Here's more pics of the tiny one. She's revealed herself to be thus far: a spitter-upper, grunty, 2 1/2 hour sleeper, much more alert, super soft and sweet little thing.
Santa Cruz Beach
17 years ago
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Three weeks of Eliana!
Here's more pics of the tiny one. She's revealed herself to be thus far: a spitter-upper, grunty, 2 1/2 hour sleeper, much more alert, super soft and sweet little thing.
Monday, May 18, 2009
We're Okay! and a giveaway!
It is with relief and a bit of surprise that I feel, well, yes... we're doing okay! Two kids hasn't gotten the best of us (yet?). We're sleeping, albeit not a lot, we're not too grouchy, we're eating well (thank you church people and friends, it is so appreciated), we have time together as a family because we're off of work... Yay! Okay! We're going to make it! Yes, we do a lot of diaper changing, and Eliana does a lot of breastfeeding, and Adessa does some significant fussing (mostly in the morning, there's something about breakfast that sets her off... any insights?)but it's manageable and pleasant and we are having a good time.
Eliana is two weeks old tomorrow. We had a doctor's appointment today and she has gained a pound in her short life, she's now 8 lbs 9 oz, yay! She tries to hold her head up (but bonks) and follows us with her eyes when she's awake, and squawks to be fed, and is very soft and sweet and neck-less and kissable. I keep remembering the phenomenon of falling in love with Adessa as she grew and thinking: "There's so much more love to fall into with Eliana." We barely know this baby! How exciting, she's going to unfold right before our very eyes. We get to be in the box seats to witness her life. Exciting.
Adessa is still doing really well (except for about an hour in the morning. We think it's having too many choices for breakfast, and will experiment with not offering choices, just plopping something breakfasty in front of her. As it is now, there is inevitably something small and seemingly insignificant that will set her off and she will "cry-sad" for 10-20 minutes, unsoothable.) Besides the breakfast disgruntledness, she is so excited to see, kiss, hold, rock, sing to, and show off baby Eliana.
And now for the giveaway part! My friend Arin in Atlanta has started a new sewing blog, where she gives tips and shows cool projects. If you go to her site and leave a comment, you are entered to WIN! Something FREE!! I think that's the coolest thing ever, and am wracking my brains to try to think of something I could give away on my blog. Cookies? Hmmm. I'll work on it. Here's the link to Arin's site:
http://www.easysewingtips.com/2009/05/easy-sewing-tips-first-give-away/
Eliana is two weeks old tomorrow. We had a doctor's appointment today and she has gained a pound in her short life, she's now 8 lbs 9 oz, yay! She tries to hold her head up (but bonks) and follows us with her eyes when she's awake, and squawks to be fed, and is very soft and sweet and neck-less and kissable. I keep remembering the phenomenon of falling in love with Adessa as she grew and thinking: "There's so much more love to fall into with Eliana." We barely know this baby! How exciting, she's going to unfold right before our very eyes. We get to be in the box seats to witness her life. Exciting.
Adessa is still doing really well (except for about an hour in the morning. We think it's having too many choices for breakfast, and will experiment with not offering choices, just plopping something breakfasty in front of her. As it is now, there is inevitably something small and seemingly insignificant that will set her off and she will "cry-sad" for 10-20 minutes, unsoothable.) Besides the breakfast disgruntledness, she is so excited to see, kiss, hold, rock, sing to, and show off baby Eliana.
And now for the giveaway part! My friend Arin in Atlanta has started a new sewing blog, where she gives tips and shows cool projects. If you go to her site and leave a comment, you are entered to WIN! Something FREE!! I think that's the coolest thing ever, and am wracking my brains to try to think of something I could give away on my blog. Cookies? Hmmm. I'll work on it. Here's the link to Arin's site:
http://www.easysewingtips.com/2009/05/easy-sewing-tips-first-give-away/
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12th. It's a Big Day this year!
Today, May 12th, Adessa turns 23 months old, and Eliana turns one week old. This is a big day for our family, indeed. Good thing I put arrows on the sign, huh?
About the first week with two kids, all I can say is, "Wowie." When prompted by myself to reflect, that's the word that comes to mind. Wowie Wowie Zowie! It's actually been great. We're sleeping okay. I'm resting and recovering well. Eliana's eating okay. (Does anyone need breastmilk?) We're definitely figuring it all out, and know this time around that the discomfort of figuring it all out will pass. Calvin is wonder-dad, which helps. He is very attentive to the girls and to me. I also have learned to ask for what I want, because, while he is many marvelous things, a mind-reader he is not. I've nary washed a dish all week, he's keeping the house ship-shape, and he's been the cooker or warmer up of all food. We are both so excited that he has many more weeks off, yay for the wisest use of vacation time!
A moment about the food: The delicious, thoughtful food has been pouring in, thank you to the Stewarts (parents of BFF Gwen, http://rutherfordfiles.blogspot.com/), the Castillos (parents of Baby Alex, http://babycastillosblog.blogspot.com/), Calvin's parents, my parents, our neighbors! and lots more to come. We love the food, people! Thank you! From a mostly non-cooking, prepared food is fine, cereal-for-every-meal woman, the gift of real, delicious food is a remarkable one. Nourishing, and vital, and exponentially appreciated! (I'm trying to say this: because of the gigantic ordeal it would be for me to make the kind of food people are making for us under ANY circumstances, having it made for us when I don't even want to stand up for very long is SUCH A BIG DEAL to me. Thank you!!)
Eliana is a fabulous second baby. She is mellow. She can be put down and doesn't fuss much. She is eating well. She sleeps for 2 1/2 to 4 hour blocks. She would have made a fabulous first baby, too, mind you, but it's nice to have a pretty low-maintenance kid since we're already having Adessa around to care for. Adessa is still adjusting, but doing a pretty darn good job of it, I'd say! Praise God! She has emotions about the baby, but is sweet to her and excited about her and enjoys patting her back or rubbing her hair. Yesterday I put Eliana down in the co-sleeper (or "the go-sleeper" as Adessa calls it) and Adessa stood by the side trying to see over the edge and sang to her. Soooooo very sweet and heartwarming. There have been a few times where they've both been in my lap, and it's such an amazing feeling, I've got my hands full of such precious treasure!
Adessa is changing so much every day. She is very verbal. It's like she's commentating our life, our very own diminuitive newscaster. A stream of observances and chatter flows out of her: "Eliana awake, looking at you. Where Daddy go? Disappear? Work in the office. Car crash. Back soon. Adessa cry, sad, fall down." She's memorized many of her books, and will use the vocab in conversation or in her observations and reports: "Adessa shrug." is a recent favorite. So very much fun.
Our hearts are full! We are so thankful!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Eliana Grace is here!!
Without further ado:
She has arrived! Six days early! At 12:57 on May 5th, 2009! She was 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 19.5 inches long. I was in active labor for about... two hours! See the previous post for massive amounts of detail, but here's the quick and dirty: Eliana has lots of dark hair and resembles Adessa. She is super soft and so tiny, we forgot how small they start out! She's sleeping lots and doing all the normal baby things, and it's been so fun to share a baby with Adessa.
Adessa got to meet Eliana a few hours after she was born, and was apparently somewhat cognizant of what had happened. "Cute!" she said! All of our preparation with her paid off: she knew there was a baby sister coming, and that the baby was going to need a carseat and a stroller. She still spouts these important facts whenever anyone remarks on her new status as a big sister. We're watching carefully, but so far, Adessa seems to be adjusting just fine to the whole situation. She's very protective of Eliana and prefers that others don't hold her. She doesn't like Eliana to cry, and will offer her binky or shout, "Milk, mommy!" to hurry me to respond. Sweet. We have been praying hard for ease in adjustment, so hope it continues in the same vein.
With Grandma Beck, who helped support us during the birth.
The sisters meet for the first time, with Grandma Lewis. (Eliana is the Lewis's SIXteenth grandchild!)
Our first family shot with the four of us. We'll work on it!
P.S. Just had to stick this in... the last picture of me pregnant with Eliana, sporting matching "mom and me" dresses that my mom made for herself and baby me, when she was pregnant with Nathan (my little brother).
She has arrived! Six days early! At 12:57 on May 5th, 2009! She was 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 19.5 inches long. I was in active labor for about... two hours! See the previous post for massive amounts of detail, but here's the quick and dirty: Eliana has lots of dark hair and resembles Adessa. She is super soft and so tiny, we forgot how small they start out! She's sleeping lots and doing all the normal baby things, and it's been so fun to share a baby with Adessa.
Adessa got to meet Eliana a few hours after she was born, and was apparently somewhat cognizant of what had happened. "Cute!" she said! All of our preparation with her paid off: she knew there was a baby sister coming, and that the baby was going to need a carseat and a stroller. She still spouts these important facts whenever anyone remarks on her new status as a big sister. We're watching carefully, but so far, Adessa seems to be adjusting just fine to the whole situation. She's very protective of Eliana and prefers that others don't hold her. She doesn't like Eliana to cry, and will offer her binky or shout, "Milk, mommy!" to hurry me to respond. Sweet. We have been praying hard for ease in adjustment, so hope it continues in the same vein.
With Grandma Beck, who helped support us during the birth.
The sisters meet for the first time, with Grandma Lewis. (Eliana is the Lewis's SIXteenth grandchild!)
Our first family shot with the four of us. We'll work on it!
P.S. Just had to stick this in... the last picture of me pregnant with Eliana, sporting matching "mom and me" dresses that my mom made for herself and baby me, when she was pregnant with Nathan (my little brother).
Way More Than You Ever Wanted To Know...
About Eliana's Labor and Delivery: Read at your own will, folks, it's for me and Eliana and posterity! (And birth junkies, I know a few of those! 8)
Eliana's Birth Story:
Eliana Grace Lewis was due on Monday, May 11th. I worked until Monday the 4th, thinking to wrap up everything at work and have the rest of the week to hang out with Adessa and rest and really be ready for Eliana. And there was no indication that things would go otherwise, no braxton-hicks, no flickers of contractions, no "dropping" of my belly, nothing. Until... I kissed Calvin goodnight on Monday after watching a movie at about 10:45pm. He slept soundly all night, but at 11pm I felt the first contraction, and calmly decided to just wait and see (not drive to the hospital as I was inclined to do.) I did, for the record, call the hospital, since I was Group B Strep positive, I wanted to make sure I got there in time for anti-biotics and everyone kept telling me that this birth was likely to go fast. The contractions got to about eight minutes apart by 2am, when I called. The nurse suggested that I wait until contractions were at the most five minutes apart, preferrably two or three minutes apart before coming in. I got some rest. I had more contractions but was able to sleep, just woke up with a few bigger ones about once an hour from 2-6am.
At six, Calvin got up to go running and I told him to go and take his time, but also take his phone, as there was a slight chance these weren't braxton hicks, maybe it was "Baby Day". It did seem an awful lot like false labor, though. The contractions greatly subsided when I moved around, they were inconsistent in length and time apart, they weren't growing in length or intensity or frequency, etc. But then... my water broke at about nine. We called the hospital again, and packed everything up, dropped Adessa with Calvin's parents, and went in to be checked. If my waters had indeed broken, I'd need to be watched and given anti-biotics even though they felt it unlikely I'd have the baby before the evening.
We got to the hospital (my water had definitely broken, I looked like I wet my pants) and settled into a room by 10:30, and I was having mild, unregular contractions that I could talk through. After checking us in, the nurse called the midwife who decided to have them go ahead and figure out how dialated I was and we'd proceed from there. I was... drum roll... seven centimeters. The nurse ran out to start the IV antibiotics, the midwife was on her way, and my mom and sister were called to come quick. Which they did.
Everything then went quickly! I labored mildly for a while, then the contractions got stronger and closer together, then I wanted to just be quiet and focus, then I wanted to push, then I pushed, then Eliana came out and I was holding her and it was soooo amazing. She was born at 12:57pm, Tuesday, May 5th (yes, yes, cinco de mayo) 7 pounds, 8.6 ounces (so they all said 9oz, but we know better!) and 19.5 inches. She looked to me like the Emperor in the Star Wars movies, as she was white with vernex, kind of gray for a minute, and had swirls of sticky dark hair on her head. She cried, and slipped around on my belly and we held her and rubbed her and looked at her and cried and were so happy and priviledged and joyous. She nursed for a good hour, and then was held by everyone else and photographed and taken care of by the nurses. (It was then she got shampoo number one from a nurse, but needed another from me on Wednesday to get all the vernex out.)
Hypnobirthing details: I can see, after this amazing birth experience, that perhaps pain-free birth is possible. I worked hard to start out the very first contractions with relaxing and opening and breathing and letting my body work, and think that this (plus the experience of birthing Adessa) really helped me not experience painful contractions until the very end of labor. Which did throw all of us off, actually, since no one thought I was as far along as I was. Being seven centimeters and ready to go was a lovely surprise, but I was hopeful that that kind of progress had been happening and I was dealing well with it because I was relaxed and not fighting my body.
Throughout the more intense contractions in the last hours, Calvin read me our practiced hypnobirthing script and I was able to use his words and voice and presence like we'd practiced to relax. He was amazing, so attentive and loving, like Adessa's birth. Even with the intense contractions, I used all my hypno images and wondered if I'd call my "intense sensations" pain. I could see calling it pressure that required all my attention, as the book says. Still not something I'd like to repeat often. 8) I'm told I pushed for 20 minutes, it didn't seem that long, and the desire to push was realllly strong, pushing felt great. She popped right out!
Eliana's Birth Story:
Eliana Grace Lewis was due on Monday, May 11th. I worked until Monday the 4th, thinking to wrap up everything at work and have the rest of the week to hang out with Adessa and rest and really be ready for Eliana. And there was no indication that things would go otherwise, no braxton-hicks, no flickers of contractions, no "dropping" of my belly, nothing. Until... I kissed Calvin goodnight on Monday after watching a movie at about 10:45pm. He slept soundly all night, but at 11pm I felt the first contraction, and calmly decided to just wait and see (not drive to the hospital as I was inclined to do.) I did, for the record, call the hospital, since I was Group B Strep positive, I wanted to make sure I got there in time for anti-biotics and everyone kept telling me that this birth was likely to go fast. The contractions got to about eight minutes apart by 2am, when I called. The nurse suggested that I wait until contractions were at the most five minutes apart, preferrably two or three minutes apart before coming in. I got some rest. I had more contractions but was able to sleep, just woke up with a few bigger ones about once an hour from 2-6am.
At six, Calvin got up to go running and I told him to go and take his time, but also take his phone, as there was a slight chance these weren't braxton hicks, maybe it was "Baby Day". It did seem an awful lot like false labor, though. The contractions greatly subsided when I moved around, they were inconsistent in length and time apart, they weren't growing in length or intensity or frequency, etc. But then... my water broke at about nine. We called the hospital again, and packed everything up, dropped Adessa with Calvin's parents, and went in to be checked. If my waters had indeed broken, I'd need to be watched and given anti-biotics even though they felt it unlikely I'd have the baby before the evening.
We got to the hospital (my water had definitely broken, I looked like I wet my pants) and settled into a room by 10:30, and I was having mild, unregular contractions that I could talk through. After checking us in, the nurse called the midwife who decided to have them go ahead and figure out how dialated I was and we'd proceed from there. I was... drum roll... seven centimeters. The nurse ran out to start the IV antibiotics, the midwife was on her way, and my mom and sister were called to come quick. Which they did.
Everything then went quickly! I labored mildly for a while, then the contractions got stronger and closer together, then I wanted to just be quiet and focus, then I wanted to push, then I pushed, then Eliana came out and I was holding her and it was soooo amazing. She was born at 12:57pm, Tuesday, May 5th (yes, yes, cinco de mayo) 7 pounds, 8.6 ounces (so they all said 9oz, but we know better!) and 19.5 inches. She looked to me like the Emperor in the Star Wars movies, as she was white with vernex, kind of gray for a minute, and had swirls of sticky dark hair on her head. She cried, and slipped around on my belly and we held her and rubbed her and looked at her and cried and were so happy and priviledged and joyous. She nursed for a good hour, and then was held by everyone else and photographed and taken care of by the nurses. (It was then she got shampoo number one from a nurse, but needed another from me on Wednesday to get all the vernex out.)
Hypnobirthing details: I can see, after this amazing birth experience, that perhaps pain-free birth is possible. I worked hard to start out the very first contractions with relaxing and opening and breathing and letting my body work, and think that this (plus the experience of birthing Adessa) really helped me not experience painful contractions until the very end of labor. Which did throw all of us off, actually, since no one thought I was as far along as I was. Being seven centimeters and ready to go was a lovely surprise, but I was hopeful that that kind of progress had been happening and I was dealing well with it because I was relaxed and not fighting my body.
Throughout the more intense contractions in the last hours, Calvin read me our practiced hypnobirthing script and I was able to use his words and voice and presence like we'd practiced to relax. He was amazing, so attentive and loving, like Adessa's birth. Even with the intense contractions, I used all my hypno images and wondered if I'd call my "intense sensations" pain. I could see calling it pressure that required all my attention, as the book says. Still not something I'd like to repeat often. 8) I'm told I pushed for 20 minutes, it didn't seem that long, and the desire to push was realllly strong, pushing felt great. She popped right out!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Flack 'er Wings!
One of the funny phrases from Adessa and her new, chatty self, is: "Flack 'er wings!" It's an enthusiastic statement/command, followed by her putting down whatever she's holding and with thumbs in armpits, vigorously flapping her little wings, trying to get anyone nearby to "flack 'er wings", too. The funny part about it is the random times she chimes out with it, often in the middle of other conversation, and the fact that we have no idea where she learned it. While Calvin and I do many amusing and diverting things with her, we have never flapped our wings with her or encouraged her to do so. However, flacking 'er wings is now a very popular passtime at our house, and any of our family could easily be persuaded to demonstrate flacking for you next time you see us. 8)
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