Happy New Year's Eve!

With Maddie officially two months old yesterday, here are a few things that are noteworthy as of the last week:

• She has discovered she can suck on her hand
• She has cradle cap which we use olive oil to try and keep at bay
• She is now wearing the 0-3 months size in her pjs (she's growing!)
• She sometimes sleeps for 5-6 hour stretches, though not consistently
• She is pooping less frequently (TMI perhaps, but it's noteworthy) - two or three times a day which means we have to change her clothes more often as we have "blow outs" periodically
  
• She's gone up in diaper sizes but still can't fit the special biodegradable diapers we bought

We will be spending New Year's Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Freise's with Aunt Julie, Uncle Jeremy and Eva. We look forward to 2009 and more exciting changes for our little girl!

Maddie's First Christmas

Maddie surrounded by presents on Christmas morning. She hung out like this for a long time just watching everyone open gifts.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were quite exciting! On Christmas Eve, we spent the evening with Uncle Kevin, Aunt Lorrie, "Uncle" Craig, Jessica and Amanda. We ate crab legs and filet mignon - what a yummy dinner! Maddie was all smiles most of the night, and then got overwhelmed by all the gifts.

On Christmas Day, we had brunch with the Freise clan in the morning and celebrated Eva's first birthday for dinner. Both Maddie and Eva had a lot of excitement (Maddie took a five hour nap during the day AND slept for a six hour stretch at night. Eva didn't want to go to sleep as playing with all her gifts was much more fun.)


My first present was an exercise mat from Uncle Dave, Auntie Amy, Aaron and Baby Y (to be born soon!)


Big smiles for my cousin Jessica!


My Christmas jammies, which later had to be changed in the middle of the night due to a little tinkle. Mommy thinks it's time to go up a size in diapers.


We tried to get a picture of the Freise cousins, but it was a bit of a challenge as you can see!


Aunt Julie poses with Maddie. We were so happy Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Julie and Eva were able to be in Chicago for Christmas and Eva's first birthday. The nine inches of snow in Seattle made for quite an adventure in them getting here.


Maddie's Christmas outfit which her Great Aunt Mary Ann and Great Uncle Eddie got for her. Jaya said she looked like a little Mrs. Claus.

The Poop Song

When Maddie is clearly upset about a little gas in her tummy, Daddy sometimes sings to her. Here's a song he made up. Better than the Pancake poem? Maybe!
Really good poop, really good poop,
All I want is a really good poop.
Ask me now and I'll give you the scoop.
All I want is a really good poop.
Broccoli, cheese, and chili bean soup.
Anything that will give me a really good poop.

There's a sequel, the Burp Song, in the works.

To Our Loyal Fans

Yes, Mommy and Daddy have been slackers about doing another post. Perhaps it's because Daddy is in training all this week and keeps forgetting to leave the camera (and USB thingie) behind so Mommy can upload new pictures or video. Perhaps it's because Mommy is slightly exhausted since Daddy can't help with feedings due to his training class. Or perhaps we just want to keep our loyal fans in anticipation of what we'll post next.

Hint: Daddy sings a song that may be better than the Pancake poem. Stay tuned...


Maddie's hats were all too big so Mommy bought a new one that actually fits! It's so cold in Chicago we have to keep her head covered when we venture outside. Mommy and Maddie have done some last minute Christmas shopping. This picture was taken on the 11th.

A Perfect Day

Maddie's outfit this morning. We're going out to lunch with some friends, so she needs to look nice! The hat makes her look like Strawberry Shortcake - it's kinda silly looking.

Yesterday was a great day for Mommy and Maddie. Daddy went into the office, which can be hard sometimes on Mommy, but not today. Maddie was great! She was awake most of the day, with a three and a half hour nap in the afternoon, the up again most of the evening so she slept great at night (five hours the first stretch, then another three before Daddy's feeding). During the day, she liked to hang out on the floor and kick around. She didn't want Mommy to hold her as much as before...which let's Mommy get things done around the house. Mommy was able to get A LOT done, including laundry and finishing the Christmas present for Grandpa Freise (it's a secret). Mommy also gave her a tubby without Daddy's help.
Another big thing is that Maddie can now fit some of her clothes, so we put her in an outfit during the day and change her to pjs at night. We're hoping this will help establish a day vs. night routine for her.

A Good Weekend

Our plan has been to post every day for a month and then post weekly or when new things happen. We stayed and Grandma & Grandpa Freise's again last weekend. It was very pleasant. Grandpa had a very good day on Sunday. We started a new puzzle and Mommy almost finished that one too!

Here is Grandpa Freise holding Maddie.

Maddie also met her cousins, Jessica and Amanda, and her Uncle Kevin and "Uncle" Craig this weekend.

Mandy holds Maddie.


Jessie held Maddie for a long tome. I think we have a future babysitter!

Thursday (Week 5)

Daddy had a good night at bowling (164,183,138). Mommy went to Target today. Couple good poopy diapers. Her nights are staring to get a little better. Maddie is starting to sleep in 2-3 hour blocks. Daddy did a 6 am feeding without any issues.
Here's Maddie in the towel Sherye Halliburton made her.

Wed

Mommy got a hair cut today. Maddie slept most of the day. Daddy got a video on what happens when Maddie's binky pops out.

One Month Checkup

Mommy took Maddie for her one month checkup today. She now weighs 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and is 20.5 inches long. She's tiny - about the 25th percentile for her age. She also had to get a shot in the left thigh for Hep B. She was a trooper about it, but it's so hard to see her little face get red and then hear her yelp out in pain.

She was also awake most of the day again and enjoyed hanging out on her blankie on the floor.

Back at Home

Here Mommy wants to take a nap, but Maddie just wants to wiggle around!

Maddie slept for four hours between feedings last night (10pm - 2am), then a three hour stretch (2am - 5am), after which she didn't want to go back to sleep. She was awake most of the morning, with a few short naps, but waited until the afternoon to really sleep again. She is more alert, sometimes crying just because she wants to hang out on her blanket and look around (as opposed to wanting to be held). This is a new thing for us - now when she cries she may be hungry, wants to be held in a different way, has a little "bubble" in her tummy that needs to come out, OR wants to be put down to wiggle around on the ground. She's getting stronger too. During tummy time today she pushed herself up on her arms holding her head up for awhile.
Tomorrow we have her one month doctor's appointment so we'll see how much weight she has gained and how tall she is! She still can't fit into any of her 0-3 month clothes. The only outfits she can wear are her Carter's newborn sleepers - Mommy and Daddy bought her three more when they had a "date" on Saturday while Grandma watched Maddie. It was their first "date" since she joined our family.

One Month Old!

Happy one month birthday to Madeline Victoria, or Maddie Vic. Also, Happy Birthday to Aunt Donna! Our final day at Grandma and Grandpa's was a relaxing one. We almost finished the puzzle and watched the Bears game.Maddie with her wrist bunny.
Grandma gave Maddie a bath in the bathroom sink. Maddie did not fuss one bit!

Left Over Turkey

We spent Saturday at Grandma & Grandpa's again. It is almost guaranteed we had left over turkey at some point during the day. We continued the jigsaw puzzle we started on Friday with the help of Ellen, Dan, and Erin. Grandpa amazed us with his talent for finding where pieces go.
Maddie helped wake up Grandpa in the morning.An afternoon nap for Mommy and Maddie.

Back at Grandma and Grandpas! (Day 29)

Grandpa tries to calm Maddie down - she wanted to look around and see what was going on.


Daddy and Maddie take a nap together. Maddie holds onto Daddy's pinky - such a tiny hand.


Aunt Jean snags a kiss from a very sleepy little girl.


Kyle, Erin and Dan hanging out with Maddie.

We came to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa Freise's again, after Mommy did a little shopping on Black Friday (just a run into Michael's to buy two things). Maddie got to meet Jay's cousin Ellen, her husband Dan, and their kids Kyle and Erin who were in for a hockey tournament from Missouri. Her Great Uncle Eddie came in too. Maddie just loved hanging out in Ellen and Dan's arms - they are pros! Uncle Joel, Aunt Jean, Jake and Jaya came later for dinner too. It was a great post-Turkey Day with family.

Feeding got tough again on Mommy overnight, so Daddy ended up doing TWO feedings in the middle of the night. He's the best Daddy ever and doesn't complain - he loves spending time with his little girl.

Thankgiving Day (4 weeks)

Pappy came over yesterday and helped put up Christmas decorations. Here he is holding Maddie in his Bill Cosby sweater. Aunt Nea and cousin Justin also came up for Thanksgiving dinner. Daddy was going to deep fry a turkey but when he went to take it out of the fridge, it was still completely frozen solid. Dang high-efficiency, well-insulated refrigerator. So that forced a trip to the grocery store to get a fresh turkey and an extra gallon of peanut oil. After testing the turkey volume with water, we discovered we didn't have enough peanut oil, so Pappy volunteered to run to the store this time. We finished off the keg of Spotted Cow and had a really nice dinner. Grandma Freise sent most of it: Cranberry jam, sweet potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and gravy.Maddie was up bright and early and very perky.Maddie slept in Aunt Nea's arms for 2 hours!

Sight & Sound

Maddie started to show us that she can locate sounds. She is also starting to look around more and can probably see farther.

Getting Out (Day 26)

Smushy face on Daddy's shoulder.


Daddy does the first feeding in the morning and always plays with Maddie. Mommy never knows what they do until she sees the pictures. How cute!

Mommy took Maddie with her to the doctor's this afternoon. She fed right before they had to leave, which is a good thing because it takes 45 minutes to get there, so they were gone for over 2 1/2 hours, getting home in time to do another feeding. The doctor said that Mommy doesn't have an infection; she just is a bit "raw" and will eventually heal. The magical ointment will continue along with soaking in warm salt water (Grandma Freise's recommended and it feels like it helps).

We're all excited for tomorrow's visitor - Pappy arrives from Florida for Turkey Day!

Still at Grandma and Grandpa's (Day 25)

Justin holds Maddie and remarks that she is so tiny, but has more hair than Uncle Jay.

We spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa's. Daddy worked remotely which was nice. Maddie slept really well at night for three hour stretches, but then stayed up nearly all morning not taking a nap until 2pm. She slept again in the car on the way home, but once again was up (it's now 9:15pm and she's still awake). I guess she just likes to look around and learn about her environment and maybe she'll be so tired that she sleeps well tonight. She got to meet more new people today - her Uncle Jordan and cousin Justin, and Fred and Holly Hoxie. What a day!

Mommy also decided to go see her doctor about the ongoing soreness she has making breastfeeding (and everything else) really difficult. She has an appointment tomorrow at 3pm so everyone hope the doctor can figure out what is causing the problem and provide a cure!

We stay with Grandma and Grandpa (Day 24)

Jaya holds Maddie while Jake looks on.




Jake's turn to hold his new cousin.


Uncle Joel playing around with the camera...he must have known we'd publish this photo...what a mug!

Daddy, Mommy and Maddie went to Grandma and Grandpa Freise's to spend the night and get some rest. Maddie got to meet some new people while visiting. Jay's cousin Emily and her husband Phil, Ellen Galland, and Maddie's cousins Jake and Jaya. Grandma helped out A LOT and showed Mommy and Daddy some new tricks to try when Maddie gets sad, but she was very good all day and slept for 3 hour stretches (including that night, which was very nice!).

First Bath (Day 23)

We gave Maddie her first bath today. She was very upset about it. But now she is squeaky clean.Thank you Mommy, for dropping the wash cloth in a strategic location.

Drying off in her froggy towel.
A couple other things worth mentioning:

• Maddie now officially has more hair on her head than Daddy
• We moved her from the bassinet to the crib this week

Here is Daddy's view down at Maddie after this morning's 5am bottle feeding.

Thank you Nancy Stermer for helping us get our girl fed and Mommy happy!

Friday (Day 22)

Daddy picked up some special, magical cream for Mommy from the apothecary. Maddie was pretty good all day today - here she is this morning enjoying the morning sun. Mommy and Daddy watched Indiana Jones: Crystal Skull.

3 Weeks Old

Today was a tough day. We were in survival mode. Maddie and Mommy were upset all day. Daddy went to bowling and scored an 86 on his last game (138 & 139 on the first two). Not sure what that was all about; probably to bring his average back down to where it needs to be. The 2am feeding was difficult again, but they are getting better. Daddy took the 6am feeding and let Mommy sleep in until 8:30. Maddie was happy the whole time and also practiced being on her tummy and holding her head up.
Picture from last night - small, medium, and large hands - Maddie's, Mommy's, and Grandpa Freise's.

Over the river and through the woods...(Day 20)

More tummy time today. Maddie is not very happy at first, but then...



She spots the baby doll that her Daddy got for her and...


Decides maybe being on her tummy isn't so bad after all!

We went to Grandma and Grandpa Freise's tonight and met with Nancy, a neighbor and friend who is a Lactation Consultant. Maddie's latch is not an issue, though the soreness continues. Nancy suggested some special ointment which we'll have our doctor prescribe tomorrow. In the meantime, Daddy is going to try and do one feeding a night to give Mommy a break. Unfortunately, after eating the full 2 oz. at 2am, Maddie just wouldn't go back to sleep. Mommy took over at 3am and stayed in the glider with her until 5am when she woke to eat again. We'll try again tonight with a different bottle - we think she gulped it down too fast and her tummy was bothering her.

A Suprise Call!

The Thinker. Maddie just after Mommy got off the phone this morning.

Mommy had just finished feeding little Maddie when her phone rang. The phone number wasn't recognized and area code 501 didn't ring a bell, but she answered anyway. It was a good thing as the person on the other end was a friendly voice - Mama Cleo was calling from Arkansas! It was so great to hear Cleo's voice (Mama Cleo and Mr. Bill are another set of "grandparents" for the Fisher girls.) What a great way to start our day!


Here's a picture of Mr. Bill when he was a young whipper-snapper playing for the Kansas City Monarchs. Maddie will learn to love baseball when she gets older - it's a tradition! Mr. Bill just turned 79 last week - happy birthday!

Daddy Returns to Work? (Day 19)

Daddy holding his little girl. She was a bit fussy, and then let out her "I'm hungry!" cry.

Daddy went to work early this morning, but surprised his girls by coming home early afternoon and working the rest of the day from home. His boss is also allowing him to work remotely (when he doesn't have meetings) into December, which makes Mommy SUPER happy. It's hard being alone all day!

The gripe water seems to work pretty well for Maddie's little tummy. She only fussed for a two hour stretch today and is getting more alert between morning feedings. Today, we tried a little tummy time, which lasted for about 1 minute, but we'll keep trying. Her head is getting stronger each day.

Breastfeeding is still challenging. We are hoping to see a lactation consultant tomorrow night to be certain the latch is good. Nights continue to challenge Mommy, and Daddy gets up to try and comfort her but it's hard for all. The nipple shield is helping a bit, but Mommy still isn't in love with nursing...yet. Daddy continues to support Mommy as best as he can and we look forward to the days which are a lot easier.

Girls Night Out (Day 18)

Maddie spent 6 hours this morning with tummy aches, not sleeping much between feedings. Daddy went to the pharmacy and bought some gripe water, which seems to work pretty well. She fussed for a bit last night, but was able to fall asleep after we gave her the gripe water.

Mommy took Maddie to book club where Paige and Elyria held her until she woke and was ready to go home and eat again. We didn't discuss the book very much, but Mommy enjoyed the cupcake and glass of wine. It was stressful to go out, even just half a block away, but it'll get easier.

Mommy also spoke with a lactation consultant and has a few names of people to call if we decide to get an expert to check Maddie's latch. In the meantime, the LC recommended using the nipple shield for a couple of days and pumping at least once a day to start building up a supply. We'll see how that goes and just keep hoping it'll get easier.

We venture outside...and forget to take pictures (Day 17)

Mommy tries different positions to get Maddie to burp up some gas, but it's rare to get one out of her. Here, she sleeps on Mommy's shoulder...no burp comes.

Today we took Maddie to the grocery store to do a little shopping. Little did we know that our car seat will NOT fit in a grocery cart, so we ended up putting it in the main area of the cart and putting all the food around her. We later learned that this is now a common practice with car seats, i.e. manufacturers don't want them to fit into shopping carts because of safety reasons. Mommy is not sure how she'll shop without Daddy because of this, but we'll figure something out.

The rest of the day we just relaxed at home. Daddy baked oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies which Mommy will probably eat too many of, and made pancakes again for breakfast. At her last feeding, Maddie got upset with her tummy again and Daddy walked around with her for an hour until midnight when Mommy could feed her again, which made her fall asleep. We're going to try a homeopathetic remedy for gassy tummies as soon as Daddy can get to the store on Monday. They say this only lasts for a few months, but it's so sad to see her so uncomfortable.

Mommy is not out of the woods with breastfeeding either. We've decided to see about having a Lactation Consultant come to the house because Mommy is so sore. Maddie opens up big for a second, but seems to relax her lower lip once she latches on. Perhaps that is okay as she's getting enough milk and putting on weight, but Mommy is having a hard time with soreness. The last feeding of the night is the hardest...we just hope it will get better soon.

All About Daddy (Day 16)

Family photo - Mommy and Daddy match!


Aunt Connie gets observed closely by little Maddie.



Maddie opens her eyes for just a second for Aunt Alice. She's so warm and snuggly in her new swaddle blanket!


Grandpa holds Maddie close while Grandma stands close by. Doesn't Maddie look so little next to her Grandpa?

Today was a busy day for Daddy. He stacked a face cord of wood in the garage and winterized the wave runner while Mommy and Maddie danced around the house to music from Uncle Kevin, Aunt Lorrie, Jessica and Amanda and took a nap. Daddy also made his special blueberry pancakes for Mommy! Later, we had lots of visitors - Grandma and Grandpa Freise, Aunt Connie and Aunt Alice. We talked by the fire, had a glass of wine and did a video conference with Aunt Julie, Uncle Jeremy and cousin Eva. At Maddie's last feeding of the night, she was very upset afterwards and Daddy walked around with her for over an hour trying to get the gas out. By then, it was time to feed her again, and this time she fell asleep for a whole 3 hours. Whew...at least Daddy was able to get some sleep after his busy day!
She also wore her first dress today, with baby legwarmers to keep her legs warm (we know it's not the 80s, but these are very trendy for little ones). The dress was given to her by our close friend Uncle Rob. He picked it out himself!




In 30 short seconds, Maddie shows that she is hungry, tired, wants to dance, and then gives us a little surprise ending. What a show!

Tummy time (Day 15)

The Great Madini really wanted her arms out but take a close look at her right hand...it's not in the sleeve at all, but came up through her pjs. She's so silly!

During the 6:30 am feeding/diaper changing this morning, Mommy noticed Maddie's umbilical cord had fallen off. Her belly button isn't fully healed, but we're certain a bath will be in Maddie's near future. Maddie continued her morning routine of not wanting to sleep and not wanting to pass gas or poop. By 1:30pm, Mommy just wanted to take a nap, so Daddy came to the rescue and calmed his baby girl to sleep so both Mommy and Maddie could get some rest. Yeah for Daddys!
Uncle Rob and his sister Jill came to visit for awhile this evening. The grownups played downstairs on the Wii and Xbox, then ate some pizza. Maddie slept, ate, then slept some more. It was fun to have company.

Two weeks old today! (Day 14)

Grandma left this afternoon and Daddy went to work and then bowling, so Mommy and Maddie spent a lot of time together this afternoon. All went well. Maddie did her normal routine...eat, sleep, poop, and repeat. Mommy napped a bit and got some laundry done. Maddie continues to do well with latching on, but sometimes she still doesn't open up her little mouth quite enough. Mommy has healed so it doesn't hurt as much anymore and hopes it stays that way.



Hiccups!

To Binky or not to Binky? That is the question. (Day 13)

Maddie doesn't always know what to do with the Binky. Here, she wants to suck on it, but still pushes it out...she just can't decide...to Binky, or not to Binky?

Maddie has a new routine - each morning, she gets red in the face and cries every time she has to pass gas...we're not sure from where she gets that. She sucks the binky between the little cries and stays awake between a couple of feedings. By late morning/early afternoon, she's ready to sleep again between feedings.
She is getting stronger each day. She is now able to latch on almost by herself, and Mommy has healed enough where it doesn't hurt too much anymore. Whew! It was rough-going for awhile there!
Grandma helped out a lot today, holding Maddie and letting Mommy take a nice, long shower. What a treat! Grandma also made a yummy dinner for Mommy and Daddy (per Mommy's request) - blintzes with cream cheese filling, just like when Mommy was a little girl.