Wrapping Up Week One

So we're nearing the end of our first week and it's been much more managable than I thought. I had visions of a constantly crying or always alert Gracie and a frazzled Kate, but that hasn't been the case. She's been taking a number of longer naps these days (see the burrito baby photo) which allows me the time to get dressed and do these great blog entries that you all love : )

I'm also realizing that my mom skills aren't as deeply buried as I thought they were. A number of tasks that I struggled with a week ago I now finish before Gracie gets into ultimate meltdown mode. For example, I've become more adept at swaddling (aka baby burrito) so our little Houdini doesn't get her arms out quite as quickly.

Well, I'm off to do another load of laundry -- this load includes two outfits, two blankets, a Boppy cover and the cushioning for the swing. Leakproof diapers? I don't think there is such a thing.

Changing ...

Whew. Just got through a diaper change. It took three, no make that four, diapers and two changing pads to complete the job. Luckily, Grace is usually calm during the marathon diaper sessions, watching with amusement. She is so expressive with her eyes, and is becoming more and more expressive with her facial movements as well. It's fun to see how much she changes each day -- making a new sound or new face, or learning the new skill of smacking me in the head : )

This week we've taken a few trips in the car and she doesn't seem to mind the car seat (see photo). Well, she likes being in it in the house and likes being in it when I'm driving, but is not as big of a fan when she's being carried in it from point A to point B. Ella like's Grace in the car seat too. Baby in car seat means that baby is leaving the house. Baby leaving the house = nap for Ella.

Grace has started to enjoy her bouncy seat. Right now she hasn't quite gotten the hang initiating the bounce herself. As is the case with most of the seats, swings, toys we've received for her, the bouncy also vibrates and has songs. It also has little cute things that move. She could care less about all that but instead focuses her attention on a mobile of farm animals that we've hung from our kitchen light. Gracie likes what she likes : )

Ella's Tale

So it's my first week home alone with Gracie, so far it's been relatively uneventful -- other than a diaper blowout which required a change of clothes. While she spent some time in her bouncy chair, most of it has either been napping in her crib or on my lap.

Speaking of laps, Ella's longing for the lap time she once had. That said, she's been amazingly tolerant with Gracie. Even when Grace shrieks during a meltdown, Ella is calm and looks at us as if to ask "Are you going to do something about that?"

Ella's coped by finding new spots to hang out in. You've already seen her stake her claim to the baby papasan chair. She's also found out how to be close to me in the nursing chair (see photo), where I spend the majority of my time.

We're thinking Ella will grow to appreciate Grace more once she's in a high chair and is able to flail food down to her. Right now each morning she comes upstairs looking for the baby. I think she still thinks Gracie's presence is a temporary thing.

Even so, Ella also plays the role of guardian which means she needs to be where Gracie is at all times. She'll follow us from room to room, inspecting the swing, checking out the playmat, and helping me stay sane through one of Grace's inconsolable times. This photo shows just how exausting her job is. So pitiful.

Humor Us

Our daughter sure thinks she's clever. We had just given her a bath and were drying her off in a cute bear towel (picture was taken before the incident) when she decided to let us know what she thought of getting clean. Let's just say the cute bear towel is not so cute any longer. We took her to the changing table to clean her up (again) and she seemed to have a grin on her face, as if to say, "Ha. That'll show you what I think of baths." We couldn't help but laugh. With the lack of sleep and unpredicatable nature of our Gracie, humor is essential in the Edenborg household these days.

Other humourous happenings:

- Jay attempting to get Gracie's hands into little mitts. Those thumbs are so wiggly.

- Kate dumping breastmilk on Grace's head. (I hear it's good for your hair.)

- a never-ending diaper change (it kept coming and coming and coming)

We've seen a few smiles out of Grace lately -- while we assume many of them are gas-related, this one was cute nonetheless.

The photo also shows off one of her most commented on traits -- being alert. When she's not eating, sleeping or melting down, she's looking around at lighting fixtures, book covers, ceiling fans and sometimes even faces. She's going to be a smarty. Wonder who she gets that from? : )

Bundle of Joy

By now some of you have met Grace in person, but for those who haven't, here are some more photos. I'll write more soon ...

We are Family

While we haven't quite fallen in to any routines at the Edenborg household just yet (and I'm guessing Gracie won't allow that to happen for quite some time), my daily rituals had gone by the wayside for a few days. Now that I'm back to feeling more like my old self I've started to enjoy the simple things in life again: doing laundry, reading the newspaper, wearing clothes other than sweatpants ... well that last one only happened once (and I don't have a picture to prove it : )

Speaking of pictures, I recently took a photograph that captures what means the most to me in life.


Gracie has made our lives complete. This is my family.

Amazing Gracie

Grace has arrived, and yes, life has changed drastically, just as everyone said it would. (And everyone said it with a knowing look on their faces : )

It is such an adventure. From labor and delivery (which I won't go in to detail about here) to bringing baby home -- it's so amazing that such a small little bundle can have such a major impact on everything. Jay and I have found strengths we never knew we had. We also are wondering what we used to do with our days and nights. While it's not to say that we haven't watched some American Idol or spent some time online or taken a few minutes for ourselves, but the time spent feeding, grooming, dressing, diapering and even just watching her is so rewarding. (I do realize that this is only the first week, and we may need to remind ourselves of the rewardingness as the weeks go on : )

Grace has changed us ... already made us better people. Sleepier people, yes, but better nonetheless.

Pug's life

In case anyone was interested to see how the pug was dealing with her change...

some more pics

it's a girl

Grace Erin Edenborg

7 lbs 4 ozs

21.5 inches

born 2/9 at 3:18 pm

Final Countdown

Jay and I always say that we work well on deadline, so perhaps our little one will too. We now have a deadline date for its arrival. If he/she doesn't appear in the next few days, I'll be induced on Monday morning. It's nice to have an end date set, yet it could still happen anytime. Regardless, this time next week we'll be home with our little one.

The past few days I've become a little more sensitive to the aches and pains I feel. Most people tell me, "Oh, you'll know when it's labor," so I haven't obsessed too much about it. In fact, I'm proud of myself for not obsessing too much about this whole experience. While, yes, I've made many checklists and ready a number of books, I reached a point early on where I knew I just had to let go and let things happen. For example, I happen to be snacking a lot. Napping is also a common happening. I know that "the nap" will likely be all I get in the months to come, so I thought I'd get some practice.

Making Moves

Our due date's today and lately there's been lots of activity in my tummy. Sorta feels like the little one is getting ready to move on out of my belly: taking down pictures, packing up it's belongings, filling out a change of address form, etc.

I don't feel like we're "waiting" yet -- these months have just flown by. February seemed so far away not that long ago.

For right now, I'm quite content and so is the pug. I've been home more than usual lately and she's trying to soak in all the laptime she can get before another little being takes over the space. She still fits herself on to what's left of my lap, making a little C-shape around my belly. We're hoping Ella can teach the kid a thing or two, like how to nap all day and how to go potty on command : )