McCain's Monologue

Ready or not, here I come!

2010-03-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

As most of you know by now, I decided to take a short cut and land this plane sooner than Mom and Dad thought! I couldn't stand it any longer and was ready to enter the world! So, much to Mom and Dad's surprise, I thought 3:00am Wednesday, Feb. 24th would be an excellent time to begin the home stretch. Mom's water broke while she and Dad were sound asleep and off to St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital they sped... Grammy, Double, Aunt Jen, Uncle Josh, and Great Auntie A were all there within a few hours to share in my arrival. After 14 long hours, I made my grand entrance into the world at 5:11 pm, weighing in at 8 lbs, and 21 inches long (not to mention 3 WEEKS EARLY!). The doctor's were stunned at my "healthy" size for being considered 1 day premature. If I would have been born the next day, I would have been considered "full term", but because I came at 36 weeks and 6 days, I was considered "pre-term". Mom had some scary complications following my delivery (hemorrhaging), but thankfully, she is recovering well! I was given an A+ from the pediatrician and am a healthy little boy! ("Angel boy" as Grammy likes to call me) Here's a few pics from my birthday party!

3 down...7 to go!

2010-02-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well, folks...I am already working REALLY hard to prepare for my landing into this world! We had our weekly Dr.'s appointment today and got some really exciting news! The doctor told Mom that she is already almost 3 cm dilated and she even touched my head!!! (Mom wishes she would have asked if she could feel my hair or not!) I guess you'll have to wait a little longer Mom! Mom and Dad were so excited, even though the Dr. made it very clear that she still cannot predict when I will arrive. Mom seems to be really "in tune" with her body because she had been telling people all week that she really felt like some serious changes were occuring (i.e., I guess the cramping, stretching, and pressure were give-aways!) :) Mom, Dad, and the doctor talked today and decided it would be best if Mom finished out this week at work and then called it quits... Mom didn't seem too thrilled about being in the middle of therapy with 3-year olds and going into labor! So... for now, we are scheduled to go back to the doctor next Monday for another check-up. Until then, Mom will continue to NOT SLEEP and have visits to the bathroom about every 30 minutes because my head is now resting on her bladder! haha! Sorry Mom!!!

Mardi Gras 2010

2010-02-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

I just experienced my first "Crystal Beach Mardi Gras" and boy was it a fun time! Those crazy beach bums sure know how to put on a fun party! I finally got to hear Tropical Depression band (the band my "Double" is in). He's the BEST drummer in the world! I want to be just like him when I grow up! Dad even got Mom to dance with him - even at 9 months pregnant! It was so much fun getting to hang out with all the friends and family who traveled down to Bolivar. Mom, Dad, and I enjoyed seafood gumbo and crawfish! There were tons of appetizers, chips/dips, and a wonderful King Cake! My Dad and the "young" adults continued the party at the Tiki Bar across the street later that evening... Mom couldn't hang, so we stayed home and "doggie-sat" for all the family pets! I am pretty sure we were sound asleep by 9:30!

One funny note - Mom was relaxing in a lawn chair enjoying the music when Aunt Amy's dog, Lily, ran by and knocked her drink in her lap! Mom saw it coming and tried to stand up, but due to the "lack" of stomach muscles these days, Mom couldn't "jump" up as fast as she used to...Everyone was watching and tried to help, but nobody thought to pull Mom up out of the chair! haha! I thought it was pretty funny, and luckily Mom did too!!

My Dad's a genius!

2010-02-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

So...just as I have been growing in Mom's belly, so has the strain on her lower back. Every now and then Dad will walk up behind Mom, put his hands under her belly and "lift" for a few seconds to give her back some "relief". Let's just say, this is Mom's favorite time of day - 5-10 seconds without any "extra" weight pushing down! Last Friday (Feb. 12), Dad got the bright idea that he could create an "apparatus" for Mom to wear - using an ACE bandage! As you can see, it was quite entertaining! I hope I get my brains from Dad - he's the smartest man in the world! ha!

Partying at Pre-School...

2010-02-16T15:12:00.001-08:00

Mom told me to give a HUGE shout-out to de Santiago EC/Pre-K Center for throwing an amazing shower for us! Mom and I were honored last Thursday, Febuary 11, at her school - When I say these people "know how to party" I mean it! They were SO INCREDIBLY GENEROUS! Mom couldn't believe how "loved" we were! Mom said I owe Michelle (Mom's fellow SLP at de Santiago) a BIG HUG when I get here :) I guess a "thank ya" will have to work...at least for a few more weeks!

Wild about me!

2010-02-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

What a fun, fun day! Julie, Jason, and Mr. Johnston had a "yummy" Gumbo lunch/shower in my honor a few weekends ago (Mom said she's sorry for the late posts!)We had such a great time! I was "loved" all over again, and mom seemed to "love" the chocolate fountain! Thanks Wilner's and Johnstons!!

The Truffle Shuffle

2010-01-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

So, here's Mom and I at 33 weeks! My ETA is getting closer! I have been extra "squirmy" these past few days trying to get comfortable in mom's belly. She officially looks like Santa Claus when she laughs now, refering to the part... "He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!" (I don't know if I would refer to her belly as "little" anymore though!) As I continue to grow, my spacious bubble has become more like a New York apartment...

Oh, and for the record - We are really NOT enjoying the smell of marshmellows these days, and it just so happens that Dad's enjoying a "smore" right next to us on the couch at the moment. Thanks.

Shower Time

2010-01-26T19:07:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how generous people are! Mom and Dad have already had two incredible showers in my honor and we were all overwhelmed at how people take the word "shower" to the max! Here's a picture of Mom with her fabulous hostesses from this last weekend... and she apologizes for not having a picture from the other shower (the pictures are on Grammy's camera!) We are just about fixed up! Mom will post new pics soon of my room as it comes together!!

"My Crib" - pun intended :)

2010-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad have both been busy bees working in the nursery. Dad took over the job of "re-vamping" the closet and building my shelves, while Mom had so much fun decorating! It's still a work in progress, but it's well on it's way! I already love it!

This past weekend was so much fun! I had my first baby shower and was once again very "loved" by so many friends and family! Mom and Dad had so much fun decorating my room after being overwhelmed by everyone's generosity :) Mom REALLY enjoyed some much needed girl time with Auntie Erin, Auntie Leslie, Auntie Kasey, Auntie Amy, and Auntie Ashley... they treated themselves to pedicures and a really yummy dinner at Patronellas! I personally enjoyed it myself! I think I overheard Mom saying the only way the night could be any better was if she could enjoy some vino with her friends! Only 8 more weeks Mom! :)

30 weeks = 30 cm

2010-01-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of Mom and I at 30 weeks! We had our "30 week" doctor visit on Monday - thankfully, another great check-up. My heart rate was 141 bpm, Mom's blood pressure was excellent, and her weight gain was ???? (she told me I can't tell!) hehe! They measure Mom's belly each visit now to make sure we are growing at the correct rate - "they" say that whatever week you are, that's about how many cm you should measure... give or take 1 cm based on my position. Mom measured right at 30 cm....whew! The doctor started talking to mom about our "birth plan" and all the ins and outs of preparing for delivery. She said that although my due date is not until 40 weeks... they consider me "full term" once we reach 37 weeks. Wow - my arrival is getting closer! Our doctor's appointments are now scheduled for every 2 weeks and then every week once I reach 36 weeks!

My new favorite place to "hang out" is nestled right up next to Mom's ribs...particularly the left one. She doesn't seem to like that too much because the minute I get comfortable she shifts me back down! Gosh Momma! :) We are pretty consistent with our nightly routine. Dad, Mom, Pete and I like to end our night relaxing on the couch...Dad does a great job remindiing Mom to play my music for me! So, just incase you were wondering, I am still loving my Baby Mozart music most nights!

A West Texas Christmas

2009-12-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, December 22, Mom, Dad, Pete and I loaded up the car and headed out to visit Dee Dee and Popsy (still unsure of the spelling) in Ballinger! We got to enjoy 4 fabulous days with Dee Dee, Popsy, Mer, Auntie A, Aunt Leslie and Jeff - and our four legged family members: Jigger, Jidda, Mattie Blue, and Logan. Our first stop in Ballinger, unfortunately, was to the pet doctor. Pete hurt his leg playing frisbee with Dad the day before we left. His doctor gave him a shot and placed him on "4 weeks bed rest" after diagnosing him with a "sprained knee".

Dad spent Wednesday at the deer lease, while Aunt Leslie, Mom, and Dee Dee enjoyed some "girl time" :) We all had a wonderful surprise when we woke up to SNOW on Christmas Eve morning! It was beautiful! We celebrated Christmas Eve at Ballinger's First Presbyterian Church and then ate yummy Mexican food at Mer's house. Church was really special because Mom, Dad, Popsy, and Dee Dee participated in the scripture reading, devotional, and the lighting of the final advent candle. (Good thing I can't talk yet, because they would have probably made me say something too!!)

What a wonderful West Texas Christmas it was... tons of great food (Mom experienced some severe indigestion for the first time!) and family time! Again, I am already a "loved" little boy (Mom doesn't like the word "spoiled" hehe) as Aunt Leslie got me several goodies, including my first pair of shoes and Texas Tech beanie, Dee Dee and Popsy gave me my rocking chair, and Dad surprised Mom with my diaper bag! I can't wait to tell everyone "thank you" and give hugs and kisses! Just 12 more weeks!!

My big brother, Pete...

2009-12-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Here's my big brother, Pete! He can hardly wait for me to get here so he can have a play mate! Dad snagged a picture of him sleeping by the Christmas tree last night!

28 weeks and counting!

2009-12-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here's Mom and I at 28 weeks! We had another great check-up this morning. Mom and I are both growing at the "normal" rate - although Mom is still worried I am going to come out the size of a 2 year old! ha! We've made it another mile marker - our monthly appointments have been upgraded to every 2 weeks! My arrival is getting closer! They tested Mom today for gestational diabetes (we get the results in a week)...after she drank the "glucose cocktail" (which tasted like a "flat sprite") I was a moving man! I experienced my first sugar high! (Well, not really - but Mom was hoping the doctor would think so!) Mom and I seem to "frequent" the candy jar a little more these days... Peanut M&M's sure hit the spot!!!

Christmas with the Dearmore's...Ho Ho Ho!

2009-12-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 19th, we celebrated Christmas with the Dearmore's. We all traveled to "Grammy" and "Double's" house (aka Becky and David) to enjoy some much needed family time with excellent food and great company! GiGi and Granddaddy were there (Ted & Betty), my Great Aunt Ann and Uncle Tom, Aunt Amy and Jason, Uncle Josh and Aunt Jen, and of course the three of us!

I got my first "personalized" gifts from Aunt Ann and Aunt Jen, and Grammy and Double suprised Mom and Dad with my stroller - The Bob!!! They were so excited! That was the only "baby thing" Dad seemed to care about - He's let Mom pick out everything else. It seems I am already a very "loved" little guy even before I'm "officially" here! It was such a wonderful, fun-filled evening with lots of laughs and memories! I am already looking forward to next Christmas when I can really join in on all the excitement!!

Christmas is Here!

2009-12-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the delay in "updates"... I'll try to get back on track! To catch you up to date. Mom, Dad, and I had a great time at the El Paso Company Christmas party! It was at the Houston Club, in downtown Houston...such a fun, fun night! Mom was a ROCK STAR and actually stayed awake well after her usual 10:00 bedtime!

I'm a growing boy!

2009-12-06T17:25:00.000-08:00

This is me at my 20 week appointment! In these pictures I weighed 14 oz.... crazy to believe that now I have already doubled my weight! I weigh almost 2 lbs now! I was so excited to be getting my picture taken that I gave Mom and Dad a really good "wave"!! Mom and Dad are convinced that I inherited Mom's legs (specifically, her calves!)... what do you think?! :)

Let it Snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

2009-12-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

Here's Mom, Pete,(and me!) enjoying the SNOW we had down here in Houston! Dad was deer hunting out west and missed out on the fun!

Mom's Christmas Cactus! Oops! Forgot to bring it inside...hope it survives!

Night at the ER...

2009-12-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

So, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, the Sykes household had quite a scare! Mom started bleeding Tuesday evening and Dad had to rush her to the emergency room. Ofcourse, it occurred during rush hour traffic, but Dad managed to safely get them both to St. Lukes. They immediately took Mom to Labor and Delivery (which even hearing those words scared Mom because she knows I still need more time in the oven!) and began extensive examinations to make sure everything was ok with me and mi madre! My heart rate was a healthy 144 bpm and my life support (aka - placenta)looked fine as well. I was in no distress. The doc said "everything checked out fine" and sent Mom and Dad on their way after a nice 6 hours in the ER. Whew! What a night! To top it off, someone hit our car as Dad was trying to park at the ER! When it rains it pours!!

Gobble, Gobble!

2009-11-28T16:15:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Thanksgiving week we've had. We have so much to be thankful for! I had a blast celebrating Turkey Day with my family at the Gibbins' lake house in Livingston. I got to meet my cousin, Ty, (due 3 weeks before me!) and spend time with all of my family members on my mom's side! (We missed my Uncle Josh and Aunt Jen though - they were in Missouri for Thanksgiving!)

I am especially thankful that my Dad is a "handy man"! Dad worked hard putting my crib and dresser together, and they both look awesome! I am currently about 13.5 inches from head to toe and weight about 1.5 lbs! I am growing like a champ - and so is Mom! :)

0-24 weeks in a nut shell....

2009-11-24T16:57:00.001-08:00

To catch you up to date I'll skip the nitty gritty of the daily details of my growing and developing. Although Mom would say she deserves an entire book after surviving the first 20 weeks - hopefully a few sentences will do... Let's just say she put the SICK in "morning sickness"!!! Poor Mom had a really rough run from week 6 - until week 20 (although she still has her "moments"). In fact, I've heard through the grapevine that for every week she was sick, I am grounded for that long when I join the family! Now, how is that fair lady!! :) I'm sure my "cuteness" will make her forget all about those "green days"! Mom and Dad are very thankful to have gotten wonderful reports from the doctor each visit. Mom and I are both growing at a healthy pace! Our 17 week visit was an extra special one. That's when the doctor revealed that I was a BOY!! I think the entire hospital could hear mom scream and cry with excitement...and I'm pretty sure I even saw Dad leak a tear or two :) They decided LUKE McCAIN was a fitting name for me, and put the "official stamp" on it following encouragement from family members who "needed" to know the name so they could get busy monogramming! (thanks Aunt Ann and Aunt Jen!)

Now that Mom has "perked" up, she has been busy, busy preparing for my arrival. She had my nursery painted today and has finally made a decision on my bedding (She'll post pictures soon!) Dad likes to point out that she's "nesting", but I think Mom feels like she has to make up for "lost time" spent sick on the couch during her first trimester and half of second! Once I reached 18 weeks, I was able to start hearing Mom and Dad's voices... they talk to me all the time and I love it! Dad makes playlists for me to listen to...the music makes me dance, dance, dance in Mom's belly!

Surprise! I'm on my way...

2009-11-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

Now that I gave you the quick and dirty version of my family (which I should apologize for not introducing my four legged older brother, Pete)! Let's get to the reason this blog was created.... ME!!! Mom, being the planner that she is, always daydreamed of the creative ways she would share the news with Dad, family, and friends - but excitement got the best of her and that's not exactly how things went down! Mom immediately called Dad to come home from work the minute she took her first pregnancy test! After showing Dad the positive preggo test... what did the two decide to do?? Buy more tests! After successfully completing another 8 positive pregnancy tests... reality had set in! They were going to be parents!!! Mom was able to get into the doctor two days later, who confirmed the great news! (He also informed her that ONE positive test is all she needed!ha!)Mom awoke the next morning to find Dad wide awake on the couch, who admitted to "not sleeping a wink" and already worrying about being a Dad and the financial responsibility of raising a child, not to mention sending them to college. Do they not realize I'm going to be a genius!;)

How The Sykes came to be....

2009-11-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

I should first begin by saying, if you know anything about my mom, you would know that she doesn't "do technology"; so, she is really stepping outside of the box with this "blogging thing" and asked that you bear with her! :)

Mom and Dad met their freshman year of college at Texas Tech University, but didn't officially start dating until their senior year. After 2 1/2 years of dating they tied the knot on June 16, 2007. Dad had already taken a job with El Paso in Houston, so that is how the two love birds settled in the Bayou City. They bought their first home in May 2008 and have loved making their house a home. Mom was pretty much ready for me to join the family not long after they married, but with Dad's recommendation... they decided to enjoy being married for a "couple" of years. Ironically, they celebrated their 2nd anniversary in June, and as you can see, my plane is scheduled to land exactly 9 months later! I've provided you with a few pics of the two.