Traveling family

We took our first little trip up to Memphis on Thursday.  It was a quick trip, but we wanted Mimi to meet Anna Claire, and were also able to get newborn photos taken while we were there.  Luckily so far, Anna Claire loves her car seat.  She slept the whole way there and back.  Hopefully she will stay that way because we can't seem to stay in Greenville to long of a time. 

We did our photos as soon as we got to Memphis.  I'm not sure that that was a good idea.  It was right at 12, so not only was Amelia hungry, but she was tired too.  She did great to begin with, but when we changed backgrounds, she refused to take any more pictures.  There is no forcing a 1 year old to do anything, so we just gave up.  Anna Claire was just having a cranky time for some reason.  We got some good shots, but not many.  But, truthfully, I don't need a hundred shots, just a few really goods ones was all I was hoping for.  After the photo shoot we went to Cracker Barrel.  It was a first family of four time to eat out at a restaurant.  It took me forever to be ready to take Amelia to a restaurant.  I don't know why, but I just knew she would have a melt down as soon as we walked in the door.  I don't seem to worry about that sort of thing anymore.  Funny thing is, Amelia did have a melt down almost as soon as we went through the door.  Really a couple at the table, but we made it through it.

We then went to grandmomma and granddaddy's house.  I just knew Amelia would fall asleep on the way there, we would lay her down and she would finish her nap.  Well, that didn't happen.  She was a complete monster.  My sister and her family came over that night.  We had a lot of time playing with cousins.  Amelia was fine once they were there.  She loves her cousins, and was really torn up when they left.  I do wish that we lived closer for her to see them more often. 

The next day, Drew's mother and grandmother came over to meet Anna Claire.  We had a good time visiting.  We then headed back home to Greenville.  We were fortunate enough to have dinner brought to us that night.  It is so nice to come home from traveling and have a yummy warm dinner prepared for you!  I've been doing so good on my weight loss, but with all this yummy food, it might just come to a screaching halt.

Today, we planned to just hang out at home, and get ready for the UT/Florida football game.  We had lunch at a new restaurant in town.  It is now the popular hangout.  It was pretty crowded.  We enjoyed our food then headed home for naps.  I think all that traveling had caught up with us.  I then got to watch the game with my 3 favorite people.  We made tailgate food, chili, and waited to watch the vols beat Florida.  Unfortunately it didn't turn out in our favor.  It was really sad.  I didn't really get to watch it too closely.  Amelia wanted to play and of course I wanted to play with her.  We had brought out the play mat for Anna Claire.  Of course Amelia doesn't remember that toy so she was really excited about it.  She wanted to sit under it.  I decided to make it into a tent.  She thought that was the coolest thing.  She played in her tent for the rest of the evening. 

playing peek a boo from her "tent"

I know it is a pitiful tent, but she thought it was pretty cool!

It didn't stay together very good

She loved hiding from us. 

1 week old

Our baby, baby girl is 1 week old today.  It really doesn't seem possible.  I think mostly because a large chunk of that time was spent at the hospital and we really just started the total care a few days ago.  She is slowly getting a little personality.  She starting making cooing noises today, and I caught her smiling.  So sweet!

Anna Claire, 1 week old

 Anna Claire on the left, Amelia on the right.  They do have different noses, but they do look very similar.

Finally caught her smiling.

She loves to stick her tongue out at me.

 



Today was my first day with both girls alone.  I was a little anxious, but the day went really well.  Most likely because Anna Claire sleeps all the time.  It was almost as if it was just me and Amelia.  It was nice having some time with my sweet girl again though.  I have been missing her like crazy and feeling like I kept shipping her off for someone else to care for. 

Last night we went for a walk around the neighborhood.  I had AC in the baby bjorn and Drew pulled Amelia in the wagon.  We then had some friends come visit and meet AC.  Amelia was giving me all kinds of love again!  it made this momma feel so good.  I think we are all going to adjust just fine!

Adjusting

We have had Anna Claire home for 2 days now.  So far, everything is going well.  Amelia has been at daycare the past 2 days, so that has helped.  She is staying home tomorrow.  It will be a true testament into my patience level I'm sure.  Anna Claire has been sleeping pretty good at night.  I actually do not feel just exhausted.  She still sleeps a lot, but is starting to stay awake for longer periods of time.  She also starting smiling yesterday.  I know it isn't purposeful, but it is cute.  I've been trying to get a picture of her smile, but that is a little difficult.  Amelia was smiling at the hospital, but she was 8 days late, so a little more developed.

Amelia has been doing well.  I know she is struggling some, but she is hiding it really well.  She has been much more attached to daddy, which is breaking my heart.  But, I know she will eventually adjust to her little sister and everything will be ok. 

We took our first outing today.  We went to Walmart for formula.  I was planning to try to nurse, but unfortunately it just isn't for me.  Amelia was a formula baby and she turned out perfect, so I think Anna Claire will be ok.  Anna Claire slept the whole time we were gone.  It was a pretty good first outing.

Amelia loves giving Anna Claire kisses.

Amelia playing with her toys while visiting with Anna Claire in the hospital.

 

This was Anna Claires take home outfit.  She didn't get to wear it home because she pottied on her outfit this day and her take home outfit was the only one I had to put on her.  But, since she was discharged so late at night, there was no reason to put her special outfit on her, we just wanted something comfortable for her to sleep in.  So, this will be her first church day outfit.

Hanging out with mommy.  She is starting to look around more and more everyday.  This picture was taken today, she is 6 days old.

 

Coming home!!

Today is the day that we have been looking forward to since Wednesday!  I am typing this just before we leave to go get our sweet baby girl and bring her home from the hospital.  Her cultures were negative, so I really do not think she had any infection, but I guess always better to be safe than sorry.  She is getting more and more comfortable with being in the world.  She is staying awake more, making more facial expressions, and not crying every time she gets touched anymore.  She really is so sweet.  I am feeling really anxious though.  I'm hoping for a smooth transition from 1 child to 2 children.  At the hospital, she seemed to wake up more at night to eat than during the day, so hopefully we can correct that.  I'm not sure what she has been like the last 2 nights, so it should be interesting tonight.  I will post pictures of her coming home tomorrow.

I have to brag on my big girl though too.  She is growing up so much.  I think she has really struggled this week, but I think she knows momma is struggling too.  She was so sweet tonight.  We were eating dinner, and I was getting up to put everything away.  She said she was ready to get down.  I said are you sure you are finished and she said yes, so I went to grab her plate before getting her down.  She says, no mommy, I do it.  So, I said ok, I really thought she was going to take her plate into the living room to finish in front of the tv, but she grabs her plate, takes it to the trash, throws her leftovers away, and then walks to the dishwasher to put the plate in the dishwasher.  I was absolutely shocked!!!!  I praised her all night for that.  I don't know how I was blessed to have such a wonderful sweet little girl.  But, I thank God everyday for her, and know she truly makes my life so much better just for being in it. 

Our birth story

I am typing on the iPad so bear with me on this one. But, we have officially welcomed Anna claire to the family! We decided to induce on Wednesday. It's just easier when you don't live near family and you have a 1 year old to have a plan. Luckily my family came the night before because I went into labor in the middle of the night. I was praying to make through the night. I had been having sporadic contractions all afternoon. But, I really wanted to take a shower, put on makeup and eat breakfast before going to the hospital. Instead, we ended up going from contractions every ten minutes straight to every 3 minutes. I was not going to be one of those ladies that deliver at home, so we went on in. I was 4 cm when we got there. My doctor came around 8 to break my water and give me my epidural.  Anna Claire arrived at 12:45 at a whopping 9lbs 6oz. But, she is perfect.  Glad she wasn't late or no telling how big she would be!

Amelia loves her baby sister. She doesn't really want to touch her, but she does like to "hold" her. It is so sweet!

The only problem we have encountered is that her blood sugar was low at birth. This didn't bother me cause Amelia's was low and she was fine. But, her sugar dropped slightly after it had started going up causing the doctor to run extra tests. They found that she has an infection, and will have to receive 5 days of antibioics. This means she won't go home until Sunday. I will get to stay until tomorrow. I feel heartbroken and blessed at the same time. I had Drew take the car seat home tonight cause I didn't want to leave with an empty car seat. But, little girl is as healthy as she can be, which makes me feel so blessed. Even though she may have an infection a few extra days of antibiotics are all we face. I so look forward to having both my girls home together. But, I know some people leave the hospital with an empty carseat never to return, or to return months later to bring baby home. So we are blessed. I miss my big girl like crazy though. She just gets funnier every day and I hate every minute that I miss of her.

Because of the infection, Anna Claire spent most of her birthday in the nursery, so we didn't get to get a picture with her.  It was 9:15 pm before they brought her back to us and Amelia was already at home in bed.

Daddy loving on his baby girl.

Anna Claire.  I need to post some side by sides of her and Amelia.  It is amazing how similar they are, but I do see some differences.

Mommy getting some snuggle time.

Grandmomma holding her for the first time.

Amelia "holding" her baby sister.

Our first family shot.

new beginnings

Well, this is a big week in the Ellis household.  Amelia started her new daycare today, and mommy and daddy decided that it is time to meet Anna Claire.  Needless to say, mommies emotions are all over the place.  Drew and I went together to drop her off this morning.  I told her all weekend and morning how she was gonna get to make new friends today.  She was so sweet.  She didn't know what to think when I dropped her off.  She wasn't going to far from my side.  Then, I walked her a little closer into the room while daddy unloaded all of her stuff.  She saw the toys, and there was no going back.  She was a very happy girl!  I had to go get her to get a hug bye.  I'm glad that she takes on to new situations so well.  But, I was fighting back the tears the whole way to work.

Really quick photo of Amelia right before walking in to daycare.

Mommy had an appointment with the doctor to discuss inducing in the morning.  He was perfectly fine with it, and he checked me, and I am 2-3 cm!!  Yay!  That made me feel so good.  Makes me feel like I am actually ready for induction!  So, we go in @ 7 in the morning, and hopefully Anna Claire will be with us soon after.  I'm not so excited about the labor, but I am so excited to finally be getting her here!  So, tomorrow should be a big post!

Slow down!

Every day I look at my baby girl, she looks like she has grown a month.  It is crazy.  She is becoming such a little girl and not a baby anymore.  We got her a nap mat for her new daycare.  It came in yesterday, and she has been in love ever since.  She just wants to be wrapped up in her nap mat. 

Well, this is our last weekend as a 3 member family.  Pretty crazy to think about how different our lives will be in another week.   But, I am definitely looking forward to it.  Plus, I really think that if Anna Claire doesn't get here soon Amelia is going to be just really confused.  Drew asked her what mommy's name is today, and she said Anna Claire.  We have been pointing to my belly and saying Anna Claire for so long now that I think she thinks that is the name of my belly.  She isn't going to know what to think when there is an actual baby here to take her attention. 

I have been contemplating potty training for a little while now, but I wasn't ready at first.  Then, I talked to her daycare provider about it just to give her a heads up that we might be trying soon.  I was told that it wouldn't work because they wouldn't be able to take her to the bathroom in the room that she is in.  Well, now that she is going to be going to a new daycare, they will work with us, so it is time to start thinking about potty training again.  Well, today, I heard her moving around when she woke up from her nap.  I went to get her, and she is in her bed with 2 diapers, wipes, and booty paste.  She had pooped.  I think she was contemplating taking care of it on her own.  Don't know how that would have worked out for her, but I was like, ok, I think it is time!  The only problem is, I am going to be getting induced most likely in 4 days.  Doesn't seem like a good time to start training.  Maybe we can try in a few weeks when things calm down with Anna Claire.  I think she may end up training herself though if I don't get a move on it soon!