7 weeks!

Today Austin is 7 weeks old. It's hard to believe that he will be 2 months old next week. Our baby boy is growing up so fast.

He has been doing great!
Austin likes:
-for us to hold him face forward so he can see exactly what is going on in the world around him.
-laying on his back as we huddle around him watching him kick and swing his arms around as he smiles and talks to us. (We love hearing his little voice as it changes in pitch and tone with every kick.)
-staring at the Christmas lights on both our tree and garland over our fireplace.
-for us to walk him around the house, talking softly into his ear (especially with daddy).
-bath time... except for having water poured over his head.
-laying in his swing & staring at himself in the mirror attached to the mobile.
-LOVES eating!
-car rides
-laying on his daddy's chest.
-staring into his mommy's eyes.
-smiling at his daddy.
........ and the list goes on!

Austin is absolutely adorable. I daily stand amazed at the fact that he is my son! I am in awe of his beauty. God is so good! What a blessing it is to have a child. I am so thankful for our gift from God.

Here are some recent pictures of our precious baby!

6 Weeks Pictures!






7 Weeks Pictures!






p.s.
I am having minor surgery on Thursday. During the pregnancy I developed an umbilical hernia and now it needs to be repaired. My ob-gyn referred me to a general surgeon and was told that it should be taken care of as soon as possible. I am scheduled for surgery at 4pm, Thursday, Dec. 11th. Please keep me in your prayers, as well as the doctor who will perform the procedure. I am looking forward to having my belly button return to its pre-pregnancy form.

Lovely pictures

Well here is the link to Austin's newborn pictures!
She did a great job at capturing how precious he is as well as his many faces...

Here is the link:
Austin's pictures!


p.s.
Matthew asked me to inform everyone that he is, indeed wearing jeans in his "topless" pictures!
what a hottie!

It's been 1 month!

NOVEMBER 21st!!!!
Today is Austin's 1 month birthday! Happy birthday baby boy!


As I've mentioned in other posts, time has flown by... I can't believe he is a month old. Life with Austin has been quite eventful since the last blog.

Last Sunday, my mother ran her second marathon in San Antonio and she did a great job- she improved her time and ran the 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 52 minutes. She zoomed through the half marathon in 2 hours and 12 minutes. Unfortunately we weren't able to cheer her on this year because it was way to soon to take Austin out, but we spent quite a bit of time calling my dad for updates as he drove from one place to another trying to catch her and cheer her on! Proud of you Mom! I am planning on running with her next year, but I'll have to wave goodbye as she leaves me behind at the half marathon turning point. I don't know how she does it, but there is no way I could make all 26.2 miles. Anyway, they drove to Houston after the marathon rather than driving home. We thought it was funny that they found it to be easier and quicker to drive to Houston rather than to the valley. Houston is 6 hrs. from their home & San Antonio is 4 hours. Major detour! Oh the crazy things grandparents do!

Back to work... before I went on maternity leave I had decided to return to work for a few days before Thanksgiving in order to make preparations and arrange Thanksgiving meals for my clients. Well the week has come and gone. I returned to work on Tuesday. Boy was I looking forward to Friday that early on in the week. My dad came returned to Houston Tuesday evening to help me take care of Austin while I was at work. Thankfully, I was able to have Austin with me in my office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We decided to leave him home with grandpa Cerda today because it was so cold here in Houston. It was great to catch up with my clients, but one things for sure... I am going to dread going back to work in January. My estimated reurn date has been scheduled for January 15th. January... please take your time to make your way around! =)

We took Austin to the doctor on Nov. 11th for a check up and we noticed he had two very small pimples. At that point the doctor mentioned how common it is for newborn to develop baby acne at around 3 weeks of age. I wasn't to concerned seeing as how there were only two pimples. Well, much to my surprise, by Thursday, the 13th he had broken out. I immediately started to search the web trying to read up on baby acne, how to treat it, causes and so on. Unfortunately I found very little as far as treatment, but did learn that it can last several months. As each day went by, I felt that it got worse and couldn't help myself... I took him to the doctor on Wednesday morning. Fun news was that Austin has gained weight! He was weighing a whopping 10 lbs. 3.5 oz.! Our little butterball likes to eat!!! The doctor just reminded me that, that is what we want... we need to make sure he continues gaining weight! He's a growing boy! The sad news was that he definitely has baby acne. Poor guy looks like a teenager at a month old. Austin's doctor informed us that the main cause for baby acne are the mothers hormones that were passed into his system during pregnancy. They develop acne in the process of their bodies working towards excreting them from their systems. Interesting, I think! There is really no treatment for baby acne. His doctor says that we just have to be patient and wait it out. We were instructed to wash his face 2 to 3 times a day with warm water and/or mild soap. So that is what I've been doing. Anyway, we were told that it could last anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. I sure hope the duration of his acne stays closer to the 2 week range- at least that's what I am praying for. Good thing we got his newborn pictures our of the way the week before (link with pictures to be posted soon!).

Last Friday we bought Austin a new piece of furniture. We gave in and decided to buy him a baby swing. We just figured he's either in our arms, his bassinet, on the floor for tummy time or reclined on his boppy. We figured why not buy him a swing and we were glad we decided too. The swing is amazing. It has the ability to soothe him almost instantly. He enjoys staring at himself in the mirror attached to his mobile and also seems to enjoy the bee's on his mobile go round and round. We love his swing as much as he does!

Well that's about it for now... Check out Matthew's blog for a cute video of Austin.
NEW AUSTIN VIDEO!

This weeks pictures!

Another week!

Another week of fun with our sweet son.

Austin is 3 weeks today! He had his 3 week check up and it was exciting to see how much he has grown. Austin is up to 9lbs 7oz and is 21 3/4in long! (started off at 8lbs 4.5oz, 19 3/4in long). He is indeed a biggin! We were expecting to see some weight gain as he constantly seems to be eating. His doctor said he is ranging within the 55th percentile. He's on target, not to small, not to big! Physically everything looks fantastic. Our next visit won't be until he is 2 months, so more or less around Dec. 19th! I can only imagine how big he will be then! Until then, his doctor has encouraged us to read to him every opportunity we get, even if it's the newspaper. He also said that now would be the perfect time to speak to him in Spanish. He encouraged me to only speak in Spanish and have Matthew speak to him only in English. Let's see how well that works out!
This weeks highlights:

Thinks he can crawl:
Well for quite sometime now Austin has managed to work his way up Matthew's torso by crawling his way up. We actually find it to be quite entertaining, as well as amazing. He has some strong legs. The doctor reminded us today of how impressed he is with Austin's strength as he can hold his head up very well, his grip is quite tight & his legs are very strong. Makes me proud! But anyhow, as I was saying... Austin enjoys crawling his way up Matthew's chest until his head hits the the sofa cushion and he can't go any further.

Bath Time:
We have chosen to bathe Austin every other day now that his circumcision has healed and his umbilical cord stump has fallen off. Our first bath time experience was a nightmare for Austin. He screamed and cried at the top of his lungs as if we were torturing him. Well, that was the last time we've had such an experience during bath time with him. He seems to enjoy it these days. He just lays there looking around as we clean him off. Instead of starting with his head, we changed our method to starting with his feet and working our way up. Either this works better or he just enjoys bath time now. It will be interesting and probably a lot more fun for him once he begins splashing around! I'm sure this will come before we know it!

His 1st Photo Shoot:
Austin took his newborn pictures on Sunday and we are so excited to get the proofs in. Our photographer took some really fun pictures of him including some naked pictures which were quite a trip. I was told to hold Austin without his diaper on for our family picture... knowing that he could possibly pee or poop on me, I figured what the heck- we're at home, if there's an accident I can just change. He had done so well in earlier naked pictures that I kinda figured we wouldn't have a problem this time around. Well, much to my surprise as we were changing positions I felt a warm sensation trickle down my arm and sure enough Austin had done a number on me. There was a huge wet spot on our bed and I had yellow streaks on my shirt. We continued taking pictures and I just hid the streaks! Anyhow... after our photo shoot was done we decided to grab some lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Los Cucos! However, it wasn't until we were out of our neighborhood that I realized I had never changed clothes. Too late! We decided to keep going. The good thing was that it was mustard yellow and we just figured people would assume that I was a messy eater and just smeared mustard on my shirt and pants! Whatever the case, I just hope nobody noticed. Needless to say, Austin left his mark on many things that day- photographers pretty white blanket, our bed spread, our sofa's, my shirt and jeans and our carpet. Oh well!!! Anyhow, we can't wait to show off his pictures. As soon as we get the link I'll post them!


Here are a few more pictures of Austin!

Austin as Dwight (The Office)






Bath Time!

Two week B-day!

Two weeks... Two incredible weeks! Austin celebrated his two week birthday on Tuesday and I can't believe how quickly week 3 is creeping up on us.

Austin is doing great! We have had so much fun with him and can't believe it's only been two weeks. Austin has a huge appetite, burps like a man, farts like his father, has the strength of his mother =), sleeps as if he's never slept before, has strong, healthy lungs and above all has the ability to make our hearts melt. I don't think I have ever used the word "cute" as often as I do now. He is just so darn CUTE! I can't believe how much he's changed in just two weeks. I can't even imagine how different he'll look at 4 weeks. Sweet little guy is just precious. I could stare at him all day long.

Ok well that's enough of my ranting on how handsome and perfect he is!
Here are a few pictures of Austin's many faces that I think you all might enjoy!












Happy Two week Birthday Austin!

Austin has arrived!

Our sweet Austin has arrived!

Austin was born on October 21, 2008 at 11:40am. He weighed 8lbs. 4.5oz. & was 19 3/4in. long. He is absolutely precious!

I was in labor for 26 hours, but the actual delivery only lasted an hour. Because I was in labor for so long, I developed a high fever and was immediately placed on antibiotics following my delivery and Austin was placed in the NICU to be monitored closely due to my fever. Sweet little guy was on antibiotics and had all sorts of monitors attached to him. He was a trooper. As for the delivery, my doctor was incredible and made the experience much more enjoyable, if you can imagine that! Not saying it didn't hurt, it sure did, but she certainly lightened the mood. We had music playing in the background- 80's music, & we were able to laugh and joke quite a bit. That hour seriously flew by... it was nothing compared to the previous 25 hours. I was anxious and worn out by the time my doctor asked me if I was ready to PUSH! But every excruciating contraction and ache was quickly forgotten the moment Austin arrived. The feelings felt the moment I saw him are indescribable. Matthew did such a great job at encouraging me and coaching me through the processes as well. He was the lucky one who got to cut Austin's umbilical cord!

I am going to take a minute to brag about my husband. He has played such a key role in every aspect of this pregnancy... you're probably thinking "well of course!" He has been absolutely supportive, tender, caring, understanding, focused, every positive quality I could imagine wanting during my pregnancy he gave it! He's been terrific! My sweet husband kicked it into high gear the last few days before our due date. He cleaned up the entire house. He washed clothes, dishes, organized paperwork, set up last minute items for Austin, you name it he did it! I love my husband. He is my best friend. In addition to the pre-baby preparations, Matthew has done such a great job at taking care of his baby boy! It is so sweet to see him swaddle him, change his diaper, whisper things into his ear, feed him, EVERYTHING... he is not afraid to do it. I must admit... I didn't change Austin's diapers for the first few days. I was being lazy... Matthew would do it before I could even realize Austin needed to be changed. Let me tell you, Matthew is GREAT. I thank God for granting me the privilege of spending the rest of my life by his side. Austin is blessed to have a daddy like him!

Alright... well I hope you enjoy the cute pictures I posted of our little guy!

Countdown!

ONLY 3 more days!!!

can't wait... My parents and in-laws will be coming in on Sunday.
I'm looking forward to posting pictures of little guy as soon as I can.

Please continue praying for us as we prepare for his arrival.
We serve and awesome God and is sure is sweet to know that He is above all things and in control of every aspect of our lives.

I'll try to posts pictures of Austin's room before he comes!

OH YA!!! Today's my last day of work... only a few more hours to tie everything up!

UPDATE on DUE DATE!!!

Big news!

Well... as I mentioned in the previous blog, we had a scheduled visit to see our doctor today and received some exciting news! Our doctor has decided to induce labor on Monday, October 20, 2008!!! Matthew was actually hoping for tomorrow, but the doctor said NO!!!

The ultrasound showed Austin weighing approximately 8lbs 3oz, so he gained about 1lb. I must admit, I am a little nervous and incredibly anxious... I am sure Monday won't get here soon enough.

As we prepare for this big day we do have few prayer requests...
Even though we are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20th, we are on standby, meaning that we will be admitted as soon as a room is available. Our doctor feels quite certain that they will get us in, but we are still hoping and praying that they can get us in early morning or afternoon. Both my parents and Matthew's parents will be traveling to Houston on Sunday in order to be here for the big day. So, Prayer request #1) that a room will be available for us early Monday morning. Another prayer is that my cervix will begin to dilate. I have yet to experience one contraction. Without contractions there will be no dilation. We were told that I am still not dilated which is somewhat frustrating since the doctor is planning on inducing soon. There are medications that she plans on using in order to soften my cervix prior to administering the pitocin which will increase contractions, but ideally I’d be somewhat dilated when I enter the hospital to make things a little easier. She encourage us to walk regularly, which is something we have been doing and of course some other suggestions that will remain unmentioned... might be inappropriate! =) Prayer request #2) is that my cervix will dilate at least 1cm to 2cm by Monday! And our last Prayer request #3) is that my labor and delivery process will be a smooth and quick experience. Inductions can take longer than usually and on top of that, many first time moms are in labor longer than those on their second or third child.

I am feeling a little nervous and of course anxious, so I am praying that I will enjoy these last few days and soak up the excitement! Praise the Lord for His blessings!

Matthew is so excited! I've really enjoyed listening to him share stories of how he daydreams of all the fun things he and Austin will do together. He's going to be such a wonderful father. It's also been sweet to watch him assemble all of the baby furniture and equipment as soon as it is purchased and/or arrives.

Anyway... I think this is all for my Oct. 14th update! My last day of work is on Friday so I am hoping and praying that I will get everything wrapped up and taken care of by the end of the work day.

COUNTDOWN: 6 more days!!!

too long...

So I must admit... I'm the worst blogger ever! I apologize for not posting any sooner...

Things are coming along well and Austin is growing, growing, growing. We have about 14 more days to go- give or take. We have our final ultrasound this Tuesday, Oct. 14th! At this point they will determine whether or not they'd like to induce. About 3 weeks ago we had another ultrasound and we were told that we've got a big kid coming along. His estimated weight was between 7lbs. and 7lbs. 4oz. YUP... He's a biggin! Because of this the doctor has mentioned possibly inducing labor so that he won't come out weighing over 9lbs. =) Unfortunately we were told that I am still not dilated at our last appointment, but the doctor kept reminding me that there is no need to worry... it will happen! OF COURSE! Matthew and I have been walking about 2 miles every other day with hopes that it will help speed up the process! Needless to say, these past few weeks have brought on quite a bit of anxiety! We just can't wait for him to make his appearance!

Things at work are coming together, but have also been quite hectic. Being away for 3 months requires a lot of preparation, especially with the end of the year coming quickly! Among my list of things to do, few of the major tasks I must complete before Austin arrives includes: putting together my board report (June-Oct.), Monthly report (Oct.), preparing packets with all the community resources available for my clients to tap into if the need arises, arranging and preparing Thanksgiving meals for 9 of the families I work with and lastly organizing Christmas gifts and meals that I will be providing my families with mid-Dec. Am I stressing??? just a little bit! HAHA. Although I began this preparation back at the beginning of September things just don't seem to be getting done as quickly as I'd like... Social work requires a lot of flexibility and sometimes too much! I just have to keep reminding myself that it will get done... I KNOW IT WILL!!! God is good and He always provides the time!

Anyhow... Enough about work!!!

I wanted to pass along a link of the maternity pictures that were taken at at 37 weeks (about a week ago)!
We love our photographer!
TAKE LOOK:
Maternity Pictures!!!

I will post more info later this week when we find out more about our actual due date!!! Austin David Allison will be here before we know it!!!

God bless!

Look at ME!!!

Today we had our 4D ultrasound appointment and it sure was fun! Austin would not cooperate with us for the first 15 minutes or so- he kept covering his face with his little arm. The tech kept poking at him with hopes of getting him to move arm out of the way, but he just wouldn't budge. It was actually quite entertaining to watch him tease us. He'd move his hand and as soon as the technician would click to save the shot he would swing his hand back up to his face. What a tease... pretty stubborn too. I wonder who he gets it from? yup, probably me!

It was such a special experience. Thank you inventor of the 4D ultrasound!!! I wish I owned one of these ultrasound machines so I could see him everyday. So anxious!!! Only 11 more weeks!!! Seeing his sweet little features and trying to figure out who he may look like was a blast. He is absolutely precious!!! He stuck his tongue out at us a few times and we got to see him yawn. Austin also made sure to show off his arm muscles letting us know that he will be a strong one just like his daddy! A few times the tech caught him scrunching his face and wrinkling his eyebrows... appearing somewhat stressed and annoyed by her poking at him. Too cute! Anyway... we hope you enjoy Austin's 4D pictures! We sure love them!!!

View Album

Get your own

See-the-do!!!

So I decided to get a haircut and I ended up cutting 7+ inches off! Yeah... I couldn't believe it myself. The last time I had short hair was when I was a freshman at A&M, nearly 7 years ago.

Anyway!!! I am really enjoying my new hair-do!!!. I am definitely looking forward to avoiding a ponytail for the rest of the summer!

Austin's first pair of shoes!

So what do ya think?
We went to the Vans store yesterday to buy Matthew a new pair of slip on vans and we ended up leaving with a pair for Austin too! We just couldn't resist. Aren't they just adorable?!?!?

keeping up...

So I figured I would give this blogging business a try. I am not sure how often I will post considering that I do a poor job at responding to my emails, but hey its worth a shot!

To get you all up to date I will start by sharing that... we have officially lived in Houston for a little over a year and we've settled in quite well. So here is a brief summary of all the major changes we've experienced! We moved to Houston May '07, started our new jobs, got married in October, joined a great church in November, bought a house in January, found out we were pregnant in February, bought a new car in March and now we are awaiting the arrival of our baby boy- Austin David Allison. This year definitely flew by and has brought in some amazing changes.

Anyhow... I hope to keep you all up to date as I come across something that interests me or have some exciting news to share!

aca