Hospital Pics

It's about time, right? You will notice I burst some capillaries in my eyes... battle wounds I wear with pride! To sum up, the birth was everything we hoped it would be. Ultimately though, we really just wanted a healthy baby and mom! If you want the full story, just ask. In the meantime, enjoy:

Time to feed the baby... donuts...

How in the world have two weeks gone by? Our family is doing great, although we're all pretty sleepy. I do nap when the baby does a couple times a day, but it's much easier said than done. Kathryn is back up to her birth weight now, and is doing much better with nursing. We still have to supplement most feedings with a little bottled breast milk, but the lactation consultants are gradually having us do this less frequently. Feeding will be so much easier when the whole process takes less than an hour (in other words when I don't need to pump or give a bottle anymore)- not to mention that she eats every 2-3 hours! I joked with Rob about it always being "time to feed the baby" in my best "time to make the donuts" guy voice... he one-upped me saying "time to feed the baby... donuts..." as if maybe we were so tired and out of it, that would seem like a good idea. We're tired, but I promise I will seek help before trying to feed baby K8 a Krispie Kream!



Last night she had a great feeding, then proceeded to "burp" everything up. Everything. We had to start over, and it was one of the more difficult nights we've had because it threw us both off. Even so, Rob and I are so lucky to have such a sweet girl who really only gets upset when she needs something- at least for now. I am fully aware that this is probably the easiest caring for her will ever be. I do love that she needs us so much, and seems to trust us completely to meet her needs. Well, we're doing the best we can!

Mamarazzi

Christine here- I have not had a chance to post much yet, but I have been taking pictures of the baby every day! Here are just a few I thought you all might enjoy...

Post mommy blog- check!

Wow, what a week this has been. It has been such a change having our lives revolve completely around the needs of our little girl! Kathryn seems to have a mild temperment so far (thanks, daddy- I don't think we can credit mommy for that!), politely squeaking requests more than crying, but this makes it easy for her to fall asleep during feedings and difficult for me to make sure she eats enough each time. I'm getting her weighed every day though, and she is gaining nicely. She is tiny right now- the only clothes that fit her are premie size! I know she will grow soon enough though, and I am really just trying to savor little moments with her where I can. I love it when she looks in my eyes- I wonder if she knows I will be here for her and love her forever... Rob and I could both just hold her and stare at her for hours. As for the undeniable cuteness factor she has going on- not that I'm partial- she has at different times reminded me of a Campbell's soup kid and a glow worm toy (when she's bundled in a baby burrito), but she definitely has a beauty all her own. Also, I don't care if they're from gas, her smiles make me melt into mommy mushiness! We are swirling in a whirlwind of feeding, pumping, changing diapers, changing clothes, and trying to eat, visit the restroom and even sleep every now and then, but I truly feel happier and more complete than ever. It has also been incredible seeing Rob transform into a wonderfully sensitive father who is really in tune with his kid. I blush sharing this, but I am more in love with him than ever. His fierce dedication to our family just fills my heart to overflowing. We are a united team- we have to be! As for things that have surprised me so far, parenting has forced me to prioritize down to the *absolute basics*. I have pretty much let the house go, and showers are now an every-other-day affair if I'm lucky. The poor cats get an ear scratch just a few times a day. I haven't checked many items off of my to-do list (I'm so glad to have finally posted a blog!), but I just keep reminding myself that the only thing I really need to do right now is take care of my daughter and enjoy these times (well, that and wash the changing pad cover yet again, since exposure to air appears to have a laxative affect on Kathryn's little bottom.).

Grandma Loves Kathryn

Grandma Loves her newest grandbaby!




Dad loves his Mom!

Last Couple Days

Wow. Things have been pretty hectic and stressful around here ever since we got home. Kathryn has been experiencing a little bit of jaundice, which has complicated an already delicate feeding schedule. I think we're through the worst of it though. Her bilirubin level seems to finally be falling, Christine's milk has come in quite well, and we can actually keep Kathryn somewhat awake during feedings. Best of all, though, is that we don't have to keep her on that DAMN Light bed all the time. Yay! These pictures include ones taken with Grandma and Grandpa, and some of Uncle Jon and Aunt Samantha meeting her for the first time.

Child-rearing is exhausting work!

Last Night

Dear Kathryn,

Wow! What a wonderful night. It was our first night together at home as a family. I think that Mom and I wanted nothing more than to get some sleep. Somehow we knew, though, that wasn't going to happen. We were right. It wasn't that you stayed up all night, because you slept throught the majority of it. Mom tried depserately to feed you, and help you to sleep, but didn't have any luck at all. Finally, both of us exhausted, I suggested that she hand you over to me and let me try for a while to comfort you to sleep. I held you in my arms, and, pacing back and forth in the bedroom, whispered to you and made shushing noises until you finally fell asleep. You would soon awaken every time I tried to put you down into the bassinet. So it continued, you waking up crying, me picking you up and walking with you until you fell asleep, and then you waking up again as soon as I put you down. Finally, I realized that the only way any of us would get any sleep is if I kept holding you. So I did, seemingly all night. Later I heard Mom snoring softly next to us as you slept and I stood watch. I felt like, in that moment, maybe you knew how much I loved you.

I could hold it over Mom's head that I got you to sleep when she could not, but I know that in a few short days from now, when her milk comes in, she will be the one with all of the magical powers, not me. But tonight was special, because you and I got to spend all that time together. I'd heard from friends (read: Kelly) that you'll never know how much you can love another person until you have a child of your own. I now know what she was talking about. Mom and I have only spent about 48 hours with you, and already we love you more than I think we ever could have thought possible. The Lord has truly, truly blessed us. And I don't even feel tired.

Thanks for staying up with me last night. I will never, ever, forget the time we shared together.

Love, Dad