First Cottage Trip Since Cadence was Born

We went on our first cottage trip with Cadence (8/24-8/26). I was so excited to get away but also a bit nervous about the bugs and how she'd sleep. I love our stroller, she slept great in the carriage part and we covered it with a mosquito net to keep any wandering bugs out at night. She slept well and even was a good little shopper when we went into town. I nursed out in the open for the first time, ok no one else was on the patio but it was still in the open (under a blankie)! We got these amazing scones and lemon curd.

Aunt Roz and Uncle Rick also came along on the trip and spoiled Cadence with beautiful clothes and a cute stuffed animal from Michele. All of our friends and family have been so generous since we announced we were pregnant. We both appreciate the attention and gifts we've recieved and feel so fortunate.

We were able to enjoy a fire at the top of the hill but no boat rides. Cadence was too little for any the vests that we saw. We need to get a special order one for her from Canada. Michael was glad to get up north, he loves it there. The fishing, the lake, the fire, the grilled food, the pasta salad...

Our Second Month with Cadence flew by!

This past month has flown by in a blur. We've had so many visitors and so much fun. I can hardly believe Cadence is two months old already. I'm happy to report that her skin is so clear and pretty now. And her hair is growing in on the top so she's resembling a little old man less and less. If you see the pictures from the end of the month you'll see she's got some meat on her bones too.

What Michael and I have learned this month is we love Cadence and really enjoy being parents. We're already talking about our next baby. Don't get any ideas I'd like them two years apart and it's way too early for that!

Look at the pics with my arms up, then Cadence has her arms up. Babies are way smarter than we give them credit for. I have no comparison but I am amazed by all the cool stuff Cadence can do already and all her little friends can do too. Her favorite since she was a few weeks is to stick her tongue out when you stick your tongue out. I taught her that before her one month pictures because I wanted a picture for my dad with her tongue out, like he had of me when I was little.

Look at her and Grant on her first playdate, so cute! Jill and I had a great time hanging out at my place and made a yummy salad for dinner. It's so relaxed for a new mom to be with other new moms. Plus they have everything you need for baby.

My Dad brought cadence her first pair of osh gosh bib-overalls. That is his trademark baby gift. Believe it or not he still wears overalls. He is from Kentucky and a proclaimed hillbilly!

Bath and Birthday

We did the sponge baths for the first couple of weeks of Cadence's life. Her weight was so low we didn't want to overlly chill her. Finally after we got our flip video and gave her a bath on 8/8. She didn't seem to mind it at all, so that's a good sign :) I'd post the video but it needs editing first!

Michael celebrated his first birthday as a daddy, notice Cadence crying in the background! Life is different but we love it. Now that she's healthy and happy, life is good.

7/29/07 - 8/11/07: Weeks Three and Four

Cadence's new feeding routine is so tiring. She's eating really well now and I only had to use formula for three days until I had enough bm stored to feed her. We picked up some mother's milk tea at whole foods and that stuff really works. I could feed two babies now!

Michael's brother Brian came over for his first visit Sunday (7/29). Michael went out and picked up a ton/small army amount of snacks (never let a man shop). They could only stay 45 minutes and didn't want to ruin dinner, so we had alot leftover. Never fear Nick and Jackie hung out and we had all the eats gone in no time plus Cadence attended her first impromptu BBQ. And somewhere that day she lost the icky cord stump.

Monday (7/30) we got good news at the doctor's she’s gained a whopping 9 ounces in only three days! She’s up to 6 pounds 3 ounces. Stephanie was surprised at how well she’s doing on her new eating plan. They told me not to exhaust myself and make sure I was getting enough rest, fluids and food.

Tuesday (7/31) Cindy and Jacqueline kept me company while Michael worked at St Joes. Jaqueline thought tiny male-patterned bald Cadence looked like an alien! I still do love Jaqueline :)

Thursday (8/2) Dyan came to visit and Cadence loved her! She was so alert and snuggly with Dyan, what a good judge or character.

When Cadence was almost two weeks old (7/26) she rolled over on her tummy from her back. Michael did not believe me and our peditrician needed some convincing too. Well today (8/4) Michael finally saw her do it to! Jessica and Colleen also came over in the afternoon for a visit. They brought us yummy zingerman’s bread, lunch meat, cheese and peaches. They brought cupcakes from the ann arbor cupcake shop. Everything was so yummy and they just loved snuggling with the baby. They ended up staying four hours and we had a really nice visit.

We ran to Costco after the visit and bought a flip video camera. The camera is awesome! It’s really easy to use and we’ve already started to video Cadence. We made a video to send to Grandpa Leon in China.

We found her stump by the basket I throw her sleep sack on. The kitties didn’t eat it after all (LOL)!

Monday (8/6) The doctor’s appointment went great! She’s up to 7 pounds 2 ounces and gained 15 ounces in a week! What a little porker! She gets to stop with the bottles and I can stop pumping so much. Thank God! I was getting so tired pumping all the time like that. It’s really hard work making all that milk. If she doesn’t nurse well during one of her sessions I’ll still give her a bottle. I’ll probably continue the night bottles for her to sleep better too. The pediatrician said to go ahead and let her sleep for 7 hours at a time if she will. I’m all for that!