6 months!!

Time for the 6 month (!!!) check in. It truly is unbelievable how quickly time goes and how much the munchkin grows every day. At 6 months, she was at 16 lbs 11 oz and 26.75 inches. A true runt ;)

Over the past month or so, she's discovered her toes. After several weeks of futile attempts, I was finally able to document her partaking of her phalanges:

Tasty, tasty toes.

She's becoming more and more vocal, ranging from high pitched shrieks (always a joy) to low groaning as she falls asleep. Her zerberting skills have skyrocketed, particularly because she practices every day. And though she doesn't seem quite as interested in crawling, she wants to stand constantly (assisted, of course) and can almost sit on her own. I use my pregnancy pillow around the house so she can sit with a little help (and so I can put her down somewhere safe):

She's getting more hair, enough to style anyway - here's her tribute to punk rock with the fauxhawk:

Finally, she saw her first parade over Memorial Day, complete with Civil War reenactors who fired their guns right in front of us - scaring the bejeezus out of babe and parents alike! Other than that, she really seemed to enjoy herself watching all the people and new things:

And, yes, her hair is definitely red. Don't know where that came from but it is clear that it is more red than anything else at this point.

She remains a constant joy and happiness in our lives.  Coming soon, first swim lessons!!

A busy couple of weeks

Last week, I got to celebrate my first mother's day! Though Stephen was out of town and we didn't get to hang out with him, A and I definitely got the most out of the weekend. After a chill Friday night just enjoying the outdoors with the pooches, we hit the hay to prepare for Annika's first 5K! Saturday morning, we headed out to Shoreham to walk (I'm not quite ready to run a 5K yet) the Apple Blossom Derby 5K. It was such an incredible course. Though the day was a little overcast, it was a perfect day for the race. We wound through apple orchards and beautiful farms to end up on the small green in Shoreham. Annika slept the whole race (she was in her Chariot - the Land Rover of jogging strollers) and woke up almost immediately after we crossed the finish line. We schmoozed with the other racers and enjoyed the great post-race food. Annika especially enjoyed watching all of the kids as they danced to the music and played on the nearby playground. Then, as we were chatting with some other moms and their babies, I heard my name over the loud-speaker - we had won our age group for the 5K walk! Here's Annika proudly holding our medal:

After the race, we got ready for our next social event. We went to a bbq to say goodbye to our friends, Jess and Orion, before they headed to China for the summer. A had the chance to hang out with her friends (and so did I!).

Mother's day was calm - we went for a very long walk with the pooches and then just strolled around town. It was a beautiful day and we spent as much time outside as possible.

The following weekend was equally as busy. Friday was the 6-month appointment. A continues to grow - 16 lbs 11 oz and 26.75 inches. There's no question that this is one healthy baby :)

Saturday was Farmer's Market day - particularly because there was going to be a petting zoo! Annika said hello to George, the 6-week-old pig:

She was very curious though quickly realized that this was not one of her puppies! George definitely took an interest in her as well.











After a busy day at the market, Annika and I both needed a nap. We zonked out and Stephen decided to document the event :) All in all, life is good. We have the sweetest baby in the world, Stephen's defending his dissertation next week (can I get a what what!) and warmer weather is here! What more do you need for pure bliss (besides a little chocolate).

5 months - where is the time going?

In an effort to keep new pictures coming, I thought it was probably time for me to update. I know I have a few excuses for being remiss - mommydom, teaching a class at St. Michael's College, sleep - but I'm not going to use them (well, I guess I just did :)). Anyhow, we finally found an alternative to the exersaucer that we like - and Annika loves it:

She looks so small in this thing!

And clearly loves it!

The moment we put her in it she cracked a huge smile.

We're constantly amazed at the ways in which she changes day to day. She's started rolling on her own and belly laughing. She reaches out to be picked up and is clearly ready for solids as she reaches for everything we eat and drink and watches as we dine. That's coming up in a couple weeks - we'll keep you posted!

As the warm weather makes it way in, we spend more and more time outside, in the carrier or the stroller walking around Middlebury. Though we're not the best with taking pictures, we're working on being better and more camera-crazy parents.

4 months!

Annika's now 4 months old - and keeping up her rep as a heavy weight. Her last weigh in was 15 lbs 13 oz with a length of 26 inches. Our pediatrician (the amazing Dr. Kate!) is convinced that she's going to be outgrow both of us. I can't say I disagree. There are clothes in the drawer that she's either worn once or not at all because by the time we got to them she was already too long! Goodness!

Anyhow, the past couple months have been busy. A. had her first plane trip to Cincy at the beginning of March to meet PawPaw, Grandma Lisa, Aunt Tara, Uncle Matt and her cousins, Kirsta, Kincaid and Kaydance (and I can't forget Linda and Addy as well as Edna and Phil and a quick glimpse of Uncle Mike). She was a rock star!! She slept for the 2-hour trip from Burlington to Chicago and then was smiley and played with me for the nearly hour trip from Chicago to Cincy (and had a comparably easy trip on the way back). During the layovers, she chilled in the Beco and dozed off a couple times (though was much more interested in the hustle and bustle of the Chicago and Dulles airports).

Great times all around in Cincy:

Other new things this month: advances in belly time (including getting up on her knees - NOOOO!!!), stroller time (see pic below) and getting to know and appreciate toys (also, see below). We continue to have great fun with her and she remains the amazingly happy and loving baby that she has been from the start. I never thought I would be happy to wake up at 5 nearly every morning but how can I help it when I see her smiling face!? :)

Annika's first sitter

So, I've been teaching in Burlington Tuesdays and Thursdays. For a week and a half, Stephen and Annika came to the office with me, waiting for me while I taught. That was not going to work for anyone for the entire semester so we had to look for a babysitter to stay in the house with Annika while Stephen worked in the other room - more a "father's helper" than a babysitter. We interviewed a few Middlebury students and found one with whom we both felt comfortable. Today was the first day with her.

I, of course, was the nervous mom (though I'm sure much less because I knew Stephen would be in the other room). In the end, there was no reason to be nervous. Though A. had mini-meltdowns a couple times, she was sleeping soundly on CJ's (our father's helper) shoulder when I came home. We clearly chose the right girl :)

It had to happen sometime . . .

Every morning after Annika wakes up, she smiles. She's definitely a morning person. However, she also takes that time to work on some gas that, I'm assuming, she has collected overnight. This morning it also sounded like she was working on some poo so I gave her a little extra time to get it all out before I changed her diaper. When I opened it up, much to my surprise there was nothing there! I took off her diaper and started to clean her cute little tushie when she started grunting again and, before I knew it, projectile poo hit me in the arm. My daughter just pooed on me from 6 inches away (and then smiled about it)!!

At least she has good aim - it only got on me, nothing else!

Looking over the last couple weeks

So, my posts have been pretty picture light and, really, I know you're coming here to get a glimpse at the turklet. Well, here you go:

A little cold Vermont weather doesn't deter us! A has her own snowsuit and falls asleep almost before we get outside:

After a hard day sleeping and eating,

it's nice to have in-house entertainment:

Finally, when anything needs to get done, turklet becomes a kangaroo :)

Holy cow! 2 months already?!?!

The turklet is already 2 months old!!! We had the 2-month appointment with the wonderful Dr. Kate and A had her first round of immunizations :( Why can't they make an infant sized needle rather than use one that is half the size of her leg!? It was all I could do to keep from crying when she screamed a scream of pain - one that I'd never heard because, well, I don't make it a practice to hurt my daughter. After several minutes of the most pitiful crying you've ever heard - and as much comforting and assuring her that I had nothing to do with this - she finally calmed down and fell promptly to sleep.

And this kid isn't fooling around. At 8 weeks, she's weighing in at 13 lbs. 7 oz. and measuring 24 inches!!! It's the incredible growing baby!!! (pictures to follow)

I love being a mom

Stephen said the other day that there is no love like the love you feel for your child. I always believed that abstractly but having Annika here has made me realize it intensely. I'm still on modified bedrest (that is, I can have a life but can't really do anything too physical) so I spend a lot of time holding the babe. A few people have said, "That must be hard/boring/tiring - always having to be with/hold the baby." Not really. I'm constantly fascinated by how no matter how tired or frustrated I get, I smile as soon as I look at my lovely daughter. I really do love being a mom.

Christmas and update

I can't believe Annika's 1 month old already! She's growing so quickly (9 lbs. 9 oz and 22 inches at her 2-week visit!) and becoming more and more beautiful by the day. We feel so lucky - she's such an easy-going baby, smiley and only cries when she's REALLY upset. Otherwise she's sleeping, eating or staring intently with her beautiful grey (for now) eyes. I mean look at this face!

We had our first trip down to Marlboro for Christmas. Imagine the back seat of our little Jetta with Annika in her car seat in the middle and a dog on either side. Everyone seemed happy enough - Annika even slept for the entire 2.5 hour trip.

Christmas with the Whitemans was low-key - we ate great food, relaxed, read and participated in a Turklet lovefest! We couldn't resist pictures with Annika in the Xmas outfit Yaya got for her - here are a few:

Yes, we're definitely turning into photo happy parents. We can't help it - she's just do damn cute! Look at what I mean:

 Thanks to Michael, Margery and Eliza for the fun times. It was great for Annika to meet her Aunt Zaza and to have more time with grandparents. Our next big trip - Cincinnati in the spring! Annika's first plane trip!

Turklet (aka Annika Maeve) has arrived

After a long wait, our beautiful daughter has arrived. Born December 1 at 1:49 am, Annika is perfect. She let us know of her arrival with the most beautiful sound in the world, a loud, bright cry! Weighing in at 8 lb 11.3 oz and measuring 21.5 inches, she's no lightweight but you'd be surprised at how skinny she is! Check her out:

We are happier than we can describe and look at her in wonder everyday.

Due to some complications with the birth, I'm on bed rest for another week. This means that Stephen has had to do EVERYTHING! I can't believe how lucky I am that I have someone who takes care of me completely. He has stepped up in a way that I don't think many people could - in addition to his own work, he's cooking, cleaning, and generally taking care of his family and household and still takes the time to come and hang out with us in bed. Annika absolutely adores her daddy - and he adores her. She stares at him and responds immediately to his voice and (for those of you who have had the pleasure of hearing them) his nonsense songs (Stephen loves to takes familiar tunes and assign his own words - and by his own words I mean words you won't find anywhere but in his head).

This is without a doubt one of the most wondrous times in our lives and we're relishing every moment. Annika is a joy and brings us immeasurable happiness. We look forward to introducing her to all of the people that mean the most to us.

Still here, still pregnant

Okay, 10 days overdue now. And truly, I'm 10 days overdue. I've had several people say, "Overdue is relative. You can't know exactly when you're due." With us, that's not exactly true. We know to the day how old this baby is. We could probably find out to the minute what time it was conceived if we called the lab! I think that, in part, plays into the frustration we feel when we're told to be patient, the baby will decide when to come. It's not as though we're playing with any uncertainty here.

In any case, we're still pregnant. And, yes, I've tried everything. I walk everyday. I meditate. I stretch. My doula or Stephen does acupressure on my every day. I've done acupuncture a few times. I've had my membranes stripped. I've even tried castor oil and herbs (according to a regiment given to me by my midwives). Spicy food, well, is not much of an option since I eat it all the time. And relaxing, I'm doing my best but there are times when I just have to let myself feel the way I'm feeling!

Thanks to you who have offered words of support and love. I'll keep you posted and hopefully have good news of arrival VERY soon!

Okay, it's time

I realize that many women wait longer than this for a baby (goodness knows I've heard about most of them!) but I've decided it's time for Turklet to arrive. I know that there's nothing to do but wait (Stephen and I have decided against induction unless completely necessary) but, goodness!, I think 4 years is a long enough time to wait for this little one.

Anyhow, here's today's pic:

I don't this this Turklet needs to bake any longer!!

Blue moon!

During an acupressure session with my doula yesterday, she mentioned that tonight would be a blue moon. I knew that it was going to be a full moon (and hoping for evidence of the anecdotes of its impact on labor) but didn't know about the blue moon status. She sent me this article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20101119/sc_space/thereallystrangestorybehindsundaysbluemoon. If only amusing, it adds some punch to the mystical power of the day (and night) in our continuing hopes that Turklet is not, indeed, waiting to be born on Thanksgiving.

Also in our conversations, I mentioned to her that my Braxton Hicks contractions had gotten more noticeable. Her response was, "Well, that's an excellent sign - that could very well be your experience of early labor." I thought to myself, "Hmm, really? Labor without pain? Wouldn't that be a treat, even if it is only a small portion of the work to meet the babe." Anyhow, we'll see how that pans out - if the more intense tightening in my belly does indeed lead to more productive work in my body. As has been made clear, time will tell!!!

An attempt to amuse and inform

In response to a friend's request, now that I'm officially post-date ( the PC version of overdue) I'll try to post something everyday to keep everyone informed.

Yesterday our wonderful doula, Elizabeth, came over to show us some acupressure points that might help to encourage labor. Later that night, as we relaxed watching episodes of Deadwood, Stephen applied what we had learned. Nothing. Today I went to a naturopath who specializes in prenatal and labor acupuncture. She found the spots quickly and though I haven't really had any cramping the Braxton Hicks have picked up and intensified. Here's to hoping that that turns into something more productive very soon!

D-day

So, today's the due date. Pshaw! I don't need no stinkin' due date. Apparently there are two Rose "curses" - we don't do boys (as evidenced by the 3 Rose girls and 6.5 Rose grandgirls) and we are always overdue. I had my 40-week appointment yesterday and was hoping for a membrane sweep to get things going. Our midwives don't do internal exams until 40 weeks and then offer membrane sweeps. Well, things looked pretty good - cervix is soft and anterior - but the cervix was only partly dilated (1 cm) and she couldn't get in to do the sweep! 50% effacement at this point, which is better than nothing, but I was hoping for more at this point.

So, basically, this kid is our initial training in patience - over 3 years to get pregnant in the first place and not the babe's hangin' on. Look, I know it's cozy in there but I promise I have some very soft blankets and loving arms waiting for you out here!

To steal from my friend, Krista, I'm ready for this inside baby to be an outside baby!!!!!

Just a little update

So, had my 38 week (!!) appointment with the midwife yesterday. We finally had our car seat inspected and installed. I still haven't packed our bags for the birthing center but I figure that's okay (maybe it's just wishful thinking).

Everything looks good. Turklet has moved down but is not yet fully engaged. I'm expecting we won't see the little squirt until we're supposed to (I'm hoping not too much later!). The heart is sounding great - strong and steady - and this kid can move!

Anyhoo, I'm feeling okay if only a little tired and filled to capacity. I'm not yet in full waddle mode but am noticing the increased effort to roll over in bed and to put the harnesses on the dogs for our daily walk. Moving a little slower but still chuggin' along!

For the benefit of (mom's and sisters') wondering minds

So, I think the turklet is gaining a little weight - here's the different from about 2 weeks ago (36 weeks) and today (just under 38 weeks):

Geez, looking at them I can't even believe the difference. No wonder I'm getting tired so much more easily!! Here's to seeing the babe soon!!!!

You're due when?!?!

My entire pregnancy, I've had people surprised at how "little" I am. It annoyed me for a long time; we worked hard for this baby and I wanted to show it off to the world. Now, at 36 weeks, I'm in a different place. I'm still pretty small (here's a shot I took today - 36 weeks on the nose):

 Believe it or not, there's a good sized baby in there. It wiggles all the time. Though I'm not busting out, I'm finding that there are advantages to being a compact pregnant woman:

1. I can still find shirts that cover me up without looking as though I'm wearing a shirt three sizes too big.

2. Though turning over in bed is sometimes a chore, it's nothing like what I imagine a larger woman would experience.

3. I can still, relatively speaking, hug Stephen and not feel as though I'm giving him the old "side hug" or "shoulder hug".

4. When I cook, I don't have to worry about lighting my belly on fire.

5. When I turn suddenly, I don't tend to know over everything in my path (candles, lamps, small woodland creatures, etc.).

6. I can still get in and out of the car with (relative) ease.

7. As we discovered on our babymoon in Montreal (I'll post a description and pictures soon), I can still jog a little - and get there pretty much from a standing start.

I'm sure I'm missing a few but in the end it's not bad being tall - I'm glad I could provide such roomy accommodations for turklet - though we're going to have to talk about how much time has been spent up under my ribs!!

Now that was a growth scan!

So, last week at our midwife appointment, we discovered that my fundal height did not seem to be progressing at a normal rate. That is, it hadn't budged in three visits. Stephen and I were mildly concerned but soon didn't think much of it as we were reassured that it was fine. Then we got a call from one of the midwives saying we needed to go in for a growth scan (ultrasound) to make sure the babe was growing alright. She again reiterated that she didn't think it was anything to worry about - that it was strictly precautionary.

Well, we worried. And today I had the growth scan. Clearly, nothing to worry about. Turklet is measuring just fine and is estimated to be 6 lbs. 2 oz. That's right, folks, a full pound over the average weight at 35 weeks. [insert about to give birth to what could be a 9-lb baby nervous giggles here]

We also got some cool pictures. Well, a cool picture of the foot and what looks like the Shroud of Turin rather than turklets first mug shot:

Things are clearly getting cramped in there as it looked like someone was squeezing the poor thing's cheeks together the whole time. Big baby + small pregnant belly = cramped quarters for shizzle!