Growing up fast!

The title of this entry definitely applies to both children! Yesterday, Zoe turned 2 weeks old...and according to the differential weight from our scale, she's about 9 pounds (plus or minus half a pound, although I'm inclined to believe it's right on this time). She is awake more and more, and again it's so amazing to have the blessing of watching a baby grow up! Her little face is so expressive already, and learning her personality is part of the fun!

And, thinking of so many moments recently, I realize how quickly Ian is growing up too! For example, when we were watching Wall-E with Aunt Kathy, and we commented on a few parts, Ian turned to shoosh first me - then daddy! SHHHH!! Hilarious!

It's been a busy two weeks...with visits from grandparents and a wonderful Aunt Kathy who cooked for 8 hours and filled our freezer (and some space in a friend's!) with home cooked meals! I think it's just about the best present ever! Not only did she cook up a storm, but also taught me some new tricks. [Anyone like Thai soup? Throw a can of coconut milk with a box of chicken broth, add juice of 3 limes, and whatever vegetables you have lying around...voila!] It was hard seeing Matt go back to work this week - the family time flies by all too quickly! But, we are so thankful that we had him here with us, and loved every minute of it!

I'd love to write that we are getting settled into a routine, but we're about to break from routine again and head up to North Carolina for a few days. Pray for good weather and a fast trip! It's just me and the kids - I think I'm crazy, but I'm really looking forward to visiting with friends and family again! As a matter of fact, I need to finish my tasks around the house so I can get on the road very soon! Looking forward to the tales from our newest adventure! :)

Zoe's 1 Week Check-Up!

Last Thursday, Zoe had her first check-up, and the doctor wanted to keep an eye on Zoe's weight gain. She lost a few more ounces since being discharged, and was having hardly any wet diapers. I was sure that once we settled into the feeding routine, and the supply was established, everything would be fine...but, a weight check wouldn't hurt anything! So we were supposed to come back Friday to check in, but had to reschedule for today...

I'm very pleased to report that Zoe is doing extremely well! Doctors look for babies to gain 1/2 to 1 ounce per day (which means Zoe should have gained around 4 ounces since the last visit). Little Miss Piglet gained 12 ounces! She now weighs 8 pounds 3 ounces!

Another interesting measurement...Zoe's birth length was recorded at 19 inches, but at the pediatrician 2 days later was 19 and 3/4 inches. Of course, babies don't grow THAT fast - the doctor explained right after birth they are so curled up, it's very difficult to get an accurate length. (Ian must have cooperated, at his first check-up we got the same measurement, lol). At any rate, this means Zoe and Ian were even closer in measurements than we first thought! I'm curious to see if little sister will be bigger than her brother! My sister towers over me after all!

Another thank you to everyone for their love, support, and prayers...the transition is going so well, I know it's a true blessing from God! Ian loves his little sister, and I will write more later (and hopefully post some video) of their cuteness! It's so amazing to see BOTH of our children together and happy! :)

Home as a family!

First off, I have to say thank you to Marcus, Anna, and Anna's mom for taking care of Ian while we were at the hospital. Not only were we completely comfortable with leaving him (and able to direct all our focus onto the beautiful arrival of Zoe), but they greeted us with excited SMILES and wonderful love at FOUR AM! :) What a true blessing you are in our lives...thank you again! :)

Speaking of blessings...it is so amazing to be home again, and all FOUR of us able to settle into our routine as a family!

Matt continues to be a wonderful supportive father, tending to Ian, reminding me to drink (and sit down!), and overall shining his love on all of us.

Ian loves his little sister! (She can't take his toys yet, after all!). He is especially thrilled to have company in the lonesome back seat, and squeals with delight when she is locked and loaded. He shows her toys, but promptly pulls them back to himself and says, "No mine!" It's ok, we have time to work on this one! Overall, he seems very happy and is a great big brother!

Little Zoe had her first appointment this morning. She lost a few more ounces, which is normal, and otherwise is doing great! We are going back tomorrow for another weight check, because she isn't having as many wet diapers as we would like...but there isn't too much concern, just keeping tabs on everything! I truly believe she knows she is home...she is eating and sleeping very well! Praise God for a good night's sleep! Hopefully we'll continue the trend! :)

I am feeling wonderful...very hard to believe that I just had a baby! God has really blessed me with an amazing recovery period. It is such a great feeling to be able to eat a big meal again, sleep on my back, and bend over! (Did I mention eating a lot was great too?).

My camera is getting geared up for some serious abuse, so within the next day or so keep checking Picasa (link on left) for new pictures. Hopefully, I'll be able to capture some of the adorably cute big brother/little sister moments too!

Thanks to everyone for their wonderful love, support, prayers, and congratulations! It is overflowing happiness to have you as family to share the excitement! Most of all, our true prayers of thanksgiving to a glorious God that is shining down some of His love through you and a precious baby girl named Zoe. :)