Three Weeks

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Kristen

Monday, May 25, 2015

I am 3 weeks old today!

This week I…

Lost a little bit of hair–I still have my swirl though!
Have some baby pimples–they make me even cuter:)
Daddy reads me “Goodnight Moon” before bed and sometimes we have staring contests if I’m having trouble falling asleep
Give good eye contact and follow people with my eyes
I love being naked when I’m getting my diaper changed–I’m super alert and love kicking and waving my arms around
Starting to nurse for longer periods each time (10-20 minutes) and often–about every 1.5 hours
I still go to bed around 12:00am and wake up around 2:30am and 5:30am to nurse, and then go back to sleep til around 8:30am
Had two baths in my baby bathtub!
Started having a little bit of reflux last week so mommy & daddy put my bassinet pad on an incline and keep me upright for awhile before laying me back down to sleep after eating
Cry when I’m hungry or gassy and sometimes when I just want to be held
Love taking naps on Mommy & Daddy’s chest
Typically most alert 1-3 hours before bedtime
I smile a lot when I’m sleeping and even sometimes when I’m awake:)
I get the hiccups often–just like in Mommy’s tummy
Mommy & Daddy love my many facial expressions and cute baby noises I make

Here are some photos from the week!

5/18/15

My 2 week old photo!

Sad face:(

My first taste of pacifier

5/19/15

Good morning!

Bundled up for a chilly walk at the park

Visiting grandma & grandpa

Thumb sucker:)

Strike a pose!

5/20/15

Naked baby!

Sleepy mouse

One of my favorite nap spots

Playing with my animal blocks

First bath in my baby tub!

I was fine until they took me out of the warm water

Clean baby:)

5/21/15

Excited to meet my other grandma and grandpa today!

I love my grandma:)

And my grandpa!

The pacifier lasted one minute before I spit it out

Bedtime

5/22/15

Up late with Daddy having a staring contest

Sleeping in the next morning–today was Buddy’s birthday so he was finally allowed up on the bed again

Napping before the big day ahead–I went to Mommy’s school to meet her class on their last day of 2nd grade!

Another nap before all the grandparents come over for dinner

All dressed up!

Keeping an eye on that grandpa…

My favorite bedtime story after a long, busy day

5/23/15

All dressed up to go to my Great Aunt Kathy’s house to meet more of Daddy’s side of the family

Sophia and Alexa were fascinated by me!

Wearing one of cousin Liam’s outfits that he passed down to me:)

5/24/15

Where are my hands?

Brunch with the grandparents before they left to go back to Florida–love my grandmas and grandpas!!

Another nap with Daddy

Second bath in my big girl tub!

Snuggle baby:)

Two Weeks

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Kristen

Monday, May 18th, 2015

I am 2 weeks old today!

Here are some memories from my second week:

5/12/15

Just hanging out in the Mamaroo (it’s not on though–I’m still deciding how I feel about it:)

Taking a nap at Grandma and John’s house where I met Uncle Les and Yvonne for the first time.

Taking some pics with Mommy to send to Daddy who was in Chicago for work–we missed him while he was away!

5/13/15

Looking adorable in my Lil Joey’s:)

Dressed for the day!

First walk in the park! (although I did come here many times in Mommy’s tummy:)

5/14/15

Daddy dressed me like a starfish for bed last night. Mommy doesn’t particularly like this look.

Trying out my wrap carrier for the first time–it puts me right to sleep and I make a cute purring sound while Mommy carries me around the house in it (Buddy wants to try it out, too).

My Social Security card came today!

5/15/15

Sleepy bear:)

Bathtime! Another sponge bath–next time I’m going to take a bath in my baby tub.

5/16/15

Took a nap in the Mamaroo (with it turned on this time–I like the “rock-a-bye” setting the best so far) while Mommy made dinner.

5/17/15

Chicklet:)

Taking a break after some serious tummy time on my new play mat.

Mommy loves how cute I look in my kickee pants nightgown:)

This week I…

Sleep most of the day and I’m more active at night before bed (typically)
Nurse approxiamtely 13 times per day, usually between 5-20 minutes (about 10 minutes the majority of the time)
I eat before bed around 11:30-12:00 and then wake up between 2:30-3:30, then again between 5:30-6:30, and then usually sleep until at least 8:30ish.
I make a lot of sounds–chirping, growling like a grizzly bear, purring when I’m napping
I get the hiccups frequently
Mommy loves the smell of my milk breath:)
I cry more often–usually when I’m hungry or need to be burped (usually Mom & Dad can figure out what I need)

One Week

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Kristen

Monday, May 11, 2015

I am one week old today!

To celebrate turning one week old, I have a new belly button! My umbilical cord stump fell off while I was sleeping and Mommy found it when she was changing me this morning.

Here are some more pictures from today (just because I’m so cute):

My First Week

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Kristen

Monday, May 4, 2015

Today was my birthday!

I came into the world with a bang on May 4th, 2015 at 10:25am. Daddy cut my cord and then I was placed on Mommy’s chest skin-to-skin to help me feel safe and loved as I made my transition from the womb to the world. I even tried out nursing for the first time–I was a natural!

I got to meet my Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Max for the first time.

Eventually a nurse took me for awhile so she could listen to my heartbeat, weigh and measure me, and take my footprints.

Then I got my first bath! I didn’t really like it, but Daddy stayed by my side so I knew everything was alright.

All cleaned up and dressed in my very first outfit.

Then Daddy FINALLY got to hold me for the first time!

Shortly after that, we were moved to a room in the Mother-Baby Unit so we could relax and spend some time as a family (aside from many visits from the nurses). Mom and Dad had classical music playing for me all day while I napped and cuddled with them.

Visitors on My First Day:

Aunt Kelly and my cousins Molly and Colin
Aunt Jessica, Greg, and cousin Liam
Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Max, and Aunt Lindsey came again that evening too

My First Night:

The nurse came in on and off throughout the night to check on me and mom but other than that I slept really well. I nursed before bed around 11:30pm, and then woke up around 1:45am to nurse, and then I slept straight through to 6:30am.

Nursing:

I am a natural! I nursed between 20-45 minutes each time and I didn’t have any trouble latching on.

Things Mom and Dad Love About Me Already:

The chirping sound I make that sounds like a little chicklet
The way my breath smelled sweet like candy/cantaloupe when I was born
My big, bright, beautiful blue eyes that already look around so alertly
My baby smell
How I’m a hungry bear and had no problems with latching on
How cute, happy, and absolutely perfect I am
EVERYTHING

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Today I turned one day old!

Just waking up

I woke up very hungry and ready for Mommy to feed me.

Sorry, I just look so cute when I’m nursing!

Today was full of checkups: I had my hearing tested (which I passed with flying colors!), had a blood test, and Dr. Nicastro came to visit with me. So far I am a very healthy girl!

Visitors Today:

Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Max, Aunt Lindsey, Aunt Jessica, Greg, and Liam
Uncle Matt and Molly
Mommy’s coworkers: Kristin, Becca, and Amy

Around 6:30, Dr. Meadows (the doctor that was going to be there for my birth if I hadn’t come so fast!) came in to check on us and tell us that we could leave today if we wanted, she just had to go follow up with the nurses. This was very good news for Mommy & Daddy–they couldn’t wait to bring me home!

It took awhile for the nurses to get confirmation from Dr. Nicastro to let us leave, but finally around 9:00 after following the checkout protocols, we were able to leave!

Ready to go home!

We arrived home around 10:25pm (similar to the time I was born, but p.m.) and Mommy and Daddy were so happy and excited to start our new life as a family of three:)

My first night in my bassinet. Goodnight!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

I’m 2 days old today!

I had a great first night at home. I nursed before bed around 12:00am, then again at 2:20am, 5:00am, and then I slept until almost 8:00. Sleepy baby!

Good morning!

Morning snuggles with Mommy and Daddy.

First Doctor Appointment

We headed out at 1:00pm for my first doctor appointment with Dr. Shaw.

Dr. Shaw was very gentle with me. My weight was 7 lbs. 4 oz., which was only 3 oz. less than my birth weight. Dr. Shaw said my weight exceeds expectations, as many babies lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days. I had no signs of jaundice and my heart and lungs sounded nice and strong. Dr. Shaw said I’m a healthy girl!

Back at home I tried out the Mamaroo for the first time for just a few minutes. I’m not sure how I feel about it yet–maybe when I’m a little bit older.

A little later, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Max and Kristy, and Aunt Jessica, Greg, and Liam stopped by for a visit.

And I got to meet my older brother, Buddy!

It was a great first day at home!

Thursday, May 7, 2015

I’m 3 days old today!

I spent a little time outside for the first time!

Then it was time for cuddles with Mommy.

Time for an afternoon nap!

There’s those big blue eyes:)

Ready for bed!

Friday, May 8, 2015

I’m 4 days old today!

I look so cute when I wake up in the morning:)

Snuggling with Daddy:)

Lounging on my elephant mat

Snuggling with Mommy

Waking up from an afternoon nap

Before my first bath sponge bath ath home–I look a little worried

My first sponge bath–I don’t think I like being wet…

All clean and ready for bed!

Saturday, May 9, 2015

I’m 5 days old today!

Today Pat came over for my first photoshoot.

Here are some of my best shots:

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Happy Mother’s Day to my Mommy! I am the best gift she has ever received and she feels incredibly blessed to be my Mommy.

Today I am 6 days old!

Resting up for our first family walk!

First time trying out my new stroller!

It was hot and humid during our first walk but I did really good (I slept through most of it:)

Then Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Lindsey, and Uncle Max came over for lunch to celebrate Mother’s Day.

I am so lucky to have a family that loves me so much!

Dear Scarlett,

We are so blessed to call you our daughter. You are perfect in every way and we love you so much! Your first week was the best week of our lives and we know there are so many more wonderful weeks to come with you, little one.

She’s got a smile it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky
Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that special place
And if I’d stare too long
I’d probably break down and cry

Oh, oh, oh
Sweet child o’ mine
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Sweet love of mine

She’s got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain
Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
Where as a child I’d hide
And pray for the thunder
And the rain
To quietly pass me by

Oh, oh, oh
Sweet child o’ mine
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Sweet love of mine

~Guns ‘N Roses

Scarlett’s Birth Story

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Kristen

Scarlett Rose

Born May 4, 2015 at 10:25am

7 lbs. 7 oz.

20 inches

I woke around 3:30am on the morning of May 4th (two days past my “guess date”) with period-like cramping. My first thought was that this might be the day we meet our baby girl. There had been a few days here and there leading up to my due date where I felt really “off” and thought that maybe it meant that baby girl was going to make her arrival. However, on those occasions I didn’t feel ready, and instead felt anxious and even a little scared. Throughout my pregnancy, I always thought that when it was truly her time to come I would know because I would feel very calm and happy—and that is exactly how I felt that morning.

I got up to use the bathroom to see if maybe it was just an upset stomach, but when I got back in bed the cramps remained, though still pretty mild at this point. Justin got up to use the bathroom and when he came out I said, “I’m having some cramping…I think this could be it.” “I was just dreaming that we were at the hospital getting ready to meet her,” Justin said, and he seemed just as calm and happy as I felt. “Just go back to sleep for now,” I said. A little after 4:00am I started timing the cramps which were getting a little stronger. To my surprise, they were coming every 1-2 minutes and lasting about a minute. I stayed in bed until about 4:30 and then decided to get up because it was becoming more uncomfortable to lay in bed. I decided to take a hot shower, figuring I would have plenty of time to get ready before leaving for the hospital (I wanted to stay home as long as possible to avoid laboring for hours at the hospital). Little did I know how fast everything would happen. I texted my mom and Jessica, saying “Scarlett says: Well fiddle-dee-dee, I think I’ll come today!” (a tribute to Scarlett O’Hara:) I turned on my Hypnobabies Birthing Day Affirmations CD while getting ready, which turned out to be interesting. I had to keep switching positions while trying to put on my makeup—kitchen table, exercise ball, and finally the chair in the living room where Buddy kept jumping up to try to console me—he knew something was up! I had to keep stopping while putting on my mascara to “turn my lightswitch off” (a Hypnobabies technique) to get through the contractions, which were still coming about every 2 minutes it seemed. Trying to curl my hair was even more fun—I had to stop every 1-2 minutes to drape myself over the bed and try to breathe through the pain, and at one point I even threw up. I realized that things seemed to be progressing a lot faster than I had anticipated and knew we needed to leave soon. I struggled through the last few curls, got dressed, grabbed my iPad to listen to Hypnobabies in the car, and we were out the door a little after 7:00am. Poor Buddy tried to follow us out—he was very distraught and worried about his mom.

The drive to the hospital was miserable—the Poplar Street Bridge was down to two lanes due to construction, and on top of that it started to rain, so it took us about an hour to get to the hospital. I listened to my Birthing Guide CD all the way to the hospital while I writhed in pain, still about every 1-2 minutes. The starting and stopping of the car moving through the traffic did not help matters. When we finally arrived at the hospital a little after 8:00, Justin parked in the parking garage and I told him I was unable to walk in, that he would have to go get a wheelchair. I immediately turned around on my knees with my head cradles in my arms on the seat, trying to find any position that made the pressure waves more bearable. Justin came back shortly after that and pulled around to the entrance where to my surprise Max was waiting with a wheelchair (he had been on his way back to Mizzou when mom called him to tell him I was in labor—he turned around and arrived at the hospital 40 minutes before us). Since I was concentrating so hard on my CDs the checking in process was pretty much a blur—I sat there and listened to my iPad while Justin answered all the questions.

Around 8:30, we were then taken to a triage room because supposedly none of the L&D rooms were available at the moment. Right when we got in the room, I proceeded to throw up the two bites of pear I had eaten in the car. A couple nurses came in and had me change into the lovely hospital gown and then checked my cervix for dilation. They asked if I wanted to know and I was hesitant but she said it was good so I let her tell me, only to find out I was only around a 4-5—I was certain I was farther along than that. After that I spent most of my time in that room (which was for over an hour) dropping to my hands and knees on the floor trying to get through each wave. They tried to give me a saline lock and I asked if I really had to, as there was no way I could be still long enough for them to put a needle in me. They said I could wait until I got upstairs if I wanted (which me dropping to the floor in pain again I think was answer enough). I tried out the birthing ball for awhile, as the nurse said it can help with back labor—which I was having to the extreme. Ultimately, the ball wasn’t doing it and I commenced to my all-fours position with Justin massaging my back through each wave. They hooked me up to the monitor which made things very difficult as I could not stand to lay still on my back and had to keep moving around even with all these straps attached to me. At one point the nurses left for longer than 20 minutes, leaving me on the stupid monitor at which point Justin and I both started questioning whether I was going to have this baby in this room. I remember saying multiple times that I don’t know how much more I could take. It seemed as though I had completely skipped over early first stage and had been in active labor from the beginning. The contractions kept coming every 1-2 minutes making it extremely hard to use the techniques I had learned through the Hypnobabies program.

Finally around 9:45 a nurse came in to take us to our room. As Justin wheeled me through the halls, we passed by my parents and Max waiting and all I could say was “This sucks”. When we got in the room, Justin started filling up the tub but I had a feeling I wouldn’t be needing it. When the nurse checked me she said I was about 6-7 cm dilated, which was discouraging—I didn’t know how much more I could take. I got on all fours on the couch, yelling “Ahhh” through each contraction and sobbing in between while Justin continued to do all he could to console me, rubbing my shoulders and back and saying “relax” over and over. It wasn’t long before I started to have pushy sensations with each contraction. I told the nurse that I felt like pushing and she didn’t seemed too concerned or like there was any sense of urgency—“We can check you and see if you’re ready,” she said. It got so unbearable that I felt like giving up and I told Justin to tell the nurse that I wanted an epidural—another huge sign that I was in the transition stage. The nurse said “Let’s go ahead and check you again before you say that, I think you are probably close.” I slowly struggled over to the bed but didn’t quite make it as I was overtaken yet again by another debilitating contraction, and once again, dropped to all fours on the floor by the bed. I had about 2 more powerful contractions, pushing with each one because that is what my body was telling me to do, whether the nurse said I was ready or not. On the second contraction/push on the floor my water broke all over the floor—that’s when I knew I should move up to the bed. The nurse checked me and said I was ready (no kidding) and then she left my side to I assume alert the doctor that I was getting close. I tried lying on my side and lifting my leg—a position I had read was good for pushing—but my leg started cramping up so I returned to my tried and true position of the day, hands and knees. Justin continued to rub my shoulders and then I felt the strongest contraction yet, using the force of it to push, and suddenly it felt like her head was crowning “I think she’s coming!” I said. Then came the most powerful wave of all, and using the strength behind it I gave one more strong push and Miss Scarlett made her grand entrance to the world right onto the bed! (there was no doctor (or nurse for that matter) present to catch her). It was incredibly surreal hearing her sweet little cry and seeing her little legs and umbilical cord from between my legs as the hospital staff came running. I was trying to get a look at her face when the nurse told me to carefully turn around onto my back and they brought her to me:

And that face. The moment that I saw her face was the very best moment of my life and I know that with her here now there are many more moments like that to come.