Happy Birthday Micah!

To my love,

Today you turned 25 years old. I'm so grateful I get to share this part of your life with you. You've already done so much to make our life great. You married me and made my life a million times better, you have a beautiful baby girl who looks just like you, you're a wonderful father, friend, and husband, you make those around you want to be better, you work hard at everything you do, you are in your last three classes at BYU, and you make me happier than anyone or anything else could. I'm so proud of you and am happy that even though I wasn't around for all of these first 25 years, I'll get to be around for the next 25. I can't imagine my life without you. Continue to be the wonderful person that you are. Your daughter and I love you so much and wish you the happiest day ever!

Love,
Louisa

New Post

I gained 35 lbs. during my pregnancy and I still obviously have some more to lose, (which by the way, I love seeing the scale go down pretty much every day) but all I can think about is going shopping. I really want to shop for shoes, but I could do that while I was pregnant, so that urge isn't as great. I also just got some really cute sandals, so that helps. What I really want though is new clothes. Just a few... especially a new dress! I can't bring myself to do that as I think I should wait until I'm at least back at my pre-pregnancy weight, but I at least hope to get one for her blessing day. We'll see. I have goals for July, but they're not too high as I don't want to set unrealistic expectations. The other thing is that I hope to lose more than just my pregnancy weight by the end of this year so I think I shouldn't spend too much money now, but then again I don't think that my structure will be that much different when I get to my goal. Well, this really is just a random post, it's just something I've been thinking about. It doesn't help that sometimes when I get bored I look online at clothes, shoes, and jewelry... *sigh*, maybe I should stop doing that. I just need to be patient and also wait until we can really afford it. :)

My beautiful baby

First of all I just want to THANK all of you for all your advice, suggestions, etc. It has been really helpful as I often feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. I know I haven't even had her for three weeks, but in some ways it's like she's always been here. Anyway, there are a few things that I want to mention about our baby girl. She has gotten SO much better with her sleep, although, there are still rough nights and I'm sure plenty more to come. We have a routine at night that I believe helps her to calm down enough to sleep and sleep well. She has brought more stress and more joy into our lives than I could have possibly imagined. It's definitely been hard, but every moment is worth it to have this little girl who loves to cuddle, who smiles in her sleep, who holds your finger tightly when she's eating, and who tries really, really hard to hold up her head. I think she is really pretty strong already though. She can hold up her head for quite a while and just stare, but she's definitely not ready to do it all independently.

Although I love these times and I don't wish for time to go fast, I often wonder what her laugh will sound like, how she'll look when she smiles and is controlling that smile, will her hair be curly? It's been so much fun and I look forward to the rest of the time that we have with our baby. I love her with all my heart, and I'm grateful that she joined Micah and me and made our lives even better. Just remember Lila, your mom and dad love you!

Question

Did any of you have babies that were below their birth weight at 2 weeks? If you did, is your baby measuring okay now? My doctor really didn't seem too concerned but she was 7 oz. below her birth weight at two weeks and so I'm concerned even though I tried not to be. I have such a hard time not worrying about things, but I really need to just calm down and trust that Lila is doing okay. Still, I'd like to hear from some of you.

Statistics

Lila's two week appointment was today. She is doing well and everything looked good, but her weight was a little on the low side. My doctor didn't seem too concerned though so I take it she's okay. I think she is just a little baby. Her weight is 6 lbs. 11 oz. which is in the 10th percentile, her length is 20 inches which is the 43rd percentile, and her head size is 13.5 inches which is the 16th percentile. I'm glad she's doing so well!

Lila

WARNING! It's a long post!

So Lila is now 11 days old. She's doing great and getting closer to her birth weight. When we left the hospital she had dropped down from 7lbs. 2oz. to 6lbs. 7oz. At an appointment we had with the pediatricitan she was about to 6lbs. 10.5oz. and her two week appointmet is on Friday so hopefully she'll be back up. Sometimes I worry that she's not eating enough. That's the only thing I don't like about breastfeeding... I can't tell if she is satisfied or not or if I need to worry about her eating. I am a worrier as a new mother. :) Things have gone well overall. We did have a little drama at the beginning because she just wouldn't breastfeed for about a day and a half. I have no idea why other than she may have had nipple confusion because I was stupid and gave her a pacifier. The next day, however, she breastfed perfectly and we've been good since. I have been worried about giving her any bottle or pacifier since, but I've had to let her bottle feed a little as I had 2 all day work meetings and needed sleep for them. I could have used a syringe, but I wasn't prepared.

The only other thing that has been difficult is her sleeping patterns. She does an awesome job during the day. Sleeps well then wakes up to eat, stays awake for a little bit, then eventually falls back asleep. Then night comes and it's a whole other story... It can take her hours to fall asleep the first time. She's fine the rest of the time she wakes up through the night. The first few nights of her being home she was taking two hours to fall asleep. Last night was the worst though. I was up with her from 9:30-2:30 trying to get her to sleep. I would put her down and then a few minutes later she would cry and act hungry again. It's like I can't satisfy her hunger. It's crazy! I'm not surprised though as the night time was her active time when she was still in me. I know I have a lot of learning to do and it's still early, but it has been rough. I feel so bad for Micah as he has school and can't get sleep at night. Lila is in our room right now as her room is being used by my in-laws. Anyway, during those times I think, good thing she's so darn cute and I love her so much or else I wouldn't work so hard to make sure she sleeps well. Any suggestions are gladly welcome.

I have loved being a mother so far. It's amazing how much you can love a person. It has increased my love for Micah, my family, and my friends. I have become a lot more grateful in many ways and helped me to realize the sacrifices of others. I'm so blessed to have such a beautiful, healthy daughter and a wonderful, loving husband to help me along the way.

At last, she's here!!!

Our dear, sweet, little baby Lila is finally here! I can't believe it!!! She came Sunday night at 9:32 p.m. Long story, but I ended up having an emergency c-section. Everything is going really well and we're both recovering rather quickly . Lila is healthy as can be and is soooo beautiful. She weighs 7lbs. 2oz. and is 19 1/2 inches long. We've just been having a great time together here at AF hospital, where we've been waited on hand and foot. I'm starting to get used to it... the reality check is going to be crazy. Anyway, I'm loving being a mother and look forward to the good times and the hard times with this beautiful girl. Here are a few pictures. I forgot my camera card so these are pics from some of my sisters. Also, my nephew is not sick he just has asthma and didn't want to cough on Lila so that is why he is wearing a mask.

P.S. Don't you love the hair!!!
P.P.S. I made this post a few days ago, but for some reason it just wouldn't post. I'm still putting it up but I will be adding other posts right after.