Time Flies: Week 3

Surprise!!  We made it through the third week.  Here are some highlights:

No pictures just yet, I'm still a little pasty from 42 weeks underwater.

The best part about this week was:

• Getting out of the house.

Some things we've learned:

• Having baby acne is just as crappy as having big people acne.
• Sometimes she just needs to cry!
• Hank has taken a back seat, like it or not...
• Going and doing things is even more fun with her--at this stage at least!

Some things we've learned the hard way:

• Time is going by too fast...
• Situations can become very stressful very quickly.  Take it all one moment at a time and realize that babies will be babies.

Olivia loves:

• Being held!
• Taking baths!
• Bright colors!
• Going to the grocery store!
• All of the new outfit choices now that she is big enough for 0-3 clothes!

Olivia surprised us when:

• She proved she really can hold her head up!
• She starred in a movie on her three week birthday.
• She was a total beach babe.
• She weighed 10 lbs, 4.5 oz today!  

Just like her Mom, O loves to take baths and they are few and far between.  Just keepin' it real.

Stonehenge: Binkie edition.

This girl LOVES a stroller ride.  The bumpier the better.

Ella and Olivia.  We took a road trip to visit Grandma and Aunt Linda.
They were perfect angels, with matching red hair and all...

We haven't made her big entrance at Publix yet, but she has hit the Teeter, BiLo, and Trader Joe's last week alone.
And she LOVES it.  That's my girl.

Join us next Monday night at 11:08 p.m. to see what Olivia gets into during her fourth week of life.

While You Were In...

We first found out about you on August 10, 2011.

You were tiny, smaller than a fingernail, and you took some getting used to.  

But we loved you already.

Mommy turned 25, and soon we thought it would be a good time to share our happy news!

We had fun telling our families and some friends that you were coming, 

and we think they were very surprised too!

After our trip to Disney World, you were 14 weeks old, 

and we revealed to the rest of the world that you were just 26 weeks away (or 28...ha!).

While celebrating Thanksgiving in Minot with your Aunt, Uncle, and cousins, 

we found out you were going to have another Scott cousin!  

After we got home, we celebrated your big gender reveal at the first party in your honor!

"Mustache or Bow, soon we will know!" 

We were so excited to find out you were a girl, 

and Daddy and Mommy were right--we thought you were a girl all along!

Here is your picture when you were 21 weeks old.

On December 10, Daddy and Mommy had our first wedding anniversary.

You grew and grew and grew.

And the Midwife told Mommy that she needed to eat salads everyday.

Your big brother Hank started to realize something was different, 

and he started to do bad things to get attention.  

Don't ever let him talk you into this...

But then he would feel sorry for what he did, 

and come lay on Mommy's belly and listen for your heartbeat.

Pretty soon, it was time for Mommy to take her glucose test, to be sure that you weren't getting too much sugar from her salads...We had to go back for round two of tests, but we passed by the skin of our teeth!  We were so happy to know that we would definitely be having you at the Birth Center, as long as you stayed put until 37 weeks.

Daddy started building your nursery things, and Mommy began to gather other details.  

Some of your Aunts and Grampy painted your nursery one Saturday.

You were filling up Mommy's belly very quickly, 

and we thought you were ready to come out to meet us!

But you stayed inside and gave us lots of time to spend together.  

You can see how big you were in the shadow on the sand!

But before we knew it, you were here.  One day soon I will write all about your birthday!  

But today, we are so happy to celebrate our first Mother's Day together.

We love you baby girl. 

Is This Some Kind of Cruel Joke?

Has anyone else found breastfeeding challenging?  I was totally unprepared for the uphill battle that is nursing.  And then my stinkin' Dove chocolate revolted against me.

We are doing much better two weeks in, but honestly, there were times that I wanted to quit.  Knowing that this is the best thing that I could possibly do for Olivia right now is the only thing that kept me going.  I have gotten so many encouraging comments and messages and phone calls, and I am so thankful!  The support from Ben has been absolutely vital.  

So to all you expectant moms, and those of you who are where I am--know that it will get better!  Just push through!  All of the research in the world won't prepare you for the emotions and internal struggles that come with being the only food source for your new little life.  

I have started to use my alone-time with Olivia to really dig in to praying for her, and for other people in our lives.  Let us know how we can pray for you--seriously.  Send me a message or an email, or leave a comment.  I think of all of you who have told me that you've been reading, so let me know what you're struggling with!  It doesn't matter how many years it has been since we've talked or seen each other!  I have been so blown away by the people who have come out of the woodwork.  You're next!

Time Flies: Week 2

Surprise!!  We made it through the second week.  Here are some highlights:

The best part about this week was:

• Feeling like we have somewhat of a clue.  Emphasis on somewhat.

Some things we've learned:

• Start putting her to bed around 7 p.m..  By 9 you have changed her diaper three times and gotten rid of all the gas and topped her off enough to get those heavy eyelids to finally close for a three to four hour break from nursing.
• On that subject, change her diaper and clothes and clean her bellybutton (and other disruptive things) before she eats.  Then use the milk coma to our advantage by putting her down with no foreseeable hurdles.
• Mornings are our friend.

Some things we've learned the hard way:

• Take the advice, "sleep when she sleeps". 
• Not every night will be easy!

Olivia loves:

• Going for walks
• Hearing our voices
• Being outside
• Laying on her tummy
• Having her picture taken

Olivia surprised us when:

• She was back to her birth weight by the start of week 2--well surpassed it, at 9 lbs, 10 oz!
• Ben found her rolled over in her bassinet with her arm hanging out of the side.  (Here comes DSS)

Hank is warming up...He adores her from a distance and is already protective of her.

Getting acquainted with Ella under Grammy's watchful eye...

Ben on mosquito patrol at Riverfront Park.

Unfit parents pose for pictures while their child is about to unknowingly break their neck.

Good thing this unfit parent's face is cropped out...

Join us next Monday night at 11:08 p.m. to see what Olivia gets into during her third week of life.

Isn't She Lovely?

Our good friend and wedding photographer Valerie Schooling (who has since started her own studio) did some photos of Olivia last week.

I thought I'd share :)

Olivia Teagan Scott--9 Days Old

What do you think?!

Restaurant Remarks...Music Man BBQ

Back when we still had adventure running through our blood, Ben and I used to do "fun" things like each taking turns saying "turn right" or "turn left" until we reached someplace suitable to stop and explore.  I think this idea may have originally been my Dad's, I can't recall.  One fortuitous night we ended up at Music Man BBQ in Moncks Corner, SC.  

Oh.  Dear.

Did I mention it is all-you-can-eat?  Say no more.  Also, this was my husband's plate (you'll understand why in a moment).

We have been back plenty of times since.  I think the price has gone up to $9.95 a plate, including a drink.  

I'll start off with a quick chat about the things I stay away from...

Pork rinds.  Fried pork skin.  No thanks.

Hash.  I tried to find a definition to help explain what exactly goes on inside of hash, but after many searches left me scratching my head, I remembered why I don't eat it in the first place.

My lovely dinner guests for the evening included my brother Jason, our friend Rachel Wallace (Miss Wallace), and Ben of course.  You can see the ambiance isn't the most glamorous, but it sure screams BBQ Buffet.

Jamie Oliver couldn't say anything ugly about my plate.  It includes colors other than shades of brown and it is a sensible portion (for a second plate).  

Speaking of my plate, let's consult Obama.

Veggies=Green Beans

Fruit=Yams (Work with me)

Protein=Chicken

Grains=Mac

Bread Pudding=Dairy

Just as I thought--we're good!

My favorite thing about Music Man is the roasted chicken.  It has that smokey red tint and the perfect ratio of juiciness to flavor.  Their fried chicken can't be beat, although they ran out as we were going through the line which was quite disappointing.  Bread pudding at Music Man is rich, sweet, and substantial.  I don't like soggy bread pudding, and this is the furthest thing from it.

Ben's two favorite things in edible life are Chocolate Milk and Mac-n-Cheese.  Even he says their mac is a little too cheesy.  Believe me, that's extreme cheese.

Let's talk about those yams.  I am fully aware that they are more processed than recycled sneakers, but to me they are pure nostalgia.  My Grandma always made them for us, and since my mom never would (now I can assume her reasoning) they were truly a special treat.  These taste just like Grandma's, buttery and brown sugary.  Bring it on.

The actual BBQ is one of my favorites around, although their sauces aren't my first choice.  Like I said, I focus on the chicken.  

They boast a full line-up, just from memory I can name:

BBQ

Hash & Rice

Fried Chicken

Roasted Chicken

Mac

Green Beans

Yams

Hush Puppies (Usually)

Cole Slaw

Potato Salad

Pickles

Bread Pudding

Chocolate Pudding

Banana Pudding

I know there are things I am missing...but all of the vitals are accounted for.

It is a real drive from Charleston, but I'd recommend it for sure.  Their hours aren't typical, so be sure to verify before you make the trek.

http://www.musicmansbbq.com/

Photo Shoot: Take 2

This poor girl.  She is already being subjected to my ridiculousness.

At least she plays it cool.

I could tell I was getting on her nerves.

 

And then she got me back.

That's what I get for messing with a naked five-day-old. 

(I can't pretend to take the credit--my dad volunteered to hose off her little present.)

 These are just a few outtakes from my attempt to create her birth announcements. 

Stay tuned for the finished product!

(This blog has gone baby crazy!!  

More varied content coming soon...we just can't get enough of Little O for right now ;)