Clark goes to San Diego!

We had our first family trip this past weekend. Jason went to Comic Con. Clark, Molly and I stayed as far away from that madness as possible at the Catamaran Hotel in Mission Beach right on the border of Pacific Beach, which for the price is just OK...fyi...I don't think we would stay there again.

They did allow dogs at the hotel, so we decided to take Molly...great in theory, but when you are a mom flying solo for the whole day with a newborn and a dog on the 3rd floor...let's just say it was a lot to handle. But we had a great time. While Jason was out doing his thing, the 3 of us went for a nice long hour and a half walk on the beach walk on Friday and Saturday, which was filled with people walking, running, biking, roller blading and pushing strollers. Our dog, Molly is a GREAT dog...anybody who has met her can attest to the fact that she is super chill, super sweat, super smart and just amazing. What some people don't realize is that she is all of those things UNTIL she gets on a leash...and sees other dogs on a leash...and wheels moving by very fast and hears the loud sound of skate boards whizzing by...Holy Moly, it's like a different dog...the first 1/2 hour was pretty rough. But I hung in there...breathed super slow and deep, visualized her being really calm as all the chaos came and went...and she finally settled and just walked along side us...phew. It was mild (a little chilly for my liking) and mostly cloudy, so we didn't get in the water. We mostly just walked...and it was great. There were so many families. I find it fascinating how people just come right up and talk to us now because evidently newborns make you part of an exclusive club called 'parents'.

We got to soak up the ocean air and just take in the sights and sounds of the water which is one of my favorite things to do...it was so nice. And that night...our little Clark blessed us with 7 hours of straight sleep, woke up, ate and then slept another 3. I felt like a new woman, that was the most sleep I had had in over 5 months. I thanked him profusely throughout the day.

Clark and I went to a Luau on Friday night...check him out...
Then, on Saturday there was a small window of time where it was slightly warm and sunny. So, Clark and I chilled on the beach for about an hour...
Then, Sunday we had a nice brunch before heading home...he was pretty stoked about how cute he looked in his outfit...thanks Dori and Phil!

And he slept through the whole brunch...
Well...almost...he started to get a little hungry towards the end, and I prepared to take him back to the room while Jason settled the bill...and in classic Christy style...I karate chopped my mimosa, sending oj, champagne and glass all over me and the ground...luckily missing Clark...it was awesome...

Clark was amazing on the ride back to LA. He woke up about 45 minutes before we got home, really ready to eat...and since the traffic was pretty bad...it was definitely time. We had already been on the road almost 3 hours. However, we did talk to Clark and let him know that we understood he was hungry and would gladly pull off to feed him but asked if he would think about it for 5 minutes and then decide if he could wait till we got home or if he really wanted us to stop now. He thought about it for about 2 minutes and then started crying again...to which we said, that was not quite 5 minutes...give it the full 5 and then we will do what we need to. Now of course, Jason and I were simply buying some time trying to keep him calm as traffic was a beast and it would be a bit before we could find an exit. But it really seemed that he understood us...that's the way we decided to interpret anyway and isn't that the reality of what we created? So, in our eyes, Clark decided to wait it out...super calm, super chill. Forty five minutes later, we arrived home and were able to feed him in the comfort of home...then we all went outside, lied on a blanket and watched the wind move through the trees and listened to the sounds of nature for over an hour...the perfect way to ground after a trip...

This morning...my heart melted at this site...
Our little family...all together in bed after a good night's sleep...ahhhh....

Stats

Clark had his 5 month check up today and is doing so great. The doctor is very pleased!

In the past month, he gained 2lbs 6 ozs-he now weighs 10lbs 10ozs! He also grew 1 3/4 inches so is now 22 3/4 inches long!! What a big boy he is!

So, the other night when I had him in the spa...he was sort of floating on his back with my support and when he would move his arms and legs-I would move him in the water. When he stopped, I would stop. It took him only 2 times of this before he figured out if he kicked his arms and legs- he moved. He got so excited by this and would kick, kick, kick and move his arms about. This went on to his sheer delight for quite some time...ADORABLE!

Last night, I decided to take a bath with him in our tub...so we could both go to bed at the same time. Well...he got in the bath and immediately started kicking and moving his arms about...he wanted to swim like he had the night before...and was not too pleased that his efforts were not creating the desired results. Looks like it is his bath, the spa or a pool...no more of this bath that sort of feels like he could swim in it.

Amazing...

Clark goes for a swim

Wednesday night, the girls from this year's teacher training got together for dinner, swimming, love and laughter. Clark loves going on adventures as I call them. Everyday, no matter how small...we go on an 'adventure' together. He is so cute as I put him in his car seat, he gets this super satisfied grin on his face as I say "We're going on an adventure".

Anyhoo...it was at the lovely Rose's home, who has a pool. We arrived, I fed him via breast then bottle (I always have to supplement after-but that is a whole blog in of itself that I may dive into one day). After allowing for digestion, it was time for a swim. Clark gets a bath every other night and LOVES it. In fact, some nights, we have fed him, changed him, played with him, I have nursed him and he is still fussy. We will finally realize that is bath night and the minute we put him in the bath...voila...so chill and relaxed. He knows...even when we forget. Smart boy...knows what he likes.

So, back to the pool...it was heated to a nice 88 degrees and we got in and floated around for at least 20 minutes...he loved it. His little feet kickin'...he would lean back and kick and then forward onto my chest and kick. I am in awe of him. Check us out...


After we got out, he proceeded to be held and cuddled and loved and passed around to at least 10 beautiful goddess...he was in heaven...again, smart boy...knows what he likes. Definitely daddy's little boy :)

That night, I nursed him when we got home and he passed OUT...and slept the longest he ever has in a row...6 hours!

The next night we decided to get in our spa with Clark...we had the temp at a nice warm 96. That night...5 hours of straight sleep. We got ourselves a new nightly ritual! Now we just need about 10 girls to come over and hold and cuddle him after :)

Well....

Actually...Clark was 21 weeks yesterday and is 5 months on Saturday...but who's counting...I mean...clearly not us :)

Tomorrow is 20 Weeks!!! Let's Celebrate Early!

Here's an early Christmas card for y'all. Enjoy!
(Make sure to click 'Full Screen' for maximum Cuteness)

Ha Ha

Clark just would not sleep today. I mean, a little nap here, tiny doze there, but otherwise he seemed to just wanna play, be picked up, be entertained. So we took him to a bar. For reals. Well, technically it was grandfathered in as a restaurant, so babies are allowed. For those in Burbank who haven't experienced Tony's Darts, check it out. Locally brewed beers and a vegan menu.

So tonight, after a few eps of Mad Men, we did our nightly wind down in hopes to get Clark to sleep. Just wouldn't do it. Not without some sort of cuddle or nipple in his mouth. Laying him down in his crib...didn't want any of that.

I'm still pretty awake too, so I relieved Christy and sat down to give him one more bottle in hopes to top him off. We feel he's graduated to the "Level 2" nipple, allowing him to work less as he feeds. Well, as he took the bottle, the more drowsy he became. When I sat him up to burp, he dangles over my hand like a drunk...then moments later, like a drunk...he laughed! He totally chuckled. Kind of like a guffaw. It cracked me up, cuz I had no idea what it was about the situation that was funny to him. Of course it didn't have to be funny, the little dude just felt like laughing. I would even categorize it as a triumphant laugh! Like "I did it folks! I was up all day! Party on!"

So sweet. So amazing. I feel so lucky to have had him in my arms at that exact moment to witness that.

Though for some reason he did remind me a bit of Herman Munster.

Out and About

At long last, a word from Daddy! Sorry ya'll, we just don't care about our readers as much anymore...not! (Haha, thought I'd bring that back.) So, 4th of July was one of many small adventures we, the family 'we', embarked upon since my last official post. Independence Day morn we took Clark to a fun Farmer's Market up in Montrose, then that evening to a house party in Shermak Oaks, via a sister-yoga studio, to celebrate with mutual pals, students, teachers. Oh, and Mary Loise Parker from "Weeds"! Yeah! Besides showing off the boy and grazing at the buffet nothin' really exciting to report. When we take Clark out, most usually, he sleeps. When he wakes or stirs, we feed him. The only fun thing to describe would be the extra level of pride that swells as people fawn all over him. He did enjoy his first out-of-belly Kirtan experience, aaaaand loved it!

Thanks to a lot of you we haven't had to buy Clark a single outfit. I did get him some cute sweatpants at American Apparel and a Tigger onesie from the Dis Store. But here are a few faves from friends:

The little rocker!


Yup. Clark will have to love Mickey just as much as Daddy.


Clark is ready for the playa in his Burning Man outfit! I absolutely could not wait for him to fit into this! Hey, real men wear pink!

When we're not carting him around town or playing dress up, there is lots of snuggling!


Or setting him up on places to marvel at his diminutive cuteness!


As fun as he is, and I'm sure I don't need to tell you guys, loving Clark is a full time job! So pardon the Chronicle hiatus. We figure we've got at least 18 years of this and you guys haven't been too demanding.

Coming up:
Clark goes to San Diego.
Clark gets his first Nanny-sit as Mom and Dad check out Lady Gaga.
Clark goes back to where he was conceived! Bhakti Fest in Joshua Tree.
Then BACK to Joshua Tree for the annual Yoga Blend Chakra Retreat.
THEN...Nashville???
Holy shiz, kids...there's more to come!

Twins Basil...Twins

Clark and I had a GREAT afternoon. We went to drop off some extra diapers that Clark has outgrown at another new mom's house who has twins. We have only known each other a short while...but our circumstances have made us seem like lifetime friends. Her girls were also born early and spent 7 and 9 weeks in the NICU. They were Clark's crib neighbors and were just a few weeks behind us in going home...which they both are now and are doing great. The bond between us is deep...as was evident by our 3 hour visit. I had planned to stay only an hour but also gave her the option of just dropping the diapers on the porch as I totally get how fast the energy level can change and how visitors can take it out of you completely. However, we seemed to give each other energy...talking, sharing, remembering, tearing up, laughing, feeding babies, jumping to 50 different topics and never really completing one...it was perfect...

Below is a picture of the 3 of them...just chilling together...SO CUTE! It looks like Clark is showing them some yoga...hee, hee!

So Big

I have been working on a post for 3 days and cannot seem to finish it...so I just thought I would post a picture.

Does he look as big to you as he does us? Amazing to watch him grow...especially since he started so small...

Back to work

So, yesterday was my first day back teaching at Yoga Blend in 4 1/2 months. What a JOY it was to be back at my sacred home again with all the wonderful friends and students that are like family to me. We had a blast...the energy was amazing...and I felt like my old self, but brand new....

Someone said I don't know how you can stand being away from him. It is hard but for the first 3 months of Clark's life, I had to be away from him every night and usually for 10 or more hours (driving home, sleeping, eating, driving back the next morn). So, to be away for just 2 1/2-3 hours seems like nothing. Yes, I miss him, but knowing that he is home with Daddy just minutes away is so different than him being 45 minutes away in a hospital where we can only move 3 feet away from his crib because of all the monitors. It is a whole different world for sure. So, it is hard, but I love what I do and I really missed doing it...so I am back to teaching, just 3 classes a week for now. I am really excited about it and I think that is something great that I can offer Clark because he can feel that from me...my passion and love for what I do...he may not know what it means but he knows what he feels...and when I feel good...so does he!

I have an amazing assistant who happens to be a dear friend (double blessing) who many of you know-Marriah. She handles all kinds of stuff from the studio to the personal and is way more than awesome. Over the next few weeks, she will start helping with Clark so that if it so happens Jason has to work when I am teaching or when I start doing privates again at the house, she is there to help out in the middle of all the other things she is doing. Here she is giving Clark a bottle for the first time...so sweet!


Although Clark has never been there...he loves NY as you can see by his outfit (thanks Nicole!)

He is outgrowing outfits left and right and seems to be expanding before our eyes...I mean literally. He will lay down for a nap and when he wakes up...he looks bigger...it is crazy!

And YES, to all those that have been asking...I will be bringing him to the studio...for sure! And he will be there A LOT. I just want him to get a little bigger so he can handle all the LOVE that will be pouring all over him! We are so blessed and excited that he gets to grow up in such a place of warmth, community and love...

It's A Good Thing I'm Not Tired

Well, not too tired anyway. This little angel you see in the following pics represents maybe 15 minutes of "sleeping Clark". In between about two hours of "I'm sleepy...no wait, I'm awake...I'm sleepy...no wait, I'm hungry...I'm sleepy, no wait..." and me, like an OCD case, repetitively opening the refrigerator to take out his bottle, only to put it back in once he nodded off. Back to the couch I went to lay him down, only to have him stir and fuss with annoyance at me for not reading his mind, which apparently was saying "Yo! Even though I ate a full bottle not an hour ago, I'm ready for another one, bitch!"

Yeah, I know...language. I don't know where he picks it up.



Okay, he seems to be down now. For real. I should probably sleep too, but I gots some bloggin' to do.

Took him to work with me this afternoon to show him off! With a great display of fatherly pride, I would offer "Do you wanna hold him?". I'd just beam as if I just made a delicious sauce; "Here, you gotta try this!" I love watching my friends hold Clark in their arms. He reduces the most stoic to a babbling, grinning, silly-song-singing mess! It's classic!

He's getting more dense. Heavier. Longer. His face continues to mold itself right before our eyes. We make a joke of it, but truly he's getting cuter by the second! He's starting to experiment with sounds. Amusing himself with coos and gurgles. His demands are becoming greater. At night, he still offers us maybe two or three hours of sleep at a time. As eagerly as I can muster, I pull myself out of bed and begin the routine. Sometimes, after I change him, warm his bottle, and begin feeding him...I'm so tired I just want to cry.

But look at this face!



It's all so worth it! I don't even need to remind myself. It's soldered into my heart.

Alas, last evening I declared a temporary STOP in visitors. It just got to the point where I would be so tired, have an appointment or errand during the day, and between Clark care, next thing you know it's five o' clock and a new guest is scheduled to come by. The day is lost and somehow I missed time for a nap. So...no offense friends...but like Nancy Reagan wanted, we're "just saying no".


Ahhh, he's asleep. I'm gonna stay awake a bit longer. Next time he stirs it's Christy's shift. Can't wait for tomorrow to see what happens next!

While Mom's at a Movie

At Last...Another Video!

4 month check up

It has been 3 weeks since Clark's last check up...

June 2nd Stats:
Weight 6 lbs 12 oz
Length 19 1/4 inches

June 23rd Stats: (drumroll, please.....)
Weight 8 lbs 4 oz
Length 21 inches

Clark is right on track, growing big and strong...

He got some immunizations today and took them like a champ...tough little (I mean, HUGE) guy he is...

Here is us napping after a big day out with shots and stuff.


We have taken Clark for cranial-sacral therapy with Diane Sandler for the past two weeks...he totally digs it and we can see and feel him as he works to re-align himself and expand in all directions...releasing trauma from his birth and NICU experience...quite amazing to witness and support him during that. We can hear his story as he goes deep into the release...and Jason and I both tear up every time.

What a blessing this little boy is...we sometimes take pause and reflect on his journey thus far and well up with emotional pride...looking at each other with complete understanding...we are so grateful...so very grateful...

Old Soul

A contemplative Clark car ride.

Father's Day in Five Words

Sorry this Father's Day adventure took a while to culminate. Sunday was amazing, yet simple. I mean, all we did really was go to the mall. Add baby, add ten times more fatigue. Wow, just realized, Clark has been home FIVE weeks today! Not to sound like a broken record, but MAN the time is flying. Anyway...

Father's Day! My first! I awoke early, much like when I was five or six, anxiously awaiting Santa! I gleefully changed and fed Clark, then remained in bed, holding him close as we watched some TV. When he nodded off, I played some games on my iPhone (Angry Birds...I'm so addicted!). Suddenly, Christy appears with a steaming tray of Father's Day Breakfast in Bed goodness:
Cinnamon, brown-rice porridge, with bananas, walnuts, and maple syrup, a side of cinnamon toast, Teeccino (caffeine free, yet coffe-like tea), and fresh squeezed juice; orange, apple, and greens...yum!

I showered...wait...did I? I know I did today, but did I shower yesterday before we left? (After consulting Christy, the answer is still undetermined). I definitely put my contacts on. Yes. Pretty sure I remember doing that. Oh, and did my hair. Anyway, we gathered ourselves together, Clark wearing one of my favorite Batman onesies, and myself, one of my favorite Batman T-shirts. Both of us wore matching brown bottoms (though his were bloomers and mine were actual pants).

My desire!? To head out to the Americana in Glendale. A stylish, outdoor, shopping experience, with many stores, restaurants, a lavish pond with a synchronized dancing fountain, a trolley, movie theatre and more. This would be Clark's REAL first day out. Like with actual people. I wanted to come here, not just for the fresh air and nice day weather, but to get me some fancy undees at the H&M store.
First, we hit Lululemon, a yoga-clothing store, where Christy serves as the local Ambassador.

That's her in the poster!!!

The employees there have been glued to the Chronicles and were more than excited to meet Clark in person!

From there, we went to H&M where Clark, who we expected to probably just chill in his stroller, started to fuss! Christy stayed outside to feed him while I searched for some underwear. Unfortunately, they didn't have ANY in my size (humph), but instead I found MANY other items I took a shining to.
Outside, Christy was breastfeeding Clark, who was safely hidden from view under her "Udder cover". (Did you just check that site out? Would you like to bet money whether or not ANY of those girls ever had a baby?) So, I joined her and Nana Pat, sitting at a table under an umbrella watching passerbys. I sat there, swelling with fatherly pride...I was with my family.


Well, Nana Pat, was getting a little hungry so we made our way to the Cheesecake Factory and had a lovely lunch/snack outside on the patio. I had me a Mojito and watched Clark sleep in his little car seat/stroller, conveniently shaded from the sun and silently enjoying our company. I looked to my right and saw a Voice Over pal o' mine, walkin' to the movie theatre with his wife and kids! I called him over to say hi and meet Clark. They had also been following Clark's journey and were so pleased to feast their eyes on him. It was right then, Clark started to fuss again. I mean, realllly fuss. His cries built into super-loud screams of hunger! Here came another Fatherly First; maintaining a conversation in public, with other adults, I scooped Clark up in my arms, Christy gave me his bottle and I managed to silence his complaints right then and there.
I was so lost in the moment I didn't realize I was becoming rather emotional. Clark had screamed so loud, I felt so bad. I just remember the feeling of my heart sinking as he calmed so quickly with the bottle in his mouth. I found myself wishing I could have given it to him even a second earlier to ease his discomfort. I looked up at my pal, my peer, now a fellow dad, and he too was looking on with tears in his eyes. Our eyes met and for that split second, we communicated a mutual knowing. Difficult to describe, but definitely one of those moments that has emblazened itself into my memory.


The party didn't stop there. I finished feeding Clark, then settled back to finish MY meal. I just couldn't let him go and was happy to eat with one hand. Well, the little dude spit up all over me (yes!) and himself. Luckily we brought him an extra outfit. Already standing and eager to continue my Fatherly strut, I volunteered to take him to the Men's room baby changing area.
The funky tunes inside CF became my theme music. A proud father, his handsome, yet coagulated-milk covered, son over one shoulder, a diaper bag over the other, marching through the crowd towards the men's room.
The baby changing area was inside the largest stall which was, of course, occupied. Luckily Clark found solace on my shoulder, so it was easy to just wait. A steady stream (pun intended) of fathers and sons came trickling (pun intended) into the restroom to liquidate their assets (???). Every so often I'd get an appreciative look or a comment: "Wow, he's so tiny! How many days?" ME: "Four months." The reactions are priceless. After several grueling minutes the stall became available, having been ruthlessly dominated by a CF employee doing Goddessknowswhat, Clark and I went in. I changed him, we left. Mission took longer than expected but successful nonetheless.

We exited Cheesecake Factory, visited a few other stores before finally retreating home. Clark was pretty much awake most of the FIVE hours we were gone. Needless to say, when we got home, we were ALL exhausted!

Christy, Clark, and I napped as Nana Pat prepared dinner. We feasted then finally allowed ourselves to turn in for the night. Christy breastfed Clark in bed, as we watched our Sunday ritual of True Blood. Clark pretty much passed out, and so did we. He slept like a rock, allowing us to catch up on some pretty serious ZZZs. A truly magnificent and fulfilling day! Filling of the soul, the heart, and the mind's eye. Memories that will be cherished forever. A new celebration for me to look forward to. Even more so than my own birthday! More than Christmas! More than...gasp...Halloween! I will conclude my first Father's Day experience with five words...Can't wait til next year.

Cutie Pie

It is CRAZY how the days go by...we look up and if we are to get any sleep whatsoever, it is time for bed...and then the next day is over...and then it has been a week and we're like...what?

So, here is little cutie...I put the toy on his belly...did a down dog...looked up and he had it around his arm with a look of surprise...so adorable!


We love every minute with him and are learning so much...

The last couple of days he has started to really look bigger...and he is quickly outgrowing outfits that it seems were just recently too big for him...

He rolled over on his own the other day...although he was on the bed in his room which is sort of cushy...he did it nonetheless.

He is SO AWESOME...

We went out for dinner tonight while Mom babysat...it was great and we couldn't wait to get home to him!

'K...gotta go to sleep...like now...he'll be up soon!

Officially Official

100% without out a doubt...I am a MOM...2 words for ya.

Projectile Poop!

Yep, you read that right.

As you all may recall, Clark has been struggling with poop for awhile now. Usually only occurs once a week and it is quite a painful experience for him leading up to it. Monday night was one of those nights. His belly was tight, he was squirming and fussy, pushing and crying out. The only way he could sleep that night was cuddled up to Jason or I...so that is what we did.

The next day, Clark was still super uncomfortable with a big ole' belly. When his Nana went to change his diaper, it was right there and before giving him the help of a suppository, we have been advised to try rectal stimulation. So, I got down on my knees (so as not to throw out my back) and started trying to help the little munchkin out. We have done this before, and it has worked. I was prepared...SO I THOUGHT.

A little came out...I was stoked and was hoping more was to follow...oh boy was it. The next thing you know, it came firing out at me like I had been shot with a paint gun. It got ALL OVER ME. Pretty much from my neck down to my belly button...COVERED in poo.

After the initial shock subsided, my mom and I went into absolute hysterics of laughter. Tears running down our face. Little Clark's face, after days of struggling, had a look of quiet, peaceful content...his belly all relaxed and soft.

Mom said..."I oughta get a picture"...to which I replied..."Get me a towel!" You see, I was covered and couldn't even use my hands to get anything because they were covered...and I couldn't stand because it would have gone all over the floor. Yep, I was pretty vulnerable in that moment.

My mom, loving me so much...took mercy on me and got a towel instead of her camera. 1/2 package of wipes later...I was clean enough to go shower. Marveling at mommydom...

When Jason got home, we told him the story. After the laughter subsided...he said "did you get a picture?" Now, I KNOW that Jason would not have shown me the mercy that my mom did. He would have DEFINITELY taken a picture first.

Mom said that in all her years...raising me and my brother...and then his 3 kids...she had NEVER seen anything like that...

That's my Clark...always gotta go for things in a big way!

This One Goes Out to Tony Hicks!

A Chronicle follower has just pointed out that it's been three days since our last post. Let it not be said that we do not bow to the demands of our readers. We appreciate that you guys like your daily dose of Clark and we apologize for not keeping you up to date in our usual, regular-like fashion.

Correction...I, apologize, as it is me, Daddy Marsden who has been slacking off. But really, how could I top Christy's last post? "Clark Teaches Yoga". Kudos to my lovely for that one.

SO...got some brand new pics for ya (still no video...sorry, haven't even touched it)! First, check out this Mutual of Omaha shot I done took:


So there's this hawk that hangs out in our trees, and every day it's taunted by these two crows. Looking out our bedroom window, I happened to have my camera handy (as a new Daddy often does) and the above was the first image I shot off!


Here's a nice close up of Mr. Hawk.


I know I know. You didn't check in to read about Jason, marveling at his own wildlife photographic achievements...you want some Clark!

Here ya go:


Kay, that tide you over? Can I go on about some stuff? Alright. So...Clark's been home...ngh...hmm...brain isn't working. What day is it again? Okay. I actually have to check my calendar. Be right back...

...wow, it's JUNE!? Okay. Wow. So, according my iCal, tomorrow Clark will have been home 4 weeks! Woo hoo! Man, that is one thing that staggers me, how the time is just flying by! I wake up around...well, sometimes 1am, or 3am, 5am, preferably 10am (after being up from 5am to 8am), have breakfast, do the Clark tango, then next thing I know it's already freakin' 7pm. The sun is about to set, my body starts to wind down, then it's the scramble to give Clark Otis his din din, change him into his jammies, and if it's bath night...a bath, then see if we can't join him in a few winks.

(sigh) Alright, alright...here's another one:


Can I finish? Can I...can I finish?

So the last couple of nights was a learning curve for sure. On Thursday night, Christy took the brunt as Clark kept her up from 1am to 6am. I, being amazing, offered to take Friday night. I managed a 7pm to 9:45pm nap in preparation to staying up late. So, I was awake and ready as Clark stirred around 11:45p, crankily demanding food. I gave Christy some space and took C-man downstairs for food and a little tele. We watched Ron Howard's "Far and Away" with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. I mention this only cuz it's a two and a half hour flick and Clark was awake the whole time. Guess he likes period films with questionable Irish accents.
Movie over, I took him in the kitchen to watch me prepare some of his milk bottles. Still awake. Back in the living room, read some Harry Potter as he lay on my lap. Awake...no, wait, he's actually asleep. Thinking he was out cold, I transferred him to his Moses Basket...then instantly awake! After a couple tries, another chapter, another feed, and a couple more hours later, about 5am, he finally nodded off.

How did we go wrong? Oh, letting him snooze during the day. Like three or four, two to three hour naps. Yeah, totally our fault. But he just looks soooo cuuute when he's nappin'! See:



So, Saturday, Christy, Nana Pat, and I did our best to keep his ass UP! We napped him, of course, but sparingly. And last night, Christy and I got the sweetest, most luxurious chunk of sleep we've had in several days. Sure, we got up a couple of times to feed, but instead of Clark staying awake, he would just pass out.

This parenting thing...pssshhhht! Easy!

Clark teaches Yoga

So, today we are going to focus on the warrior that resides in each of us...even if you feel that it is gone...remember it is always there. I even wore my warrior outfit for the occasion. Any questions before we begin?

Ok then, everyone bring your hands to your heart...

Inhale, begin to bring your arms overhead...


Exhale, lower your right arm...

Inhale the arm back up...Exhale lower your left arm across your body...

Now, this is a bit tricky...but I know you can do it...cause you are a warrior...
As you inhale...pull your left arm back to center and then as you exhale...pull your right arm and right leg back slightly. To enhance this move, you can even say "huh" nice and loud...

Great job everyone...now, repeat on the other side.

Once you have finished...then just take some time to relax and really soak it in...connecting to the eternal warrior inside of you...
Namaste

Not to Sound Like a Broken Record...

...I friggin' LOVE this kid!


Christy's Mom is in town and although we still insist on taking the brunt of Clark's nightly care, we are treating ourselves to a much needed day of rest. Determined to remain in bed for the entire day and are stickin' to it!

Here's the report:
- Yesterday, Monday, June 7th appx (sometime in the afternoon)...there was poop! All rejoiced!
- Clark just plain likes sleeping on his tummy and will fiercely maneuver himself to reach that position.
- Clark enjoys chest sleeping. Not being redundant here. I mean other people's chests. Do you have a chest? Chances are, Clark would like to hang out on it.
- Baby fingernails can be lethal.

Here's some pics:

Clark and his Nana Pat.
(Sorry, Momma, I know you're gonna kill me but you both look so cute in this photo. I promise I'll take some while you're both awake.)


Tiny feet on Daddy's tummy.


Clark's room! Check out the cloudy sky painted by our dear friend Heather! The cool tapestry given to us by our pal Lisa. And you can see a small smattering of my collection of Disney stuffed dolls in the corner. I busted out a whole dust covered bin full of Disney items that are just itchin' to be played with.


Clark on a cloud of white. Christy done got us a giant sheepskin rug. Clark (and Molly) love it!


That's all for now. I finally got a good chunk of sleep and aim to get cookin' on a new Clark video!
I'm so pleased the Chronicles still have followers! Clark's odyssey has only started!

A Sunday Greeting from Clark

June 4th

Today is June 4th...June 4th was my due date. Of course full term babies can come anytime between 38-42 weeks...but June 4th was the guesstimate for little Clark Otis...and now here he is 3 1/2 months old already...what a journey indeed...

When we go to the doctor...inevitably, people take a peek in the stroller and say....awwwwww, how old is he?....to which we reply 3 1/2 months...the stunned look on their faces is quite funny. Then they say, he is sooooooo tiny....yep, we are aware of that. Now, we know why people in the NICU said we may want to give the 'grocery store version' and just say he is 2 weeks old. But Jason kind of gets a kick out of people trying to make sense of it...

So, Clark's birthday is and always will be February 17th...but for premature babies-they get a corrected age...meaning, what we should expect of him developmentally starts TODAY, June 4th. So, Happy Birthday Clark...I mean sort of :)

Pushing 7 lbs

That's right...Clark had a check up yesterday and is now 6lbs 12.5 oz. He is right on track in the weight gaining department. He got an A OK on his checkup...yay!!

It is amazing getting to know him...watching him grow...seeing his little personality begin to emerge...

We sit and just watch him do stuff and it is as if we have never seen anything like him before...and well...I guess it makes sense, because we haven't seen anything like him before...he is 100% unique and so so precious...

A friend brought over dinner the other night and said she would be happy to come watch Clark while I took a shower...and I thought, right...like I can't take a shower...hmpf...3 days later...I'm like...wow, I need a shower. Ha! I love it!!

Molly, Clark and I chillin'...

Guess who's the boss of this family?
So cozy...

His favorite yoga mudra...he does it all the time...

SO IN LOVE

with this guy...
He's like..."yo, what's up everybody"

He is doing great...except for his reflux which keeps him up pretty much all night because he cannot lie on his back and of course that is the only way he can sleep unsupervised. We have taken the wheels off this cradle so it rests at an angle...we have put blankets and wedges under his mattress...we hold him upright for 30 minutes after feeding him...all to no avail. He does great on his belly, so we usually end up with him on our chest or in the position above which works nicely too. Also, the constipation doesn't help matters...as everything gets backed up. The docs say he will outgrow it...we are so looking forward to that...poor thing.

He did however take a huge poop without any help yesterday...AMAZING how excited we were about that. Especially since we needed enough to take in for testing...and Clark O delivered. We were giddy. Yep, we're parents alright.

My mama (Clark's Nana) is coming on Saturday for a few weeks...we are super excited for her to get here and meet her grandson...and so is she! Technically, she has met him when he was first born but now she will really get to meet him, hold him and get to know him. She has been waiting a LONG time for me to have a baby. She is such a good Nana (my brother has 3 kids)...Clark is going to LOVE her.

We have been spending lots of time outside when it is warm as that is super good for him. We do look forward to taking Clark out and about-even if just to the farmer's market. The only outings so far have been to his doctor appointments. We have had some visitors but the main things is no public places, no sick people, no people who have been around sick people and no kids...at least for another few weeks.

Molly is trying to figure Clark out...she is such a sweet dog...she is very careful around Clark...tip toeing up to him to take a sniff, lying nearby but not too close and jumping up and away when Clark cries...so cute. We are making sure to give her lots of attention so she knows she is still loved very much.

Jason and I are loopy, in love and just over the moon happy to have our little family together.