Lorelai is 2 Months Old!

Yesterday my darling girl turned 2 months old!  As always I can NOT believe how fast time goes.  I swear I was just in labor yesterday, wasn't I???  She has changed soooo much.  Lorelai's current stats:

Weight: 11 lbs. 12 oz. (80th percentile!  WOW!!!)
Height:  22 in.  (40th percentile)
Milestones:  She rolled over front to back at 1 month and 1 day!!!!  GO LORELAI!!!  She's also smiling and cooing now.



We have quite the little pumpkin on our hands.  The dr. is a little concerned about her rapid weight gain.  We went from below the 25% to the 80th!  That's quite a leap.  She wants me to start adding cereal to her bottles if she is getting close to 32 oz. a day.  I'm not quite ready to do that as adding cereal to a bottle can be a choking hazard so we're keeping a food diary for her now to see what her daily intake is.  I only know approximately what it is so I want good solid data.  Then we'll make a decision from there.  For now I'm keeping the diary and attempting to push her feedings a little further apart.  Right now she eats every  2 1/2 - 3 hours.  I would like her to be more around 4 (which today she has been almost consistently!).  :)  The thing is...sometimes she takes a 4 oz. bottle, sometimes a 5 (rarely), other times a 3 or even just a 2!  She's GREAT at regulating her intake for what she needs.  So, for now we just wait and see how she's doing.  Next appointment is at 4 months, and she handled her shots like a champ.

Around the House

So, Lorelai has trouble keeping her pacifier in her mouth.  To solve (or help) this problem we got her a Paci Plushie.  Here she is using her Paci Plushie to get to sleep.
 Notice the placement of the Paci Plushie once asleep.  I guess it was in her way.  lol
 Ignore the fact that Gabriel is pushing his sister in the swing (which is obviously very sweet) and check out that "outfit."  He took off his other sock and wanted to be pantless.  He looks like a homeless toddler.
 See!  He's already practicing living in a box.
 A friend sent us these darling "dolls" for the kids.  She's so talented!  Be on the lookout soon for a guest blog post on The Cozy Pumpkin from her on a different project she's been working on.

Gabriel is learning how to jump.


And I have a video of Lorelai smiling in her sleep.  Although since taking this video she is now smiling while awake and cooing/gurgling at us too.  She has such a cute voice.  I'll try to catch it for ya sometime soon.

The Pumpkin Patch 2010

This year was a huge success at the Pumpkin Patch.  Gabriel really enjoyed the pumpkins...
Unlike last year...

And he got to set a good example for his sister that pumpkins aren't as scary as they may first appear:

 He has gotten so big!


 Gabriel was too excited to sit still for a picture so here is Brian and Lorelai:
 Mommy and Lorelai:
 We didn't want Lorelai to miss out on the photo op so she is casually leaning against a pumpkin.  Okay...we actually had a countdown and Brian would let go after three, I would snap a picture, and then he would grab her again before she fell over.  Good times!  :)

Happy 30th, Brian & Meeting Kylie...

We had quite a busy week last week.  I am just getting the chance to spend some time posting as both kids are napping.  It's a miracle!  Better work fast...

We all got to meet the Bielamowicz's daughter, Kylie on Saturday.  She is such a cutie pie.  :)  We are so glad that we are their first official "outing" to visit others.  It's nice that we have everything a baby needs and understand that kids can get a tad grumpy now and again.  Although, Kylie was perfectly behaved.  It was our kids who decided that they weren't feeling like their normal cheerful selves.
 On Sunday Brian turned the big 3-0.  Yup, he's 30 now.  And he turned 30 on 10-10-10...which adds up to 30!  How crazy is that?!  Apparently Cherlyn and Brad had been to the Bluebell Ice Cream Factory Tour and brought back these hats for everyone.  So they went on a parade around the house.  Sorry I don't have a better shot of Gabriel, but I had to run across the house while holding Lorelai and get the camera ready one handed.  So, I think this is pretty good quality for doing all of that one handed.

 Gabriel was happy to see his Uncle Brad again.
 Grandma Cherlyn got some time in with Lorelai.  Do you think she realizes she's the only one still wearing the hat?

 Good times with Grandpa Greg...
 Brian's new motorcycle pants...
 Looks like Lorelai found a comfy spot...
 This one is actually from Monday, but oh my goodness how cute is she in that hat?!

A Visit from Grandma Wood

Last week Grandma Wood paid us a visit.  We are so glad she finally was able to meet Lorelai.  Grandma was wonderful with Lorelai, and I know her "Little Peanut" is missing the almost constant Grandma attention.
  

 Grandma was also finally able to get some time with Gabriel.  He hasn't been feeling well so it took a little longer than usual for him to warm up.  But, after a trip to the Sea Center things went much smoother.  Here they are playing with the block table.  

Glad you got to come down, Mom!  Thanks for hanging out with us, and giving me a chance to have some more one-on-one time with Gabriel.  He's in much better spirits now.  We'll see you around Christmas.  Grandpa Wood - You were missed, and we can't wait for you to meet Lorelai too!!!  :)

Just a little update

Just wanted to post a little update before things got away from me.  Tomorrow Lorelai is 1 month old!!!  Can you believe it?!  And tomorrow my mom finally gets to meet her.  YAY!!!!  In this one month we have learned the following about Lorelai:

*She makes the most darling little sounds when she's eating.
*She is having a hard time with formula.  Before we had acid burn like her brother.  Now she has constipation on the Soy.  She can't catch a break.
*She is a sleeper.  She can sleep the day away.  She is only awake 2-3 times a day, but it is for more like an hour each time now rather than just 15 min. like it used to be.
*She LOVES to be held or worn.  She likes that much more than being placed in any swing or bouncer. So glad I have my BabyHawk Mai Tei.  :)  Can't recommend that carrier enough to any mom out there.
*She is beautiful.  People literally stop me to tell me how perfect she is and that she looks like a doll.  :)

Here is what we've learned about Big Brother, Gabriel in the last month:
*He ADORES his little sister.
*He enjoys attempting to burp her and bathe her.
*He is still fascinated with her mouth...and now her eyes, and ears, and feet, and hands...
*He likes teaching her how toys work.
*He is JEALOUS!!!  He wants more mommy time.  Mommy is working on this.
*He NEVER takes jealousy out on his sister.  Only on Mommy.
*He responds much better to the following as a discipline tactic:  "Oh, Gabriel.  You just _______.  That makes Mommy so sad."  (Said in a very sad voice and using a sad face.)

What I've learned about myself:
*I took all of that time with Gabriel for granted.  I shouldn't have.
*I can't do everything.
*I don't mind asking for help anymore.
*I can do a whole day by myself without help.
*Waking up in the middle of the night with the second one is harder than it was with the first. (And she's even a better sleeper.)
*Moms with one kid (without special needs) have it easy.
*19 kids and counting is too many (for me).
*I am more relaxed about things, but I still don't want a stranger to touch my kid(s) because they're cute. Keep your hands to yourself people!
*I have the BEST JOB EVER!!!  :)  You would too if you got to wake up and spend the day with my lovely kiddos.
Finally...some awake time!  :)



She's so pretty.

I tried to get a picture of Gabriel in a pirate hat.  Yeah, he moved too much.

So I took one of Grace in the pirate hat instead.
 Today we had the Miles family visit since they were in our neck of the woods.  It was so great seeing them, and Allie has grown sooooooo much!  She is precious!  Thanks for coming to play, Allie!

Granddad and Uncle Brad Visit

We had a busy weekend at the Lipscomb household.  Although we were cooped up inside due to all of the rain we've been having.  On Saturday night our friend's came over to visit with us.  Gabriel really enjoyed playing with Jackson and having a little time with his girlfriend, Kennedy.
 Today, Sunday, we were visited by Granddad Lipscomb and Uncle Brad.  Everyone got their turns to admire little Lorelai and Gabriel was a hoot.  He really enjoyed the Aggie basketball they brought him.  Thanks!!!  :)
Uncle Brad holds Lorelai.  He did a great job considering this was his first "newborn" to hold.  Check it out...Lorelai is finally in cloth!!!  :)

He even gave feeding a go.

Burping is still a work in progress but we'll get ya there, Uncle Brad.

Gabriel definitely got his fair share of attention and enjoyed horsing around with everyone.


Granddad was a natural with Lorelai.  :)  

On a serious note...

I wanted to share this quote with you about SAHMs.  Before having Gabriel we had quite the "debate" on here about being a SAHM and the positives and negatives to the job.  I think Pope John Paul II says it perfectly:

"It is a disservice not only to children but also to women and society itself when a woman is made to feel guilty for wanting to remain in the home and nurture and care for her children.  It is also necessary to counter the misconception that the role of motherhood is oppressive to women and that a a commitment to her family, particularly to her children, prevents a woman from reaching personal fulfillment and from having an influence in society."





And now to lighten the mood again...here is a hilarious YouTube video.

Lorelai's First Bath and Other Fun Pictures

So, just to update you Lorelai had her 2 week appointment with the pediatrician.  She is now 7 lbs. 1.5 oz. and is 20 in. tall.  The dr. was very pleased.  She looks great.  Unfortunately Lorelai seems to experience the same intolerance issues with regular formula that Gabriel did at this early age.  Luckily we know the signs and have been able to help her out with the burn she got on her bum quickly.  In the meantime we are attempting to find the right formula for her.  Currently we're dealing with constipation issues due to the change in formula so I guess we shall see what happens.  My poor babies.  Why can't they just use the regular stuff?  :(
Mommy loves her big boy.
Apparently Grace is now a horse.
 We finally got out of the house on our first errand.  Everyone did great and I was very pleased at how smoothly it went.  I wore Lorelai in my baby carrier and Gabriel was in the seat of the cart.  I was appalled at how many people still attempted to touch Lorelai even though she was strapped to me in they BabyHawk.  They basically had to put their hands down inside the carrier near my boobs.  Seriously people?  Personal bubble!    

Lorelai has also finally gotten to use the swing a bit.  She tolerates it.  She doesn't seem as happy in "contraptions" as Gabriel was.  I wear her in the BabyHawk a lot on weekdays.


Mom, I'm hungry.  Stop taking my picture and feed me!
Hanging out on the couch before bed.
 And here it is!  Lorelai's first bath!!!  :)
I do not like this, Mommy!  (Don't you love how Gabriel is watching the first bath happenings standing on a dining room chair? Oh, and please pardon my pajamas.  We do what we can, when we can around here these days.)
Oh, this isn't so bad!  (Love that little face!)
Man, being a newborn is tough!
Here is the play kitchen.  Still a work in progress.  Most everything major is done though.  We still need to add the faucet and the knobs for the hot and cold "water."  And yes, the knobs do turn.  :)  I also need to paint a little area with chalkboard paint for the menu board and Brian will put trim around that.  I may add a hook to hang the pot holder on as well.  Now it's up to me to make the baskets for the shelves and the felt food.  (Someday...when I have time, and have finished Lorelai's Christmas stocking.)

I made these salt and pepper shakers with wooden spools and wooden domed disks on top.  I put rice in the hole of the spool so it makes a shaking sound when he uses them, and closed off the bottom with a little flat wooden circle.

This is the fabric I will be using to make the baskets for the shelves.  Isn't it cute?!  I love that it's kitchen related and retro looking.

Picture to Come

Today is a day of remembrance.  A day to celebrate loved ones.  Ones that were lost and ones that survived.  I am so fortunate and grateful to be the daughter of a survivor.  So many wonderful memories have happened in the last 9 years and I never once take for granted that my dad is here to celebrate them with me.

I wanted to post a picture of my dad and his two Lipscomb grandchildren, but unfortunately he hasn't been able to come down to meet Lorelai yet.  But, picture to come for sure!  :)  We can't wait.

Take some time today to call a loved one (maybe you one you haven't talked to in a while) and enjoy their "company."  Also be sure to let them know how much they mean to you.

I love you, Dad!

A great birthday weekend :)

This weekend I turned 29.  A little reminder that Brian and I met our "goal" of having both of our children before we turn 30.  (He turns 30 next month!)  We were very fortunate not only to celebrate as a family of 4, but that Grandma Cherlyn, Grandpa Greg, and my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew were able to celebrate with us as well!  Matt and family were in town for a wedding which worked out perfectly.  So glad we were able to visit with them and that they were able to meet their new niece/cousin.  :)

Also, I am working on keeping Gabriel entertained while tending to Lorelai.  Not always an easy task.  Gabriel's personality is one of needing to have someone participate (or enjoy) in his play with him.  He is not big on playing alone.  It's funny, I was reading about baby astrology (I'm not into astrology, I was just killing time mostly) and it is spot on!  He is a pisces:


About the Pisces Baby
Seeming like a bit of a lost soul, the Pisces baby will get emotional and start crying for no apparent reason. It's part of this timid baby's personality, along with a tendency to carry things inward and not push them out. Expect a whimper rather than a shriek. Along these lines, the Pisces baby will pick up on the family's vibe, sensing arguments and other familial disruptions, and being profoundly affected by them. This fits in with this child's very caring, almost selfless persona, a quality which manifests itself in things like giving away toys. For this reason, Mom and Dad need to see to it that their Pisces tot doesn't get pushed around in the play group. Extra-sensitive by nature, this child also benefits from an added dose of attention, whether it comes from parents or sibs. With a wandering mind (this is the sign of the dreamer, after all!), the Pisces baby will find it easy to get lost in thoughts, almost blocking out the real world. Safe to say that this kid shouldn't be entrusted with many details -- they will simply forget them! That dream state is one which should be monitored at night, as the Pisces baby will be greatly distressed by bad dreams. To sum up, the Pisces baby would rather give than receive, is dreamy by nature, and possesses the fluidity attached to a Water sign. Let this sweet river flow!









Lorelai is a Virgo like her mommy.  :)  She's also my little model.  She sleeps in the cutest positions.  Like she's posing.

1 week old...already!

My how time flies.  It seems to get faster and faster these days.  Little Lorelai is already a week old, and Gabriel is closer and closer to being a year and a half!!!  How does that happen???  Gabriel is still fascinated by Lorelai, but I see a little jealousy starting to kick in now.  Mostly he wants to be held when I'm holding her.  He doesn't try to move her.  He just wants his space too.  :)  I love having a lap full of kiddos.


 Lorelai is also proving to be a champion sleeper thus far.  She goes 3-4 hour stretches at night leaving mommy and daddy feeling fairly well rested.  We plan to enjoy it while we can as who knows what the future holds.  ;)  Look...she's so tiny:
Keeping Gabriel occupied has been a little more challenging and I'm sure will prove to be even more difficult when Brian returns to work.  He gets to watch a fair amount of TV right now...I'm not looking forward to breaking that habit in the future.  I foresee some tantrums!  Today I put down some contact paper sticky side up.  He had a blast with that.
And speaking of time flying, Lorelai is still too little to use the swing, but Gabriel isn't shy about wanting to hop in.  lol  Remember this picture from March 2009?
Yeah...here is our little munchkin now in Sept. 2010:
A good reminder to enjoy every little second!  :)

Lorelai's Nursery

I'm sorry it took me so long to get these up here.  I intended to have them up before Lorelai's arrival and, well, that didn't happen.  I still need to hang up her height chart on one wall, and Gary Sinise will most likely be leaving the room (I will find a place for him somewhere!!!), Brian's cousin is doing another art piece for us (can't wait to see that!), and the blue lamp shade will be changed out for an adorable green one from Pottery Barn once it arrives (it was on backorder until mid-September).

The mirror and family pictures above the changing table are from Gabriel's room.  Lorelai's room was formerly the guest room and I had a bunch of photos I took at the National Zoo in there.  Gabriel claimed those for himself and now they are in his room over his changing table.  The desk also moved from Gabriel's room, and he now has a book shelf in it's place.





More Lorelai (Hair & Sibling Pictures!)

So, now that Lorelai has adapted a little bit to the temperature outside of the womb she has been able to go sans hat for a couple of days.  She has amazingly dark hair.  Reminds me of my Mom.  :)  It's a little longer in the back hence the "long" hair on the ultrasound.  Although today we have our air conditioner set to freezing because they informed us yesterday that they are turning off our neighborhood's power for 4-6 hours...in Texas...in AUGUST!!!!  WHO DOES THAT?!  Apparently it's for scheduled maintenance.  I am NOT happy about that.  So, we are freezing the house so that we can make the AC last longer when it happens.  So far it's 10:13 a.m. and nothing...glad they're waiting for the heat of the day.  Ugh!  (Okay...sorry...back to my sweet girl.)



Continuing on the road of good big brother practices we must say we are ridiculously proud of Gabriel.  He should write the book on how to be a big brother.  Yesterday Lorelai took her first time on the playmat and Gabriel rattled her octopus toy for her.  He did almost step on her, but that was on his way to try to get in my lap...17 month olds aren't exactly very aware of their surroundings.  He likes to have the toy bar on the bouncer so he can show Lorelai how the animals move (or for his entertainment, but we'll pretend it's the former).  And today he sat with her on her playmat and held her hand:


Look, Dad!  She's letting me hold her hand!!!
Isn't this sweet?  Both of my guys admiring our girl.  :)

Welcome, Lorelai Mary Lipscomb!!!

We are so thrilled that little Lorelai decided to make her arrival into the world.  She is a gorgeous baby.  Very sweet and mild mannered.

The laboring journey began on Tuesday morning.  I was feeling very uncomfortable, upset stomach, and some other unpleasantries that I will save you from.  But, Gabriel and I journeyed into Houston for my baby Luncheon with Grandma Cherlyn and some of her good friends.  On the way home in the car I began having contractions that were 6-8 minutes apart, but of course as soon as I called Brian and my dr. to let them know they stopped.  But, I still didn't really feel like myself the rest of the day.  Wednesday started off much the same way as Tuesday plus a headache so I called Grandma Cherlyn to see if she could come help with Gabriel.  She wonderfully came to the rescue and took him out to Chuck E. Cheese and the Library for some playtime so I could relax and get some much needed rest as I hadn't slept well in about a week. (More like I hadn't slept in a week.)

Wednesday afternoon I was feeling better after getting a little sleep so I told Cherlyn she could head home as I didn't think the baby would be coming that night.  (She had brought her overnight bag.)  Well, low and behold that night at 9:30 p.m. I began having contractions 4-7 min. apart.  Brian called his mom to let her know and to give her the option to come now or be called later if necessary.  She decided to come down...thankfully!!!  The contractions continued and got stronger.  We called the on call nurse for my dr. and she told us to head in to the hospital!  :)  YAY!!!  So we packed our bags (no they weren't packed and it really didn't take that long) and we both took showers.  Cherlyn got here and off we went.

When we got to the hospital around midnight I was dilated 2-3 cm.  and my contractions were now 3-4 minutes apart.  Because my dilation wasn't too far along they wanted to watch me before admitting me to see if I made any progress.  Luckily I was steadily dilating and my contractions weren't fading so I was admitted.  I labored without epidural until about 3 a.m. when my contractions became very uncomfortable and I knew I needed to try to get some sleep.  So, once I got the epidural I attempted to sleep without any luck.  I could still feel that I was having contractions (it just wasn't painful anymore) so the nurse and I watched my Gilmore Girls DVDs while Brian got some rest.  :)

This went on until Thursday morning when Dr. Wilson came in to check me.  She started me on a Pitocin drip to help move things along and went to check on some other patients.  When she came back she broke my water and I went from 4-5 cm. dilated immediately to 7 cm.  She went to check on one more patient, came back in about 5 min. and I was at a 10 and ready to push.  :)  I did one push and she moved so far down that Dr. Wilson said to hold it and she got her gown and hat on.  With one more full push and a little half push Lorelai was born on August 26, 2010 at 9:40 a.m.

She didn't cry right away, but once they suctioned her she did.  They cleaned her off on my chest and then let her lay on me while they did her Apgar tests.  As soon as she was laid on me her crying stopped.  She knew she was with her mommy.  Love that!!!  :)  And there you have it...our little family of three is now a complete family of four.  She weighed in at 6 lbs. 11 oz. and is 19.75 in. tall.

Mommy and Daddy are as proud as can be.  Gabriel is also being a fabulously sweet big brother.  We're so proud of both of our kids, but especially Gabriel for behaving SO well.  :)

Here are a few highlight pictures of the last few days, and then if you click the link below it will take you to all of the pictures from the first 3 days of Lorelai's life.  :)  We look forward to sharing many more.  And bare with me as I try to find the time to update the various things on the blog.  It's taken me 2 days to finish this post alone.

Mommy and Lorelai following delivery.
Daddy and Lorelai following delivery.
The latest addition to the Lipscomb family.
Yeah, I'm not sure why there is a pamphlet in this picture, but ignore that.  She is stunning!

Big Brother, Gabriel, finally notices his little sister and attempts to show her the pink balloon.
Ever the little guy who likes to chill out and watch some TV when he can Gabriel figured out how to turn on the TV, grabbed mommy's giant water jug and relaxed while watching "The Sopranos."  (It was the channel that came on.)  He also pushed the nurses call button.

All cleaned up...isn't she amazingly beautiful?

Gabriel is great with his little sister.  Here he is letting her suck on his finger.   This was after he stopped throwing the toy cars, from the present his little sister got him, around the room.  (He's just learning how FUN it is to throw things even though he's been able to throw for a long time now.)

Lorelai all snuggled into her car seat ready to come home.  :)   Thanks, Kel, for the owl hat.  It is PERFECT!!!!

Lorelai Mary

I would be honored...

I get asked a lot these days about when my due date is, and often times strangers tell me they hope (or will pray) that my baby is not born on September 11th.

Personally I find this to be a ridiculous thing to say.  I just reply that I would be honored if my daughter was born that day.  As you all know that date holds a very special place in my heart.  I know complete strangers are not aware of this, but what a great symbol of moving forward, not forgetting the past, but continuing to show that such awful events will not stop us from being...us.

As difficult (and for my family, "wonderful" in the end) as that day was I feel that any baby born on that day is a symbol of hope.  Hope for our future and what we can be as Americans.  What an amazing day to be born!  Truly an honor.
___________________________________________________
I'm curious...how would you feel if your baby was to be born on a date with such historic (negative) significance?  My dad, ironically, was born on an anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  Now I've never asked him how he felt about that, but how would you as the parent feel if this were to be the case for your child?  Does it matter how recent the event occurred?  Does it even matter at all to you (in a positive or negative way)?  I'd love to know how you would feel if you were in my shoes, and strangers were coming up to you saying that they hope your baby isn't born on ______________.