2 Months!

So this time is my turn to post info on Olivia's blog... Laurie and I apologize for not keeping up with it but we have been very occupied playing and admiring our baby daughter. (I have done most of the playing) 

Last week she had her 2-month visit to the pediatrician and once again, he confirmed we have  a healthy baby. Her official measurements were 15lb 4oz and 24.75 in. She is growing strong.

Also last week, her aunt Ally came to town and we went on our first day trip to Sedona, quick picnic and hike. Good times had by all. 

This week she will stay with me in the mornings and with Mom in the evenings, the only thing we have to get done is getting her a passport for her upcoming trip to Mexico City on September... other than that we'll keep playing and enjoying her smiles (no laughs yet, bu working on it!)

The Big Arrival

I'll start this by saying: Carlos, you were right. There, I said it. He called me crazy when I wanted to take HypnoBirthing (google it if you're interested) classes instead of Lamaze. We practiced, we relaxed, we visualized. I listened to the recording each night (well, almost each night). After  being induced due to being 41 weeks 5 days with NO sign of labor coming with a drug the midwife referred to as "vaginal dynamite" I cried "EPIDURAL!!!!" Disappointed that our 2 1/2 page birth plan (and $300 for the classes) went out the window, I took a moment and focused on much bigger and better things: Olivia.

She joined us at 5:38 am on May 22nd weighing in at 8lbs 12 oz and 20.5 inches long. I remember the midwife lovingly saying "Laurie, her head is out, would you like to feel it?" to which I replied "NO, I WANT TO KEEP PUSHING!" After the next push, I was asked to reach down to receive the little life that had been growing for 9 months. I pulled her up to my chest, she started crying, then preceded to poop all over me. Aaahh, welcome to motherhood.

The first week being a parent has come with a lot. We are lucky enough to have my parents and Carlos' Mom and sister (yes, 2 first-time Grandmas in the same house) here. They have been incredibly helpful in so many ways (I'm continuously amazed at how much friggin' advice and old wives tales there are! Oy Vey) I find myself staring at her, overwhelmed with love and amazement that she is here. She's the love of my life.

Sitting, waiting, wishing......

So I never promised to be good at maintaining a blog...... Olivia's due date is tomorrow and as of right now there is NO sign that she's on her way. It's funny what people recommend to try that will help get things started: spicy food, root beer, mangoes, ginger chicken, and, of course, sex. We are getting excited to meet her though. It's nice being home right now and having the time and energy to sit and do this. My Mom came a week ago and is in her glory cooking and cleaning. Dad will come at the end of the month as will Carlos' Mom and sister. We will post more once she's here!

23 Weeks

We're having a girl! Carlos was in Mexico when I went for the ultrasound on Dec 22nd, so I decided to find out and tell him for Christmas. He was VERY excited, and I was dumbfounded as I was convinced that we were having a boy. We are beginning to work on the nursery, and thanks to our friends Nancy and Jessica, we have lots of hand-me-downs. Attached is a photo from the ultrasound, she was moving around so much that they had difficulty getting a picture! At 23 weeks I am feeling a lot more energetic and less nauseous (finally). We will keep you posted!

Baby's First Concert

This one is for you Erin! We went to see Mason Jennings last night. The baby's ears are all developed and he (or she!) is able to hear. Zach Gill was the opening act and sitting down, the peanut fluttered around most of the show. We were right up front for Mason and he was enjoyed by all! Any thoughts on what music to have the little one listen to?

Butterflies

Yup! Last night I was dreaming that there was fluttering in my belly. I woke up and felt it! At first I wasn't sure if it was something else (gas), but lay there and felt it again. When I'm sitting very still I can feel the smallest flutter and it's so neat! We decided not to find out what we're having this time around (sorry to disappoint Ally and Mandy!) I'm referring to the baby as a "him" though because: 1) Carlos and I bet our first family vacation on it and I like to win and 2) Crazy Coulibaly in Mali read my shells in 2002 and has never been wrong! More to come......

Music to the Ears

We had our second appointment with the midwife today. Using a Doppler machine, she was able to locate the heartbeat for a brief few seconds. We have a strong beat of 160 bpm! It is definately the most beautiful sound we have ever heard. Everything looks great. We are still deciding if we want to find out the sex, any input is appreciated. In December, we will get an ultrasound with photos and will be able to "find out" if we decide to.