Saving graces

Anneke's middle name is pretty meaningful to me. If there is anything I have experienced directly, it's the power of Grace--those moments, hours, days, and experiences that get you through tough times/over the hump, etc. I like her middle name because it reminds me of all the times I've found Grace in the midst of things. It usually comes for me in the form of a hot shower or long nap, or, in today's case, Grandma Gill showing up with goulash and homemade scones, followed by a consoling phone call with little sister, who is total big sister when it comes to motherhood. Oh, and various friends who are a phone call away--I hesitate to name them for fear of leaving someone out. But y'all know who you are. The stress of our first week sans Daddy/Darlin'/Mamo caught up to me today and I felt a little--a lot--crazy. I always feel so much more sane after talking to my sister, though, especially now when she has almost three years of motherhood under her belt to my three weeks. I run my latest emotional experience by her, and she's like, yep, been there, done that, and totally makes me laugh about it. What would I do without her? Or Dave, who took the bebe while I left for 20 minutes to have a Bubble Tea and read the Portland Mercury? I think tomorrow might be better--TGI(almost)F. But more bad days will come. Oh, and the latest act of Grace--Dave just showed up with more new clothes for Anneke and desserts courtesy of E. McMiller's grandparents and parents. So I'll take it where I can get it and do my best to appreciate what comes our way.

Date night

These unflattering pictures are proof that mom and dad went out for sushi at our favorite Japanese restaurant, Ichidai. Yum yum! Anneke only needed one course, but otherwise was happy to let us enjoy our first post-partum date. Afterwards we all went home and watched Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.

Oh my darlin'

Anneke has all of her grandparents, plus a great-grandmother, Mamo. Thanks to her cousin Juliette her grandmother is known as "Darlin'." If grandchildren's affection is any indicator I can't think of a better name (with apologies to cousins Sidney and Chloe, who adore her just as much but are happy just to call her "grandma.") Anyway, pictured here are Darlin', Granddaddy, and Mamo. They came out for a visit and were lots of help. Anneke already loves them. During her stay Darlin' kept admonishing me to try out the swing. I was skeptical. I came downstairs one day to find Anneke asleep in the swing, and I quickly moved her over to the pack-n-play. This went over like the proverbial lead balloon, and so I put her back in the swing, and the results are depicted above. Please note that we have since figured out how to recline the swing for better neck support, but this is now her favorite nap spot. So thanks, Mom.

Happiest Family on the Block

Anna-Lisa wanted to know what
she looks like now? and now? well, these photos are sooooo one week ago. But now that DMB is back at work I'm a little behind on uploading photos. She's in pigtails and braces now. Did I mention Dave is back at work? Today was the first day of all mommy, all the time. It had its ups and downs. But one thing saved us: my co-worker and his wife (parents of twins. I'm in awe.) gave us a DVD of The Happiest Baby on the Block, and it totally saved the day! we tried some of the tricks we learned after viewing the DVD, and they worked like a charm! You can bet they're getting a thank-you note. As are all the other family and friends who have showered us with help, gifts, and yummy food--all in good time, though. After mommy has a shower.

Week one

Oh, Anneke Grace, you certainly started your first week on the outside like a lion and ended it like a lamb. Every day is different, but things did get easier as the days went on; each day I think we got to know you a little better. We have been overwhelmed and overjoyed having you home. Here are photos of a few "firsts": your first walk around the block--it was short because it turned cold suddenly; your first trip to Burgerville, where we went to support the CDRC where our friend Amy works; and your first lactation consultation--that's Annette, who also taught our childbirth classes. She is one of the many folks at OHSU who offered us so much helpful information and encouragement. We are doing pretty well on the feeding thing now--it was pretty hard at first. We also went to our first neighborhood gathering; suddenly there are tons of new parents who live nearby! So you will have lots of playmates. Your grandparents and great-grandmother came to visit from Arkansas and have been so helpful, and we all drove across the river for your first trip to your Portland grandparents' home.

We love having you home with us. We're so glad you're here.

How do you pronounce her name?

It is a dutch name. It rhymes with Monica. Just drop the M.

Caroline also pointed out that it rhymes with many of the words in this song.

The required post with a gratuitous number of pictures

"Family Leave"

Anneke Grace

Born on March 7th, 2008 at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland Oregon.

8 pounds 10 ounces

21 3/4 inches long

Born after 29 1/2 hours labor and two sleepless nights. Everyone is healthy, happy and tired.

\a-nne-ke\

http://www.babynamer.com/anneke

March 7th

The doctor broke Caroline's water an hour ago. Apparently she is almost ready to go. Guess the birthday will fall on the exact due date of March 7th. Here we go!!!

pics

Snapshot of downtown as we drove in this morning about 6:00 a.m. Caroilne was saying, "I have never seen the sun rise on big pink. I wish I was a morning person so I could see this more often." Don't worry Caroline, you will be getting up early soon.


Caroline in rocking chair between contractions. Looks good doesn't she?



After the epidural. Now she is a happy camper.

Waiting

Hey everyone. It's my first contribution to this blog and it is from the delivery room. Caroline is sleeping and I am bored. I would sleep myself but just am not tired. Caroline is now on a bit of petocin to get her to speed up delivery a bit. Will try to attach a photo if I get time.

Dave.

It's not the end of the world. It's the end of the world as you know it.

Okay, baby, enough with the false labor. Already this is becoming an exercise in patience and letting go.
Things Dave and I have done to get ready for BDB:

1. Went to Thailand
2. Went to New Orleans
3. Completed Advanced Open Water Certification (me--miserable. stung on face by jellyfish in frigid water)
4. Had back fence and inside of house painted
5. Weekend at Stephanie Inn (no one under 12 allowed)
   
6. Took a digital photography class (me again. what has Dave been doing?)
   
7. Lots of time on porch with girlfriends and restorative cocktails (okay, me again--before we were expecting baby, of course)
8. Poker night (Dave)
9. Finished the Man Cave (Dave--great job, Dave!)
10. Life insurance!
    
11. Trip to Hawaii (babymoon?)
12. Hired a kitty shrink (www.catbehaviorclinic.com)
13. Started more rigorous bike commute routine (Dave)
14. Convert junk room to nursery
15. Lots and lots of sleeping late
    

It's going to be a whole new world of fun once you're in it!

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Well, baby, another non-birthday has come and gone for you. I have to say as ready as we are for you, I'm a little relieved March 1 is not your big day, because it is my friend Emma's birthday. Now you can come to her parties, and she can go to yours, but we won't have to worry about dueling birthdays. Emma is one of the many friends of ours who will be a part of your life. You will like her as well as Merriweather and Mugwort, her dog and cat. They're waaay more laid-back than Cujo and Zoe, our kitty cats. But I digress. From here on out all other birthdays are all yours, so bring it on!

I wanted to include a photo of Emma on this post but couldn't find one that did justice to her--she's one of those natural beauties. So instead I will embarrass her by calling her a natural beauty. But it's true.

Emma predicted the Ides of March for your birthday. Interesting, because that's when I was due.