The Gift of a Smile

Christmas has come and gone before my eyes. We had a great time celebrating with my family, but wish we could also be with the Kauffman's when they are together next week.

I still find it a little hard to believe it is Christmas when the temps are in the 70's, but the family time and Christmas festivities helped. We think Norah enjoyed her first Christmas, evidenced by how often she showed off her new smile (photo of that to come soon).

Our Christmas was spent at my parent's place on the lake. We went up Christmas Eve around noon. We typically do our Christmas celebration in the evening, so we started with the grandkid's gifts before dinner. My mom put out quite the spread for our meal, and then after the kids went to bed we did our little Christmas. And it was little...this year we decided to really scale back and just do a few stocking stuffers. Instead of the usual gift exchange we chose a cause to which we will all donate money. The focus is much more on the kids now anyway, so it worked out well.

My last week of maternity leave is next week already. My first day back to work will be January 7. I was told it would go by quickly, and I believed it, but wow. I am feeling very anxious about going back to work - not the actual work itself (I think in some ways that will be rerfreshing), but figuring out our schedule and leaving Norah in daycare. I pretty much think about it constantly. One night last week I couldn't go to sleep and I was trying to figure out how I could workout in the mornings. If I need to be to work by 8:30, I would have to leave the house at 7:45 to get Norah to daycare. I figure an hour and a half to get myself ready and feed Norah, so I would need to be back from the gym by 6:15, which means arriving at 5:15, which means getting up before 5. I'm just not sure that will be possible while I am still getting up once to feed Norah. I would have to go to bed by 8:30 to get my optimal amount of sleep. So then I starting thinking about the evenings - leave work a few minutes before 5, get Norah and arrive home at 5:30. That would give me 3 hours to feed Norah twice, eat myself, and get bags packed for the next day.

I know I need to just stop thinking about it, enjoy the time I have with Norah now, and let it all work itself out, but that is usually easier said than done. I try to think of everyone who has done it before me, and have confidence that we will figure it out and make adjustments as needed to create the best possible situation for Norah and our family. On that note, I'm going to stop writing about it and get on with my day to enjoy every precious moment with Norah that I can. And they really are precious...

Warming Up

Norah's 2 year old cousin Luka is starting to warm up to her and show a little more interest. He has asked to hold her several times, and does a great job. He still doesn't really make contact when kissing her - the second picture captures his "air" kiss, which is as close as he gets. Norah seems to be comfortable with both of her cousins holding her.

That Crazy Dutch Girl

As I mentioned in a previous entry, our friend Willie (my Dutch sister) came to visit. She arrived last Friday and we have been having a wonderful time. Over the weekend we went to some of our favorite places to eat and did a lot of sitting around and catching up. We also went to the park to get some exercise and enjoy the warm 70 degree weather. That was Sunday, and by Monday the high was 45!



Whenever we get together with our Dutch family it is like no time has passed between us. Willie came to stay with us 16 years and one day before she arrived last Friday and our families have been good friends ever since. She and Joost now has two kids, Mees (3 1/2) and Mijnte (almost 2). Aafke (her sister) and Richard have Jemme, who is 1. Our parents got married in the same year, both had two daughters, and now have two grandsons and a granddaughter - all within less than four years of each other. In between our visits we keep in touch with web cameras and Skype.

After spending the weekend at our place, yesterday we all went to my parent's house at the lake. Willie will spend a few nights there and then finish up her trip with a few nights at my sister's. It is really, really good to have her here and we appreciate Joost and the kids letting us "borrow" her for the week!

Pediatrician Visit

So it appears as though we definitely have the feeding thing down because Norah now weighs almost 10 pounds (9 lbs, 15 ounces to be exact)! We had her 2 month check up today (one week late) and according to her pediatrician all looks really good (well, except for a slightly flat head, but more tummy time each day should solve that).

I wasn't sure what to do about immunizations, but we ended up getting all of them. There is some controversy over whether some of them can cause neurological damage. There doesn't appear to be a whole lot of research to support a link to neurological damage and most pediatricians still recommend getting them. We ended up concluding that either way it is a bit risky, but that not getting them was the bigger risk.

So, off we screamed. Norah actually did pretty well, and her unfamiliar piercing scream made me realize that she really doesn't cry all that much. If she is crying (and I would usually describe it more as fussing), she needs something.

I was also a bit concerned about two things related to sleep - where she is sleeping and how she is falling asleep. In terms of where, it is quite often the car seat. We feel she often seems more comfortable in her carseat, and whether that is becuase she is more upright (which helps with reflux symptoms) or just because it is cozier, the pediatrician feels it is okay to let her sleep there for another few more months.

And in terms of how she is falling asleep, we are often rocking her in her carseat or cradle. Over the past week we hae been working on trying to get her to fall asleep more on her own, and the pediatrician recommended we continue in that direction.

Otherwise, all is well and according to the pediatrician she is doing great!

TJ Hearts Norah

There is no other way to put it. TJ loves his cousin Norah. He asks to hold her all the time and is very attentive and careful when he does. I just think these pictures are precious.



By the way, I think I should prepare you at this point for getting used to seeing pictures of Norah with her pacifier. She seems to be pretty attached...

8 Weeks Old - An Update

Norah is 8 weeks old today. I really cannot believe that much time has gone by already. There were so many things I thought I would do that I haven't. And I thought 12 weeks sounded like such a long time, but it really isn't.

My return to work (which will probably be January 7th) is on my mind a lot. It's not that I am dreading going back, but I am feeling very anxious about the transition. I feel like I am going to be rushing around every morning, making sure all of my many bags are packed with proper supplies. And I am certainly not looking forward to pumping at work, but I am determined to figure out a way to make it work. I have a friend who works at Texas Instruments and they have a Mothers room equipped with a hospital grade pump for their working mothers. How nice. Not that that makes the process simple for her by any means, but it would be nice to have a place to go and a good pump provided. (It should be noted that she has added factor of needing to pump enough to feed twins.)

I'll be carrying my pump in, pumping in my office, and cleaning my supplies in the community kitchen. I know, I know - it's all relative. I have read about women who make it work in cubicles, and others who pump in the bathroom stall (yuck). At least I don't have to do either of those. Plus, I know I am doing what is right for Norah and that makes it all seem more doable.

LET ALONE the thought of dropping Norah off at daycare. I am tearing up now just thinking about it (although I'm sure some of that is the lack of sleep, too). Seth keeps reminding me to live in the present, and he is totally right. Sometimes it is just easier said than done. Okay, let's move on...

Norah smiled at us (intentionally) for the first time! And she has repeated the performance several times. It is so fun to see that smile on her sweet little face. Before that, she had started mimicking us sticking out our tongue. The funniest part of that trick is probably seeing all of us sticking out our tongues to try to make her do it. Should have caught THAT on camera.

The other news is that we are excitedly anticipating the arrival of our dear friend Willemijn (Willie) from the Netherlands. Most of you know she was an exchange student with us in high school and since that time our families have become great friends. We have vacationed with them several times in Europe, including most recently in Portugal in the spring of 2006. Willie has two kids, but is coming solo. She comes this Friday afternoon and will stay for 8 days. We can't wait!

Bottle Feeding

I am pumping a few times a day now to start building a supply. We are renting a hospital grade pump to help increase my milk production, which is really helping. Seth sometimes bottle feeds with the expressed milk to give me a bit of a break, but I also hope to have a supply started for when Norah goes to daycare (sigh). I do enjoy a break every now and then, although by the time the next feeding comes around I find I am really ready for it. I remember my sister saying that when there are a lot of people around that like to hold the baby it is sort of nice that every 3 hours or so they have to come back to you. I have found this to be true so far.

Norah has had multiple bottle feedings from Seth now, plus a few from her grandmas, and she seems to have no issues going back and forth between me and the bottle.

More Cousin Time

Lisa and the boys came down on Saturday and we had a great day. The weather was absolutely beautiful, so we went to the park for a walk. It takes a while for us to get everyone and everything loaded up in her minivan, but we are determined not to let that stop us from doing things like this. We have to install Norah's carseat in the back of the van and get her settled. If she is awake she wants her pacifier, so if it falls out during the rest of the time we are loading up we have to keep putting it back in. Both boys have to get situated, which usually includes a lot of, "No, I do it," "No, I do it." The jogging strollers have to be loaded into the back (there is only one way we have found that they both fit). And finally, we have to make sure we have water for everyone, and anything else we personally need for the outing. Whew...and we're off. Oops - almost forgot the blankets we use to secure Norah in the jogger. We pull back into the driveway so I can run in and get those. Okay, NOW we're off.

Once we get to the park the unloading process is just as lengthy. But, I have been watching Jon and Kate Plus 8 during middle of the night feedings, and it takes them 45 minutes to load up with their 8 kids, so we are thankful we only have 3 right now. Plus, even if it took 45 it would be worth it. Lisa and I are really having fun getting our kids together. Of course Norah doesn't do much other than sleep and eat right now and it will be fun when she is moving around with her cousins, but it is still fun. And we don't want to rush her into that anyway.



After one time around the park (3 miles) we went to the playground, which the boys really enjoyed. We picked up food for lunch and had a "picnic" in our backyard. It was a great day!

My New Jogger

Mommy and Daddy wasted no time purchasing a jogging stroller so walks and runs are more comfortable for me. Don't get me wrong, it was not an easy purchase for them. They talked and talked and talked about which one they should get. I also heard them say they talked about it before I was even born, so I am pretty sure sufficient thought has gone into the purchase. In the end, they decided to go with the Bob Ironman jogger, which I hear is top of the line. They had been working out at the gym quite a bit, but since they have me now they figure they won't have as much time for that and will often be going on runs in the neighborhood. They also anticipate running on the dirt path at the park quite often, so they wanted something that would really last.

According to the manufacturers I am not supposed to ride in it until I am 8 weeks old (walking only), but they felt I was strong enough to handle it (and I have to agree). Plus, this stroller is much more comfortable than the other one when we go fast. I love to ride in the stroller - the only time I fuss is if I am getting hungry. I am practically laying flat in it and I enjoy looking out my little window. I could ride in that thing all day long.

Technically (again according to the manufacturers) mommy and daddy are not supposed to run with me in the stroller until I am 8 months old but I sure am glad they didn't wait that long. Mommy mixes running in with her walking and daddy took me for a run yesterday. The weather was nice and cool - unfortunately it was a bit windy and a huge gust blew dirt on us. Mommy found dirt in my ear later when she was feeding me. (Don't worry, daddy gave me a bath last night.)


The stroller was purchased when my grandma and grandpa Kauffman were visiting, which was perfect because they love to go on walks. The first time we used the new stroller was at the park. I hope we go back - I'm guaranteed at least 3 miles in my stoller when we go there.

Grandparents Galore

Okay, so I am a bit behind in my blogging. We'll start by going back to the Saturday before Thanksgiving when we took Seth's parents to my parent's place on the lake. Norah was so fortunate to be able to have all of her grandparents together for a few hours! It was a beautiful day so we were able to enjoy a nice lunch outside. I don't really have much else to say about the visit, so I'll just show you some pictures.

Meet the Grandparents

Norah met her grandma and grandpa Kauffman yesterday and will get to spend time with them until Tuesday. So far we haven't done a whole lot besides sit around and hold Norah, although we did venture out for dinner last night. The weather was beautiful (especially for the Goshenites), so we picked a place where we could sit outside.

We don't have all that much planned besides taking Norah for walks and going to my parent's place at the lake tomorrow. In between that and anything else we decide to do I'm sure there will just be a lot more time spent sitting around holidng Norah. Does it ever get old?

What a Difference a Day Can Make

If you read my entry from Monday you know how my day began. After a visit from a friend over lunch my afternoon was pretty much a repeat of the morning. By the end of the day I hadn't left the house and was a bit frustrated with how little I had accomplished. I do realize that we will have days like that, but I had several things on my To Do list and didn't get the satisfaction of crossing anything off.

Yesterday, on the other hand was completely different. My mom and sister came down for the day, which allowed me to get a ton of stuff done. In between feedings I made a much needed Target run, went to the bank, picked up a sling I puchased from a woman off of Craig's list, got groceries, and picked up dry cleaning. Throughout the day I was also able to do 4 loads of laundry. I felt like a new woman.

And in between all of that productivity we had a nice, relaxing day together (my nephew TJ was here as well). Norah was awake much of the day and very content with her Mimi (my mom) and Aunt Li. She also confirmed that her first trick is to imitate us when we stick out our tongue. I thought maybe she had done it a few times previously, but wasn't sure whether it was just a coincidence.

Today was another great day. While Norah is awake a bit more overall these days, she slept quite a bit in the morning, which allowed me to get more stuff done. We also went to the library and picked up some books to read during feedings. (We figured it was time to improve the selection since when Seth reads to her I can say the lines before he does.)

Seth is now off until Tuesday since his parents come in tomorrow. We are very excited for them to meet Norah!

A Typical Morning

The events of this morning demonstrate why it is tough to get much done with a newborn, and also why the days fly by so quickly. Here is how it went:
7:00 - Norah and I wake up after our last 4 hour stretch of the night.
7:15 - After Seth stirs Norah and has a few minutes of cuddle time, I begin feeding her.
8:30 - We are done feeding and Norah is asleep on my chest. I change her diaper, swaddle her, and hold her until she is asleep. Oh so carefully, so as not to wake her up, I put her in her cradle for a nap.
8:35 - I eat breakfast.
8:50 - Norah is wide awake and fussing a little. I decide that if she is going to be awake, we can have some quality time together. We read, get some tummy time, and have a good chat.
9:15 - Norah appears to be hungry, so we start feeding again. She eates like a rock star.
10:00 - Repeat of the 8:30 activities.
10:05 - I take a shower.
10:10 - Shower is over; Norah is awake and starts fussing. I pick her up, she promptly spits up (luckily just a little) and appears to fall right back asleep. I put her back in her cradle.
10:20 - Norah is awake. I move her to her swing and try her pacifier, even though we are trying to minimize how much we give it to her. She doesn't want it, but appears to be quite happy in the swing.
10:30 - Finally, this is what I have:



I think I am home free, and decide to write this blog entry.
10:40 - I hear fussing upstairs. I again attempt the pacifier, but she does not want it. Luckily, the effort it takes for her to refuse it seems to put her back to sleep.
10:55 (current time) - I still have a sleeping beauty, and an hour and a half until the next feeding time. I better get going so I can take care of a few things while she is sleeping.
Uh oh - I just heard some squeaks. I'll keep my fingers crossed...

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

On Thursday last week we went to the zoo with Lisa and the boys. Once the kids loaded in the strollers and we were headed toward the entrance Lisa said, "Can you believe we are at the zoo together with our 3 kids?" I think it is something the two of us have thought about and anticipated for a long time. The fact that it is actually happening still feels a little surreal. Lisa works reduced hours, so we are trying to take advantage of that in combination with my leave while we can.

Norah was a trooper throughout the entire visit. For me, the trip provided a sense of accomplishment because it was our first outing that I didn't schedule between feedings, which meant breastfeeding Norah in public. After walking around for a while we sat down for lunch and I managed to nurse (using the nursing cover for the first time) and eat my lunch simultaneously. It probably seems minor, but it felt good to not be controlled by the feeding schedule (and still not use a bottle). Ahhh...one of the many benefits of breastfeeding.

4 Weeks and Growing

Norah is 4 weeks old today, which is unbelievable to me. And evidently she is eating well because I stopped in at the pediatrician’s today and found out she is already up to 7 pounds, 13 ounces.

Seth and I are thoroughly enjoying getting to know our daughter. On the weekends we like to go for family walks, and we have recently started venturing out a bit. Last weekend we went to one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants, Onion Creek. They have a huge outdoor area and we were anxious to take advantage of the weather. Our friend and neighbor Philip (AKA Uncle P-Dawg) joined us as well. So I'm sure we will have more to report in the future about what new things we are doing at these milestones, but for now our activities pretty much consist of sleeping, eating and looking cute (as you can see in the photo).

A Visit with the Cousins

Yesterday we went to The Woodlands to visit our cousins, TJ (3 1/2) and Luka (2) . We attempted to take some pictures, which as you can imagine with those ages was quite a challenge. Considering the circumstances I think we got some pretty good shots. Both TJ and Luka were very gentle with Norah. They seem to understand that she is a bit fragile.


TJ is anxious to be able to play with his cousin, but we have explained that she can't really play yet. After she was born, and before he met her he kept telling Lisa, "I have a baby cousin Norah and she came out of Ont Onchee's belly, but you won't let me see her."

Luka is a little less interested, but does like to gently touch her head. He also enjoyed leaning down close to her head (but not touching) and giving her "air kisses. " What you see in the second photo below is as close as he got.

Is the Garage Door Up?

We are fortunate enough to have some good friends right on our block. One of them is Philip (AKA Uncle P-Dawg), a Louisianian who loves to socialize and host. We all know that if we see his garage door up on Saturday mornings it is code for, "Come on in, I"m making breakfast." Breakfast typically consists of some combination of blueberry muffins, eggs, bacon, pecan waffles, juice and coffee.

Last Saturday Seth, Norah and I were all up, showered and ready for the day by 8:00. We decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather by going for a walk. As we passed Philip's house, we noticed the garage was up and decided to stop in to say hi. Timing is everything - he had just finished making pecan waffles and bacon, so we joined him for breakfast.

A Pink Play Date

Last week my friend Lisa visited with her identical twin girls, Jessica and Sarah. They are about 4 1/2 weeks older than Norah. Lisa was one of my first friends in Houston and for the past 5 1/2 years we have really enjoyed the friendship of her and her husband, Jeff. We were thrilled when they told us they were pregnant because we knew at that point that we were also expecting (although we hadn't told anyone yet, so we kept the news to ourselves). Then came the news they were having twin girls (a total shocker), and finally a while later that we were having a girl as well. It was fun experienceing our pregnancies together, and now we are enjoying being moms together. We frequently share tips and resources - something that I'm sure will continue through the years. And there really is a whole lot of pink when we have play dates!

Squeaky Clean

So far we have found that Norah seems to like her baths. Or, perhaps after not getting very many baths her first two weeks of life it is more that she just really enjoys being clean. Right now we are just using the kitchen sink, which isn't all that convenient but seems to work pretty well. We also enjoy using the cuddly towel from Tom and Trinda Bishop. She is still a little small for the matching robe and slippers, but I'm sure they will get a lot of use once she puts on a few more pounds.

Where Do the Days Go?

The days pass by so quickly, and I often feel like we haven't even done all that much. Part of that is probably due to the reflux issues. At the suggestion of our pediatrician, we are trying to keep Norah upright for 30 minutes after she eats, which just makes the feeding process all that much longer. It is one thing on the weekends when Seth is here and can take over with "holding upright" duty, but during the week it is all me. So if I start feeding Norah at 1PM, it usually takes close to 45 minutes to an hour, including sleepy breaks and diaper changes. Add on the 30 minutes of holding her upright, and by that time we only have another hour and a half until the next feeding.

I'm sure that sounds like a long time (it does even to me as I type it), but somehow it just isn't much. The "free" time after the first morning feeding is spent getting myself ready for the day (I am making a huge effort to not still be in my pjs at 2:00 in the afternoon). Then after the next feeding I am often eating lunch. That leaves the time after the afternoon feedings to get the house in order, start laundry, empty the dishwasher, etc. And that takes us into early evening already. See what I mean?

I should clarify that this isn't something that is bothering me. My only real task at this point is taking care of Norah, so it works out just fine. I enjoy every minute I get with her, even if it means I don't accomplish much else in a day. And holding her upright really is a pretty good gig. She loves to lay on our chest with her feet tucked under her body, which is extremely cuddly. I love that time that we have together.