November 29, 2011

a mama at last ...

I feel like I am looking at my blog for the first time all over again! I was a bit rusty when it came to revamping but I figured it out - in between my baby's naps that is! 

YES, that is right, "babybloggins" is finally here! She arrived on September 24 at 8:09 PM via C-section - after much coaxing. I ended up having to be induced due to a discrepancy with the ultrasound measurements, basically. I was in labor for roughly 48 hours with barely any progression when we all decided that a C-section would be best. I'm a tough cookie but the recovery was pretty brutal if I'm being honest ... and it was a breeze if I'm lying through my teeth. Luckily, Gregg was home with me for three weeks and during that time we were able to enjoy the start of our new family life together. What a trip it has been! We just love her so much, she's an absolute doll. 

Scarlett June ... my little moon

 
It has been quite a ride so far... and I'm loving every second of it. Sure, I've been peed on, pooped on, spit-up on and even had two lovely projectile bottle-puking experiences - but it's all part of the journey, and it's all wonderful. I have learned so much - by doing. I listen to advice and take most of it into consideration but I mostly prefer the trial-and-error process. It might take me a little longer to get everything down but I get there eventually and I have a great sense of accomplishment when I do. I'm pretty proud of my ability to keep Scarlett on a great schedule. I started very early on. I know, I know, "babies can't be put on a schedule, they change all the time" ... blah blah blah. Heard it all, read it all. She does have her days and nights where she is completely out-of-sorts but for the most part she follows the schedule that we set for her. We used to do bedtime at 9:30 pm, she would be up at 1:00 am and again at 4:00 am for feedings and diaper changes. But for the past two weeks it's been lights-out between 10-11 pm and she sleeps anywhere from 6-9 hours!! What a blessing! Sure, it could all change tomorrow and for the next three months but I'll take it as it comes.

My favorite thing to do with Scarlett is read to her. When she is on her changing table, fed and freshly changed, she loves to play (for about 20-30 minutes, tops - haha). We have several noise-makers that she is into, rattles and little singing plushies - but she loves story time too. I enjoy finding new books for her and watching how the ones that she LOATHES on Tuesday can become her favorite on Wednesday. She recently started making lots of noise herself. Along with the adorable smiles we get to hear her jumbled up baby language. I adore it. Last night she even started imitating sounds that I make to her... it's so stinkin' cute!  

I am really enjoying the holiday season this year. It sure is fun picking out toys and books for the little shmoop. We finally get to play Santa!! The Christmas decorations went up the day after Thanksgiving (as usual) and it is quite festive on the first floor. I had a hard time settling on a stocking for Scarlett but finally found the perfect one. I'm not into "baby's first Christmas" items (or mixing pink with red and green decor for that matter). I wanted something that she can keep throughout the years. So, in the end, a stocking adorned with the Peanuts Christmas characters Snoopy and Woodstock won it's place on the mantle. It fits right in.

Scarlett is 9 weeks old and going to her "2 month checkup" tomorrow. Here come the shots. Oh, how I dread it. Watching her scream in the hospital when they pricked her little foot was just heartbreaking. I hope she recovers quickly... I hope I do too. 


I plan to do my best to get back to blogging on a regular basis. I'd love to update you all with stories of our day-to-day shenanigans, if time allows. 


Be well.