Multi-taskin' mama

I have realized that as a new parent, you only have so much time to devote to yourself when a new baby arrives. You have a finite amount of time to accomplish a great number of tasks, and at the top of the list is taking a shower, eating a meal, and napping. I have been thinking how much easier life would be if I could eat a sandwich in the shower or nap there…killing two birds with one stone so to speak. I have already broken my own, original rule of not eating while nursing my son. Unfortunately, I seem to be starving all the time (more so than during my pregnancy), so spilling some crumbs on JR while he eats can’t be the worst thing I can do (although I will say that eating a meal is just not the same for us...we scarf down food at a rapid pace, taking turns holding a squirmy baby).

All that said, I have also somehow managed to read two Mary Kay Andrews books (Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze, both fabulous), do numerous loads of laundry, clean house occasionally, and BLOG! We have also managed to watch the second season of Dexter (such a great show) and spend quality time with our entertaining little man. Although, it is getting harder to use the phrase "little man"...a recent trip to the doctor found JR now weighs a whopping 10 pounds!

Simple things in life

Hi from Mommyland! I have realized a few things that have kept me sane and a good person the last month...

New jeans (not maternity!): $49.00

Purple sweater (not maternity!): $24.50

Haircut: $50.00

Feeling like a woman (rather than a big, fat incubater): PRICELESS

Of course, having a great baby like JR, super supportive hubby and family, and quickly shedding baby weight also help!

Time flies: one month!

JR will be a month old tomorrow! It is amazing how quickly time passes each day, but I guess tending to the needs of an infant (feed, burp, change diaper, nap...repeat) fills the minutes and hours of each day. Now if we could only find a cure for pesky diaper rash...

We had a nice visit with Remsen's Uncle Stewart (below with John Remsen) and Aunt Cheryl last week and look forward to visiting Remsen's office tomorrow to meet all of his co-workers and grab lunch in downtown Sparkle City!

I promise to post more tomorrow in celebration of new life and parenthood! Until then, here are some recent photos of JR...he is full of personality and has a million faces...

A quick hello!

We just wanted to say a quick hello and send an update--JR is growing fast, now weighing in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces (and is 20.5 inches)!

We were able to enjoy our first night out on the town (sans baby) on Friday night, when we went to Hub-Bub to see Belleville Outfit. It was a stellar show (sold out!), and we were able to see lots of folks we know and have adult conversations...yay! For anyone who is interested, Belleville has another show tonight (Sunday) at Hub-Bub at 7pm.

Also, we wanted to shout out to all of our friends and family that have made the past few weeks easier for our family of five (that includes Polk and Sadie!). It has been wonderful to have visitors who care about how we are holding up...so far so good! We'll keep you guys posted!

More Adventures

This has been a busy weekend for the Parrish family of 3. With the beautiful weather in the upstate, we went to Barnett Park on Saturday for a short stroll. JR enjoys getting in the sunshine.

Later that night, we went out for dinner. We thought that since JR craved sushi so much while he was in mommy's tummy, we would go to Ichiban for some Spicy Crab Salad rolls. He was perfect and let mommy and daddy enjoy a nice dinner.

It is now Sunday and we are trying our hand a pulling off the impossible. It is common knowledge among those who follow college basketball that Clemson has a record of 0-52 when playing the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. We have put JR in his first Clemson outfit and will see if he can pull the Tigers through to a historic win tonight against the Tar Hills. Go Tigers!

More fun milestones for JR

Hey everybody...JR had his first appointment at the doctor this week and got an A+ for health! He loves Dr. Webb and had a fun trip to Mom's office after his appointment to meet Kristi, Laura, and intern Patrick.

JR also went for his first walk down Dupre Drive with Polk and Sadie and his proud parents!

He also welcomed our first post-baby dinner guests, Gance and Papa John, on Tuesday night. We had a yummy dinner and enjoyed fun conversation.

JR also had another bath, and this one wasn't too bad! We have been able to speed up the process to limit his pouty faces and cries...baby does not liked to be naked and wet! Afterward, he sported his bathrobe, which made him warm and cozy right away.

Sleeping baby shots

John Remsen loves to nap...here's some proof of peaceful moments!

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The milestones of a newborn...

Remsen and I thought we would share some of the exciting moments thus far in John Remsen's life, starting with all of the wonderful visits from family and friends while at Spartanburg Regional...and leaving the hospital on Saturday morning! Note the knitted blue hat adorning JR's conehead... this was a very special gift from Remsen's cousin Lucia (a warm and toasty handmade heirloom!).
Obviously, the biggest task for Saturday was introduding JR to our other "children", Polk and Sadie. We were really surprised that they welcomed him home in such a calm and curious manner. Polk seems much more interested, sniffing every chance he gets and paying close attention to JR while he is napping, feeding, etc. Sadie is still not too sure about him and freaked out the first time JR made a peep. She does try to bring him squeaky toys, so at least she is making an attempt to share!
The next milestone happened this morning. We gave JR his first bath, well, his first sponge bath. He was a trooper for us as we fumbled around trying to clean him with little tiny washclothes. As you can see, there are other activities he would prefer doing over bathing in the kitchen sink!
Because the weather was so beautiful in Spartanburg today, we wanted to introduce JR to our backyard, where we are sure he will spend many future days playing. He really liked feeling the sun on his face and the wind in his hair (just kidding...but he does have lots of hair!). While we were enjoying our outside time, Remsen caught him smiling for the camera...he really is a wonderful baby. We can't describe the joy we are feeling, but hopefully you can see it through these photos!
More later....:) Rebecca