Learning curve

Miss Stella celebrated 4 weeks in this lovely world Tuesday!  Time sure has flown by:)  Although I have truly loved every minute of mommy hood, there is definitely a learning curve!  We've spent the last few weeks loving on each other and truly getting to know one another.  We don't have it down to a tee just yet, but we are slowly but surely working on a little routine.

Please excuse the Paci-this is what Mommy gets for waiting until my "fussy time" to do a photo shoot!

4 weeks old!

What I've learned so far:
Stella LOVES to be held:)  Which is no fault of her own--its warm and comforting and besides no one wants to put her down.  But sometimes Mommy needs two hands to do other things haha!  She will only sit in her swing or do tummy time for a max of 10 minutes before she's starved for attention.  She LOVES laying on Daddy's chest and quickly falls asleep here.  She loves to be held and walk around so that she can see the world.  She at first does not like her car seat but once in the stroller or the car she quickly falls asleep!

I couldn't resist:)

She strongly DISLIKES being naked whether for diaper changes or bath time.  However, we recently started giving her a true bath in the tub and its much more enjoyable than the sink deal:)

Everyday I realize more and more that Stella looks like Adam.  A bit sad that I don't see myself in her, but I heard it's good luck to look like your daddy:)  Maybe that will change once her personality starts shining through but regardless she's beautiful!  A few things she did get from me--her short legs (I mean pants just fall off of her!), her big feet, easily falling asleep in the car/stroller, and waking up starving (as soon as her eyes open she HAS to eat--no waiting!)

Mommy update:
I am doing great!  I'm recovering nicely from Stella's delivery.  I have occasional tenderness when I'm a bit too active but otherwise nothing to complain about.  I've lost "MOST" of my pregnancy weight and only have 8-9lbs to go!!  My wedding rings fit and I squeezed into some pre pregnancy jeans:)  A bit snug still but nonetheless they zipped haha!!

When I think about the last few weeks with my little girl, I've realized that there are some "THINGS" that I truly couldn't have lived without.  They make my life easier!  So here are a few:

• Swaddler: This is the velcro swaddle me.  We use this at night and it helps her to sleep for longer periods.  I was a bit skeptical at first but once we tried it-magic!
• Aden + Anais Swaddle blankets: We don't use these to swaddle, but they are perfect for a light blanket when in doors.
• Pack n Play: Seriously thought we would use this occasionally at home but for the most part use it while traveling.  She sleeps in this every night.  We have a cradle but the she doesn't like to lay flat for long periods of time so the little napper in the PNP is wonderful.
• Waterproof pad for changing pad: We have a lovely changing pad cover.  A friend suggested we use these cheap white waterproof pads over this so that we wouldn't have to wash the cover every day when accidents happen.  Now I truly thought this wouldn't be an issue with a little girl but I was WRONG!  Buy the pad.
• Breastfeeding essentials:
• Boppy Pillow: no other way to find a comfortable position to nurse
• Nursing tank/cami: Gives enough support and comfy enough to sleep in
• Lansolin cream: enough said

Happy Sleeping Baby--waiting for that "awake" smile still!

That's all for now...but be on the look out for Stella's one month update in the next few days!

3 weeks of Baby Stella

Ok so I'm a little behind!  I was truly thinking this whole blogging thing would be sooo easy since I would be home all day- Boy was I wrong! (Originally the title of this post was 2 weeks--EEK!) Stella has been keeping us a bit busy but we have transitioned well! Now my days are filled with nursing, diaper changes, and kissing those chubby little cheeks:)  We are slowly but surely learning little Miss Stella's routine.  I'm not going to lie-things were a little rocky those first few days in the hospital, but since being home things have definitely taken a turn for the better! (still not perfect but better)

Here's a few stats about Stella:
Birth weight 7 lb 7 oz; went home from hospital at 7 lb 1 oz; 3/30 6 lb 12.5 oz; 4/2 7 lb 4.5oz (doctor was impressed by this weight gain!)  Because I am breastfeeding it's normal for her to loose weight in the beginning.  Goal is for her to return to her birth weight by 2 weeks

Two week stats

• Height 20 inches (75th percentile)
• Weight 7 lb 13 oz (50-75th percentile) AND has passed her birthweight!  I thought for sure she would be 8 lbs by now bc she's been eating so good.  Not quite but almost there!
• Head circumference 14 3/4 inches (98th percentile-holy cow!)
• Sleep: well we haven't figured out this just yet!  Everyday seems to be different.  But I have been trying to get her on a routine during the day and a "bedtime" routine.  This is so hard to do bc I hate waking a sleeping baby.  The nighttime schedule is just a mess-some nights we get a few hours of sleep and other nights I feel like I nurse her all night long!  But (hopefully not jinxing myself here) the last few nights have been really good-she's had at least a 3-4 hour sleep between feedings.
• Nicknames: Sweet Pea, Precious, Chunky Monkey, Sister, Little Missy, Pip Squeak 
• She found her thumb!  We really tried to go without a pacifier (the lactation consultants were worried about confusion since I'm nursing).  Well that lasted all about 10days!  We still use it only when she is fussy.  Although the thumb sucking is so adorable, I think in the long run it would be much easier to get rid of the pacifier:)

I found my thumb:)

2 weeks!

Well we've had quite a few visitors and have been busy showing off!  Stella's first week of life was very eventful.  She cheered on the CATS to the national championship! We celebrated Easter with my side of the family!  Adam went back to work and my Mom came to visit for a few days to help me out.  It was so great to have a little help and just hang out with her!  I know she enjoyed the time with Stella too!  We've yet to venture out with Stella other than going to the doctor.  We have broken in the stroller a few times for walking around the block:)

I promise to do better about documenting Stella's life:)  I guarantee I have enough pictures!!

Introducing Stella Rose Davis

Our beautiful baby girl has finally arrived:)  Of course, we think she is the most perfect, precious, beautiful baby in the whole wide world!  Being a Mommy is such an amazing feeling-I never thought I would love something this much.  It's a completely different love than you have for your husband; although this whole process has made me fall in love with him all over again:)
I'm not quite ready to share all the details of my birthing story, but I'll share a few pictures from the glorious day!

On our way to hospital 39wks 4 days:)

First Family Photo

Stella Rose Davis was born via emergency C-section (she was breech) 3/27/2012 at 8:12pm.  She weighed 7 lb, 7 oz; and was 19 inches long.  She was perfect!  I cried when I finally heard that first little wail of hers!  Adam took her to the nursery and the next picture is by far one of my favorites!!

Adam in the nursery showing off his little girl as all of our family looks on!

Stella Rose Davis-you've already captured our hearts<3