Two Week Survival Guide

Samantha had her two week check-up with the pediatrician yesterday and the three of us have survived the first 2 weeks as a threesome. We found out early last week that Sam hasn't been gaining weight quite as readily as we would like, so we have been working with the lactation consultants and pediatrician to ensure that we get Sam back where she needs to be. Last week, we rented a scale from the hospital so that we can weigh her feedings and by supplementing with formula we are hoping to get her back on track ASAP.

Sam has a "weight check" this coming Tuesday, so fingers are crossed that she is doing a bit better in the weight department. Ironic that this is an issue, as I have NEVER had a problem gaining weight! :) We have her on a feeding plan that seems to be working and we are hopeful that we can start weaning her from the formula in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed!

The past two weeks have been a bit of a blur, but we have been keeping busy and trying to enjoy every minute of this special time. Friends and family have continued to stop by with meals (an AMAZING help!) and we even had a visit from two of my prenatal yoga buddies, Shelley and Carla. I had my 2 week follow-up with the Obstetrician and she said that all is well with my scar, so I am happy about that. Yesterday was a big day out for our little family. We took Sam to the doctor and she and I spent an evening with Nona JoAnn and Papa Ron while Allen went to a baseball game with friends. Nona, Sam and I took a walk through the neighborhood and she got to meet Dolores and say "thank you" for all the special goodies that are displayed in her bedroom!

Some of the things we have learned....

**It is amazing that humans can function on such little sleep!

**The dogs are adjusting quite well--much better than we would have expected.

**Each day is truly a new adventure.

**Samantha is beautiful and it is so incredible to see her growing and changing everyday.

**Al and I make a pretty good team.

And I have to add...

**Allen is such an amazing father and husband. I am blown away with how kind, caring and patient he is--not only with Samantha, but also with me. I can't believe how lucky I am to have him as a partner on this incredible journey.

And of course, some photos...

Samantha with Uncle Steve, Aunt Julie & Aunt Kim

Getting ready for a big weigh in. Allen thinks that this looks like a fish scale!

Week One - Lots to Learn!

This Thursday, Samantha will be 2 weeks old and it is really amazing how the time is flying by. Last week was our first week at home and Allen and I are getting used to Samantha's schedule and adjusting to having a newborn in the house. So far, the nights have been a bit of a challenge, but we have high hopes that we will be able to figure out some type of a schedule before Allen goes back to work.

Last week was busy with lots of visits from friends and family. We were so fortunate to have people bringing us dinner and it has made our evenings tremendously easier. In addition, we made it out to the breastfeeding group at Good Sam and Samantha even had her first visit to the pediatrician. On Wednesday of last week, we had a slight concern about what we thought was thrush but were assured by her doctor that all is well.

This week is another busy one for the three of us. Today we will be returning to the breastfeeding group (I have a few questions and they have a scale so that we will be able to weigh Samantha to see if she is gaining). Tomorrow is my 2 week follow up appointment with Dr. Reimnitz, and Friday is Samantha's official 2 week visit with the pediatrician. In addition, Allen will be getting a much deserved night out with his friends for a baseball game on Friday. Samantha and I are planning on spending Friday evening at Nona JoAnn's house for a little change of scenery.

We have been so lucky to have some extra help from family members this week and I know that has helped the two of us to keep our sanity (and get a bit caught up on sleep). AJ and my cousins have been stopping by on a regular basis to visit with Samantha and JoAnn has spent a couple nights with us as well. Though we are definitely tired, it has been wonderful to have this time as a family to get to know Samantha and welcome her into our lives.

Here are some pictures from our first week at home!

Samantha after a sponge bath!

Samantha Ann Is Here!

Hi Everyone,

It's been awhile since the last post, but a lot has happened over the past week. Samantha was born on June 11th at 8:06am. She weighed in at an impressive 8lb 4oz and measured 19.5 inches. Allen, Sam & I returned from the hospital on Monday afternoon and have been settling into life as a threesome. While we have not been sleeping all that much, we are loving life with our little girl and are so lucky to have so many wonderful friends and family around helping out as we embark on this new journey.

Here are some photos from the past week!

You Really Had to Be There!

A few weeks before I started my maternity leave, my Team In Training pals hosted a surprise baby shower celebration at our weekly Thursday evening track workout. I've been meaning to post pictures from this fun event, and am finally getting around to it. Behind my back, our volunteers rallied the Team In Training participants to get excited about a track workout that was focused on all things baby. The runners were instructed to dress in pink or blue and they did a burrito relay with a baby theme. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the evening!Instead of the traditional "Gu" & Gatorade, we had cupcakes and other assorted goodies!

They had me wear a special "mom" medal--this one is a bit different than the medals that they will earn at their upcoming marathons!

Coaches Kirk & Tim showed up dressed as babies--complete with diapers!

Team In Training folks hold a special place in my heart and I am very lucky to work for an organization with such wonderful, generous, and kind-hearted volunteers!

One of our volunteers gave Samantha a Team In Training onesie, so it looks like there is hope for her to become an endurance athlete...one day. Allen is already talking about getting her involved in triathlons!

2 Day Countdown

We're just two days away from Samantha's arrival--I can't believe it's almost time. Today was a lot of fun--JoAnn and I ran errands and saw a movie (probably the last one I'll catch for a long time!).

In other news...my Flip camera arrived today! This was a last minute purchase, but one that I am very excited about. I'm looking forward to taking some videos and posting them to the blog (especially for those who live out of the area). As a test, I took a video of Scout. Be forewarned--it's not the best. All she seems to want to do is lick my belly. Hopefully this means that she will like Samantha.

If anyone is in the market for a Flip, be sure to check Amazon--the prices are amazing!

Week 38 - An Update

So...today begins the official one week countdown. It is really surreal to think that at this time--in exactly one week, Samantha will be here. I had my last doctor's appointment today and it looks like everything is going as it should. My doctor measured me and we listened to the heartbeat and she answered all of my last minute questions. At this point, it looks like I'm stuck with the anesthesiologist on duty, but she assured me that he is very good. I'm going to take her word on this one and all things considered--it really doesn't matter if I like him, just so long as he does a good job!

Allen and I have a few things to do around the house this weekend and other than that, we will be enjoying our last days as a twosome. He is working through Tuesday of next week and I assume that Wednesday will be pretty busy.

In other news...the nursery is almost complete! We still have a few things that we need to do (order a crib matress/shampoo the carpets/hang the curtains/etc...), but I thought I would share some pictures.

The crib looks a bit "off" because we haven't put the mattress in quite yet!

Storage area behind the bedroom door.
Hand painted animal canvas art from Dolores! A giraffe, monkey and a lion.
Changing table/dresser

Peter loves the rocking chair--hopefully he is willing to share it with Samantha!

Back to School...Sort of

I am officially wrapping up day three of my maternity leave and I am still lucky to be feeling really good. The week has been great thus far, as I have been having fun and accomplishing A LOT! On Monday, I finished up the painting in the nursery and ran a ton of errands. Yesterday, I saw a movie (The Soloist), stocked up at the Morgan Hill Library (like I'll have any time to read!!) and did a few things around the house.

I was definitely looking forward to today, as AJ, my cousin Emily and I had made plans to visit Kim (my other cousin) at work. Kim is an SJSU graduate who is currently working on her teaching credential and has recently landed a long-term substitute job at Rosemary School in Campbell. AJ and Emily have visited Kim (and her class) before, but this was my first time. We came just before lunchtime and had time to eat before the kids returned from their lunch recess. The classroom is adorable, and as coincidence would have it, Kim is subbing for a teacher who is out on maternity leave! When the kids came back from lunch, Kim had them gather on the carpet and they had the opportunity to ask AJ, Emily & I questions. They asked me if the baby was a boy or a girl, how we found out the baby's gender and they all wanted to know alternate names if we had found out that we were having a boy instead of a girl. One of the girls asked if I thought the class was sweet (my answer: "of course") and one of the girls wanted to know my favorite animal (my answer: "dogs"--duh!!). After question time, we observed the class meeting. During the meeting, everyone had the chance to discuss something/someone that they appreciate OR someone/something with which they have a problem. From what I hear, today's meeting was pretty tame--no problems--everyone was appreciative. Miss Mello (aka Cousin Kim) said that she appreciated AJ, Emily & I for coming to have lunch with her, Emily appreciated Kim for taking her to the candy store yesterday and AJ said that she appreciated me for making her a great aunt. AJ already is a GREAT aunt--I'm so lucky! :)

Here's a picture of Emily writing a message on the white board (I think it said "Emily is awesome")...

And one of the three of us--I look HUGE!

I am so proud of Kim and had a blast watching her with the kids. I know she is going to be a great teacher and I can't wait to see what she does next!

Tomorrow begins the one week countdown...