4 months + 1 week

Well, I'm certain of it - Britta is the sweetest baby in the world! She is so special. 

One of my favorite things to do is to tell her I love her. She watches me and listens so carefully. Lately she has really been working on reaching her toes. She does little crunches/sit ups to try to get them, but hasn't quite gotten there yet. She also is figuring out all the fun things she can do with her lips. She makes fun little noises by pushing them together and blowing. 

This was her last time wearing these little elephant jammies. She has out grown them. I boxed up all of her new born clothes, and some of the 3 month outfits that she is too big for. 

I'm off ALL week with her, and we are having the best time. She is down for a nap right now, and I am enjoying the opportunity to jot down her updates. 

She had her 4 month shots a week ago. She cried and cried all evening because of them, but slept through the night and woke up the next morning her usual bright eyed self.

Here we are waiting for the pediatrician. She is sucking her little thumb, and being patient. She is up to 11 lb 14 ounces. Still an itty bitty girl. 

She loves her daddy SO much. And so do I. 

We experienced our first Missionary Baptist church service together. One of my students was the MC for the youth service and invited us to go. It was memorable! 

Britta enjoys going out to eat just as much as I do! 

She gets such a kick out of seeing herself in the mirror! 

 Go Dawgs! Her bib says it all. Britta and I did not go into the football game against Alabama, but we sure had fun tailgating.

Britta's facial expressions keep me snapping photos constantly! She is so expressive. I told the Facebook world that this look may do a lot of damage in the future - especially on Daddy's wallet! 

mommy brain

This past week was filled with mishaps. I caught a few on camera. One of my co-workers says it's "mommy brain". I don't know if that's an excuse or not, but I'll stick to that idea. 

One day I forgot to put the cup for the filter in the coffee pot. I made coffee without it in, and still drank the coffee. 

Another day I went to change the diaper pail only to open it and find out I did not put the bag in properly last time I changed it. An avalanche of diapers was the result. All I could do is laugh. 

A week full of "mommy brain" was paired with a week full of snuggles. 

Britta's first Halloween was pretty low key. It has rained all day and evening here, so party plans were cancelled and we stayed home. Britta looked adorable in her little kitty onesie, but she just wasn't in the mood for pictures. Below are a few of our attempts! 

Britta's birth story

I realized that I haven't written anything down about Britta's birthday. Already I have forgotten some of the details from those first days and moments with her, but I don't think I will ever forget how special they were!  I'd like to document what I do remember now, so that one day I can share with Britta what a GREAT day it was!

The days leading up to Britta's birth were exciting and also a little nerve wrecking. I was sleeping well and feeling pretty good. I remember having more energy than I had expected, and was generally comfortable. I had heard from many moms that the last month or so would drag on. I was nervous this would be the case, especially since I was off of work for the summer, and wouldn't have much to keep myself occupied with. I found I DID have plenty to do to stay busy though - especially with a new puppy to take care of and my Master's degree to finish.

 We also had the frequent doctor appointments to check how things were moving along to go to too. Our doctor presented the option of being induced to us. Britta was doing well, I was dilated some, and effaced. The doctor was also going on vacation within the next week or so, and it was important to me that he be there for the delivery. He recommends inducing in some cases so that everything can be prepared and no one feels rushed or stressed (the hospital in Amory is about 30 minutes from our house). Since I was group B positive, it was also important that we arrive at the hospital with plenty of time for the antibiotics to get through my system. I did not want to compromise Britta's health or safety though for convenience. Therefore I really wasn't sure what to do! I really wanted to make the right decision for us and Britta. After some prayer and conversation, we decided to go ahead with the induction. When I made the decision and said it out loud I knew it was the right one. I felt confident with the decision, and at peace with it. 

We planned to arrive at the hospital at 5:30 AM on Friday July 17. Of course, Matt and I were running late and had to stop to grab breakfast along the way. We didn't arrive at the hospital until about 6:30 or so. I had completed the hospital paperwork online to pre-register, but once we arrived the information was not in the hospital's computer system. We had to complete the forms again, and that made us even later! Ha! We got a good laugh out of being late to our own daughter's birth!

Once we arrived in our room everything was very casual. Not rushed or stressful like I expected. I changed into a hospital gown and they put me on Pitocin, to get the labor started, and Group B antibiotics to prevent the group B from being passed to Britta. 

Smiling and feeling excited to meet Britta. 

After about an hour I was not feeling any changes or contractions, so the doctor came in to break my water. I remember this being a weird sensation. Matt had stepped out and gone to the cafeteria and the car, so he missed this part. I remember laughing to myself about this. Soon after this happened I felt like I needed to go to the bathroom. These were actually contractions! I remember thinking "this isn't so bad!" 

As the contractions got stronger I spent some time on the exercise ball rolling and moving on it. This helped a little bit, and gave me something to do. I was very prepared for the labor to take a long time. I had even asked Matt to bring a deck of cards in case we got bored! HA! 

The contractions quickly became stronger, and I remember asking for something to help manage the pain. I was very wishy washy about it though. Matt was very confident in me that I could do it without, and I thought I could too, but was open to the idea of having an epidural. However, I was worried that getting an epidural would slow the delivery down or stall it. A middle ground was getting narcotics through an IV. I had Staydol which we had learned about in our new parent classes. The purpose of it is to allow rest for the mom and dull the pain of the contractions. This turned out to be a great decision for us. It did make me sleepy, I still felt the pain, but I didn't care that I was in pain. It was somewhat comparable to being drunk! 

I remember that the pain in my legs was actually more bothersome to me than the contractions. I think because of all of the IV fluids I was getting (antibiotics, Pitocin, and Staydol) everything was resting in my legs. I remember wanting them rubbed. Matt rubbed them for me for awhile, but this soon irritated me. I asked him not to touch me and to turn the TV off (golf was on in the background) so there wouldn't be noise. I also remember moving my arms through the contractions and watching the monitor that showed them getting stronger and closer together. These things helped encourage me to persevere. 

Things became blurry for a little bit because of the Staydol. I remember saying that I didn't think I could do it, and I didn't want to do it. I asked for an epidural, but when the nurse (in training) came in to check me I was already too far along. They didn't want to tell me this, and Matt told me they were looking into it for me. I knew this wasn't the case though - I wasn't that out of it! I asked if it would be okay if I yelled. They of course laughed and told me yes, I could do whatever I needed to. Matt says that my "yells" were not loud at all though. 

The more seasoned nurse came to check me - I was fully dilated, and Britta was coming. She asked if the doctor was on his way, and looked out our window to see if he was coming. We had a view of the sidewalk between the office and the hospital. A nurse said he was coming, and the seasoned nurse asked if he was walking or running! I knew Britta would be here soon, and they were worried he wouldn't make it in time. I felt the strong urge to push, but they were trying to get me not to. Of course the body just naturally takes over, and it was not something I could stop. 

The doctor arrived and put his gloves on. Matt put gloves on as well. I pushed 3 or 4 times and then Britta arrived at 12:38 pm! Matt was able to pull her out himself after the doctor delivered her head. He was also able to cut the umbilical cord! It was all very exciting. I don't remember her specifically crying, but I knew she was healthy. I remember that I then had to deliver the placenta, and that this was not something I had expected or had read much about. This was also a strange sensation for me. Britta was placed on my chest and I was so overwhelmed with emotion. I did not cry, but I was so happy she was there. I was so overwhelmed (and maybe partly because of the Staydol) that I couldn't open my eyes to look at her. I remember telling her I wanted to look at her, but I just couldn't do it. I could not physically open my eyes. This was also a strange sensation. I was so happy to hold her, but was also being stitched up from my tearing at the same time. These were very conflicting feelings, since the stitches were painful. Overwhelming is the only way I can describe it. 

After I was stitched up, I was able to open my eyes and look at Britta. Right away she was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. I knew she was perfect in every way. She was then given a bath during which she cried VERY loudly. When she was finished they brought her back to me, and she nursed. Everything Britta did, she did very naturally. It was easy for her, and it was easier for me than I expected. Being a mom came naturally, I hadn't needed to worry. The nurses said that even physically I am a natural. From them I took this as a compliment even though I think it's a funny one! 

Britta's first bath

We spent Friday and Saturday night in the hospital. Britta's vitals checked out just fine, and she was eating without any problems. I had some problems being able to go to the bathroom at first and they thought they might need to put a catheter in. Thankfully after a few hours I was fine. I remember my stomach was very squishy and lopsided. I felt tired, but good and hungry that whole weekend. I was happy!

 

All wrapped up. 

In love. 

(A friend gave me the hair tie I am wearing on my left arm. She told me that delivery would be the easiest part of being a mom. I hadn't been given advice like this, and it gave me courage to be brave through the labor! I wore her hair tie as a reminder.)

We had some visitors which was really nice, and Matt treated the nurses to several meals. A few friends knew we had a week to wait until our family could come to visit, so it was really nice that they came out to meet Britta while we were at the hospital. The nurses also took really good care of us knowing that we didn't have any family in the area. The kindness that people showed us throughout the pregnancy, during our stay at the hospital, and throughout our first 2 weeks at home is something I will never forget. It made me really realize that I need to strive to show kindness to others more often. 

Britta's arrival was better than I could have ever imagined or hoped! 

 Nurse Gail was our "seasoned" nurse. She was very encouraging and helpful throughout our entire stay at the hospital. 

 Dr. Wood was the BEST doctor I could have had. He prayed with us at our appointments and on the day of the delivery. He is a very calming and peaceful presence. He is so reassuring and really gave me confidence that I could do it throughout the entire pregnancy. He took time to answer all the questions we had, and really got to know us and what we wanted. 

 Long fingers. 

 Snuggles with daddy. 

 We all cleaned up pretty well after three days in the hospital! 

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Gail and her daughter were both nurses on our floor. I thought it was so neat that they work together. 

runny nose

Britta's little runny nose has made her a bit fussy this week. One night Matt was dancing and singing in front of her to cheer her up. She thought it was so funny, but was also feeling sad. She went back and forth between making her frowny face to smiling and laughing several times. It was the cutest thing! She just couldn't decide what to do! That girl sure knows how to make me smile. 

A little sad despite looking cute with her big bow.

Sitting up so BIG in her bumbo seat. 

3 months

To celebrate Britta's three month birthday we took a trip out to the Pumpkin Patch. The day was just perfect for taking a little drive and spending some time outside. Temperatures were in the 70s with sunny clear skies. Leaves are falling here like crazy now, and even though we don't get as many pretty colors as the Midwest, it is still a beautiful season.

We stopped at McAllister's to fuel up before heading out of town. I just can't get enough of their salads. Why do salads taste so much better when someone else makes them?? Britta took a bottle while we were there, and of course received many compliments about her hair and her precious little face. She does so well out and about. I think she must be an easy baby, because I have heard from others that they worry about taking their little ones out in case of accidents or crying or....other what ifs.... I don't ever feel worried about that sort of thing with Britta. I probably shouldn't even say that since she's only three months old and there is time for all this to change, but so far she is SUCH a good baby, and I will celebrate that!

Once we all finished our lunches we headed over to the Pumpkin Patch. It was the most organized Pumpkin Patch I've ever been to. There were pavilions for birthday parties, yard games like bags, twister with the colored dots spray painted on the lawn, mini tractors for the kids to pedal and ride, wagon rides, tire swings, food, and of course many varieties of pumpkins. We tried to take some pictures of Britta on a pumpkin, but she was very resistant of the idea. She did not want to bend her legs to sit on it. It was so funny.

She finally did relax, and we were able snap a few quick shots.

Although Britta is a GOOD and EASY baby, she does live up to her moody muffin nickname. She channeled that side of her personality when I tried taking a picture with her on a bench.

When we got back home Matt and Tessa worked outside to pull down some of the weeds and vines growing on some of the trees in the front yard. Matt would love to have a more manicured lawn where I on the other hand do not prioritize the visual appeal of our yard... He spends quite a bit of time working on it, and although he denies that he enjoys it I think part of him does!

Inside, Britta and I had a little photo shoot to document her 3 month birthday! She really has grown, and although it may not be as quickly as the doctor would like to see, I think she is doing fantastic!

She has little rolls on her thighs now, and her double chin makes an appearance once in a while too.

As Britta grows out of the newborn stage, and she becomes more active there are a few things I'd like to remember:

*You make the sweetest little noises when you eat. "Eh... eh... eh..., ah... ah.., ..uh"

*We almost made it three months with breastfeeding, and then you took to the bottle and formula like a champ! Everything you do comes so easily for you. You're a natural! I knew breastfeeding was coming to an end, and tried really hard to cherish the last few times. Spending that time with just you in the rocking chair was special.

* You love to suck suck suck. Right now as a type at my laptop you are laying on your tummy sucking your thumb as you sleep. You've mastered sucking your thumb now, and it can find your little mouth pretty quickly these days. For a little while you preferred your pacifier since your thumb was so little it kept missing your mouth or falling out.

* Speaking of sucking your thumb, I always know you are tired when the thumb on your right hand goes in your mouth and your left fist grabs and holds onto the hair on the back of your head at the same time.

*Lately when we lay you down on your back you roll right to your side or tummy. This of course worries both Daddy and me. We've read too much and probably worry too much.

* The little pats you give on my back is one of the best feelings in the world. It feels like you are hugging me as I hold you up against my shoulder.

* You've begun to (help) hold your bottle. The first time you did this really made me realize you're getting big!

* You're smiling more and more all the time. Mornings seem to be your favorite, and the look I get from you as I pick you up from out of your crib, or when I change your diaper is the BEST! That gummy grin of yours starts my day off perfectly. I look forward to waking up each morning because I know I get to cuddle with you.

* Rides in your stroller are so much fun. You have been staying awake longer and really seem to enjoy going outside. Your eyes get big as you look around at the trees, and you seem to listen so closely when you hear the leaves falling, or a dog barking. I can tell you are soaking in everything you see and hear!

I am so proud to be your mom Britta! I love watching you grow!

Fall Break

This weekend we have been enjoying the cool fall weather and the time we have together. I am on Fall Break which means a four day weekend! 

So far, we have caught up on some cleaning around the house, we have opened the windows to air things out - which is really nice, and we have relaxed outside. Matt built us a fire yesterday. It was the perfect day for it. 

We also went out to dinner. I've noticed (from the two times we have gone out to dinner as a family of three) that it seems to be old people and couples with young children who go out to eat at 4:30. I guess we all assume that if our babies cry during the meal the fellow young families will be empathetic, and the older folks won't mind too much.... 

Britta really seemed to enjoy the fire. She looked so cute in her little pink jacket, and we snuggled her in a blanket. The warmth from the fire put her into a deep sleep after sitting out for just a little bit. We decided that was as close to camping as she is going to get this year. It was nice to pretend. :) 

The time outside also did Tess some good. She was so content to just hang out with us on the back patio. It was a moment where I really felt like we are doing a good job at the whole family bonding thing!

I'm hoping to just soak in as much Britta time I can tomorrow and Tuesday. I really appreciate my days with her even more now that I am back to work. 

We've had lots of outfit changes lately due to spit up. Britt Britt has developed a little red rash that looks pretty icky around her neck rolls. It is hard to keep that area clean and dry because she is spitting up so often. Changing her outfit is one way I'm trying to help keep that red rash away. Evidence of the outfit changes can be seen below! 

  

travel by train

In my last post I gave a little summary of our two week venture up north. What I didn't share is HOW we got up north! Britta and I shared a sleeper room on the upper level of a train! Us girls had the best time together. I'm hoping this early travel experience will give Britta a sense of adventure and exploration! :) 

Now even though I say we had the best time together, that doesn't mean it was seamless (for this momma at least - Britta did great!) Traveling with Britta for the first time came with some anxiety. Traveling with Britta for the first time without Matt came with LOTS of anxiety and a few tears (again, the tears were from momma, Britta did great).

 On top of that I had never travelled by train before so I had no idea what to expect. The amount of packing necessary with an little one is unbelievable! Whew did we ever bring a lot of stuff. Thankfully there was a train attendant who was very helpful. Even he got out of breath carrying all of our things up the narrow steps of the train. Needless to say once Britta and I got settled in it was actually a pretty ideal way to travel.  Our room was private and the door even locked with a curtain that closed. There was a bathroom, an upright seat, a couch that folded down into a bed, and a top bunk. No, Britta and I did not sleep on the top bunk. Hehehe. The attendant even brought me dinner and breakfast - what service! 

Britta slept better than she ever had before. The swaying of the train really put her into a deep sleep. I got worried and even woke her up to eat - twice. Despite the door locking, I was a bit  very nervous that someone would take Britta if I fell asleep and did not keep an eye on her constantly. Therefore I only slept when I accidentally nodded off, one hand on her car seat at all times. 

When we arrived in Chicago Matt's family picked us up so we could soak up as much family time as possible!