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You are here: Home / Birthdays / First Born Fridays, The First Year

First Born Fridays, The First Year

August 7, 2015 By Shann 75 Comments

To be honest, most of the first year with my first baby was a bit of a blur. From trying to figure out breastfeeding to remembering which appointment to take him to, there’s so much new stuff going on…with very little sleep.  Here are a few things I remember from the first year.

First Born Fridays

1. Lots of Appointments

From the moment we got released from the hospital, it seemed like we were going back to one or to a doctor’s office A LOT. In fact, the day after we were released, we had a check-up with our pediatrician.  Luckily, it was my family doctor, so I felt comfortable. I did not feel comfortable with them having to take my baby’s blood so soon!

He had been a little Jaundice in the hospital, so they needed to check his bilirubin levels to make sure they were going down. They had to prick his heel, and “milk” the blood out. NOT a happy camper.  And I’m talking about me.

It turned out, the lab lost his blood, so we had to go to the ER that night for a new draw. They didn’t like the numbers, so we had to go back to the hospital again they next day (Saturday,) for ANOTHER blood draw. Luckily, this time the numbers went down.

After that disaster, we still had check-ups a couple of weeks later, then at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Plus, I had my 6-week OB check.  Ugh. It felt like we were living in a doctor’s office. Good thing I didn’t know what was to come with the twins.

Nappy Time

2. Lots of Sleeping

I should really say, lots of napping. You know how they say, “sleep when the baby sleeps?” Well, this is an awesome theory, however, when my baby slept, he did it in 20 minute increments. So, by the time I fell asleep, he was back up and ready to eat again.

They also had me waking him every three hours to eat at night when we first got home. Not only did he need to eat to gain weight, but it helped with the Jaundice levels too. However, I think this really started a bad habit. In fact, I don’t think he’s slept through the night since.  Just kidding. Not really.

3. Lots of visitors…at first

We had a few family and friends come to the hospital, then EVERYONE wanted to come meet the baby once we got home. It was a little overwhelming.

It was really nice, though, when they brought meals. Me and my husband were both so exhausted, it almost took too much effort to reheat things. We ate a lot of cold leftovers.

After everyone had met the baby and the novelty wore off, friends kind of disappeared.  Sure, they called for a while asking if we wanted to go out, but we didn’t.  Luckily, our parents were around for support.

Growing too Fast

4. Lots of Firsts and Lots of Pictures

First smiles, first rolls, first sitting ups, first words…just so many fun, new things happening every day.  I took a TON of pictures and videos.  This was actually really helpful, since I don’t remember many of the moments happening due to sleep deprivation.

Time also seemed to go really fast.  Sure, each individual day went slow sometimes, but all of a sudden my baby wasn’t a newborn anymore.  He was almost a year old.  Good thing I have photographic proof!

Happy 1st Birthday!

5. Over-the-top Birthday

By now, you know me and my love of theme birthday parties.  You can see examples here and here.  Well, it all started out with this guy, and his first birthday party.

The theme: Our Little Monkey

There were monkey decorations everywhere. Banana milkshakes (and banana milkshake shots for the adults,) monkey cupcakes, and everyone went home with a monkey backpack  (thank you Target Back-to-school clearance.)

I may have went a little Bananas. Pun intended.

Our Little Monkey (1)

 

He was worth every single green balloon I made my husband and dad blow up.

Next week, we’ll see what happened in year 2.

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Filed Under: Birthdays, First Born Tagged With: bilirubin, birthdays, blood draw, first birthday, first step, first word, hospital ER, jaundice, monkey party, Napping, rolling over, sitting up, sleeping

Comments

  1. Terra Heck says

    August 7, 2015 at 5:40 am

    Awww, your pictures make me miss my kids being little. They’re all teens now. That’s a cute theme for a birthday party.

    Reply
  2. Inspiration Indulgence says

    August 7, 2015 at 10:30 am

    I’m not a mom yet, but can’t wait to be one someday and share all of these experiences 🙂 Wisconsin girl as well right here!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Nice! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Reply
  3. workingmommagic says

    August 7, 2015 at 10:35 am

    Aww.. the first year goes by so fast, but it is so special. This post just brought me right back to that sweet time!!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Thank you…I’m glad 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lauren White says

    August 7, 2015 at 11:55 am

    Love the way you tell your story! Ugh and I hear you about the doctors appointments. We pretty much lived at the pediatrician and GI doctor when she was 2-4 months old!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  5. Donnica says

    August 7, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    Aww, too cute! Your collages reminded me of perfect little scrapbooking pages.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 3:45 pm

      🙂 thank you!

      Reply
  6. serenemomblog says

    August 7, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Aww, I remember all these things with my first as well! It seemed like the appointments would never stop! I also took a ton of pictures and video. Not so much with my second, but still a bunch lol.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 3:44 pm

      I know. I don’t even have a baby book started for the twins. 🙂

      Reply
  7. AlmostSexyMommy says

    August 7, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    Awww… the memories this brings! The first year with the first baby really is a blur. When my oldest was a baby I left his father, sold everything I owned except for essentials, and moved hours away from everything I knew. You want to talk about a blur! LOL. I’m surprised I remember anything, which makes me sad, because I love being a mama. 🙂

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      Oh my goodness. That would have been so difficult. I’m glad you’re in a better place now. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Heather Serra says

    August 7, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Haha! Oh my goodness. I can’t help but chuckle at that sweet little smile. I’m a first born so I’m partial to First Born Friday. 🙂 It’s crazy how fast the first year goes. I’m always amazed at how much those little bodies change so quickly.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 3:42 pm

      I know! Thank you.

      Reply
  9. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    August 7, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    Oh no, 20 minute increments? How did you survive that? You poor thing.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      It was not easy!

      Reply
  10. Penny Struebig says

    August 7, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    What a cutie!! The first year of my son’s life is a total blur to me.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      I’m glad I’m not the only one .

      Reply
  11. kitchnwhisperer says

    August 7, 2015 at 6:38 pm

    Memories are great to have especially when you can see them in picture form. Kids grow so fast too which is beautiful and overwhelming.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 9:21 pm

      Yes, I completely agree.

      Reply
  12. tiarasandtantrums says

    August 7, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    yeah, the first baby is pretty awesome – I wish I would have been more firm with people with my first. I didn’t ever want to hurt people’s feelings – but I ended up get my feelings hurt a lot because everyone had an opinion bwhat I was doing wrong.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 9:21 pm

      Yes, everyone has an opinion…especially when you don’t ask for one.

      Reply
  13. Cynthia @craftoflaughter says

    August 7, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    Love hearing his story! Just think, you both survived that first year, wonderfully I might add

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 9:20 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Theresa says

    August 7, 2015 at 7:30 pm

    Your post makes me smile. The firsts were so much fun! Since we had all four of our babies at once, some of those things were magnified. It is amazing how fast the first year flies.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 9:20 pm

      I bet! With two it was hard, so 4 I can only imagine 🙂

      Reply
  15. Tessa says

    August 7, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    He’s a darling!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 9:20 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  16. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

    August 7, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    My sister has a month and a half year old baby girl… And she is experiencing ALL OF THIS right this very second! 😀

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      Awesome! 🙂 Congrats to her and to you Auntie!

      Reply
  17. Claudette Esterine says

    August 7, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    My first year was 26 years ago and it’s now a faint memory! Lol

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 7, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      Ha! Too funny 🙂

      Reply
  18. purpledani9 says

    August 7, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    This post makes me laugh at my own craziness! our firstborns 1st birthday is coming up and I’m already planning a party that’s so over the top! I just can’t stop myself!

    Reply
  19. Beth@FrugalFroggie says

    August 7, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    It goes by so quickly. Great pictures that you shared.

    Reply
  20. Curtis Joseph says

    August 7, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    It’s amazing how fast time passes, cherish every moment you can!

    Reply
  21. Heather says

    August 7, 2015 at 11:27 pm

    Ah those are good times though! Those babies sleeping on you is the most precious thing ever. Sometimes I wish I could go back, but I’m happy with my memories and the current sleep I am getting now, which isn’t too much more but still something. I can image twins being so much harder! I bow down to you! 😉

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 8, 2015 at 9:08 am

      Awe. Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  22. Julia says

    August 7, 2015 at 11:49 pm

    Awww. Love the pictures. Brings back memories of when my kids were that age.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 8, 2015 at 9:08 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  23. Carolyn says

    August 7, 2015 at 11:51 pm

    I love having lots of pictures to remind me of when my kids were tiny because it goes so fast. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 8, 2015 at 9:07 am

      Yes!

      Reply
  24. Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie says

    August 8, 2015 at 12:27 am

    So sweet! I remember those days! They surely pass by way too fast..gotta enjoy it while it lasts!

    Reply
  25. TamaraG says

    August 8, 2015 at 1:40 am

    The visitors, oh the visitors. We are actually telling people that we plan to be hermits with #2 for at least the first week or two. While we do want to introduce baby, we feel very robbed of newborn time from our first. We are not letting it happen again.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 8, 2015 at 9:06 am

      I agree! 🙂

      Reply
  26. michelle bowman says

    August 8, 2015 at 7:36 am

    It’s a wonderful moment when you become a mom. It hard but when you see them, it’s like you are being energized to do the thing you need to do. Just one smile all your stress will gone. You have a lovely baby boy. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 8, 2015 at 9:06 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  27. Elizabeth O. says

    August 8, 2015 at 8:19 am

    There are a lot of firsts when you have your first baby! I remember how people are dying to come over just to get a glimpse of the new baby in the family. Awesome times.

    Reply
  28. Jonathan Key says

    August 8, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Such beautiful memories! Love all the cute pictures. The first is certainly special. We learn so much and enjoy so many wonderful memories with our first.

    Reply
  29. Jaime says

    August 8, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    I agree- the first year is such a whirlwind and a blur! It’s a huge learning experience!

    Reply
  30. mykidsguide says

    August 8, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    These are the most beautiful memories for most moms. I had tons of photos of my first born’s first year.

    Reply
  31. Becki S says

    August 8, 2015 at 2:30 pm

    Oh my goodness! This seems to sum up the good and not as great of a new one’s first year. Love love love the monkey birthday party, I can’t wait to have kiddos and birthday parties will certainly be over the top. That’s what they’re for right? =)

    Reply
  32. Jennifer C. says

    August 8, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    I can definitely relate to the over-the-top birthdays. It had to be perfect, ya know? THE BABY IS TURNING ONE. This only happens once. lol.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 8, 2015 at 8:41 pm

      Exactly 🙂

      Reply
  33. The Trophy WifeStyle says

    August 8, 2015 at 10:06 pm

    The first year really does go by so fast!!! My daughter for some reason loved to sleep, but she was so little and needed to gain weight that we had to wake her to feed her every 3 hours… It was such a pain since she was a sleeper & would fight it lol….

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 9, 2015 at 11:54 am

      It’s so tough to have to wake them.

      Reply
  34. caitlincheevers says

    August 9, 2015 at 8:01 am

    SO cute. I love all of the photos! I’m impressed you had the energy to put together an over-the-top party. 🙂
    xo, Caitlin
    And Possibly Dinosaurs

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 9, 2015 at 9:04 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  35. Liz Mays says

    August 9, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    What a great overview of all the fun (and exhaustion) of that first year! I love how you capped it with a magnificent party.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 9, 2015 at 2:38 pm

      Thank you Liz!

      Reply
  36. Shannon P says

    August 10, 2015 at 3:15 am

    I used to wake my son up every 3-4 hours to nurse as well because he was a little jaundiced – it was ROUGH, but it helped so much!

    Reply
  37. LifeAsAConvert says

    August 10, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    The birthday thing was opposite for me.. We didn’t have as big birthdays for 1 year or the first born as we do now 🙂

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 10, 2015 at 3:30 pm

      Your kids probably like that better since they can remember as they get older 🙂

      Reply
  38. The Pink Caboodle says

    August 10, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    Aww happy first baby! Thanks for sharing your precious moments with us!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 10, 2015 at 7:25 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  39. pennypinchingpeach says

    August 10, 2015 at 6:41 pm

    I love the monkey party! You definitely did go bananans in the best of ways. 🙂

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 10, 2015 at 7:25 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  40. Lissette says

    August 10, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    It all goes by so fast, doesn’t it?! My “newborn” is now 2. TWO!!! How did that happen?! I’ve been writing my son little letters on my blog to memorialize all the little milestones he’s reached and all the gray hairs he’s given me (1 so far!)

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 10, 2015 at 11:03 pm

      Ha ha! I have many, many gray hairs. 🙂

      Reply
  41. Britt says

    August 13, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    I love that little tiny nose! I couldn’t imagine how overwhelming your first child must be! So many changes, so quickly! I know I wouldn’t deal well with visitors…I know people are sweet and mean well but I am grouchy when I am tired. haha

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 13, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      Yeah, I don’t think I handled them very well either. Luckily, they just pay attention to the baby 😉

      Reply
  42. Katrina says

    August 14, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    I remember that first year with my first baby. It seems so long ago (and I guess it was since she’s already 22 years old!) but then again it sometimes feels just like yesterday. Since having my first, I have had 8 more! And I’m currently pregnant with baby #10. I guess I liked that first year so much that I just wanted to keep going…and going….and going. LOL But still, there is nothing quite like that first year with that first baby. Challenging and magical at the same time.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 14, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      Wow! Congratulations on baby #10!

      Reply
  43. Mommy A to Z says

    August 14, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    So cute, and I love the My Little Monkey birthday theme! Really impressive! Thanks for linking up at the Manic Mondays blog hop 🙂

    Reply
    • Shann says

      August 15, 2015 at 1:35 pm

      Thank you for hosting it! Great party!

      Reply

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Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

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