One Week Old!

August 30, 2012: One week old (pensively staring at the dogs)

Dear Mae,

I can hardly believe that you are already a week old. It feels just like yesterday when you decided to make your arrival. I had no idea how much you would change my life in such a extraordinary way. But, in this short week my heart (and dad's too) have felt a love we never experienced before. All because of you little girl! 

Dad can't believe that you sleep so much, but enjoys looking at your beautiful face while you quietly slumber. Well, except when you let out your little fluffs all day every day. But, we appreciate a girl that knows how to get rid of her gas! This week Dad introduced you to his Sunday morning ritual of watching Manchester City, the best soccer team, play a game. Although they tied, he was happy he had you in his arms while cheering them on. 

You had a lot of visitors this week wanting to meet the new addition to our family. You got to meet Nina, Ricky, and Audrey one night when they came for dinner. I can't wait to see you play with Audrey when you get older. I know she will teach you about lots of cool stuff and be a great friend! Every visitor couldn't believe how sweet and calm you were the whole time. But, dad and I weren't surprised. We can already tell what a easygoing girl you are going to be. 

When guests weren't saying hello you enjoyed sleeping or looking around in your boppy lounger on the couch. We listened to some musical toys, played with rattles, read some books, and smiled at each other. JJ and Perry snuggled next to you on the lounger to keep you company. They even follow us into your room when you eat to lay on the rug next to us. I know they love you already! 

You went to your first doctor's appointment and handled it like a pro. You didn't like being nakies on the scale, but we already know how you like to be swaddled at all times- or else! The doctor said that you went from 7 pounds 6 ounces at birth to 6 pounds 9 ounces at our appointment. But, we came back the following day and you had already gained 3 ounces! While it feels like I feed you all day I am so glad your appetite had picked up (20ish minutes at a time!) and we get to spend time together gliding in the nursery, listening to lots of music on the i-pod cube. Bob Marley lullabies, The Horrible Crowes, and Neil Young have been our jammy jams this week. 

While we have been hanging in the glider dad has been such a big help around the house. He fills up mommy's awesome hospital mug with water so I stay hydrated, does the laundry, and changes your diapers to wake you up when you fall asleep during meals. I couldn't do it without him! He has become the swaddling extraordinaire and makes sure you are snug as a bug and content as can be. Everyone keeps saying how you look just like him. I am ok with that- daddy is handsome!

You have been sleeping between four to five hours at a time at night before you wake up to eat- your amazing! You suck on your hands to let me know it is time so I can feed you before you cry. Although I get tired sometimes, when your awake in the wee hours of the morning after eating I love to put on the tv and watch some shows with you in my arms. It's hard for me to put you down.

This has been one of the most life changing weeks of my life. Dad and I can't stop saying how blessed, happy, and in love we are with you. I can't imagine being without you. 

Love, 

Mom

One Week Stats

- Weight: 6 lbs 12 oz (Making a come back from birth weight of 7 lbs 6 oz)

- Height: 20 inches 

- Diaper Size: Newborn

- Clothing Size: Newborn

- Favorite toys/activities: Loungin in your boppy pillow on the couch, listening to your musical sea horse, hanging in your my little lamb swing, rocking with mommy in your glider listening to music, being in dads arms all swaddled up on the couch, vibrating in your pack and play with my little lamb playing

One Week Milestones

- First day at home: August 25, 2012

- First car ride: August 25, 2012

- First doctors visit: August 27, 2012

- First sponge bath at home: August 27, 2012 

My Hospital Stay & First Week Home

I got to meet a lot of new people the day after my arrival.
Here I am with grandma s. and nana.

I was a sleepy girl when grandma r. held me.

I slept through my first hearing test, but passed with flying colors!

My ten little fingers.

My ten little toes. 

                         

Time flew at the hospital and it was already Saturday and time to go home.

Dad buckled me in safely in my car seat and brought all of moms bags to the car.

My first elevator ride! Woohoo!

I slept most of my first car ride home. Dad is such a good driver! 

I took a little siesta in my crib when I got home. 

Then, dad and mom introduced me to the rest of my family. 

I thought I made silly faces. But, Perry takes the cake. 

It was a long few days and I was ready to relax in my in my jammies. 

Can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring! 

My Birth Story

Yes, I am finally here! I heard Mom choose a date for an induction on Friday so I knew I had to finally make an appearance, and do it sooner than later! I let mom and dad have one last day swimming in the pool and playing cards. Mom and dad ate dinner together and talked about what they would do the last day before my induction. Dad would get his head shaved, a nice meal at Columns.. but, I had other plans! Five minutes after they cleaned up dinner I let mom know I was on my way! She called the doctor at 8:50 pm and he told her to come down to the hospital to see is she was indeed in labor.

They ran around the house packing up final items in their bag, telling the neighbor to watch the dogs, and packing up the car. Mom was having a few contractions, but they weren't too bad and she gave dad the thumbs up on the way out.

When the doctor told mom she was in labor they brought her to the labor and delivery floor. The doctor recommended an epidural sooner than later but she wanted to wait it out as long as possible. After two hours the pain got really bad and she asked for one, but had to wait a  because there were two ladies ahead of her. She was in quite a lot of pain and tried bouncing on the ball, but nothing helped. Alas, she got an epidural and she was all smiles.

Then, mom and dad got some sleep. Later in the night the nurse came in and said her contractions were getting too far apart (7 minutes) and gave her some pitocin. She slept some more and when they checked next at 9:00 am she was ready to get me out! After the nurse got the a-ok I was out in 45 minutes! Here I am below seconds after I was born!

Mommy shed lots of tears of joy in those first minutes. I knew right away how much she loved me.

Daddy was smitten from first sight and was such a natural. 

An hour later grandpa m. showed up with some more of my family to say hello. Do you know I have a dimple right in the middle of my chin? Just like grandpa!

They wheeled me to the nursery to weigh me, take my temperature, and wash me off. Lots of other family came to visit, but I was still in the nursery at that time. I was sad to not see them, but knew we would meet someday soon.

Mommy gave dad a new Manchester City soccer jersey and matching soccer outfits for me to wear! I can't wait to watch lots of soccer games with him!

Dad gave mommy a beautiful necklace with my birth stone and initial on it. How sweet!

When I got back from the nursery I spent the rest of the day with my family. What a perfect end to my first day in this world!

Pleased as Punch...

to announce the birth of

Mae Grace

Born Thursday, August 23, 2012

11:04 am

7 pounds, 6 ounces

19 inches

Where are you little Miss Mae?

• More red leaf raspberry tea than I ever wanted to drink- check!
• Fresh pineapple for days- check!
• Jason rubbing reflexology points on my feet and legs that youtube promised would induce labor- check!
• Spicy rojo sauce from La Tapatia- check!
• Bumpy car rides, hitting all the potholes down Main Street in Asbury- check!
• Playing pictionary man and laughing so hard until my belly hurt- check!
• Getting a pedicure from the lady who is the reflexology expert- check!
• Longer walks than I was interested in (except Halloween stuff at HomeGoods)- check!
• All other crazy methods people suggested- check!

Five days late and we are still waiting. Perhaps you will come tomorrow on grandpa m.'s birthday or at least the doctor can shed some light on this at our appointment tomorrow. We are so ready to meet you little one!

My Nursery

      

Hello room!

I wonder if I will be a good sleeper for mom and dad. 

I can't wait to snuggle with my first doll my great grandma v. bought me!

Do I really have to wait until next summer to go in the pool? Boo!

Wow, I have a lot of pink clothes!

At least Dad bought me some sports apparel so I can root on the Redbulls with him!

Grandma r. and mom sure are crafty!

Headbands, socks, and shoes. Oh my!

I know Dad is manly enough to carry around my girly diaper bag.

All my bath stuff is a hoot!

I must be pretty amazing that I crafted all of these candy bags for the nurses at the hospital. 

When is my Birthday Going to Be?

It's a day past my due date, but I am still snug in mom's belly.  After the doctor gave mom and dad the news yesterday that I probably wouldn't be arriving that day, dad treated himself to a head shave and then took mom to a nice lunch in Keyport.  I let her and dad get one more bingo game in last night and guess what- he won!  I know mom is trying to employ all options to meet me sooner than later.  Red raspberry tea, long walks, pineapple.. but I am taking my grand old time.  She keeps wondering what doctor will be on call and if I will come on Grandpa's birthday.  Maybe all of the swimming in the pool she is talking about doing today will do the trick.  We will have to see...