Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Made it to two weeks!

These pretty tulips were waiting for us when we came home from the hospital. They were sent by my niece and nephew, Scout and A-Rob.

Wow! What a whirlwind of amazing craziness. Annika has been here two weeks now, and I am amazed everyday how much more in love with her I am every time I look at her. She is really, and I mean - really- a great baby. Doesn't fuss, likes to just hang with us when she's awake, goes to sleep on her own pretty well, and loves to cuddle. Who could ask for anything more? We are having some semi-annoying breastfeeding issues which we are resolving, thanks to some good advice from some dear mommy friends who are also very encouraging.

Victor and I are in the blissful state of new parent discombobulation. Routine? What routine?? Sleep? HUH? Both of us almost put diaper oinment on our toothbrushes (that would have been bad) and I have since moved the desitin to another part of the bathroom. Our first night at home was eventful around 3:30 in the morning. She was fed, changed, and warm -- and screaming! We didn't know what to do. I was panicking, afraid I was waking up the neighbors, and quickly moved her out to the living room. I started vigorously rocking her, and patting her back and then heard One. Tiny. Little. Sound. "Urp". She stopped crying immediately. One tiny bubble rocked our world. Now I'm much wiser...lol.

I'm learning the art of sleeping on demand when she sleeps. My dear sister Carolyn stayed up late last night to take the 1 AM feeding for me, which gave me 7 hours of sleep. She is such a lifesaver! My mom was down for almost 2 weeks starting the day before Annika was born. It was so nice to have her here for that time. She is, of course, smitten with her newest granddaughter. Carolyn is here this week and I want to thank Scout and A-Rob for loaning me their mommy. It's perfect timing, as Victor is back on a graveyard shift this week - the last for a really long time.

Here are some pictures from the last week.
Sleeping off a milk coma this morning.
In her ducky robe from great Grandma K, waiting for her first 'real' (non-sponge) bath. All she's missing is some OJ and the morning paper, right?
Cuddling with grandma A.And then there is George the Jealous, just as I called it. He's been needy and clingy since we brought the baby home, as well as leaving nasty grams on the bathroom rugs. He's since knocked that off, thankfully.
And then there is Osa, who has to be in the middle of everything I do with the baby. When I'm feeding her, she has to get right up next to us and snuggle in too. And then she 'mows' and complains when I try to move her. At least she's not jealous.

8 comments:

Stacy O said...

What a wonderful mom and sister you have to come help you out!! Sounds like you have been blessed with a fantastic little girl. And you are getting some sleep, woo hoo!!
Annika is just beautiful. Can't wait to meet her next month. You are doing great mom!

Jessica Zevely said...

Can I just tell you how absolutely jealous I am of you???? She's gorgeous! I'm in love. Seriously, she's too much! Congrats Kate!!! You are so blessed! :)

Wehunthouse said...

She really is beautiful, I thought Maddy was the most beautiful baby (mom bias, I guess) but Annika is a close second. I think if she were wrapped in a pink camo blanket it might just move her up. Well not really. :o) I am glad C is taking good care of you guys. Take advantage!!!

Jessica Zevely said...

I love the "sleeping off the milk coma" pic....her hair in a little faux hawk....AAAAH! I can't get over how cute she is!!!!

FlyingCats said...

I know, we're amazed how cute and just GOOD she is, considering her parents...lol. Thanks for the nice comments!!!

Davene said...

I am so glad that things are going well for you! These early days of motherhood can be "somewhat" emotional--at least, they were for me. :) But it sounds like you're doing great, and having people to lend a hand really helps, too.

Annika is a beauty! I like the milk coma, too. :)

Anonymous said...

She is just adorable! The breastfeeding takes some time...It took about 5 weeks with Gavin and a couple of weeks with Makenna. Hang in there!

Seven From Haiti said...

So, so, happy to read this news! Congrats on your beautiful daughter. Wish I lived closer as I am sure we could spend many a day doing the baby/kid thing together....:)Would love your mailing address so I can send you something.
~Naomi