Mommy Cried

Yesterday Madeline got her first bottle of breast milk. We had been advised and had decided to start giving her a couple of bottles a week so that she would take both the bottle and the breast. After I finally figured out how to work that darn breast pump we were ready to try the bottle. Erik tried to give it to her first. But I think she was a bit confused that Daddy was holding her when she was obviously hungry and so she didn't really understand the bottle. So then I tried and after a little fumbling she took right to that bottle. I handed Madeline back to Erik and again she took right to the bottle. Yay! Success!

And then I started crying. Seriously, just bawling. I couldn't help it. I was watching Erik and Madeline and it jut hurt that I wasn't the one feeding her. I know that its great that she will be able to take both. I do know that in my head. I will be able to leave her with Erik or a babysitter, I can get a night out, etc. But it still hurt. She's growing up so fast already...

Madeline's first bottle

Happy Daddy!

Green Poop

I have always heard from new parents that you become so fascinated with your new baby's bodily functions, particularly with their poop. I am here to say that it is so true! Erik and I have gotten so many laughs out of our little Madeline's gassy smiles, loud burps, and powerful poops. I think the triumph (yes triumph) we feel in all these things stems from the fact that all these little things let us know that our baby is functioning the way she should.

So imagine my surprise when I go to change Madeline's diaper and find green poop. Yep, green. Very dark and very green. Of course I freak out a little, call our pediatrician for the second time in two weeks, look all through my new bible (The Baby Book by Dr. Sears), and do a google search for "newborns and green poop". While I worried about allergies, food sensitivities, and a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance Madeline went on a breastfeeding marathon and 48 hours later the green poop problem seems to have corrected itself. I suppose that babies sometimes have green poop :) And yes, I am the proud parent of a baby girl who now has regular yellow mustard seedy poops!

On a different note, when Madeline was 10 days old we had some professional photos of her taken. Here are a few that I just love. Isn't she beautiful!!

Two Weeks

Madeline is two weeks old today! And we've survived! Madeline and I have spent the last two weeks getting to know one another and Erik and I have been learning our new parenting roles. We are learning all her little cries and noises, how she doesn't like diaper changes but she does like baths, she doesn't like her arms to be swaddled, and sometimes she just wants her mommy :) Madeline has changed so much in these two weeks and I can't help but take pictures of her everyday to capture all these changes. It amazes me that she already has a little personality. Erik keeps asking when she will start interacting and smiling, but I am enjoying the newborn stage and I'm happy to have her stay here for now.

On Thursday Madeline had her first photo shoot. You can see a sneak peak on my fabulous photographer's blog.

Mommy's Girl

My Sweet Angel

So we're almost through our first week with Madeline. She is more precious every day and we are so in love with her. Madeline has such a sweet disposition (so far anyway) and she rarely cries. The only exception is diaper changes and when she's hungry. She makes the cutest faces and funny squeaky noises when she's sleeping.

My new family

Sweet in Pink

Already Posing

Sweet Baby

Sleeping on Mom

Welcome to the World

Erik and I are so happy to announce that our little girl has finally arrived. Madeline Kate was born at home on October 5th, 2008 at 8:09pm. She weighs 8 pounds and is 21 inches long. She is absolutely gorgeous with blue eyes, quite a bit of brown hair, beautiful little lips, and the cutest chubby cheeks. Mom and Dad are totally in love with her. There is much more to come but for now, here are a couple of pics...

Madeline Kate

Just born

Mom and Madeline

Proud (and tired) Papa

Hanging out on the couch