3 Weeks

Romey is three weeks old today. Hard to believe, and yet totally believable—does that make sense? So, what have we learned about Romey? Here’s a couple tidbits:

*Romey’s thriving. The doctor prefers to have newborns back to their birth weight by two weeks of life. By day 10 Romey was 8 pounds, 8 ounces—4 ounces more than her birth weight!

*Like Avery, Romey’s expressive. Intentional or not, it is terribly cute.

*Romey’s fairly content and likes to cuddle. She’ll cry if she’s got an issue, but otherwise enjoys looking around.

Avery is seemingly enjoying her new role as Romey’s big sister. On the flip side, Avery has been acting out more, which Dan and I find very, very trying.

In other news, my sister Lea got married on December 22 (which deserves it’s own blog entry—coming soon), and we celebrated a quiet Christmas with our two girls.

How’s our “new normal?” It’s feeling more normal, but I don’t think I’m to the point yet where I’d recommend it ;) Seriously, zone defense isn’t for the faint of heart. Kudos to all of those who have come before me and have made zone defense look easy!

Sisters














Avery: "Seriously! Can we go outside now?"


















Avery: "I'm cold, but I love it!"

Kisses and Family of 4

Bounce

We’ve “bounced” a little today—just a small, tiny bounce. By bounce Dan and I are referring to the “response to change,” the transition, adjustment, etcetera. We figure we’ll be down for the count for a while, but will relish the moments when our new normal feels normal; when a little rebounding has occurred, and we like how it feels.

As expected, Baby Romey has sent a few shockwaves through our home. Her first few nights were memorable, and long. She granted us a more normal newborn evening last night by just waking for feedings, and then going back to sleep.

Romey’s first doctor’s appointment went great. She’s gaining weight, and the doctor was pleased with her progress. We’ll go back in a week to check in again.

Avery is taking this all in stride. She’s been super, and has shown a great deal of interest in Romey. Avery hates it when Romey cries, and will tell Romey, “Mommy help you. Daddy help you,” in her best 2 ½ year old soothing voice.

We’re crazy about these girls—although right now, just a little crazy. Status for today: treading.

Sisters (and grandma too!)

Romey Jean

She's here! Romey took us by surprise, and made a grand and fast entrance early Thursday morning, December 6. We checked into the hospital around 12:30 a.m., and she appeared at 5:05 a.m. Our room was quickly dubbed as the "room with all the action."

Romey is a "sturdy" gal (as tagged by the doctor). She weighs 8 pounds and 4 ounces, and stretches out to 20 inches. Romey is pronounced like the city, adding a long "E." Jean is a family name (Dan's mom's middle name, my sister's middle name, and my grandmother's middle name) and means "God is gracious." We are feeling completely blessed and completely tired, but couldn't be more thrilled to have made Romey's acquaintance. Avery's a little unsure about Romey, but is muddling through. For now, we're just trying to get her to call her "Baby Romey" instead of "Baby Jesus" as the baby in her nativity set is "Baby Jesus." Terribly funny! More pictures soon, but for now....some rest.

Update

Induction is set for Monday, December 10. Perhaps I won’t need it, but in the event that I do, the appointment is set. We’ll stay in touch.

December 3

Dan and I are in disbelief that it is December 3. Isn’t it all about expectations? We expected that we’d have a November baby, so naturally are a bit surprised that it is December and we’re still waiting. Shame on us, right?

The news is this: there’s been some encouraging developments that my body is getting closer. I’m dilated, and effaced, and will check in with the doctor tomorrow afternoon. At my last appointment the doctor said we’d begin discussing induction if I made it into December. Let’s discuss!

In the meantime, Avery is floating through her days as if she doesn’t really get what’s about to happen. We’ve been calling her “Miss Centerstage” lately. It will be interesting to see if we get another “Miss Centerstage.” Perhaps this baby will be “Miss Behind-the-Scenes.” Let’s hope!