Nothing really has been going on in our lives over the past month or so. I guess we did move from Lafayette to Chicago. Kristal quit her job at Purdue and now stays home with Gabriella. And Gabriella is over 15 pounds and still the absolute love of our lives.
She smiles and laughs now. She's still pretty much a homebody (no job or really even much of a hobby yet), but she loves her swing, playing with mommy and eating.
She's still quite the diaper slayer but it is more of a feat because the diapers are bigger now.
We'll be updating more now that our house is getting Internet (tomorrow). Sorry for the time away, but our time away gave us a ton of stories to share.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Ella Smiles
I mentioned the other day that Ella is now smiling. Well, I didn't want to keep it just to myself and my memory (since she is in Missouri). Enjoy. I know I do.
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| From Arnolds via IPhone |
Thursday, April 23, 2009
She smiled at me
Gabriella owns her daddy now. She smiled at me. It was sort of a Harrison Ford half smile but definately not a gas thing. Her eyes were smiling too. She even kind of half laughed. I'll have to get used to that, I bet.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Firsts weekend
On Saturday, Ella got to see her first movie. Much like daddy on his first movie date with mommy, Ella slept through most of it. It was Marley and Me, so tears were certainly shed.
It was a fine time, although we will not change her in the back seat again. It's not near as flat as you need for "blow outs".
On Sunday, Ella went to church for the first time. She missed most of the message since she was hungry, but met lots of her fans. We would have allowed her to eat in church but she is a loud burper.
It was a fine time, although we will not change her in the back seat again. It's not near as flat as you need for "blow outs".
On Sunday, Ella went to church for the first time. She missed most of the message since she was hungry, but met lots of her fans. We would have allowed her to eat in church but she is a loud burper.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Guier Visits
In the whirlwind of our everyday living (and my lack of blog updates), I failed to credit some of our Guier visitors over the past few weeks.
It's so great to see people, even though we are pretty much housebound at the moment. We'll figure things out and start getting out once it gets warmer, but we've really enjoyed the folks who dropped in or even stayed over.
Most recently, it was Greg, Carrie and Logan (Greg is Kristal's brother). Greg helped us out with getting our house ready to go on the market. Carrie was full of great advice and helped with keeping things organized. Logan was a joy to watch as he kept talking about Ella.
Before that, it was Clint and Jen Guier (Clint is Kristal's other brother). It was fun to see them because Kristal's mom was still here, so we were able to actually go out of the house on a date on night. I hope Ella liked Mommy's Mexican dish.
Kristal's mom stayed almost two weeks and was an amazing help. She never asked what we needed, she just seemed to know already. Plus, waking up to the smell of bacon in the morning is pretty wonderful.
And Dean took a week out of his busy planning schedule to help out, too. He was here when everything was pretty out of control, but his being here helped a great deal. He was such a loving help.
Thank you to the Guier family for helping us get started on the right foot.
Ella's grandmother on the Arnold side arrives on Monday. Yay. More visitors! (seriously, we are loving every visitor and don't feel overwhelmed at all by them. Keep 'em coming.)
It's so great to see people, even though we are pretty much housebound at the moment. We'll figure things out and start getting out once it gets warmer, but we've really enjoyed the folks who dropped in or even stayed over.
Most recently, it was Greg, Carrie and Logan (Greg is Kristal's brother). Greg helped us out with getting our house ready to go on the market. Carrie was full of great advice and helped with keeping things organized. Logan was a joy to watch as he kept talking about Ella. Before that, it was Clint and Jen Guier (Clint is Kristal's other brother). It was fun to see them because Kristal's mom was still here, so we were able to actually go out of the house on a date on night. I hope Ella liked Mommy's Mexican dish. Kristal's mom stayed almost two weeks and was an amazing help. She never asked what we needed, she just seemed to know already. Plus, waking up to the smell of bacon in the morning is pretty wonderful.
And Dean took a week out of his busy planning schedule to help out, too. He was here when everything was pretty out of control, but his being here helped a great deal. He was such a loving help.
Thank you to the Guier family for helping us get started on the right foot.
Ella's grandmother on the Arnold side arrives on Monday. Yay. More visitors! (seriously, we are loving every visitor and don't feel overwhelmed at all by them. Keep 'em coming.)
Updated photos of Gabriella
She's now 11 pounds and 22 3/4 inches. So, she's eating great and sleeping reasonably well. Hates naps unless she's with mommy or daddy.
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| From Arnold at home Month 1 |
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| From Arnold at home Month 1 |
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| From Arnold at home Month 1 |
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| From Arnold at home Month 1 |
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| From Arnold at home Month 1 |
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
More Ella pictures
Kristal has been helping me get my Ella and Kristal fix when I am at work or on the road. She takes pictures using her IPhone and sends them to me. Here are a few of them.
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| From Arnolds via IPhone |
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| From Arnolds via IPhone |
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| From Arnolds via IPhone |
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| From Arnolds via IPhone |
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| From Arnolds via IPhone |
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
35.5 hours apart
Today was my first overnight trip away from Kristal and Ella.
The best part was not falling asleep on the drive to Chicago. A bad part was in my sleep-deprived state, I left my work computer at home. Trust me, that's a bad thing.
It's not nearly as bad as being away from Kristal and the baby. But, Kristal sent a wonderful surprise to me in the afternoon. I guess she had figured out how to e-mail photos from her I-Phone and figured it out just at the right time. I got to see my little girl.
The best part was not falling asleep on the drive to Chicago. A bad part was in my sleep-deprived state, I left my work computer at home. Trust me, that's a bad thing.
It's not nearly as bad as being away from Kristal and the baby. But, Kristal sent a wonderful surprise to me in the afternoon. I guess she had figured out how to e-mail photos from her I-Phone and figured it out just at the right time. I got to see my little girl.
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Might as well face it, I'm addicted to Ella
It was back to work for me today. At least I was in town for the day and was able to head home for lunch. But when I got home and looked into her deep, dark eyes, it made me sad that I missed the previous five hours of her life.
Additionally, Kristal is going it alone with Ella now that our visitors are on their way back home. It's good. We will eventually need to learn to handle having Gabriella with us without being able to hand her off when the going gets tough. It sure was nice though and will be again when new visitors arrive.
Kristal's doing a wonderful job. I'd still like to be there to support her, hold Ella while she is showering, etc. I guess I still get weekends.
In the end, being at work is quite a bit different now than before. My focus has to be on work things but my thoughts are with my girls at home.
Additionally, Kristal is going it alone with Ella now that our visitors are on their way back home. It's good. We will eventually need to learn to handle having Gabriella with us without being able to hand her off when the going gets tough. It sure was nice though and will be again when new visitors arrive.
Kristal's doing a wonderful job. I'd still like to be there to support her, hold Ella while she is showering, etc. I guess I still get weekends.
In the end, being at work is quite a bit different now than before. My focus has to be on work things but my thoughts are with my girls at home.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Clint and Jen visit
Kristal's brother and sister-in-law visited this weekend, but made the grave error of taking Kristal's mom home with them on Monday. Very sad. They were all great help to us both.
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Gabriella's things to do
Hi, I'm Gabriella. I am 11 days old and am really starting to figure things out. Here is a look at what I am planning for my days. It is pretty routine right now, which I like.
1. Wake up from night's sleep around 8.
2. Feed.
3. Go back to sleep.
4. Feed.
5. Stay awake a little while and then go to sleep.
6. Feed.
7. Stay awake a little while longer and then go to sleep.
8. Feed.
9. Stay awake a little while and then go to sleep.
10. Feed.
11. Stay awake for a little bit and then go to sleep.
12. Feed.
13. Sleep.
14. Feed.
15. Sleep.
16. Feed.
17. Sleep.
It may look like I sleep a lot, but I'm not lazy. I just get sleepy when I am eating.
1. Wake up from night's sleep around 8.
2. Feed.
3. Go back to sleep.
4. Feed.
5. Stay awake a little while and then go to sleep.
6. Feed.
7. Stay awake a little while longer and then go to sleep.
8. Feed.
9. Stay awake a little while and then go to sleep.
10. Feed.
11. Stay awake for a little bit and then go to sleep.
12. Feed.
13. Sleep.
14. Feed.
15. Sleep.
16. Feed.
17. Sleep.
It may look like I sleep a lot, but I'm not lazy. I just get sleepy when I am eating.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Gabriella the Diaper Slayer
Gabriella has already discovered an interesting array of ways to dispense of a diaper. Without going into all of the details (although yellow and seedy seems like a good description now), she has killed five diapers in the past six hours.
In honor of March Madness, we have offered her a point system for dirty diapers. A heavy diaper is worth three points. A medium diaper is worth two. A light diaper is worth one. We do this for urine and for poop*
It looks like her scoring average is going up, which can only mean more dirty work for mommy and daddy.
*-We call it poop, but that yellow and seedy stuff doesn't resemble normal poop.
In honor of March Madness, we have offered her a point system for dirty diapers. A heavy diaper is worth three points. A medium diaper is worth two. A light diaper is worth one. We do this for urine and for poop*
- March 17: 25 points
- March 18: 20 points
- March 19: 32 points
- March 20: 26 points (with time left on the clock)
It looks like her scoring average is going up, which can only mean more dirty work for mommy and daddy.
*-We call it poop, but that yellow and seedy stuff doesn't resemble normal poop.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March Madness
Gabriella and daddy watched some March Madness basketball on Thursday, taking in the LSU-Butler game and the Northern Iowa-Purdue game. We had Butler beating LSU in our bracket and thought that Purdue was ripe for an upset, too. We're cheering for the Boilers though.
Here's hoping the rest of the tournament goes better for us and that Purdue keeps going.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
More Gabriella Photos
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
She makes us laugh a lot.
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| From Arnolds at home Week 1 |
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Visitors
The thing that always struck me about new parents that I have met along the way is they really all seem to have it together. It always seemed like they knew what they were doing and the only help I could be is to offer a meal or a kind word.
I was wrong.
The medium/longer-term visitors we have seen so far -- Kristal's parents, Rachael and Steve Greer and, coming up this weekend, Clint and Jen Guier, have helped us get through this.
We learn about five lessons per day on how to make things better for us and for Gabriella. When we learn the lessons, we don't pay for it nearly as much with people around. Lessons like overfeeding, having her sleep too long during the day, swaddle or not to swaddle, changing her versus putting her to sleep, etc. If you make the wrong call, it means less sleep. But if there is someone else around to hold her, change her, etc., it's a gift.
Anyway, I now know that I could and should have spent more time with the new parents I've been around. I could have learned a lot more (for sure) but I could have also helped a lot. Just like I do often with my baby's noises, when I was around those new parents, I misread the situation.
So, come on over. Spend a little bit of time. Just wash your hands and don't come over sick. If you get Ella sick, it reminds me of a favorite line from Tombstone :o)
I'm kidding of course. Cool movie.
Additionally, the online visitation is also appreciated. It is such an encouragement to hear from everyone -- especially when groggily trudging to the kitchen to wash out some bottles in the middle of the night. It's just great to read that others are out there thinking of us.
I was wrong.
The medium/longer-term visitors we have seen so far -- Kristal's parents, Rachael and Steve Greer and, coming up this weekend, Clint and Jen Guier, have helped us get through this.
We learn about five lessons per day on how to make things better for us and for Gabriella. When we learn the lessons, we don't pay for it nearly as much with people around. Lessons like overfeeding, having her sleep too long during the day, swaddle or not to swaddle, changing her versus putting her to sleep, etc. If you make the wrong call, it means less sleep. But if there is someone else around to hold her, change her, etc., it's a gift.
Anyway, I now know that I could and should have spent more time with the new parents I've been around. I could have learned a lot more (for sure) but I could have also helped a lot. Just like I do often with my baby's noises, when I was around those new parents, I misread the situation.
So, come on over. Spend a little bit of time. Just wash your hands and don't come over sick. If you get Ella sick, it reminds me of a favorite line from Tombstone :o)
I'm kidding of course. Cool movie.
Additionally, the online visitation is also appreciated. It is such an encouragement to hear from everyone -- especially when groggily trudging to the kitchen to wash out some bottles in the middle of the night. It's just great to read that others are out there thinking of us.
What's up, doc?
It actually came to my mind while we were talking to our pediatrician to ask, "Is she the cutest baby you've ever seen?" But I didn't. We pretty much stuck to the important things.
So, here were our main questions and a paraphrase of the doctor's answers:
1. How deep is the pectus indention?
Answer: Nothing to worry about. It doesn't look like much. It can change at adolescence, so don't stop monitoring, but nothing to worry about now.
2. Does she have a heart murmur like her father?
Answer: Nope.
3. She's been sleeping at great lengths at night. How long is too long?
Answer: A baby in its first few weeks should probably only go (at max) 4 hours between feedings.
4. Is swaddling ok even though the American Society for Pediatrics said it may increase SIDS chances?
Answer: There are a lot of competing theories on this. For now, she feels comforted by swaddling, so go for it.
5. Should we are should we not use alcohol on her healing belly button?
Answer: Do so and do it at least once per day.
6. She seems to be in pain with gassiness. What can we do?
Answer: Babies don't make gas. They get it one of a couple of ways. First, sucking air, usually through a bottle. Second, mommy passes it through to her in the milk. Watch mommy's diet and see what foods are increasing the gases and you will likely fix any problems.
7. How much time should we have Ella on her tummy?
Answer: Ten to 15 minutes two or three times per day.
8. Her skin seems dry now. Should we use lotion?
Answer: No. It's dead skin and will go away. Right now, it's best to steer clear of lotions.
A couple of other things to watch:
1. She should be gaining 0.5-2.0 ounces per day.
2. A temperature over 100.5 means we should call.
3. Mylicon has no side effects and may help with gas.
All in all, it was an educational visit and one that told us that Ella is doing just fine.
So, here were our main questions and a paraphrase of the doctor's answers:
1. How deep is the pectus indention?
Answer: Nothing to worry about. It doesn't look like much. It can change at adolescence, so don't stop monitoring, but nothing to worry about now.
2. Does she have a heart murmur like her father?
Answer: Nope.
3. She's been sleeping at great lengths at night. How long is too long?
Answer: A baby in its first few weeks should probably only go (at max) 4 hours between feedings.
4. Is swaddling ok even though the American Society for Pediatrics said it may increase SIDS chances?
Answer: There are a lot of competing theories on this. For now, she feels comforted by swaddling, so go for it.
5. Should we are should we not use alcohol on her healing belly button?
Answer: Do so and do it at least once per day.
6. She seems to be in pain with gassiness. What can we do?
Answer: Babies don't make gas. They get it one of a couple of ways. First, sucking air, usually through a bottle. Second, mommy passes it through to her in the milk. Watch mommy's diet and see what foods are increasing the gases and you will likely fix any problems.
7. How much time should we have Ella on her tummy?
Answer: Ten to 15 minutes two or three times per day.
8. Her skin seems dry now. Should we use lotion?
Answer: No. It's dead skin and will go away. Right now, it's best to steer clear of lotions.
A couple of other things to watch:
1. She should be gaining 0.5-2.0 ounces per day.
2. A temperature over 100.5 means we should call.
3. Mylicon has no side effects and may help with gas.
All in all, it was an educational visit and one that told us that Ella is doing just fine.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Pardon me, do you speak baby?
OK, it has been a rougher day today and it mostly stems from not knowing what Ella wants from us.
She cries out and we check the diaper. Once that is changed and she is still crying out, it means she is hungry or gassy. If she's still crying out after that, we are at a loss. This is where we landed today.
We kept going through the checklist. Fed? Yes. Changed? Yes. Burped? Yes.
We did discover another one tonight. She was fussing in her bed and grandpa Dean went in to check on her. He came out with a new friend. She just wanted to be held and be around people.
Every day is a learning experience. Good thing Kristal practically has high aptitude for language acquisition. She can eventually tell me what Ella needs.
She cries out and we check the diaper. Once that is changed and she is still crying out, it means she is hungry or gassy. If she's still crying out after that, we are at a loss. This is where we landed today.
We kept going through the checklist. Fed? Yes. Changed? Yes. Burped? Yes.
We did discover another one tonight. She was fussing in her bed and grandpa Dean went in to check on her. He came out with a new friend. She just wanted to be held and be around people.
Every day is a learning experience. Good thing Kristal practically has high aptitude for language acquisition. She can eventually tell me what Ella needs.
Not a disaster
Kristal has always had a very organized and clean house. That desire has rubbed off on me, too, so our house is usually in pretty good shape.
Having a new baby around changes not only the ability to have an organized life but the desire isn't nearly as strong. Surely it will go back to normal a little, but right now, we just don't care as much.
Kristal's folks have been great in this area but the places only we go (bathroom, etc.) are like a tornado hit.
Instead of worrying about it though, Kristal and I are sort of laughing about it.
Having a new baby around changes not only the ability to have an organized life but the desire isn't nearly as strong. Surely it will go back to normal a little, but right now, we just don't care as much.
Kristal's folks have been great in this area but the places only we go (bathroom, etc.) are like a tornado hit.
Instead of worrying about it though, Kristal and I are sort of laughing about it.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
First crisis averted
We know that new parents are nut cases. With so many potential things to be worried about, how any of us can sleep is beyond me.
Today, Gabriella had some issues with little bits of blood in places that it shouldn't be -- at least according to us.
So, we called our pediatrician and he talked us off of the ledge. The key questions:
1. Is the baby acting normally?
2. Is the baby eating normally?
3. Is the baby sleeping normally?
4. Is the baby pooping or peeing normally?
If the answer is pretty darn close to yes on all of those, it usually means things are ok.
It's common sense but, as I suspected a bunch of times during my childhood, common sense leaves once you become a parent. :o)
Today, Gabriella had some issues with little bits of blood in places that it shouldn't be -- at least according to us.
So, we called our pediatrician and he talked us off of the ledge. The key questions:
1. Is the baby acting normally?
2. Is the baby eating normally?
3. Is the baby sleeping normally?
4. Is the baby pooping or peeing normally?
If the answer is pretty darn close to yes on all of those, it usually means things are ok.
It's common sense but, as I suspected a bunch of times during my childhood, common sense leaves once you become a parent. :o)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Gabriella: A Guier?
Take a look at these three photos. They are photos of Rachael Greer, Kristal's cousin. There is a growing sentiment that Ella looks a lot like Rachael did as a kid. You can make your own opinion:
The stud behind Rachael is her daddy Roy.
And here is Rachael today. Cute as a button, huh?
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| From Arnold Family Three |
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| From Arnold Family Three |
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| From Arnold Family Three |
The stud behind Rachael is her daddy Roy.
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| From Arnold Family Three |
And here is Rachael today. Cute as a button, huh?
Gabriella: What I like
I don't have a lot to say yet since it is only my first week in this world, but I wanted to get a word in on my own blog.
I like all of the people saying nice things about me on the Internet. It will be fun to read these things in a few years.
I like to burp. It makes me feel good and it makes funny noises. Tooting is somewhat cool, too.
I like to eat. I'm kind of picky. I hear I'm like mom that way.
I really like mommy. She feels great and has this really soft voice that reminds me of when I was younger.
I like to sleep. I can't say I am great at doing it when mommy and daddy want it, but when I am sleeping, I'm a tough little bugger to wake up.
I like to be swaddled. I hear the AMA is worried about me a little, so mommy and daddy only used a doctor-approved swaddle blanket.
I like to wave my arms around.
I like to bring my knees up above my belly. It thwarts the whole diaper-changing thing. Zero fun, sir.
I like to look at things. Not sure what they are but they seem neat.
I like grandma. She's way more comfortable than a crib. Grandpa is too.
(P.S. I also like the Tigers and basketball. It makes mommy and daddy happy. I'm too nervous to ask what they are yet)
I like all of the people saying nice things about me on the Internet. It will be fun to read these things in a few years.
I like to burp. It makes me feel good and it makes funny noises. Tooting is somewhat cool, too.
I like to eat. I'm kind of picky. I hear I'm like mom that way.
I really like mommy. She feels great and has this really soft voice that reminds me of when I was younger.
I like to sleep. I can't say I am great at doing it when mommy and daddy want it, but when I am sleeping, I'm a tough little bugger to wake up.
I like to be swaddled. I hear the AMA is worried about me a little, so mommy and daddy only used a doctor-approved swaddle blanket.
I like to wave my arms around.
I like to bring my knees up above my belly. It thwarts the whole diaper-changing thing. Zero fun, sir.
I like to look at things. Not sure what they are but they seem neat.
I like grandma. She's way more comfortable than a crib. Grandpa is too.
(P.S. I also like the Tigers and basketball. It makes mommy and daddy happy. I'm too nervous to ask what they are yet)
Friday, March 13, 2009
More photos, including her first trip
By the way, there are a number of photos in the that I haven't specifically posted that are uploaded to the slideshow. Check it out (it's on the left).
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| From Arnold Family Three |
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| From Arnold Family Three |
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| From Arnold Family Three |
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| From Arnold Family Three |
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| From Arnold Family Three |
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| From Arnold Family Three |
Home, Sweet Home
I'm so glad that Kristal's folks are here. We fed Gabriella, cuddled with her and played with her and then put her to bed. A little while later, a baby was crying in our bedroom. Neither one of us made a move. We had forgotten there was a baby in the house. We thought it was coming from the TV or something.
We aren't bad parents. We're just working on little sleep and are back in a familiar place (where there used to not be a baby).
Anyway, the diaper was changed and the feeding is coming up. We love our little girl. Call it my first of many parenting errors.
We aren't bad parents. We're just working on little sleep and are back in a familiar place (where there used to not be a baby).
Anyway, the diaper was changed and the feeding is coming up. We love our little girl. Call it my first of many parenting errors.
Words become reality
We are in that uncomfortable period where we don't know what Gabriella wants and she isn't all that sure how to get what she wants.
Last night was long and tiring for all three of us. She was more of a snacker in the late evening, and mommy and daddy were determined to get the breastfeeding off on the right foot ... er ... breast.
So, Gabriella tried to tell us she was hungry and wasn't getting enough, but we just didn't understand. She would sleep while being held by either of us but when we would put her in her crib-like structure, she got cross and cried.
Around 1:30, about 45 ml of the supplemental formula did the trick. She went down and didn't peep for four hours.
Glorious, glorious sleep. In fact, what am I blogging? She's off getting some more tests done and probably sleeping (she took 50 ml a little while ago). I should nap.
Last night was long and tiring for all three of us. She was more of a snacker in the late evening, and mommy and daddy were determined to get the breastfeeding off on the right foot ... er ... breast.
So, Gabriella tried to tell us she was hungry and wasn't getting enough, but we just didn't understand. She would sleep while being held by either of us but when we would put her in her crib-like structure, she got cross and cried.
Around 1:30, about 45 ml of the supplemental formula did the trick. She went down and didn't peep for four hours.
Glorious, glorious sleep. In fact, what am I blogging? She's off getting some more tests done and probably sleeping (she took 50 ml a little while ago). I should nap.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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