I haven't posted any bath time pictures...and I kinda feel bad that we didn't take a "first bath" picture *pout* But, I took a couple today. She never cries when I give her baths, she just always gives me this dirty look. Lil' Miss Attitude...just like her momma. *giggle*
♪♫♪ Rubber Ducky ♪♫♪ your the one ♪♫♪
♪♫♪ you make bath time lots of fun... ♪♫♪ 
Kylie is 1 month (4 weeks) old today! Oh my goodness!!! Too Fast...Slow Down! *giggle*
I cant believe how strong she is already.
She is almost a month old and she holds her head up so well on her own already.
She is the cutest thing!
Well, I think her belly button is okay, we just have to keep cleaning it with alcohol so it drys completely out and hopefully falls off in the next few days. It looks to be almost detached, but still not fully dried out yet. But the smell isn't near as bad since we have been cleaning it every diaper change. Thank goodness. I felt so bad for my sweet angel...I didn't know we should have been cleaning it so often...the hospital told us at bath times only because water may get it in and you need to make sure it stays dry and use alcohol to dry it up. Would have been nice to know. Oh well, all that matters is that little girl is healthy and happy...which I think she is. She is still such a good baby!
I'm hoping that it isn't, but baby Griz may have an infection in her belly button from the umbilical cord stump. It should have fallen off by now, but it seems a little soggy with this gooey/smelly stuff... its awful, and when I clean it with alcohol it looks like its nearly fallen off, but I'm not sure. I don't think its a bad infection, but possibly the start of one. I just hope it falls off soon. Its gross and creeps me out *giggle*. The hospital didn't tell us much about the cord care, but the video they showed us said to clean it at bath times only...however, we heard that you should clean it at every or every other diaper change...some people even say don't clean it with Rubbing Alcohol at all. The paper we have about care for the stump says to wash it with soap and water, yet we were told by the hospital to not get water on it and if water does get on it, pat it dry and use Rubbing Alcohol. Things seem so uncertain that I feel like we may not have been taking as good of care of it as we could have if we had the proper instructions...so now, its taking longer for it to fall off, not to mention the possible infection that could have been avoided. Oye, oh well, we are cleaning it at ever diaper change now, and if it doesn't seem to dry up and look better in the next day or two, we will take her in to the doctor and see what they think. She doesn't seem bothered by it, even when I clean it, but still, it doesn't seem normal, especially the smell. Makes me gag.
So, after talking to my friends and family, I realised that those feelings are completely normal. What a relief. Yesterday, I decided to get all dolled up, get Kylie bathed and dolled up too. We went to lunch at the park with my mom, then when I got home my hubby was awake and we spent some time together before a few friends came over. Got some grocery shopping done and then went to dinner. Those outings and social time helped pull me out of the baby blue symptoms...so I think cabin fever doesn't help the recovery process of having a newborn. *giggle* Thank goodness, I just cant stand feeling so down, and I know Kylie can sense when I'm cranky, tired, sad, and frustrated...I don't want her to sense those emotions...we are a happy family and I like it to stay that way! So yesterday and today are much better days. And my little love bug is 3 weeks old...oh my...where does the time go. In just 7 days she will be a whole month! Are you kidding me!? Wow, I don't even want to think about what it will feel like when she turns 18...ugh. My sweet little lady bug. Matthew's little monster *wink*. I think its adorable that he calls her monster...his own little nickname for her. I was talking to my mother in law, and I think we are going to go to the beach after all. They invited us to go while the Alaska family is visiting this summer, but we said no because Kylie would be so young still...however, I don't see why we shouldn't just go. Now is as good of time as any, if not better because I will still be on leave, Matt is going to be off those days, and our hotel room is being paid for by the in laws...ummm, so why did we say no again??? Haha, we definitely should go, we need it, and its going to be a while before we can make a trip to the beach again. I say lets just do it! Gotta convince my husband that Kylie will be just fine and we have to go! Lol. So anyway, to all you girls who have been there for me, given advice and personal experiences...thank you soo much for the support. Your wonderful women and I love you all! Xoxo!
I don't know if its just due to my personality, or if this is one of those normal things women go through after having a child. I have been feeling down the past 2 days. Not depression, but just not my uppidy self. I'm one of those people who doesn't handle chaos and disorganization well. I'm not quite obsessive compulsive, but considered close. I like routine, and change seems to really throw me off my course. Now, having Kylie is so completely worth it, I'm not saying that I wish things were any different, by all means, however, are these feelings normal? Has anyone else felt this way? Should I be worried that these are signs of postpartum depression? I love my life...my husband and daughter make me so happy...but lacking routine the past few weeks is kicking me in the pants. I'm tired, and its not because of Kylie, the house isn't as clean as usual, and I cant seem to find the time to clean it...or is it lack of energy? Possibly a little of both??? Ugh, I don't like this feeling. And my husband just started work again...and they put him on nights, so that's another Huge change we have to endure. Matthew is so supportive, and I'm so appreciative for that, I don't take him for granted, but I feel like I'm too sad to show him how grateful I am. He feels so helpless, he asks whats wrong, but I cant really describe it. I talk to him, but I really need other moms perspectives because no man can understand the transition feeling from being pregnant to not being pregnant. I feel like my world has changed more extreme than I expected. I knew having a baby is a life changing experience, but I don't think I realised how different I would feel. I'm not the type of person who handles change well...and this is the perfect example. I know that things will settle soon, and we will find a routine. I will be fine, but I could use some advice and support from other mom's who have felt these feelings.
Yesterday, Kylie had her 2 week check up. The doctor says that she is doing great, healthy beautiful baby girl. She weighs 8lbs. 3oz. now, and is 20.5 inches long. My growing girl. I cant believe its already been over 2 weeks...where does the time go. My check up was about a week ago, the doctor said that everything looks to be healing well, however, the reason its taking so long for me to recover and comfortably is because I tore a little towards the cliterus...Ouch...yeah, its not pleasant, I'm glad that he preformed an Episiotomy, because if I had torn anymore, that would be pretty miserable. But, now I'm feeling much better...able to get up and down without as much pain. I lost most of the baby weight...only 11lbs more than my before pregnancy weight...not too shabby...shouldn't take long to lose that. *wink*
Kylie has been sleeping mostly in her own crib, but occasionally, we still put her in bed with us. I think its more the fact that we are tired and don't want to wait patiently in her room to rock her to sleep and place her in her crib...its easier to put her in bed with us and she is out like a light, as are we *giggle* but eventually, we will be caught up on our sleep more so than we are now, and hopefully we can get a routine down so that she sleeps on her own. We switched her to soy based formula. Poor thing was having the runs and crying with gas pain, but since we have changed to soy, she seems to be doing much better. She is still drinking 2oz. about every 2-3 hours...but I think she is almost ready to bump up to 4oz. Kylie is still a very happy baby. She rarely ever cries. She even smiles...I know I know, probably just gas, but I swear sometimes, its a genuine smile, and I have to say, my heart melts every time. She has so much character. Her facial expressions crack me up...she is just like her daddy...loaded with personality.
Daddy is going back to work this weekend. We are going to miss having him around all the time, but the schedule that he is going on isn't so bad...we will still have family time, so I'm not worried. I love how wonderful my husband is, and our daughter is our world and more. With some of our bumps in the road lately, I cant really stay angry at the world when I have such a beautiful and amazing life. Looking at my cute little family puts a big smile on my face. I'm very lucky to have what I have, and I don't take it for granted.
Kylie has been great. She only cries when she has a reason to, soiled diaper or hungry and every now and then when she is gassy. She sleeps most of the night, we get up 2-3 times a night. She has slept in her own crib 2 full nights...and a few half nights. I don't mind every now and then her sleeping with us, but I don't want it to become a hard habit to break, so we try to get her to stay in her own crib. I love her smile...I know its just gas...but when she learns how to smile and giggle...Oh My Goodness! Its going to win me over every time, I know it. :o) Anyway, not much to really say right now...she is kinda boring...eat, sleep, and poop...but I have to say, we are very lucky to have such a wonderful little girl...I'm so lucky to have such an amazing little family. I love Matthew & Kylie more than 3".
Well, I'm recovering nicely...still a little sore. No one told me that you continue to have contractions even after the baby is born, lol...so ladies with their first baby on the way heads up! Anyway, I tried breast feeding. I toughed it out for the first few days, I just couldn't do it. It hurt sooo bad that I was freaking out in tears. Poor baby girl was starving and so she was attached to my boobs almost 24/7. I called the hospital to ask why, they said that it was normal and to continue doing it...yeah right...it was not normal, even though my milk hadn't come in yet, she shouldn't have been that hungry all the time. We started her on formula and she was back to her happy self. I would be cranky too if I was being starved. Stupid hospital! Think they know everything...they are so gun hoe about breast feeding and anti-formula they don't focus on the best interest of the baby. Anyway, my mothers instinct kicked in, and everything is all better.
♥She is so funny, so full of character and personality already. She was in her daddy's arms and she lifted up her head, set it on his shoulder, took his shirt into her mouth, sucked on it with a little kissing sound, looked at him in the corner of her eye, and sucked again. *laughing* Adorable! She sleeps pretty well at night, however, she wont sleep in her crib, so she sleeps with us...but we need to break her of that before it gets outta hand.
♥
Kylie had her first check up yesterday. Dr. said that she is a little Jaundice...its not bad enough that she will have to go under the lights, and its actually quite common in newborns. 50% of babies show a little Jaundice after the first few days. But, it makes me sad that she has to have her blood taken daily for testing to see if it clears up on its own. Daily?! Poor thing :( We gotta do what we gotta do to make sure she is healthy and safe. We just heart her sooo much! :o) Now, daddy is watching the chipmunks with her...its his movie from when he was a kid...makes me smile ear to ear...cant even handle it. My daddy is on his way to meet his grand daughter today...IM SO EXCITED! He loves the heck out of her already, he is probably gonna cry when he sees her.
♥
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Well, I made my decision. It was much easier once I took a nap and got my hormones to simmer down a bit *giggle*.
I decided that Kylie will come when she is good and ready. After talking to people who have had natural birth, C-Sections, and inducing...I realised that not only am I being impatient and hormonal, but I'm not looking at the big picture. Our bodies are designed to have children...and although some cant have them 100% naturally and have to be cut into and/or induced, those of us who can, should. Its a beautiful thing carrying a baby inside you for 40 weeks...and the full experience should be to let nature continue doing what its supposed to do and have a baby as natural as possible. With that being said, I'm still not against drugs (epidural) *laughing*...but I'm not going to force my daughter out if she isn't quite ready. She will come when she is fully baked and ready to come out. My impatience and discomfort got the best of me.
We have 2 days till her due date, who knows if she will be here then...but its so exciting to think that we have made this beautiful creation and she is almost here.
I'm so sorry everyone, I'm sure your all as tired of hearing me say this as I am of saying it *giggle* but I have to put it out there. Venting is what keeps my sanity. I guess its not really venting, because I don't actually mind her staying in there for a while longer, especially since her estimate due date is for 5 more days...but I'm still definitely ready now. Its officially May, and I was hoping she would make it to at least May 1st and be here by May 7th.
Now, I probably shouldn't be complaining, but why is it that some women can go into labor just by playing the Wii, going for walks, eating spicy food, and here I am cleaning the house, washing my car (by hand), doing laundry, eat spicy foods, do "other things", and still nothin'? Lol...I'm trying to stay active thinking it will speed up the process, but...nothing...hmm, I guess she is going to be a stubborn little one and come on her own terms. I'm okay with that for now, but after she starts getting older, she is going to have to take some of her possible stubbornness and tone it down a bit for mommy and daddy. Hehehe, I crack myself up. Its funny, cause I'm still feeling pretty good (all discomfort aside) I'm happy and upbeat still...I am just simply impatiently waiting for her to come out and meet us. I want to see her beautiful face, hold her precious little hands...I'M SO IMPATIENT!
One thing I have to say, my daughter is a good girl. She was facing the wrong way and causing me quite a bit of pain and discomfort, but she flipped around so I'm not carrying her so much in my back anymore.
Now, its just a matter of how long she plans on staying in. Matthew was 2 weeks late...what a little booger...so if she is patient and going to do things on her terms like daddy then she may not be here for a while longer. *giggle* Please be like Mommy and bust out on time or a little early! Unlike my husband, I'm so impatient and almost OCD about things...
My apologies if my blogs are beginning to sound like a broken record...I'm so anxious that I don't even know what else to post besides "GET OUT!" Hahaha.
PS...notice the wicked scar stretched out...that's from my navel piercing (that I only had for a few months and it was several years ago so its well closed up)...so, if you have had your belly button pierced, its going to look crazy.
Then to Now... 
...12 weeks to 38 weeks
I have been feeling incredibly tired the past week...my ankles and legs are more swollen than they have ever been, the poor blood circulation in my body keep making my arms and legs go numb, I don't sleep well at night...all signs of pregnancy coming to an end, I know, but its beginning to hit me hard at work. I almost think I should go out on leave now...but I'm going to tough it out for another week. I can do it! Last night, I fell asleep on the couch at 6:30, my husband took me to bed at 7 and I was out like a light again. Got up at 4:30 this morning still feeling like I could sleep for another 3 days. The night before last I didn't sleep at all because I felt like I was going into labor or something. My back was killing me, and it was almost like menstrual cramps...on top of my discomfort was the wonderful wind this town likes to receive. It was so loud it wasn't helping. We are in the home stretch and I think that I'm more ready than Kylie is. I know she will come when she is good and ready, and I really want her to be born around her due date...but comfort sounds pretty much amazing right now. LoL. Guess we will just have to wait and see what day she picks.
From Husband & Wife...
I can not believe in just 19 days, Kylie Paige Griswold will be due to make her arrival. I don't know what day she will officially choose to arrive (Im hoping for May 7th *giggle*), but its amazing to think that we made her...my wonderful husband and I created this baby who will learn to love, laugh, cry, walk, talk...oh my goodness, its truly an amazing experience that has no end. For the rest of our lives, this beautiful little girl is our creation and responsibility...our life worth living. I'm not a religious being, but she is a blessing for sure. "Xoxo, cant wait to see you love bug! We love you more than three inches!"
Tonight, daddy was playing country music ringtones from his phone *giggle*. He was putting the phone against my belly and Kylie was rockin' out. She like country music *wink*.
I love my daughter more that life itself...and being pregnant hasn't been near as bad as most women make it out to be, infact I have loved it. However, there are those nights when I don't sleep well at all. I'm so uncomfortable that it wakes me in a dead sleep. I find myself laying on my back, and I worry a little...sometimes I find I'm almost on my tummy, and I lay there hoping I'm not squishing Kylie. My ankles are so swollen. I bought these adorable shoes for work, and they made my feet swell up...I wanna be skinny again with cute legs and ankles. I want to be able to dress up cute in a summer dress with my cute new wedges. And of course, all these cute outfits I have for Kylie, I'm anxious to get her all dolled up too. I know that she will come when she is ready, and honestly I don't want her to come in April, I'm looking forward to her coming in the beginning of May, but I'm starting to get impatient for the first time since the morning sickness stopped. My husband and I are so excited, and at the same time nervous the closer we get to her due date. We know that we are having a baby, and we are aware that its a lifetime responsibility, but I don't think its real yet. You know what I mean? I think until I see her precious face, fingers, toes...I have a fake image in my head. Its real, but not really. I'm not sure if that makes since *giggle* but that's the best way I can describe it. I wonder how other women felt at this point of the pregnancy?
Its official! We are down to the one month countdown...28 days and counting. But, I think she is going to be here a little early. I don't have any signs of labor or pre-labor, and she hasn't dropped yet...but I just think that she is going to want out before her due date. Who knows though, she will make her appearance when she is good and ready.
Anyway, I'm feeling pretty well, definitely ready to have her. I miss comfort. I know a lot comes with having a baby and that sleepless nights are possibly in our very near future, but I will be on maternity leave, so when she naps, I can try to nap too...on my tummy! :o)
So...For the first time, I fell on my ass yesterday. Yeah, how embarrassing *giggle*. I was in K-Mart trying on these really cute shoes and I lost my balance. I'm okay, it was like I fell in slow motion, but I was so embarrassed. Fortunately no one was around to see, and Kylie and I didn't get hurt.
Daddy loves his little girl. Last night, I was laying on the couch, just watching him build Kylie's swing (side note: Thank you sooo much Jen, we will most definitely need it). I don't know what it is, but watching your husband hard at work, putting together baby stuff...precious. It warms my heart.
When Kylie gets a little crazy in my tummy, it hurts sometimes and makes me so uncomfortable, but as soon as daddy places his hand on her and talks to her, she relaxes and everything feels all better. She is so comforted by daddy's touch and voice. I love it!
Its still crazy thinking about how quickly May is coming up...I cant wait! I'm still kind of in that surreal state of mind...I don't think its officially hit that we are going to be parents. I mean I know we are, but until we see her beautiful face, I'm not so sure I really get it.
Oh my...5 week countdown! This pregnancy has gone by so quickly...and after the morning sickness passed, it has been the best experience of a lifetime. My husband is home, and we are savoring each and every kick, punch, and wiggle our little girl makes.
So, I have to tell you about this dream I just had last night...I don't know why, but our daughter was born and looked like a 1 year old boy with bleach white hair, but you could see the dark roots...dirty looking skin and just absolutely hideous! Lol, then all the sudden, it was a weinerdog! WHAT THE HECK!? I think its funny now, but in my dream, I was trying not to show just how disappointed I was that our baby girl looked so weird. My friends and I all thought later on about the baby doll we used at my baby shower for a game...its my baby sisters and its ugly...maybe that's what was in my head? Either way, very odd dream. I know weird dreams are common, but some of them are very out there...what an imagination I have.
Daddy is home now, and Kylie and I couldn't be more excited. He gets to feel all her crazy movements. She punches and kicks him when we lay in bed. Its funny. Makes me smile so big. I love how they can bond together even though she is living in my belly. We went shopping and got all the things we didn't get at the baby shower, so we are all set...now its just a waiting game...I'm Mrs. Impatient, so this is a challenge *giggle* but like I said, it has passed by quick, so I'm just enjoying it while it lasts. Next is diapers and bottles *wink*.
How far along?: 35 weeks (35 days to go)
How big is baby?: 4 lbs 14 oz
Weight gain?: 25 lbs
Maternity Clothes?: Maternity Shirts and the Beband with my reg. jeans.
Stretch Marks?: Thankfully no!
Sleep?: Enough, but uncomfortably
Best moment this week?: We are officially ready for Kylie to arrive...room is finished, and we added a finishing touch...reusable wall decals...its a cherry blossom tree and I heart it!
Movement?: She has been using mommy as a punching bag...its cute now, but we are going to have to teach her manners, its not nice to hit people *giggle*
Food cravings?: Still nothing.
Gender?: It's A Girl!
Belly button in or out?: Depends on how she is laying in there...sometimes it pushes out, sometimes it sucks back in.
What I miss?: COMFORT! SWEET COMFORT!
What I'm looking forward to?: Meeting our wonderful daughter
Milestones: Making it this far healthy and safely! We are proud parents.
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...To Mommy & Daddy...
