Princess Spit-up

Gracie has a new parlor trick- spitting up. What fun! I know it is normal and all that, but LORD help me with the laundry issue. That stuff does NOT come out! I now know why babies outgrow clothes so fast- because they ruin them at the same rate! All you moms to be out there- enjoy your newborn wearing clean clothes while you can, because I'm telling you, after 3 weeks, the clothes they fit into (which for Gracie amounts to not many) are all going to be stained. That baby detergent isn't cutting it. I've got to get some stain stuff. And the stuff that comes out of her is disgusting. I've done everything I'm supposed to: making sure to burp her (though usually she won't burp before she spits up), not overfeeding her, putting her on the incline sleeper... She does do better on her side than on her back. It is SO frustrating- I finally get her fed, diaper changed, clean clothes on, she's sleepy- then I lay her down and not 2 minutes later she's got slimy spit-up on her, on her clothes, in her bed... And I've got to haul her out, clean her up, change her clothes (usually change her diaper AGAIN), clean out her bed, calm her down again. It's like an unending cycle. I sure hope this phase is over soon.

A road trip

Randy had to go up to Elkton, VA to his jobsite this week to get some stuff done. He needs to be here most of the week. I did NOT want to be by myself all week. So- we packed up half of our house and Gracie and I came along for the ride! Yes, we are certifiably crazy. But it has gone really well. We're staying at an extended stay place with a full kitchen (even has a dishwasher!) and it isn't too much different from home, since we tended to stay in the bedroom anyway. The hard part was packing all of Gracie's stuff in the car- but we did it! We brought her co-sleeper, and I don't think she has any idea that we are not home. We brought food and stuff, too. Randy's jobsite is 15 minutes away, so we've gotten to see him way more than we were even at home, which is nice.

So, we're here until Thursday, just chillin'. I have internet, TV, a DVD player and a wee child to keep me busy. Not bad for a first road trip...

It be cold...

Cold outside (I think the high today was only 38 degrees!), cold inside... Our house has a huge vaulted ceiling in the living room, and also over our entryway. All the warm air goes straight up there, leaving the first floor very drafty and chilly. We have the heat turned way up (can't wait to see our power bill this month), and a space heater that we tote around with us from room to room, to keep Gracie warm. Still, all the heat escapes. It sucks.
I had to drag Gracie out in the cold today for a trip to the post office. Let me tell you what an idiot our mail carrier is: Gracie's photos that we ordered from the hospital were delivered the other day. They were in an envelope that clearly stated "Baby photos enclosed- DO NOT BEND". So guess what? Yep, the dummy folded and crammed the envelope (about 10"x 13") into our mail box (about 8" x 10"). RUINED the photos. That I paid $40 for!!! I was livid. I talked to a guy at our local post office station, and he said to bring the envelope/pics to them and talk to the supervisor. I did that today, and they were very nice (strange for the post office, huh?) and told me they would reimburse me, because it was NOT acceptable for the carrier to do that, and that he/she would be disciplined. YES! I'm glad I did not have to throw a conniption fit at them.
Gracie had a rough day yesterday (well, we both did). She had gone quite a while without pooping, and she was very cranky. Plus, I think because she was a bit backed up, she projectile vomited formula on me and halfway across the room! She had eaten more than she usually does, and I guess had reached her limit. When they say you'll know the difference between vomit and spit-up, they are NOT kidding. This was reminiscent of the Exorcist! Luckily, she hasn't done that again, and she did FINALLY poop last night. Boy, talk about a full diaper. Power to the Pampers company for making diapers that can contain all that. She was fussy all day. Until Daddy got home- of course, all he has to do is pick her up and she goes RIGHT to sleep on his chest. Can't wait until she's a teenager daddy's girl... We've had a great day, today, though. Calm, and I was able to get some stuff done (working on birth announcements). At least it is Friday!

A long day

First of all, I want to say that I am really sad about the death of Heath Ledger. He was one of my favorite actors, and such a good guy. It is hard to imagine that his daughter will never really know him, and to never see his talent in another film as well. RIP.

Now- we had a long day. According to the info our pediatrician's office gave us, it is ok for us to take Gracie out in her stroller/carseat at this point, for short trips. She LOVES her stroller, and riding in the car (if you can call immediately falling asleep love...) and Randy and I wanted to check out the local BJ's club today, so we packed her up and took her with us. It is sooo nice to get out of the house. We ate lunch at a real restaurant (she was awake and looking around the whole time!), I dropped Randy off at work to get a few things done and Gracie and I went to Target for a bit. We survived our first public diaper change- I had to think a moment about how *I* was going to go to the bathroom with her in her stroller (we didn't fit into a stall), but luckily Target has a "family" bathroom, so I made use of that. Then we picked Daddy up and went on to BJ's, which does have good deals on baby stuff, so we joined up. Got some diapers and formula. I can't change that kid's diaper without using at LEAST 2 diapers- she pees as soon as either I wipe her, or as soon as I get the new diaper on!!!
I also bought a sling carrier today, called a Hotsling (it was on clearance at Target for $9.00!!!). It sure is pretty, and it works pretty well. It sort of swallows her now since she's so teeny, so I have to be careful that the fabric stays out of her face, but I know I will use it more when she gets bigger.
So we got home, Gracie got fed, got a bath (she hates baths!) and is now sleeping like, well, like a baby! I bet we have a quiet night...

More of my pics from yesterday

This blog is turning into a veritable brag book of baby shots... oh well!

Ok, mom, I'm already bored with this!!

Bright light! Bright light!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

My feet- let me show you them...

Eh?

Squeeeeee!

I was experimenting with Erika's method of taking pics with a blanket draped on the couch as a backdrop, and even though this one doesn't have the benefit of the backdrop in place, it sure as hell turned out cute!!!!

I'll post some more shots later when I have 2 hands... =)

Doctor visits all around

We had a morning of doctor visits. Gracie had a weight check appt. that turned into an early 2 week check up. She's doing just fine! She's back up to her birth weight, which is good. She goes again at one month. No shots until 2 months, though- I'm gonna need a sedative for that appointment!
Then I got to go to the dr, as I seem to have acquired a UTI (feeling your pain, Kelly!). Lovely. Not unexpected, though. She checked everything out and I'm healing fine, and she put me on Cipro for the UTI.
At the risk of receiving death threats, I have to report that I have lost all my pregnancy weight (all whopping 12 pounds of it) plus 2 more pounds. That's right, folks, I now weigh LESS than I did before I got pregnant. Thank you, Gracie! I would really like to try to keep losing, as I seem to have a good start. I have discovered that my gall bladder issue seems to have resolved itself. It must be glad to be back in its original position, because I've been eating whatever and haven't had any more attacks. Phew! I want to try to continue the low-fat diet, and once Gracie gets old enough for the nursery at the Y, I'd like to be able to get back into working out some, or even just walking with Gracie when the weather warms up. I lost most of my weight in my legs and butt (where I really NEEDED to lose it) so I feel like I look much better. Maybe I can get back to where I was when I was first dating Randy...
Gracie had her first trip to the Target today- of many to come, I'm sure. We're gonna try to go to BJ's or Sam's club and see what their deals are on baby stuff, soon. Maybe save us some money.

The best baby EVER!

I swear, Randy and I seriously lucked out with this child. Not only is she gorgeous, she is SO well behaved! She rarely cries (only when she is cold or being dressed), eats pretty good, burps well (thanks Uncle Kevin!), sleeps great and loves her carseat. We can't complain about her at all, except for her habit of peeing in the middle of a diaper change. We typically use 2 or 3 diapers per change, since as soon as you get the new one on, she starts peeing in it! We also keep a "decoy" diaper (one of the brands we don't like) to put under her while we clean her up. We're gonna single-handedly keep the Pampers company in business! (By the way, moms-to-be, Pampers Swaddlers are great diapers- they have some sort of stay-dry liner that really seems to work well).

Gracie seems to be on a pretty good schedule- sleep for 3 hours, wake up (fuss a bit, but no crying), get changed, eat 2-3 ounces, stay awake for a little while (or a long while, depending on what's going on), go back to sleep. She's great about being put down in her co-sleeper crib awake- she just looks around and swings her little arms around then settles down after a bit and goes to sleep. She likes to sleep on her side, and we have an inclined positioner with wedges to keep her in place, which she seems to like. She ALWAYS has her hands up by her face, and sleeps with them near or under her head. So cute! I need to try to get her to sleep on her right side some- she definitely prefers her left side.

Randy is out of town in Virginia today, so Sherry came to hang out with me, and Grant's mom, dad and nana came by to meet (spoil) Gracie. Randy's on his way home now, but will be here late. I think I'm gonna take a nap while I wait for him.

Gracie has a Dr. appt. tomorrow- I hate to take her out in this freezing weather! But at least we get to leave the house for a bit.

Not much else going on. I'm sure I'll think of something later...

A gratuitous baby pic:

Hospital Pics

They have finally posted the pictures that were taken by the hospital photographer. If you'd like to see them, go to www.our365.com and go to the web nursery- search for babies born in Jan. (or narrow it by her birthdate of Jan. 13) with the last name starting with "rob" in North Carolina (duh). She's listed as Savannah R. and the visitor password is roberson. I was kinda disappointed in the pictures- the photographer didn't take much time to work with Gracie and give her time to get in a better mood, plus she said she would crop them down to see more of her face (and less legs) and she didn't do it. She also only had a white background, so we had to use one of my shirts as a background to get some color into the picture. She is still pretty cute hanging onto that mouse, though!

Please note

My email address may be found under the "About Us" sidebar of this page. I would love to hear from anyone who may be wanting to contact me outside of the blog...

***WARNING- Hormonal Disclaimer***

This song may cause severe emotional trauma to new parents

They should state the above disclaimer before broadcasting this song on the radio.

In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes
I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

Shhhhh.....

She's sleeping. I have time to get stuff done. YAY!

Things are going pretty well 'round here. I am totally in love with this child, and really, with motherhood. The past couple nights haven't been bad- Randy and I have become master problem-solvers. We figured out the screaming diaper-change thing: she HATES to be cold, so we have a space heater that goes wherever we are, and as long as the room is warm (our house has really high ceilings so it is very drafty), we're good to go. I think I've figured out her reluctance to eat sometimes: she LOVES the premade formula, and will eat the powder-mixed stuff, but not nearly as well. So we ordered a case of the little hospital 2 oz. bottles (which are $$ but so convenient!) and I have some samples of the ready-to-feed liquid that I can use until those arrive. I was afraid to open the bottle of liquid, b/c it has to be used in 3 days, and I figured we would waste half of it. Then I did the math, and it should work out almost perfect! We now need to figure out about her diaper slipping down to her butt and allowing pee to escape up her back and soaking the poor girl when she sleeps. We tried preemie diapers, which fit good, but aren't very absorbent. The NB size work ok, but we have to rig it so it stays off her belly-button. Once that thing falls off it will probably be easier to keep the diaper up on her. Compounding the problem is the fact that she has very few items of clothes that FIT. Well, really NONE fit, but a couple gowns are better than others, and I LOVE to keep her in those so it is easy to change her. We are gonna go to BRU this weekend and look for some preemie clothes.

I am feeling better for the most part. I am still really sore (sitting is pretty painful) and the milk factory is in going-out-of-business mode since I'm not nursing, and THAT is worse pain that the birth! Today is better, though, as I can move around better without being in total agony. I am also getting paid back for not being very hormonal during my pregnancy, as the hormones are RAGING. Especially Tuesday night. I walked around the house for HOURS crying my eyes out. I was frustrated because I was trying to get the house straightened up, but I was hurting SO bad and Randy had to finish his bid so he couldn't help me much, plus I had been alone all day. I really freaked Randy out, and he wouldn't let me stay alone yesterday after our pediatrician appt. He called Grandma and she came over and was SUCH an angel for all the help she provided. She vacuumed and swept and fed Gracie for me, and I was able to relax for a bit. It is SO nice to have her nearby and to know that she can come whenever to lend a hand. She and Grandpa and Aunt Trish came over last night, too, and brought us dinner, and she gave Gracie a sponge bath, so she is nice and clean. We also saw Kelly, Jon and Jenny yesterday which was nice, and Kelly and Jon are going to come eat with us tomorrow before the hockey game.

Gracie checked out great at her Dr. appt. She lost 6 ounces of weight, which is normal. Otherwise she was healthy! We go back Tuesday for another check. I wish MY doc would have me come back for a checkup before 6 weeks... I could use some reassurance that everything was healing ok. Seems strange that they see you 8 bazillion times while you're pregnant, then they drop you like a rock after you go through the trauma of delivering the baby!

I'm sure there's other stuff I was gonna post about, but I can't remember right now. For now, I shall let sleeping angels lie, and eat my lunch...

Night One

We made it through our first night at home! We got home from the hospital after a brief stop at Randy's office so he could get some stuff together at about 6:00 last night. We stopped at the groceteria to pick up our order, too, so we have some food in the house. Everything was so calm yesterday evening, after I got everything put away. And we had a good first overnight. It really wasn't bad at all. Of course, she did seem to wake up more often to eat than she has been (every 2-3 hours instead of 3-4), and I suppose that's because she's hungrier now. We put her down after a last feeding at about 1:00, and we both got up at 3:00 to feed and change her, then I got up at 5:30 but she didn't eat much, and then Randy got up and gave her the rest of the bottle at 6:15-ish. Then we all woke up at 8:45 or so, I fed and changed her and she and her Daddy went back to sleep in the bed while I got a bath. It's now 10:30 and we're up for the day. Let's see if we can wear her out today and get her good and sleepy for tonight!
I feel pretty good today- still sore, but better. My bath really helped. We need to get some stuff at Target or Babies R Us that we didn't get before, due to her early arrival. I'm gonna try to make a list and send Randy, or have him stay here and let me go later on.
Gracie has her first Dr. appt tomorrow morning. I hope everything goes well.
We successfully introduced Gracie to the cats- they were concerned and curious at first, sniffing all her stuff and being shy, but now they all are back to normal- ignoring her for the most part! Jonah gets very worried when she cries, but they are giving her space and being very good. Shelby is at the kennel, not sure when we're gonna pick her up- we'll wait til she's good and worn out, I think!
I just have to say that I have been so emotional over this child. I never imagined I could love someone so incredibly much. It almost hurts! I would do ANYTHING for her and I worry constantly that something bad might happen to her- paranoid first-time parent syndrome, I guess. And seeing her with Randy makes my heart melt! He is INCREDIBLE with her, and they are the cutest thing together. He's so good about doing whatever needs to be done, and going way above and beyond my wildest expectations in caring for her, and me. I didn't think I had much more love in my heart, but now I know better. I love them both more than I could ever say.
I will write more later- this is such a great outlet for keeping track of our adventures as parents! For now, I smell poopy... =)

More Pics!

Baby Pics

Happy Birthday Savannah Gracelyn!!!

It's Sara again- she's HERE!!!! Gracie was FINALLY born, after 2.5 hours of serious pushing, at 4:27 am, weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces and 19 inches long! She had a hard time maneuvering past my pelvic bone, but once she did it went MUCH quicker. The doc was almost considering a c-section, and that got me serious about pushing. Her shoulder got stuck for just a minute and out she came! I cannot believe I actually did it, and that she is finally here. Hard to believe she lived inside me for so long.
She is absolutely beautiful (pics later today) if we do say so ourselves. Her little head is a bit wonky, but otherwise perfect (not all squishy-looking like some of them). She is resting, and Dad and I got in a quick nap, too. She gets fed in just a bit.
I gotta go for now, but I will update later.
Love you all!!!

Show Time!!

Hey everyone, this is Randy not Sara so forgive my lack of grammar skills. Well this is my first post here, so guess what that means! That's right, Sara is now in labor, and doing fantastic. She had been having contractions all morning and after a walk around the neighborhood did nothing to help ease them she gave the doctor a call and we were told to head to Rex. We got here around 3:00 at which time the contractions were about 3 min apart. After a check of the ole cervix showed 3cm's of dilation she was admitted and things have been progressing nicely from there. Sara will share more details later but right now its about 11:30 and she is 9cm dilated and we are very excited. I'll post again after the delivery, but for now Sara would just like to say, "The epidural is the bomb!"

Stay posted!

A wee little one

I had my appt. on Tuesday, which was fine except I am NOT dilated, and I was measuring small. So the doc wanted me to have an ultrasound to check on Gracie's size/fluid, etc. I had the ultrasound this morning (which was just a quick one), and she looks fine, she's just little! They estimate she weighs about 6 pounds (they can be off by a half-pound), which is the 19th percentile. Normal is the 50th percentile, but she's still (barely) within the normal range. We couldn't get a look at her face, as she's head down, face down (which is good).
So now, we continue to wait. /insert crickets chirping/
I can't say I'm surprised that she's little- I mean, look at me! And I don't think Randy was very big when he was born. I like 'em little. So cute, and she'll get some good wear out of those newborn clothes and diapers!


Still waiting... /chirp....chirp.../

Sitting, waiting, wishing...

I'm channeling Jack Johnson. =)
I am getting very impatient for the arrival of this child. I have a Dr. appt tomorrow afternoon, and I am SO hoping that I am at least a wee bit dilated. I'm ready to get this show on the road! She just doesn't FIT in there very well anymore! I hate that now that I have figured out how to stay gallbladder-pain free that I am now pretty uncomfortable in the belly department. I'm doing pretty well at work- I figure all the walking around I do can only help move things along. I keep having contractions off and on, but they are merely annoying. I actually WANT some pain!! Pain is progress, right??!
Not much else going on. I should probably enjoy this time of boringness, 'cause I know it won't be boring around here much longer!

Back to school...

Today was my first day back to work. YUCK. Gracie needs to come on out, just so I don't have to go to work. We had a difficult conference first thing this morning, such a good way to start off a new year/quarter/day. We also started our new schedule, which went ok, except that it was below 30 degrees most of the day. I'm glad I had indoor cafeteria duty instead of 1.5 hours of RECESS duty in this weather. But it was hard on me to stand on my feet for an hour and a half. My lower back is really sore, as are my feet. We had a hard time with only 3 of us in the cafeteria with having to serve kindergarteners and deal with 5th graders at the same time. Plus, I'm really worried about what they are going to do when I go on maternity leave, or even just if one of us 3 is out or subbing- it will be impossible with only 2 people! I shouldn't worry, because I know I won't be there to have to deal with it, but I do worry. Oh well.
Not much else going on. The weather is too cold to talk about. We had a few flurries today, but I missed them. Ooh, maybe we'll get some snow soon (we did have a thunderstorm a few days ago!) and miss a day of school, then we can make it up on a Saturday! That would be awesome, because you know half the kids wouldn't show up, and we don't have to feed them lunch or do recess, and we only have to be there for 3 hours! I'll give up a Sat. morning for that! Keep your fingers crossed!