Road Trip

Ethan had his first long road trip this weekend. We spent Friday afternoon through Monday morning with my mom's brother and family in Indianapolis, IN. Ethan had a blast!! He played so hard with the family that he slept hard every night and took amazing naps. We all had a lot of fun! Road trip #1 was a success. Let's hope future ones turn out this well.

Laughter

Laughter is such an amazing drug. Little Ethan sure knows how to laugh it up during the day. I am so addicted to his full belly laugh and amazing smile. If I am having a bad day, I know I just need to tickle Ethan to get that laughter fix. Besides making my day with his smiles and giggles, Ethan has been a busy boy. I can't get over just how fast he has grown and changed. He rolled over from his back to his belly the week of Easter. He hasn't quite figured out how to go from his belly to his back, but in time he will figure that out too. But what he really wants to do is sit up on his own. He tries to lunge himself out of the car seat in an effort to sit up more. It is quite comical. He also is starting to sit up unsupported (though he still seems to be a bit head heavy - he often falls backwards or forwards - but he's getting there).

When it comes to feedings now, he has figured out what the bottle is. He reaches for it with gusto and grabs and pulls until he has it in his mouth. I can't believe he is already holding his bottle on his own!! Daycare is impressed too. His most recent passion is for one of his toy balls. He palms the ball and one hands it around his head. I think he is going to be a football player because he takes the ball in his one hand and can lob it pretty far. A picture of the referenced ball is below. Yes, he pulls the ball off the velcro strap and away it goes.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mnovotny/April2009#5321288267615333314 (the ball is in images 144 and following)
http://picasaweb.google.com/mnovotny/April2009#5321289705111183682 (video)
This video doesn't show the sport side of things - but close enough - we are working on getting a video that shows the pull, palm and launch - STAY TUNED!!)

We are sure having fun with our little guy. I'm so glad the weather is starting to get nice. Many walks are ahead for Ethan!! YEAH!! There are more April pictures and videos. Enjoy!!

Challenges

Michael and I are finding out that there is never a lack of challenges as a parent. Just when everything is going smooth and things are figured out, Ethan will throw a new loop in front of us. Nevertheless, there is definitely no time to hesitate, we've learned to just pick up where things left off and continue on.

We had our first true sickness. Poor Ethan had a 102.6 temp last week. The weird thing is he wasn't crying or fussing. I didn't even know he had a fever. I only checked his tempature because I had been sick. Now I know what a significant temperature in a baby feels like. Learned a big lesson there. Ethan is doing great. Just had a cold get out of hand and it turned into a sinus infection. He's already back to his normal happy and peppy self.

The best thing about this past month is the giggles. The full belly laugh is soooooo amazing. I also enjoy being greeted by a smile when we pick him up from daycare. I now know he truly regconizes us and enjoys our company.

I also can't get over how his interest in toys has changed. A few weeks ago, toys were non-existent to him. Now he can't seem to get enough toys. It's just amazing. Absolutely amazing. In addition to the toys, Ethan has finally found his feet too. He will grunt in an effort to pull his feet up to him in order to grab the toes. There are several pictures in the April album of Ethan and his feet fetish. Pretty cute. We are definitely enjoying watching Ethan grow and develop.

Getting to know you

Well, Ethan is getting to know us and all the great people at daycare. It's hard leaving him everyday, but he comes home happy most of the time so that makes things a little easier. And we try to reconnect as a family on the weekends. I can't belive I have been back at work for nearly a month! There are times life moves way too fast.

Ethan's new thing is playing with his hands. He spends a lot of his time trying to figure out how to shove his whole left fist into his mouth (Michael thinks he is going to be left handed). It's pretty cute and very entertaining. He's starting to smile a ton more too. And the best part.... He is sleeping nearly 7 hours straight at night!!! Michael and I sure love this!!

The adorable red puppy, which we have properly named Clifford, was a Valentine's Day gift from Michael's mom. Ethan took to the soft stuffed animal right away. There a several more pictures with Clifford in our picture gallery. Enjoy!

Parenthood

Ok, so Parenthood has kept me way busy! Haven't had much time to update the blog these past 6 weeks! My how time flies! I can't believe it has already been 6 weeks and I have to go back to work and Ethan to daycare in 2 days. How crazy! Regardless, things have been pretty good for Ethan and I. He is growing so quickly. He has finally outgrown the newborn clothes, but has yet to really fit into the 0-3 month clothes (he is swimming in them). He is technically too big for the newborn diapers, but I have 20 left to use and by golly I am not going to waste those! I will find a way to squeeze his little butt and belly into those diapers (however, I might just have to deal with more messes - oh well). There are always more pictures and videos of Ethan. We try to update each weekend. We are also proud to share that he was Baptized this past weekend! It was such a moving experience. Well, it's back to baby care.

Ethan Michael Novotny

We would like to annouce the birth of our son, Ethan Michael Novotny, born at 1:08pm, weighs 7lbs 6oz., and 19.5 inches long.

Melissa and Ethan are doing well.

Enjoy the few photos

1 week left...

So it seems our little guy is going to continue to be a bit stubborn. My appointment yesterday revealed more good news (3 cm and 100% thinned) - basically I should be in labor so says the doctor, but clearly I am not (bummer). Baby is showing his stubborn side once again just like he did with the photos and hiding his face from us earlier in the pregnancy. Unfortunately, baby's position (way low) and my bladder disease are causing more discomforts, but I am still able to work through it all so far. I am definitely learning more and more about patience these past few weeks.

2 Weeks left...

Only 2 weeks left... so we think. Had another appointment yesterday and got some more good news. The Dr. determined I am now 2 cm dialted and the baby is soooo low he can't figure out how I am still walking. I have some back and leg discomfort but walking isn't a problem I told him. He was shocked. So basically we are on a daily baby watch and every new ache or movement has me on my toes thinking "this is it!" But so far not further progress. The bags are packed and we are ready whenever our baby is!

4 weeks left... Maybe.....

As stated in the previous post, I definitely can't believe how fast time flies. We had our 36 week checkup last night and are well on our way to having a little one; maybe even early. I am 1cm dialated and 50% thinned out and our little one has dropped all the way. We have a few new ultrasound images of his face but they are not 4D ones so not as clear. But we think he is beautiful!!! We'll try to keep everyone posted with the latest updates!

Time Sure Flies!!

We can't believe how quick our due is approaching. There's not much time left!! We've been busy traveling to baby showers, attending birthing classes and adding little bits of this and that to the nursery. Time has sure flown by! We just can't wait to see our babies face! He has been soooo active lately we simply just want to scoop him up and love him to death. At the same time this pregnancy has been sooo pleasant I'm not sure I want to go without the cool feelings of a baby inside of me, but none-the-less he will join us soon and I can't wait!

Countdown

Well, the countdown has started. We are past the first and second trimesters and into the home stretch. Less than 80 days now!! My how time flies. I'll admit, the minor panic is starting to set in for me. Will we have everything ready? Are we truly prepared to be parents? As I see it, our little boy really won't care too much initially, but we are already starting those "worried parent" senarios. I suppose that means we are ready, right? Enjoy the pictures of the nursery (now that we can put them up). It isn't much yet, but soon all of it will come together. Can't wait to really start preparing it with the essentials (crib and bedding, dressers, bookshelves, and oh yeah, those adorable clothes!!). It is all very exciting and yet so unbelievable at the same time. My last checkup at 28 weeks went great. Both I and the baby boy are healthly as far as the Dr. could tell. The little one is having a hay day kicking around and playing. I fear he is enjoying the warm, dark place too much (he just better not be too late in joining us!). Love to all!!!

Preparations

Michael and I sure have been busy and having fun. We spent the last 3 weeks preparing the nursery. We now have new floors, fresh paint, a new ceiling fan etc. The room looks great! With the help of my parents and sister, the work on the floor was done in a weekend!! How awesome is that? Now we just get to wait and dream of what the room will look like with baby in it. Can't wait. And as for baby, well let's just say the little one is very active. Michael is finally getting to see and feel the kicks. Amazing!!! We are now in week 24 and can hardly believe the changes that are occurring both to me and our baby. Not sure what lies ahead in preparations for the weeks ahead, but I guarantee we will still be busy (and I have a feeling that won't be changing anytime soon).

Activity

So our little one is becoming more regular with its activity. There seems to be a set pattern to its movements now instead of just at night before I go to bed. The baby now kicks and moves up to 7-8 times a day. It's pretty exciting as the kicking is getting more pronounced. I now really know our little one is there. Unfortunately, poor Michael can't yet feel the activity, but his day will come.

Half Way There!

Today was the famous 20 week checkup and yes we know the sex of our little one, but some of you will just have to wait to learn that news (or maybe you'll figure it out on your own). The checkup went great. Our baby has all its vital organs and even seems to have a stubborn personality already, as it hid its face for the whole checkup. The little hands were always over its face proving it was already camera shy and not willing to play the full game of peek a boo. We have a great shot of the tiny little feet, the spine, and a 3D profile of the right side of the face. These pictures are located in our baby album at http://picasaweb.google.com/mnovotny/Baby.

Growing

Michael and I have a really neat day by day calendar that my sister bought for me when she found out I was pregnant. It gives a snapshot of the baby's persumed growth and development each day. It is quite interesting to see what appears on the calendar each day. For example...
Today's message was about the length and weight and it stated: "I'm as long as a dinner fork or approximately 8 inches and weigh around 7 ounces or the weight of 3 extra large chicken eggs."
Crazy to think this miracle is inside of me but yet soooo neat. Can't wait to see baby again in 16 days in the ultrasound! How amazing!

Numbers

So Michael is naturally good with weird numbers. He was looking at our baby's potential due date and came to an interesting realization. Here's how it paned out....
We were married on 06-05-04.
The baby is due on 12-10-08.
Do you see the uniqueness of the numbers? The due date is exactly 2 times each number in our anniversary date. Pretty cool if you ask me. If baby stays on time Michael won't forget its birthday!

The Most Beautiful Sound!!

Michael and I remembered to bring a digital recorder with us today to the 16-week checkup. We recorded the heartbeat of our little one (sorry there are a few clicks and disturbances - we had trouble getting a clear and close recording). Click the link below to hear the heartbeat. It is still around 160-165 bpm - GOOD AND HEALTHY!!
Sound Clip

16 Week Checkup

Today is our 16 week checkup. Last night we put a new picture in the baby album to track the 16 week belly growth. I can't believe I have actually grown in the belly that much. I still don't notice it much on myself, but the pictures don't lie (nor do my tight clothes)!!

Predicting the Baby

So Michael and I thought we would try our hand at blogging too since it seems to be the "in" thing. Our first post is a poll to see what everyone thinks our baby will be. So vote away and have fun!

POLL NOW CLOSED!