Ethan Thomas

Fall in Pennsylvania

2008-10-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

It's the middle of October and the fall colors are beautiful. Grandpa Bigelow came to visit Ethan and among other things we went to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary to take in the scenery and hawks. Ethan had a great time and loved climbing on the rocks.

Happy Labor Day!

2008-09-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we all went to the Philadelphia Zoo with a friend from work. They bought a season family pass, so it didn't cost a thing to park or get into the zoo. We had a good time, we saw all kinds of animals from bears to lions to snakes. Ethan got to pet some goats and had a great time!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it certainly has been a long time since we've posted anything! Lots of things going on here at the Youngerman's!

Mommy wasn't feeling very well a few weeks ago and she tuffed it out for about 5 days. When she couldn't take the pain anymore she went to the doctor and they told her that her gall bladder needed to come out!

SHOCKER! To say the least! Mommy was in the hospital for 4 days and daddy called Grandma Youngerman to come and help out. Not knowing what type of surgery mommy was going to have....Laprascopic with a one week healing time or through the abdomen with a four week healing time. Mommy ended up having the laprascopic surgery and was back to normal and feeling good about 8-10 days later!

Daddy is almost done with his 'in classroom' training at work! The rest of the year is on the job training which he is very excited about....getting out of the classroom and gettin' to work!

We just got back from our first 4th of July parade here in Pottstown. And boy was it wet! All three of us were soaked when we got home. Even Ethan! He was so tired though, it didn't bother him in the least!

Well, we hope everyone has a safe and wonderful 4th of July!
Happy Birthday America!

(pictures coming soon!)

Grandma & Grandpa Youngerman Visit

2008-05-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Granpa Youngerman came to visit Ethan this week. We went to the Farmer's market and took a trip to Valley Forge Nat'l Battlefield.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETHAN!

2008-04-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, today is Ethan's first birthday!

We had a BBQ party with some of Tom's friends from work and Grandma Jane! She flew in special for Ethan's birthday! We had hamburgers, hot dogs, cake and ice cream! Oh, we had a good time!

Ethan had a SUPER good time! He absolutely loved all his balloons and he really enjoyed all the attention! He opened some really neat cars and trucks that he absolutely loves to !VROOM! around the room!

He did very well when it came time to dig into the cake!

We will add more pictures and video very soon! Wish you could have been here to celebrate with us!

2008-04-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Videos

2008-04-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Even more videos...

2008-04-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

11 Months Old Today

2008-03-25T19:04:00.001-07:00

Ethan is 11 months old today!

Here are some videos of Ethan for you to enjoy.

Now that I've figured out how to upload video - you may be seeing more of them!

Enjoy!

Happy Good Friday!

2008-03-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see Ethan went and saw the Easter Bunny the other day! He was more interested in looking at the other kids that were waiting in line. He just loves watching other kids....

Ethan now can clap and point to what he wants. Sometimes he points and whines at what he wants. He is also standing for longer periods of time without holding onto to anything. You can see his feet keeping his balance. When he realizes that he's not leaning/holding onto anything he just sits down.

Ethan's First Birthday is right around the corner. I can hardly believe that he will be a year old! My....where does the time go!

Tom is finally done with his 3 weeks of working 6 days a week/12 hour days! It's back to the classroom for a couple more months, then out into the plant he goes!

Other than that - not much going on around here. We had our fence installed in the backyard! Looks really good! Archie and Kona now have a great area to run around in. We are going to put in a patio off the back of the house. I was thinking of putting in a vegetable garden - not sure if I will have the time this spring - maybe next spring.

Lots of projects though around here - just a matter of checking them off one by one!

Hope everyone is doing well...hope you have a great Easter!

Much Love - The Youngermans

10 months old!! Yippeee!!!!

2008-02-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

Well, Ethan is 10 months old today! We can hardly believe it. Ethan had a doctors appointment last week and he was 23 pounds 29 inches. He is crawling all over the place! He will walk along the furniture and he pulls himself onto everything!

We are all moved into our new home in Pennsylvania - and we are with daddy again!

Things in PA are going well. We are busy trying to get the boxes unpacked and the house organized.

Daddy will be busy the month of March - the power plant is having it's annual outage. Daddy will be working 6 days on 1 day off - 12 hours per day - for 3 weeks! That's adds up to 32 hours of overtime every week and means some extra $$ to pay off our move! Yea!!

Other than that - we are just trying to stay warm and get to know the area!

We will try and post more often now that we are a little more organized!

Hope all is well!

Guess who's 9 months old!!!

2008-01-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my little angel is already 9 months old! He is no longer a little baby.....he is my little boy!

He's crawling at what seems to be the speed of light! I put him down and ZOOM he's already on the other side of the room. He is such a big boy that he really doesn't like to be held all that much anymore, unless of course he's tired or in a clingy mood. Ethan would much rather be crawling on the floor or walking along the couch between mommy and grandma Jane.

The first time he started to walk along the couch it might have taken him 10-15 minutes. Now, he will go between us like 2 times in a minute or two! He lightening fast!

This past week we have also closed on the house we found in Pottstown, PA. The furniture is scheduled to head back next week somtime, as is Grandpa Ray! Grandpa Ray is going to be driving Tracey's jeep back loaded with Archie, Kona and the two kitties....plus anything else that will fit! Grandpa Ray will also be meeting the movers when they arrive and direct them with the furniture. Tom can't take any time off of work while he is in training, so if the furniture is delivered on a week day....Grandpa Ray needs to be there.

Tracey, Ethan and Grandma Jane will be flying out whenever grandpa Ray gets back to Seattle.

I have pictures to post - but no time! As soon as I have time...I will post a few.

Otherwise, our move is progressing to the next phase and hopefully by the middle of February Ethan and Mommy will see daddy again! It's been about a month a half now....Boy, do we miss daddy!!!!

Hope all is well!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

2007-12-25T15:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Tom, Tracey, and Ethan
Ethan is now 8 months old!

Tom's First Week at New Job...

2007-12-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well, Tom 'passed' his background check and is now an 'official' employee of Exelon. He got his id badge and personalized hard hat!

He now has a 4 day weekend to rest and relax. He met a guy at work who enjoys football and xbox who is also by himself for the holidays to they are going to hang out and be bachelors this weekend.

Ethan and Mommy sent Tom some goodies to get him through the Holiday weekend and also a little Christmas Tree to cheer up Tom's room.

Ethan and Mommy miss Daddy very much and we are very sad to be spending the holiday apart!

Hope everyone has a Merry ChristmaHanuKwanza ~~ Happy Holidays!! =)

Early Christmas for Ethan

2007-12-11T04:58:00.000-08:00

Ethan got to open one his Christmas presents because daddy left for his new job in PA on Monday. Grandma got him a walking Pooh Bear and he likes it.

Ethan is 7 months old today!

2007-11-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

I can't belive this little bundle of joy is 7 months old!

He is the best baby in the whole wide world!! We have been blessed with a super baby!

We are busy packing up the house - so that's our priority at the moment. I should have time next week to post some new pictures once we are settled at mt mom's house!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Moving On

2007-11-14T21:25:00.001-08:00

In case you haven't heard yet, we are relocating to the Pottstown,Pa area. I accepted a job working for the Exelon Corp. at their Limerick nuclear generating station. The job starts December 17th. Fortunately, we were able to sell our current home without ever putting it on the market. A neighbor is buying it as an investment property. Tracey and Ethan won't come to PA until January sometime, so hopefully I can find a house for us to buy.

Ethan is a big boy now. At his 6 month checkup he was 27 inches and 18lbs. He's in the 80th percentile for height now! We were at Target the other night and ran into a couple that had a 13 month old girl, we stood them next to one another and they were the same height and size!!!!

Ethan is 6 months old today!

2007-10-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

WOW! It's been a long time since I've posted anything.

Things around here are quite busy.....My little peanut is waking from his nap at the moment - so as soon as I have another 2 minutes - I will update with pictures and what's been going on around here!

Sorry it's been awhile!!! Check back soon.....I hope I have something posted by then!

Labor Day Weekend - Lake Wenatchee

2007-09-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend we went up to the Bath Family's cabin, near Lake Wenatchee. Here are some pictures from that fun day!

5 months old today!

2007-09-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Our boy is 5 months old today - I can not believe it! He's growing soo dang fast.

Not much going on these past few weeks. Trying to get my back to a place where I feel comfortable again. I have a feeling - until Ethan is older, it might be awhile.

Other than that just gearing up for Grandma Shirley's visit next week! Yeah!

I have tons of new pictures to add to the posts....so Enjoy!

2007-09-19T12:20:00.001-07:00

Still Recouping...

2007-09-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well, mommy's back is still not working properly....so I'll post pictures soon!

Horrible Week for Mommy!

2007-09-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well, the title of today's post doesn't even begin to tell you how bad my week has been. To start off - I caught Tom and Ethan's cold. Probably worse than both of them combined, in my opinion =) But we went to the grocery store on Monday and as I reached and twisted for that loaf of bread *SNAP* went something in my lower back.
The pain got progressively worse as the day went on and by Tuesday - I could not move. I told Tom...this pain is so bad, makes the c-section recovery feel like a walk in the park. It hurt like a *%#&^@( *% ^#@&)*(@ <------ insert ALL expletives here!
So Tom stayed home from work Tuesday and Wednesday as I couldn't even hold Ethan. So, Daddy was on 24 hour duty. I still can't lift Ethan...which breaks my heart. I sure missed him, and Tom while I was flat out.
Today I feel better - not 100% - but I can at least feed and hold Ethan now. I still can't lift him but I am improving. Needless to say that cold I had...went away =)

I still have pictures to post - I will get to those probably this weekend. Our little boy is growing up so dang fast. He now holds on to your shoulder or wraps his arms around your neck while you are carrying him. He's very interested in what you are eating now - and gets mad if you don't *share*. I think I might try the cereal again next week and see how he does.
He seems to be sleeping better at night....but I haven't been on night duty in a few days, so not really sure. But he is just the sweetest baby to be around - and I'm not just saying that =) He is really easy going and takes most everything in stride and just rolls with it....
Well, I'm gonna close for now as Ethan is napping and I'd like to get a few more things done before he wakes up. I haven't been able to do anything around the house and daddy's priority ahs been Ethan - so the house needs a little attention.
Hope everyone is doing well...the weather is about to take a turn around here - Thank Goodness! I'm ready for fall and winter. TTFN!

Happy GrandParents Day!!!

2007-09-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today is Grandparents day - for those of you who keep track =)

Ethan is just getting over his first cold. I'm sure he caught it from daddy - as now mommy has caught it from Ethan! It's so hard to watch him with the snuffy/runny nose - as he can't *blow* or sniffle....so he threw up a couple times but it was all mucus (sorry....TMI!) I think he was gagging. At least he got rid of it.

The doctor's office told us to have him sleep in his car seat in his crib so that the mucus runs down....and doesn't run into his lungs. The first day or so he didn't have an appetite which they were a little concerned about him getting dehydrated - but that didn't last long. He's been eating fine - just runny nose and some coughing.

We were supposed to go the Seahawks game today - but because he wasn't feeling well, daddy went with a friend - and mommy and Ethan stayed home. Good thing though - now I don't feel good =(
The Seahawks game should be alot of fun - whether they win or lose - as this is the first home game of the season...so a lot of extra things going on and hopefully some good giveaways...which I have already put dibs on =) Hopefully, we'll be able to get to another one this year - but Grandma Jane doesn't give those tickets away too easily.

Mommy and Ethan went to a Baby Shower yesterday - one of my employee's (ex-employees...since she's having a baby) is having a baby girl...I have to say Ethan was very well behaved! I am so proud of him! It was good to get out and nice to see some friends and meet some new people. Seeing all that pink....makes me think about trying for a girl. Not anytime in the NEAR future - but maybe in the future!

That's about it from our part of the world....Hope everyone is doing well!

(I've got pictures....but daddy has the camera at the game...so I'll post some soon)

Doctor visit today...

2007-08-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

We went to the doctor today for Ethan's 4 month check up. Everything looks great...he has a little infection in the diaper area - but it's no big deal.
He of course had to have 4 shots - 2 in each leg. CRIES like the dickens while the shots are being given, but as soon as mommy picks him up - he's all better! I think he is braver when it comes to shots than mommy is!!!

Ethan now weighs 15 lbs 10.5 oz - is 26 inches long and his head is 42 cm. He is in the 75-90% in both height and weight!

We have a big boy on our hands! Daddy's hasn't been feeling well the past few days - I hope mommy and Ethan don't get sick...Yuck! We think he is on the mend...let's hope he gets better soon!

Grandma Youngerman is coming to visit the first part of October - Yeah! She is going to be sooo surprised at how big her little Ethan is now!
Well, that's about it for now....The end of summer is approaching... enjoy it while you still can!

4 Months Old Today....WOW!

2007-08-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little man is 4 months old today. AMAZING how time flies! He is such a sweet little boy - and I am not just saying that. He smiles at you, *talks* to you, he is always in such a good mood. He really is a joy to be around!
We've started him on rice cereal this past week or so; and he is getting better and better at it. I try and make him laugh so it's easier to get the spoon in his mouth. Less and less is being spit back out at me. =)

We went to the park yesterday with our friends, Dawn and Ena. The park is also a little beach on Lake Stevens, which is near where we live. Ethan did great in the water. A couple boats went by and created some pretty big waves....for a lake - and got his diaper booty all wet. He had a great time! Then we took a time out in the shade, had a bottle and did a little relaxing! The first time Ethan was in a lake....it was fun!

Howdy!

2007-08-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Things here in the NW have definitely cooled off. I think the hot part of our summer is over. It's still warm - but the rain has found its way back. Thank goodness!

As you can see - Football Season is underway....Daddy has been teaching Ethan aaallll about it! Go Seahawks!

Around here we are having good nights and bad nights...last night was a bad night! Poor Ethan couldn't quite relax or fall deep enough asleep on his own in the crib - so he slept with mommy and daddy. Not sure why but my mommy theory tells me that he just needed to be close to us!

We have started a nighttime routine of a nice warm bath before his bedtime bottle...boy does he love the water. He kicks and splashes....he especially likes it when he splashes himself and mommy and daddy! He giggles and smiles.

He is getting to be such a little man these days, I'm not sure I want him to grow up so fast....but he'll always be mommy's little man!

Enjoy the latest pictures! Take Care~

Hello....

2007-08-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since we have posted anything...our little one has been giving us a hard time when it comes to sleepy times. He was refusing to sleep for awhile and was sooooo exhausted that I swear the kid had bags under his eyes!

He is doing much better now - our next hurdle is to get Ethan to sleep in his crib. He had been sleeping in a little bassinet attachment to the pack-n-play...so we moved the crib into our bedroom and have been trying to get him to sleep in that....so far, I think he's only slept in it twice. He really enjoys sleeping between mommy and daddy - but the thing is mommy and daddy don't sleep very well.

We gave him his first bath without the little plastic tub last night - WOW did he sure have fun in the water. Daddy held his head and mommy washed. Then we let him kick and splash! I think we may have a little fish on our hands....these are our 'censored' pictures!!

Other than that no much going on - Grandma Youngerman is planning a trip out to see her grandson in early October....is she going to be surprised how big Ethan has grown...he is no longer an infant....he's our baby =)

I've got lots of pictures to post today - That's all I have to report for now...Enjoy the pictures!

By the way - this toy that Ethan is playing with (the yellow, red and blue circular one) was Tom's when he was a baby....It's one of Ethan's favorites!!!

We have been busy!!

2007-08-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see by the pictures below of the work that's been going in the house - things around here have been a bit hectic. Nap schedules have been off as we've been spending time with friends and family outside the house....all the furniture from the main floor has been put into the garage for our new floors. UGH! What a pain in the arse!

On Saturday we went and visited Auntie Coreen where she lives. They were having a big fair...Ethan got his first balloon! We tied it on his foot =) He had fun hanging with Nanny, Papa, Grandma Jane, Grandpa Ray, Auntie Mary and Auntie Coreen! What a fun time that was!

Other than trying to keep busy during our semi-remodel - not much has been going on. Ethan is starting to hold his own bottle during feedings and he is grabbing at mommy and daddy's face quite a bit more. He is just growing sooooo fast!!!

Ethan gumming grandpa's arm...cute cute cute!

Well, other than trying to get our house back together not much going on this weekend! We will keep you posted on our goings on....TTFN!

Our New Floors....

2007-08-05T17:55:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of our new floors....kitchen, dining, living room are a bamboo laminate and our powder room and laundry are tiled....I want my house back!!!!

Bathroom Transition from bathroom to hallway/laundry room area
Hallway/laundry area

Our New Kitchen Countertops!

2007-07-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, this past week we had new countertops put in in the kitchen...they look great!

Next week we will be living in a construction zone as we will be having laminate flooring put in on the main floor....the house is a mess, but I would much rather have it all done at once...

Here are some before - during - after pictures of the kitchen!!

Ethan is 3 months old today!

2007-07-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well, Ethan is 3 months old today! WOW! He isn't an infant anymore....he's my lil' man! He does so well holding his head and he is getting better at holding things and of course putting them right into his mouth.

We went to the pediatrician and had him weighed - Ethan is now 13 lbs 13 oz. Getting to be a big boy!!

Other than that not much going on....

Not much going on....

2007-07-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Not much to report from this neck of the woods....just wanted to post some new pictures from the last couple of days.

Grandma Jane gave Ethan a little Pooh Bear that jingles....I'll let the pictures tell you how much Ethan loves his new little pooh bear!

Ethan is getting a lot better at holding things in his hands....He likes to hold Pooh Bear and is starting to put his hands on the bottle. He can't hold the bottle on his own yet - but he gets his little hands on it though! This picture on the right - doesn't Ethan look like Tom?

The weather has changed to rain - which is sorely needed. But the hot weather is due back early next week....yuck!

Other than that - not much going on.

PS...Grandparents - if you see some pictures that you might want copies of....just let us know!

It's been awhile....

2007-07-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been awhile since we've posted. It has been quite hot around here this past week. In the 90's - and around here that is WAAAYYY to hot! It's a good thing we bought a one room air conditioner....so we can sleep at night.

Yesterday was very humid and there were several thundershowers. Ethan and I went to Target to get some things for daddy's birthday - and BAM! the lights went out. It was pitch dark. When the lights went out Ethan was sleeping - and then all the kids in the store started screaming and crying....when the lights started to power back up, Ethan was awake....giggling. It was soo cute!

Other than the heat - not much has been going on around here. Ethan is really starting to coo and 'talk' alot! I keep trying to video tape it but everytime I get the camera out - he goes quiet and just stares at it.

He has also discovered his hands. He takes one hand and holds the other and just stares at it....he also will take his hand and touch my face...grab my nose or grab my lip.

He is growing sooo fast....a lady at the grocery store yesterday stopped me to tell me how cute my baby is (of course he is)....and she asked how old. I said 2 1/2 months. She was like OH MY GAWD! You are kidding. My granddaughter is 6 months old and doesn't hold your gaze like that. She said that her granddaughter just started to roll over - I didn't want to tell her that Ethan's been doing that for a few weeks now..... =)

She's not the first person to say something like that....Oh, my baby started to smile at 4 months or my baby started cooing/laughing at 3 months.....Ethan's been doing that stuff for weeks now. It makes me wonder if he is progressing faster than some babies....Ethan being our first - I have nothing to compare him to. And I also know that babies/kids progress at different times/levels....but it just makes me wonder....Hmmmm! =)

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great summer....I can't believe that it's about the middle of July already. AMAZING how time flys! Keep in touch...we love hearing from everyone! TTFN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

2007-07-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Today is Tom's birthday!

Ethan and Mommy put together a cute poster for daddy with balloons and everything. Mommy attempted to make daddy Chicken Piccata for dinner - which wasn't too bad....9-1-1 didn't have to be called. Then we had some ice cream cake - which is Daddy's favorite!

We asked daddy what he wanted for his birthday - gift wise - and he said that he has everything that he needs....Mommy and Ethan!

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a safe and sane holiday today!

We ended up going over to grandma Jane's for a nice BBQ. Sure was warm today, and it seems as though it's going to stay for warm for at least a week. No rain in sight! Us Seattleites aren't made for this kind of weather...ugh!

Ethan woke from his 2pm nap and we headed to grandma's house...Ethan then laid down for a little while...maybe 15 minutes...and he was up until 11pm. He would fall asleep once we got home, but then a big loud BOOOM! would startle him and he would wake up.

We are hoping he sleeps good tonight. (cross our fingers)

It was a pretty relaxing time at grandma's!

VIDEO Ethan Stands....with help =)

2007-07-04T13:42:00.001-07:00

2 month check-up

2007-07-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Ethan's 2 month check-up with the pediatrician and everything is going well! He got 4 shots - 2 in each thigh. OUCH!!! He cried so hard...and as soon as the nurse was done and mommy picked him up - he was quiet. Poor Baby!
He weighed 12 lbs 4 oz and was 24 inches long!

He seems to be in the 60% range for weight and head size - but he is in the 80% range for his height! I wonder where he gets that from??!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far....no summer plans here as of yet. Maybe a day trip or two - but nothing too fancy. We probably won't make it out to Florida until sometime early next year - but it sure would be nice to go before then!

No plans for the 4th of July either - Archie seems to have serious issues with the loud noises, so we usually stay pretty close to home during the 4th.

Hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!

Just Hangin'...

2007-06-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Not much going on this week....Ethan seems to think that he does not need to sleep during the day. Wednesday and Thursday of this week, he decided not to take his daytime naps. I know he's tired - he rubs his eyes and starts to suck on the back of his hand. He just won't settle down and relax long enough to fall asleep.

Today it took him about two hours to finally fall asleep for his afternoon nap. So far he's been sleeping for about 2 hours. He did take a small cat nap in the car earlier this morning, but we'll see if this afternoon nap helps.
Well, that's about it from here....TTFN!

VIDEO of Ethan Talking....

2007-06-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

New Pictures

2007-06-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

Talking to mommy....
(this picture taken while Ethan was being filmed...)

Looking cute....AGAIN!!

Hanging out with daddy!

Don't forget - if you want to see bigger images...click the pictures!!

2 Months Old Today!

2007-06-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

Today our little boy is 2 months old.

We went and had an Echocardiogram done first - Ethan seemed to do very well, but the doctor said that he was to wiggly to get a really clear picture of his heart. The doctor said tho the Right Ventricle did look smaller and seems to be shrinking down to the size it needs to be.

Ethan also had an Electrocardiogram done and the doctor said that still looked a little abnormal (whatever that means) - and we need to go back in when Ethan is 6 months old for another follow-up. He could also hear a bit of a heart murmur. From what I understand all this should clear up on its own as Ethan grows up. That's why the follow-up in 4 months.

Ethan now weighs 11 lbs 14 oz and is 23.5 inches long. He is growing like a weed!

I started taking some videos of Ethan talking and cooing - I will try and figure out how to post that and get it here soon! I watched a video of him from when Grandma and Grandpa Youngerman were here - and Oh My! How tiny he was. I decided right then that we need to take more pictures and start taking more video of him.

Ethan has his BabyWell visit with the pediatrician next monday. He'll be getting a whole bunch of shots - so I'm taking Tom along to help out...although I think I want him to go more for me than for Ethan...I hear that visit is really tough on the mommy's!

Well, that's it for now! Hope everyone is enjoying this early heat wave across the country. I don't think it was below 80 degrees anywhere in the U.S. today! It was 82 here!

TTFN! (ta ta for now)

Went to a Graduation Party today!

2007-06-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today we went to a High School Graduation Party for Sarah and Blake. They are friends of mommy's from before she met daddy. My how they have grown up. We saw Little Tom - who is Sarah's brother. Little Tom is now 12 years old and very tall - as is his sister Sarah.
Mommy knew them when she lived in Seattle - they were neighbors and they all became really good friends. It's been awhile since we have seen Sarah and Tom and their family. It was REALLY nice to see them again.
We will need to get together with them again, soon!
Congratulations Sarah and Blake!!

2007-06-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Auntie Laura came to vist us today. We just hung out and chatted and fed Ethan some lunch. It was a really nice visit.

Thanks Auntie Laura!!

2007-06-22T10:33:00.001-07:00

Mommy and Ethan taking a nap!

Uncle Joe!

2007-06-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today Ethan met his Uncle Joe. Uncle Joe is now a captain for Mid West Airlines and they now fly into Seattle once a day for a 24 hour layover.
We haven't seen Joe since our wedding in July of 2005 - so it was nice to see him again. We had a very nice visit and went out to dinner.

The visit was short but sweet - Uncle Joe promises to come visit again soon!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2007-06-17T09:14:00.001-07:00

Hope all the daddy's out there have a wonderful day!

7 weeks old today!!!

2007-06-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Sleepin' in daddy's lap...

2007-06-12T14:06:00.001-07:00

Ethan was sitting on Daddy's lap - then BAM! he was asleep...just like that!

Greetings!

2007-06-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Not much new to report this week. Ethan seems to be getting into a routine, finally. Not a perfect one, of course - but definitely a routine.

Mommy goes in for her 6 week check up tomorrow (actually 7 weeks) - I'm sure everything will go smoothly.

Mommy and Daddy measured Ethan the other night - he was EXACTLY 24 inches. AMAZING! This kid is going to be tall!

Otherwise, just wanted to post some pictures of grandma and grandpa Bigelow.

Hope everyone is doing well! Keep in touch and Email us!!

"....on my way to Costco!"

2007-06-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Almost 6 weeks old!

2007-06-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow Ethan will be 6 weeks old. I am posting today - as I never know when I'll get a chance to write a little something....Ethan is pretty demanding with his time!

Yesterday was his first trip to Costco - and wouldn't you know it....he slept the entire time! He is such a good little traveler....he's super in the car, thank goodness!

Not much going on these days, our friends from Portland came to visit this past weekend, Buck and Tonya. We had a nice visit!

We need to really start getting on a nap schedule during the day - seems we get on the right track and then something in the routine changes and the schedule is out the window.

Ethan is such a good baby though. He only seems to get really fussy if he has some "stomach/bowel" issues. As soon as he 'let's loose' - all is better with the world!!

I just wanted to check in and post some new pictures from the past week - Ethan just seems to be growing soooo fast!

Keep checking in! Hope everyone is doing well.

1 month check-up

2007-05-30T11:49:00.001-07:00

Well, today was Ethan's 1 month check-up and everything looks great!!

Ethan now weighs 10 lbs 5 oz - he is 22 inches long. He also got a shot - OUCH!!! He did not like that at all...brought tears to my eyes. Poor baby boy!

Our next doctor's appointments are the end of June - we have our follow up echo-cardiogram scheduled as well as our next well-baby visit.

Our baby boy is growing so fast!! He is actually 5 weeks old today!

Ethan seems to sleep very well in the boppy that we have - so, the doctor said as long as we aren't too far away from him during his nap, he can go ahead and sleep in that until he either can tolerate sleeping on his back or he is older.

Well, that's all I have for today. We need to take more pictures - I will post as soon as we have them!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

2007-05-28T09:53:00.001-07:00

No big plans here today - probably will go to Home Depot and look around....we like to go and just 'browse' for future home projects.

Otherwise, just wanted to post a new picture of Ethan.

He is doing good. We are trying to keep him from sleeping all day, as he then is up all night =(

Last night he did better....and it's much easier when Daddy is able to take some of the night shift, when he doesn't have to work the next day.

The next hurdle we must tackle is....Ethan does not like to sleep on his back in his bed. He would much rather lie on your tummy or just sleep in your arms. Of course, everyone says "just let him cry it out" - well, mommy can not stand to hear Ethan cry for too long...so, that really doesn't work. Although, I know I will have to suck it up eventually - can't really have him sleep on my chest forever!!

Well, hope everyone has a great long weekend.....

Today is My Birthday...1 month old

2007-05-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Well, today Ethan is one month old! My how time flys.

Mommy and Ethan got out a bit today - we went to Petco and Target! We weren't out long, but long enough for us to get some necessities for the animals and Ethan.

Other than that - no plans for the rest of the day!

It's been a quiet few days - definitely starting to get a routine down, which is really nice for everyone...even daddy!

Hope everyone has a terrific Memorial Day Weekend!

Ethan is 4 weeks old Today!!

2007-05-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

WOW! It's been awhile since we posted anything.

Chuck and Shirley - Grandma and Grandpa Youngerman - were in town for about 10 days, so we've been visiting with them. Ethan took his first car 'road trip' last week. We drove out Mountain Loop Highway and took in the scenery. We found a little picnic area with a walkway to walk down to the river. Ethan was a very good boy as we strolled him down to the river in his new stroller!
This past Sunday, we met up with the Bath Family at Buca di Beppos for a nice Italian dinner. Again, our little Ethan was a very good boy - he actually slept through most of it....until it was time for mommy to eat, of course! I fed him - then grandma took over. After a few glasses of wine - Ethan was passed around for everyone to hold - he didn't open his eyes once!!

We are now trying to figure out a 'schedule' or at least some sort of routine. We haven't quite figured out what that is yet.

Well, my sweet Ethan is waking up from a short nap....We will post again soon!

Ethan and Mommy's first day out....ALONE!

2007-05-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was Ethan and mommy's first day out....ALONE without daddy! I think Ethan handled it waaayyy better than I did. First thing that happened was his little head flopped forward....what did mommy do? Start crying....who's gonna sit in the back and hold his head still? I called my mom and she reassured me everything would be allright.

We made it to my doctor's appointment in one piece and all's well with my incision. Of course, I still must take it easy for another 6 weeks or so - she kept reminding me, even though you can move you still had major abdominal surgery; I am down 13lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight....WOOOHOOO!

Since everything was going smooth so far - we decided to stop and visit some friends at the bank: Jodi, Kristi, Cameron and Kim. Had to show off my beautiful boy! Everyone held him and said how cute he is!!

Then it was off for a real quick visit at Blue Ribbon. Ethan met Jennifer and Stephanie. They were busy so we didn't stay long. Grandpa was there too!

Also, Grandpa and Grandma Youngerman arrived on thursday from Florida. They came over last night to hang out with us - although I was sooo exhausted from our day, I thought I'd lie down and take a quick nap. Well my 'quick' nap turned into a 4 1/2 hour nap. Sorry about that Chuck and Shirley!

Tom went back to work yesterday. I was a tad anxious about handling Ethan on my own. Ethan makes it very easy but it's hard when you don't get to nap along with him. But we'll get it down....sooner or later! It's easier when we don't have to go out.

All in all - Ethan is just heaven! He is just an angel and I am sooo happy he is home and he is mine!

Baby's First Weekend

2007-05-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ethan is enjoying his first weekend at home. On Friday he had his appointment with the pediatrician and was looking good. His weight is back above his birth weight by .5 ounces at 8lbs 3.5ozs. His appetite is steadily picking up steam also! The Bath family came over Saturday afternoon for a welcome home barbecue and Ethan was the star of the afternoon.

Ethan Comes Home

2007-05-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ethan Youngerman left the hospital on Wednesday May 2nd. The Doctor said his heart was looking fine and that they will do another echo-cardiogram in 2-3 months. He is settling well at home and so are we. After a long and anxious week it is good to be home with the baby finally!

Day 5

2007-04-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

It's day 5 in the hospital, Tracey and I spent the night at Swedish in what they call a "parent room", which is like a hotel room for parents with children in intensive care. Ethan did just fine over the weekend and today is the day for a second round of tests to see how things have progressed. Ethan had a steady stream of visitors all weekend, grandma & grandpa, Dan and Martha, Laura, and Tom & Gloria.

Baby Has Arrived

2007-04-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Ethan Thomas Youngerman arrived at 11:42pm on Wed April 25th via c-section. Tracey had an Ultrasound and Doctor's appointment on Wed, after the ultrasound and a blood pressure measurement they sent us over to the childbirth center for non-stress test. The doctor came in after viewing the ultrasound and wanted to start the induction immediately. After receiving Petocin to start contractions, about an 1.5hrs later the doctor came in, looked at the charts, and said that the baby couldn't handle the stress of a long induction period and she was going to do a c-section immdiately. Within the hour Tracey was being rolled into the OR, I walked into the OR at 11:30pm, the baby was out at by 11:42pm, and Tracey was back in the room at 12:30am! The problems started with Ethan after birth, he didn't need any oxygen right away but after a short time his pulse-ox started dropping and they had to put him on oxygen. When Tracey visited him at 4:30 am he was at 50% oxygen. The oxygen had to go even higher than that later in the morning, so the decision was made to transfer him to Swedish Hospital immediately. By the time he left for Swedish, he was down to 40%.
The reason for moving him to Swedish was that they have an echo-cardiogram machine for infants and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that Northwest hospital didn't have. It turns out that the ultrasound radiologist had found an irregularity with Ethan's heart and the echo could investigate that further. Ethan's right ventricle heart wall is thicker than the rest of the heart muscle, which means that the right ventricle has had to work harder than the rest of his heart recently.
I went down to Swedish on Thursday afternoon and talked to the cardiologist. He could not find a valid cause for his condition. All of Ethan's other numbers were fine, there were no heart defects and he wasn't having any trouble breathing. I talked to some more doctors today and the theory is that there is an artery that is open when the baby is still in-utero which bypasses the heart and relieves pressure on the heart because the lung are filled with fluid. This artery naturally closes after birth and they think it closed sometime before birth which caused that part of the heart to have to work harder. The heart should get back normal operation in a few days, is the hope.
Ethan was moved out of the NICU and down to the Special Infant Care Unit, which is less serious, on Friday night.

A very disappointing Friday...

2007-04-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well, the induction did not work. The medicine the doctor gave me did absolutely nothing to get things started in the right direction. We spent 9 hours in the hospital and NOTHING!

Needless to say how dissappointed I am. All those emotions running through me and to be told that I was being sent home was just heartbreaking. I was not expecting to come home right away, let alone without a baby in my arms.

Ethan is doing just fine...my blood pressure was fine, but it usually is when I am just lieing on my side. So, the doctor did not see any medical reason to pursue a c-section. I have some follow up appointments next week and if Ethan still decides he does not want to come out by next weekend, I *think* the doctor will then proceed with a c-section, because I will be one week overdue by then.

I hope things will work out better this next week.

Tomorrow is the day!

2007-04-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

If everything goes according to plan - our little boy should be arriving tomorrow. Anxious, nervous, scared, excited....all words to describe my emotions these days.

Our bags are packed, phone lists are made, car seat and diaper bag already in the car. We are ready!

We will try and post information when we can - we may not be able to post anything until we arrive home. Hopefully we'll have a picture we can share with you as well.

Induction Scheduled!

2007-04-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Well, at my appointment today I was told that I was making progress.... 1 cm dilated / 80% effaced / -1 station. The doctor said she could feel the baby's head.

She did schedule my induction for next friday, April 20th. So, by next weekend Ethan Thomas should have made his debut! WOW! I can't believe it. That's right around the corner. Ready or not....here he comes!!

That's all I have for tonight. I'm pretty wiped out. I'll write again as soon as there is more to report.

No Baby Yet!!

2007-04-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to my appointment on the 6th and no progress had been made, although baby's head is waaaayyy down. My doctor informed me that a C-Section might be an option if things didn't progress 'down there' naturally or even with medication. She absolutely will not let me go past my due date...and depending upon who you talk to at the hospital - that's either April 20th or April 24th. So, somewhere in there Ethan will be born, whether he is ready or not.

Of course my doctor would love to see the baby come on his own, but sometimes they need a little encouragement!! I'm prepared to serve him his eviction papers NOW! =)

I will know more this friday at my next appointment. Hopefully things are progressing a bit. I have my good days and my bad days. Yesterday was a good day - I got some chores done around the house. Today, so far, just not feeling that great. So, I will be cuddling with Kona and Archie. They do a wonderful job of taking care of me - as, of course, does Tom.

We are both very anxious now. I believe we have all the 'supplies' - we just need the baby!!

Well, I will write again when I know more. Keep checking back!

Coming Soon

2007-04-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Baby Ethan should be making his debut soon. Tracey will go to the doctor on Friday to see how she's doing. The Doctor will probably induce labor next week, as she is going on vacation the following week and wants to deliver the baby herself.

Ethan Thomas

Fall in Pennsylvania

Happy Labor Day!

Happy 4th of July!

Grandma & Grandpa Youngerman Visit

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETHAN!

Videos

Even more videos...

More Video of Ethan

11 Months Old Today

Happy Good Friday!

10 months old!! Yippeee!!!!

Guess who's 9 months old!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Tom's First Week at New Job...

Early Christmas for Ethan

Ethan is 7 months old today!

Moving On

Ethan is 6 months old today!

Labor Day Weekend - Lake Wenatchee

5 months old today!

Still Recouping...

Horrible Week for Mommy!

Happy GrandParents Day!!!

Doctor visit today...

4 Months Old Today....WOW!

Howdy!

Hello....

We have been busy!!

Our New Floors....

Our New Kitchen Countertops!

Ethan is 3 months old today!

Not much going on....

It's been awhile....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Happy 4th of July!

VIDEO Ethan Stands....with help =)

2 month check-up

Just Hangin'...

VIDEO of Ethan Talking....

New Pictures

2 Months Old Today!

Went to a Graduation Party today!

Uncle Joe!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

7 weeks old today!!!

Sleepin' in daddy's lap...

Greetings!

"....on my way to Costco!"

Almost 6 weeks old!

1 month check-up

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Today is My Birthday...1 month old

Ethan is 4 weeks old Today!!

Ethan and Mommy's first day out....ALONE!

Baby's First Weekend

Ethan Comes Home

Day 5

Baby Has Arrived

A very disappointing Friday...

Tomorrow is the day!

Induction Scheduled!

No Baby Yet!!

Coming Soon