Week Three: We've Only Just Begun

The family has left and it's just us three (plus 2 cats) now. So, we're getting a few things done, catching up on thank you cards, and Landon's trying out some of his stuff this week too!

We had another pediatrician appointment and everything looks good so far, except for some watery eye problems. We were surprised to see him gain a lot of weight this past week. But, the doctor said he's right where he should be in terms of growth.

Landon was born at 8lbs 9oz; he left the hospital at 7lbs 14oz; He was 8lbs 1oz at his first appointment; and was a whopping 8lbs 14oz this past Wednesday. So, he's growing and looking healthy. - Chris and Mindy

Week Two: Recap

Landon had his first visit to the pediatrician last week. He screamed most of the time, but that's to be expected. Everything was fine, but his jaundice had increased a little . We were sent to the hospital two days in a row to get his jaundice test again. Poor little guy screamed his head off during those painful lab tests. But, the good news is that he has greatly improved this past week. So, no more painful tests for now.

In his first week, Landon had his first visit to Starbucks, Target, John G's Restaurant, and even Lion Country Safari.

Landon also had lots of visitors including friends and family like Nana Hymer, Grandpa and Grandma Clifton, Grandpa Hymer, and his cousin Ezra along with Uncle Chase and Aunt Rowena. Here's a few photos for ya. - Chris and Mindy

Day Seven: Getting Out

We're catching up on our day 7 post...Chris is back to work, Mindy is feeling really good, and Landon and mommy have started taking some stroller rides outside. He has a big day tomorrow...his first pediatrician appointment! I don't think he is going to be happy, but I'm sure he won't scream as much as he did when he got his first bath at home a couple of days ago. Wow! He was so worked up, he turned himself as red as a chili pepper. It's hard to believe he is already a week old! Wow, again! And, we can't believe he really is our baby, but it's becoming more familiar - and, that's a good thing. ;) -Chris and Mindy

Day Six: A Good Night's Sleep

If every night could be like last night's schedule...I think we can make it. He slept quite a lot last night. Hopefully, it signals what will come. Here he is sunning himself today in his nursery room. -Chris

Day Five: Getting Used to Home

Landon is starting to get used to a new home...new sounds, new smells, and new things to see. All that excitement has worn him out. ;) - Chris

Day Four: Weeesa Comin' Home!

We made it! Landon and Mindy were cleared from the hospital today and we were able to come home! Everyone is doing well. Here's a lot of photos for ya! -Chris and Mindy

Day Three: Experiments in Sleep Deprivation

Yep, the third day was a little more difficult. But, we are beginning to figure out how this little guy works. So, we make a few adjustments and he is content. It's still hard to believe we have a son! It's a surreal experience. -Chris and Mindy

Day Two: Mommy Time

After a very long first day at the hospital, we all got a little rest today...even Landon. He was up almost the entire first day of his life. He finally got some rest early this morning and started feeding too. So, things are going well and he's started to settle into a routine. He passed his hearing test today among many other tests. He was circumcised this morning too - a little traumatic for him, but afterwards he slept a long time. Mindy is recovering and was able to get up and walk around a little today. So, Landon and Mindy are improving steadily. Even though our hospital room has been very cramped, staying at the hospital has been a great experience. We've had so much time to spend together as a family. We've started to learn Landon's communication cues and marvel at his attempt to learn and process us and his surroundings. Quite a cool experience! Thanks so much for all the flowers and balloons! Our room is very festive. Love you all!
-Chris and Mindy

Day One: Landon Myles Clifton arrives!

All About Him
His Name: Landon Myles Clifton

Origin:
"Landon" - Chris' middle name
"Myles" - Chris' Grandfather Miller's middle name
"Clifton" - family name (representing Chris's dad and Grandpa Clifton)

Meaning:
Landon- "from the long hill"
Myles - "merciful, servant, soldier"
Clifton - "from the city near the cliff"

His Weight: 8lbs 9oz
His Length: 20 & 1/2"
Date of Birth: May 3rd, 2006
Time of Birth: 8:26am

Other Information
Birthstone: Emerald (Love, Success)
Flower: Lilly of the Valley (Hawthorne)
Starts Kindergarten: 2011
Starts Driving: 2022
Graduates High School: 2024
Graduates College: 2028

Famous People Born on this Date:
1) Christopher Cross (singer/musician)
2) Doug Henning (magician)
3) Frankie Valli (singer/musician)
4) James Brown (singer/father of soul music)
5) Bing Crosby (singer)
6) Engelbert Humperdinck (singer/musician)

Famous Facts and Useless Trivia on this Date:
1) Columbus discovers Jamaica (1494)
2) Washington DC incorporates as a city (1802)
3) America's 1st regular steam train passenger service starts (1830)
4) Charles H. Spurgeon (16 yrs old) makes profession of faith (1850). Begins his preaching career the following year.
5) America's 1st passenger flight (New York-Atlantic City) (1919)
6) NY Yankee Joe DiMaggio makes major-league debut (1936)
7) Carl Wilson (Beach Boys) went to court on draft evasion charges (1967)
8) Chicago's Sears Tower, world's tallest building, topped out (1973)
9) "Addicted to Love" (Robert Palmer) topped charts (1986)
10) Dollywood opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (1986)

Baby's Last Ultrasound

Well, here he is. He never lets us take good pictures of him. He's always moving or something and the photo always comes out blurry, but you will see him clearly soon.
-Chris and Mindy

Appointment Update Again....

Hey everyone,

We just back from another doctor's appointment and little Clifton is about 9 pounds right now - keep in mind that the ultrasound scans can be up to a pound off. So, he could be about 8 pounds or 10 pounds! Anyway, after another day of several hours of appointments, the doctors have determined he will not be coming out without help. If we go for a natural birth he has several risk factors:

1) He's very big (yes, normal for a Clifton!)
2) Mindy's gestational diabetes
3) The possibility of shoulder damage from a normal birth

So, with all these factors adding up, we and the doctors think it best to schedule a C-Section. Of course, we always knew that was a big possibility...considering the Clifton legacy.

So, Mindy has to get blood work completed on Tuesday in preparation for the event. And, We are currently scheduled for a C-Section on Wednesday morning at 7:30am, May 3rd. The surgery takes about and hour or so, then we have about 4 hours of recovery time. So, you probably won't hear from us until later that morning, possibly closer to noon. We won't have our cellphones on that morning. But, just be patient, we'll call you when we can and let you know his name, size, weight, and all the other specifics.

Mindy will need more time for recovery after surgery and will have to take it easy for a few weeks to heal; no driving, limited trips up/down the stairs, no lifting of anything heavier than the baby. It looks like she's going to get that extra two weeks of vacation from her job because of the C-Section.

Anwyay, we'll post his last ultrasound photo sometime this weekend, then that will probably be the last update until Wednesday. Take care! We will keep you posted...
-Chris and Mindy

Another Appointment

We've got another appointment today at 2pm. Not expecting anything, but preparing just in case. We'll keep you informed.
-Chris and Mindy

Appointment Update...

Just wanted to give you an update.. We had a doctor's appt. today. Everything went well, he passed his non-stress test this time. We have another appt. on Friday, where we will pretty much find out when he will be showing up...if he doesn't choose to do it himself before then. I will have another non-stress test done & an office visit. If he has not made his appearance by that time we will be scheduling the date for an induction or c-section at that time. So, pretty much I would guess within the next 7 days there should be a new member to our family. We will keep you updated as things happen. Love you all!
- Mindy

One Contraction Closer...

We've got another appointment scheduled for today at 2:15pm. Will we be coming home or will we proceed to the hospital? Who knows? But, all the signs are here. Tonight, a couple of days, or more? Don't know, but we'll post again as soon as we can.
-Chris and Mindy

Almost...but no cigar!

Pass out the cigars! Uhh, maybe not yet. Well, it's 10pm on Friday night and we just got back from our doctor's appointment...which turned into a longer doctor's appointment...which turned into a hospital visit! So, it's been a long afternoon and evening. The doctor was a little concerned with his non-stress test this afternoon, so we were admitted into Labor and Delivery for more tests. Luckily, after several hours we got released. Everything looks good, but we have a feeling he is coming soon...maybe next week! We'll see what happens. We told him not until Tuesday at the earliest...we still have a few more things to do. :) Stay tuned for more information...
-Chris and Mindy

The Season is Upon Us

Today at 3:45pm we have an appointment with the doctors. We hope to get a little bit of a clue to when this little guy will arrive. Just like our messiah's second coming...we know not the hour, or the day...but, we surely can tell that the season is upon us. It won't be long. Stay tuned...
- Chris and Mindy

Chubby Cheeks: 7 lbs. 10 oz.

Here's the latest photo. He's a big boy with several weeks to go (officially). He's looking healthy and getting ready to make his appearance.
- Chris and Mindy

5 lbs and 1 ounce...

Well, here's our little guy again. This ultrasound was taken on March 17, 2006. You can see some of features if you look hard. He never behaves and sits still for these things. - Chris and Mindy

Baby Shower

Here's some photos from Mindy's baby shower this past Saturday. We received all kinds of cool stuff you can see when you come down to visit! - Chris

COH in the News 2...

And, another story regarding Community of Hope; this time featured on local news Channel 12. You can watch the clip on Community of Hope's website: www.communityofhope.org