Bruce Meets Grandma and Grandpa Heier

Grandma and Grandpa Heier arrived this past weekend to meet and help out with Bruce this week. He welcomed them with a Bright Red Cornhuskers shirt of course! He loves when Grandma Heier holds him and seems to behave much better when Grandpa Heier's around.

Enjoy the videos!

Bruce Update-3/28/09

Sorry for missing a couple days. We've been adjusting Bruce's feeding schedule a little and needed to get on track.

Bruce is now 3 weeks old! Sometimes feels like it's been longer, sometimes feels like time has flown by. Bruce continues to do very well and is now weighing in at 9lbs 9oz (which translates to a 3lb 2oz weight gain in just 3 weeks!). Bruce has upgraded from newborn size diapers to Size 1s (mama's little boy is growing so fast). Feeding-wise we have moved to 100% bottle feeding of breastmilk, supplementing with formula about once a day (as needed). This change has really helped mom out as she couldn't keep up with the hourly feedings. Bruce doesn't seem to mind and likes feeding time with Dad. This also allows up to keep track of how much he is eating (the quantitative nature of which is appealing to mom and dad, and of course mom already has a spreadsheet set up for tracking ;). Nighttime sleep has gotten a little better, with the average leaning more toward 3 hours and sometimes reaching 4-hour intervals between feedings. Bruce hit another milestone with his first time out at a restaurant today. Mom and Dad took Bruce with them for some lunchtime Sushi (oh how mom missed her spicy tuna roll!). Brucie did pretty well, with just one embarrasing moment of burping at the couple at the table next to us. They didn't mind so much (boy what you can get away with at 3 weeks old ;). The waitresses loved him too. He fell asleep just in time for Mom and Dad to gobble down their sushi rolls and we escaped without major incident.

Next week poses a few more changes for us. Robb starts back at work on Monday. We will miss him dearly! But luckily Grandma and Grandpa Heier come in to town today and will be helping us with this adjustment all next week. Bruce is really looking forward to meeting them!

I will try to keep the blog updated at least weekly. We love your notes and comments. Thanks for all your support.

PS, want to send a shout out to Bruce's new buddy Leo Brady Wilson. Born on Tuesday, March 24th to Sam and Sarah Wilson. Congrats guys and Good luck these next few weeks!!

Face Time

We've gotten requests for more video of the boy.

This was taken immediately before Bruce started crying. (In his defense, it was feeding time for The Milk Monster.)

Chillin' with Dad

Bruce had a pretty good night last night. After a cluster feeding that lasted til midnight, Bruce went 4 hrs and then 3 hrs between feedings and slept in his bassinet for a few hours, giving mom and dad a little break. We also weighed him last night and he now weighs 8 lbs 7.2 oz, gaining another pound in less than a week. So at least there is some reasoning to the constant feedings. He was really cute and alert this morning so we took a video to share with you all, ENJOY!

Poll Results: Bruce Pee-ed on...

So the answer to our last poll: Who did Bruce pee on first? is...Bruce. Poor boy.

Yes sir, it happened during one of his diaper changes. A perfect arc of urine extended from his area right to his poor little face. Dad quickly grabbed a washcloth to block the stream and from what we can tell none entered his mouth. Now we make sure the washcloth is in place during all diaper changes.

And even though Bruce was the first one he pee-ed on, Dad and Mom have had their baptisms as well; though both of ours were through wet diapers and not the dramatic streaming of pee described above. The only household family member to escape thus far has been Duke. He tends to stay away from the changing area, smart doggie ;)

We'll need to think of our next poll question, stay tuned...

Bruce Update-3/23/09

Mom and Bruce went to a Breastfeeding support group at the hospital today. It was nice to meet other moms and hear their shared experiences. Basically, no one is getting any sleep ;) Didn't get too much help on the latching problem we are having, but there was a substitute nurse leading the discussion today so we may go back next week. Mom got to try out Bruce's new stroller too!

This afternoon we had a visit from fellow Redeemer Church member Christine Ensley and her children Sonja and Thijs. They brought yummy chicken enchiladas, brownies, and some cute outfits for Bruce. Thanks so much. Bruce really liked meeting you guys (he was wide awake)!

Bruce also received a very nice drawing from his cousin Lena Heier that is on our refrigerator. Thank you Lena! and some gifts from Mom's coworkers, thanks everyone.

We realized that we haven't taken many photos of Bruce and Mom (mainly because mom is usually exposed when holding Bruce), so we took a few to share and some other cute pics for Bruce's fan club.

Oh yes, and to fulfill requests for photos of Bruce's belly button:

Bruce Update-3/22/09

Bruce's umbilical cord fell off yesterday; so, no more creepy little black appendage hanging from his stomach. Pretty happy about that.

We're doing pretty well, but we're still only getting 2-3 hour stretches of sleep. Hopefully, that will improve before Daddy has to go back to work next week.

Here are some pictures from today. We put Bruce in his "dog gone cute" sleeper today. I prefer to keep him minimally clothed just to make things easier when he's in the house, but I have to admit, this one is pretty cute:

Tummy Time! (We call it Tummy Torture because Bruce is not a big fan.)

Bruce has started "spontaneous smiling." (I say it is spontaneous farting.)

Wellness Update-3/19/09

Bruce is 2 weeks old today!

We went to his 2-week check up with the pediatrician this afternoon. Everything went well. His jaundice continues so they had to draw blood again, but the doctor is not concerned. She said it is common with breastfed babies with different blood types from the mother and that we will just continue to watch it. Update: Doctor called and bilirubin is down from last week's reading (12.1). She said once it starts going down it should continue to go down, so no more heel sticks. Yay for Bruce!

Bruce gained 1 pound since his visit last Thursday! We were not too surprised considering how much and how often he has been feeding.

Here's his stats:
Height: 20.25 in (19.5 at birth)
Weight: 7lbs 5.6oz (6lbs 7oz at birth)
Head circumference: 14.25 in (13.5 at birth)

Looks like his umbilical cord is prepping to fall off, will keep an eye on that.

So all continues to be well in the Heier household. Sleep remains a premium as Bruce only sleeps in about 1-3 hr spurts (with the 1 hr spurts being at night of course ;) But he continues to be a blessing to us and has started smiling in his sleep. It's pretty cute, and not just related to gas passing as his Daddy thinks. We are having some latching problems so Mom and Bruce are going to a breastfeeding class next week. His tongue procedure should help the latching as he learns to work with his new tongue mobility. Can't hurt to get some tips from the support group.

That's the news for today. Hope everyone is having a good week!

Tongue Un-Tied

We got an appointment today with an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor and had Bruce's procedure taken care of. He is now officially un-tongue tied. Bruce continues to be a real trooper with his doctor visits/procedures and barely cried. Pictures below are from right after the procedure. We couldn't get a good photo, but he can now stick his tongue out ;) Hoping this will help with some of the nursing discomfort.

All is well on the homefront. Lack of sleep continues, but we are getting through it. Bruce has his 2-week pediatrician visit tomorrow. We will be sure to post an update.

Poll Results: Bruce's Diapers

I'm sure all you veteran parents out there laughed at our naivete when you saw the poll options. We haven't had a day under 8 diapers since we've been home and my milk came in. Here's his stats for the last week (and I'm sure 1 or 2 went undocumented in our wee hour diaper changes)

3/11/09: 12
3/12/09: 10
3/13/09: 8
3/14/09: 8
3/15/09: 9
3/16/09: 8
Average: 9

Try our next poll! This one we already know the answer to ;)

Kiss Me; I'm Irish

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Weekend Visitors

Aunt Rhonda went home on Saturday but not before prepping 3 casseroles and making a grocery store run. We miss you Aunt Rhonda!

Friends Kyle and Becky visit Bruce and Duke

Aunt Lisa, Channing, and Uncle Rich with Bruce


Friends Gunther, Noah, and Trisha with Bruce

Friend and fellow Redeemer member Betsy Kutscher stopped by to check in on us and brought 2 beautiful prayer shawls, one for Bruce and one for Mom.
(also pictured in background a beautiful quilt from Great Aunt Betty and Pretty Good Uncle Darrel)

Bruce also got to meet friends Valerie, Matt, and Avery in Connecticut via Skype (webcam). Hope you are feeling better Avery. Bruce is looking forward to meeting and playing with you.

Huskers vs Canes: the rivalry begins

Apologies to all you Canes out there, but this one was too cute not to post.

Thanks to Ron and Darlene March for the Nebraska wear.

What Bruce did today

Bruce started off the day with his first snowfall. Didn't seem to phase him as he calmly slept on Daddy's chest.

Today we went into the CCO office to meet Mommy's coworkers. Everyone there was so nice. Since you guys couldn't see his outfit under the swaddle, here's a shot taken when we got home. He was pooped!

The big milestone of the day was that Robb got to feed Bruce his milk from a bottle! No picture :( because Deanna and Rhonda took the chance to escape to the mall for a bit so Deanna could get some intermediate clothes that fit. Rhonda then cooked us a great meal, don't know what we'd do without her help.

Aunt Rhonda and Brucie

Bruce Update-3/12/08

1 week old today!

Started the day off with a follow up visit to the pediatrician. All went well and Bruce gained 5 oz since Tuesday, almost back to his birth weight. He's eating like a champ (hence the extreme fussiness Tuesday night, sorry Granpop Green). Still a little jaundiced so they checked his bilirubin levels and he is at the high end of the normal range (14.0) but nothing to be concerned about, just something to watch. They said it might be related to Bruce and Deanna having different blood types (need to look that up). All's well and next visit is next Thursday, a standard 2-week checkup.

Bruce spent the rest of the day eating, sleeping, and excreting :) He played on his rainforest gym and took a sponge bath, this time mom had the honors. We've come to find that Bruce cannot turn away from a mirror. If I was as cute as him I wouldn't either. Aunt Rhonda made an awesome dinner and helped with several errands. We got to skype with Uncle Kevin and cousins Lena and Brett last night and tonight, so that was fun too. Bruce is in Daddy's arms right now and hopefully looking forward to a peaceful night. Stay tuned...

Thanks, Gang!

I have been meaning to put up these pics of the DC crew and their visit to meet Bruce in the hospital.

Craig and Liz (Craig is helpfully pointing out where the baby is.)

Becky and Kyle (not pictured: Kyle)

Dana (thinking about the future)

Nhan (thinking about dinner)

A well-executed hand off. (Nhan is into it!)

And, of course, they left a devastating trail of presents in their wake.

Thanks, guys. Bruce is lucky to have a good bunch like you to look out for him (and his mom and dad).

Wellness Update-3/10/09

Just a health and wellness update that Bruce is doing great! He had his first visit with his pediatrician today and all is well. He now weighs 6lbs, 0.8oz (it's normal that they lose some weight in the first week). He has a little bit of facial jaundice so they want us to go back on Thursday for a look. Bruce was also born tongue tied. This is when a baby's frenulum (the skin under the tongue) is too forward (too close to the tip of the tongue) and it prevents them from fully being able to stick out their tongue. It can affect breastfeeding (but we are not having that problem) and it could possibly affect speech. We are going to have it clipped/fixed in the next couple months. It is supposedly very common and apparently they used to fix it in the hospital by default, some times without the parents even knowing. It is very minor and otherwise everything with his exam was just fine.

At home he is doing really great too. Breastfeeding is going surprisingly well, feeding about every 2-3 hrs. He took to it right away and mom loves the bonding time. He goes through several diapers a day (see poll on the right; we'll take an average of the first week and let you know the results!). He's most active/fussy at night, which makes it tough, but we take shifts and are applying some incredibly helpful techniques from a book/DVD called "Happiest Baby on the Block" (Thanks Trisha and Gunther for sharing that tip). Guess that's all to report now. Pretty much he eats and poos like a champ! Oh how the conversation in the Heier houshold has changed (well I guess not really...).

Mom and Dad are hanging in here ok too. Sleep is at a minimum, but trying to sneak in the 30-60 min nap when we can. Mom's healing is going ok too, stairs in the townhouse can be tough so the help from Robb and Grandpop Green are much appreciated. Finally snuck in time for showers and that made a big difference, feeling a little human again. He's totally worth it, he's been so good.

Bruce and Dad at his first doctor appointment

Swing!

[Swing provided courtesy of Liz & Craig, Nhan & Dana, and Kyle & Becky. Thanks, Gang!]

Bruce's First Bath

[For those of you who may be afraid to view this particular video, I assure you it was tastefully shot (i.e., no full frontal). We felt that was an artistic choice that Bruce will have to make for himself when he is older.]



Actually, they gave him a bath in the hospital, but this was the first time we gave him one.

Bruce's Homecoming Videos

We brought Bruce home on Saturday, March 7th!

Some of mama's favorite photos

Bruce getting ready to go home,

wrapped in his baptismal blanket from Great Uncle Harlan and Great Aunt Shirley

Bruce and Daddy. Daddy just couldn't put him down.

Daddy's first diaper change!

Home from the Hospital

Daddy and Bruce with Dukie looking on.

Mom's out

Bruce FAQs

Hi All! Thanks so much for all your emails, calls and thoughts. We are settling in well and should be heading home from the hospital by the end of the day. Thought I would blog to answer some of your questions you've written us about:

How was the labor/delivery?

Well, as with most things in life, nothing like what we expected. My contractions started at 7PM on Thursday, the 5th. Told Robb I wasn't feeling quite right, figured they were false, but we started timing. I went very quickly from 10 min intervals, to 5 min, then to 2min by about 8PM. We quickly gathered our things (though I did sneak in a quick shower) and headed to the hospital. By 8:30 we were in triage and I was 4-5cm dilated. This was much to our surprise since I had no signs of dilation or other at my dr appointment at 2PM that day. So my body went from 0 to 4.5 in in less than 7 hrs. We asked the triage nurse what that meant and she said, well "it means you are having a baby TODAY" and then 1 hr later I was 9 cm and he was on his way, born at 10:19PM. He came so quickly that there was no time for epidural, which I will admit, the thought of which made me cry, but it was for the best in the end as the delivery/pushing went much faster as a result of feeling the "intensity" (shall we say). So we quickly became famous around the hospital here as the first time mother whose labor was just 3.5 hrs. The nurses were all great, they just couldn't believe how fast he progressed. And now we have our little man in our arms. So hard to believe even after preparing for so long.

How do you say his middle name?

Many of you have been curious about Bruce's middle name, Eleuterio (pronounced: el-lu-tare-e-o, don't forget to roll the 'r'). Our favorite guess from Bruce's fan club was that it must be Swahili for "Go Big Red!". But no, Eleuterio was my grandfather's legal first name, though most of you knew him as Leonardo (or Pipo). Don't worry, he won't be able to pronounce (or say) it either for a while, so Bruce E. Heier (or Brucito, little Bruce) it is for now. Some of you asked where the name Bruce came from and there is no family or other association other than famous superheroes (Batman and Incredible Hulk) and rockstars (like the Boss). It was a not so common, easy to spell name that Robb came up with early on and various signs led Deanna to agree, yep, that's his name alright.

So that's the scoop. Thanks again for all your support during the pregnancy and with our new arrival. We couldn't be happier finally getting to meet our little one. He is so precious. Thanks to our supportive workplaces, I'll be moving into mommy mode after 5 years at CCO for the next 12 weeks and Robb will be home with us as well for the next 3 weeks, which is all fantastic. Lots of helpers are planned to be here for us as well over the next several weeks which we are so thankful for. Will keep the photos and videos coming as we can.

Love to all,
Deanna

Bruce Is Here!

Announcing the arrival of

Bruce Eleuterio Heier

March 5, 2009

10:19PM

6lbs, 7oz

19.5in long

Bruce's First Close Up

Mom & Bruce with Grandpop Green

Aunt Lisa and Uncle Rich meet Bruce

Momma and Bruce are both incredibly tough (photo taken 40 min after delivery!)

Dad is fairly pleased with these developments.

Stay tuned for more to come...