Lots of firsts!

Hi all,
Sorry it's been awhile since the last post...almost a month! It has been a very busy time in the Reeves' household. Carrie is growing like a little weed. We have not been back to the pediatrician to do an official weigh-in, but I've done my own little experiment. I've weighed myself then picked her up and got back on the scale. When I do that, it says I've added an extra ten pounds! Now, I doubt she's already at ten pounds (or heck, she could be the way she eats), but I'm sure she's at least at 8.5 by now. She's quite the chow-hound!

She's had her first real bath since her umbilical cord fell off. That was pretty exciting for all of us involved, especially Daddy since he got tinkled on during the process! We got it all on video for future reference, so there will be plenty of opportunities to embarass poor Carrie once she's of dating age (which won't be for another 30 or 40 years ;)

She's actually smiling for real now, which is SO amazing. Before when she grinned, it was just because the muscles in her face just happened to go into that position...now, she genuinely will look at you and be happy to see you (particularly if you look like Mommy or have a bottle in your hand) and give you the most amazing toothless grin that just takes your breath away. She also manages to do it during those early morning feedings as if to say "thanks, Mom!" It's truly very cool.

Carrie also seems to have taken to sleeping through the night. I'm afraid to say it too loud for fear of she'll remember she's a newborn and not supposed to do that yet...but truly, she'll go down for bed around 10:30 or 11 and sleep for 5.5-6 hours, get up to eat for an hour, then go back to sleep for another 2-3 hours. I won't lie; after the second time she did this I called the pediatrician to make sure this was okay. They told me to enjoy it while I can, because it probably won't last. Well, it's lasted for almost 2 weeks now, so everyone keep your fingers crossed! She has a bad day here and there, but honestly it's a million times better than 2-3 weeks ago!

Carrie was christened this weekend, which was a big affair. We had both sets of grandparents, both sets of godparents, and aunts & uncles here for the big day. It went off without a hitch, and despite my concerns that she was going to wail through the entire service, she seemed to really enjoy church. This was the first full service we were able to stay through, and she enjoys all of the music and people. There are so many things to look at in a church she can't be bothered with getting upset I suppose.

In the meantime, the Reeves family is just plugging along. It is really amazing to think we're our own little family of three now. Memorial Day was so much fun with just the three of us going to lunch, wandering around the mall, then coming home to just hang out. I think we're finally attempting something at a routine of what works for us, which was unthinkable 5 weeks ago. Of course, now that I've typed that, Carrie will get wind of it and change things up, just to make sure Mommy & Daddy are on their toes!

We have lots of pictures of her first month; if you haven't seen them just shoot me an email and I will send you the snapfish link. Birth announcements are forthcoming as well!

Carrie MUST be sneaking food at night...

We went to the pediatrician for our two week check up today. I was anxious to see how much weight she had gained since her last appointment on April 24th. When she was born, she was 6lbs, 11oz. When she left the hospital she was down to 6lbs, 5oz. That's normal for newborns, so I wasn't too worried about that. At her first appointment, she had gained 1 oz, so I was pretty excited about that. Then we went in for the appointment today...I swear this child must be sneaking into the kitchen at night to eat snacks or something, because today she weighs 7lbs, 8 oz! I'm glad to see that all those middle of the night feeding frenzies are leading to something positive and not just resulting in Mommy & Daddy being sleep-deprived.

She's also grown half an inch in length, and the pediatrician gave her a clean bill of health. She did get the first of her Hep B shots. I think Mommy cried more than Carrie did. We go back when she's two months old, so mid-June. Then she gets another round of shots, which won't be fun, but they are necessary!

Bailey loves his little sister

We were both pretty interested to see how Bailey would react to having this new little creature in the house that would occupy so much of our time and energy. He's been used to being the one and only child in our home for 4 years now, so we knew this would be a shock to his system. However, we could never have imagined how well he'd take to little Carrie! He's immune to her cries and doesn't mind them in the least (of course, it could be that he has her on "ignore" as well...not sure!) Whenever we take her into her room to change her diaper he always tags along and hangs out in there while we clean her up, then comes out again when we leave.

However, yesterday he did the coolest thing that showed us that he does care that she's around and he wants to know where she is at all times. While I was feeding her on the couch, Bailey all of a sudden realized he wasn't quite sure where Carrie was at that point in time. He stood up and went over to her bouncer seat and looked in...no baby. He cocked his head as if to say "Now, I know she hangs out in here - why isn't she in here now???" He then went to inspect the pack-n-play, since he can peek in the sides and see her there...still, no baby. Then he got frantic and came running over to me and put his head on the Boppy pillow and realized that she was there, safe and sound. He just sort of laid his head on the pillow, looked at her for a few seconds, and then satisfied that everyone was accounted for, went back to lay down and take a nap. Dogs are pretty cool animals :)

Carrie's Birthday and Homecoming

April 19th:

Today was a busy day for us. Kristy was scheduled for a C-section for 11am. Since we were scheduled we were third priority behind emergency and un-scheduled C-sections at Shands. Lady and Mr. Man (Ken and Carolyn) came to the hospital with us and helped hold the waiting room. Nate Jesse, our friend and neonatologist, came by to visit us while we were waiting for our turn! He was hoping to help out with the delivery but was unable to stay due to the delay. Mommy and Daddy hung out until 3:30pm which was when we were started through the process.

Kristy was taken to the OR for her spinal block and delivery. We were met by Dr. Jill Roscoe (Kristy's doctor) and the rest of the OR staff. We even had a few of Nate's colleagues join us, per Nate's request! Once Kristy was blocked and all set, Dr. Roscoe went to town and within 3-5 minutes Carolyn Isabella was born wet, cold, and screaming! Dad watched most of the procedure which was pretty amazing. Dad also videoed most of it as well! Carrie was passed to the warmer to be analyzed and weighed (6lbs and 11.2oz)! Afterwards, Dad went with baby to the nursery while Mom was stapled back together.

Mom and Carrie spent the next couple of hours recovering and having a few more tests. Meanwhile, Dad found the grandparents in the waiting room to begin the surprises!

Around 8:30pm we transitioned from recovery to the Shands mother/baby unit where we had our own room and Carrie was rolled in to spend the night. The grandparents left for the house and Mom, Dad, and Baby went to sleep tired and happy.

April 20th:

Today was a big day for all of us. We had lots of visitors: Grandparents; Amy Camire; Jen Ruland; Amy Aponick; Michelle Irwin and Beth Boe; Nancy Hughes; and finally Jen and Radley Ruland and Paul and Zabel Thur de Koos! Also we made numerous phone calls and emails to other friends and family. The rest of the day was filled with eating, sleeping, and of course diaper changes.

April 21st: Homecoming

Saturday morning we were given the green light to be able to go home. Both Kristy and Carrie were cleared we decided that the little bit of sleep we had been getting could be improved by sleeping at home. After lunch, we began the process and by 4:30pm we arrived at the front door! The car ride home was uneventful but we definitely looked cute in our little GT outfit! Lady will be staying with us until May 1st to help out. So far all is well with us and thanks to all for their thoughts, prayers, and gifts! We will keep you posted as new stories develop!