1 week old

The Princess is a week old now. It's hard to believe! We've started to get a little routine going at home. I know I'm going to jinx us, but we've been very lucky in that she's sleeping 6 hours a night! hard to believe! The price we pay is that she's fussy and inconsolable for an hour before bedtime. Small price to pay!

We looked at a growth chart, and her birth weight is in the 10th percentile. While her length is in the 60th percentile! She looks very lean. Now she's starting to show some more fat on her little arms and legs.

We went to the pediatrician last Friday, and she was down to six pounds even. She should be back to her birth weight next week. But, the doctor gave her a good report card. I went to the doctor today, and got a good report card, too! I finally have NO SWELLING!! I have ankle bones and veins and tendons! I've lost quite a bit of weight since having Shelby - most of which is from the fluid retention.

Meet Shelby Lawrence!

Shelby Elizabeth was born on Tuesday 10/21 at 6:02pm. She weighed 6 lbs 6 oz, and was 20 inches long. She's a beautiful baby (if I do say so myself!) with chubby little cheeks! Her delivery went pretty smoothly. and, we were released from the hospital on Thursday.

All three of us are getting used to our new life at home. We haven't gotten a lot of sleep since we came home from the hospital, but we're learning! Things we have learned:

1. Shelby loves to be held!

2. Scott's pinkie makes a fine pacifier

3. Shelby is a spitter

4. Bonnie's shirt/pants/hand/hair will absorb spit-up just fine

Baby on the Way!

We went to the doctor today, and she has decided that this baby is ready to be born! The proverbial "Bun in the Oven" is done!

By the time we saw the doctor, it was too late in the day to induce...apparently, doctors don't prefer to work late in the night if they don't have to. But, we have an appointment for 6am tomorrow morning to get this show on the road. We were told to still expect 12 - 18 hours of labor before The Princess makes her appearance.

Dad is very excited to take real pictures of his daughter. Mom is excited to be able to see her feet again. We will have statistics & pictures of our newest family member available very soon!

Waiting Game

We are now at "full term!" I'm still on bed rest. So, the sooner she comes, the better! I'm analyzing every Braxton-Hicks contraction and twinge to see if it's anything different. Everyone I've talked to says, "You will know when it's real labor." I'm just fearful that I'm going to be the one who doesn't realize it, and I end up being a story in the next childbirth class!

gute Nacht!

Out for the Count

Well, it seems as though my desk job is not healthy for me. the doctor has decided to take me out of work and put me on Bed Rest for the rest of the pregnancy. Some might say this is a good thing. I'm 3 days into it, and GOING OUT OF MY FREAKIN' MIND!!

I'm working 1/2-days from home, knitting, and learning German! I found a German language podcast that teaches a new phrase everyday. I can now tell people my name, ask how people are feeling, and say "good morning," "good evening," and "good night." Anything to keep me entertained!!

Auf Wiedersehen und gute Nacht!

Packing the Bags

The last couple days we've been working on our hospital bags. Bonnie will get a bag of 'goodies' from the hospital - mostly things you don't see or hear mentioned in the movies. My bag however, is what I might take for a weekend camping trip. With my camera bag, it'll be like packing to make a documentary of a camping trip. Here are the highlights:

• A change of cloths
• Comfortable t-shirt and shorts
• Bathing suit
• Snacks
• Toiletries
• iPhone charger
• Headphones
• Tennis balls - for massages
• Magazines

The camera gear will require a separate post.

Baby Names

Many thanks to Uncle Mike for reopening Baby Name-gate.

Baby Lawrence's name (were she born to Sarah Palin) would be:
Creation Schwarzkopf Palin. Simply frightening.

Scott's name: Falter Locust
Bonnie's name: Crop Schooner

Knocked Up & Laid Up

We went to the doctor for our weekly visit on Tuesday. I was experiencing a moderate case of what we affectionately call "Sausage Feet." My doctor, however, thought the swelling & blood pressure increase to be more worrisome. So, she has put me on the dreaded "Bed Rest" for the rest of week & through the weekend. She will evaluate the situation again on Monday.

In the meantime, I am semi-working-from home, knitting, and trying desperately to keep myself sane/entertained.