My Daughter has Poochie Lip Disease

It's amazing what a shower, a baby in bed, and a glass of wine in hand can do! Feeling refreshed and excited to be tapping away at this keyboard. I've struggled to make blogging a priority these past several months. I do enjoy and miss it, I really do. One would THINK being a stay at home mom means oodles and oodles of free time. Well, at least that's what the naive, pre-motherhood me thought. ANYWAY, I figured it's about time for an update. Veteran blogger, mommy, and sister in law will occasionally harass remind me that it's good to "write" this stuff down so I can remember the little details. I couldn't agree more.

And just like that nine months are behind me.

What better way to dive back into blogging than to talk about this little girl who has stolen my time, energy and heart? Below are pictures of Sydney months one through nine. It's fun to look back, is it not? She's changed so much! She looks more and more like her father with each passing month.

 

So, here's the latest on the Sydney Hope Chronicles....

Growth since birth: Gained 12 pounds and grew 9 inches. She currently weighs 17 lbs 4 oz and has climbed from 10th percentile to 45th in weight! Proud mama moment!

 I'm so glad I saved a premie size diaper. Sniff.

Teeth: Four! Two lower and two upper.

Eating: She nurses about 4-5 times a day. She's been eating solids since 6 months old, and I have  slowly been phasing out the baby purees. She especially loves chicken, cheese, waffles, avocados, and yogurt. In fact, I can't think of too much that she's turned her nose up to, other than the occasional green veggie. Which, who can blame her?

On the move: Rolls from tummy to back, and back to tummy like a champ. Not crawling yet, but she recently lunged forward towards a toy while in the sitting position and she WAS on all fours, for like a second, before she rolled to her back. I believe she is "creeping" now, as in she no longer stays on the blanket, which means I need to get to shampooing the carpets pronto. Because, dog. The pediatrician said some babies just do not crawl and skip right to walking! Regardless, I see progress each week. So, I'm not one bit concerned. I often fail to consider she's a premie, because just looking at her one would think she is not. So really, she would only be coming up on her 8 month birthday if she was born full term. In addition to creeping and rolling, Sydney can easily support herself standing, if she's holding onto something. I am savoring these fleeting days of a practically non-mobile child. Because, yikes!

Sleeping: Takes about an hour morning nap and a 1-2 hour afternoon nap. Goes to bed at 8:00 and sleeps until about 7:30 or so. She has been a wonderful sleeper, and has slept through the night (8+ hours) since she was eight weeks old. Don't hate me! I followed the Baby Wise "eat, wake, sleep" schedule, recommended by several mommy friends. I will never know for sure if it's because I followed the principles of this book, or if it's because she is naturally a good sleeper. BUT, I do know that if there is a next child, I plan to follow the same routine.

Saying- Lots of goo-goo-ga-ga's these days. I hear an occasional "ma" and "da", not that she knows what that means yet. But, it's still mostly squawking and other such banter like "heeeey!" and "ahhh!" when she's really excited.

Personality: Dare I say, introverted? She is happy, chatty and playful when she's at home with mommy and daddy. Nana and poppop are included in this innermost circle. Otherwise, there is crying and gnashing of teeth. They tell me this is a phase. She's had "stranger danger" since like, three months old?! Have I sheltered her too much? Is this the result of being cooped up all winter with her ever doting, neurotic mother (who, me?). OR, is she just shy and reserved around people and places she's not used to? Is it possible she is an introvert like her daddy, preferring smaller groups of those she loves most? The girl cries at the drop of a hat when not in mommy, daddy, nana, or poppop's arms. Heck, even if said intruder is infringing upon her personal space and I'm HOLDING her, the poochie lip may or may not make it's dramatic appearance. Among close family and friends, she has become known for her infamous Queen Elizabeth glare. If looks could kill.

  

And, my poor grandmother...I promise, she loves you! As the old saying goes, it is what it is. Come on Sydney, grow some thick skin already.

On second thought, she can be a mama's girl for as long as her little heart desires.

Completion of nine month hiatus. Check.

Holly xoxo

Lately: at 34 weeks

The windows are open. Cool breeze is flowing through the house along with the sound of birds singing. It's hard to believe it's the end of July! Not just because it feels like the dry mountain air of Montana, but because there's still no baby! I thought for sure I would have a July baby {I know, knock on wood there's still three days left}. In fact, looking back at my time spent in the hospital it was looking like we would be having a June baby!

I am just feeling so thankful today. It's probably the weather. I mean really, I was sitting outside on the deck this morning and I was cold. It felt so lovely though. It has left me longing for the smell of camp fires and the taste of all things apple and cinnamon.

Another reason to be thankful...

 

We've reached a huge milestone: we are into our 34th week of pregnancy! Not much else is new around here. Steve is almost finished making a bookcase for the nursery. And then, the nursery will be complete! Sans baby of course. :) Pictures to come, soon.

Surprisingly, the weeks have gone by fairly quickly. But, by the time Friday rolls around, I am itching to have some human interaction and appreciate having Steve around the house. Most days I start off watching the Today Show while eating my cereal and drinking coffee. Then follows in no particular order...reading, watching TV or a movie, floating in the pool and day dreaming about Sydney's arrival until Steve gets home. I will admit it's very relaxing and I'm trying hard to appreciate this down time without being jealous of the scores of people heading to the beach or mountains for long weekends and doing other normal summer activities. I keep telling myself there will be a time for that again soon enough. But, oh, am I itching bad with the travel bug! It is what it is.

In other news, I've been craving watermelon, cantelope, lemon yogurt, soft serve ice cream, and cereal. Can't get enough of the previously mentioned. I thought that was worth noting.

Sleeping has become a joke. If I can sleep three hours straight at a time I deem the night a success. My poor bladder. She can only handle so much. I consider this a good thing, though. My body is getting ready for baby's arrival! Soon I'll be needing to get up every couple of hours to feed her anyway.

Tomorrow I have my weekly doctor appointment. We shall see where things stand, but I have noticed these darn braxton hicks contractions seem to be getting a tad more uncomfortable and intense lately. Does this mean labor and delivery are right around the corner? That seems to be the question of my summer.

Oh! And I forgot to mention that last Wednesday we had a growth scan ultrasound, and Sydney is continuing to grow steady in the 14th percentile and weighed in at approximately 4 lbs 4 oz! We will have one more growth scan at 36 weeks.

We are just so excited to meet her and hold her! We are still in awe at this miracle growing inside of me.

Holly xoxo

First Goal Met!

We made it to 32 weeks! When I was admitted to the hospital five weeks ago at 27 weeks pregnant, we spoke with a NICU doctor. He was explaining to us what we could expect if we were to have the baby now. He also explained that 32 weeks is the next big milestone to reach if we are going to have a preterm baby. Well folks, we have met that goal! It is such a wonderful feeling of relief. At this point there is no sign of her coming! {knock on wood} The ultrasound this week showed not much change in cervical length. In fact, I no longer need cervical measurements since I made it to 32 weeks. From this point forward it's natural for the cervix to gradually shorten, so there is no need to monitor it anymore.

I have one more ultrasound next week to check Sydneys measurements and approximate weight, just to make sure she is continuing to grow on track. After that it's just weekly non stress tests and routine OB appointments until her arrival!

Our next goal is 34 weeks...less than two weeks away! We can do this! :) The doctor said once we hit 34 weeks her lungs should be mature enough to breath on her own, so if I go into labor 34+ weeks they won't try to stop her from coming! I've heard them say the next "preterm" goal after that is 36 weeks because baby is practically full term. One day at a time! It's already been over five weeks since I was admitted to the hospital. God is so good. He is faithful.

And let me just point out that the Olsen genes seem to be dominating once again {just look at Laurie's kids}. Aren't those Steve's lips or what?

Holly xoxo

All that waiting paid off {my baby shower}

A celebration I had thought several times I would never experience. This is a dream come true. For years I struggled and wondered if I would ever get to attend my very own baby shower. When the time finally arrived, the scare of preterm labor threw a wrench in to things. Thankfully, the show went on! Modified bed rest or not! It was supposed to be a surprise, but due to the fact that we weren't even sure I'd make it to my shower I sort of had to know when it was. I was still unaware of all the details, the location, etc so my mom was able to keep most things a secret. It was so much to take in!

My parents gave us a glider for the nursery, so I was able to use it at the shower to stay relaxed and resting during the festivities. Must follow doctors orders! There was lots of family and friends gathered. Lots of delicious food. Lots of gifts - all things baby. Lots of cute onesies and clothes. Lots of children's books. Lots of love. I am so blessed. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking, but let me tell you, the shower was the most beautiful baby shower I have ever been to. Okay, so maybe I'm being just a tad partial. But, I'll let you be the judge of that as you scroll down. {sorry in advance...I had a hard time narrowing down which pictures to share!}

Pictures courtesy of my Aunt Cindi and sister-in-law, Laurie. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to personally thank my mom, my Aunt Cindi, my sisters Mandy, Erin, and Laurie, and dear friends Michelle and Bekah. Wow, I am so humbled by how much time, energy and thoughtfulness you all contributed into making this shower so special to me. Words cannot accurately describe how much it meant to me, and how much you all mean to Steve, Sydney and I. Your love and kindness did not go unnoticed and I appreciate you all each so much. Love you!

Holly xoxo