Christmas Tradition

Each year my family celebrates Christmas with my Godmother, Lois, and her family at our favorite Chinese restaurant. It is a time spent in laughter and with peaceful spirits. I received special attention from the owner who danced me around the dinning room. This is my first year in attendance outside the womb. If you go back to the December 2004 blog, you will notice that last year I was dressed up like a snowglobe; well at least Mommy's belly was.

Been Busy...Here's An Update

With Daddy in school and routine maintenance of life within a family, wee have gotten a bit behind on posting, even so, all is well.

Let's see. What significant changes are going on in my life? I have four teeth now and more are on their way. Mommy noticed two breaking through the surface of my gums today. I have been pulling up and trying to walk, so I keep trading bruises for bumps and scrapes. I am resilient and overall happy.



I got a bad case of sinusitis and was treated with three rounds of antibiotics. Though I went through a rough period, two weeks before Thanksgiving, I was blessed with a visit from my Grammie Gardner. She cared for me the entire time, so that my parents could continue with work and school. We are all very thankful for her self-lessness and sacrifice. During her visit, we became quite close and developed our routine of daily walkies and nappies. Mommy and Daddy have a hard time getting me to nap, but Grammie figured out what I liked. I slept with a teddy pillow and the same warm snuggly blanket everyday. It was like having a real British Nanny, but with the perks of a Grammie.


Over the river and through the woods...
Our family went to visit Grammie and Grampie Gardner during the Thanksgiving holiday. The food was delicious. I was treated like royalty; as were my sibiings and cousins as well. The gathering of family was a blessing.

Grammie and Grampie had a funny gift swap while we were eating Thanksgiving dinner and I ended up with a "bow-hawk"...Daddy's sense of humor.

Nine Months & Eleven days

11/21/05 well check
weight 19#8oz 25%
height 30in 100%

Mommy and Daddy were a bit concerned that I was on the thin side, but were reassured that I appear to be healthy.

Six Month Check-UP

weighting

Daddy took me to my 6mth check-up. It was a good thing too, 'cause I got five shots and I don't think Mommy could have handled it. Piper also had her four year old check up on the same day and she got three shots. Yikes, what a day!

Here's the statistics: wt-18lbs 10oz 50% & ht-28in 95%.

1st Day at Day Care

I think it was a good morning. Mommy didn't even cry... I guess she did enough of that last week.

Daddy was anxious this morning. Unfortunately, he had class, so he didn't get to come with us. Mommy was also anxious about dropping me off. Piper was very excited for me. She really enjoys her school, so she talked to me along the way and reassured me that there was going to be fun stuff to do today. Piper was proud to be my big sister. When I arrived, I was mused by the crying baby next to me. It reminded Mommy of her first day in Kindergarten. She too, wondered why everyone was crying. Piper got me out of my carseat and I reached over to the little girl. She stopped crying.


Piper helped me feel safe.

Hey, I can bounce here, too!

Weeeeeee!

My Florida Grandma's First Visit

Grandma and I had a blast! I can't wait to see her again. I have been looking around the house for her, but can't seem to find her. When Mommy noticed that my grunts had an unusual tone, she realized that I missed Grandma, so she sat in the rocker and sang to me like Grandma did while she was here. I was surprised to look up and see that it was Mommy singing to me and not Grandma. It was not quite the same, so Mommy called Grandma to get the words to the song:

Grandma's tiny baby boy
loves to play with cars, trucks, and toys
and I hope he will always know
this is why I love him so...
la, la-la, doo da da, da do da day
(something like that...Mommy's memory is not so great! lol)

July 24th -31st

Jaws

Piper got three new pairs googles for swim class and decided to share with Harrison. To our surprise, he really enjoyed his gift.


duh nuh duh nuh duh nuh

5 months

measured at home on July 9th: 18lbs and 27 1/2inches.

First Tooth

Harrison cut his first tooth on July 7th. He will be five months on the 10th of July, so I guess technically, he is still four months. WOW, that seems early. Of course, he is a big boy!

1st Trip to the Zoo

Nicole and Conner invited us to the zoo. I enjoyed being at one with nature. Even though it was very hot, there was a slight breeze under the canopy of trees, which off-set the discomfort of the sun and sweat. I smiled and coo-ed most of the day. Stefan, Bailey, Piper and Mommy thought that the mist machines located under the vine trellis by the gorilla habitat provided a refreshing end to a pleasant day.


6/17/2005

4 Month Check-up

Despite fact that vaccinations are a pain, I have great news! I am growing and healthy. Did I mention that I am really growing?

Weight 16lbs 14oz 75% = 6mth, Height 27inches 95% = 7mth, Head Cir. 43cm 75%

Piper Reads 2 me 6/1/2005

Gigglies

This photo was taken shortly after attending Piper's 1st ballet recital. I liked the softer music, but the clapping was a bit disturbing. Actually, I had my mind on eating and going to sleep, or trying to stay that way through most of the performance. So, when I objected to the noise Daddy took me out into the lobby. Shortly after that, Mommy took me to the ladies' room to nurse. I think that was my favorite part of the night...well, that and the going home part.
When we got home, everyone ate pizza while I had squash and salivated with a longing stare at their plates. When I reached for Mommy's plate, I was promised that when I get teeth I will get some pizza, too! Piper decided after dinner that she would like to hold me. I like to cuddle and so that was just fine by me. Mommy thinks we are cute so she took our picture. We are both hams.

Christian huggins

Harrison' s Baptism

5/08/2005

All of my brothers and sisters, my mommy and daddy, my godmother Lois, my family's friend Nicole and Grampie Gardner (who actually took this picture) attended the ceremony. Other friends and family members who were unable to attend sent best regards and were also with me in spirit.

Grammie's Gift to Grampie's Grandson...

...arrived today 4/25/05

This is a Grammie's hand-made original baptismal outfit adorned with a locket which contains a photograph of Daddy's childhood bear.

Winning Team

Bailey and Harrison 3/23/05

Daddy coaches Bailey's soccer team. Her team gave this t-shirt to him when they found out that I was on my way. Mommy thought I was so small when I was born that it would be a long time before I could wear it. But see, I am a quickly growing boy!

First Solid Food

Rice Cereal

2 Month Check-Up

Daddy took me to get my shots yesterday and I went for my two month check-up today. I now weigh 13lbs 5oz and I am 23 1/2inches tall. "Dr. Juice" said that I can start rice cereal. I will be adding new things to my diet every 3-5 days. I am a healthy eater, so I am sure that solid food and I will build a wonderful relationship.

Happy Harrison

Was that laughing gas?
4/4/2005 6:47:11 PM

No More Smoochies

3/30/2005 6:38:43PM

March is coming to a close

Please accept our apologies. It has been a busy month. Our family moved into a more spacious home over Spring Break and Internet access has been limited, which is the reason that posts have decreased. Hopefully, we will be able to update the blog more regularly, as we settle into our routines.

Harrison is growing rapidly. He looks more like a three month old than a child who is little over a month old. He has decided that the ceiling fan in Mommy’s and Daddy's room is just the coolest. His ability to watch it spin around is right up there with having his diapie changed and is almost certain to produce a smile. Mommy's time at home with Harrison is nearing an end and soon Daddy will take off for paternity leave. It should prove to be an interesting time, as Harrison has begun to show definite signs of mommyitis. Daddy has found that swaddling him snuggly and giving him a pacifier works wonders. Washing his hair and brushing it also helps with fussy times.

If you have any other suggestions for calming a baby who is longing to nurse an absent mommy, please feel free to post. FYI…No, we haven't seen "Meet the Fockers" and though it has been suggested that we follow the ingenuity of a particular scene, I really think Cubby’s chest is too hairy to pull it off. LOL

Oh Brother!

Stefan, Harrison and Piper 3/18/05

Daddy at 1 month

...compliments of Grammie

First Well Check at One Month

10lbs 4oz

I finally got to meet my pediatrician, “Dr. Juice”, today. (Affectionately named by Piper) Mommy’s milk must be magical! I have gained 3lbs 4oz and grown to 22inches.

Life is awesome when...

Yoda Baby

My First Bottle Ever

Daddy and I enjoyed a moment of bonding while participating in my favorite activity. Piper was quite entertained.

Hanging Around

Field Trip

I joined Piper on her field trip to the local pizzeria. The students at Piper's school were all invited to make their own pizzas, just like the pros! I'm proud of my big sister.



Piper's pizza

The After Bath

waaaaaah...

I woke to the sounds of Harrison calling out for his 5 am feeding this morning. Groggy headed, I aimed for the fuzzy view of the bassinet. As I picked him up, I heard a soft thump hit the carpet. His little umbilical stump and clamp had come off and made their way out of his night gown to the floor. The plastibell from his circumcision followed shortly at about 8:00. It was nice to be able to give him a real bath; which he needed! I think he approved, though the only signs of appreciation were received after the fact.


ahhhhhh

Special Visitors

Don't my grandparents look proud?



Grammie and Grampie made special arrangements to be here for my birth. After all, breaking the sound barrier in my travel into this world was not my only record breaking feat. I am the first grandson in a long line of eight Gardner grandchildren.

Picture Up!

"And now, the star of our show..." Just kidding, finally got a little sleep.

Sibling Responses

All of my brothers and sisters came to see me on the day I that was born,Thursday, February 10, 2005. Stefan, was the first of my siblings to hold me. He was very gentle as he smiled down at me. Christian told my mommy that he now understood why she had some many babies. He said it was because we just keep getting prettier. Piper wore her nurse in training scrubs and Bailey brought in a large gift basket of goodies for us all to share.

Welcome Harrison Cubby Gardner!

Finally! I'm sorry for taking so long to get to posting, but as you know, it has been one wild ride. First, I'm sorry if I didn't contact everyone earlier. This is my first break in the flurry of activity since leaving the house more than twelve hours ago.

Welcome to Harrison Cubby Gardner! Born at 12:03 pm today. 7 pounds, 0 ounces, 19 3/4 inches, Baby and Mom are doing great. As you know, we were admitted for induction, but once Jennifer's membrane was ruptured the birth process shifted into warp speed -- 4cm to delivery in 13 minutes! I'm still shocked and amazed at Jennifer’s performance. There was no time for any pain meds. She handled it with the utmost grace and resilience. Although the hospital staff was incredibly busy, their handling of our case was outstanding! They were extremely sharp, professional and courteous. Kudos to them as well.

No time to upload pictures now, I have to study for an exam. I'll post some soon. Thanks for visiting.

On The Way, Still

Baby is still on the way. It's just a slow pace. Jen reports a pretty good rest so we should have a baby by this afternoon. Stay tuned!

Almost There

"Hurry up and wait"! We finally made it into the hospital and we're still waiting on a room.

In a holding pattern

The maternity ward is full and being that our baby was scheduled to be induced, we have been placed on hold. We are awaiting a call from the hospital to notify us when there is space to be admitted. I guess this means that We are flying stand-by.

We are left wondering what will happen should the labor process begin spontaneously.

Baby On The Way!! It Won't Be Long Now...

Just finished our visit with the doctor...we will be admitted to the hospital tonight. Dr. McDonald will start the induction first thing in the morning. Jennifer is doing well, the baby sounds great and is occasionally active.

First, thank you to all who have been following our story and have expressed well wishes. Hopefully, this is the moment everyone has been waiting for, and though we are excited to share the experience with you we would really like to preserve the intimacy of the labor and birth process. We'll post as soon as we have a moment to get acquainted with our new blessing. Thanks and stay tuned!!

The queries are dwindling

It seems that co-workers are speechless, lately. As I approach others in the halls, I am met with looks of awe and amazement or simply an exchange of empathetic glances. One person told me today that she expects me to come out of my room at any moment holding my baby out for introductions. I am scheduled to work one more week. It looks as though wee may make it!

I suppose the question has changed from "When?" to "WHY NOT?"

Can we hang in there two more weeks?

Huh? Excuse me doc, but I thought you said that February 12th was the due date. Isn’t that less than two weeks? When your waistline has reached 45 inches, two days makes a big difference! I guess we can disregard the count down on the right side of the blog.

So when will he get here? Your guess is as good as mine. As life has a way of producing humor that we can only learn to appreciate later in life; pick the seemly most inconvenient date and that will be the day. We are expecting snow this evening. I was thinking this morning that snowy weather would be prime delivery weather; after all, Christian was delivered on a snowy day in May! However, there’s NO change in dilation. Let’s see, Cubby has labs on Friday; that may be the day. Dr. McDonald will be out of town this weekend, so the odds for a birth this weekend increase exponentially. Of course, the fact that Grandparents are due in next week and their visit ends on the 13th insures that we will be having a Valentine’s Day baby after all, as Bailey once predicted.

If a raging sinus infection doesn’t add to the stress caused by uncertainty of arrival, perhaps the completely flat tire that I drove home on, in the chilly rain, while accompanied by an irritable four year old, is the perfect icing on the day.

Okay, I am finding my center. Having had the opportunity to hear the baby’s heart and knowing that while I am seeking to place myself under undue stress, our baby is doing fine and all other vital signs are wonderful is my greatest calming influence of the day. I also owe thanks to Cubby, who after silently listening to me vent, said that everything would be okay.

January 26th Update

Everything is fine. His heart beat is normal. My blood pressure was up a bit for me, but normal by average standards. All other vitals looked fine. Dilation is measuring between 1 and 2. It could be any day or even three weeks from now. It all depends on the wee one. Our next appointment is at 1:45 on Tuesday, February 1st. We will be visiting once a week until delivery.

Ready & Waiting (Dreamtime in the Meantime)

Cub: Can you guess who is who?
Jen: Yes, I'm Ready!
Cub: And, I'm Waiting.
Jen: Still a couple of weeks until the scheduled arrival though. As you might expect, I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable.
Cub: The baby just keeps drooping a little lower each day. It's like waiting for the New Year in really slow motion.
Jen: Speaking of "Where's your head at"...If you have seen Cubby lately, you will have noticed a change in hair trends. Over the winter break we watched a full faced beard grow in,

which has recently diminished to a goatee. Did this chain of events precipitate a dream sequence?
Last night,the baby was born weighing 5lbs and measuring 14inches...,now I know I'm dreaming; the belly says he has far surpassed that size.
Anyway, in the dream...The baby was sitting on my lap in a diaper. He had these long shiny,dark brown, reddish tinted, 1/2inch long hairs growing on his legs and he was rubbing them. Cubby came over to talk to him and I mentioned how much Cubby and the baby looked like each other. At that point, the baby said," see, look at my hairs, Daddy!" I then looked at Cubby said,"I told you he would be hairy." It was a very matter of a fact dream conversation, but at this point, you may be laughing along with me.

A gift from co-workers

I think that there are seven of us at work that are pregnant or have been pregnant this year. So, my co-workers decided to give out gift cards this year, as a solution to the baby boom we've experienced. We had our shower on Thursday afternoon. Whoa-hoo, my gift card was for Target.

Shopping was great fun. I picked up Piper after school, on Friday afternoon and we went shopping before going home. As we walked into the baby zone, Piper said that she wanted to buy him (the baby) everything! She really felt important, so much so that she became a bit bossy, though still tolerable. Most of the things in this picture were selections she made during our excursion. She picked the colors and styles she wanted for everything. The two bibs she chose state, "I love my big sister" and "I love my big brother". I think the bibs were her favorite purchases. She giggled wildly when I read them to her.

A big thank you goes out to those who made the trip possible. The experience made a difference in the life a little girl who is adjusting to the thought of another person sharing the limelight.


purchased with Target gift certificate

Baby Pool

With about 30 days left to go until the baby arrives, I thought it was time to post the pool to collect everyone's guesses about weight, date, time, etc. Click on the title to be taken to the survey. If you want to review information about the other babies birth weights and lengths check out the archive. In any case, get your prediction on file, the clock is tickin'!

How low can you go?

Apparently quite low...Notice on right side of the blog; Cubby has added a daily countdown in green text, as well as a catchy little tune which plays at the page load.

FYI: Everything went well at the doctor's appointment today. The baby is doing fine and all other vital signs look good. The fact that somedays, I look like a puffer fish, is simply a normal part of pregnancy. There are no changes in the schedule to date. Cub has considered making a arrival stats poll, so keep looking for additions to the blog, not only in the form of posts.

Pictures from week 35....

35 weeks

There's five more weeks to go!