Auggie's First Christmas

So, it's almost New Years and we are just now getting a chance to post photos of Auggie's first Christmas. We feel absolutely blessed to have been given a wonderful, healthy little one this year. He is truly the best present we've ever received.


Auggie's Christmas day was an eventful one beginning with gift giving in the morning. We thank everyone for all the wonderful gifts. We are touched by your generosity, creativity, and thoughtfulness.


Lola, Auggie, and his parents then took a stroll in the park. It would have been lovely were it not for the frigid cold and brisk wind. Auggie's Momma complained loud enough that the clan conceded and headed back to the car. Brrrrrr....


Having just watched the movie Julie & Julia, the gang was inspired to cook a Christmas meal a la Julila Child. For dinner that night we had Supreme Volaille (butter poached chicken breasts with a lemon cream sauce), Chou-fleur avec sauce au cari (Cauliflower with a light curry cream sauce), and Pomme de Terre Dauphinoise (Scalloped potatoes). Bon Appetit!


Overall, it was a lovely day spent relaxing in front of the Christmas tree and enjoying the Schmoodles. This family is lucky to have such a wonderfully supportive and loving community of family and friends. Wishing you all the love this world has in store for you in 2010!



View Photos of Auggie's First Christmas

Did I Hear Someone Say Egg Nog?

Auggie's Second Week

We are at Auggie's Day 14, and here are some of the major milestones he hit along the way:

Pediatrician Visit #1
Just when you think you have it all under control...a day like this one happens. So, Scott and I busied ourselves preparing for Auggie's first visit to the pediatrician on Day 6. We packed the diaper bag full of clean diapers (like 15 extra diapers), vaseline, baby wipes, swaddling blankets, hand sanitizers (yes...we had multiple kinds), and the camera. Then, we plopped our little boy in his car seat and set off to see the doctor.

At the doctor's office we were greeted by Alicia, the grumpy pediatric nurse, who asked us to strip down Auggie to a clean diaper. Now, before I go on, I should note that this request is mean for two reasons:

1) It is bleeding cold in that office
2) Who wants to sit around in their underwear and be poked an prodded?

So, as Scott pulled Auggie out of the car seat, I heard Scott gasp "Oh crap". And, quite literally, that it was. Auggie had his first blow out, and there was poop running all the way down his cute little sleeper outfit. Now, I ask you, what was the one thing that Auggie's Momma and Pappa forgot to pack? An extra outfit. That's right. 15 diapers...no extra outfit.

Needless to say, we whipped out the baby wipes and frantically cleaned him up. And, just as we finished with the poop decontamination, Auggie busted out a glorious golden fountain. He managed to hit Momma, Poppa, the wall, the examination table, and of course, himself. It was awesome.

Thankfully, we have a wonderful pediatrician who gazed upon our haggard faces with kindness. The examination proceeded smoothly from that point. We are happy to report that our Auggie is happy and healthy, weighing in at 7lbs 13ozs. Only 5 more ounces to go until he's back up to birth weight.

The Tita Annie
On Day 7, Auggie met his Tita Annie. In addition to keeping the Momma sane, Tita Annie helped the Lola in the kitchen, did laundry, and kept Auggie smothered with love and affection. We owe the Tita Annie a debt of gratitude for doing such a fantastic job documenting events for us and keeping the Facebook community up to date. Tita Annie returned to Arizona on Day 12, and Auggie and family miss her dearly.

Bye Bye Umbilical Cord
On Day 10 Auggie's umbilical cord fell off. Good thing too, as it was starting to smell. Ick. Although we opted not to save it for his baby book we did document the event in photos (before chucking the cord into the compost bin). We chose not to post the images because the rotten umbilical looks as bad as it smelled. Tee hee hee.

First Bath
On Day 11 we gave Auggie his first official bath in preparation for his second photoshoot. He really loved the warm water and massage. It had a powerful calming effect, so we've added this to our arsenal of tools to calm baby.


Second Professional Photoshoot
Our friend Jenny is a professional photographer (and an awesome poker player). She graciously offered to take some photos of the little Schmoo for her website. So, on Day 11 Auggie had his second professional photoshoot. What a ham.

Overall, he seemed to enjoy lolling around on the heated blankets in his birthday suit. He was a bit finicky when we tried to pose him. Guess this little one knows what he wants. :) Here is a photo that Lola Evelyn took during the photoshoot. We can't wait to see Jenny's.


Pediatrician Visit #2
On Day 13 we had our second visit with the pediatrician. Fortunately, this one proceeded without bowel movements. He is back up to birth weight and gaining steadily. According to the pediatrician, his color is great and he is one beautiful healthy boy (unsure whether he says this to all of his patients). We are so proud of our little man.

So, that's all the Auggie news we have for now. Sorry for delaying this update, we've been a bit shell shocked. :)

The BellaBaby Photoshoot

This post is for all of you who have been asking for more photos of the proud papa. These photos are the result of the BellaBaby Photography Photoshoot we had done at the hospital on Auggie's second day of life outside the womb. The photos are a gift from Auggie's Lola that we will appreciate for years to come.

BellaBaby Photoshoot

And, this is some footage of Auggie during the photoshoot. So patient. He's a natural. :)

Footage of the BellaBaby photoshoot

Five Days Later

Auggie returned home from the hospital Saturday evening after a rather stress-filled day. (It is a long story that I will likely elaborate further upon later.) Thankfully Oma and Granda prepared the house so it was ready for us when we arrived. Lola prepared a terrific dinner including chicken adobo, a gourmet veggie omelet and organic greens. It was Auggie's first opportunity to smell good food.


Leslie enjoying her new little boy


Oma Trudeau with Auggie

We feel that Auggie has taken a liking to his new home for several reasons: (1) it isn't quite as loud as the hospital and doctors and nurses aren't regularly probing him or administering invasive procedures (e.g., MRI [!]); (2) there are a number of fascinating hairy creatures roaming about; and (3) there are lots of toys. This is not to say that Auggie has not had some fussy periods. He did not sleep very well Saturday evening due to some gastrointestinal discomfort. Leslie and I attempted to calm him, but it was Lola who ultimately was able to ease his crying. On Sunday, we purchased a mechanical swing that he appears to be thoroughly enjoying (thanks Craigslist!). Lola also made some Chinese medicine soup for Leslie on Sunday which also appears to have calmed down the little guy.


Caterpillar provided by Lola


Malkovich checking out his new bro

It's hard to believe that Auggie is already five days old. We look forward to your meeting him! Check out the following slideshow for more recent images.


Performative dance and/or first attempt at the sky hook

Introducing Langston August Smith (aka Schmoodles)

Yes, we have finally decided on a proper name for the Schmoodles; Langston August Smith. Of course, it'll be difficult for him to shake Schmoodle. We spent some quality time with Langston ("Auggie" for short) during his first day post utero. For instance, we: changed diapers soiled with meconium stools (which has the consistency of tar--in fact, there must be some industrial use for this substance); watched him attempt to latch on to his new food source (sometimes successfully); recovered from invasive abdominal surgery and engaged in lots of cuddling. We find Langston to be quite an extraordinary little guy.

Thanks to all of you who provided much needed support throughout Langston's journey to the outside world and all of the terrific comments posted here on the blog and other social media sites. Here is a sample of photos that document our first day together.


Holding hands


In hospital-issued bassinet


Fingering a Dm piano chord


Pixie Schmoo


With Lola David



Sleeping with Lola

Schmoodles Arrival

Well the birth didn't necessarily go as planned in that Dr. Mills was concerned about dramatic fluctuations in Schmoodles' heart rate, an indicator of fetal distress. Because of this, the doctor ultimately recommended a c-section at about 10:30pm Wednesday night and Schmoodles was delivered a half hour later in the operating room (8lb 2oz; 20inch)--and he's pretty darn cute(!). The cause of fetal distress was a coiled umbilical cord around Schmoodles' neck (which is considered good luck among some Chinese traditions). Both Leslie and Schmoodles are recovering well but are extremely tired right now. In fact, we haven't even had time to select his formal name. But here are some early photos of Leslie and the unnamed person in our postpartum room. Love everyone very much and we'll be in touch shortly.

Sincerely,
Scott, Leslie and Schmoodles

Live From Schmoodles' Delivery Room

It's 9 December at about 17:45 and Leslie is 10cm dilated and ready to begin the adrenaline inducing second stage of labor (i.e., delivery of Schmoodles). Leslie began laboring at 02:30 this morning (while I slept nearby). At 08:37 Dr. Newman burst the amniotic sac and after a few hours of severe nausea and roaming about the maternity wing, Leslie had the anesthesiologist administer an epidural. She coasted for several hours after that as contractions intensified and Schmoodles dropped (like the snow which has also dropped here in the north country over the past several hours--our first big storm of the year). Leslie now has bragging rights over The Momma who labored a mere 13 hours before delivering Leslie. Both the nurse and doctor have felt the Schmoodles' head and said that he has a lot of hair (for his sake, I hope it stays with him throughout his 30s). Now it's push time with The Momma and Scott cheer-leading. Anne appears to be in the best position to win the Schmoodles Challenge with her guess of 9 December @ 18:14 pm (Mountain Time [Phoenix] which is 19:14 pm Central Time [Illinois]). Anne edged out Deb (sis) and Annand (brother from another mother) by a few hours. Stand by for more news soon including the unveiling of Schmoodles' formal name (hint: begins with "Sch").


Leslie gearing up for the Great Push Forward