January - month 2

Norah is growing fast! This month we've had Nana visit from Colorado and went on our very first road trip to Texas to see Norah's Aunt Tamra and Uncle Dave. Our baby is sleeping 4 hours at a time during the night now with only one feeding at 3 am or so. We're doing well going down at around 9 and getting up at 6. All is well with nursing - Norah is a very good eater and has quite an appetite lately! She loves her swing and has fun playing on her jungle mat but her favorite thing to do is laugh at Daddy's funny faces. I am very happy to have Mark around full time and we're considering all the possibilities this "opportunity" may provide. All is going well - we just need Spring to arrive in Chicago!

Happy New Year!

December was quite a busy month for us - Norah met her aunts Anna and Tessa and Grandma Deb as well as her Grandpa and Grandma Bev, Aunt Steph and Aunt Sara and Uncle Jeff during Christmas. Mark turned the big 4-0 on the 23rd but also lost his grandmother on the 16th and took a trip to Colorado. It was a busy and emotional month. Our precious baby grew so much - she gained 1.5 pounds and grew 1 & 3/4 inches since birth as we discovered during her 1 month doc visit. Her head is bobbling around and she's certainly found her muscles - she loves to squirm around wherever she's at! But perhaps the most wonderful thing that's happened lately is Norah's first smiles. Believe me when I say they are melting our hearts everytime. She is amazing! Enjoy the latest pictures and Happy New Year!

A few pics.

Here are a few pictures of Norah and me. As you can see she is wearing me out. I feel like all I do is hold her and sleep....I'm even holding her when I sleep....

Doing Great!

We've survived the first week! Although days and nights have blurred together these last 7 days it's almost hard to imagine she's is already a week old. Sleeping is getting better every night - Norah is working her way up to 3 hours between feedings during the evenings which is good for Mark and I. Nursing is going well and (dare I say it..) we're starting to get into a routine. We're having fun visiting with Aunt Anna and Tessa and Grandma Deb and as you can see Norah is very happy to be getting so much attention. I feel so truly lucky to be the mama of this little angel - Norah Grace!

What waiting game?

Katy typed the previous post on Friday. Little did she know that the waiting game should of actually been titled end game! We were checked into the hospital late Saturday night and at 4:38 Sunday morning, Norah Grace was born. She weighed 6.5 pounds and measured 18 7/8 inches long. She is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen and I'm not being too biased, I promise. Here is picture for you to be the judge. ;) Both Katy and Norah are in good health and we hope to be out of the hospital late Monday.

The Waiting Game

It's truly amazing that we've been anticipating our new arrival for 9 months and yet her birthday seems to have snuck up on us! We are both buzzing with excitment as we count down the days to due date and simply cannot wait to have this precious baby in our arms. Health-wise everything is on track. Two weeks ago we went through a procedure called an 'external cephalic version' to move her from a breech to head-down position. It was a success - she turned so quickly the doctor commented that it was one of the easiest versions she had done in 15 years of practice. Now we are all set for a natural start to the labor process - whenever she chooses to make her grand enterance of course!

But perhaps the most exciting news is that we've chosen a name for our sweet baby girl! We think it is beautiful and classic and can't wait to formally introduce her to all of her friends and family on her birthday. Everything is ready (her mom and dad are are ready as they'll ever be I guess!) and we're looking forward to those first signs. 8 days to go before due date and counting every moment! -KK

34 days to go....

November is here. I've been anticipating this winter with an enthusiasm I have never quite had before. Our little girl comes in a little over one month! We put the finishing touches on our nursery today and are nearly ready for the Chicago baby shower next weekend. Marylin will be visiting from Nashville and we are looking forward to having her visit. Everything is great health wise - aside from getting tired a little easier and (..I admit it) some mood swings - I am feeling good. Next doc appointment is Tuesday and then I'll go in every week until the due date. I'm sure the month will go by quickly with getting everything ready to hand over at work and then Thanksgiving. 34 days to go and ready to meet our baby girl! -KK