Happy Independence Day!

We kept it low key this year since Ella is still so young.  Our parents came over for an informal BBQ of bratwurst (yum!) and grilled sweet corn fresh from our weekly veggie box.  We followed it with apple pie and watermelon--perfect summer food!  Here are some pictures of how we spent the fourth.  (Notice there is a lot of lounging/napping going on.)

The puggies felt festive.

Remy looking "All-American" in his stars and stripes tank and madras pants.

Someone was "milk drunk"

Family pug pile!

Wearing My Baby

I've been experimenting with different baby carriers to find the right one for me and Ella.  For a while it felt a little futile.  Ella does not like the sling, or maybe I just put her in it at the wrong time (she was a little fussy).  She seems to be okay with the Moby, but the lack of head support made me nervous once she was in it.  Also, the thick fabric seemed to suffocate her and this weather doesn't seem conducive to bundling her up like that.  It's super comfortable to wear her with it, but the long length of fabric makes it feel cumbersome to put on (especially when we'll be out and about).  So today I tried the Mei Tai carrier (thank goodness I thought ahead and purchased several carrier options), and it's working like a charm.  Easy to put on, and she's snug as a pug in it.  The soft structure gives her a little head support and keeps her face from being smooshed into me.  I also like that it has a larger opening where I can see her face more easily and make sure she's breathing okay.  I think I'll definitely use the Moby when she gets bigger, but the Mei Tai is definitely my carrier of choice for now.  And I am overjoyed that I am now hands-free and able to get some stuff done around the house while keeping her close!

It reminds me of when I was carrying her inside of me.  Hard to believe that was just three weeks ago! 

Even in the carrier she likes to sleep with her hands near her face.

Settling In

Ella is three weeks old now and I can finally say that we are getting used to having her here.  It's amazing how one little person can initiate so much change in our day-to-day lives.  My body is now adjusted to sleeping in a few hour chunks and we are starting to follow some sort of "routine" to make things feel more "normal" again.  Every day still sees many challenges and changes, but it's definitely a blessing to see our little one grow leaps and bounds in such a short period of time.  Here are some more pictures we took this past week. 

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A Successful Outing

In an attempt to feel sane and in hopes of getting a glimpse into what my life will be like with an infant, Ella and I had our first outing alone.  Well, it wasn't exactly alone.  Thankfully, one of my best friends, Kathy, came with us to get lunch at a local restaurant.  With the exception of Ella throwing up in her car seat on the way there, we had a pretty successful outing.  A quick wipe down and outfit change in the car, and she slept in her stroller the entire time while Kathy and I were able to catch up.  It was a much needed venture, and though I still feel a little clumsy toting a newborn around, it was nice to be out in the world again (even for an hour at a time).  Thanks Aunty Kathy for your company and extra hands!!

Bath Time Fail Redux

Cranky Baby: 1, Successful Bath Time: 0

Our second attempt at a bath resulted in Ella throwing up all over herself and into her baby tub, and a crying, upset baby.  I had always imagined a blissful bath time where she's cooing in her tub, bathed in warm water and having a blast.  Well, replace that imagery with a baby flailing her limbs and crying so hard, she starts to turn purple.  Oh yes.  The humbling adventures of parenting.  I'm starting to think we'll only be giving sponge baths until she gets a bit bigger.  That, or we just live with a stinky baby.

Sleep, Is That You?

I'm knocking on wood as I write this, but Ella has been sleeping in four hour chunks for the past two nights, which means that I am slowly regaining my sanity!  With only one middle-of-the-night feeding, I've been feeling more and more well-rested, which seems to be such a luxury these days.  She's even sleeping on her own in the co-sleeper, which is wonderful and so much progress from having to be held!  Though she's still a noisy sleeper (grunts and moans and wiggles abound), I think we're slowly getting used to the noise and allowing ourselves to sleep through it until she really does stir and lets us know she needs to be fed.

Every day has been a blur of sleep, poop, eat... wash, rinse, repeat.  Some moments I feel the baby blues and get completely overwhelmed.  It's hard for me to imagine how I'll handle the two pugs and a little baby once Adam's mom stops staying with us.  Thinking about taking Ella out and having to nurse and attend to her needs makes me even more nervous.  I'm hoping it's a new mom thing, and that as we gradually figure things out and get comfortable in our new roles as parents, things will naturally work themselves out.  Right now I'm just trying to focus on the present.  I'm completely in love with my little girl, but the adjustment of having her here is definitely challenging me emotionally and physically.  I'm sure most moms go through this, I'm just surprised that the feelings of frustrations and anxiety are so strong.

But all in all, we are all doing the best we can.  For having been here for only two weeks, Ella is thriving and learning so much.  I look forward to seeing what another two weeks will bring!

Sweetest. Face. Ever.