It’s been just over a week since Alaina was born and Emily and I are adjusting to our new little girl. Emily left the hospital last Thursday still a bit sore from surgery, but able to get around. All 15 of her staples were removed Friday by a home health nurse. She’s improving daily.
In my (few) spare moments between running from the hospital to home to walk Mya, I was able to get some decorating done in our house. Em’s sister, Stephanie, came down from Chicago Thursday and helped us out. It was much appreciated and she was a tremendous help having been through this twice before! Steph also gave us some pointers on how to bathe Alaina. She got a bath at the hospital, but this was a first go ’round at home. Alaina did fine with the bath, not really getting too fussy. She likes getting her head wet and we noticed her hair instantly curls afterward.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have a number of days off work the past week and spend some time at home. I’m taking advantage of it as much as possible.
A few people have asked about Mya’s response to all the change. So far, so good. She is very curious about any sounds Alaina makes and has become less anxious when she cries. Mya follows us around when we carry Alaina around the house and likes to lick her hands, feet, and the top of her head. She’s been good about listening to us and understanding boundaries. So far, no aggression at all (knock on wood), but we’ll see if that holds true when Alaina begins crawling and grabbing things.
Monday was Alaina’s first visit to her pediatrician, Dr. Kelly. She weighed in at a whopping 8lbs 12oz. That’s 3oz above her birth weight in 7 days, so yeah, nursing is going fine. She was also 21 inches long and diagnosed as a healthy baby. Her weight and length put her in the 90th and 95th percentile, respectively.
Today, Alaina got her first campus tour. We brought her around to each of our departments for our co-workers to ooh and ahh over her. She didn’t diappoint and behaved well, only getting fussy in the car on the way home. So far she’s developed a knack for being good in public. I’ll have to remind her of that when she gets into the terrible 2’s.
Tomorrow I head back to work which means less father/daughter time, but I expect that will be countered by regular picture mail from my thoughtful wife!! Emily’s other sister, Heather, arrives Friday morning and will be here through the following weekend to give us a hand. Does this mean I’m off burping and diaper duty for a while?? Hmmm….
A glimpse into our crazy life 