Chef Dad

Last night, we tried giving a bottle of breast milk to Eric. Beforehand, we read up on how to introduce the bottle and asked a bunch of moms on what they did. The books all state that the mom needs to be far away from the baby and the dad should give the bottle - to avoid confusion. Also, do not give the bottle when the baby is frustrated and crying...well we didn't exactly follow that advice. First, Eric was way fussy (since it was evening and he was hungry).  Second, I didn't leave the room because I wanted to see what happened and document (see below). After a little resistance, Eric gulped the entire bottle and wanted more! Phew - so far, so good with the bottle.  Now chef Dad can make some meals for baby boy!

Happy One Month!

Yesterday, Baby Boy turned one month old! It's hard to believe. We started the month by month photos of him - to see how he will grow over the next year. Eric was less than amused, but we did get some good shots!

Tuesday was a transition for us - Christian started his rotations again and therefore, is no longer at home all day. For me, it was okay because I had a visitor; but Christian was pretty tired when he got home. 

Baby Boy marked his one month birthday by sleeping 5 hours in a row last night! I couldn't feel more rested :).

Here are some of the photos we took:

Friends Since Childbirth Class

Yesterday, my friend Lauren from childbirth class brought her 8 week old daughter, Norah over for a "play date." Over Bodos bagels, we swapped stories about taking care of our newborns. The kiddos slept the whole visit! Baby Norah is beautiful and for the next visit I think we are going to get the babes mobile (i.e. out in the stroller). These kids get along great since they met back in childbirth class still in utero. 

So Popular

The holiday weekend rounded off with some more visits from friends. Saturday, we met up with cousins Jackie, Andrew, Ashlyn, and Blake at a park. Eric was sporting an outfit that was passed down from cousin Blake. Back in Cville on Sunday, we hosted an open house for Christian's med school friends to meet baby boy. Kelly Barlow and Trevor were also able to stop by. 

It was great to see everyone, catch up and for everyone to meet our sweet boy! Eric is one lucky little dude to have all of these people in his life. 

Road Trip!

Yesterday, Eric took his first road trip up to NOVA.  Christian has his step two medical board test today; so we came up with him and to visit Eric's grandparents.  Baby boy did great in the car!  He slept most the ride - it was only the last 20 minutes or so that he was fussy and hungry. 

Before we left town, we had another peds appointment. Eric gained 12 ounces this week - bringing him to 10 lbs 12 oz! Good eatin' baby boy. 

Another first happened yesterday - we gave him the pacifier for the first time. So far he loves it! It really has helped him soothe himself. He also slept 4 hours in a row last night...I wonder if the pacifier had anything to do with it? Either way I'll take it!

Tonight, Eric is getting together with some friends from the DC area. He's a party animal.

Funny Faces

This post is just a series of photos of some of the funny and adorable faces our baby boy has made this week. 

Say Cheese!

Eric has been smiling quite a bit today and cooing some.  I have been trying to catch a photo of the smile and/or a video of both. However, this is the best I could get for now.  He is too cute!

Target: Just the Two of Us

Today Eric and I ventured to Target together; by ourselves. Overall the trip was a success! Today was rainy and when we got a break in the clouds (and after a good feeding & diaper change), we headed out. Unfortunately, the car ride did not lull baby boy asleep...and it started to rain on the way into the store. Once in the store, Eric was super alert; there were so many new sounds and bright lights. He remained memorized, but then another baby in the store started to cry. So Eric started to cry also. I went to the first aisle, rocked him in the shopping cart and turned on the white noise app. I was about to pack up and go home, but then...Eric fell asleep! He slept for the rest of the trip (and a short nap when we got home). Trip summary: errands done, I got out of the house, and baby boy got a nap!

THANK YOU for the Support!

Our little family has received so much support throughout my pregnancy and now that Eric is here; we can't possibly thank everyone enough! Today, we had several visitors and MJ offered to babysit while I went to get a pedicure.  The break is so relaxing and also strange - strange to be away from my baby boy! But I think he will appreciate a rested and well pedicured momma :)

Photo of Eric talking to MJ:

Uncle Hans Visits!

Eric's Uncle Hans flew across the pond from Sweden to visit him.  It was a great visit! Uncle Hans is definitely a baby whisperer - he was able to soothe Eric during his "fussy time." We think he is a natural and is welcome to calm down baby boy anytime :). 

Fussy Evenings, Sleepy Nights

Baby boy has been extra fussy during dinner time until 10 or 11 PM at night.  We have tried a variety of techniques to sooth him with no avail.  BUT once we get him down (after a long feed), Eric has slept for 4 or 5 hours in a row!  This has happened for the past 3 nights - I hope this trend continues! Well the long sleeping trend, not the fussy one.  For now, I'm super pumped about my extended sleep - thank you Eric!

The Sleeping Prince:

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of those Mama's out there!  Also happy second week with our sweet boy.  Today Eric is two weeks old!  Time does seem to be moving fairly quickly these days.

There were many important events that happened this week:

• Eric's umbilical cord stump fell off (fortunately, when Christian was changing him)
• First Mother's Day
• Eric slept for 3 hours in a row (woop!)
• Nursing has started to "click"
• We had many visitors, who brought over great food and support
• Eric had his first non-doctor outing over to MJ's and PawPaw's house...which included bringing a car load of stuff for just a short visit :)
• We tried the Baby Bjorn
• Eric had his newborn photo session
• The white noise sound machine giraffe died...and was fixed by PawPaw and Uncle Kevin (thankfully!)
• We tried the activity mat...worked for about 5 minutes.  We'll try again next week.  

This week Eric has been more alert and active; opening his eyes more and interacting with us.  We have even seen a few smiles.  I also thinks his looks are changing; of course, he is still adorable.

Here are some photos from the week:

Eric (and Mom) love this bouncy chair!

Snuggles with PawPaw

Baby Bjorn test run

Visit from Auntie Rachel

Auntie Lindsay 

Auntie Jenny's visit

Chillin' with Uncle Kevin

Photo by Amy Benoit www.amybenoit.com

Our sweet boy. Photo by Amy Benoit www.amybenoit.com

First Mother's Day with my boys!

One Week Old!

The first week has been rewarding, challenging, wonderful, sleepless, and just plain amazing!!  Every time I look at him I can't believe how cute he is and how much I love him.

Christian and I were support by our families during the first week at home with our little guy.  MJ spent the first night at home with us and then Susanne & Christer came for the rest of the week.  I was able to get some rest since the moms took the night shifts.  Eric and I learned a lot about each other this week; there were many firsts that happened.  He had his first pediatrician appointment at Peds Associates - checked out great and gained weight!  We went for our first walk in the stroller around the neighborhood.  And we learned the giraffe sound machine can never be too far away if you want a sleeping baby :).

Of course, more photos!

All dressed up and leaving the hospital - first car ride!

Welcome home balloons for baby boy

PawPaw with Eric

Dad, Uncle Freddie with Eric

Farmor with Eric

Farfar with Eric

Cuddle time with Daddy

I am one week old!

Hospital Days

Short post to thank the Martha Jefferson hospital staff and visitors.  During the first few hours and couple of days, we received so much help and support that it made the transition into parenthood much easier.  The hospital team answered all of our questions and taught us so much about taking care of a newborn.  Thank you to our around the clock care from our nurses: Liz, Heidi, Liza, Cameron, Bushey, Ellen, and Ashley!  And thank you to our doctors: Dr. Wamhoff (OB), Dr. Heider (OB), Dr. Weaver (anesthesiologist), Dr. Armengold (pediatrician), Dr. Brown (pediatarician); and lactation consultants: Allison, Penny, and Lisa McRae!  Also our great troop of visitors: MJ, PawPaw, Aunt Suzanne, Uncle Kevin, Farfar, Farmor, Uncle Freddie, Jen, and Maureen!

Here are a few photos taken in the hospital:

Baby burrito 

Milk coma

MJ holding her grandson

Daddy & Baby time

He's Here! Eric David Bergman - April 28, 2013 at 6:13 AM

Our little sweet boy was welcomed into the world on Sunday, April 28th at 6:13 AM!  We named our little Swedican Eric David.  His names are from his grandfathers' middle and first names. Eric weighed 10 pounds 6 ounces, and measured 22 inches long at birth.

Eric was due on April 24th...and as that day came and went, I was sure that he would stay in utero forever.  The weekend of his birth, his aunt and uncle, Suzanne & Kevin, came down to visit (and hopefully to meet their little nephew).  They made us many delicious enchiladas that we can freeze and eat over the next few weeks.  I guess Eric decided that he did want them to be there when he was born, because I went into labor that Saturday (April 27th) night.  We were having a belated birthday dinner for Kevin when my contractions came on fast and furious.  As I tried to sit and participate in the dinner (i.e. not eating and trying to listen through the pain), we decided to call the doctor to see if I should go into the hospital.  Dr. Heider was on call and he said "yup come on in whenever you're ready."  (Side note: Dr. Heider was a resident when my mom was a labor and delivery nurse at UVA.)  We went home, got our hospital gear and headed to Martha Jefferson Hospital around 8 PM.  Apparently, a lot of other babies liked the 27th, because when we arrived, the nurses told us they were slammed (there was even another 'Becca' in the delivery room next to ours).  We were fortunate enough to be paired with the most wonderful and chill/relaxed nurse, Liz Stull.  After being admitted my labor continued to progress very quickly, so I promptly asked for an epidural :).  Thankfully due to my amazing support team (Christian, my parents, the MJH nurses, doctors Heider and Weaver), I had an easy and safe delivery.  Holding our little Eric for the first time was the most surreal and wonderful feeling I have ever felt in my life.  My mom told me later that when the nurses put him in my arms for the first time I said to him, "hey there little fellow.  I've been waiting to meet you for a long time!"

Here is a photo, right after his birth, of (tired and happy) Mom & Dad.  We love you, Eric!

Meeting Dad for the first time:

Momma is in love: