Opening Day

Every year since we moved here, with the exception of the year I worked for psycho TN who wouldn't let me off work to go, SP and I have gone to Reds Opening Day. It has become our thing and while sports kinda make me want to gag most of the time, I do enjoy drinking beer and hanging with my hubby so I overlook the gag factor temporarily.

This year Miss C was born on the day when SP would have bought tickets. Being a wise man, he opted to help his wife deliver their first baby instead of trying to get tickets. Had he choosen otherwise I am sure his death would have been considered justified...unless I had some avid ball fan for a judge or the jury of my peers were all season ticket holders. Thankfully, I didn't have to kill him (I am totally joking by the way for those who don't know me that well.) and we bought tickets from an online broker.

It was tough deciding what to do about Miss C because up until this year we didn't have to consider things like taking a baby to a game. In the end, we decided not to take her and embarked on our first nights away from her as she stayed with Nana and Papa in Louisv*lle.

Let me say, I think I have called a gazillion times and thought about her a gazillion more. Is she eating? Is she pooping? Is she fussy? Is she being good? I miss her, but I also enjoyed the nap I took yesterday when the left with her and the sleep I got last night.

Next year, we'll take her to the game and make a new tradition. But for now, based on this picture, it looks like she was doing ok with her grandparents.

Babene

That's my new made up word for Baby + Acne. Babene.

Miss C has it and they don't give Pr*Active to babies so she has to endure. Actually, she doesn't seem to care but it bothers the hell out of me. They tell me it's normal and hormone related but the poor thing looks miserable.

In other news, Miss C now weighs 8 pounds 13 ounce. Girl has put on some weight over the last week and is daily outgrowing outfits. We think she is at a growth spurt because she is eating A LOT...every 2 hours or so which is not her normal eating pattern. Making up for lost weight I guess.

Miss C's First Easter

1 Month Observation of Miss C

Dear Baby Girl,
This week you celebrated one month of life outside of Mom and boy was it memorable. You did so much this month that it's hard to pinpoint my most favorite moment. But, I'd have to say that meeting you for the first time by far has to be the one that sticks out the most in my mind. Seeing you for the first time will forever be etched in my mind...you were perfect and the very sight of you brought me to tears.

Still, this month wasn't all about your arrival. This month you also:

• Met your brother, grandparents, cousins, aunties and uncles.
• Took a road trip with Mom and Dad and one without Dad.
• Spit up...A LOT
• Tried breastfeeding but ended up on formula.
• Smiled a lot when pooping and farting but also started to smile when Mom and Dad talk to you.
• Crapped on two very cute outfits, your Mom, your Granny and almost on the sofa.
• You had your first hospital visit that scared Mom and Dad but everything turned out ok.
• Cried...A LOT.
• Read books with Mom and Dad, including Mom's favorite, The Giving Tree.
• Cuddled...A LOT.
• Took many rides in the swing because your Dad swears you love it when the swing is on HIGH. And, you do.
• Stretched just like Mom does when she is really tired, back arched, arms stretched out overhead, eyes closed and lips sticking out.
• Sucked down a lot of bottles and then passed out like it was the best drink you've ever had.
• Celebrated your first St. Patrick's Day.
• Had multiple doctor appointments.
• Lost weight.
• Gained weight...officially 8 pounds 1 ounce now.
• Brought Mom to tears of joy and sadness.
• Found your fingers again and sucked them to your hearts content.
• Wrapped Dad tightly around your finger.
• Got some super cute new clothes.
• Went for walks with Mom, Dad and Copper.
• Stared at things we couldn't figure out.
• Hung out and were generally content with life...A LOT.
• Took multiple baths.
• Got a shot.
• Had to take medicine for your acid reflux.
• Listened to music and songs your Dad made up and sang to you.

It's funny because I cannot imagine what life would be like without you in it now that I have met you. I whisper in your ear how smart and beautiful you are. I cuddle you every chance I get and do not fear for one second that I am spoiling you in a bad way. If I spoil you with love and affection, you will know you are loved...period.

There are also times I get frustrated because I want so much to give you a perfect life, but I don't speak baby and can't always determine what you need. I try though. Dad and I try together and most of the time I think we had done things right over the last month. But, I am sure at some point we will screw up. That's just part of being a parent.

I hope you have enjoyed your first month. I have thoroughly enjoyed you and look forward to experiencing life with you. Thank you for changing my life for the better.

Love, Mom

Listorama

• Will it make me a bad mom if I don't take Miss C to see the Easter Bunny for her first Easter?
• I mean, seriously, she won't remember and the thought of standing in that line makes me want to scream MY head off.
• Should I try to switch her formula since the stuff we were using before didn't make her scream when she pooped but this stuff is for babies with reflux? Of course, it's not stopping her from spitting up so I am not sure it matters.
• Yadi had Isaac yesterday...NATURAL and he was 9.5 pounds and 21 inches long. Holy crap she is my hero.
• Had to politely ask my lovely husband to stop asking me why Miss C is crying when she cries. I love him, but I might have head butted him if he asked me again. I told him I don't speak baby so his guess is as good as mine. God love him, he's trying.
• I have a massive sinus headache. Welcome Spring.
• We may need a canoe to leave the house with all the rain we are getting.
• 1 month doctor appointment is tomorrow.
• SP turns 30 next week.
• I am one size away from my pre-pregnancy body...too bad my stomach still feels like a sponge. Can't wait to start Pilates and bike riding again.

Babies, babies everywhere

So, for those counting...

Allyson had Alex
Dawn had Mia
I had Miss C
Amy had RJ
Allison had Henry
Yadi is to be induced today.
Jennifer is due in July and is having a girl.

Looks like there will be enough boys for our girls to pick from. Congrats to all the new moms.

Shit

If someone had told me at any point during my last 33 years that I would be this concerned over another persons bowel movements I would have slapped their face. OK, probably wouldn't have gotten violent, but I would have laughed uncontrollably as I told them to pass me another beer, cigarette or whatever.

Yet, here I am concerned about Miss C's poop.. It seems the switch to formula resulted first is some MAJOR blow outs the likes of which I hope to never see again, AND...some play-doh like poop that makes her scream her little head off like someone is pulling her fingernails out.

Yes, my girl is vocal. I am telling you now with all the noises she makes she is going to be a talker. Squeaking and grunting is a regular sound around her. But the screaming, well, I have learned that it's associated with the most severe degree of discomfort for her. Pushing out play-doh from her butt makes her scream. I can't BELIEVE I care.

But, alas, I do which is why I took the bebe out in the freaking rain to get apple juice. I am told by the Doctor that this will ease things a bit. We shall see. I predict explosions again. What are your thoughts?