the Chaseys

Two weeks old! In some ways, time seems to be flying by. For the most part, though, all of us are definitely still adjusting to our new life. Analiese is really a good baby, though – we’re truly blessed.

A friend of mine, who also recently became a mom, shared with me her nursing experience over the first few weeks and months. It was comforting to know that hers had been much like mine is now – challenging. Others have told me the same thing, but for some reason it was different coming from someone who was just there and is now, three and a half months later, feeling more comfortable nursing. As much as I love the bonding time I get to have with my daughter so many hours during the day (and night!), it does feel like a burden right now. I keep reminding myself that this is what I’m supposed to be doing right now.

Grandma (Ross’s mom) was here for a few days earlier in the week. It was really nice to have company as Ross returned to work and I settled into being at home with Analiese. Thanks, Bev!

Nana (my mom) is visiting for a few days and had the opportunity to accompany us to a “nursing cafe” in Ann Arbor this morning. I really enjoyed being around other nursing mamas and having the opportunity to ask questions and hear about others’ experiences with their own babies. Analiese ate really well while we were there, and then slept for a few hours. So, we took advantage of the opportunity of her just being fed and went to the mall for a bit. It felt nice to get out, but I was a little anxious the whole time. Analiese didn’t have a care in the world! She did great.

Both her weight and jaundice seem to be improving. As we walked around in the natural light, I noticed that her face is really losing the yellow color and it’s really just left in the whites of her eyes slightly. She also seems to be getting enough food from me, despite her imperfect latch. She’s still so young…she’ll learn, as will I, what works for both of us.

We typically don’t make too much of Valentine’s Day. In fact, in the past, if we plan to go out to eat for the occasion, we’ll usually wait until the following weekend for the hype (and overly expensive “holiday” menu options) to subside. It’s not that we don’t want to do something special for each other…we just try to be cost conscious and we’d rather be doing sweet things for each other throughout the year.

I think the nicest part of today was that we were able to have some quiet time together, reading our Bibles and praying together. The craziness of being new parents this past week hasn’t really allowed us to slow down and do that at all. It was a welcomed change and something that I know we will try to work in more regularly.

Without further ado, the newest member of our family is here to say Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you!

In case you can’t tell, her bib (given to her by a sweet friend of the Chaseys…thanks Cheryl!) says “My 1st Valentine’s Day”. I, for one, am especially happy that we were able to put this bib to use and that Analiese came in time to wear it! As much as I loved being pregnant, I can’t imagine still being there…I’d so much rather have our sweet Analiese right here with us.

This one is from awhile back. Nevertheless, Heather caught Parker sleepy and snuggly one morning.

You may remember Analiese’s recent case of the hiccups. Well, while recording her hiccups we caught a nice, quick yawn. Consider this your trailer or preview.

Then, a day or so later, Heather captured Analiese waking up. I guess after being smushed in the womb for 9 months, waking up takes extra stretching. This is the main feature for this post, so it’s a bit longer. Try to hang in there and you may catch another yawn, and you’ll find out whether or not she wakes up.

One week ago today, in the very early morning hours, Analiese arrived into this world. She smelled wonderful. (Crazy, right? Who would’ve thunk? But, it’s true.) I’m debating whether the birth story will make it on here or not. Ross kept a record of the day, and as you can probably imagine, there are some pretty humorous notes. (Yes, I straightened my hair…and painted my nails in between contractions…)

Anyway, Analiese has been keeping us quite busy: nurse, sleep, stare at in awe, repeat. The nights have been rough, but she’s allowed us to get enough sleep to function the next day and do it all over again. The response from most people is to “get through” this part. And although I am definitely one who loves my sleep and a routine, this is the only time Analiese will ever be this small, this dependent. We just want to make sure she’s healthy, comfortable and happy.

I’m not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but she’s a little jaundiced, so we’ve been paying close attention to that. Ross has been “sun bathing” with her in her room each day. The jaundice could also be due to her eating habits, which have been a challenge. I do not want to supplement with formula, so making sure she’s getting the nutrients she needs from her mama is important. We’ve been recommended by Mary, our midwife (who I just love!), to a few different specialists (who fully support my decision to breast feed only) to help both of us through the learning process of breast feeding. It’s meant taking a lot of trips this past week, but I feel like we have so many great resources at our fingertips – from having our pediatricians cell phone number to sending messages back and forth over Facebook with Mary to, of course, the love and support of our families and friends.

Ross returns to work on Monday, so that will take some time to get used to. It’s been so great to have him home this first week of our new lives, but alas, we both can’t stay home forever…bummer. Thankfully, reinforcements are coming to visit.

And so, I leave you with photos from last night – dancing with Daddy – it got a little crazy. Yes, there’s one with a dip (a gentle dip with head fully supported)…and a slow dance…too precious.