A 2 week old update

4/18/13

There are so many things to update you on...most of which would probably bore you to death because we've been pretty boring over the past week or so. 

We are finally (hopefully...knock on wood) getting into a little bit of a routine our here.  We make great progress one day, and then take a step back the next day.  Erica has been doing really good at feeding, and mom is doing a great job at making this happen.  Both seem to be adjusting just fine to their roles in this give-and-take relationship over the past 2 weeks.  Erica is quick to latch on, but seems to enjoy playing with her food at times though too...much to Laura's delight (heavy sarcasm!).  In fact, Erica is feeding so well, she has now exceeded her birth weight by more than a half pound!  Last Tuesday we had our 1 week appointment, and she weighed in at 8lbs 12oz (2oz shy of her birth weight).  Today, she had her 2 week appointment and she weighed 9lbs 7oz!!!  Everything is going great and she is a healthy baby!!!

On Monday, she had her follow up appointment at the audiologist to re-check her hearing test, which she didn't pass during her 24hr test before we left the hospital.  We are happy to say that she passed this second test in both ears!!!  I was a bit nervous at first, even though the nurse told us it was common and usually caused by fluid in the ears that hadn't absorbed.  Prior to Monday's re-check, we had been noticing little signs that she was indeed hearing just fine.  So, it's now comforting to know that everything is continuing to go well for our little Erica Jean!

We've taken Erica our in public a few more times since my last update.  She's gone to Target, Rainbow, Cub, Babies R Us, Dairy Queen and Applebee's over the past few days.  Applebee's was a fun trip!  My students had a fundraiser there, so I took Laura and Erica there for dinner to help the students, and to selfishly show off my beautiful little girl!  The students there enjoyed meeting her and all commented that she looked really cute...of course they would say that unless they wanted to fail my class!!! 

On Tuesday this week, Erica met her first friend, Lyla.  Our friend, and my coworker across the hall brought her 3 month old daughter over to our house.  We wanted the girls to meet each other because they will soon be spending a lot of time together!!!  We arranged for an interview with a nanny that afternoon.  Our plans are to share the nanny and have her stay at our house with the girls when we go back to school in the fall!  We liked the girl and are all set to go for her to start in late August when we go back to school!  Erica was such a good host that she slept the whole time.  Little Lyla must've approved of our nanny, Asah (pronounced "Ace-Uh") because she fell asleep in her arms after a little holding!!!

The biggest development in our lives since Monday has been my return to school.  It sucks!  My days drag on, and my time home goes too fast!!!  Monday was the first day in 2 years that I haven't wanted to go to work, so I figured I'm doing pretty good!  Laura has been an awesome stay at home mom.  She's been keeping Erica happy for the most part, despite a few morning scream-sessions!  And I've been spoiled each day with a couple of pictures being sent my way on the phone, and coming home to a quiet and sleepy little girl!!!  I must say, Laura has been amazing!  She's also been very supportive of my return to work and need for extra beauty sleep by taking on the night shift.  She has been putting Erica to bed at night, which, except for last night, has usually been up to an hour after I've gone to bed!!!  And, knock on wood again, Erica has been a great night sleeper!  She's only had to get up with her 2 times per night over the past week.  Last night, I put her down a little after 11pm, and Laura only got up with her at 5am when she started to fuss!  From what I hear from friends and colleagues, that's pretty darn good for a 2 week old!  So...with any luck, she'll keep snoozing like she has!  Our house is a much more pleasant place when mom, dad and Erica are all getting more sleep!!!

And, in an effort to save time and some details, here are a few quick stories from our week:

-Erica has pooped on Laura...and the floor, all in one awesome shot!!!

- Lexi enjoyed licking up Erica's spit-up covered hand the other day...she was much quicker than mom's fast reflex to grab it with a rag!!!  She now licks her hand at any opportunity, hoping for similar results...yuck!

- Lexi also enjoys giving Erica some kisses on the head on occasion.  It's safe to say, that she is adjusting much better over the past week than she had before.  She's also becoming more perky and getting back to her old self...which is great to see!

- Erica loves her baths...except for the days when she hates them!  She is either screaming the entire time, or doesn't make a peep and loves soaking in her little tub!!!  I have a feeling she might be a hot-tub girl at some point in time!

Other than that, I think that's all of the major news in our lives.  Our visitors have slowed down, and our "new normal" is starting to take shape.  Until the next update, thank you so much for reading my Daddy Diary!  Take care!