Hello Aivey,
So many new things to tell you but just not enough time for me to elaborate. Your Momma is pooped and now that you're finally asleep, I need to follow along soon. If I could just get a good 8 hours of sleep on my tummy, I'd be so grateful but that's going to still be a few more months I'm sure of it. Next week, I have to bring my pump to the breastfeeding support group so I can learn how to use it and start freezing milk for you so you can have TJ when Mommy goes back to work. I still need to buy the pump but that's just a small technicality. My only hope is that the pumping goes well. Even tho, the lactation consultant says I need to store up all the milk for you for when I go back to work, I think with the very first few bottles, I'll let Daddy pull an all nighter so I can get those 8 hours in. There's that whole tummy thing too but just another technicality.
Ok, so baby firsts...
Tonight, you took your first big girl bath... yay!! I will post a video as soon as Dadda uploads. After your bath, you smelled like baby loves again. Especially after such a big spit up day. I think you're upset that we learned how big you're getting so quickly so you're trying to only digest the good parts of the TJ and get rid of the unnecessary stuff so you can stay tiny for a lil longer. On one hand, I do want you to be lil forever but on the other hand, I can't wait to see how you turn out, my lil beauty queen!
Yesterday, at the end of the group feeding session, you weighed 9 lb 8 oz. I can't believe how much weight you've gained, chubba wubba, in 3 short weeks (1 lb 12 oz), and that's with losing weight in your first 5 days! I guess you're doing a good job of eating and I shouldn't worry too much about your latch. You seem happy (and full) even tho you've started crying a lot more recently. Things are def much different than those happy hospital days. But I wouldn't give up any of it... nope!
On Monday, Uncle Jon, Cousin Alyssa, you and me went to Monterey Bay Aquarium. I must say you enjoyed it the least but without a doubt, you enjoyed the long car ride the best. I can't wait to go back to the aquarium with you and Daddy when you're a little older to watch you interact somewhat and enjoy it more. I know Daddy will love it there. But we definitely won't eat at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Factory... yuck!
On Sunday, we all went to play miniature golf. You and I didn't play. You slept, I kept score and kept my eyes on you! Everyone had a good time. Then in the evening, you got to meet your other cousin who shares your birthday. Lesley came over the hill and we all went to Henry's World Famous Hi-Life in San Jose for some good eats. You were a lil angel over dinner, didn't even need to eat, just let me enjoy a good NY steak... yum! Lesley was smitten with you and I can't wait for her to come back with Natalie and get to know you better. Hopefully, soon after that we'll get to spend more time coastside with her lil godson who is due very soon. This might be love!!
Ok, well I think I got everything covered. I need to find a better way of tracking all your firsts. Deciding between creating a website or getting a baby book or both. We'll see. For now, this will have to do.
I love you my lil Aiveykins! I'm such a happy Momma! You make me so happy to be your Momma!
XOXO
Mommy
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Smile, you're on candid camera!
Hello Baby Aivey,
You, my darling dear, smiled at Daddy this morning! Your first awake smile... cheese!
Now smile at me... I only carried you for 41 weeks and 2 days and went thru abdominal surgery for you :)
XOXO
Mommy
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Shedding Tears
Hello Baby Aivey,
Another big day of firsts at just 18 days big!!
Last night Daddy noticed that your eyes were very watery and it got us thinking that you're going to start crying any day now and today was that day... we saw your very first tears... boo-hoo! I even caught one on a q-tip to save. Not that anyone, including you, would ever know but it's just a reminder for me of your firsts. Daddy brought me the q-tip and I swabbed the tear from the corner of your right eye during TJ time while we were in the glider chair.
I don't like to see you cry... it makes me so emotional. I wish you didn't like to cry either but so far that is not the case. You had a few fussy times today where those tears were shedding. Oh, my lil heart.
Today you also went on your first outing to eat with Daddy, Uncle Jon, Alyssa and me. We went to Bill's Cafe for a late breakfast (there's no early with you... it takes forever to get out of the house with only you, add 4 people taking showers... oy!). For the most part it went well. You didn't sleep on the way there which was strange and then you wanted to eat while we waited for our table so I went to the car with you and fed you for a bit. But then later on, just about the time my food came of course, lol, you wanted to eat some more and after Mommy chowed down while Daddy held you for a bit, I had to bust out the TJ in public for the first time. Except for a quick nip slip at the end, I must say it went pretty well. Glad I'm over that!
You are really such a good lil baby. You just have your moments. If you weren't mine and so cute, your moments would bother me much much more than me just feeling helpless but I'm enjoying every minute and getting used to your likes and dislikes so we can maintain good lil baby status for as long as possible.
I'm looking forward to more of your firsts and just figuring out this whole Mommy Baby thing as we go along. Must say, this is the best adventure of my life! I love you sweet'ums!
XOXO
Mommy
Another big day of firsts at just 18 days big!!
Last night Daddy noticed that your eyes were very watery and it got us thinking that you're going to start crying any day now and today was that day... we saw your very first tears... boo-hoo! I even caught one on a q-tip to save. Not that anyone, including you, would ever know but it's just a reminder for me of your firsts. Daddy brought me the q-tip and I swabbed the tear from the corner of your right eye during TJ time while we were in the glider chair.
I don't like to see you cry... it makes me so emotional. I wish you didn't like to cry either but so far that is not the case. You had a few fussy times today where those tears were shedding. Oh, my lil heart.
Today you also went on your first outing to eat with Daddy, Uncle Jon, Alyssa and me. We went to Bill's Cafe for a late breakfast (there's no early with you... it takes forever to get out of the house with only you, add 4 people taking showers... oy!). For the most part it went well. You didn't sleep on the way there which was strange and then you wanted to eat while we waited for our table so I went to the car with you and fed you for a bit. But then later on, just about the time my food came of course, lol, you wanted to eat some more and after Mommy chowed down while Daddy held you for a bit, I had to bust out the TJ in public for the first time. Except for a quick nip slip at the end, I must say it went pretty well. Glad I'm over that!
You are really such a good lil baby. You just have your moments. If you weren't mine and so cute, your moments would bother me much much more than me just feeling helpless but I'm enjoying every minute and getting used to your likes and dislikes so we can maintain good lil baby status for as long as possible.
I'm looking forward to more of your firsts and just figuring out this whole Mommy Baby thing as we go along. Must say, this is the best adventure of my life! I love you sweet'ums!
XOXO
Mommy
Friday, April 22, 2011
Family Time
Hello Aivey,
Yay, your first visitors! Yesterday, your Uncle Jon and cousin Alyssa arrived in town. You were so overcome with excitement that you could hardly contain your lil self. You got so many new hugs and kisses and oohs and aahs. Ah, to be the baby of the family... and for me to be your proud Momma... what joy!
Alyssa is completely enchanted with you. All she wants to do is be near you, look at you, hold you, kiss you. She loves spending every minute with you while you are awake and asleep. She helped push your stroller when we took a walk to the store, helped with your bath... she sure does make a great lil mother's helper.
I think between meeting the new moms and their babies Thursday morning at our new moms group and then your family in the afternoon, you were overstimulated and didn't want to stick to your usual routine of diaper changing, eating and sleeping. Instead, you decided to have your first... hmmm... how do you say... tantrum, maybe. I just think that meeting so many new people in such a short time after you've really only been with Daddy and me for your first 16 days, you were a lil overwhelmed... understandable. We finally got you settled in quite late I might add and Mommy and Daddy managed to get a few hours sleep while the rest of your family was snoozing and snoring away to get on Cali time. And that they did... at least enough to go up to the city for a fun filled touring/exploring day and come back here to enjoy an even more fun filled night with Chinese and family fun time!
Today you were much better, altho in the morning, I got nervous when you and I were alone in the house and I started to shower and heard you start to wail. Luckily, it didn't last long and you put yourself to sleep. Otherwise, today has been the usual... lots of TJ time, diaper changes, sleepy sleepys, a quick stroll thru the hood, sponge bath time, and a great few hours in your new vibrating bouncy chair that Daddy and I got for you at Target the other day, which you LOVE!
I have to remember to get pictures of you with your New York family who loves you very very much!
XOXO
Mommy
Alyssa is completely enchanted with you. All she wants to do is be near you, look at you, hold you, kiss you. She loves spending every minute with you while you are awake and asleep. She helped push your stroller when we took a walk to the store, helped with your bath... she sure does make a great lil mother's helper.
I think between meeting the new moms and their babies Thursday morning at our new moms group and then your family in the afternoon, you were overstimulated and didn't want to stick to your usual routine of diaper changing, eating and sleeping. Instead, you decided to have your first... hmmm... how do you say... tantrum, maybe. I just think that meeting so many new people in such a short time after you've really only been with Daddy and me for your first 16 days, you were a lil overwhelmed... understandable. We finally got you settled in quite late I might add and Mommy and Daddy managed to get a few hours sleep while the rest of your family was snoozing and snoring away to get on Cali time. And that they did... at least enough to go up to the city for a fun filled touring/exploring day and come back here to enjoy an even more fun filled night with Chinese and family fun time!
Today you were much better, altho in the morning, I got nervous when you and I were alone in the house and I started to shower and heard you start to wail. Luckily, it didn't last long and you put yourself to sleep. Otherwise, today has been the usual... lots of TJ time, diaper changes, sleepy sleepys, a quick stroll thru the hood, sponge bath time, and a great few hours in your new vibrating bouncy chair that Daddy and I got for you at Target the other day, which you LOVE!
I have to remember to get pictures of you with your New York family who loves you very very much!
XOXO
Mommy
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Bee Bo!
Hello Baby Aivey,
15 days old today and you (finally) lost your umbilical cord... Yay!! In a couple of days, it will be bath time... Yay!! Hopefully you can take your first bath with your cousin, Alyssa, whom you share a birthday with, while she's here visiting. She and your Uncle Jon are coming tomorrow all the way from New York with bagels and Girl Scout cookies to meet you. Should be a fun few days.
Yesterday, on your 2 week birthday... Yay!!... You and I had a day of firsts. First, you went on your first (of many I'm sure) Starbucks walks with Daddy and me. Then in the afternoon, you and I took our very first car ride together. We went to a breastfeeding support group and learned a few good tips for us to make this experience more enjoyable for both of us. I think it should be mandatory for all high school teenage girls to take a breastfeeding class... Actually I think all women should be required to get some sort of diploma in the field before having children. By far one of the hardest things to master. And in the hospital they kept saying how well I was doing but no one actually looked at your latch, which is what needs great improvement. Anyway, I think with a little more practice we'll be experts!
Unfortunately, at the end of class, the lactation consultant saw your diaper rash and alarmed me that she thought it was yeast. Well your crazy mother rushed you straight across the street to the pediatrician who agreed and got us both on meds to clear it all up. We've both been taking the meds diligently and your bum is starting to look better already. Hopefully this is the first and last time this happens. At least now we know what to look for and how to treat.
Oh, another first today was just you and I taking a walk to Safeway to pick up a few things. It was a little chilly but you were bundled up nicely in a lil bunny outfit including a blanket and topped off with Gramma Linda's hand knitted warm white, pink and purple blanket and pink hat. Just realised I should be taking more pics of you. You looked so cute and once we got moving, you passed out and just enjoyed the trip.
Hmmm... I also need a memory book...
XOXO
Mommy
15 days old today and you (finally) lost your umbilical cord... Yay!! In a couple of days, it will be bath time... Yay!! Hopefully you can take your first bath with your cousin, Alyssa, whom you share a birthday with, while she's here visiting. She and your Uncle Jon are coming tomorrow all the way from New York with bagels and Girl Scout cookies to meet you. Should be a fun few days.
Yesterday, on your 2 week birthday... Yay!!... You and I had a day of firsts. First, you went on your first (of many I'm sure) Starbucks walks with Daddy and me. Then in the afternoon, you and I took our very first car ride together. We went to a breastfeeding support group and learned a few good tips for us to make this experience more enjoyable for both of us. I think it should be mandatory for all high school teenage girls to take a breastfeeding class... Actually I think all women should be required to get some sort of diploma in the field before having children. By far one of the hardest things to master. And in the hospital they kept saying how well I was doing but no one actually looked at your latch, which is what needs great improvement. Anyway, I think with a little more practice we'll be experts!
Unfortunately, at the end of class, the lactation consultant saw your diaper rash and alarmed me that she thought it was yeast. Well your crazy mother rushed you straight across the street to the pediatrician who agreed and got us both on meds to clear it all up. We've both been taking the meds diligently and your bum is starting to look better already. Hopefully this is the first and last time this happens. At least now we know what to look for and how to treat.
Oh, another first today was just you and I taking a walk to Safeway to pick up a few things. It was a little chilly but you were bundled up nicely in a lil bunny outfit including a blanket and topped off with Gramma Linda's hand knitted warm white, pink and purple blanket and pink hat. Just realised I should be taking more pics of you. You looked so cute and once we got moving, you passed out and just enjoyed the trip.
Hmmm... I also need a memory book...
XOXO
Mommy
Saturday, April 16, 2011
A Day of Firsts
Hello Aivey,
What a great day! Daddy is back from his business trip and we got to spend the whole day together as a family. It was sooo nice!!
After a hectic morning and a delicious breakfast topped with my first decaf latte in years thanks to Daddy and Starbucks, we were on time for your first pediatrician appointment this afternoon (since our stay in the hospital). What a relief it was that it went well, very well in fact. You are back to your starting weight... born 7 lb 12.4 oz... and in this corner... Aivleen Fitzgerald weighing in at 7 lb 12.4 oz! Whooo-hooo! Makes Mommy so happy knowing that you have been eating well, no matter how painful it sometimes is. Hopefully no more Dr appts until your 2 month visit at the beginning of June - which Daddy has to come to because you are getting shots and I just know I'm going to be a basket case... ARGH!
Then later in the afternoon, we took you for your first walk... with big sister Stella. She was so excited to be out with all of us, I think she's really starting to like you ;)
We went for a late lunch at Eric's Deli and got the opportunity to sit outside since it was such a beautiful Spring day. Then we ran some errands at the drug store and supermarket in our local shopping center. Unfortunately, Stella got most of the attention from passersby... I know that once you're out of your shielded stroller, you will be showered with compliments but no one can see you all tucked away, not to mention people seem to have a love for bulldogs... but you are much too pretty for people not to notice!
So, speaking of all things first, here is the first modeling picture of our family taken on the 6th day of your lil life...
This picture makes Mommy SO SO happy!!! I love you all SO much. I just look at you, my darling, and my heart melts. All I can think of is that Daddy and I made you with SO much love. It's like we took a piece of our hearts out, joined them together, added 2 arms and 2 legs and there you are! Sugar and spice and everything nice!
I'm so glad I did something, in this life... or a past one, to deserve you. Without a doubt, you have completed me and I will love you forever unconditionally.
To end the day, we received another beautiful present. Your very first personalized baby blanket. I can't even describe how beautiful it is. You can thank your cousins, Barbara and Gerry, when you meet them in June, just by being you... a happy, good lil baby.... my baby!
XOXO
Mommy
What a great day! Daddy is back from his business trip and we got to spend the whole day together as a family. It was sooo nice!!
After a hectic morning and a delicious breakfast topped with my first decaf latte in years thanks to Daddy and Starbucks, we were on time for your first pediatrician appointment this afternoon (since our stay in the hospital). What a relief it was that it went well, very well in fact. You are back to your starting weight... born 7 lb 12.4 oz... and in this corner... Aivleen Fitzgerald weighing in at 7 lb 12.4 oz! Whooo-hooo! Makes Mommy so happy knowing that you have been eating well, no matter how painful it sometimes is. Hopefully no more Dr appts until your 2 month visit at the beginning of June - which Daddy has to come to because you are getting shots and I just know I'm going to be a basket case... ARGH!
Then later in the afternoon, we took you for your first walk... with big sister Stella. She was so excited to be out with all of us, I think she's really starting to like you ;)
We went for a late lunch at Eric's Deli and got the opportunity to sit outside since it was such a beautiful Spring day. Then we ran some errands at the drug store and supermarket in our local shopping center. Unfortunately, Stella got most of the attention from passersby... I know that once you're out of your shielded stroller, you will be showered with compliments but no one can see you all tucked away, not to mention people seem to have a love for bulldogs... but you are much too pretty for people not to notice!
So, speaking of all things first, here is the first modeling picture of our family taken on the 6th day of your lil life...
This picture makes Mommy SO SO happy!!! I love you all SO much. I just look at you, my darling, and my heart melts. All I can think of is that Daddy and I made you with SO much love. It's like we took a piece of our hearts out, joined them together, added 2 arms and 2 legs and there you are! Sugar and spice and everything nice!
I'm so glad I did something, in this life... or a past one, to deserve you. Without a doubt, you have completed me and I will love you forever unconditionally.
To end the day, we received another beautiful present. Your very first personalized baby blanket. I can't even describe how beautiful it is. You can thank your cousins, Barbara and Gerry, when you meet them in June, just by being you... a happy, good lil baby.... my baby!
XOXO
Mommy
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
One Week Old Today
Hello Aivleen,
My sweet, sweet girl...
A week ago, we finally got the chance to meet you and it's been nothing but love and joy since. You have made me and Daddy SO happy with your sunny disposition, looks of curiosity and pure beauty. We are smitten. We couldn't have asked, wished or hoped for a greater gift. From the time Daddy's voice cracked announcing you as a girl, to the outpouring of love and good wishes from your family and friends, to all the kind words and support from the nurses, to your easy going, laid back personality, to bringing you home and transitioning you to our world, to your sweet demeanor, we have considered ourselves so lucky.
Things don't always go as planned - from thinking for months on end that you were a baby boy and your arrival not going smoothly - but in the end, planning isn't what's important. The journey, the adventure, the connection, the future... taking care of you, nurturing you, teaching you, loving you... that's what's important. We cherish you and every moment we've shared, share and will share with you as we raise you to be our daughter, a good person, a strong woman... a star that shines bright in this world.
We've wished for you, longed for you and now our wishes have come true and we long no more, for we have our lil'Aibhlinn.
Thank you for the greatest week of our lives. We can't wait for the weeks to multiply.
XOXO
Mommy
My sweet, sweet girl...
A week ago, we finally got the chance to meet you and it's been nothing but love and joy since. You have made me and Daddy SO happy with your sunny disposition, looks of curiosity and pure beauty. We are smitten. We couldn't have asked, wished or hoped for a greater gift. From the time Daddy's voice cracked announcing you as a girl, to the outpouring of love and good wishes from your family and friends, to all the kind words and support from the nurses, to your easy going, laid back personality, to bringing you home and transitioning you to our world, to your sweet demeanor, we have considered ourselves so lucky.
Things don't always go as planned - from thinking for months on end that you were a baby boy and your arrival not going smoothly - but in the end, planning isn't what's important. The journey, the adventure, the connection, the future... taking care of you, nurturing you, teaching you, loving you... that's what's important. We cherish you and every moment we've shared, share and will share with you as we raise you to be our daughter, a good person, a strong woman... a star that shines bright in this world.
We've wished for you, longed for you and now our wishes have come true and we long no more, for we have our lil'Aibhlinn.
Thank you for the greatest week of our lives. We can't wait for the weeks to multiply.
XOXO
Mommy
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Is 41 our lucky number?
Hello Baby,
You are a week late now...
Daddy bought a new video camera today for your imminent arrival...
Hurry. Up. Please. Thank. You.
XOXO
Mommy
You are a week late now...
Daddy bought a new video camera today for your imminent arrival...
Hurry. Up. Please. Thank. You.
XOXO
Mommy
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