Crib Notes

For the past three months, Carter has slept in the bassinette in our room. We established a goal of having him in his crib around the beginning of December. Last week, I was away for two days and one night on a staff retreat for work and lo and behold, our little boy slept through the night (so did I, needless to say). Figuring it was because he couldn't smell me, I returned from my trip with a renewed sense of urgency: he's moving to the crib in his room! As it turns out, Carter has his own plan and the transition has been a little rockier than anticipated (and there has been no more long sleep stretches). Nonetheless, he does sleep in his crib for random periods of time, including a nap on Sunday. This is how I found him when he woke up: he had wiggled all the way to the bottom corner of his crib and was quite proud of himself. I must say, it's an added bonus that sometimes he now wakes up happy -- and isn't always screaming bloody murder because he's starving.

Tired Baby!

As noted in the below e-mail, we are SUPER busy this week. Carter currently goes to daycare on Wednesdays and Fridays, but we also needed care for him on Monday and Thursday of this week. Unfortunately, this meant we needed to juggle three different babysitters to make things work (two of them are students and we had to work around their class schedules). Monday was a long day for the C-Man: he hung out with Diane from 7:30am to 12:30pm, and then Krissy from 1pm to 6:30pm. As it turns out, he's determined to put poor Krissy through her paces, too. He cried a lot the last time she was here, and this time refused to sleep. When I got home from work, I sat down to feed him and 5 minutes in he fell asleep and would NOT wake up. I finally transferred him to the other side of the couch. He slept in the same position for 45 minutes before he woke starving. Lord knows how he managed to sleep like this -- as you can see, he's practically rolling off the boppy. He was obviously incredibly tired.

The Holidays are Here!

Man, the holidays really snuck up on us! Or was that just me since I've been in a "newborn fog" for the past three months? Either way, it's officially holiday time around our house. Partly, that's because our annual Koenig Holiday Party and White "Donkey" (we avoid elephants in our house, if possible) Gift Exchange is next weekend. That means we had one weekend between Thanksgiving and our party to get the house in tip-top shape. And, this year we decided to take advantage of our location near the mountains. We traveled to a tree farm, trampled around to find our perfect tree, and cut it down ourselves. Ok, really, Dave cut it down -- Carter and I watched. We are really looking forward to the next few years when Carter can play more of an active role. The next day, we decorated the house and our tree. Today, I've been a baking frenzy (cookies and candy galore)...I work all this week and will be out of town on Thursday and Friday for a staff workshop in Ventura. Can we possibly pack more into one week?!? Thank god Baba and Papa are coming into town to help us out! You can bet there will be post-party pics to share, too. Dave pausing to smile for the camera.

Carter Takes to the Skies

Last weekend, we made our second Los Angeles trip in Carter's 3-month existence. This time, though, we flew. We've heard the horror stories about traveling with babies, and we've both been on planes with children who screamed non-stop. So, I'd say we were overly prepared. Carter ate during take-off and landing for the trip down and slept in between. The trip back wasn't full, so he ate for take-off and landing and then played on the seat between us. He promptly pooped upon deplaning, as well. Gotta love changing that diaper in the airport bathroom. I used our peanut shell sling for both airport trips (sorry, no picture yet), too. He loves it, and now that he's old enough (and 14 pounds!), he was able to sit up in the "kangaroo pouch" hold. I promise to get pics in the next few days.

Our Three Year Anniversary

My how a year changes things! A year ago we were reveling in our new house, talking about getting pregnant and thinking about adopting a new dog. Here we are, 12 months later parents to a three month old and a new dog, Felix. We celebrated our third wedding anniversary by heading to Mendocino for a long weekend. We stayed at the amazing Little River Inn and spent the weekend exploring Mendocino, enjoying the hotel's spa, playing golf (Dave), hiking, loving our private jacuzzi, dining out, talking and of course, sleeping! How amazing to get two full nights' sleep again. Much thanks to Baba, Noni and Grandpa Jack for babysitting for the weekend and allowing us some time to spend together.

The Birth of Lilah Jo's Music Career

Jackie's sisters were bored the other night and decided to help Lilah Jo (our niece) launch her first music video. Check it out!

Carter for Obama

We had an important milestone today -- Carter participated in his first political event! It seems silly to say it, but mommy almost cried. Needless to say, it's been an emotional week for us all (see previous two posts). Dave had a relatively light morning work-wise, so the three of us (and the dogs) walked to our polling place and voted. I've never been so proud or had such a feeling of destiny and change on the horizon. I voted at this same polling place in the primary, and there were very few people there -- before work no less, when polling places tend to be at their busiest. This time around, we got to our polling location (a junior high school) at 10:00am (the middle of the work day, really) and it was packed! I had to wait to vote and a steady stream of people poured in the door while I was there.

I had this dream of holding Carter in the voting booth while casting our historic vote for Barack Obama, but he had other ideas -- he cried shortly after we got there. Dave thinks it's because he actually knew he was breaking campaign laws by wearing his Obama onesie within 100 yards of a polling place. Mommy didn't even think about it! The result was that Dave had to leave with him and go outside (classes were being held inside and they didn't need a screaming baby in the hallways)...it's like he knew. While my dream didn't really materialize like I wanted, having him there with me still created an overwhelming feeling that I was casting a vote that would matter most for him. We're having an Election Night get-together tonight, and we hope to be celebrating!

2 Month Doctor's Appointment

Carter had his 2-month doctor's appointment today. He now weighs 12 lbs, 5 oz (75th percentile) and is 23 inches long (50th percentile)! For the past few weeks, he's been incredinly cranky in the evenings (5pm onward). We're constantly adapting to deal with this time period in particular. He L-O-V-E-S his nightly bath and we've also started feeding him more. We're hopeful this block of time will ease as he gets a little older. On the plus side, he ate at 9pm last night, was asleep by 11:30pm (he's a night owl, like his dad) and didn't wake until 4:30am to eat. He went back to sleep fairly quickly and I almost cried when I woke later at 8:15am -- I felt so much better rested!!! Last night may have been a fluke, but even so, that random 5 hour stretch of sleep was a godsend!

On another note, we did a lot of research before this first vaccination visit and had a great conversation with the nurse practitioner about his vaccine schedule. Currently, babies receive 5-6 vaccines every-other-month until they are 6 months old. With autism rates skyrocketing for boys in particular, much attention is being focused on vaccinations (the number of vaccines, the number administered at one time, ingredients in the vaccines, etc.). After much deliberation, we agreed to have our little boy receive 2-3 vaccines every month for the first 7 months. It will definitely mean more doctors visits for us, but we feel good about this alternative schedule -- it's a reasonable and deliberate approach, while still providing him with some incredibly important vaccines. Carter did not seem to agree: he played throughout our entire conversation with the nurse, and then, despite mommy's best attempts to distract him, screamed bloody murder and turned beet red (as though he was holding his breath) when his two shots were administered (one in each leg). He's a fighter, though, and he calmed down very quickly, enjoyed his lunch, and promptly fell asleep.

Dave and Carter at the end of a particularly cranky evening

Our Penguin!!

Carter's Update

Hi Carter here-

Just reporting in on my 8 week anniversary. All is good with me. Heading to the pediatrician next Tuesday for my first round of what is like 100 shots now a days. Baba, Papa, Noni and Nono tell me they used to get one shot and a slap on the butt but apparently now I get 100 shots and a lecture on obesity in children, oh well. I am probably at like 14 pounds now. Really trying to pack it on for when I start crawling.

Got to meet most of my cousins in the past few weeks. I say most cause cousin Will headed to heaven early. Lilah and I hung out at her baptism while Tommy, Alexis and I got to chill in the No (Fresno to those not in the know). While in LA mom and dad had a kick back for me at baba and papa's while they were off gallivanting in Greece and Turkey. Came back from LA with bags under my eyes- thanks mom and dad for the sleep deprivation. The No was cool and my Hoff family is getting quite large.

Came back to the Sac and hung out with Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Tom. Dad and Tom put a monument to the Koenig name on the front porch. The monument is a 400 pound limestone stone with huge black Koenig lettering. It is a little ridiculous but as long as I get first dibs on it I am cool.

My buddy Philip finally arrived home yesterday after spending a week in the hospital after his birth. I told him not to play around with breathing in his poo but he wouldn't listen. Glad to see him and know he's alright. I included a pic of the two of us from last night. The kids almost bigger than me already. I'm gonna need to learn to walk or spell or something just to feel older!!

Mom heads back to work part time next week so I am excited for her. Glad it is only part time. Krissy my babysitter came today to learn the ropes. I cried the whole time to make sure she was up to the task. She did well. I head to daycare next week too which should be cool. Baba heads into town the following week and last weekend I got to spend a whole night with Noni, Nono, Aunt Mary Jane and Grandpa Joe. It was really cool and mom and dad looked pretty well rested when they picked me up the next day.

All in all I can't complain. Not because I actually can't (the whole talking thing), but because I have had a pretty good time so far the past 8 weeks. Can't wait to see what the next 8 weeks has in store. Well holler at your boy when you get a chance.

Love Carter Moe

This Week Carter's Favorite Toy Is...

...his blanket on the floor. Ahem, ok, I'm lying. I'm ashamed to admit it, but Carter's new fascination seems to be the television. Last week, he hated it. This week, he's completely absorbed by it. While we normally wouldn't be okay with the chosen "toy," he's been so fussy that we're thrilled for even 10 minutes of baby babble instead of crying. We've at least managed to switch the channel from Mad Men or Entourage to Wonder Pets when he's watching. Wonder Pets to the rescue!!!

Carter's Cousins

Carter (5 weeks) & Lilah (5 months)

Carter (6 weeks), Tommy (4 years) & Alexis (almost 2)

In the past two weeks, we have traveled to Southern California and Fresno for different family get-togethers. The first was our niece, Lilah's, Baptism. The second was a Hoff Family Reunion. In both cases, Carter got to spend quality time getting to know his cousins. We're very lucky to have family so close.

Bathing at Baba's

These pictures were too cute not to post. We spent this past weekend at Dave's parent's house (aka Baba and Papa). We're not sure whether they have a newborn bathtub hidden away somewhere, but Dave found the perfect alternative -- a Carter sized sink! It truly was like his own jacuzzi tub.

Katrina's Visit

This post is a little behind, but two weekends ago, we were visited by Katrina -- one of our best friends from SoCal. It was a great opportunity for 'Tree to meet Carter and for all of us to catch up. The last few months have been busy for everyone! 'Tree also came bearing gifts for the C-man, including this adorable hat! On Saturday, we made our annual trek out to Apple Hill with our other friend, Elizabeth. Despite the rain, we all managed to have a wonderful time. We enjoyed apple cider donuts, apple cider, corn dogs, caramel apple wedges, caramellows, chili, and beef jerky. Did I forget anything? The sugar hangover was felt by all! We even found time to swing by a winery for Jackie to restock on a recent favorite: Hangtown Gold from Boeger Winery. We also brought home an apple pie caramel apple, apple dumplings, nuts, apple butter (that was confiscated from Katrina at the airport) and Dave's favorite raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce. Yummy. We wish we'd taken pictures of the venture, but we forgot. We're thinking about another trip in early December to cut down our own Christmas tree -- we'll make up for things then!

Put Me In Coach!

Last night, Carter and I accompanied Dave to his softball game. As you can see, Carter started out ready to play, but quickly found the whole thing a snooze fest. That left mommy stuck in the outfield listening to the girls of the opposing team make comments like, "look Sarah, we're in formation out here so everything looks like a crescent!" These girls didn't even have the courtesy to put their hair into ponytails or wear sports bras. The boys were loving it, but mommy definitely was not. P.S. Thanks, Baba, for the awesome outfit! Next week, we're going to bring his ball and mitt!

Rookie Mommy

Here I'll pose the question that I asked Dave earlier: if I tattoo "new mommy" in henna on my forehead, will it absolve me of all of my sins? Today, Carter and I made a trip to Target. I put his car seat in the front part of the cart and everything seemed fine...of course, I forgot to account for th efact that the cart is roughly 3 feet tall. The car seat on top adds at least 18 inches. And, I'm only 5'3". I'm also sleep deprived and scatter-brained. What does this all up to? It means that instead of leisurely walking through the main aisle and checking out cute clothes that I can't quite fit into, I should've been more aware of the cart and where I was steering it. That way, I wouldn't have run into the little old man in his motorized wheelchair/cart. He mumbled something like "hey, hey, hey" and spectators stared at me in a very accusing, judgemental manner. I consider it a sign of emotional and hormonal progress that I didn't cry, but instead am able to laugh about my little "incident." Elderly people beware!

This Week Carter's Favorite Toy Is...

...his activity mat! He coos and talks to the butterflies, listens to the nursery rhyme music and jungle sounds, and occasionally even manages to kick or grab one of the dangling toys. His favorites seem to be the mirror and the rattle. Mommy and daddy love it because we get 15-20 minutes of active play time with Carter. It's so great to watch him as his brain begins to process all the lights and sounds! And, bonus: he'll be fully prepared for our next jungle trek.

Chicks Dig Me

Unfortunately, Carter's crankiness has increased in the past week. We've scoured the books and talked to friends, and it seems to boil down to this: he's just cranky. Thankfully, it doesn't appear to be colic. More thankfully, Dave's schedule has allowed him to step in and come to the rescue every time I'm thisclose to losing it. At least, God bless him, Carter has decided to finally take the pacifier (mommy is very grateful). Of course, of the 10 that we have, only one works (no joke). In case you don't have super-human eyesight, the pacifier that Carter has chosen says "Chicks Dig Me." The funny thing is that each time we offer him the pacifier, the same comic routine ensues: Carter protests, cries harder, gags, stutters, and then miraculously calms down and/or falls asleep. I'll have to try and record the pitiful display sometime in the next few days and upload it for your viewing/listening pleasure.

Too Cute

As posted earlier, Carter has been mildly fussy since his circumcision on Tuesday. Yesterday, we finally bit the bullet and sterilized some pacifiers for him -- just in case we had trouble later in the evening. At around 8pm, Dave returned from the gym to find both Carter and myself mid-meltdown. Dave sent me into the bedroom for some quiet time with pizza and a book, and he tackled bath time with Carter. Needless to say, the sterilized pacifiers came in handy. When the crying finally eased, this is what I walked into the kitchen to: Carter in his bath, with warm washcloths covering just about his entire body, and a pacifier in his mouth (Winnie the Pooh). Seemed like the only thing he was missing was scented candles! I was jealous.

Carter's First Girlfriend

On Thursday, we received a visit from my former co-worker Megan, and her youngest child, Audrey, who is almost two. Audrey got a huge kick out of the dogs, and quickly decided that Carter should be her newest doll. She constantly wanted to hold and kiss him, and at one point, even dragged his carseat out to the front door as though she was taking him with her! It was a great visit all in all.

Carter's Two Week Doctor's Appointment

This week, Carter had his second doctor's appointment. Needless to say, Dave and I were not prepared. We spent the evening before taking bets on how much weight he might have gained. As a sidebar, he left the hospital at 7lbs, 15oz and, as of Tuesday, was 9lbs, 4oz. Both of us were under on our estimates. The doctor's response to me was "wow, you two have been busy!" What can I say? Our baby boy is an eater. But back to the main story -- Carter was circumcised at this week's appointment and, I think I can speak for both Dave and I myself when I say that we had no idea what was involved. And, because we're betting most of you have never been through it, either, I dug up a picture of the instrument (or medieval torture device, depending on your point of view) they used on our poor baby. They laid Carter into a plastic body shell and then strapped both his legs and arms down. They administered a local anaesthetic, but he was so angry about the entire thing (who wouldn't be?!?) that he both pooped and peed during the procedure. So much for a sterile field for the doctor!!! Is it weird that we were both a little proud of him? He fought back as best as he could!

Dave spent the entire time up by Carter's head soothing him with sugar water and Billy Joel's "Piano Man." We don't quite know why, but the song manages to calm him down without fail. The funny part is that in the middle of the circumcision, with all of Carter's screaming, Dave couldn't remember the whole song, so just kept repeating the second verse over and over again. The doctor and nurse were laughing, but also suitably impressed that it worked so well on the baby!

I hung out by Carter's feet and just stared in shock as the procedure progressed. I felt so helpless!

Carter handled the procedure like a champ, all in all, and has been recovering nicely at home, with only some mild fussiness on his part.

Carter - 10 Days Old

We'll admit it, we've all been lost in a bit of a haze for the past week. Jackie and Carter have been in and out of consciousness and Dave was sick for three days. What a mess! Luckily, Baba (aka Grandma Judy) was in town through Thursday morning to help out! Needless to say, we are all alive and kicking and adjusting to life with a new baby. Carter is now alert and active for about 2-3 hours per day (usually after a feeding, and yes, sometimes at 3am). He seems quite curious about the world and loves to be in the middle of whatever conversation is occurring. He's also developed a new game (yes, he's very advanced): how many times can I pee on mommy and daddy while they're changing my diaper? So far, he's winning, let's just say that.

Hot Dad at the Grocery Store

First, a little context: Yesterday, I complained that we have been without cereal and milk for three days now. Throughout my pregnancy, I craved cereal intermittently. We did get out for a bit yesterday, but did not make it by the grocery store. I fed Carter this morning, handed him off to Dave at 7:30am and went back to sleep.
The story: I woke up at 10:30am to find out that in the time between, Dave had changed Carter's diaper, put his "Daddy's Little Wingman" onesie on him and bundled him into the stroller. The two had walked to Starbuck's (just down the street from us) and then to the grocery store where Dave had loaded down the stroller with 4 different types of cereal (he wasn't sure what kind I wanted), 2 half-gallon containers of milk, and bananas. Anyone remember that Diet Coke commercial with the hot dad at the grocery store? That was my husband this morning! I only wish I had been awake to witness it all and/or take pictures.

Day 5 on the planet

Well Carter is home now and sleeeping 12 hour stretches which is awesome?!?!?! hahaha. He is actually sleeping usually 2-3 hour stretches and then wakes to feed and then he wants to stare. He did not want to go down last night after feeding. So he and I hung out for a few hours this morning going through 8 days of emails!! He had a blast!! Here are a couple new pics. How cute is he in that onesie!!

Carter's first car ride

Well he didn't scream, he didn't cry, he didn't smile---he just stared at Jackie with a very serious look on his face. It was hilarious. He seemed to be pondering the universe and asking what sort of contraption have mommy and daddy put me in. Prior to getting in the car I had driven it up to the pick-up spot and was sitting there for like 5 minutes with my camera and video camera out ready to take shots. People were just staring at me wondering what celebrity's plane had accidentally crashed landed and stranded them in Sacto; so I called Jackie to see if I had gone to the wrong exit. No, it turns out Carter had a bit of melt down that involved a diaper change and a feeding and then the food came for Jackie and it was mac-n-cheese so we definitely didn't want that to go to waste...

PS- Note the Lakers gear!!

Day two pics

Carter is already looking older. His face has un-squished!!

Carter Moe Koenig has arrived

At 6:15pm on September 3rd Carter Moe Koenig was born via C-section after 60 hours of labor. He is 20 1/2 inches, 8 pounds 7 ounces, with a big head and big lips. Jackie and I are very excited and extremely appreciate all the great help the folks at Sutter Memorial gave us.

More info and pictures to come...after some much needed sleep!!