I Love...

Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle
Increased my milk supply and saved me from 12 months dependent on formula.


White Noise
I put an radio in Ella's crib and cranked up the static. She seems to like it. Thank you Dr. Karp.


Baby 411
Even Pediatricians have questions. This book has answers.


Diaper Gene II Elite
Foot pedal for easy hands-free disposal. No twisting or pushing required.


iPhone
I can check email, surf the web, read blogs, read Pride and Prejudice, keep track of my nursing...all from the comfort of the glider rocker.


Baby Bjorn
The BB+Fresh Air=Calm Ella. Hasn't failed me yet.


NICU Nest
Thank you Danielle. We love it.


Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe
Ryan calls it the Swaddlepotamus. I call it brilliant.


the occasional bottle
I know breastmilk is nature's perfect food, but sometimes you can't beat the convenience and ease of a bottle. Just stay away from that Chinese formula.


Nancy Barrus
Not related to Ella, but the woman is a genius.

Getting Bigger

Ella had her first real doctors appointment yesterday, and my fears of her being underweight were allayed. She weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces! A far cry from the 6 lbs 3 oz she was two weeks ago. She has been so good lately, it has made motherhood that much more fun.

Ella update for the Grandmas

Here are some pictures of Ella over the past few days. She has graduated out of some of her preemie clothes and into one of her newborn outfits! And, last night was our best night yet. She ate well, slept well, all with minimal formula (big news for us formula junkies). Way to go, baby!! Hopefully we're starting a new trend.

Ryan put together her swing and she loves it, happily falling asleep.


She loves putting one arm straight out.

It's Official

I am so excited to announce that Jamie is getting married!!! She and Taylor and tying the knot November 1st here in Utah. A little quick...yes...but Jamie did NOT want a winter wedding, so instead of waiting for spring we are in full wedding planning mode. Things are falling together AMAZINGLY well--it's like it was meant to be. We are all so happy for them and can't wait for the wedding.

Out walking

Ella and I took a walk to the Sandy Library today. It's possible that the 3 mile walk was a little more than we should have attempted, but Ella loved it and I suppose I've got to get back in shape somehow. She is really a good baby, as long as she's fed. I am having a little trouble with my milk supply, and have resorted to supplementing (don't tell the American Academy of Pediatrics). I am trying out Fenugreek, an herb recommended by my Lactation Specialist, so we'll things if improve. The good news is that Ella doesn't care how she gets her food, as long as her tummy is full.

I downloaded the pictures from my camera today (Ryan has been taking most of the pictures on his camera) and here are some random shots from the first two weeks.

Photo Shoot

Aunt Jamie was in town this week, and we utilized her mad photography skills. I still can't figure out how to put the pictures on my blog, but you can check them out on Jamie's at

http://jamiesphotographs.blogspot.com/

I think they are pretty amazing, especially if you consider what she had to work with: a sleepy baby, an unshaven dad, and a "studio" that consisted of a black blanket and a brightly lit window. She's good.

sleep, sleep, sleep

Turns out, Ella wasn't getting enough food! Once my milk came in she has slept worlds better. (The NICU nest, the 2 ounces of formula, worries and prayers probably didn't hurt!) We're all much happier that our little squealer is gone and sweet Ella is back.

Welcome Home

We made it. We are home, healthy and happy (and a little tired). And we have a name. You can check it out, with some new pictures, at www.ryanandalissa.com. 

We came home yesterday afternoon after spending Friday night to Monday morning at the University of Utah. We had a great hospital experience. Everyone was wonderful, from start to finish. Amber did a perfect job with the c-section, and Tara and Beth were superstar resuscitators.  It was very reassuring to have people I know and trusted in the OR. 

The first night was a little rocky, but I had absolutely wonderful nurses and staff. I even got the princess room! By Saturday I was feeling a bit better but still tired and not quite myself.  And Saturday night we were introduced to "Second Night Syndrome," a phenomenon for which I was not prepared. Ella was a perfect baby Friday and Saturday day, sleeping, eating and being adorable. But Saturday night she decided to come alive.  Anytime she was not being held, she was awake. Ryan and I took turns swaddling, shooshing, swooshing, and walking up and down the halls with her. By Sunday morning we were exhausted and happy to sleep during the day away with our baby.  

Sunday night Kimmy stayed the night with me while Ryan got some sleep, and we experienced third night syndrome, similar to second night, but not quite as pronounced. We still had a hard time getting her to sleep and finally put her in the nursery for an hour or two. I was amazed that they were able to get her to sleep in her crib. When I asked what their secret was they sheepeshly told me that they had put her on her stomach and watched her closely. Not very helpful advice if you don't have a full-time nurse sitting next to her at night.

By Monday we were ready to go home. She did great in her car-seat and seemed to like her new place. That is, until nightfall. She again stayed up most of the night, but did sleep some, which is an improvement. I'm learning that the things I know from being a pediatrician are not as useful for everyday life. So if anyone has any tips on getting your 5 day old to sleep during the night (in her crib, not in her daddy's arms) we're open to suggestions.

All in all, we're thrilled to have our sweet little girl. We love her more than we knew was possible and are excited for the days ahead (but don't worry, I won't make a habit of the day by day synopsis!)