Today was a good day

Mike is on a rotation where A FEW DAYS during the week he works a lovely 30 hour shift. So he starts work at 7:00 a.m. and works until 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. the FOLLOWING day. So on the days where Charlotte and I aren't going to see Mike, I try to stay extra busy. Today was one of those days and although we missed seeing Mike, we had a good day.

The SMOG is gone and the sun was shining for a bit.

So Charlotte and I bundled up and headed for walk in the park. It was oh so wonderful to be outside and exercising. Charlotte loved it too, she slept the entire time.
We both took much needed naps today. Charlotte is having her "fussy time" from 11:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Good times. Like I said, naps were needed today.
We changed many diapers. Man this girl poops like it's nobody's business. I couldn't be happier about that. It means she eating well and getting plenty of nourishment. Phew.
I even got a little sewing in. I made some flower accessories for her headbands,
and a burp cloth. It's not my best work, but I did it in 20 minutes. Time between Charlotte's feeding and napping is precious these days.

And now I'm ready for bed! Goodnight.

Side note. This is what happens when Mike is home and hanging out with Charlotte.
I think Charlotte and I had the same expression, as the picture above, when I walked in to see what Mike had done. I must admit my little darling looks cute even in a shower cap. And yes, if you are wondering if I rock the shower cap, YOU BET I DO!

One more picture...

How funny is this picture? It totally looks like Charlotte is picking her nose. She's not. I promise. Mike just snapped the picture at exactly the right moment.

Another give away

Ok this give away is AWESOME! My cousin Liesl is an amazing artist. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Her mom, my aunt, is giving away a free 8X10 portrait drawing of your choice! Check out my aunt's blog for more details. I know I've already left a comment! Go do it! Right now!

Give oh give away!

A few shameless plugs for friends and family...

My friend Kathy is doing a darling give away on her blog.

Check it out and enter to win!

My aunt Bobbi is also giving away something on her crafty blog.

Again, you gotta check it out and enter to win!

Then have you seen my sister's Katherine's cute etsy shop? She has darling accessories that will spice up any outfit or hairdo. Look here.

Things we've learned...

Well my little darling is two weeks old. We've learned a lot these past two weeks together...

First... Charlotte and Miller are already going to be great friends...

Second... Chocolate and Charlotte don't mix well together. Chocolate leads to an upset stomach and gas. This is probably a good thing for me, but such a bummer.

Third... She has wicked awesome bed head and she likes to be burped, it puts her in some kind of milk coma.

Fourth... She hates, I mean hates having her diaper changed. She would be quite content sitting in a dirty diaper all day and night. She doesn't like to take baths either, she takes after her aunt Emily.

Fifth... She is a loud sleeper. She snorts, grunts, sneezes and moans all night and during naps.

Sixth...Charlotte is definitely MY daughter. She's already making the same facial expressions as me. Check out the picture below to see what I mean...
Seventh... She has both Mike and I wrapped around her little finger.

One week

We've survived our first week of being parents! I must say we have a TRICK BABY on our hands. She is so good and making this transition fairly easy on us. Charlotte is tricking us into thinking all babies are this good, so inevitably we'll have to have more.

Here are a few more pictures from our first week.

Huge chubby cheeks!

She has the longest feet.

Mike is the greatest dad.

Little bird with crazy hair.

More of our babus

Charlotte was induced Dec. 29, 2009. Since things were progressing nicely with pregnancy, my doctor allowed me to be induced, this way Mike could be around for a bit to help out with the baby before another demanding rotation begins. One of the perks/drawbacks to be married to a resident. I know a lot of people aren't fans of being induced but I have to say I'm so glad I did it. The day could not have gone better, and it's been heaven to have Mike home to help. He's been incredible. I don't know what I would have done without him.

Here's how the day played out....

6:15 a.m. arrived at the hospital and checked in

6:45 a.m. started an IV, felt sick and light headed, almost passed out. Mike came to the rescue, wiped my sweaty brow, talked me through it and took off my socks. I don't do well with needles, blood and have foreign objects in my body. Pitocin begins!

7:45 a.m. Having contractions and my doctor comes in to check me. I'm dilated to 2 cm and 80% effaced.

MAJOR CONTRACTIONS COME ON. BREATHING THROUGH THEM AND TRYING TO BE TOUGH

9:00 a.m. Anesthesiologist comes in to talk to me about an epidural. Feeling terrified but I know I'm going to want one.

9:45 a.m. Having major contractions, trying to be tough, ask for the anesthesiologist to come back and give me the epidural.

10:00 a.m. Get my epidural. Wasn't as bad as I thought. Mike and the nurses did a great job distracting me.

My epidural started to work right away. My anesthesiologist did an incredible job. I didn't feel a lot of pain, and I was able to feel pressure of contractions. I could still move my legs and felt like I had good strength.

11:30 a.m. My doctor came in and checked me again. Dilated to 8 cm and 100% effaced. Things have progressed fast and we might be ready to push earlier than expected.

12:30 p.m. Feeling more and more pressure. I think I'm ready to push soon. Ask to be checked again. Feeling a little sick. Mike got a big bowl and I threw up a couple of times. Yum.

12:45 p.m. Nurses check me I'm at a 10 and ready to push!!!!

1:00 p.m. Doctor comes and the pushing begins.

I loved the pushing part. I felt totally empowered and tons of adrenaline. My doctor, nurses and Mike were incredible. They gave great support and encouragement.

1:49 p.m. Charlotte made her debut!

The whole process was amazing. I loved giving birth! I can honestly say it was the best day of my life. It's been quite an adjustment to having her home. I'm more tired than I ever imagined. I'm not going to pretend that everything has gone perfectly, there are times when I feel very overwhelmed, and I'm not sure I can be a mom. But it's amazing how much both Mike and I love her. We would do anything for her and we gladly welcome this challenge. We love Charlotte so much and feel incredibly blessed to be her parents.

Mike and Charlotte. He's the best dad, so hands on and helpful.

Our little bird all cleaned up.

Coming home! Doesn't she look so tiny in her car seat?

I love her wild, crazy hair. When she sleeps I think she looks like a little rabbit.

Four generations. Great Grandma Wynn, Grandma Kris, Me and Charlotte

Love this girl.