1 Month - 1.21.13

Payton Rose was one month last Friday. It is incredible that time has flown by already. We spent some time on her 4 week birthday trying to capture her at this moment on her life. After 30 or so photos, I we decided on one that we think totally represents her as it is one of her most seen expressions of our little girl.

Payton and Mommy spend all of our days and our nights together. Some of them include some wonderful sleep, whereas others are full more of chatting and cooing. Of course we get the occasional fussiness. . . usually when Payton is being fed fast enough or when she has a dirty diaper (she isn't a fan of that feeling).

We are all still adjusting to our lack of sleep or disrupted sleep schedule but are loving every minute of our new lives.  Mommy and Payton have started somewhat of a morning and daytime routine that includes naps, visitors, and playtime.

Marley (our lab) has calmed down since the arrival of Payton Rose and likes to lay at the feet of whomever is holding her. Wilfred (Jillian's cat who lives with us) also has interest in being near where Payton is. The animals seem to want to be protective of her. This makes having them around her a bit more calming to the adults at home.

Here is one of my favorites of the day. This photo was captured during Payton's visit with the Grand PB & J.

First WashPod Bath

Tonight we tried a new kind of bath. Thanks to family friend Juliane for introducing us to it. Her daughter in Germany loved hers. So we thought we would give this a shot as the concept was very cool. We will also be using the baby tub from our friend Cassie and Sam but from reading about this new kind of bath infants are suppose to like it more and fuss less as they feel as if they are back in the womb. A WashPod is an interesting concept. It looks like a big bucket, but it is made to be balanced and not tip over. The WashPod also has a little "cushioned" seat in the bottom so that the baby can sit. I think for the first go around with this new bath we did okay.  There were times it took three of us to figure it all out, but we now know it will be better if we place the WashPod is on a lower surface so the adult's arms aren't tired or awkward.

Once Payton Rose was in and settled she seemed happy and content as she seems to love the warm water like her Mama does. We will try again Wednesday since now we know what to do and what to expect. Here are some of the photos of our first try at our new WashPod.

Even Daddy was a bit stressed and nervous at first, you can see in the last photo that before he could help Mama out he had to calm himself with his pacifier.

On Our Own

Today was Mommy and Payton's first day all alone. We didn't have any visitors or Daddy home with us today. We learned today that we are still going through our first growth spurt because we ate, napped, changed diaper, and repeat times two. Overall we were both in good spirits although Mommy was a bit tired because Payton didn't sleep as well as she had been (3-4 hours between feedings at night) and then with her current growth spurt she was awfully hungry today. That equals not much down time for me. However, we survived! Today Payton spent some time in her new ride... the Mamaroo (Thanks Auntie Jillian!!)

Two Weeks Already

Payton Rose was two weeks yesterday. It is hard to believe that just two weeks ago Rob and I were debating calling the doctor to see what we should do about the pains I was feeling. Our lives have definitely changed for the better (although a bit more sleep would be nice). It is amazing how in just two weeks Payton has changed so much. Her facial features seem to change all the time and we can't always decide who she looks more like Rob or myself. What I can say about her is that even at two weeks old, she has been showing us some of her personality. She smiles when she feels like it and she makes the cutest and the funniest expressions. There are times when she even seems to be being playful with me. We are very fortunate to have her in our lives and are more fortunate that she has a good temperament about her.

Payton had her first doctor's appointment Wednesday, December 26 (her actual due date) and the doctor said she was weighing in at 7 lbs 8 oz and asked that we come back for a weight check on Monday, December 31. We did. . . At this appointment Payton's new weight was 8 lbs 3 oz... we are very happy that she is healthy and growing strong each day.

Today's picture was from yesterday honoring Uncle Larry and the Oregon Ducks win against Kansas State.

Welcome to the World Payton Rose!

Payton was born on December 21, 2012 at 3:57 PM in Denville, NJ. My Mom and Dad weren't expecting me until December 26, but I was ready early. Mommy and Daddy went to St. Clare's Hospital at 3:00 AM on 12/21/12 thinking they were just going in for monitoring. They were wrong. Mommy was in labor for 17 hours, but she didn't know it at first. As Mommy and Daddy were at the hospital time flew by. At 12:00 PM Mommy was 6 cm dilated and by 1:00 PM she was 10 cm and I was ready to come into the world. Mommy only had to push for about 3 hours before I was here and in her arms. I weighed 7 lbs 11 oz and was 20 in long. All of my family were waiting to meet me that night. I am lucky for my family.