4 Weeks Old

My baby is 4 weeks old already! Geepers!

Adelle is Growing!
She is incredibly adorable, I know I am biased, and I LOVE spending time with her. She likes to cuddle and be held. The only time this is not a great thing is at night when Brian and I are super tired. She will fall asleep in our arms and then 5 minutes after we put her in her crib she will start crying. That is annoying but we start the process all over again. What can you do?


She likes playing on her play mat. She is still figuring out what to do - with Mommy's help - but she will flail her arms and hit one of the toys. Then she looks shocked because she doesn't know what happened then she'll smile while I am saying, "good girl" in a sing-song voice and try to do it again. I think Friday she hit the toys a few times!!!


Speaking of smiling, she is doing it more often and we really don't think it has anything to do with gas - YAY! I just love, love, love her little smiles and can't wait until she starts to giggle! I wonder what it will sound like?


Adelle is also super curious about everything around her. She will hold her head up for extended periods of time looking around and tracking movement. No kidding! Brian was standing behind me, about 2 feet away from Adelle, and she was tracking him as he moved from one side to the other. She will also try to mimic the faces we make which is really adorable when she has a hard time figuring out how to make the face! :)

Yesterday was not only the day Addie turned 4 weeks old, it was the first day that Brian and I went out on a date - for longer than an hour - without her! Boy was that sad and scary and all I wanted to do was call to make sure things were going well and get home and scoop her up and love her! Brian's work had their holiday party yesterday, a Murder Mystery dinner, and we went while Sharon watched Adelle. It was strange having Sharon come over then tell her where the bottles, bath items, changes of clothes, and diapers are! IT was also strange telling her what Adelle likes and doesn't like, and if she starts to fuss, try this - she raised two kids of her own, she knows how to do it! But it was the first time I left my sweet girl with someone for more than an errand! It was hard, but we made it through the dinner and everyone asking how I was holding up. I am not sure when we'll do that again but it is nice to know that we have a plethora of skilled loved ones in our lives who are willing to look after her!

I wonder what new things she'll learn this week?!

Pictures of Our Beautiful Girl

I haven't been the best at posting pictures of our sweet girl, so here are some!

Grandma Dottie, Grandpa John, and Auntie Maria came over on the 17th (Grandma Dottie's birthday) to visit and watch the Viking's game. It was great! Grandpa John made stir fry - my favorite - and we had a good time talking and taking pictures of Addie.


I realize that I haven't posted many pictures of just Adelle, so here are few. Close-ups, sleeping, playing - just her!

Cravings?!

So I thought that once I had Adelle, the cravings would go away.

Well, they haven't.

In fact, I am now officially HAVING cravings! When I was pregnant food just sounded good. There wasn't really anything that I needed to have RIGHT NOW, ya know? But now, all I want is healthy food: salads, veggies, and fruit! This is fantastic and will help with losing the "Baby Weight," but green veggies, which happen to be my favorite, don't sit well with Adelle.

WTH?!

We have little gas drops for her since she is entirely fussy and arches her back when I eat these foods, but I don't want to have to give her the drops every time she eats. In fact, it's not every time she eats, it's just at night because I have salad at night. I wonder what would happen if I had something else for dinner? Last night I had a sub from Erbert's and Gerbert's and it happened - but it had lettuce, tomato and sprouts. I don't think it happened when I had lasagna, but I will have to test the theory out - oh darn, I have to eat lasagna! I heart sarcasm!

Has this happened to anyone else? Did/Does your baby have gas pain? What did you do?

Now, I understand that there are about 5 people who read this blog on a regular basis (yay me - again, I love sarcasm), but PLEASE respond with any suggestions or things to try. It's always helpful, even if you think it isn't or won't be!

3 Weeks Old

I can NOT believe that Adelle is already 3 weeks old! Time really flies by, and the days run together. I kept thinking that Sunday was Saturday. Oh well!

I got a call from Sharon, my mother-in-law, the other day asking how we all were and if Addie was doing anything new. I actually had to ponder that question! I mean, I am with her all day so I wasn't sure if what I was seeing was new, or if she had been doing it all along. It wasn't until Brian came home and we were getting her ready for bed that we noticed something remarkable. She was fussing in her room so I took her into our room to talk with Daddy. The entire journey from her room to ours she held her head up and was looking around - nothing new here, she has been doing that since we brought her home. But, what WAS new was that she continued to do that - AND turn her head from side to side - for at least 5 minutes. I have to believe that it was close to 15 minutes though because she was doing it the entire time we were in there WITHOUT putting her head down to rest!! While she was doing that, her eyes were wide open and she was quite alert so we kept talking to her and telling each other about our days. It was fantastic!

She enjoys the bouncy seat for brief periods of time now, which is nice because that means Mommy can take a shower while she is up if I need to! She still doesn't like her swing though. I've even tried putting her in it both ways (where it swings sideways or front to back).

We got a really AWESOME play mat/tummy time mat from Brian's co-workers and she loves it! We got it on Friday at a shower they threw for us and Adelle has been in it every day. We put her facing the toys, which she doesn't know how to play with yet but Mommy likes to play... er, show her how to use them. Then when I see that she is starting to get a little anxious, I put her face down for tummy time! She lasts about 5 minutes each way so that is good, and I try to put her in it two or three times a day. I'll have to get pictures of her in it tomorrow!

She has also smiled a bit but I think it's still the gas talking and not her actually smiling. I was able to get her to smile this morning just by being goofy with her and then again this afternoon, but not since then. I CAN'T WAIT until she is able to smile more!!

Alright, I think it's my turn to walk her around trying to get her to close those little eyes since she has been yawning for the past 15 minutes!! We'll see if that works!

2 Weeks Old

I can't believe it - my sweet girl is 2 weeks old! Already?! Where oh where has the time gone? Well, the time has gone to late night feedings and small cat naps when we can get them... THAT is where the time has gone! Would I change anything though - NOT A CHANCE!!

We went to see Dr. Y today for her check up and things were great! Addie is perfect! She has grown an inch since birth so she is now 21.5 inches long and she has gained 4 ounces since Monday so she now weighs 7lbs and 13.5ozs. Her head grew too! We asked Dr. Y about her spitting up, the way she gets so fidgety at times, and about her poo.

Yeah, her poo.

I am a new mom, what can I say? I worry about my little girl all the time! Is she sleeping enough? IS she sleeping too long? Is she eating enough? Is she supposed to stay awake? How long? But I was concerned about her poo. When we were in the hospital, when she was born, she didn't poo. At all. She had to be 'stimulated' in order to do that. Twice. Then, when we got home it took a little while and that made me worried. So when she started to do that on a regular basis, I freaked out when it changed. Who knew that I would be so concerned with poo!?

Anyway, we had a barrage of questions for the good doctor and he answered all of them. The spitting up is normal, we should keep her upright for about 15 minutes after she eats. She is fidgety because her nervous system isn't fully developed yet. And yes, her poo is normal.

Dr. Y said that he doesn't have to see her again until her 2 MONTH check up! YAY!! He also said that if we WANTED to come in for a 1 month check up (in two weeks) that we could. He then added with a smile, "I am assuming that I will be seeing you." Ah he knows me (my overly worried type) well.

I'll post more pictures soon - we have a lot!

Sigh, I am so in love!!!

Dad's first post

I figured it was about time that I actually said something on this blog as opposed to Teresa saying everything that goes on. This whole pregnancy/becoming a parent thing was pretty much a blur to me. When Teresa was pregnant, it was very surreal for me, that in 40 weeks I would be a Dad and would have a little baby to take care of.

That time flew by and even the 20 hours of labor went by quickly and now we have a little angel to take care of. It is a really wonderful feeling and challenging all in the same. For those of you that really know me, I'm a real "handle things as they go" type of person. Not much of a planner, list maker, organizer. So when all of these major things started happening I had to really step up and not worry just about myself but had to look out more for Teresa and now for Adelle. That has been the toughest adjustment for me. There are so many things that need to be followed up on, remembered, that even super organized Teresa can't handle all of it and I shouldn't expect her too.

I also knew we would encounter a "difficult" night eventually and we sure did last night. Adelle would NOT fall asleep until about 1:30am and then woke up a few times after that.

In the 11 days that Adelle has been in our lives its been wonderful. To see all of the changes Adelle's made in just that short amount of time is amazing! I can't wait for all of the other changes we are going to see in the future. I'm especially excited for the change when she consistently sleeps through the night! (even if "sleeping through the night" is considered 5 hours)

I truly couldn't ask for any more of a wonderful wife and daughter. Teresa has wanted me to become a better husband and friend each and every day and Adelle helps me to want to learn to be a great father.

First Sponge Bath At Home

We decided that it had been a while since Adelle had been bathed so we thought that Saturday was a great day for her first sponge bath at home. Grandma and Grandpa Volpe were there to help and help document the event too!


We started by getting all of her things together:
Adelle - check
tub - check


body wash - check
shampoo - check
towel - check
wash cloths - check


warm, not hot water - check
comb - check
clean diaper - check
cameras - check
tissues for Mommy - check


All in all, Adelle really liked the bath! She didn't cry a whole lot - just toward the end when she was getting cold - and I think it's because I was (trying) to go quickly and I was telling her what I was doing.

She smelled so wonderful after her bath yet kept that new baby smell too! Golly, I can't wait for her next one!!

Smiles

This morning, after I changed and fed our Sweet Pea, I engaged in some quiet play with her. To do this (according to On Becoming Baby Wise) we watched the little aquarium in her crib before having her nap.


While we were watching, I pointed out the different sea life as well as told stories of when I had been to the ocean. I don't have many stories because we were on our honeymoon in San Diego (December 2007) and the water was SUPER cold. I digress....


While I was talking to Adelle she smiled! I know there is an explaination for it like, "It's gas," or "She's in her dream state right now," but I don't even care! Look at how beautiful she is! I mean, even more beautiful than she already is!!


Oh my goodness, I love her!

Paternity Leave

So I think that fathers get the crappy end of the stick, especially when it comes to maternity leave. I know that the main reason for maternity leave is that it gives the mom time to heal after going through labor, but shouldn't fathers get time off too? Not necessarily to heal, but to bond?


I mean, I have 6 weeks of maternity leave. That is it! 6 weeks to get my little girl into routines strong enough for someone else to take care of her. 6 weeks to get to know my little girl. 6 weeks to heal. I understand that, medically, I should be fine by the time 6 weeks rolls around but Adelle will still be really young! I would love to be able to stay at home with her, but I can't and that ultimately kills me, but shouldn't I be able to take more time off if wanted? Shouldn't I be able to take time off if I have the available days? UGH! I don't have to go back to work for a few more weeks, so I will enjoy every moment I have until that time!


BRIAN, however, had to go back to work today! He was only able to take off a week. Well, that isn't exactly true. He COULD have taken off 3 weeks, but we thought it would be better for him to keep that time available if Adelle gets sick or can't go to day care. Those are valid reasons, but really, only a week? One week to get to know your little one? One week to bond? That is ridiculous!


We miss you Brian! It's really strange being here alone, and crazy to think that it's because I am taking care of our daughter! I do like anticipating you walking through the door though! I am also picturing what that will be like in the years to come - so sweet!

I love you and come home soon!!


This last picture was taken AFTER Daddy got home from work. She went right into his arms - adorable!

Breastfeeding - Daddy is Left Out

Breastfeeding is interesting, amazing, painful and exclusive!

When we got pregnant we knew that we wanted to breastfeed Adelle for as long as possible (without going over into crazy by breastfeeding a 3 year old). We knew that everyone said it would be difficult and painful at times. We knew that it would be something we had to work on. We knew all of those things.

What we/I didn't know was how attached I would be to her. Not attached in the sense of having to be by her all the time, but attached emotionally, at least on my end! When it is time for a feeding, I get excited (except at night) because I know that it is a time where just she and I can sit together. I can talk with her about what we're going to do that day or what has already happened. I can look into her eyes, hold her hand, and squeeze her tight (but not too tight). It's just us. I get to hear her noises, feel her moving and I get to see the faces she makes - which makes me wonder what she is thinking of!! It's just us and it is amazing!

Breastfeeding itself is an interesting process. Think about it, my body makes food for another person! Interesting (if not amazing as well)! Learning what it feels like to be full is another interesting truth about breastfeeding as is leaking. WTH! I knew it could happen, I just wasn't prepared for how much! Those little pads don't hold a lot - how often are you supposed to change them?

The process of breastfeeding is also painful. People told me it would be, but you can't really describe the pain or prepare for it. And there are different kinds of pain as well! For instance, latching on can be painful if her body isn't in the right position, she's excited, or her mouth isn't in the right position. Then, once she's eating there is another pain - biting. She hasn't done this often, but when she does I curse the little gums in her mouth for being so solid!! Yes they have teeth there, but good LORD that smarts! My mom says that is what I did to her - I am officially sorry about that mom! I had NO idea!!

The exclusive part is that it is only me and Adelle. Brian doesn't get to experience this at all. Not yet anyway. By the way, when can I start pumping so Brian can help feed at night? While I am sure he is sad he doesn't have that kind of one on one time with Adelle, he probably isn't too sad that he doesn't have to wake up with us at night.

Soon enough though Brian! Soon enough!

1 Week Old = Jaundice

While we were in the hospital, they did a jaundice test. Her level was high so they did a blood test. That test came back lower but still in the 'watch it' range. We talked to a pediatrician - who is now our pediatrician - and he wanted to have her checked 2 or 3 days later if the last test they did was about the same - number wise. Not a big deal, I won't worry about it yet.


The test came back with the same numbers putting her in the range of high, but not too high. This is when my crazy protective mommy gene was put into action along with the crazy irrational gene that occurs when there are just WAY too many hormones running through your body! While crying, I asked what we could look for and what we could do to help her. He smiled and told us that once she started pooping the situation would probably get better and to look for her being lethargic, hard to wake up, and having trouble feeding. Feeling better, the crazy mommy got control of herself to thank the doctor and hug my little girl.

We were discharged on the 4th and went to see Dr. Y, Adelle's pediatrician, on the 5th. He tested her again and said he'd call with the results. About an hour later we got a phone call from him. He said her number, 13.something, was still a little high for his liking but that since she still hadn't pooped he would wait to check her again at her 2 week appointment. He assured us/me - again - that HE was not worried or concerned about her and that if he was he would tell us. He also said to keep an eye out for those three things again (being lethargic, hard to wake up, trouble feeding).


Today, the 10th, she has pooped on her own more times than I care to know. She sometimes has trouble feeding but I think that has to do with us learning how she wants to breastfeed and not because she has jaundice. As for her being lethargic? Don't think so! There are times she just blankly stares at things, but I think that is normal because when she is up she will respond to people with furrowed brows or smirks (thank you gas).

Her appointment is Saturday and I can't wait! I know she will be fine!

p.s.
You can really see the jaundice in the first picture from while we were still at the hospital, compared to a picture taken today. Yay for eating and pooping!!

40 Weeks - Our Birth Story

I have said this a lot on the blog, but, you read that right! Adelle June is here and she arrived right on her due date! Brian kept teasing me that if ANYONE were to have a child on their due date it would be me. I am not sure I agree with that but I am glad he gets a kick out of it! This is also why I have been MIA for a while.

Our Birth Story
On Friday, January 1st, I got up, ate, and checked my email as usual. I was waiting for Brian to get up as I sent out my last email - to my sister-in-law telling her I wasn't feeling anything. As soon as I hit the send button I got a pain in my back. Not a big deal because I'd had those before. I dinked around a little more and decided to brush my teeth. As I was getting to the bathroom my back started hurting again. I went to lay down with Brian instead and told him about it. We talked for a little bit and I got another pain. We both checked the clock and realized the pains were 10 minutes apart and that this is the same spot I get my cramps in during my period. OMG - I am having BACK LABOR?! Yikes!!


So we kept track of them for the next couple of hours and from 9:30a - 10:30a they were consistently 10 minutes apart. From 10:30a - 11:30a they were consistently 6 minutes apart!! I hadn't had contractions like this ever so I was surprised they were that consistent that early. I tried to get ready for the day as much as possible, telling Brian about the contractions the entire time. We called the doctor and he told us to come in and get checked.


After getting ready - and eating a bit - we got to Labor & Delivery around 12:30p (on Friday the 1st). They checked my cervix and I was still only 1.5cm dilated, high, and almost completely effaced! They kept me there to monitor me. They monitored me for a while and my contractions weren't too strong so I walked around with Brian and Maria, my little sister, for an hour or so and they checked me again. 2cm. Really? That's it? So after monitoring me again for a bit they told me to walk again. I did for another hour or so and they checked me again. Still 2cm. They called the doctor and then sent me home! I wasn't making progress. UGH!


As soon as we were going out of the driveway at the hospital I wanted to kick someone in the throat my contraction was so bad! How could they send me home in pain like this?! We got home, I took the sleeping aid my doctor gave me and for the next few hours Brian and I were giants in a Swiss chalet aka our bedroom. The sleeping pill my doc gave me made me hallucinate - great! The contractions remained 6 minutes apart and were considerably worse than before. Apparently, I went from snoring to writhing in pain then back to snoring all while Brian timed everything and stayed alert! Aww!


Around 9 or 9:30p on Friday the 1st we called the doctor again, described what was happening and that I couldn't stand the pain any more - my back felt like it was going to rip in two! He told us to come back in. We got there and they checked me right away - 4cm! They put the monitors back on and asked what I wanted for the pain. A little while later I got my epidural, along with something else, and was out of it for the rest of the time! No joke. I was sleeping through some REALLY bad contractions! I was also shaking pretty violently. I had to really concentrate on NOT shaking and needed the room pretty quiet in order to do so.


Around 12a or 1a on the 2nd they checked me again and I was about 7cm. We - Brian and Maria - called/texted our families. Within an hour everyone was at the hospital! Around 3:30a I was checked again and was 10cm and the nurse said, "Oh my. Your little Adelle is right there and has a beautiful head of hair!" WHAT! Oh my goodness! There was a part of me that was super excited and a part of me that was kind of scared for the next part.


I started to push around 4a. Since I was shaking so much, I was SUPER nauseous. So I had to stop a couple of times because I thought I was going to throw up. Thank goodness that was between contractions! After what felt like an eternity, my doctor came in around 5a. Adelle was having trouble getting past my tail bone so we decided to use a vacuum. They also informed me that while I had been pushing, she had pooped in the amniotic fluid. It wasn't there when my water broke so that was good, but she would still need to be checked out right away. This made me feel awful! I felt like it was my fault she pooped - because I couldn't push her out right away. Thank goodness that feeling went away with the next contraction.


At 5:21a Adelle came into the world!! Though they put her on my chest right away to clamp the cord, she was taken to the other side of the room and checked. Her APGARS were 8 and 9! Her lungs were clear! She weighed 7lbs 6oz. 21.5inches long and her head circumference was 13.5 even with a full head of brown hair! She was PERFECT!!




She was placed on my belly/chest while the doctor was finishing up whatever he needed to do with me - stitches and making sure everything was under control - and it was the most amazing feeling in the world! My little girl was here!


Euphoria!!


Brian was amazing! He was up almost a complete 24 hours making sure I was ok, timing contractions, keeping people informed, he was my everything - I couldn't have done it without him. Maria was great and made sure Brian was ok. Getting things for us/him, keeping him company since I was sleeping. I don't think he could have done it without her.


What a blessed way to start out the new year!!