No sleep + physical exhaustion= sick. Ugh.

I am on my 8th day of a head/chest cold and feel awful! Add to that caring for a now 3-week-old that is a bit congested too = bad mommy. I feel so guilty that all I want is for her to immediately go back to sleep after being changed and nursing. Hopefully, this fog will lift to allow me to blog a bit more with pictures of my cute, growing lady.

A Love Letter to my Daughter

Dear baby girl Katelyn,

You are 9 days old already! Daddy and I still can't believe how lucky we are to have a healthy, beautiful girl like you! We think you have my nose, lips, and cheeks and daddy's chin and hair. We were certain that you would be born with full-on strawberry blonde hair like mommy was, but it's more blonde like your daddy's was when he was born. Although, in some pictures, I see a strawberry tint to it...we'll have to see what happens! For now, you have blue eyes, but the pediatrician thinks you will have hazel eyes like daddy's. Oh, so many things to look forward to seeing!

Just like in the womb, you have your days and nights mixed up. I guess you get this from your night-owl mommy. You can sleep all day long and only eat 3-4 times, but when 9 pm comes, you are fussy, you want to eat every hour, and you go through diapers like nobody's business. (You definitely have your daddy's GI tract...ha!)

You only like to be swaddled from the waist down because you are very active with your hands, and you breastfeed like a champ. I love it when you're finished, because you'll latch off, half asleep, and give the biggest smile. Every time! Now, I know this is 99.9% just a "gas smile", but it's cute, nonetheless! I can't wait for the day when you smile on purpose. :)

You are coming to terms with the fact that I will not give up on you sleeping in the bassinet...the first 3 nights at home, you refused to sleep anywhere but on top of my chest, cradled in my arms, or in the bed next to me with my arms around you. Mommy never wanted to do the cosleeping thing, but to get some sleep, I've allowed it a few times . (look at you, already getting your way) Now, you've slept in the bassinet for 2-3 hours at a time, as long as we've preheated it with the electric heating pad and kept the space heater running nearby to keep you cozy.

I do admit, I've become frustrated, teary-eyed, and helpless at times...but I remember that the same things are happening to you. But if I take a moment to gaze down at your pretty little face in the midst of your crying fits, the tears I have are those of joy, because I've never been happier in my life. Yes, the day I married your daddy was incredible, but I didn't quite fall in love with him at first sight like I did with you. (Don't tell him I said that!)nYou are my pretty baby girl, my first born, my angel. I love you more than I thought I could ever love anything in this world.

Love,
Mommy

She is here!

Katelyn Grace was born on Monday, 12/7/09 at 10:58 am, 8 lbs 2 ounces, 20.5 inches, at 40 weeks 2 days. We are in love! I will update more with pictures soon!

40 weeks today and no baby, as predicted

How far along? 40 weeks and counting...

Total weight gain: 28 lbs (I was hoping to keep it under 30, but I dunno)

How big is baby?: who knows by now?

Stretch marks? Oh, boy, yes! Zebra stripes, thank you very much.

Sleep: Better since being on maternity leave. I've slept in until 9 almost daily. (I have to admit, even the crappy sleep I've gotten while pg will be missed once Katelyn is here)

Best moment this week: Today. I got to hang out with my loving, handsome hubby and loyal furbaby...we went out and got a fresh-cut Christmas tree, I had a yummy peppermint mocha, came home and decorated said tree, and then watched "Four Christmases" in peace and quiet. See? I'm trying to enjoy my baby-less time!

Food cravings: since Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie!

Gender: Girl

Labor Signs: now 3 cm dilated, 85% effaced. Frequent Braxton Hicks.

Belly Button in or out? innie still

What I miss: Driving in my car without difficulty breathing. Getting up from the couch in less than 60 seconds.

What I am looking forward to: seeing Katelyn's pretty little face and finding out what color hair she has!

Milestones: Made it to 40 weeks...hopefully, I don't make it to 41!

Nothing yet

I'm 2 days away from my due date, and no signs of baby yet.

LeSigh.

I know that one can walk around 3cm dilated for weeks, but geez! I've been "favorable" for a spontaneous delivery for 2 weeks. At least I didn't take my OB's words (completely) to heart when she expected me to go at 38 weeks.....And the calls/texts are starting to come...baby yet? how's your progress? why isn't she here yet?

I don't know!!!

And Jenny---I know Patrick was born at 39 + 2, so you have no say in this. :) (Yes, I am a blog stalker...)

Love ya!!