Monday, October 29, 2012

3 weeks old and a night owl

you are 3 weeks old Dottie! Hooray! With each day you get a little bigger and daddy and I begin to understand you a bit more. You still don't like a binky but you are beginning to see things a bit more we think. Also, your sleep patterns are strange. Sleep all day then up and eating all night or the reverse on occasion. No rhyme or reason yet. You are fun to be with even at 2am : )
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Friday, October 26, 2012

1st tummy time

it didn't last long but yesterday you experienced your first tummy time. You're little head needs to get stronger but thought it was a good showing none-the-less! You'll be zooming around in no time at all little Dottie : )
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Thursday, October 25, 2012

2 week doctor appointment

On Tuesday we made a visit to Dr Lindsay to check your growth progress-
you weighed in at a solid 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measured in at 20.25 inches long.
Despite your congestion, you got an overwhelming approval of health.

The last few days your normal sleepy self seems to be going away and you seem to be waking up more. On top of that, you seem to have an insatiable appetite. I hope I can keep up with your demands.


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Monday, October 22, 2012

poor little congested baby!


Well, I think living with a day-care attending almost 2 year old has its bad effects on you. Friday you woke up with a cold and over the weekend is got progressively worse. You are stuffed up, congested and your little nose is having diffculty clearing out the ooze. Non-the-less, we decided to go to Whidbey- your first first post utero to the island and it was a good decision. While there were times when it rained (and rained hard I should add) there were also times of sunny fall weather that we enjoyed (although you stayed inside most of the time). Daddy got a new humidifier and put some eucalyptus oil inside so you and Hazel could breathe a bit better. We all slept in the same room and had a nice weekend overall. Hopefully you recover soon so we can resume our getting to know the new adventures! You were a good and sweet little baby. Thank you!
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Thursday, October 18, 2012

you. At 10 days old.

you are so different from Hazel at this stage- at least how we remember it so I thought I would jot down a few things about you.

  • you make the cutest (funniest) little sounds. From squeaks to chirps to high pitched hiccups.
  • you are an extremely sleepy baby and seem most content when you're curled up in deep slumber.
  • your eyes are such an interesting color- dark blue? Brown? Green? Time will tell what they evolve in to.
  • your little ears are perfect
  • your legs appear to be slightly bowed and when I straighten they out they look too small for your body.
  • you have a head of dark hair that lays flat on your head. Just like Hazel's when she was born. Hmm- what will it turn in to?
  • Your newborn clothes are still too big for you- I'm looking forward to getting you bigger and playing dress-up/photo sessions during our time together.
  • you seem to be ok being on your own for short periods of time- not that we leave you but should we need to grab a glass of water you do just fine.
  • you don't cry often- only when you need food which is totally understandable.
  • you seem comfortable in the bath. You don't cry too much and ease into the puj tub.
  • we've given you a binky but you don't seem to know what to do with it... or you just don't care for it.
  • your sister's face lights up when she sees you or hears you.
  • your mommy and daddy love you dearly- and that's with strong certainty. 
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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

smiler

yesterday you smiled a few times (unintentionally, I'm sure) during our feeding times. You closed your eyes, rested your head on the pillow and your small, cute mouth turned up into a heart-melting smile. You did this more than once and I'm hoping you're working on your muscle memory skills so I can see this more and more often going forward.
Love the newness of seeing all these firsts!

On another note, I really wish you'd stay awake more throughout the day and leave the sleeping for nighttime. Mommy is trying to keep up with your night-owl persona but its taking a toll on her sleep : )
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Friday, October 12, 2012

some favorite photos

You are the sweetest little peanut- love those toes of yours and your previous little face that seems so fragile and petite. You look so much like your sister but have your own distinct personality for sure. You have been so quiet these last few days that it sometimes worries me. On the way to pick up Hazel from daycare this evening you were crying then all of a sudden it stopped. I asked daddy to look and make sure you were ok and he pulled over and we tried to wake you- you were in such a deep sleep it took our breath away. Don't scare us like that! You eventually woke up but we contemplated taking you to the emergency room. The rest of this evening you have been awake, hungry and upset when you aren't feeding. As I write this you are sleeping in the bassinet next to our bed. 
Hazel is becoming so interested in you- she wants to share books and even her binky with you. She asks that you eat with us during dinner and laughs when you hiccup, sneeze or make any sound for that matter. You will be the best sisters, I can just tell.
Good night Dottie!





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Thursday, October 11, 2012

4 days old

Today the big event on our calendar was taking you to see Dr Lindsay as part of your new baby wellness series. Nurse Lucy weighed you (7 pounds, 3 ounces), took your length (20 inches long!) and drew some blood to recheck your bilirubin levels to make sure you weren't jaundice since you seemed a bit yellow to Dr Lindsay. We just got the results back and you are fine so no need to put you in the light box or check further. We were a bit worried since yesterday you were quite lethargic and didn't meet the required amount of wet diapers (you should have one wet diaper for each day alive until day 7). Yesterday you only had one wet diaper and no poopy ones-
Today, however, you have already had 3 wet diapers and 2 poopy diapers including one that was very massive and loud! The doctor suggested I continue to nurse you as much as possible to get the bilirubin out and get your liver fully operational.
Today Hazel went to daycare so its been just you, daddy and me. You are in your crib now, napping. We thought we would try it out on you since we've been holding you or putting you in your bassinet when you've gotten tired. In the evenings you haven't wanted to sleep in your bassinet so I end up holding you in my arms until we both fall asleep. Eventually I wake up and carefully transfer you to your bed laying next to our bed but within the half hour you;re asking to be picked up. I am walking around with bags under my eyes but its all worth it to have you in our lives.
Daddy and I keep calling you Hazel out of habit- don't fret little lady, your parents just need a few days to get acclimated to change : )

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Going Home

Your second day of life was spent mostly at Swedish hospital but at 7:30pm we got the ok to head home! We were so looking forward to moving out of the hospital so we could begin our new life together as a family of four. Alyse came and visited us bright and early, followed by grandma and papa (who brought Hazel with them), Nancy and Portia. We took turns holding you in between your sleeps and feeds.
While daddy and hazel went for a drive I took some photos of you- the first of many sessions I suppose.
After our nurse Jan took my staples out, obtained our release instructions, gave daddy and me our flu shot, submitted your birth certificate/ social security # and removed your security (hugs) tag we buckled you into your carseat and drove home. You cried during the drive (which Hazel thouht was cute) and as soon as we got home I nursed you. After just a few minutes it seemed that you had been a part of our lives forever- you fit in like old furniture.
I am so happy and excited this evening I feel like I could stay up all night, but then again I really should get some rest.
xoxo g'nigh dottie! kiss, kiss, smooch.







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Monday, October 8, 2012

Your visitors















Today you received many messages and visitors:
Those that came to the hospital to meet you included:



- grandma and papa
- Hazel : )
- Aunt Nancy
- Cousins Belle and Portia

A few notes people sent include:


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Announcing: Dottie Lou Goodejohn Anderson

Welcome to this world sweet baby girl, aka peanut and buttercup.
You joined us on Sunday October 7th, 2012 at 9:24pm weighing in at 7 pounds, 9.7 ounces and 19 inches long. Your arrival came via c-section and much love from your daddy and mommy after 36+ hours of waiting for mommy to dilate enough for you to safely be delivered. Our immediate thought was that you appeared to be a carbon copy of your big sister Hazel- your jet black hair and deep blue eyes seemed to be a perfect match. )Your nose was the same (goodejohn nose) and you had big chees just like your sister had. Your lips seemed to be different- I can't pinpoint it but they just seem different. As the next day went by your daddy and I are seeing less similarity though there is no doubt you are sisters. As with most things, it will be exciting to watch you both develop and grow as individuals and see where you grow more or less similar.) The short birthing story goes something like this:
- After believing my water had broke I began having small contractions Saturday evening. Overnight they grew but by morning they were spaced out less frequent with less intensity. The doctors gave mommy pitocin to get labor going in a quicker manner. Sure enough the contractions sped up with strength and frequency. One of my nurses also thought to re-rupture my water and after doing that the contractions began with a fiery until mommy couldn't handle the pain and got an epidural (which was a life saver). I worked and worked on getting you out safely but late sunday evening everyone agreed that we had taken too long and no one wanted to risk your safe arrival so we decided on a c-section. After brief disappointment, daddy and I were at peace with our decision since we knew that meant we would get to see you soon.

After the doctor pulled you from mommy's tummy they placed you on a table to clean you up. You only gave one small cry as they removed you from me and you were fairly quiet throughout the cleaning process. Daddy was with you- you were never without one of us and soon daddy brought you over to me (I was still on the operating table as the doctors put me back together) where we remained touching cheek to cheek. I looked into your wonderous eyes and thought what a journey you went through but thinking it would pale in comparison with what laid in front of you- a new life that you will compose in the manner only you will determine.
Once we got back to your room I began nursing you and you were a true natural- you fed without hesitation, rooted for me and I knew that your instincts were authentic and true.
At midnight we headed to the recovery room ward where the three of us attempted sleep- you were so quiet and didn't cry. Your face showed no fear but showed, instead, a sense of needing to be with us and reliance on our care for you. You were serious yet a snuggler. I held you in my arms and eventually put you in the small basinet next to the bed where I kept a close watch over you since you had a few episodes of spitting up. Our nurse, Marissa, came frequently to attend to both of us and soon you fell asleep with a peaceful face.
I can't tell you how connected I felt to you from the moment I saw you. Was it because I was already a parent and I had moved beyond the fear of parenting and could concentrate on the child or was it the reliance shining through in your eyes? For what ever reason, I feel life is complete with you, sweet Hazel and the love of my life, daddy. I love my family, I love what we can do as a unit and I love what our future will create. I wrote this same thing to Hazel, but if you ever need me, for anything and for any reason, know I will be there for you. I will not judge, I will not make your decisions, I will only try to be the very best mommy I can be and help guide you to the best decision or offer help and support. It can be a scary notion, being a mom, for fear of not being able to deliver what is expected of everyone. I promise to do my best and I hope our love, friendship, closeness and connectiveness grows each and every day. For now, however, I will sit in my hospital bed, gazing at your beautiful face while your tightly swaddled body sleeps ever so peacefully in the bassinet next to me.
With eternal love and gratitude, your mommy.






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Sunday, October 7, 2012

The big day- happy birthday sweetie!

Saturday October 6th was the day it all began. After going to the zoo with daddy and hazel, we went home and as I was putting hazel down for her nap, I felt my water break. After a few hours we went to the hospital and we were admitted. We quickly went home and waited for grandma and papa to pick up hazel and the. We headed to the hospital and checked into our room and have been going through the delivery process all night. Things are progressing well and we are hopeful that we'll get to meet you today. Happy birthday sweet girl!
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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Your due date came... and went!



hello baby girl-
where are you? We expected you on Monday but you didn't make your appearance. We are eager to see you and welcome you to the family. Hazel is especially excited to hold you and read books to you. Daddy still hasn't decided on a name- there are several new options including:
Dottie
Georgina
Lila
Emelie
Ida
Esther
Fiona
Greta (my preference)
Freja
Dahlia

I hope you come soon- I really want to deliver you without getting a c-section but if you don't arrive soon that might be the delivery method. I have another appointment tomorrow so we'll talk about the options then. I've had a few monitoring activities with you and so far you're doing great! You move well and your little heart rate is moving perfectly.
So, will your birthday be October 5, 6, 7, 8, 9...?? As long as you're safe and sound that's all I care about.
Monday was my last day at work so this week it's just you and me- enjoying our days, getting things done, organizing the condo and relaxing and waiting. Last week mommy presented in front of the president of Starbucks and Howard asked when I was due to deliver you- when I told then Monday the group erupted in shock and joy. They are eager to see you too!!!
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Your babymoon, baby


This weekend daddy took mommy (and you!) on a secret and surprise babymoon for the weekend and before your arrival. We dropped hazel off with grandma and papas and then we boarded a floatplane to bedwell harbour to the poets cove resort. It was a gorgeous morning to fly and I think you liked it because jumped about inside my tummy.
During our babymoon  mommy had a relaxing time at the spa, splashing in the pool and hottub(only in a little bit so you didn't get too warm) and daddy and I walked along the docks eyeing the boats and yachts and dreaming of how we would spend our later years - sailing in a grand boat up and down the coast with a small permanent place in palm springs. We'll see if this dream comes true!
I hope you come soon sweet girl.
Xoxo

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2.5 weeks away


Hello sweetie-
it's getting close to our meeting. You seem to be as anxious as we are for your arrival with your wild kicks, sweeping thrusts and early contractions. I have a feeling you will come before your due date which is fine by me : )

Hazel is getting excited to meet you and daddy and I are preparing for you by washing clothes, buying needed items and cleaning all of your blankets, etc. I am getting huge with you growing bigger and bigger in my belly but I am fine with that. Each day I feel you grow and I can't wait to see what you look like, what your demeanor will be like and what you will become. I know you will have a special future; one that is inspiring, optimistic, promising and filled with love and creativity.

Below I'm including a few pictures of you inside my belly- I love you sweetheart!



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