Wednesday, October 29, 2008

We're still alive...


What a crazy few weeks it's been. I think we've kind of gotten a feel for what it would be like to adopt a new baby... having time to prep, get life in order, both of us healthy and kinda living a normal life one day, and the next day, we bring home a baby... like a load of groceries from Costco! (but i guess if she were a Costco baby, she would have come in a more economy size... she'd be what they give out as samples on the baby aisle  :) ) 

All in all, she's been a fantastic little baby. She sleeps pretty regularly, and eats well. The pediatrician has given us the green light to watch for her natural cues more when it comes to sleeping and eating, rather than the strict 3 hour schedule she needed to be on for a while... which has been nice to get a whopping 4 hours of sleep at a time on good nights ;) Lucky for Steph, Avery hasn't quite graduated up to breast-feeding yet... so while it's still not a ball for her pumping regularly, I can take half the feedings.

The last time we were at the pediatrician, she weighed 5 lbs. 7 oz....which was basically an ounce a day for that week... so that's really good. It takes all that I have not to add a scoop of my protein shake powder to her bottles to give her a little edge...but I read somewhere that I probably shouldn't do that ;) She has another appointment tomorrow, so we'll see where she tips the scales this time! She's also up for immunizations: round 2 next week, as well as her second RSV shot... Keep your fingers crossed that the only side effect will that she'll be really sleepy...I'm kinda hoping for that one!

Her due date was the 12th of October, so they consider that when talking about development. She's almost 4 months old, but about 3 weeks old, adjusted age! So, on some things, she's already on track, and on some things, she'll be on track with her adjusted age... She's just a beautiful, normal little baby though...and we're so lucky for that. She'll still seem teeny to you, but she's gotten bigger since coming home even. She's awake for longer periods of time now... which, when she's pleasant and doesn't have gas, is a lot of fun. She'll just look up with her big blue eyes, and stare at you, and pose her little hands like she were in a photo-shoot (she's probably already accepted the fact that with me around, her life will be a photo-shoot anyway... )

She's definitely figured out that she can cry now...and she makes good use of this newfound talent. Not just crying to cry...you can usually tell why, and help her out....but she seems to have no concept of volume... the louder the better, even if it's only for a little bit....then she'll get this calm, serene look on her face like "did you hear something???" She also stinks really really really bad... I won't go in to discussing diapers...but the by product of sugar and spice and everything nice has got to be sulphur, and death and everything evil!

Steph just had a little shower with her friends at work, and I spent a day making a slide show for it... it's long, but it's fun for us to look back on..... I think it will work on here. I needed to post it, because the copy I sent to the shower had a couple of music tracks on top of the ones in the background, so at parts, it was more like a baby hard-rock music video than a cute little deal to make all the ladies misty-eyed... dang!  Anyway..I'll work on getting a smaller version here online... 

It's been so great to hear from all of you..old and new friends and family....

18 comments:

Brianne said...

Hi guys!! Why am I the first to write. I think you know why. Because it is 7:00 a.m. and I have been awake since you wrote this at 12:00 in the morning :). I am glad she is doing so well. We love her.

Brianne said...

Hi guys!! Why am I the first to write. I think you know why. Because it is 7:00 a.m. and I have been awake since you wrote this at 12:00 in the morning :). I am glad she is doing so well. We love her.

Linds Forrest said...

What a sweet post! I am glad everything si going well, she sounds wonderful! I am so sorry Steph for missing your shower, hopefully some time we can schedule a lunch date or something!! All my Love@

Unknown said...

I kind of figured this would happen. You post just about every day, and then BAM! You have a baby, and everything takes a little bit longer right? I am so glad that you are doing so well, and that Avery is still progressing even with no nurses to help her along. I guess she just needs her mommy and daddy. You are blessed people and I am lucky to know you.

Allie and Fam said...

Thanks for posting again! I was wondering if you had given up!! :> We are so glad to hear things are going well for you guys and that you are in the same boat as we are in!! It makes it nice for us :>

The House that James Built said...

"we're still alive..." and we are glad you are!! i need to get you guys her gift..be in touch when you can steph.

Mary Anne said...

oh good you ARE still alive! she sounds like an absolute angel. How fun that she is there with you always. I love the little personalities that are jam packed into those little bodies. She's so sweet. Thanks for the update!

Lisa, Adam and Macey said...

She's so beautiful! When Macey gets home can we hire you to do a photo shoot? :) Glad that all is going well for you guys!

Lauri said...

Hi Steph! I came across your blog and read a couple of your posts. You have a very beautiful and amazing little angel. Congratulations on that!

Kim & Clay said...

I can't wait to come and see your little angel! It was good to see you at your shower--I hope the mommy adjustment is going well. Hey email me at kimchristenson@gmail.com so I can invite you to our blog.

Jim and Jess said...

Steph, I miss you!! Oh, and tell Ry he needs to post more pics! Since Avery's quaranteened it's the only way we in the outside world get to see her!!

Love you!

Jess

Amanda Green Englund said...

Little Avery is such a doll! I can hardly take it! As soon as she's fit for road trips, come to Oregon! (I'm sure Ryan's family is hoping for the same thing). Miss you guys.

Adrienne said...

WOW! Steph and Ryan you've been through so much. I'm so glad Avery is home and healthy. I can't wait to meet her in person. Ich habe euch sehr lieb!

Deborah said...

She is beautiful! I am so glad to hear that she is doing so well! This is Deb from St. Marks btw. :)

nana and atom said...

She is so cute. Really love the pics of her! And I'm happy to hear that you guys are happy and well and loving parenting life!

Emilie said...

What a gorgeous new pic of you two!! Love you guys!

Holly said...

Just checking in. Hope all is well with you guys, haven't read up on you lately. Have a Merry Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Steph your pictures are Sooo cute!!! Little Avery is getting so big!! I love looking at all of your pictures and reading everything! :0) p

<3, Kelli Yorgason