Bright eyes...
When I am wearing Claranna in the Sprout Pouch, this is the view I see of my sweet baby girl when she is all snuggled next to me. 
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Claranna Coos and Brotherly Love
Here is a short video clip of a bright-eyed Claranna and her big brother James. At the beginning of the clip you can hear her little coo which she has started to do more frequently. The clip also shows a great example of James loving on his baby sister. He often softly calls her "Clara" and gives her gentle hugs and kisses. So sweet!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
1 Month Old!
It is so hard to believe that our sweet little baby is already one month old today! The past month has been an exciting sleepless blur and as you can tell, there has been little time for blogging. It is much easier to read e-mail and other posts while holding Claranna than it is to type my own messages and posts! We'll see how far I get with this post before I am summoned by a sweet little cry.
First of all, thank you to all of you who helped us out with a delicious meal. It was so helpful to be able to focus on taking care of the kids and myself instead of worrying about what I would make for supper. We all looked forward to one of the nights we knew a meal would arrive. We are so lucky to have such kind and thoughtful family and friends!!
More thanks to those of you have called or written with concerns about Claranna's test results. (I had hoped to post sooner, but see above.) We did have the VCUG on the 13th and they did not find kidney reflux present on the x-ray, so they told us they are 98% sure she doesn't have it. That was a huge relief for us and we hope that is the last time that we have to put one of kids through that test. Unfortunately it will be required again if any of our kids gets a future UTI. Claranna weathered the test okay, though her little voice was hoarse for the next couple of days due to all her screaming. They did put some lidocaine on the cath in hopes of eliminating some of her discomfort, but it didn't keep her from wailing during the 20 plus minutes she was having the procedure. That's a long time when you are the mommy and the daddy! We're hoping she was only crying so much because she dislikes being unclothed and uncovered. Other good news... Mark didn't get faint at all!!! : ) Claranna will have another renal ultrasound in August and if all is normal, she will be dismissed from pediatric urology.
Here are a few other updates to questions we are most frequently asked... Claranna is definitely growing. By our own bathroom scale estimates, she now weighs around 7.5 lbs. She is finally starting to fill out some of her newborn clothes, but she should fit them for awhile still. She is doing well in the eating department and even better in the spitting up department. We are doing lots of laundry on her behalf.
Prior to this weekend we were really struggling with night time sleep. There was a recent night when I "slept" in the recliner with Claranna on my chest so that Mark could get a little peace and sleep. That followed a night when Mark and I maybe got three or four hours of total sleep at night. She has had her gassy moments and does not stay asleep if she is laying on a flat surface, so we have raised up one end of her bassinet and that has seemed to help. She sleeps fairly well on our chests and in our arms...but we don't sleep so well then! I'm hoping not to jinx us, but the past two nights have been a huge improvement. I am hoping tonight continues with a longer stretch of sleep from midnight to 4 a.m.
Everyone is asking how the Ella and James like their baby sister. The good news is that they still love her. Ella is very helpful and has held Claranna a few minutes for me here and there when I have needed to get something done, but couldn't put her down without her crying. She has the magic touch with her sister and the love shows! I need to scan and post a few of the journal entries about Claranna that her teacher has sent home from school--precious!
James also adores his sister and loves to gently pat her and kiss her. He has yet to hold her but always has to hug and kiss "Clara Anna" goodnight. He tells us many times a day how much he loves his baby and he is always asking me to hold her down lower so he can see her better. He is so sweet...melts my heart! He doesn't seem to be jealous of all the time she gets with me. If anything, I am missing lap time with James more than he is missing snuggling with me. The only change that we have noted in James is that his tears come a little quicker if his feelings are hurt. He is getting to be such a big boy.
I am sure I could write much more...if I had more hands. This will have to do for now. Enjoy the pics!
First of all, thank you to all of you who helped us out with a delicious meal. It was so helpful to be able to focus on taking care of the kids and myself instead of worrying about what I would make for supper. We all looked forward to one of the nights we knew a meal would arrive. We are so lucky to have such kind and thoughtful family and friends!!
More thanks to those of you have called or written with concerns about Claranna's test results. (I had hoped to post sooner, but see above.) We did have the VCUG on the 13th and they did not find kidney reflux present on the x-ray, so they told us they are 98% sure she doesn't have it. That was a huge relief for us and we hope that is the last time that we have to put one of kids through that test. Unfortunately it will be required again if any of our kids gets a future UTI. Claranna weathered the test okay, though her little voice was hoarse for the next couple of days due to all her screaming. They did put some lidocaine on the cath in hopes of eliminating some of her discomfort, but it didn't keep her from wailing during the 20 plus minutes she was having the procedure. That's a long time when you are the mommy and the daddy! We're hoping she was only crying so much because she dislikes being unclothed and uncovered. Other good news... Mark didn't get faint at all!!! : ) Claranna will have another renal ultrasound in August and if all is normal, she will be dismissed from pediatric urology.
Here are a few other updates to questions we are most frequently asked... Claranna is definitely growing. By our own bathroom scale estimates, she now weighs around 7.5 lbs. She is finally starting to fill out some of her newborn clothes, but she should fit them for awhile still. She is doing well in the eating department and even better in the spitting up department. We are doing lots of laundry on her behalf.
Prior to this weekend we were really struggling with night time sleep. There was a recent night when I "slept" in the recliner with Claranna on my chest so that Mark could get a little peace and sleep. That followed a night when Mark and I maybe got three or four hours of total sleep at night. She has had her gassy moments and does not stay asleep if she is laying on a flat surface, so we have raised up one end of her bassinet and that has seemed to help. She sleeps fairly well on our chests and in our arms...but we don't sleep so well then! I'm hoping not to jinx us, but the past two nights have been a huge improvement. I am hoping tonight continues with a longer stretch of sleep from midnight to 4 a.m.
Everyone is asking how the Ella and James like their baby sister. The good news is that they still love her. Ella is very helpful and has held Claranna a few minutes for me here and there when I have needed to get something done, but couldn't put her down without her crying. She has the magic touch with her sister and the love shows! I need to scan and post a few of the journal entries about Claranna that her teacher has sent home from school--precious!
James also adores his sister and loves to gently pat her and kiss her. He has yet to hold her but always has to hug and kiss "Clara Anna" goodnight. He tells us many times a day how much he loves his baby and he is always asking me to hold her down lower so he can see her better. He is so sweet...melts my heart! He doesn't seem to be jealous of all the time she gets with me. If anything, I am missing lap time with James more than he is missing snuggling with me. The only change that we have noted in James is that his tears come a little quicker if his feelings are hurt. He is getting to be such a big boy.
I am sure I could write much more...if I had more hands. This will have to do for now. Enjoy the pics!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Family Pics
All is going well here, though we could use a bit more sleep. The kids still love their new baby sister and haven't asked to send her back...yet! Mark went back to work on Tuesday. We miss having him home, but the kids and I have made it through the days alright. The past few nights we have been treated to some delicious meals from several caring friends--THANK YOU! It has been so nice not to worry about what to make for dinner.
Claranna goes back to the doctor this afternoon to have another weight and jaundice check. We also scheduled her VCUG x-ray to check for kidney reflux. We will be doing that test next Wednesday. We aren't looking forward to it as we know Claranna will scream the whole time, but it is necessary because of Isabella's medical history. We were told by the specialist in the hospital that kidney reflux is 85% more likely in girls.
After church on Sunday we attempted to take a few family pictures... I wanted a few of all of us where I wasn't wearing a beautiful hospital gown. Here is what we ended up with:
Claranna goes back to the doctor this afternoon to have another weight and jaundice check. We also scheduled her VCUG x-ray to check for kidney reflux. We will be doing that test next Wednesday. We aren't looking forward to it as we know Claranna will scream the whole time, but it is necessary because of Isabella's medical history. We were told by the specialist in the hospital that kidney reflux is 85% more likely in girls.
After church on Sunday we attempted to take a few family pictures... I wanted a few of all of us where I wasn't wearing a beautiful hospital gown. Here is what we ended up with:
Sunday, May 3, 2009
First Days at Home
A happy Big Sister in her special shirt!
My friend, Kelly, stopped by to meet Claranna on our first morning home.
When Claranna was four days old, we took her to the farm to meet her Great Grandma Ruth. Grandma enjoyed snuggling her. It is hard to believe my Grandma will be 96 years old on Monday!
My brother Chuck and his wife Karla came over with their kids to meet their new niece and cousin. Thanks for bringing us dinner!
Claranna always has her hands near her face or in her mouth. She was definitely a finger sucker in the womb as she came into the world with little blisters on her lips.
My friend, Kelly, stopped by to meet Claranna on our first morning home.
When Claranna was four days old, we took her to the farm to meet her Great Grandma Ruth. Grandma enjoyed snuggling her. It is hard to believe my Grandma will be 96 years old on Monday!
My brother Chuck and his wife Karla came over with their kids to meet their new niece and cousin. Thanks for bringing us dinner!
Claranna always has her hands near her face or in her mouth. She was definitely a finger sucker in the womb as she came into the world with little blisters on her lips.
Coming Home
On Tuesday Morning we started getting ready to come home from the hospital. We made it home around 2:30 in the afternoon. Grandma brought the kids home for us so that they would be at our house to welcome us home. They were so excited to see their new sister at home!
Here's Claranna hanging out at the hospital before coming home.
Claranna and Daddy
Here we are ready to leave the hospital.
Claranna in her going home outfit.
A Big Yawn...
Big smiles for our welcome home!
Taking a peek at baby sister!
All snuggled in...
James interested in a closer look and a gentle kiss for his new baby!
Isn't she beautiful?
Taking a snooze in her new bassinet.
So happy to be home!!
Here's Claranna hanging out at the hospital before coming home.
Claranna and Daddy
Here we are ready to leave the hospital.
Claranna in her going home outfit.
A Big Yawn...
Big smiles for our welcome home!
Taking a peek at baby sister!
All snuggled in...
James interested in a closer look and a gentle kiss for his new baby!
Isn't she beautiful?
Taking a snooze in her new bassinet.
So happy to be home!!
Some Hospital Visitors
We were fortunate to have family and friends stop by to meet Claranna at the hospital and we loved showing her off. Here is Mark and Claranna with my great friend Lisa and her three beautiful children, Owen, Aiden and Kiera. Owen would only let his mommy hold Claranna for just a few seconds...
My brother, Greg, and his family stopped by to see their new niece and cousin. Trista wasn't too thrilled about wearing a mask since she had a little cough. She really wanted to hold her new cousin, but was told she had to wait.
Aunt Amy shows Claranna to Trenton and Trista.
Friends Kim, Derek, Grace & Maddie (who isn't in the pic) met our sweet baby too!
Thank you to all who have helped to welcome our sweet baby girl!
My brother, Greg, and his family stopped by to see their new niece and cousin. Trista wasn't too thrilled about wearing a mask since she had a little cough. She really wanted to hold her new cousin, but was told she had to wait.
Aunt Amy shows Claranna to Trenton and Trista.
Friends Kim, Derek, Grace & Maddie (who isn't in the pic) met our sweet baby too!
Thank you to all who have helped to welcome our sweet baby girl!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
