Two Weeks and Growing

I just had to put a picture of me eating sushi after waiting nearly 10 months for it:). Daisy wanted some too! :)

Daisy's Stats Today: 21" long 7 pounds 11 ounces

Daisy is doing great! She is gaining weight, getting longer and continues to eat like a champ. She does have very mild jaundice, but the pediatrician said it should go away on its own in the next week or so and was not concerned about it. I had to temporarily supplement some formula into Daisy's diet this past week because she was so hungry. It upset me initially because it was not expected but, I have peace about it now thankfully and it might only be temporary. Wow, I typed all of that with one hand because Daisy was asleep in my left. I have them both now for a minute, woohoo!!

We are still working to get Daisy's days and nights on track and I think we are making baby steps of progress. Last night she woke up every 2 to 2.5 hours to eat and was pretty good about going back to sleep after wards which is a first for us. Two weeks of no sleep at night and horrible naps during the day was really wearing me ragged. It's all trial and error with a new baby because what works for one baby may very well not work for another. In spite of the exhaustion, I absolutely love being Daisy's mommy!! I love listening to her talk when she is awake, love watching her facial expressions when she is asleep, love comforting her when she is frustrated or hungry and just love getting to know my daughter and what makes her tick. I love looking at her fragile body and soaking up the fact that God wove her together in my womb and she is perfectly made by Him! She is a miracle that I get to enjoy everyday!

Joey has been so helpful with diaper changes (he probably does more than I do), he loves burping Daisy and hearing her loud belches:) What a guy right:). He was excited to go for a walk with me and Daisy on his lunch break yesterday and wanted to push the stroller. I think he takes a lot of pride in pushing his daughter around in her stroller and it is so cute to watch him. He has been preparing bottles for me, keeping our house tidy so that I stay sane and all the while working long days and getting very little sleep at night. He's a great Daddy and I want to make sure to give him credit where credit is due:-)

I am 27 now! Only 3 years to 30. Where did the time go? Yesterday was a rough day because Daisy only took 2 twenty minute naps all day and I was running on 3 hours of sleep from the night before so I was not a happy camper but, God is so gracious to sustain us new mamas and somehow I made it through. The truth is, I got the best birthday present in the whole world this year; a happy, healthy baby girl and I couldn't ask for more! Thank you Daisy for blessing my life with your presence!! xoxo

My Faves

I had every intention of doing an awesome newborn photo shoot with Daisy long before she was born. Since she has been born I have struggled to remember to even comb my hair let alone pull out a camera to capture cute memories. Shame on me eh. I'm bummed because I know I have passed the time frame that photographers generally do newborn photo shoots but, if I have a good energy day maybe I will still go for it...or I should say, if Daisy has a good day of solid sleep then maybe I will go for it:). These are my favorite pictures that I snapped over Daisy's first week home with us. I'm still trying to get a picture that shows how dark and gray her eyes are. We are really curious what color her eyes will end up being but, we are guessing either hazel like mine or brown like Joey. We shall see:). Joey's sister kindly snapped a few pictures of the 3 of us while she visited this week. Daisy fussed the entire time and I would have posted the rest of the series of pictures to crack you up but, that would have been a lot of pictures:).


Daisy went close to 3 nights without sleeping this week and as a result I had my first day of, "mom's are entitled to at least 3 million unexplained breakdowns" yesterday. My goal all day yesterday was to nap when Daisy napped but, she never napped more than 20 minutes and as soon as my head hit the pillow or the floor:) she was crying (loud) and my window of opportunity was gone. Daisy has been so fussy the past week or so and generally it is because she is hungry again and again and AGAIN. She LOVES to eat and has a huge appetite. Right now she is drinking a bottle that has the amount of milk that is suggested for most one month olds and I wouldn't be surprised if she wants more when it's gone. I'm going to have a cute chunky baby on my hands here pretty soon! lol. Anyways, her fussiness is also making sleep an impossibility at night and Friday night was horrible. I have tried so many different things that people have suggested but, nothing is working with Daisy. She fights sleep tooth and nail and then when she gets past her exhaustion point it seems she cannot return from that cranky place. So, last night I decided to try out a swaddling blanket that even has a couple velcro pieces to keep the baby from squirming out. Sounds awful but, I do think babies enjoy the security of being swaddled after months of being in the close quarters of the womb. I have loosely swaddled Daisy up to this point but, she never seemed to like having her arms pinned down and would scream in anger at me to release her. That being said I was quite nervous about trying out the baby straight jacket last night. Much to my surprise around 8:20 last night Daisy conked out in my arms while I was eating sushi...(yes, my first sushi dinner in almost 10 months!!!!) takeout. I seized the opportunity to swaddle her while she was TKO'd and she slept her first solid 4 hours in her bed without needing to be fed, adjusted, recovered, comforted etc. I slept while she slept and it was HEAVENLY!!! I fed her each time she woke up and then re-swaddled her which she didn't like when she was awake but, it does seem that we will get more solid sleep and so will Daisy when she is more securely swaddled. I will keep you posted on that.

The Little One's First Week of Life

Just a few pictures of Daisy over her first week. The car seat pictures are of Daisy at her first doctor's appointment this past Monday. The bouncer is still a little to big for Daisy and I'm not quite sure she likes it yet but, it gives us a chance to free up our arms for a minute or two:). The top pictures are of me and Joey and Wal-Mart with Daisy shortly after her doctor's appointment. The video was just too precious not to post. Daisy is fighting sleep like no other both day and night lately and she just feel asleep next to me on the couch so I'm going to take a quick shower...it's been a while and then take a nap myself. Wish me luck!! :)

Going Home From the Hospital With Daisy

Just trying to get a little caught up on pictures over here. I have so many more pictures and videos to post of Daisy over the past week (she is one week old today!) so hopefully I will get a little done here and there but, with the way Daisy and I sleep these days I don't know that I will get caught up for a while:). Last night Daisy and I got about 3.5 broken hours of sleep and I woke up a complete zombie today for the first time. Much to my surprise though, little miss Daisy blessed me with a two hour nap from 7:30-10 this morning and I was able to wake up feeling much more refreshed. Thanks Daisy girl:).

Going home from the hospital was such a relief! Don't get me wrong, the staff at our hospital was absolutely incredible. They were all so nice, helpful and patient and I loved that they genuinely cared about me and Daisy during our entire stay. On the flip side though having nurses come into the room every 30 minutes for two days straight and then in between nurse visits for me or for Daisy we had two pediatricians, our doctor, volunteers up the wazoo, nursery workers, lactation consultants, etc. and all that wore me ragged. On the last day as we were packing up our things I was trying to dress Daisy in her going home outfit and was wanting to take a few pictures of her really quick and we had probably 7 people come into the room in that last hour that needed to talk to me specifically and I just about lost it. Finally I just told the nurse that I really wanted to dress Daisy myself and take a few pictures of her and asked if I could do that for just 5 minutes and then I would give anyone who needed me my undivided attention. I think they realized that the post pregnant lady was about to break down so they backed off and gave us all some space. hehehe. As a result, you have these cute pictures of Daisy, Daddy and Mommy to enjoy:).

Daisy is one week old today. The week has flown by and Daisy is already much more alert than she was her first few days, which is to be expected. Her eyes are getting stronger and better at focusing on things and she seems to enjoy her awake time more now than she used to. We let Daisy lay under the Einstein activity center yesterday and that overwhelmed her senses for about 10 minutes which was so cute to watch and then she started falling asleep from it all. lol. We haven't really figured out what things Daisy really enjoys to look at or do but, we have lots of time to figure that out. Right now she is conked out on a fluffy couch pillow next to me and has been sleeping for the past 2 hours (yes, I should have taken a nap with her but, you know how that goes:) We also gave Daisy her first wash cloth bath last night and I have pictures of that to post also. Knowing how much babies tend to hate this type of bath because it is cold, Joey and I went out of our way to make it fast, calm and as warm for her as possible. She wasn't loving it by any means but, we kept warming her up and talking softly to her and somehow she got through it like a champ. She's awesome!

Labor Talk, Daisy's 1st checkup and other things

{for the record, I can't stand the pictures taken of me during my entire hospital stay but, I'm trying to get over it and am posting a couple of them anyways. I know I will be glad I did someday down the line}
A lot of you have been asking about how labor down went down, so I thought I had better jot down my thoughts while it is still fresh in my memory. If you have any questions just let me know and I will get back to you on it as soon as I can.

Delivery day:

-not sure starting the induction at 6:30 AM was an ideal time because I probably could have benefited from a little more R& R time in my own bed before starting a super, duper long day of exhaustion. I might not have slept well the night before the induction but, I slept better then than I have since little Miss Daisy joined us (not surprising:)

-Joey was awesome! He blogged better than I could have imagined and I'm sure you would all agree:). The videos were all his idea and I'm so glad he took them and posted a couple because they are such a treat to look back on now. Joey stayed quiet and calm all day for me (that is how I cope best with pain and fatigue) even though the day was super long for both of us and I'm sure he was feeling antsy. He brought his Ipod and we listened to worship music and Enya quietly in the background all day long. That was wonderful! He got me anything I needed when I needed it and was there to wait on me hand and foot. I have never seen Joey as concerned and upset as he was when I was suffering through labor without pain relief. He says that was the roughest part of the day for him because he felt so helpless the entire time. I feel very blessed to have such a rockin' hubby!

-We were blessed with lots of visitors. Thank you to everyone who stopped by as well as to those who couldn't come by but, sent us encouraging text messages and phone messages throughout our stay. You were all there in spirit!! Joey's mom, Sister, Aunt and two Uncles and Great Grandparents were first on the scene. Our neighbor friends and folks from church visited as well as the other 3 families who had their babies recently (I like to call us the 4 pack:). Thanks everyone!

-I will never make my self suffer through a bad epidural again!! I suffered long and in silence because I was afraid to sound like I wasn't tough enough or like I was complaining. If contractions were centralized in a left leg or a left booty I would have had an amazing labor but, I could feel everything else 100% and I shook intensely through every contraction honestly more out of pain than the epidural effects. Finally, a bit after 5:30 PM or so, I broke down and began sobbing when Joey leaned down and asked me how I was doing. So glad I have a hubby that helps me to stand up for myself! The next time the nurse walked in to check me, Joey and I both told her that I was in excrutiating pain and that the epidural hadn't been working right from the get go. She noticed that I was really flushed, red and hot, so she also checked my cervix and at this point I was already dilated past 8. They hadn't checked me in a couple of hours so she seemed very surprised that I had progressed that much. She immediately upped my epidural considerably and within 20 minutes I was no longer able to feel the contractions (I was in HEAVEN!!) and all I wanted to do was sleep...but, then just like that at a bit after 6 it was time to push. I was having dizzy spells and seeing stars from the intensity of the epidural, exhaustion combined with pushing but, the nurses and doctor's were fantastic and encouraged me kindly and patiently through the entire pushing process. Seriously, they were amazing coaches and made the super long, painful day all worth it and kept me focused to the very end. Joey held up my left leg up for me since I couldn't feel it (until 3 AM the next morning!) and was a wonderful, amazing support and encourager as well! He never got woozy and stayed very attentive to the process the entire time which surprised me. Way to go Joey!! :)

-I pushed for about an hour and a half but, that pace was perfect for me since I was sooooo tired at this point and also super drugged. The nurses were great about going slow to help minimize tearing and to give me the chance to rest between each set of pushes and I am so grateful to them for that. The hour and a half flew by to be honest. I know the epidural had a lot do with that but, I was so motivated by the fact that after 40 loonnnnggg weeks, our baby girl could be in my arms any minute! It felt surreal!

-I used a mirror to help encourage myself through the pushing phase and I am so glad that I did. I used to think that would be weird or gross but, all I cared about was seeing my little girl come out healthy and strong and the mirror gave me that motivation. As soon as I saw her coming through I had renewed strength and it gave me all the umph that I needed for the last handful of pushes.

-Pretty much immediately after her birth, they placed Daisy on my chest and immediately I felt a whole slew of over powering emotions race through me. I had felt so little of that emotion during my pregnancy mostly because of hormones but, also because it is hard for me to get excited about things until they staring me in the face (literally in this situation:). The second I saw my baby girl's beautiful body, heard her first gasp and cry for air, saw her helpless body...ohhhh, words cannot sum up that moment or those feelings. It was absolutely life changing all in one instant. I love her SO much!!! I know Joey was feeling the same thing because he was crying and shaking from his excitement. In one of the videos he filmed I can hear him crying in the background and it is priceless to me. Daisy loved had us hooked from the second we laid eyes on her!

All in all in spite of the unwarranted, horrific pain that I dealt with, the length of the laboring and the recovery that I am now going through...I would honestly choose labor over 40 weeks of unpleasant pregnancy. The 40 weeks of pregnancy were SO tough for me but, truth be told...as all women say, I would do it again for the miracle of life.

I am definitely hurting today, probably more so than any day since I left the hospital. I haven't been very diligent about taking my pain meds so that could be why and I am not very good about relaxing or taking it easy. I'm working on taking better care of myself though it's just a learning process even for me.

Daisy updates:

Daisy does not sleep at all at night but, I really can't complain because she is a wonderful baby. She just thinks that night time is from 3 to 10 PM....she is about to wake up as I am typing this at 9:50 PM. I have tried everything in the books to wake her during this time...undressing her, blowing in her face (gently of course), talking to her, taking her outside, letting the house be loud around her etc...but, she is in 100% coma mode. It is a work in progress and I know it will get much better in time. Don't get me wrong, I am SO wiped out but, it is all very worth it! I expected all these things thanks to friends who we have learned so much from, so nothing is really surprising me and though I am beyond exhausted at night when Daisy is wide awake and even more wiped out all day (hence why many of you haven't heard from me much yet..sorry about that:( I am loving and I mean LOVING every second I get to spend with Daisy. Even at 2, 3, 4, 5 etc. AM in the morning I can't get enough of talking to her, watching her cute little expressions change, kissing her feet and her soft cheeks and soaking up every moment of undisturbed time I get. Knowing that I have to go back to work in 7 short weeks is a great motivator for me to soak this time up like no other and I am doing just that. I am trying to become a better napper to get through this sleepless season, so if you don't hear back from my right away that is probably where I'm at. I love all your calls, text messages, FB messages and blog comments so please know that I will get back to you as soon as I get a free minute and look forward to catching up.

Daisy is BEAUTIFUL!!! I have seen many a pretty baby in my days but, to see one that is ours and that I get to stare at each and every day is such a treat:). lol. I see a lot of Joey but, also a bit of me in her so it will be hard to tell who she will look more like until she gets a bit older. Joey loves cuddling with Daisy, has changed more diapers than I have and loves kissing her face all over. I love seeing how she turns her head when she hears his or my voice in a room:). Daisy does not like having her diaper changed at this point and that is one time we can count on her getting fussy, granted I wouldn't like cold wipes on my bum either! We have remedied this by giving her a pacifier and it generally works well. I am a big fan of pacifiers for the record:). She is also a ravenous eater and has nursed like a pro since day one. I am so thankful that nursing has been going so well because I was actually expecting to have more difficulties in this area and I really to love the bonding time that nursing provides a mom and a baby. Things could still change but, Daisy came out of the womb sucking her fist so I'm hoping she keeps it up.

Daisy weighed 7 pounds 6.5 ounces at birth, was down to 7 pounds 1 ounce when we left the hospital and today at her "one" week appointment she was already back up to 7 pounds 7 ounces!!! Yeah!! Way to go Daisy:) Everything else went great at Daisy's checkup. She is healthy and progressing just as she should so all praise to Jesus for that! She pooped on our way to the appointment and while Joey was changing her diaper in the waiting room, Daisy peed everywhere...I mean everywhere. It was pretty funny. :-) She was well fed at the start of the checkup so she didn't cry at all and was such a champ while the Dr. poked and prodded at her. I was one proud mama! Oh, and filling out Daisy's paperwork as her "mom" for the first time was so weird! I know I am Daisy's mom but, my hand seems to disagree. I'm sure this will only take another form or two but, for now it is still sinking in that this little girl is ours at the end and start of everyday:). What a treat!

After Daisy's checkup today (4-3-2010) Joey and I decided to head over to Wal-Mart for our first official outing. I needed to get Daisy some more hand covers and a few other little things. First we ate at Subway in Wal-Mart and Daisy started to get fussy just as we sat down with our sandwiches (how are babies so smart?). I took her out of her car seat and we took turns holding her so we could finish eating. I held her the rest of the time while we walked around Wal-Mart and she was as happy as could be. So was I to be honest;). It was wonderful to get out on a warm North Carolina day and soak up the Spring beauty with my hubby and our new baby.

Sorry that this was so long but, since I haven't gotten to talk to many of you yet I thought this might be a nice way to at least stay somewhat informed on how things are going down over yonder. To be continued....:)

Teaser

I have lots of adorable pictures to post and lots of things to say but, I think I might just be catching my first opportunity to grab a quick nap and I'm going to take it:). I'll be back soon though I promise:). It's SO good to be home from the hospital!!

Much Overdue Daisy Pictures

Hi faithful blog readers:). Yesterday's labor was far longer than we expected and after Daisy was born we had visitors stop by and the usual non-stop nurse checkups and when it was all over, it was past 1 AM for us and we were beyond wiped out. I am so sorry that I was unable to post pictures of Daisy yesterday. I know that I have waited on edge for other mamas to post their pictures but, I guess Joey and I completely over estimated our energy levels after starting labor at 6 AM. Here are a few pictures of our Daisy girl to hold you over and I promise I will post more when we get home.

Daisy is beyond perfect and beautiful in every way! I can't get over her tiny lips, eyes, nose, hands and feet. She has a mix of Joey and me in her and I just want to gobble her up!! OH my gosh I could go on and on about how much I love and adore our little girl but, I will do that in another post because yet again I am running out of time and I have to get going. Joey is currently curled up on the couch in our hospital room with Daisy snuggled up beside him and this is really his first time getting to hold and bond with her since she was born! I love watching him admire his daughter. Priceless!

I will post lots more updates and stories very soon. Just not feeling so great today. We LOVED all of your comments and they got us through a very long and exhausting day yesterday so thank you:)!! Daisy says hi and sends her "Love" xoxo