Messy Day

More spit up...much, much more spit up. The poor girl, I think something has to be wrong in her little tummy or something. It doesn't seem to hurt her, but seems to shock her a little every time she does it. I am just hoping that it gets better soon. Until then I think Lily will just be wrapped in a big towel when it is just the two of us at home.

We attended our first New Parent Connection group this afternoon. It was much needed. There were 13 moms, a dad, babies and a parent educator. It was a very supportive group and everyone talked about issues, concerns, tips, etc. The group was designed to help new parents and the babies are up to 4 months old. They are held once a week. I think Lily and I will do our best to attend every week until I go back to work.

I rented a movie today - 27 Dresses. A while back Lori and I saw it in the theater. As you can see, I liked it enough to watch it again and recommend it to others.

Hanging out with the cousins

Today we went down to hang out with the Zweber Girls (and Zoe's friend Mia.) Grandma Mary stopped by after she got off of work. It was a nice afternoon.

Lily had a wonderful weekend, she did not have any projectile spit-up...but today she made up for it. It doesn't seem to bother her, just messy.

Lil Rockstar!

Here is our Lil RockStar!
I see a Bright Future for her:)

Love the outfit Kathy!

Weekend Update Part 2

After my post about wanting game night, we got a few bites and had some friends (Colie, Guido, Trish, Dave and Donella) over on Saturday night. It was so much fun! Mickey and I really needed some time hanging out with our friends. Lily loved it too...she always enjoys being held all night:) Thanks girls! The boys kicked our butts at Trivia, but we handed it right back at Cranium. I am so glad we won the second game!

Today I let Mickey sleep in and Lily & I did our thing. Around 11:30 I got a pretty bad headache and have spent most of the day in bed. Mickey has been so great and has let me sleep as much a possible. I was looking forward to seeing my buddy Rachel today, we'll have to make that visit up soon. Tonight we are continuing in to chill at home and rest.

Weekend Update Part 1

Friday Night Mickey and I watched a movie and just hung out. It was much needed and I enjoyed his extra help with LIly in the middle of the night.

Saturday during the day Virgie and Dave (my aunt and uncle) came over for a visit. Lily enjoyed meeting you and we enjoyed the conversation. Congrats Dave on being so close to finishing up Grad school. What a great accomplishment!

Funny story - I was feeding Lily and I noticed that her leg was wet...Hmmm...then I noticed my leg was wet. Mickey had just changed her so I wasn't sure what was going on. Then after we saw that the couch was wet too, we solved the case... When Mickey changed her diaper he also had to change her outfit, so he got her all cleaned up and put the clean clothes on but forgot to put the diaper on as well! haha - another live and learn!

Grandpa's & the Godfather

Lily and I had a nice time with Grandpa's and The Godfather. We both enjoyed listening to all if the car talk for several hours! haha...Lily was soaking it all in:) She'll make you guys proud!

On the way home I was able to explain the birds and the bees to Lil. (whew - glad that is over! haha) We saw a couple of cows enjoying themselves on the side of the road. I thought it was a good time to get the talk out of the way! haha!

Have a nice weekend!

Friday Fun

Last night my good friend Lori stopped over for dinner and to hang out. It was so nice to visit with you Lori!!! Thank you! Then it was bath time. This time we were faster with the diaper and missed the poop in the towel! whew! haha! Now she smells good again:)

Today we are heading back down to the 'Waldschmidt Ranch' to hang out with the Grandpa's and the Godfather (Gary, Dad and Dan). It should be a nice day. There is no place in the world more comfortable than cuddling up by the fire place at mom and dads! Lily is loving it too.

I am not sure what the weekend has in store. I am really craving a game night. I have been carrying around Cranium in my trunk for several months now (just in case someone wants to play with me. haha). Hopefully that will happen soon:) Any takers? haha!

Weekends are great for me to sleep a little longer. Mickey has been so good at getting up with Lily in the middle of the night on Fridays and Saturdays to give me a break. I can't wait! :)
Have a nice weekend everyone.

Colie & Ra - how did you guys do last night? Big Money?
Dave - I am sure we will be at many games:) It was great to see you guys!

Wednesday recap

Yesterday was nice - busy - but a lot of fun.

In the morning Kate and I brought the girls down to visit dad. We were able to enjoy the nice weather and do some grilling too. Later Lily and I stopped by my mom's office for a visit. She loved showing her grand baby to all of her co-workers. I will have to get up to my office very soon too!

That night Lily attended her first kickball game. Unfortunately our team lost last night, but it was still great to see all of our friends. Usually Mickey and I are one of the last to leave after a game, but last night we were first. I am just glad the weather was nice enough that we could actually go.

Today has been a great day to stay home...so icky and rainy out there...
oh...we just spit up all over again...got to go....

Nugget, Lil Nut, Nugs, Sweet Sweets, Peanut...

Nugget, Nugs, Lil-Nut, The Nut, Sweet Sweets, Peanut, Lillian Rae, Lily Rae, Lil-Dog

Here's list of several of the names our daughter has been called (& many times) in the last 2 & 1/2 weeks. It is amazing how they seem so natural to say, yet when you write them they sound so silly. Makes me wonder how many nick-names I have been given over the years. Hmmm....Annie Pat, Patty, Bell, Anna Bell, AW, Capt.____, Goat, Annie Goat..hahah - I am sure I could think of more. What are some of yours?

Lily and I had a great day yesterday. Again - learning more about each other, what works, what DOES NOT work and all of the adorable faces she can make. Each day is a new & exciting and with the weather being so beautiful - we are really enjoying this special time together. We still miss dad/Mickey very much, but we are able to survive until he gets home.

With Lily's wonderful spitting abilities- I have finally found a use for the zillion T-Shirts I have accumulated over the years. T-shirts and comfy pants are our new 'at home' wardrobe. So far today, only two T-shirts! We don't mind...she is the BEST!

Pictures:
1. First nap in her crib
2. Hanging outside (looks like she should have had her sun glasses on)
3. Lily and I
4. Tasto family and Lily

Let me see your Jazz Hands

Weekend Update

I think after this weekend Lily, Mickey and I are feeling even more comfortable, mobile and we are all continuing to learn new things every day.

• Thursday night Colie came over to hang out. It was much appreciated. I think I needed some girl catch up time. Thanks Colie!
• Friday was kind of a fussy day for Lily, but soon enough she was back to herself and we seemed to be just fine.
• Saturday my uncle Dave and aunt Pat came over for a visit. It was nice to spend time with them. Lily enjoyed meeting you Dave!
• That afternoon Lily attended her first purse party!!! It was at Brenda's house. It was so nice to catch up with her and other friends there. That was our first time really driving by ourselves. It is amazing how now I am the safest driver in the world and it is all the others on the road that I worry about. Slow down people! haha - you were giving me white knuckles.
  
• Saturday night we were able to see Grandma Ann and Aunt Amy again. Amy was in the cities one last night and is now back in CO.
  
• Sunday Tom, Jenna and Landyn Tasto came over for a visit. It was great to spend time with them. Lily also got her first kiss from a boy (other than family). We also spent some time sitting outside. It was so beautiful!
  

Birthday Shout Out

Happy Belated Birthdays Nicole and Louis!!!
I wish we could have been at your party on Friday.
We'll have to celebrate with you at another time.

12 days old

Lily had her 2 week Dr.'s appointment today. The Dr. says she is doing great:) She has already passed her birth weight and is now weighing in at 7 lbs and 12 oz. I was a little concerned about her spitting up. She has been spitting more and more lately and large amounts. I was afraid that she isn't taking in enough or my milk is too harsh on her. The Dr. said (like others have told me) that she is normal and this is just something that we need to learn to live with. At this point I am having to change a few times a day too from all of the mess. I just hate to see it all come back up like that and I can't help her. I am looking for tips, if anyone has a magic cure or suggestions - please do share!!!

Nice job Rubbers (our kickball team) who won last night! Sorry to miss the game, but Lily and I were not ready yet to be out that long. We do plan on cheering at many games this year. I have been teaching her as many of the cheers as I can. She hasn't picked up on any of them yet...but I am sure she will soon.

Thank you mom for surprising us last night. It was great to sit down, eat and talk. I appreciate all of the support that you and dad (and many others) have given us. Love you guys!

Wednesday

Lily and I are home alone today. We both miss Mickey so much. It is hard to make the transition without him. I know he is missing us today too. Being here alone with her today also makes me very aware of the fact that I don't know what I am doing yet and that scares me. When mickey is with us - I think we all have that sense of comfort. I know it will get easier for all of us, but for now we miss our daddy.

We had a low key morning full of spit up and then went for a walk outside. I think both Lily and I needed the fresh air and a little DQ too! haha!

Mickey and I gave Lily a bath last night. That is not her favorite thing to do, but it was time. Anyway we were feeling good about our successful bath and Mickey was holding her wrapped in the towel and then we heard it...the thunder from down under...yep...she went poo all over the towel and herself. So much for her nice clean bath! ahha - next time we will be sure to get the diaper on first.

Tuesday

Yesterday was a great day. I thought it would be hard with Mickey gone for the first day...but he woke me early to tell me that he talked to his boss and that he would be home with us for a couple more days! So we enjoyed the beautiful day it was nice and relaxing. We even went out for breakfast. This (beside the 4 minute Target run) was Lily's first outing. She did great - what a wonderful little sleeper we have.

She has been sleeping longer periods at night (which is WONDERFUL!) Feeding have also become easier. Mickey and I are both becoming very fast diaper changers. (Trish & Dave - invest in New Born sleepers with zippers and many new born gowns. All of those little snaps can take a while.)

We just love her to pieces!!! I can just sit and stare at her for hours. The faces that she makes are very entertaining, and then you get thinking about what a miracle and a blessing that she is. We are truly blessed and I could not be happier!

Thanks to everyone who has said a prayer for my dad. My brother has been home helping out during the days and dad seems to be in good spirits. He is such a trooper. Love you Dad!

Another Prayer request goes out for my Cousin Chris (he is my age). When we were busy with the labor, he was diagnosed with Testicular cancer. The cancer has spread and is now to his brain. He has been receiving chemo treatments in Iowa City. I don't know very many details, but I know he could use some additional prayers.

Thanks everyone and enjoy the beautiful SPRING weather!

Sunday

A few pictures:

1. Mark, Jess, Ben and Lily (Sunday)
2. Ellie's family B-Day party (Saturday)
3. Visiting Grandpa Bill (Friday)

I can't believe one week has passed us by already. Looking back it has been a pretty busy week and not as relaxing as we had originally hoped for. Still it was very nice and we have been blessed to have us all together for the week.

Things are seeming more 'normal' and becoming a bit easier. I think the first few days at home were overwhelming (and sore) for us all. But now we are all feeling more in the swing of things and healing nicely from the labor (me.)

Tomorrow is going to be the first day home without Mickey. Lily and I are pretty bummed, we love having him with us. But we understand and know that it will not be easy for him to be back at work too. We will just have to make the time with all 3 of us even that much more special.

One week old

This morning I woke up feeling great! Refreshed and just very happy in general. I am slowly starting to feel like myself again. I can actually tell I do have ankles (rather than kankels) again! That is very exciting to me!!! haha!

Yesterday was a big day for our Lily. She had a nice, very successful bath in the morning. Then the home nurse stopped by for a visit. It was nice to get more tips and advise from her. She was happy to report that our girl is gaining her birth weight back and in good health.

Last night we headed down to Northfield to visit grandpa Bill at the hospital. We figured that she would bring smiles to them and we were right! Lily also had a very good night of sleeping, by far the longest amounts of consistent sleeping thus far.

I also wanted to share how wonderful my husband is - He has been so great to both Lily and I and has taken a very active role in her care. I can not imagine what the last week would have been like without him by my side. I love you so much, Mickey!

That is all for now - I am very optimistic that today will be another great day! Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Happy 1st Birthday Ellie!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Ellie!
We love you!

Thursday April 10

Again going on little sleep - Mickey and I are still trying to adjust. We just love our Lil' Nugget and know it is worth it all. It is amazing how much love you can have for someone in less than a week of their life.

Today we just chilled at home. Lily's Great God Mother ( and future care-giver) Pat stopped over for a nice visit. They seemed to have some nice bonding time. We wanted to visit my dad, but the weather stopped that from happening tonight. Hopefully this storm will all be hyped up and we will be able to venture out tomorrow.

Please keep my Dad in your prayers. His post polio has been really hard on him. He's in a lot of pain most of the time, and then last night he snapped his leg just is a fall in his living room. He broke his tibia. This will be a big set back for him. He did have surgery today and the Dr.'s think it went well. They believe he should be discharged tomorrow. Thank God he just got a new power wheel chair, but life is becoming very challenging for him. He is one of the strongest people I know and I know he will be fine, but thanks for your prayers.

More Pictures

Here are some pictures from the last couple of days.
1. Great God Mother Pat and Lily (one with me too.)
2. Wiltscheck Family
3. Lily
4. God Mother / Auntie Amy
5. Zweber Girls and God Father /Uncle Dan
6. And Lily Again

day four

Lily is 4 days old now...and keeping us busy.

We returned home on Monday afternoon. It is great to finally have her at home with us. She has her days and nights mixed up and I am sure they will be that way for a while. So we are doing our best to adjust for now.

Yesterday Mickey made the phone call to get her first Dr.'s visit scheduled. The only opening they had was an hour later. So we rushed to get us all ready and out the door. Her appointment went well. We like her Dr. she is extremely cheerful and easy to talk to.

After that, we figured we were already out and about we thought we would try to do a quick Target run. Anyway - we all lasted maybe 5 minutes (enough for me to get my Starbucks) and Mickey and Lily had to go out to the car to relax. We joked that now we were those people with the screaming baby in the store. I think we were too optimistic on her shopping ability for only being 3 days old! Haha - we should have known. If she is anything like her momma, I am sure her love of shopping will come around.

Last night at about 4:30 a.m. she had her first BIG blow out...which then meant her first sponge bath at home. Again..more to come...I am sure.

Kate, Dan, Zoe and Ellie over in the morning. It was great to get some tips from my sister. I just can't get over how Ellie seems so much bigger now. We all had a nice time playing in the band and building forts. Lily seems to handle a lot of noise very well.

This afternoon Grandma Ann & Grandpa Gary along with Auntie Amy came over for a visit. Amy just arrived from CO today, so we'll get to see her again in about a week and a half. It was nice to see them as always. Lily enjoyed meeting her Auntie and loved all of the gifts! Thank you!

Haha - I also have to share. You all know (or are figuring out that I take many pictures and Love to share them....Last night my dad said that he and my mom placed bets on how many pictures I would post on the first blog back. Dad guessed 30, mom guessed 25. It was 33, so dad you win! Haha - I am SURE you will be seeing many more!

Thank you everyone for the wonderful messages and phone calls (that I have yet to return). We appreciate all of the support. We'll keep you updated.

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