A Day in the Life of A Baby...

My Birthday Party!

2007-10-14T11:50:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a heck of a year! This will be my last post in this blog. I'll start a new one with Mommy for my toddler years tomorrow, which is appropriate, since I am walking now. I'm ending my first year with 6 teeth, an 8 word vocabulary (Mama/Mom, Dada/Daddy/Dad, Hi, Cat, That/Dat, Yeah, No and Grandma), walking, nursing, learning parts of the body and wearing 12-18 month and 2T clothes.

My birthday party was so great! I had a lot of fun and I loved all my presents and a lot of my cards, too! I daintily ate my cake, much to Mommy's surprise and almost kept my dress clean (the park was just too dirty with my crawling to manage it!). All my kid friends came (except my cousins) and most of my adult friends were there. It was too bad my family from California couldn't have been here, but that's something I'm used to!

Anyway, Mommy made a slideshow, so you can feel like you were there! (it's big, so it may take a few minutes to load)

Lilly's First Birthday Party

Add to My Profile | More Videos

I went to a birthday party!

2007-10-13T23:28:00.000-05:00

I went to Mariah's birthday party today. It was fun, except the pinata. That was SCARY! They decapitated that poor paper donkey! And then, they busted its head open! I cried both times. Mommy showed me it wasn't real, but it was still scary! Apparently, I'm having a birthday party myself, tomorrow. Well, as long as there's no pinatas, that's fine!

The last month of my first year is almost over!

2007-10-09T23:07:00.000-05:00

This post is to celebrate me in pictures! Since this blog is coming to an end, I'm going to show you lots of pictures from the last month. My days are spent hanging out with Mommy and playing, sometimes with my friends, like Nicky and Zeke. I'm learning to walk and I can get several steps in before I fall now! I like to ask questions, even if I don't have the words for them yet and I get frustrated when I can't talk Mommy out of a 'no.' I'm becoming a little toddler now and my whole world and life is changing with it. I can (and do) ask for my teething tablets when I hurt; I'm still nursing strong and have no plans to stop anytime in the future. Mommy keeps asking me if I want a little brother or sister and I'm not sure what that means. I'd like to take my cousins home with me, though! I currently have an obsession with purses and bracelets and still a little with shoes--I'm very much a little girl! But I also like my transformers and balls (and I'll hoarde all the balls to myself!), so I'm pretty well rounded.

Walk, walk, walk!

2007-10-06T23:00:00.000-05:00

Ugh, today wasn't a great day for the most part. Sure, I had lots of fun, but I got soooo tired and Mommy kept trying to put me down for a nap and I didn't want to take one! But instead of playing with me, she made me play by myself until I finally gave up and fell asleep on Daddy when he woke up from his nap. But sleeping is BORING! Anyway, it's been better since I woke up, I don't feel as cranky! In fact, I've been practicing walking! LOTS! I even managed to walk and turn and keep walking. Yay, me! Mommy says that if I keep it up, I'll be able to walk like a big girl in no time. But until then, it's no problem to just go from walk to crawl whenever I need to!

Lilly Walks!

Add to My Profile | More Videos

I like to push it, yeah, to push it!

2007-10-01T15:12:00.000-05:00

If it's a chair, a cart (or anything on wheels) and I can get it to move, I love to push it! Here's a video of me pushing a cart at the store:

My little helper

Add to My Profile | More Videos

My Mommy Wears Me

2007-09-30T03:44:00.001-05:00

Not another of these blasted things!

2007-09-26T21:28:00.000-05:00

Bah! That makes six of these sharp nuisances to break through my tender gums. I was so cranky today, nothing but nursing made me happy and half the time, THAT wasn't enough! Mommy was annoyed that I woke her up every hour this morning, but I was soooo sore! Besides, she didn't complain, she just knew what to do. I just heard her whining to Daddy later. Well, she understood when she found the tooth this evening.

Oh, and also, I've added a few new words to my vocabulary this past month. I've learned to say "yeah", "what", "dat" (that), and "'at" (Brat/Cat--I've said both, but often shorten it to just 'at).

5 steps!! TWICE!!

2007-09-21T15:20:00.000-05:00

So Mommy kept putting me just a few steps away from her and I decided that I could do it. I'd taken my very first steps to Daddy and Mommy, back and forth just a few days ago, but today, I took several in a row! Twice!

Oh, and Mommy weighed me the other day and I was 21.8lbs! I lost the tape measure, though, so she can't really check my height.

Walk, Lilly, Walk!

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Playdate!

2007-09-06T23:46:00.000-05:00

Today, I had a lot of fun! We had a play date scheduled just for us babies (well, Zeke brought his big brother and big sister, but that's okay).
It was cool having Zeke and Nicky there to play with! Usually, I'm surrounded by older kids. Nicky stayed the longest and we enjoyed hanging out together, although we were both late for our naps and he got really tired!
I was pretty tired, but I'm good at hiding it. My motto is play "Play play, you can sleep another day!" Nicky and I pulled down books from the shelves, traded Thomas the Train toys and our Mommies sat and talked for two and a half hours!

Afterwards, we went to Sarah and Rebecca's house and I got annoyed because everyone kept thwarting me in my adventures in tasting everything from the floor! But then there was a really soft carpet and it was fun to snuggle on (although it was scary at first--but not scary like Sarah's dog! yikes!). Then we went home. Fun times!

Sneaky tooth!

2007-08-30T21:44:00.000-05:00

I just started getting my fifth tooth today. It was a rough day in general and then my left lateral bottom incisor came in. Why do I always get a cold when I get a new tooth? Bleh.

Had a fun day!

2007-08-29T21:59:00.000-05:00

Today I went to the water park with my cousins and we had a lot of fun! It was really nice outside--not too cold, not to hot. We had taken the kitten to the vet earlier and picked him up right before we went to the water park, but after we went to the anime/manga store. It was a really great day, though!

My First Concert

2007-08-22T23:55:00.000-05:00

That was LOUD! This morning, we got up and did a bunch of running in the car, which ended in me getting a new onesie with one of my favorite bands on it--KoRn! Then, Aunt Neenee came over and we went on a long drive. That's okay, because she kept me entertained. After, we got out and we went to this loud place that told Mommy she couldn't take her camera--which made her upset, but she took pictures with her cell phone. She says if she ever figures out how to get them on the computer, I can post them here. Daddy went and watched the music while we hung out in some shade and had a picnic and some fun. Lots of people came by to tell me I was so cute and ask who I was there to see. Mommy told them that I was there to see KoRn. And one of the crew teased us and said I should go on stage with them! Mommy, aunt Neenee and Daddy all thought that would be great.

Later, I was getting really tired, but it was so exciting I couldn't fall asleep while we were standing. I couldn't see well enough, so Mommy climbed high so I could see better. I watched Evanescence for a while, then security made us get down. Finally, Mommy had tried walking around (and I felt better after she took me into the mister and then came back and nursed me again) and then put me in the stroller and I fell asleep. When I woke up, we were sitting in some seats and KoRn was playing my favorite song, Coming Undone!

I would have liked it better if I wasn't so sleepy, but I still got into the groove and danced away. Some loud guy (Daddy said he was drunk, whatever that is) was yelling about how cool I was (which I had heard all day). I got to nurse and dance for the rest of the concert and Mommy got up and danced with me at the end.

Then we left and went to Denny's, where I ate some crackers and cheese and played in the booth, then we went home. I'm ready for some play now, although Mommy and Daddy say they're exhausted! Old people, really!

Swimming!

2007-08-22T21:51:00.000-05:00

The first time I went swimming, I didn't like it at all! But this time was great. I even tried to swim around, although sometimes I'd get too excited and get water in my face! I don't like that! But other than that, it was lots of fun and I got to be there with a bunch of other kids, many my age!

Water Lilly

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Tinkle?

2007-08-17T12:31:00.000-05:00

I don't know why, but I'm getting to go bare bottomed today! Mommy said we're going to work on late start elimination communication and this is the only way she can learn my signals. That's okay, because I love having my tushie free! But the strangest thing happened--water came out of me! I was doing what I do to make a diaper when suddenly I was all wet. Mommy said it came from me and cleaned it up and showed me that it's supposed to go in my potty. Well, who knew! That's what a diaper is? She said it's 'tinkle', not water, but it sure looked like water to me! She made a sound when I was making it--I've heard her make that sound when I'm on the potty making a diaper, too. I wonder what it means...

My training potty!

2007-08-16T11:19:00.000-05:00

This morning, I used my training potty for the first time. It made a fun song and Mommy cheered me. And here I thought it was scary the first time she put me on it! It turned out not to be bad after all. Of course, I think a lot of things are scary now, like Tigger and dogs and people I can't quite recognize. I like that Mommy was sitting on the big potty right next to me, it made me feel like I was doing the same thing she was.

I did lots today!

2007-08-12T20:40:00.000-05:00

Today, I woke up and was happy to see Mommy still in bed with me. We got up and I had breakfast. First I nursed, then I had some sweet potatoes from Daddy, yum! Then Mommy dressed me in a small diaper and a swimsuit and coverup, then Daddy put me in the car and I fell asleep. When I woke up, Mommy was putting sunblock on me. We were going to the spray park! I'm never sure what I think of it. I don't like being there at first, but I get used to it after a couple minutes of watching Mommy playing in the water, then I get into it, too! It's like my sensory bowl--just enough water to play in, but not enough to really be scary. I kept thinking it would get scary, but in the end, I felt safe enough to crawl around, although I skinned my knee a little.

After that, it was back to the car and I fell asleep again. When I woke up, we were at the mall! Yay! I got to play in the play area and at one point, there was a cute little girl there who was turning one year old today. She waved and said "hi" so I waved back. First I accidentally signed "milk" (which I did want) but then I got it right. Mommy was proud of me, she said.

Then we went to the bookstore after I played for a while longer and after I got some milk again, Mommy set me down and told me not to pester anyone. I looked at a man reading a book, then looked back at her and she told me that that was a 'someone' not to pester, so I left him alone. Then I wanted to crawl off, so I told Mommy by pointing. I've seen her point a lot, but this was the first time I did it. She was so happy she followed me. When she asked if I'd wanted her to follow her, I said "No," which she thought was funny and apologized for following me (although she didn't stop).

Then I fell asleep and when I woke up, Mommy said we'd gone to a lot more places, but I'd slept through it all. I certainly felt better for my super long nap! So then I got some sweet potatoes and mommy milk and now I expect the rest of the night should be party time!

Standing

2007-08-10T21:16:00.000-05:00

Today I stood up on my own and stood there for ten seconds on my own! I stood on my own several times and I even took a step without help. But I'd still rather crawl, this standing thing is tricky! I've also got down asking to go "up" and signing "come here" and "milk". Mommy's very proud of me, she says. I'm pretty proud, too.

Another day, another tooth!

2007-08-05T23:33:00.001-05:00

Today, we went on a long drive to get back our bird. Mommy and Daddy said he was very sick. I like him, he's funny, so I'm glad he's back. Well, today I also got my fourth tooth! We tried to go to the mall to play, but it was so crowded that we left without me ever getting out of the stroller. I fell asleep in the car--Mommy won't nurse me in the car seat anymore. I don't understand it! She says it's too hard to reach me and I kick her too much. It makes me sad. But when we went to a store, she took me with her and played with me and set me in a soft chair. After we left, I got to nurse in the front seat with her, which I liked because I could stare at Daddy, too, but then back in my car seat. I don't like my car seat--being strapped down where I can't stand and play makes me unhappy. Even with my binky and a dozen of my favorite toys, it doesn't make up for that awful seat. Plus, it puts me to sleep! I don't like that! I want to see everything!

Well, I've taken my bath and tried to go to bed once already, but I just wasn't ready. So Mommy says we're going to try again soon.

No!

2007-07-25T23:05:00.000-05:00

Today I shook my head "no" for the first time. Ha! That'll teach 'em to try to steal my ducky! My cousins were over again and we went to take pictures. It wasn't as interesting as it used to be. I wanted to crawl around so much more! I yelled at them for trying to get me to sit still--don't they know how great it is to explore new rooms? Anyway, I've been shaking my head for a couple days, but today was the first time I used it to mean 'no.' Wonder how long they'll think it's cute...

I shouted "hi" at Mommy from the carousel. I love the carousel, it's one of my favorite parts about crawling around in the mall play area!

This is fun!

2007-07-23T22:58:00.000-05:00

So today I figured out that there's a form of affection I like doing! I like to bump my forehead against Mommy's or Daddy's and smile at them. Mommy rubs noses with me when we do that and I think that's funny! I also have figured out how to make the wa-wa-wa noise by playing with my lips with my fist. Now I don't need Mommy to do it for me anymore!

Tooth!

2007-07-21T23:18:00.000-05:00

Today I got a new tooth. Ouch! I've been sick and then this. It was my top right front tooth. I now have three teeth!

A visit to the pediatrician

2007-07-18T23:00:00.000-05:00

We went to the pediatrician today. I haven't really gained much weight--I'm 20.8 lbs now but I'm four inches taller! I'm 31 inches high! That puts me in the 90th and 95th percentiles, respectively. Also, the doctor was proud of how I pull up and try to step away. I haven't got that down yet, but I can stand for a few seconds. I know I'll get this walking thing eventually...

My First Independence Day

2007-07-04T23:26:00.000-05:00

Today was a big day. We drove a long time down to the group of parents Mommy is a part of because they were having a big party. There were lots of kids there and I saw a bunch of kiddie fireworks. Mommy and Daddy barbecued and I got to have some--yummy chicken! There was a room with lots of fun new toys to explore. I sat on a ride-on toy by myself for the first time and it was fun until I moved it, then I wanted off! Then, when it got dark out, we sat down next to my friend Natalee and her family and Natalee and I played together a little bit, then all these big booms started happening with loud music. It was great! I loved the flashes in the sky. I got a little tired, though, and nursed to sleep for a few minutes, but Mommy woke me up so I wouldn't miss too much. Poor Natalee slept through pretty much the whole thing! Then we had another long drive and came home. Whoo! What a big day!

Hey, carousels are fun!

2007-06-24T21:13:00.000-05:00

Today we went to the spray park, which I wasn't too sure of at first, but I ended up having fun anyway. But what was even better was going to the mall afterwards! Since I can sit up on my own, Mommy put me in this little car on the carousel and WOW! It was so much fun! I loved it! I danced to the music.

Wow, what a day!

2007-06-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

Today has been a huge day! First, I rode on a plane for the very first time.

Then I met great-grandma Jodie and great-grandpa Neal for the first time!
Then, I met my grandpa Joe for the first time!
He and I didn't really know what to think of each other at first, but I think we're warming up. I saw Grammy and Aunt Sara and Aunt Chelsea again! I also met a going-to-be-Aunt named Misty and saw going-to-be-grandpa Robert. I'm somewhere called California. I'm having a lot of fun and so are Mommy and Daddy.

I got it!

2007-05-27T00:17:00.000-05:00

I love watching people clap, but I hadn't been able to figure out how to do it for myself. Well, I finally got it! We were at a coffee house and I had just had a little of Mommy's caramel latte and I clapped! I kept doing it all night, too, had a lot of fun with it. Then we went to a great Greek restaurant and I LOVED the food. The green beans were really good and so was the pita with cucumber sauce. And yum on the lamb. I thought lamb was that awful baby food stuff mom gave me before. Guess not!

Hi!

2007-05-18T15:26:00.000-05:00

Yup! Today I said "hi" to grandma Sharon on the phone! She said it first, so I figured it was only polite to say it back. I said it again a little later to her and she certainly loved it! It was the first time I realized that I was supposed to sit and listen to the phone. Silly me, I thought it was for eating! So I kissed it when I was done.

Mother's Day!

2007-05-16T13:36:00.000-05:00

Today was the first mother's day with my Mommy where I was outside the womb. I got her a teddy bear (with Daddy's help, of course) which she really liked. It's soft! And then we went to the zoo, which was fun, but could have been more fun if it wasn't so hot! Then Mommy and Daddy ate out while I sat and played in the booth and crawled around on the floor. That was fun! Especially since there was another little girl playing with me from another booth! I love other kids!

Jambalaya!

2007-05-11T14:54:00.000-05:00

Wow! I tried Mommy's jambalaya rice today and I loved it! Wow was it great! I've been having a pretty good day overall. I loved it when she danced with me on her hip and made up a goofy diddy while she did, I started laughing until I shrieked. I'm going to go to an Art Gallery tonight! I'll let you know how that goes later!

Later:

I had fun! There was so much to look at. Wow! And I got to ride around on Sarah as well as Mommy. Aunt Neenee was there and Daddy, too, of course. I got to look at lots of works of art while I nursed. It was great!

My six month checkup!

2007-05-09T17:59:00.000-05:00

Today I went to see my doctor (although I'm actually 6 1/4 months old). It was a quick visit, but afterwards, I had a horrible test done! Mommy held me while they tied this really tight thing on my arm! It hurt! Then they drew my blood, but the tight thing was the worst. But when it was over, she picked me right up and I felt better right away. They were testing for something called Van Wildebran (which I learned later I don't have). Anyway, I'm now 26 1/2 inches tall (75%) and weigh 20 lbs! (95%) Mommy was sure I'd weigh more.

Mama!

2007-04-20T01:28:00.000-05:00

Heh, today I said "mama" and she certainly loved it! It's great, she comes the moment I say her name and I get what I need or want right away. It's good to know it works that way. I ask for Daddy a lot and just hear that he's at work! Well, Mommy's never 'at work' (whatever that means)! I've also learned to pull myself up! Yay, me! Now I can reach all sorts of new stuff!

I can crawl!

2007-04-17T03:13:00.000-05:00

I've been trying so hard but I finally have it down! I can crawl!

Crawl, Lilly, Crawl!

Add to My Profile | More Videos

New tooth!

2007-04-09T11:53:00.000-05:00

Wow, just four days later and I've got my second bottom tooth! The left one to match the right!

First Tooth!

2007-04-05T11:52:00.000-05:00

I got my first tooth today! Whew, what a relief! I'm finally not feeling so fussy anymore. It was the bottom right central incisor.

My favorite games

2007-03-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

I love playing games! I make up my own. There's one I really like that Mommy calls "Oh My God, it's on my face!" where I put something over my face, then pull it off and grin. It's fun! I freak out for a second when it's touching my face and hold my breath, then I remember I can pull it off. I'm so silly!

Now that I can say Dada's name, I like to lay there and babble it. He thinks it's great and so does Mommy. I'm experimenting with saying Daddy, too, because I know he likes that better, but it's easier to say Dada. You know, that kinda sounds like diaper, too... I think I'll use it for both!

I also like to roll around and reach for things. That's fun. I like that I can get stuff around me now so I'm not having to always wait for Mommy or Daddy to figure out that I want a toy. And I love that I've learned how to grab my feet! Fun times, fun times.

I said my first word!

2007-03-11T01:59:00.000-06:00

I said "Dada!" Everyone is so proud of me!

Once again to the pedi!

2007-03-07T17:58:00.000-06:00

So today, I went back to my dr. I like her! She made me laugh! I was 25 ¼ inches and weighed 17lbs, 9oz! That put me in the 80th and 95 percentiles respectively.

It's been a rough day

2007-02-28T23:59:00.000-06:00

Today, Mommy went away for several hours. We went to the big hospital again and we played and nursed lots and then, when I was asleep, Mommy left. Daddy kept offering me these awful bottle things full of her milk, but they were NOT the same! They were hard to drink out of and tasted funny. Not warm and fresh like I like. It wasn't too bad and I slept a lot of the time she was gone, but when she came back, she wouldn't nurse me! I cried and cried, telling her I needed to nurse, but she was acting funny and just lying there in bed--then pumped out some of that milk I wanted! Why?

It was pretty bad, but thankfully, our friend came up and offered me her milk for a little while as Mommy got better. It was different, but I was so grateful! I knew other people had milk in there! Her daughter and I talked about it afterwards--she thought it was odd seeing someone else nurse her Mommy, I thought it was strange nursing someone else's mommy, but not at all bad! I was very happy to have it! A little bit later, when I got hungry again, my Mommy was able to give me yummy milk again and I was so relieved!

I laughed!

2007-01-16T00:50:00.000-06:00

Mommy was just so funny today that I had to laugh. But nothing was as funny as grandma, she had me in stitches! Just those funny noises and funny faces they make! I love razz sounds!

Back to the pediatrician...

2007-01-03T17:56:00.000-06:00

Yes, I saw her again today. Mommy kept saying how big I was and she was right! 95th percentile: 14lbs, 6oz and 24 ¾ inches tall! Mommy had to move my carseat straps up a few days ago--makes sense, 'cause I'm growing fast!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T17:21:00.000-06:00

My first new year's eve was spent at a party with my friends, Rebecca, Sarah, Jamee, Natalee, Chris, Keegan, etc. and my family. I had fun with Natalee--it's not often I see other babies around my size (she's 3 months older)! What fun! I crashed out early, but woke up in time for my kiss and all the commotion! This is the second year I've seen in only 3 months! Wow!

We've got a rhythm

2006-12-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

Mommy and I seem to have got the whole nursing thing down. She doesn't try to cut the sessions short anymore, I'm getting the milk out faster and all in all, I think we're happier. Yay!

First Christmas!

2006-12-26T01:07:00.000-06:00

Wow! This was a BIG day! We went to the Brackenbury's, I got all sorts of presents. Some of them were clothes (blah--although they made Mommy and Daddy happy) but I got some really neat toys, too! I LOVE my light up Pooh bear! It's so great! It makes songs! Anyway, I'm tired and I'm going to nurse to sleep now.

I like to babble!

2006-12-15T16:46:00.000-06:00

I've been babbling a lot lately and Mommy thinks it's great. She even shot a video of me talking to my mobile. It makes wonderful music and I love it, so I try to tell it so.

I figured out that I can look around at stuff while I'm nursing and I can just pop off and on so I can see all these wonderful new things that I can just now see! They're really cool. Before, the world was a lot blurrier, but things are coming into focus now. I've also started picking up things and looking at them and trying to get them in my mouth. I will taste all of the world!

I rolled over!

2006-12-14T16:59:00.000-06:00

I rolled over for the first time! Yay, me!

First Big Tub Bath!

2006-11-29T01:04:00.000-06:00

Today I had my first bath in the big tub with Mommy! I loved it! No more crummy cold rubdowns, a real, floaty warm bath. It was like being in the womb again. I got to nurse a little during and after and just snuggle until I fell asleep. It was bliss!

First Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T13:09:00.000-06:00

Today I had my first Thanksgiving. I mostly slept through it, but I met my Grandpa Dave from Michigan again (I met him the first time yesterday) and had fun being told how cute I am and snuggled. Then we went to the Brackenbury's and had dinner there! It was a great Thanksgiving!

My first bottle...

2006-11-08T01:21:00.000-06:00

Yuck! What was that thing? There was something like milk in it, but it was off. Daddy said it's Mommy's milk, just pumped, but I don't like it. I think I'll stick to nursing. Much better!

My Family Visit

2006-11-05T23:44:00.000-06:00

This week I met my family from California.
My Grammy Kim,
Aunts Chelsea
and Sara
and possibly-my-Grampa Robert (he's not married to Grammy yet).

I love them all very much and I can tell they love me. I'm so lucky to have my family!

To the pediatrician today...

2006-11-05T17:53:00.000-06:00

I went to the pediatrician again today. I think I like her more now. She certainly seems nice. I was 10lbs, even and 22 inches on the dot. So they said I was in the 75th percentile for weight--which means only 25% of babies are heavier than me! And 90th percentile in height! Wow, I'm tall!

My first Halloween!

2006-11-01T01:02:00.000-06:00

I spent almost all of today nursing and sleeping. Mommy changed me into a cute little outfit, but I peed out of my diaper, so that went off quick! Then I dressed up as a bunny and Mommy was the bunny faerie!

My first Pediatrician visit

2006-10-19T17:36:00.000-05:00

I didn't mind. She seemed nice enough. I was 8lbs, 2 oz and 20 ½ inches long.

I came home!

2006-10-18T17:41:00.000-05:00

Wow, this is a whole new world different from the hospital! The colors are different and I'm not getting poked and prodded all the time. I think I like home. I weighed 7lbs, 15 oz when I left the hospital. I spend almost all my time with Mommy now. I love it! I didn't like the car ride home. I wasn't nursed the moment I asked for food, like I prefer. I can already hold my head up for short periods of time, although it's wobbly. It weighs so much! But there's so much to see, I have to!

First Day of Life outside the Womb

2006-10-16T01:52:00.000-05:00

Wow, this has been a big day! I've met so many people who all seem to love me very much! I even met another baby, named Natalee and her big brother Keegan. I don't know what to think. This whole worldly stuff is strange and new, but it's okay. I get to snuggle and sleep all warm in people's arms and nurse whenever I get at all hungry. And everyone tells me how pretty I am. I'm not quite sure what that means, but it seems to be good, since they all smile when they say it! I've smiled back a little and it feels good, but it's tiring. Man, sometimes I miss being in the womb. It's so bright out here! And quiet. And sometimes cold.

*pictures are from later dates, as no one gave Mommy the camera for a couple days, but I wanted to show a few of the many visitors that came to the hospital.

The Day I was Born

2006-10-15T05:56:00.000-05:00

This blog will be in the format of my daughter's guessed thoughts and feelings as big milestones happen to her. I'm going to write in in first person for her, to keep a record of her first years of life for her. I'm starting with the day she was born.

Wow, I've had a weird day. I don't even know how to describe it. First, I was floating around, like usual, warm and content although those strange compressions were surrounding me. They kept pushing me down into something hard. I tried to push into it, too, but it just wasn't happening! Then, all the liquid I was in left! I started getting really uncomfortable--I felt heavy and squished and at one point, I got really dizzy and my heart slowed down a lot. Then, just as I thought I might be able to get past that hard place, something strange happened.

Hands wrapped around me and pulled me into a cold, dry, quiet, BRIGHT place like nothing I'd ever experienced! I started crying and I heard that voice I know so well. I'm not sure what she was saying as they shoved something down my throat and rubbed me all over. The man who took me out said "That's a big baby!" I don't know what he meant, I was only 8 lbs, 7 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. Sure, my head didn't seem to fit in that hard place, but I think if I'd had a little more time, it might have.

I saw a lot of weird new sights, all blurry and then I think I heard the voice I knew (I'm assured that was Mommy) ask "Does she look like a pug?" What's a pug? Daddy said "No, she's beautiful!" A strange feeling took up in my stomach and on top of having to use my lungs and everything else for the first time, my mouth seemed to want to suck, so I rooted in the air.

They took me away and Daddy came with me as they gave me a bath, which I hated, cut open my foot repeatedly and basically just tortured me. I don't know why all this happened, but then I was taken to a room with Mommy in it and her doula friend. My tummy was starting to really bug me now and someone helped Mommy show me how to eat. EATING! I can't describe this! It's so wonderful, I love it so much! Afterwards, I fell asleep and felt good and snuggled with Mommy.

When I woke up, I felt those tummy rumblings again and I touched my mouth with my fingers and Mommy knew what to do! I'm so glad, because I couldn't remember what it meant! I'm learning it's something called 'hunger'. It means I get wonderful breastmilk and I get so happy!

Well, since I'm a newborn, I'm very tired now and I think I'll go nurse to sleep. Good-night.