3 Weeks!

You're three weeks old today! I still haven't unpacked from our hospital stay.

Nicknames

We spent a lot of time before your birth trying to think of all the mean nicknames your future classmates could make of your name. Luckily we couldn't come up with anything terrible.

For now, we have two nicknames for you. Your dad likes to call you Piglet because you make these snorty noises when you're rooting for food. It's a name you probably won't appreciate when you're 14, but for now it's adorable. I prefer to call you Maggie because you suck ferociously on your binky just like baby Maggie from the Simpsons.

My Favorite Things

I love napping with you. We cuddle up in our big bed and doze off. And the best part is that I get to wake up right next to you and look at those beautiful smoky blue eyes.

Separation Anxiety

Your umbilical cord stump fell off today. After very little discussion, your dad and I decided to throw it away. I hope you don't mind, but it seemed a little creepy to keep it.

If you think about it, it's tough to determine which portions of you to keep and which to throw away. We don't keep your dirty diapers, fingernail clippings or used tissues. However, we will likely keep your teeth when they fall out (I mean, the Tooth Fairy will keep your teeth). We felt your umbilical cord stump fit into the "toss" category.

Size 1

How is it possible that you outgrew your newborn diapers overnight?

Incongruent

How is it that all of your teeny tiny socks have made it through the laundry in pairs, while I've been looking for one hot pink slouch sock since the mid-eighties? If you're so small, why are all of your accessories so big (car seat, baby swing, bouncy chair)? If two ounces of milk go in your mouth, how does twice that amount come out your little toosh?

Yesterday we had your two-week check-up. Yet another opportunity for a doctor to describe you as "perfect." You've grown a full inch and gained 12 ounces since your birth. I think we're on our last pack of newborn diapers (unless the plumber diaper look becomes chic in the next few days) and that kind of saddens me. I'm looking forward to watching you grow up, but I'm not ready for size one diapers. You also rolled over for your dad last night.

Now that you're a little bigger, we've noticed some features we can attribute to each of us. It seems you get your cute ears, beautiful eyes and face shape from your dad. Your mouth and chin are from your mom. We think your feathery hair must come from Pancho, but we're not sure how.

Chiropractic Adjustment

Who knew driving with your newborn could be so stressful?

Flying Solo

Today was our first day alone with Georgia, and I think we did okay. I spent the day with her watching her nap, changing her diapers and preparing her bottles. Tyler took over this evening while I went to a meeting. I think the hardest part wasn't taking care of Georgia, it was taking care of Georgia and remembering to take care of myself. It was all a bit intimidating, but we made it through without any major breakdowns. We may be able to do this parenting thing after all.

Georgia's First 500

I Swear This Happened

Last night (or this morning depending on your opinion of 2 a.m.) my mom and I were trying to wear out a wide awake Georgia by playing with her. We put her on her belly hoping the tummy time would be more exhausting for her. That's when she rolled over onto her back. After the shock of seeing my 10-day-old baby roll over we put her back on her tummy to see if she would do it again. Thinking it was a fluke, we didn't bother with the video camera. We were doubly surprised to see her do it again!

NOOOOOOOOOO! As a 10-day-old baby she's supposed to be completely helpless and rely on us for everything. She's not supposed to be able to roll over and do other independent things for months. I was okay when she showed that she can hold her head up on her own. I'm not okay with the rolling over. Please stop growing up so quickly!

Nap Time

You are going to be 10 days old in 3 hours and 46 minutes. In a way your arrival seems like ages ago, and in other ways it seems like yesterday. Our life has changed so much since you joined us. I never believed women who said it took so much more time to do things with a baby than before. Now I understand. By the time I feed you, burp you, change your diaper, put clean clothes on myself, change your diaper again and get your bag ready to go, you're ready to eat again.

It's also hard to keep up with laundry and housework. My doctor says I should sleep when you sleep, but if I do that I don't eat. Luckily I've had a lot of help with my folks here, but I'm nervous about being able to survive without them.

Our Little Valentine

Georgia had an exciting first Valentine's Day. She visited the neighbors, played with her toy cow and ate more than she's ever eaten (can you say growth spurt?). But most importantly, she got to wear a new outfit (although all her outfits are new at this point). Isn't she ADORABLE!!

New Friends

Tonight Greg, Kelsey and Henry stopped by to visit Georgia. Henry likes to kick Georgia when Kelsey holds her. Luckily he's still in his mom's belly, so it doesn't hurt too bad.

Being a Baby Can Be So Tough!

Georgia Loves Her Daddy

Georgia's First Race

Watching the Bud Shootout with her daddy.

First Bath

Lookie What I Found

Georgia found her thumb today!

Check up

Today was your first visit to the pediatrician. We spent 15 minutes talking with your doctor about your development and equally as much time changing your diapers (like rookie parents, we had a couple of diaper malfunctions). You have gained 4.4 ounces already, which makes sense to me because you always seem to be eating. I'm amazed that I can tell that you've gained weight. You'd think 4.4 ounces wouldn't be noticeable, but I can tell your face is starting to fill out.

Doc was impressed with your strength and commented that you could probably roll over if motivated. We're happy with you just the way you are, so I don't think we'll be pushing you any time soon. Feel free to take your time growing up.

You're Finally Here!

Dear Georgia:
You are now five days old and I have yet to blog about you. I have a good excuse, though...I've been spending every possible moment staring at you, listening to you coo, convincing myself that your smiles are a reaction to my witticisms and not your gas, and learning how to breast feed.

Your birth was the most amazing, surprisingly peaceful experience. Thanks to an early epidural, I wasn't in much pain and actually took a nap during the stronger moments of labor. Next thing I knew you were positioned for arrival, and after 20 minutes of pushing, you were here.

You didn't cry. The nurse suctioned out your mouth, measured you and poked you with needles and you didn't cry. It could have been a devastating situation, but I could tell you were fine by the way you wiggled and looked around surveying your surroundings. After a complete check-up it was determined you were perfect (the doc's words, not mine) and the lack of cries was nothing to worry about.

I was so tired after your birth. I wanted to watch every part of your check-up, bath and dressing, but I have only spotty memories. Luckily we have a video of it all to help fill in the blanks. We found breast feeding to be a bit challenging at first, so you started on formula to keep your blood sugar up. I'm happy to say we seem to have worked through our feeding issues.

You are so patient with us as we learn how to be parents. You could get angry and scream when we fumble with your diaper changes or turn bright red with fury as we learn to bathe you. But you don't. You just wiggle around and look up at us with those beautiful blue eyes as if to say "take your time."

There are so many more things that I want to write about you, but it's been 30 minutes since I last stared at you.
Love,
Mom

2 Days And Counting

With Georgia's birth scheduled for Monday, I've been thinking about how things are going to change. We know our lives are going to change quite a bit, our priorities, our sleeping patterns, our amount of disposable income, etc. But today I've been thinking about the way I'm going to change physically and the things I'm looking forward to post pregnancy:

1. Tying my shoes
2. Seeing my feet
3. Bending over to pick things up
4. Drinking a glass of wine
5. Being able to fit in a booth at a restaurant
6. Weighing less than my husband
7. Being able to walk up a single flight of stairs without losing my breath
8. Feeling my fingertips
9. Fitting back into my shoes (and clothes after a bit)
10. Sleeping on my back
11. Being able to drink water without getting indigestion
12. Recognizing my belly button


Despite the discomfort of the past several months, and the 18 weeks of severe morning sickness, it will all be worth it. We haven't even met you yet and we know it was all worth it.

We're Having A Baby...Monday!

I was pretty disappointed (although not at all surprised) that we started our due date with no signs of an impending delivery. However, the day took a surprising and pleasant turn when I got a call from the hospital saying that we are scheduled to be induced on Monday morning! That means Georgia will be here in just a couple of days.

Speechless...