he'd never do that again - so on went them mittens until Mama could file them at home.


From Dax Delivery in St.V


Dax chillin until we put the kitties up - anybody want to adopt them? As much as we adore them, we've just got to find them another loving home where they'll be adored.


From Dax Delivery in St.V