Gracie Girl at 3 weeks

Grace had her "2 week" pediatrician visit. Yes I know she's 3 weeks but she's only been out of the NICU for 2 weeks. Grace is still measuring 19.75" long. Her head is now 13.75" (up a quarter inch from last week). The most surprising statistic is her weight -- Grace is now 6lbs 14oz (up 7oz in one week)!! Yipee! She's getting so big! So far we haven't seen any indication that Grace will have reflux issues like the boys did. She does have some discomfort after eating but nothing that would be considered reflux. To end the good news post, here is a picture of our pretty little lady!

They know we have a real dog right??!!??

Rounded the corner Tuesday morning and found my boys in this scene. The blur in the corner is Jack -- about the only way I get pictures of him lately. What does it say about Ginger that they would rather feed the robot dog than play with her??

Yes...that's Ginger's dog bowl in the living room floor

Grace's First Bath

After attempting to breathe in the sweet smell of my new little girl it became readily apparent that there was NO sweet smell to be found. Luke and I put our heads together and realized that Grace's hair had only been washed once since she was born (mainly because of her scalp IV). Desperate to remedy the situation ASAP I pulled out the baby soap and tub, flung the camera at Luke and we locked the boys out of the bathroom on Saturday before Grace's first photo shoot. Here are some obligatory first bath snapshots -- all parts are appropriately covered! And I'll pretend I'm not bummed that I had no "girlie" towels to wrap her in -- the yellow ducks were as gender neutral as was to be found (it was that or dogs and frogs...)

Not too bad at first

Not Okay with hair washing

Still convinced we're trying to torture her
Realizing the drying part isn't that bad
Worn out and still not real happy with mom

Counting my blessings

In an effort to continue my 1000 things list...

I am thankful

-- for modern medicine that though may tell me things I don't want to hear is available to save my baby's life

-- for a friend who opens home and heart to my children when crisis arrives (even if that crisis is a post-partum hormone attack on mommy).

-- for friends who open pantry and pocketbook to provide for our family so we can focus on "family"

-- for family, both near and far, who lend hands and hearts and tears time and again

-- for a friend who stepped out of her comfort zone to offer assistance. Although we never needed to call on her, it was humbling to know the extent to which she was willing to go to help us.

-- for little baby cries in wee hours of night. Thank you Lord for bringing her home to us.

-- for little boy hands, wringing in desperation, longing to hug and hold and love new life

-- for husband, walking this road of life with me.

Post happy

Surprised by the recent post explosion? Don't give me too much credit -- after almost 5 years of maintaining a family website I've decided to (temporarily) throw in the towel. I've been failing at keeping both the website and the blog updated in a timely fashion so for now all website traffic is being directed here. This means I can also consolidate my posts to one location -- no more "family posts only to the website" and "random Valerie thoughts to the blog". I'll give the new set-up a month before I commit definitely one way or another.

Jack's First Field Trip

Jack had his first field trip last week. His class went to Dewberry Farm and apparently he had a blast. I wasn't able to attend since Grace was home but from talking with the other moms who were able to chaperone it sounds like the trip was a success! I'm not certain if Jack had more fun at the farm or in the car to and from the destination. I can only imagine the ride with 4 silly little boys!! Apparently Jack went on a train, jumped on "a giant air pillow" (his words) and did a zip line. Hopefully more happened since he was gone for 6 hours but who knows! I don't have pictures yet; the mom who drove Jack has promised to send some pics.

Two weeks in

Grace is 2 weeks old!! Wow -- it's only been 2 weeks?? She had her first doctor's visit Friday and did wonderfully. Grace now weighs 6lbs 7oz (only a 2oz gain since she left the NICU -- dr isn't worried), she is 19.75" long (a full inch increase over her birth length) and her head measured 13.5" (a .5" increase over birth). Her umbilical cord fell off while the doctor was checking her tummy; of course the stump blended in with the carpet so the dr and I ended up on hands and knees looking for the silly thing.

Big brothers Jack and Sam are doing well. Jack is in love with Grace and wants to do everything for her (he can be a little bossy!). Sam gives Grace kisses but is mostly curious only when she fusses. He's having a few transition issues that tend to flare during feeding times but nothing terrible.

Big Brothers on the way to get Grace

First Meeting

Proud Big Brother
Curious Big Brother
Daddy and Mommy with our Gracie Girl