Some Pictures!

Hi Everyone,

As we have mentioned in Niko's blog, this will be the last post for Jacob's blog too. This was probably the shortest blog. The new blog promises to be pretty good! We are just waiting on some snow, so we can take the fun in snow pictures - minus Jacob! We are not ready for Jacob to try out his snow legs - yet.

I am sharing some of my favorite pictures. There are so many. It was hard to choose. Jacob loves to take pictures. He really likes it when Daddy is near by! The pictures come out great!

Jacob is one of the precious gifts that have come into my life. So much to look forward from him in 2012. Walking and maybe some talking! I am looking forward to the continued growth and development from Mr. Jacob!!!

Mandy

First 7 months!

Just born 1 - 2 months

3 Months (Kind of)


5 months
6 months
7 months




Oh Jacob, Oh Jacob, you have stolen your Mommy's heart and did a good job doing it too! I have to admit though - He is daddy's boy. He lights up when he sees his daddy, which is okay too. This won't be as hard as Niko's picture line.

Pictures in the beginning where kind of hard to find. I have tons of newborn, but not many 2 or 3 months, so please forgive me!

0 - 2 Months - Jacob spent 15 days in Cleveland Clinic NICU. It was a very trying time in that baby's life, but he has bounced back very nicely! Jacob came home on June 7th and that is when my sleep stopped. Jacob did awful in the crib and started sleeping in my room for 4 months! We had the wonderful world of Colic hit the Balyeat Household.

3 -4 Months - In the beginning of the 3rd month - the Colic was really bad. Jacob also developed Thrush. When the 4th month mark was approaching - the colic improved. I got the worse sleep ever during this time. This is when I decided NO MORE CHILDREN! Smiles from Jacob were becoming more frequent, and began to become a happy baby! On Labor Day - My Dad said " Amanda, put that child in his crib - it is time! " and I did. Jacob did very well, but was still getting up twice a night. I was back at work, and some days were very challenging for me.

5 - 7 Months - Sleep has gotten much better! We did have a teething episode at night, and that kept me up all night, but for the most part we are sleeping through the night. I am so excited about that. Jacob will sleep from 8:00pm to 7:00 or 8:00am, and I am not going to complain about that. We still have nights where he has me up twice a night, but not as bad as before and I will take it!! I am enjoying these months. I have a talker / squealer! He loves to laugh at us. He rolls over, but no crawling yet. Jacob likes to eat, but I am having problems with the spit up. He spits up A LOT! At his 6 month check up, he was 14 pounds and on the chart! He can wear 9 month clothes and they fit just fine (eek) To compare - Nicholas was 12 months old and wearing 9 months clothes. We are in trouble, but in the most wonderful way :)

Santa Baby

Hi Everyone,


A lot has been going on. I am so active now. Pretty soon I will be crawling. I am a very good boy. Sleeping at night is still hit or miss. I slept through the night 5 nights in a row!!Then it stopped due to teething. I am very vocal and love to blow raspberries.

We went to see Santa last Sunday. Big brother was excited. I just went along for the ride and sat on the Santa's lap. Mommy put me on his lap, no biggie. I just sat there until - I saw Daddy! When I saw Daddy I couldn't stop smiling. It was very cute ( Mommy put in that part).

Starting in January, Mommy is going to do one blog for both of us. Two is too much and Mommy will be typing it. We are excited for the changes :) It will be www.balyeatboys.blogspot.com - The first post is already up! Love, Jacob

6 Months Old

Oh my! We are half way through my first year of life. On November 23rd, I turned 6 months old. I have so much going on right now, and I am frustrated. During the day, I just cry sometimes. My gums hurt, and I am tired. It has been a wild ride for the first 6 months of life!!

I finally rolled over! I am a pro at it :) Only problem, when I roll over - I want to go! I am in the crawling position and I want to crawl NOW! Mommy thinks in a month, I will be crawling. My big brother started crawling at 7 months. My mommy called him the champion crawler, because he crawled for 6 months.

Mommy has a feeling that I am very close to popping a tooth. I am drooling, some nights I do not sleep. With all the excitement going on in my body, who can sleep? There are some nights where I sleep through the night - and Mommy is very pleased with that!

Eating is still a challenge. Mommy can't get me to eat some days. I am a picky eater. If Mommy can get me to eat one good meal a day, then she is happy.

Mommy just adores me!! She is so glad everything has turned out okay!!

On her Facebook Status on Thanksgiving - Mommy wrote "I am very Thankful for Baby Jacob. 6 Months ago there was a possibility that Jacob would not be here this Thanksgiving. I am very Thankful for the ultrasound that day, doctors, and nurses. Thank you God for taking care of my baby."
See you in a few weeks!! Love, Jacob

Food!!

Hi Everyone,

A lot has been going on! I have been sick for the past two weeks. It started on Halloween and I can't get rid of it. Mommy and Daddy took me to the doctor and said that I have a cold and my gums are bothering me, which means I am teething!! Mommy thinks by this time next month, I will have my first tooth. We just wish I could shake this cold. Even Niko is sick. We both have the same cough. Fun times at our house!

Mommy is very pleased with me though. For the most part, I sleep through the night. I go down at 8pm and Daddy has a hard time waking me up at 6:30 or 7:00 am. After all the problems we had, I might be a better sleeper than my big brother. Now every night is not perfect, but it is much better than it was and Mommy will take it :)

I am really digging the food aspect of life! When I was weighed on Tuesday, I am up to 13 pounds and some change :) At first, Mommy struggled with getting me to eat. We might have started too early. I like pears, bananas, and oatmeal. Mommy is watching the applesauce and squash, I tend to puke after those items. It could be the sickies too. So, we will try them again.

I still have not rolled over, which makes Mommy a little concerned, but we will get it!
Mommy needs to tend to Niko and make dinner. Of course, I am being an angel. Love, Jake

5 Months old!

Hi Everyone,

5 months milestone came and went. I will be one before we all know it :) I have become a very happy baby. I smile all the time.

The feedings are going ok. We cut out the rice cereal and went straight to fruits and veggies. Mommy will still push the rice cereal, but not all the time. I am doing okay with the new food, however, I had a pretty good puke fest on me and Mommy today, from eating squash.

I slept through the night four nights in a row! It promptly stopped when Niko gave me his cold. Last Monday, I fell asleep at 745pm and woke up at 730am. So, Mommy knows I can do it. The next night was followed by getting up every hour - due to a stuffy nose :(

I may be on the verge of teething - oh joy! I am more awake. Mommy really limits my naps now during the day. I have not rolled over yet, but getting close!

Well Mommy is boiling eggs - need to go!! Love, Jake :)

No go!

Well, from the last picture - you can tell that I am not a big rice cereal fan! Mommy really struggled with the rice cereal. I would cry half way through the feeding, and Mommy would give me a bottle. Now, we are trying oatmeal and it is much better. Pretty soon, we will be a two feedings a day.

I am doing very well. Mommy can put me down sometimes and I do not cry. I am also sleeping at night! I do 7 - 8 stretches now. We are pretty happy about that!! Overall, I am a pretty happy baby now. I am not as fussy anymore! Good bye colic :) Love, Jacob

4 Months old!

Can you believe I am four months already!? Mommy can't! We do not know where the time has gone. I am such a sweet baby now :)

My colic is almost gone. We have one episode every night and it last for 15 minutes. My tummy has improved so much. Mommy thinks its the formula that she put me on. Tonight I try rice cereal for the first time. There will be pictures :)

My sleep is ok. I get up twice a night now. Every once in awhile, maybe one time. Mommy gets no breaks! She is hoping for some night time relief soon!!

I had my 4 month well visit. I am up to 11 pounds and 22 inches. We need this trend to continue, so I don't end up like my brother :) I had 4 shots which did a number on me :( .

I am more awake. I like tummy time now. I "talk". I like to reach and grab onto things. I watch people. I love to smile.

There's my update :) We will try to post the rice cereal pix this week :) Love, Jake

3 Months old!

We cannot believe I am 3 months old already! Time flies when you are a newborn. Mommy wishes time would slow down a little, but she wants me to grow up a little so I sleep at night :) Mommy finally went back to work after 13 weeks off! She missed me :)

With the 3 month milestone : I am awake more. Some days, I still sleep a lot. I notice a lot. I love to look around. I smile all the time - and it's not gas! I am eating a lot more. I am up to 3 -4 oz with each bottle. Sleeping is getting a little better.

Come back for more updates :) Love, Jacob

Baptism

Hi Everyone,

I was baptized on July 24th, 2011. I was very good! I only cried a couple times, and it wasn't even that loud! I cry louder when I get my diaper changed. Both sets of grandparents were there - which made it very special. Niko got a little upset when they were pouring water over me. He wanted his baby brother back. Overall, it was a very nice baptism.

Sleeping is getting a tad better, One night / morning, I gave Mommy two 3 hour stretches. The next night, I made up for it. We think the new formula is working - but I have the poops which = really bad diaper rash. In fact I have a poopie diaper now - time to be changed :)Have a wonderful day! Love, Jake

Smile!

Picture A
Picture B
Which one is me ?

Hi Everyone,

If you guessed picture A - you would be right! I am starting to smile more at Mommy and Daddy. I smile at big brother too. I actually watch Niko a lot. I smile a lot at him too. We already love each other.

I had my two month appointment. I am now 9 pounds! I am doing well in the weight area, I am now 20 inches long. On the charts I am going up and we hope that continues.

Colic Report : I still have it. The doctor put me on new formula and it is kind of working. It goves me the runs :) I still have moments where I scream and I claw Mommy and Daddy from the pain but there might be some relief.

Sleeping still stinks. Mommy gets no sleep :( We hope that changes. Well we are going to catch a few Zzzz's. Have a good week!! Love, Jake

2 Months Old!!!!

I am becoming more aware - beware :)
The Colic position - Mommy and Daddy use this move quite a bit!




Hi Everyone,

Can you believe that I am two months old already? On Monday, I turn 9 weeks old. That means Mommy only has two more weeks until it is time for her to get ready to go back to work. Mommy was very lucky this time. I planned my arrival just right. She did not have to take maternity leave and she got a longer leave than a normal maternity leave. Mommy is looking forward to teaching again, but she will miss her boys very much!!!

I can't say that I am giving my Mommy an easy time. We had to make a trip to the ER last Friday. It turns out that I am colic. Mommy was right. I cry.... a lot. Sometimes, I scream - usually at night and Mommy and Daddy are around. Sometimes Baba and Papa get to hear me too :) We are hoping that the colic phase is almost over. I have an extremely hard time taking a bottle. I cry all the time. Mommy is a little frustrated because my doctor really isn't helping her.

My sleep is terrible. I am still not in my crib. I get up every 1 - 2 hours. I cannot go over the two hour mark. We think it is the colic or the kind of formula that I am on. I am on preemie formula, but I am really not a preemie.

No matter, my Mommy and Daddy love me very much, and hope the two month milestone will improve the sleeping. Mommy isn't sure what she will do when she goes back to work and I am not sleeping.

I am getting baptized tomorrow! Look for pictures!!! Love, Jake

Getting Bigger everyday!

Hi Everyone,

As you can tell from the pictures I like to eat ..... A LOT! Mommy thinks I am packing on the pounds, which is fine with her. She also thinks Niko will be the skinny one, and I will be the "plump" one. That's how it was / is in her family :)

We are trying very hard to figure out my schedule. Mommy thinks about when my wake times are during the day. They are different everyday! Mommy did figure out that I take at least two good naps a day. It is hard to sleep with a three year old running and screaming around. Mommy isn't going complain though - because maybe I will sleep a little longer at night.

I am REALLY wearing Mommy out at night. I am up every hour and half and sometimes I get up every two hours. We have not hit the three hour mark yet! I want to eat :) I am 7 weeks old now, and Mommy hopes that in a couple of weeks, I will be sleeping a little longer. She is exhausted! I am not even in my crib yet. I sleep in Mommy's room in my car seat. When I am 9 weeks old, she is moving me into the crib - that should be really interesting. She might start easing me into the transition earlier than 9 weeks.

I am done with my "special" appointments for now. I have passed my eye and ear tests. I have to go back in a year. My next appointment is in October for development. We did visit the NICU while we were there. We saw one of my favorite nurses. I, of course was sleeping.

Tummy issues are still there, but not as bad. Mommy thinks I have a touch of colic. We are managing. Well, it is almost feeding time! Have a good week :) Love, Jake

One Month Old!

Hi Everyone,

Mommy decided to post the two cutest pictures of the hour. We know she will take more cute pictures of me, because I am just that - cute!

Can you believe I am one month old already?! I had a pretty exciting entrance into the world and things are finally calming down. Mommy is still having some issues after my birth, but hopefully they will get straightened out - like her blood pressure :)

I am a pretty good baby. I only cry for one reason - being hungry. I have not moved to the crib yet but I am getting close. I sleep in my car seat in Mommy's room. I still eat four times a night. Mommy only gets about 2 hours of sleep at night. I went to Miss Kathie's for the first time today and Mommy took a four hour nap. Once my feedings are cut down, I will be moved to my crib.

I did have my one month doctor appointment. I weigh 6 pounds now (4.5 at birth). Mommy is very excited. She hopes I won't be like big brother in the height and weight area. I grew an inch. I was also given some medicine for my acid reflux. Mommy hasn't seen much improvement. She is going to give it until Monday and if there is no improvement, Mommy will call the doctor.
Well, time for my nap!! Love, Jake

I am HOME!!!

Rock n Roll - in the bassinet!! Mommy knew I was close to going home!!
My going home picture
Mommy and I close up!!





Hi everyone,

On Tuesday June 7, 2011 at 4pm, Mommy and I were on our way home! I spent a total of 15 days in the Cleveland Clinic NICU. The first week was very rough for all of us. I gradually improved and shortened my visit by 6 days. I am doing very well now!

I am considered a preemie. I stopped growing inside my Mommy. I am also known as a IUGR baby (inside uterus growth restriction) . Mommy was THE one having issues, and they took a lot of blood from her for further testing. We are very glad we have answers now.

Our first week home hasn't been too bad. I am a very clingy baby. I do not like to be put down in my crib or swing. The only place I will tolerate is my car seat, and I sleep in that at night. Mommy has been doing everything solo, because Daddy is in the hospital. I already lead a crazy life :)

I wake up every 2 -3 hours a night. Mommy has not missed these nights, but she is surviving. I like to poop and sleep. Mommy has commented many times that I am just like my daddy. Niko does pretty good with me. He likes to hold me. Mommy is right there. Niko is a wonderful helper when he wants to be. Mommy and I have our first day together on Tuesday. Ahmi is watching each one of us one day a week. I have my Mommy on Tuesday and Niko gets to spend the day with her on Friday!!! Look for a lot of pictures :) Love, Jake

Welcome to the World Jacob!!

Daddy and Jake
Mommy's little angel!
The early stage!! :)







Jacob Michael Balyeat

Weight : 4pounds 5 ounces

Length : 17 1/2 inches

Birthday : May 23, 2011 at 5:56pm


Jacob's Mommy is typing this


The weekend of May 21st and 22nd, I was not feeling very well. I was very crabby with everyone. I wasn't feeling Jake very much. On Sunday, I was feeling very crampy. On Monday morning, I told Chris that I think Jacob was going to be here sooner than we thought, just not today!! :) I was scheduled for a c-section for June 1, because he was still breech. I thought I still had a good chance of making it to that date - but I wasn't sure. I never went into labor with Nicholas, so I never knew what contractions felt like. When I went to school that morning. I told my principal that I wasn't feeling well, and she told me to make Friday the 27th my last day. She did not think I was going to make it until the 31st of May. I did okay throughout the day. Still cramping, but not too bad.

I left school at 2:30pm for my last biophysical Ultrasound. My mom was coming, because she never saw Jacob on the ultrasound machine. At 3:00pm, I went in for my Ultrasound and told them that I was feeling funny and not much movement was happening. The biophysical confirmed that I was having problems. Baby Jake was supposed to score 8/8-10 for movemnt on the ultrasound and he only scored 2 points. My stomach was getting tight on the table and I was cramping a lot. The doctor was delivering me that night! My Mom went to get Nicholas and I had to go the hospital. I had to wait until 7:30pm for the c-section, because my food from lunch still needed to be digested.

At 4pm, I arrived at the hospital. They were going to hook me up to the monitor and observe the baby's heartbeat. I made a "few" phone calls, and then headed up to the labor and delivery area. They got me hooked up and started admitting me. They noticed that Jacob's heartbeat was looking flat and his heart rate went to 60 (which is very low), they had to stop admitting me and needed to get baby Jacob out NOW! Chris wasn't even there yet! They barely let me call him one more time, and he did not answer. My doctor tried to call him, and finally got a hold of him.

In the operating room at 5pm was a horrid experience. The only good part was the my little miracle was born. They had to do a spinal on me, and it had to be quick. OMG! The pain!!! They were moving the needle around in my body and my left side was in so much pain. I can't even explain the pain. Then they were talking about an even longer needle! They did not want to put me to sleep, with me still digesting my food. Finally, they got it. The surgery began. I was in there by myself. The nurses were okay. The one nurse was kind of tough and gruff - but this was an emergency and she apologized after for her behavior. When they got Jacob out, he was not breathing. Scariest moment of my life! They got him to breathe, but it felt like forever. I got to see him for 2 seconds and then they took him to the nursery. He was born at 5:56pm. An hour and a half before his real time, and a week an half before his arrival that was planned :)

Chris was in the nursery for the measurements. The dr. on call noticed a heart murmur. They were going to transport Jacob to Cleveland Clinic NICU for further monitoring. They never brought Jacob back to me. I went past him in the nursery, but I never got to touch him or hold him. They were going to transport me to Cleveland Clinic too, but not until Wednesday. The first time I got to hold Jacob was Wednesday night. I was able to go home on Friday.

Jacob is still in the NICU. He is having various complications, which I will not go into. They think he will be there for 3 weeks maybe more. What it comes down to, his organs (heart and lung) are not fully developed. Something happened in my uterus, that made him stop growing. They are having my placenta tested, and trying to figure out why he stopped growing. I just can't grow babies after 30 weeks :)

Niko is doing great! He has been such a good boy for the grandparents. He even does well sleeping over at Ahmi and P's house, which I am amazed. I am so PROUD of him. My family and friends have been great! I really appreciate the support. The next blog we do for baby Jacob will be ...... when he comes home!! Love, Mandy

Progress

From a friend
Thank you Aunt Toni!




Hi!

It has been awhile since we have posted. There has been a lot going on. Mommy loves her doctor. The doctor put her foot down and told Mommy that she would have to go in every week, starting at 30 weeks, so I could be monitored and blood pressure could be checked. Mommy went in every week (on pins and needles) and her blood pressure got better! Mommy was so happy, because that meant she could work longer (my crazy mommy ;) ) and she was not going to be put on bed rest at 34 weeks like she had to with Niko. Mommy is very proud of me, that I am not like my big brother - already :) I have passed Niko's birth weight. We do have one issue............

I am a breech baby. I turned at 33 weeks and have not looked back since. Mommy thought I turned this week, but nope - I am not facing south :) My feet do a pitter patter on Mommy's bladder - where my head is suppose to be. Whether I am ready or not, I will be meeting Mommy and Daddy on June 1st. Mommy made her c-section for June 1st - 7 days before my due date, and Mommy thinks I would have been late anyway. Mommy will miss the last days of school, which she is sad about, but she is very anxious to meet and start this family of four.

We do not know if we will update this blog again. Mommy has one more ultrasound and one more appointment. So, hopefully - there will be one more blog before the big day! Pray for us :) Love, Jacob

Well......

There "it" is! No doubt that I am a boy!
Hi!





Hi Everyone,

Mommy is sorry about the quality of pictures! She tried all day to get a few good shots. The tech said they are getting a new machine, so hopefully when Mommy goes back for another Ultrasound, the pictures will be better.

We are hanging in there! Mommy is 32 weeks or 8 months pregnant. She has to go to the doctors every week. Mommy's blood pressure was just getting to out of hand. She had induced hypertension. It only flairs up when she is baking a baby :) They monitor my movement and heartbeat every week and take Mommy's blood pressure. She hates going to these appointments. She is afraid the doctor will tell her to stop working. This week, the appointment was not too bad. Her BP was getting better. That was because they let her sit for an hour before they took it :)
My ultrasound went great! Mommy was in such a good mood when she got to "see" me. I am already three pounds! I am estimated to be be 6 pounds at birth. I will be bigger than my big brother Niko - which was a big relief to Mommy! Everything looked great!!
There's our update!! Love, Jacob