Angelic Moment of Owen

After looking at my previous post I think it is only fair to state that he is indeed cute, and has with in him the abilities to be quite angelic - he slept so much better last night. While a good night does not have as much to write about, I mean how much can you say or write about a sleeping baby, here it goes... So, last night was a “three-get-up-night”, rejoice! This is a new personal record (previous PR was 5). Both Mom and I are very proud of his performance and will continue to cheer on Owen in hopes he will keep up such a great pace...

It should also be noted that we have been without the grandparent support team for two days now. I think all three of us have adjusted relatively well, but perhaps this is due to the fact that the fridge is still stocked with their leftovers. We will see how we fair after they are all gone. Thanks for all of your support and LOVE - Oma, Opa, Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle MJ. It was truly great to see all of you with Owen with all of your new names. It was a great way to start our new adventure into family-hood.

BTW – I was able to type the entirety of this post with my faithful co-pilot – Owen. Chest carriers are great and he slept during the entirety. Not much of a proof reader, but cuddly just the same.

Don

Not always this CUTE...

Warning! Owen doesn’t always look like that...

The following was an e-mail I sent out to the prospective parents (Christy and Eric; Kevin and Marty; and now the proud parents of Ainsley Jane Oleson, Chris and Jen). The night described here was a couple of nights ago and Owen has had better nights since, although he has begun to find his inner mischievous self now.

In case you were wondering if sleep deprivation, exhaustion, delusion, confusion and what in the hell is going on with my kid won't happen to you, it probably will. Until last night I thought we had a handle on it. The system was working pretty good - allow 10-12 hours to get 8 hours of sleep and use tag team system (Kelly feed and Don Clean). Then last night occurred... I think I need to go back to High School to remember a day that I slept to nearly noon. Although I don't think I can call what we did last night sleeping.

Owen wasn't especially loud or mischievous, just squeaky, very awake and incredibly cute. You might ask how can a kid be "cute" and at the same time be annoying enough to keep you awake. I don't know how this happened, I just now I was surprised and dumbfounded by it all.
Part of my tag team responsibilities, besides cleaning is getting Owen back to sleep. Usually this has been relatively effortless - burp, change diaper, swaddle and place in bedside crib = sleep. Last night was; burp, change, swaddle = squeaks. O.K. try plan B; burp more, shhhhhhhhhhh, more shhhhhhhing, bounce = he begins to look sleepy BUT when placed crib, squeaking continues. Hmmm how about plan C; use glider chair in other room so at least Kelly can get some sleep. This worked, but sustaining this technique requires stamina that I don't have at 2am, return "sleepy looking" Owen to crib. Yes, he squeaked again, but this time I think we almost fell asleep prior to the ensuing squeaks. Plans D, E and F are a little fussy at this time and I think it involved massive amounts of shhhhhhhing, burping and attempts to feed. I wonder what tonight will bring? Oh, god don't let this be a pattern for the next month/year.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed the story. It seemed appropriate to write about it in a humorous way to make me feel better. I hope it doesn't scare you, just be ready!

Don

April has been GOOD...

Who knew that April would be this good!

We currently have both sets of grandparents and an Uncle in town and subsequently Owen is receiving a ton of attention. Opa (Grandpa Crandall) had a wonderful birthday yesterday and celebrated it by bathing and hiking with Owen. I wonder what Oma will want to do on hers?

I also have accepted a 8th grade science position at Hillcrest Jr. High for next school year!! This job is at the same school that I worked at for my student teaching. Therefore I know most of the people that I will be working with, very exciting.

Been posting a few more Owen photos in his album too. Don

Owen Carl

What an amazing experience...I am at a loss of a way to express in words what has happened over that last few days. I can say this; I have never been more proud.

Kelly and Owen are doing very well and we are all at home now enjoying the absence of hospital staff, protocols and interruptions. I have added a new web album just for Owen (see links). Let the plethora of photos begin!!! Enjoy...

Don

Here We Go

Well it has been decided. A few changes, but we have a plan. We are going to St. Marks tonight and inducing tomorrow.

Don