Family Affair

Seems like feeding time has become a family affair....

3 Weeks Old

Gilbert was off on Monday so it was nice to get to spend 2 days in a row together. Gilbert was able to see how much Eva has changed - as her daytime personality is different than her nighttime personality! Yesterday and last night was very challenging in the feeding department, so today Eva received a bottle after I breastfed her. Mom gave her the bottle because I couldn't do it (baby steps), but she didn't seem phased by it. Plus it took her only 5 minutes to down the bottle, whereas it was taking me anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour with the SNS system. This plan seems more sustainable and my only hope is that she doesn't end up preferring the bottle over me...

Me & My Baby

Stretching

Family Jewels

Over the past 30+ years my Dad has purchased some amazing gems for my Mom. My sister and I have already divided them up - although there are a few pieces that we haven't agreed upon:)

My Mom's favorite stone is her birthstone - an emerald. Amy also likes emeralds, so when we negotiated our gem inheritance, Amy got the emeralds.

Eva's birthstone is also an emerald.

When Dad was here, I told him about a ring that I have that belonged to my Great Great Aunt Helen. It is a beautiful antique ring and I was looking to replace the crystal stone with a real gem. It just so happened that my Dad had 2 loose emeralds with him and offered one to me to put in the ring.

Now I have a beautiful ring to pass along to my daughter along with a little history. Thanks Dad!

Santa's Little Helper

When my Dad was here for a week we got into the tradition of taking the dogs and Eva for a walk every morning. The problem was that burrs were getting all in Ricco's fur. So we decided to have him shaved for the summer. When I went to pick him up from the groomers, I didn't even recognize him. I think he lost about 5 pounds in fur!! He is a lot cooler and happier. Gilbert thinks he looks like Santa's Little Helper:)

Growing Like a Weed

Eva has really changed over the past few days. She is alert for more of the day and her appetite has really increased. She is wearing me out!! A week ago she had a hard time finishing an ounce of the supplement. This afternoon she finished 2 ounces without any problem! I love that she is growing, but still frustrated about my feeding situation. For those of you that don't know, I am not making enough milk for her so I am having to use a supplement in addition to breast feeding. I am working on being okay with bottles, but for now, I am using a SNS system in my efforts to stimulate more milk. It has been a frustrating journey with a ton of post-partum tears shed, but one thing that has amazed me is the number of women that had the same problem with their infant - and that have tried all of the things that I am trying (nasty tea, herbal supplements, pumping, etc). Pregnancy magazines don't tell you about all those fun options:) The only reason I feel comfortable blogging about this topic is because it has pretty much consumed my life for the past few weeks and I hope that I can be a support for my friends in the future if they encounter the same problems that I have....

Gilbert still in his work clothes. It is amazing how time flies when he gets home from work. I used to wonder how married people with children would complain that they never had time to talk. Now I know why...

Making funny faces.

Gilbert laid her in the crib and turned on the mobile. She loved watching the shadows it made on the quilt.

Nap Time with Daddy

During

Stretching After

15 Days Old

Today we took Eva to the photographer to get her newborn pictures done. I thought it would be a piece of cake as she usually sleeps in the mornings. Well wouldn't you know that she decided to shake things up today and would not sleep at all!! Luckily the photographer is a mom herself and was very patient and understanding as I fed Eva twice during the photo shoot hoping to fill up her belly and make her fall asleep!!

Here are some pictures from our at-home photo session. I can't wait to see the professional ones!