First checkup

Charlotte's first checkup at the pediatrician's office went very well! She has almost regained her birthweight and is back up to 7 pounds, 6 ounces. She was 7 pounds, 2 ounces at discharge from the hospital, if I remember correctly. She's at the 70th percentile for length and at the 40th to 50th percentile for weight. The doctor says she looks terrific in all aspects, and the tiny bit of newborn jaundice (very very common!) is mild and should start clearing up.

Just had a visit from the lactation consultant and will try to get the breastfeeding going. Charlotte's not super interested in having to work for her food, and the milk hasn't quite all come in yet. We're going to keep running that play until we get it right though! That's what Corey says, anyway.

Overall, everything is going well and we're learning the ins and outs of newborns. Crikey, it's a lot of work!

Baby video!

More later . . .

Very exciting second day

Discharge papers are being signed as I type this - Charlotte will feel Tennessee sunshine on her face, go for a ride in a car, meet dogs and a cat, and sleep in her own bed for the first time today. Very exciting!

Charlotte is doing well. We are breastfeeding and supplementing with formula, so she is getting all the nutrition she needs. She was a little gassy yesterday, which caused some squalling, but with some epic farting and belching, she got it all straightened out and now is our peaceful little girl.

Yesterday, Niki, Charlotte, and I spent time getting to know one another by cuddling, swinging (in our arms), singing together (she heard me sing the MSU fight song for the first time yesterday morning), and sucking (she likes fingers).

She likes the "Hush Little Baby" song. Niki sings the regular version, and I sing her a different one (she prefers mine) . .

Hush little baby, don't you fuss.
Daddy's gonna buy you a VW bus.

If that VW bus won't go,
Daddy's gonna buy you an old Peugeot.

If that Peugeot just won't do,
Daddy's gonna buy a BMW.

If that Bimmer won't go far,
Daddy's gonna buy you a new Jaguar.

If of that new Jaguar you tire,
Daddy's gonna buy us an old Starfire.

Down Tennessee two-lanes we'll rumble,
and off to sleepy land you'll tumble . . .

During the day, Grandma and Grandpa Stringer stopped by in the morning, and then brought us "Baby's first picnic" for dinner. Grandma made chicken fajitas, a lettuce and strawberry salad, and rice. It was very good. Angela, Kathryn, and Lillian from Niki's office came, brought us lunch, and cuddled Charlotte for a while.

Later in the afternoon, Sara Thomas and Annabelle came to meet Charlotte. Annabelle is a year and a half old, so Charlotte will grow up looking up to her. It was nice to see the two little girls together for the first time.

Last night, I took some baby blankets home to show the dogs. They couldn't care less. I made them sit and knelt down to hold it out to them. Connie immediately nosed under it to get closer to me, and Duke nosed in further and rolled over. So much for that plan . . .

Niki, Charlotte, and I enjoyed a very nice evening. We dimmed the lights and chatted until it was time to go to sleep. We're pretty lucky parents!

Niki is packing up to go home, so I should probably log off and help her. Big day today!

-Charlotte's Dad

First Day

Our little Charlotte has had a long, wonderful first day. We are closing in our her first 24 hours, and she's experienced a lot. She has had many visitors from the neighborhood (Ronnie the Mayor of Cannonwood being the first), and met her paternal grandparents, who made the drive from Michigan.

Most importantly, however, Charlotte, Niki, and I have been enjoying getting to know one another. She is slowly getting the hang of feeding, and we are learning how to comfort her. Our baby is already a talker, cooing, muttering, and almost purring while she sleeps and wakes. She can cry and belt it out, too. Heck, she's her parents' baby after all, and Niki and I have never been accused of being quiet . . .

We've had a successful midnight feeding, and Niki and I finally got our first hour and a half of sleep (we last slept early Sunday morning). Charlotte is quiet, and we are looking forward to finding a way to quietly transfer her to the baby trolley for a few more hours sleep.

Our e-mail accounts, blog, and telephones have been a-buzz today with well wishers, and we are very thankful for all of your good thoughts, and for the influences you all will be on Charlotte and us as she (and we) grow in the future.

More later, of course!

Love,

C, N, 'n' C

Charlotte is here!

We had the distinct pleasure of holding our sweet Charlotte at 6:08 this morning. Niki labored hard and efficiently, and is recovering nicely. Charlotte is strong, beautiful, and healthy - everything we could hope for.  She is 21.5 inches long, and 7 lbs, 8 oz.  She has a full head of black hair.

Ronnie and Jean, and Alicia, Faith Carol, and David have already come to welcome Charlotte to our world.

Today is a wonderful day!

C, N, and C

Warming the baby trolley

We're getting closer.  They've turned on the warmer over the baby trolley.  Dr. Kim Scott wil deliver the baby and is already here.  They are bringing in yak trays and towels.  Soon, soon, soon.

Just about 9

Niki is at just about 9 cm, they have called the doctor, and brought in the baby trolley.  Niki is doing well, and looks great!

C 'n' N

Lots of progress!

Niki is at 8 centimeters and plus one station!  She's ahead of schedule, which is just how she likes it. We're too excited to sleep...

Epidural works!

Niki loves the epidural!  Dr. Feelgood is quite nice, as well. Niki is at 6 cm and 100% effaced.  They tell us to expect one cm dilation per hour, so baby at six o'clock?

We'll keep you posted!

Hospital

Niki's water broke at 10:57 tonight.  We are at the hospital. Everything is going well. Think good thoughts for us. Niki's contractions are increasing, but she is a trooper!

Charlotte will be here soon!

More guessing fun!

From the Stringer side:

And who is this?

That last one was Don (Corey's brother-in-law)! He looks a little annoyed at the photographer, doesn't he? Here's a few more for you to guess.

From the Evans side:



From the Stringer side: