Fantastic Four (Months)!

Miss Eleanor Anetta Smith is officially 4 months old! It blows my mind some days how much she has grown and developed in such a short amount of time. I catch myself getting teary-eyed sometimes when I realize my little baby is getting bigger. Weird too, since I have never been a baby person -though we all know I do get pretty sentimental. 

Work is work is work. I miss my little love bug like crazy while Im gone and the second that clock hits 4 pm you'll find me racing to the door. She does really well at daycare though. Everyone loves her -of course- and I like that she can experience new people and interact with other kids. Plus, it's still just 3 days each week. 

Gavin and Eleanor have their Daddy/Daughter days Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Im sure those are their favorite days of the week. It's cute to watch Gavin play and sing and act silly just for a smile from Eleanor. He's such an amazing Dad. 

Length: 24 3/4 inches (55%?)
Weight: 12lbs 7oz. (25%)
New skills: she can rolls from both tummy to back, and back to tummy! She scoots across the floor like a champ too.
Old skills improved: she can grab things first try and is a lot better at sitting up (supported by us or her bumbo).
Working on: sitting up on her own and "crawling" (she scoots).
Best part: when she giggles and laughs. Melts my heart to hear and see her so happy.
Worst part: she is teething so she drools like a St. Bernard and gets fussy when her gums hurt a lot. 

End note: Eleanor was baptized on July 20th in a beautiful ceremony at St. Philomena's Catholic Church in Des Moines. I've been meaning to post pictures, but Im having issues with my laptop and that is where the pictures are at this current time. Ill get them up soon though! 

Little girl growing up already!

It's crazy to think that Eleanor is 11 weeks old; on the one hand it feels like we've had her forever, but then we realize it hasn't even been 3 months! And she is growing up so fast. Gone is my tiny newborn who used to sleep all day and felt so little in my arms. Now Eleanor spends her days awake and exploring her new world as much as she can. She has such a long body that it's actually easier to sit in the rocking chair to nurse her because she stretches herself across.

Here is a breakdown of our baby girl's stats (as of her 2 month check up):

Length: 23 3/4 inches (92%)
Weight: 10lbs 12oz. (55%)
Head Circumference: 15 1/2 inches (70%)
New skills: she reaches and grasps toys, blankets, shirts, etc.
Old skills improved: she can hold her head up like a champ and is working on the neck control.
Working on: sitting up on her own
Best part: her smile is the best smile and she almost giggles
Worst part: she hates the car suddenly; cries and screams almost an entire car ride sometimes

Daddy's Girl For Sure

It's seems a bit stereotypical, but Miss Eleanor is definitely a Daddy's girl (except for the hours of 11-3 when she likes to fuss for him. Haha!) Gavin and Eleanor are so cute together and it took about .04 seconds after she was born before she had him wrapped around her little finger. He dances with her, sings to her, and would hold her forever if possible. Their father-daughter bond makes for some super adorable photo ops and I hope you find it as cute as I do (though I'm a bit bias).

On a quick side note, Eleanor had a doctor appointment not too long ago. She  now weighs 9lbs 14.5 oz., which is exactly 3 lbs more than the day she was born. As for Eleanor's reflux, the doctor decided that since she is gaining weight and very healthy, she is not going to put her on medication for the problem. Otherwise, our baby girl is perfect. :)

Just a few hours after Eleanor was born.

Asleep in the hospital.

Sleep on the couch (for the millionth time).

Hanging with Dad at dinner.

Asleep just a few nights ago.

First Daddy feeding time.

Third week's a charm ...

It's been three weeks since Gavin and I brought our tiny little love bug home and I'm happy to announce she's still alive and in one piece! Haha! The first two weeks were full of trial and error as we figured out this whole child rearing thing, but I think we finally have the hang of things (at least we feel more comfortable in our new role as parents). Since I didn't really post anything other than pictures (see the last post or my Facebook and Instagram accounts ... Eleanor is everywhere) here is a quick overview of the last three weeks, plus a bit about us before she made her debut:

Pre-Eleanor: Gavin surprised me by bringing home a new Jeep Grand Cherokee about three days before Eleanor arrived. While it was very sad for both of us to see the truck traded in, the Jeep is a great vehicle to haul both human and furry child around. About 4am Thursday morning I woke up feeling very weird pains in my abdomen. I wasn't convinced they were contractions until about 7am, when I decided to wake Gavin up and start getting ready. We had so much to do still! Eleanor wasn't due for another week! Gavin installed the car seat in the Jeep and made sure our bags were in the car, while I washed a load of baby clothes and packed the baby bag. Unfortunately the hospital was in no rush to admit me and sent me home for a few hours to cook a little more. By 7:30 they determined I was in enough pain (re: dilated to 4cm) to admit me and 10.5 hours later (after the longest 20 minutes of my life) I pushed out a tiny, gooey, little angel.

Eleanor Anetta Smith was born at 6:05am, weighing 6lbs 14 oz and 18 inches long. She was perfect.

Lucky and Eleanor meeting for the first time.

Week One: We got her home from the hospital safe and sound. Gavin is convinced that no one knows how to drive and everyone drives waaaay too fast. Thankfully Gavin took a week off work and our little family got used to a new routine and a new life. Of course we didn't really sleep and every little burp, hiccup, and spit up was fretted over for the first few days. Nursing was a challenge to learn for both me and Eleanor, and Gavin soon got the hang of all the Daddy duties before he unfortunately had to return to work. Lucky took a protective interest in his new little sister. He also fretted over every little noise she made, which was super cute to watch.

Eleanor and Grandpa Jim II (haha!)

Week Two: With Gavin back at work, Eleanor and I worked to get on a routine of sorts and kept trying to figure out the whole nursing thing (it's not as easy-peasy as some people say it is). We had our first public outing to the mall with Grandma Jennie and Auntie Michelle, which helped ease this new mama's nerves. Her 2 week doctor appointment also went well. Eleanor had lost a bit of weight after being born (all babies do I guess) but was now up to 7lbs 9 oz! We also found out that Eleanor might have reflux, because she spits up a lot when nursing, but it isn't too serious so we give her a natural remedy called gripe water to help ease her tummy and keep her from getting too gassy. We also had our first adventure into Seattle with her for my dad's birthday. While that was a pretty tiring trip for us all, it was nice to spend the day with my family.We also had Eleanor's newborn photos taken! (See the preview below!)

How I'm blogging right now ... I've got this mom thing down.

Week Three: We finally found a routine that works pretty well for us. The age-old advice of "sleep when the baby sleeps" is the best advice and I've learned to follow it for the most part. Eleanor and I spent the week just chillin for the most part. all three of us had a fun two days during Gavin's days off. Gavin and I even got to have a little alone time thanks to Christina and Josh babysitting for a little bit. Christina was in town for a week to see the family, introduce her boyfriend Josh (he's pretty cool), and meet her new niece. Gavin and I enjoyed a nice lunch at Azteca just the two of us before scooping up Eleanor for a family trip to the mall.




Oh! We also got her newborn pictures back from the photographer (Michelle Douglas is awesome)! I've posted a couple pictures to my Facebook account, but here's a little preview of them! :)

Weekly Update: Week 37

Week 37 is finally here! Baby Girl is officially full-term and can come out whenever she's ready! Unfortunately, she has me and Gavin as her parents which means she's prolly all snuggled inside my belly, laughing at the idea of joining he real world anytime soon. I mean, why come out when you have all you need right there inside a warm, ever expanding home?? Well Mama has given her a whole list of reasons but she's just as stubborn as her parents. Oh the joy I have to look forward too. Haha! 

Baby Girl's weight: who knows ... The average is 6-9lbs

Baby Girl's size: Swiss Chard or Winter Melon (yeah, not helpful to me either)

Cravings: Popsicles

Best part: the end is near ...

Worst part: I have PUPPP. See explanation below or Google it. 

Her development: She's fully developed!

My development: I've increased in size and all the fun 3rd trimester symptoms are appearing. 

Doctor update: I have weekly appts now. At the last appt I pointed out that I had started to itch on my hands and had a little "outbreak" of hives. Weird right? Well it's called PUPPP and basically it's a rash that affects about 1/150 pregnant women -usually first time mothers. It's supposed to start with the stretch marks but mine started on my hands and quickly spread to the rest if my body. Arms, back, shoulders, knees, feet, and then the tummy. And the itching is driving me INSANE. I wake up having itched an entire body part firey red in my sleep. The doc gave me a mild steroid cream and told me Im only allowed to use it twice a day (which sucks since the tube says you can use it up to 4 times/day). I took a baking soda bath last night but that didn't help, so tonight we're gonna try an oatmeal bath. Ice packs help too when the itch gets super bad. Other than that, she said me and baby are perfectly healthy. 

Ahhh ... Im going crazy

I know, I know, I haven't updated in a bit. Gavin and I moved most of our life into the new house, but Comcast won't catch up with us until next Wednesday. Lame sauce. Hard to post updates without Internet though (until you remember you have the Blogger app on your phone). 

Everything with Baby Girl is going great! Im officially 37 weeks along tomorrow, which means she will be fully developed and able to come out anytime now-any good vibes or bribes you can send her way to persuade her to do so would be awesome! 

I have a doctor appt weekly and things with me have been okay. I have a totally normal pregnancy rash called PUP that the doc gave me a steroid cream for. The rash makes me itch like CRAZY so the cream is helpful. I've also had a good dose of "morning sickness" again, which Im told is because of the amount of hormones flooding my body again. Thanks Baby Girl. Everything else is normal. 

Gavin and I moved into the new house in Kent, and last week I did the massive baby-stocking shopping trip with my mom. $1200 later I think this kid might survive ... My bank account didn't. Haha! 

Sorry there's no picture. I haven't taken one recently, but I promise to take one ASAP. In the mean time here is one I posted to FB of Gavin assembling our new Pack N Play. 

Weekly Update: Week 34

Apparently when I forget to post weekly updates people notice and blow up my phone with text messages to remind me. Kinda makes me feel special. So here is a nice long update for the last 2 weeks of happenings in mine and Gavin's life.

Last week we had a fun filled weekend of family and friends. Gavin's mom and sister, Candy and Marlana, came to Washington to meet me and my family, and of course see Gavin. I thoroughly enjoyed learning little things about Gavin that I'd never known (*cough* Jonas Brothers *cough*), not mention Candy and Marlana are two pretty amazing women. We had a fun filled weekend of Pitch Perfect, The Labyrinth, EMP, Dicks burgers, and of course a true Gill-Wendler family dinner, where the two of them fit in perfectly. Side note: I had to explain Dick's Drive-In real quick to Candy and Marlana when Jen made a comment that all you needed to do to get Christina to come home was to set out some Dicks ... it was an awesome moment.

That leads to the other epic moment of the weekend: Christina was home! Jen flew Christina home for my baby shower after I made an off-handed comment about wishing she'd be able to be there. It was the BEST surprise I could have gotten. The two of them were able to surprise everyone, especially Mom, who walked right into the room and looked at Christina, but didn't realize it was her for a good 30 seconds. Her reaction was priceless!!! (I'll post the video soon.)

Baby Shower #1 was a ton of fun last weekend as well. A HUGE "Thank you!" to Kelsey and Jennie for hosting and planning and throwing me one great party! And "Thank you!" to everyone who came and made it wonderful! Setting aside the memory of the "How Big is Karie's Belly" game (thanks a lot Tiffany and Julia ...), I realize how much love and support Gavin and I are surrounded by.

Okay, sentimental part done, I'll get to the part you're really reading this for:

I took this right after a shower but before I'd put makeup on ...

• Baby Girl's size: a butternut squash (about 17-18 in.)
• Baby Girl's weight: 4.5 lbs.-ish
• Cravings: Popsicle, ice cream, anything cold to ease the heartburn
• Best part:I get a lot of foot massages and I don't even have to ask.
• Worst part: She is big enough to put significant pressure on my nerves, so I'll get weird pains in different places thanks to her. 
• Her development: She could start moving into the correct position this week, or she could decide not to and hang out by my ribs some more, then change her mind and move down again ...
• My development: My tummy has expanded enough that depending on how I sit and her position, my belly button disappears! It's a very troubling experience (and probably Gavin's favorite part). 
• Doctor Update: All is perfect with me and Baby. Doctor appointments are every 2 weeks now. She advised packing our hospital bags just in case.

Weekly Update: Week 32

This week was an eventful one for our little family.

I had a doctor appointment on Thursday and it went really well. Her heartbeat is up a little, but Doc says that's normal. Because of where she located the heartbeat she says Baby Girl's head is on the left of my tummy, which means her little feetsies are on the right ... and just under my ribs. Ribs make a great kicking target. We also talked about my heart burn (I'm upping my Zantac intake), newborn stuff (carseat, newborn class, etc.), and different pain management options while I'm in labor. Kinda nerve racking to know its gonna happen in a few weeks!

Also this week Gavin start a new job! He is now a finance manager at Car Pros Hyundai in Renton. This job comes with steady days off, better pay, and friends Lonnie and Max! Gavin's first day was Saturday and so far he seems to like it. I'm excited for him to have 2 days off each week!

Just 2 more months! Crazy to think about!

• Baby Girl's size: a squash (about 16 in.)
• Baby Girl's weight: 3.5 lbs.-ish
• Cravings:Strawberries
• Best part: It's almost over ... Haha! I've started recognizing body parts when she pushes against my tummy.
• Worst part: Sleep is difficult because I'm up and down a lot, not to mention a comfortable position can be difficult to find.
• Her development: She's packing on the pounds to get ready for her debut; the layer of soft lanugo hair that covers her body is starting to shed; her skin is starting to become smooth and soft.
• My development: I'm also packing on the pounds, but I doubt I look as cute as she will. Haha! otherwise nothing too new with me, just growing and prepping for Baby Girl.

Weekly Update: Week 29

My hips don't lie, but right now I really wish they would. The aches and pains from having to be a side-sleeper have given me horrible hip pain. 11 more weeks until I can be a tummy sleeper again!

Results from last weeks blood draw confirm that I don't have gestational diabetes, but I do have super low iron levels. Hello iron supplement and a huge "Thank you!" to the Safeway pharmacist who saved me $10 by grabbin' me the generic behind-the-counter brand for only $2.50.

Quick after work tummy shot.

• Baby Girl's size: a butternut squash
• Baby Girl's weight: 2.5 lbs.
• Cravings: Chewy Runts
• Best part: She gets more and more active every day.
• Worst part: I get more and more tired every day.
• Her development: She can hiccup (I feel it as a little twitch in my tummy). Otherwise she's just packin' on the baby chub, getting ready for her debut. 
• My development: As she grows, my body has to carry more oxygen and nutrients to her little body, which causes fatigue to set in faster and more often. My small coffee in the morning wears off by about 3pm now.

Weekly Update: Week 28

28 weeks means I'm officially in the third trimester. I had a doctor appointment on Thursday and had to do the glucose intolerance test. It's been nice to not be poked or prodded the last two appointments, but alas, a blood draw was needed this week. My doc said that she would call me if there was anything abnormal with the test and thankfully Friday came and went without a phone call. No gestational diabetes for this girl! Heck yeah!

Dressed up for Blue Friday! Go Seahawks!

• Baby Girl's size: an eggplant
• Baby Girl's weight: 2 1/4 lbs
• My tummy length: 28 inches long (right on track)
• Cravings: Grapes, Carrots, Banana Bread
• Best part: She moves a lot, which can be fun to watch.
• Worst part: Her favorite things to kick is my ribs; I'm up every hour during the night and falling back asleep is not easy.
• Her development: Her eyes and brain continue to develop, and she has a more regular sleep schedule -though she only sleeps for like 20-30 minutes at a time. She could survive outside the womb (with a little medical help) if she had to. Her eyes can sense light now too.
• My development: Braxton Hicks contractions have increased a little and my tummy continues to grow. 

Only 12 weeks until D-Day ...