Baby's First Christmas

Silver bells, Jingle bells, Baby bell...Christmas with a baby is fun! Sophie's been a busy girl this holiday season, and it's not over yet. We have Christmas with her Oma and Grandpa today, and still some aunts and uncles to see. We started on the 9th with her Opa and cousins, then the 17th with Grandmaman, Grand-dad and Mommy's huge clan. Christmas Eve saw us visiting friends ...and through it all Sophie was completely spoiled. Sophie was a welcome part of our Solstice party with our friends (although Ivor's "Grizzly Adams" beard still makes her cry). She even slept a little, despite the 12 laughing adults in the next room. Christmas Day was relaxed at home. Sophie had a stocking to open with all sorts of goodies. We watched a Christmas movie, then Sophie and Mommy took a walk down Whyte Ave, where Sophie spread Christmas smiles to everyone who was out. We look forward to all the changes that 2007 will bring with our sassy little girl!

Yum!

Sophie tried her first solid food on Sat the 16th (her 5 month birthday)...and she loved it! We prepared a little bit of rice cereal (the "literature" tells you to start with a teaspoon of cereal mixed with milk), and we were all set for her to push most of it out of her mouth. Well, she plowed through the first batch, so we quickly whipped up a 3 tbsp mix, and she ate all of that, too. So far, we're just feeding her the cereal at supper time, but I think we'll bump it up to twice a day soon. We'll try vegetables the week after Christmas, when Michael is off work. I'm so excited about this new stage...although, I think we've entered a new era of mess and smelly diapers.

Teeth! Yahoo!

Sophie's had quite a couple weeks. First she started to do "raspberries", then she rolled over from her back to her front (of course when I had my back turned) and then she got those two front teeth that caused us so much stress a couple weeks ago. And man, are they sharp! One of her favourite things is still to suck on mommy's chin, but now she throws the tiny teeth into it. I'm going to have weird vampire marks under my chin. We're getting right into the Christmas season. Sophie had a visit with Santa: no tears, she just smiled and drooled. We also had Christmas/St. Nicholas Day with my dad and sisters. It was a good test run. Sophie stayed up for over 5 hours, happily played with new toys and her cousins, and stared at the Christmas tree. I think it's going to be a great holiday season.

All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth!

Teething is not fun! Poor Soph--she's spent the past few days cranky, rubbing her cheeks, pulling her ears, shoving her fist in her mouth and drooling like crazy. Not to mention a few nights screaming until midnight while mom and dad pace the floor. And still no sign of those infamous first teeth! Despite the rough ride, she still manages to grin at us (she crinkles her nose now when she smiles) and she stopped (for the most part) giving everyone else "the Lip". We're planning to go swimming this month for the first time (I just have to get a bathing suit, because my maternity one just won't do). We've had Sophie in the big tub a couple times and she loves it, so it will be nice to take her somewhere where she can splash to her hearts content and not soak the room! If the swimming goes well, we might start "Starfish" swimming lessons in the new year.

Four Months and Fifteen Pounds

Well Sophie's growing like crazy and becoming more fun every day. She loves to laugh at her dad when he speaks in an Italian accent (thank you Baby Einstein vocabulary extras from the DVD), she loves her exersaucer which she commands like the bridge of a battleship (check the picture) and she is turning out like her parents...easily distracted (her feedings are taking longer as she likes to stop and look around). We're really looking forward to Sophie's first Christmas this year.

Growing up and up and up!

It's nice to be at home with a 3 month old. You start to feel more confident, you've got a bit of a routine, and you get to watch changes happening almost every day. Sophie's doing great. She still eats like crazy, but she's quicker (so I'm not watching movies as I breastfeed anymore). She's getting stronger, so she can whip her toys around and pinch her mom and dad so hard she leaves welts (I'm learning new ways to swear while trying to keep my language clean). I'm getting stronger, too, because all she wants to do is stand up. Sophie went through a stage of giving everyone else the "lip" (a big pouty lip, followed by tears) but she's slowly starting to smile at others again, so I think Christmas will be a lot of fun for everyone. I am still trying to get a photo of the "lip", because I think it's important to remember all the moments. All in all, this parenting thing is pretty cool.

Sophie's First Halloween

We took Sophie to her first Halloween party (in our new car...a "Highway Yellow" 5 door Chevrolet Aveo hatchback...pictures to follow). She won for best costume (check the picture)! Michelle is very talented when it comes to making costumes.

Life is good with Sophie sleeping in her own room (7-9 hours at night), Michael taking Ju-Jitsu, and Michelle continuing to meet with her New Mums Group.

Three Months Old

Sophie celebrated her 3 month birthday by moving out...of our room. She now has a regular crib and a nursery of her own, although it's not quite finished (it still needs to be decorated in a "funky fairy-princess" theme). The first night she slept in her room, I burst into tears at the sight of her empty cradle. Michael had to move it into the living room. And I woke up every 1 1/2 hours. Now everyone is sleeping better except me. I keep waking up because I think I won't hear her, even with the baby monitor. Ah, growing pains! Sophie's had some more "firsts" in the last couple weeks: first holiday (Thanksgiving) where Michael fed Michelle her turkey while she fed Sophie, first wedding (Curry and Faye's) where Michael ate after everyone else, so Michelle could gobble down her food before feeding Sophie, first time rolling over (from front to back), first laugh when Michelle sneezed, and she did yell "ga" at us, but hasn't done any other consonant-vowel combinations since. The adventure never stops!

Silly Parents!

We have discovered that our grand plan of sharing a room with Sophie was optimistic at best! I shuffle and the bed squeaks, which wakes Sophie up, and Sophie snores and snuffles, which wakes us up. So we're changing the apartment around (again) to make a nursery in the now-defunct games room. I'm actually excited about decorating. We're going with a funky fairy-princess theme. I'm not so excited about the fact that we need a new car. Klaus the VW valiantly tried to be a family vehicle for the past 2 1/2 months, but the stroller doesn't fit, I don't fit in the back when Michael drives, and Michael has to sit surrounded by groceries when we go shopping. Take heed, future parents! Babies are tiny people but they need big elbow room. Our tiny person laughed on Monday and has weeble-wobbled onto her side and back. Also, she's not so tiny...13 lbs!

First Date

We finally went on a big date, leaving Sophie in the capable hands of her grandmaman. And it was...ok. We made it through the whole movie without the overwhelming urge to phone and check up (or fall asleep). Sophie went on a walk with her grandparents and had a bit of a snooze. When she woke up she looked around, realized this was not her usual place and usual people, stuck out her lip and cried. My mom had to walk with her for a good part of the evening, which was no light task considering Sophie's 12 lbs 3 3/4 oz! When we arrived to pick her up, Sophie was asleep sitting up in her grandmaman's arms, her fists at the ready. She slept 9 hours that night! Well, atleast we went out. Maybe next time will feel more date-like.

2 Months Old!

I can't believe we're at 2 months already. We celebrated with a delightful trip to the health centre for Sophie's first shots! I thought I might cry more than Sophie, but we both made it through ok. Sophie was super dopey after, and it felt a bit wrong giving a nice quiet evening just the 2 of us as a result of pain inflicted on our child! Last night I went through her clothes and we already have 1/2 a tote of clothes that are too small. Plus she exploded (quite literally) out of her size-small diapers last weekend, so we had to scramble to Earth's General Store to buy larger cloth diapers. We're also moving her into a crib soon, because she's starting to grab the sides of the cradle. It's not fair! It's too fast! One minute you can't wait for them to reach the next milestone and the next you're bawling in your tea because some diaper shirts don't fit anymore. And I thought I was passed the hormonal rollercoaster!

Busy, busy!

We've had a very full week of babyhood. Tuesday, Sophie and Michelle started their New Mom's Group at the local health centre. It's great to see a couple women from our prenatal class with their babies on the outside, and it's nice to be with new moms. Later that night we were guest speakers (well, I was the speaker, Sophie was the eater) at a breastfeeding class. It's amazing how far we've come...2 months ago we were the one's in a breastfeeding class, anxiously awaiting the arrival of our baby, trying to imagine what was to come. I felt like such an expert mom! Wednesday, Sophie's cousins Rachel and Kate spent the morning--3-year old Kate held Sophie for about 3 seconds, but 6-year old Rachel was much more determined to hold her the whole visit, even sneaking the baby out of her swing when I wasn't looking! Michael's work threw us a lovely baby shower on Thursday and completely spoiled us. Friday was our 6 week check at the doctor and Saturday I needed a nap!!! It's good to start having a life with baby...I just need to remember to rest every once in awhile.

Have Baby, Will Travel

She's cute and portable, folks! We didn't go too far, but we had a successful trip to Sylvan Lake with Sophie for the weekend. We didn't spend too much time in the sun, because she's still so new, but we had lovely walks along the beach and in town. The bonus for us was the other 3 adults in the cottage, who were more than happy to hold baby while we blissfully read books and had a nice long bath. I packed so many clothes for Sophie, in anticipation of big messes, but she ended up messing my clothes... and of course I didn't pack extras for myself! Sophie's really started to smile at everyone, so we're enjoying that and waiting for the laughs to start. This week I'm starting my New Mom's group at Bonnie Doon Health Unit. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the women from my prenatal class. It will be cool to see everyone without pregnant bellies and with babies on the outside. Sophie has another weigh-in on Friday, and I know she went through another growth spurt, so we'll let you know if she topped 10 pounds.

Waaaaaa!

Ah, the sweet sounds of a content child! Happy one month birthday, Sophie. She celebrated by another weight gain--now she's 9 lb 6 1/2 oz. Most things are getting easier, like breastfeeding, diapers and going out. Sophie's sleeping more through the night. Last night she actually slept 7 hours. These marathon naps are usually preceded by a feeding frenzy the evening before, accompanied by such extreme fussiness we almost sent her back. Good thing she's so cute! We tried a bottle on Sunday with success, which means Mich can sneak out for a couple hours to knitting club, or we can actually have a date to the movies at some time. I just need to build up enough of a supply of expressed breastmilk, because Sophie still eats like crazy. Yesterday Sophie took the bus for the first time. She likes going over the High Level bridge. Next big adventure--going to Sylvan Lake for a weekend. We'll keep you posted.

Nappies...

By this week, we've changed over 200 diapers! Sophie continues to "expand"--she's over 8 1/2 lbs now, and given a clean bill of health at her first doctor's visit. Last week passed in a bit of a blur, which was alarming when I realized this is how the days were going to be: feed baby, change baby, try to put baby to sleep, and get mommy dressed at some point! Things are definitely better/more human this week. Sophie and I are going out everyday, we're actually seeing other human beings, and I've managed to knit a few rows and read a couple chapters of my book. Michael is starting to adjust to a double life- working man and daddy (although I think he's only changed half a dozen of those 200 diapers..we'll have to remedy that situation :)! He does still have the magic touch when it comes to putting Sophie to sleep.

Attack of the Incredible Growing Baby

We've hit the 2-week mark with a bang. A recent weigh-in at the health unit puts Sophie at 7 lbs 10 oz, which is a one pound gain since her birth!...which would explain the mad feedings and the extreme fussiness in the middle of the night. Michael goes back to work tomorrow,which is making us a little sad, but he gets to come home for lunch everyday and Michelle might actually take afternoon naps. When Michelle asked Sophie if she was going to be nice to mommy when daddy's back at work, she responded by spitting up all over Mich's chest and arm. Nice! So we begin the next stage.

Sophie's 1st week

We made it through our first week of parenthood relatively unscathed, although we have now experienced both the pee right when we're in the middle of changing a diaper and the projectile spit-up on daddy whilst cuddling on the couch! I know it's early, but Sophie's been pretty good to us so far, and I'm getting used to being sentient at 3 am. It's kind of funny to see our drying rack loaded with diapers on a regular basis, too. Thank you to everyone who came to the "meet-the-baby" on Sunday. Once the weather cools off a little, we hope to be out and about more. We have made it down Whyte Ave a couple times this past week to introduce Sophie to her neighbourhood and the surprising amount of people we know. Today, Sophie took her dad out for his birthday, and we treated ourselves to take-out and video rentals. Ah, life in the parental fast lane!

I've Arrived!

After many months, and 37 hours of labour (sorry, mommy!) Sophie Lucille Papineau-Couture has made her appearance! Sophie whipped into this world on Sunday July 16th (her due date) at 4:44 pm. She was actually delivered by the nurse, because after putting everyone through all those hours and trips back and forth to the hospital, she quit messing around--25 minutes of pushing, and arrived 2 minutes before the doctor got there! She weighed in at 6 lbs 10 1/2 oz (3010 grams) and 20 1/2" (52 cm) long. Everyone is doing great, although Mich and Michael are still exhausted...I guess that doesn't go away. We can't quite figure who she looks like, although she has her grandmother's giant Dutch hands and feet, and Gene Simmons' (from Kiss) tongue. So far she likes being where all the action is, usually only settles down for her Dad, and takes her time eating, which means Mommy will probably watch every movie in the apartment over the course of breastfeeding.

We are EXTREMELY grateful for all of the support and generosity everyone has given us...we are without words (something that rarely happens...)

We also want to say a special thank you to Michelle's mother Louise who was with us every step of the way even opening her house to us during the labouring process. Also we want to thank Michelle's sister Lisa for giving Michael some well needed recharge breaks during the labouring process.

For pictures you can visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmpeanuts

Love,

Michelle, Michael and Sophie

One week (+/-) to go!

We're in the final stretch now, and we've done everything around the apartment I wanted to get done before baby comes. We will have a "meet-the-baby" party/shower at my mom's shortly after the arrival, which we'll let everyone know about (those of you who like to change your phone number/email on a regular basis, please let us know). We'll also have a birthday cake for Michael then, since he is generously sharing his birthday week with baby. Not much more to report...next post should be the "big one"!

Waiting for our little monkey

Happy Canada Day, everyone! I'm finally finished work and now comes the 2 weeks or so wait! I managed to make it to almost 38 weeks at work without going into labour, and I had a lovely spend-off from all the doctors and the office ladies (thanks again). We're essentially ready: labour bag is mostly packed, the cradle is good to go, and we have diapers, so I suppose that's as ready as we can be. We have a couple girls' names picked out, but haven't settled on a boy's name yet (we welcome any suggestions). I found out you have 10 days to name the baby, but hopefully we leave the hospital with baby and a name. We have a list of people to call, but please let us know if you want to be woken up with a phone call. Otherwise we'll wait for a reasonable hour.
We'll keep you posted with any changes but I have a feeling I'm in for the long haul!

From "I can't believe we're pregnant" to "36 weeks"!

I can't believe how far we've come! Less than 3 1/2 weeks and counting (although I think we'll go a little late). We do have a baby pool going, for those who'd like to take a guess at delivery date. A toonie + a date and time get you in on the pool and whoever is the closest splits the pot with the baby. (The actual due date is Sunday July 16th, 2006)

Our First Entry!

Hello to all of our family and friends!

We saw the opportunity to use a Blog (the name is derived from "web" and "log") to communicate with all of our friends and family around the world.

There will be pictures and a diary detailing the life and times of Michelle, Michael and Baby.

Our first entry is a link to the Toys 'R Us baby registry for anyone looking to buy stuff for Baby.

Here is the link:

http://www.toysrus.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/GiftRegistryHomeView?storeId=10051&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&link_type=image&refTag=BRU_TN_SN_registry


Our registry number is 912597895 to help you find items we are looking for.


Stay tuned for a wonderful adventure!

PS. Toys R Us doesn't seem to support cloth diapering, so we've got a mini list of things the registry is missing...to give you some other ideas:

Wish list:

Tide Free or another baby-safe laundry detergent
2 pc outfits
sleeping sacks (size 6 months+)
sun hats
baby sunglasses with Velcro strap
mini food processor with containers
gift cards for HBC or Sears (so we can buy household items we won’t be able to afford anymore)