Spring is finally here!

We've had some really nice weather the past few days, so we have finally been able to let Graecyn spend some time outside.  One of the definite disadvantages to being born in the middle of winter is that you're stuck inside looking out all the time.  It's been great to be able to go outside without having to completely bundle her up every time!

I took Graecyn for her first walk around the neighborhood.  She liked it so much that I barely got out of the driveway before she was sound asleep!

before the walk

5 minutes into the walk

Here's a brief video of Graecyn's first real experience feeling the wind.  I don't think she knew what to think of it!

2 Month Update

At Graecyn's 2 month check-up, we learned that she was a bit under weight.  So, while I am still nursing her every chance I get, we are also supplementing each feeding with formula.  She returned to the doctor one week after her 2 month check-up for a weight check and she had gained 1 pound in 1 week (7 lbs 15 oz)!  So, she was able to get her 2 month shots, which she handled like a champ (anything would be easier after the blood work experience the previous week).

We rented a baby scale from the hospital and weigh her every morning...today she weighed in at 8 lbs 5 oz, so we're definitely moving in the right direction. While we thought we had a happy baby before, we definitely have a happy baby now that she's getting enough to eat!

Road Trip

Eric and I decided to take a quick road trip to Iowa while I was still on maternity leave so that Graecyn could meet her Johnson side of the family.  What is usually a 13 hour drive turned into 19 hours after having to stop every 2 hours to feed and change her, but she was a trooper!  The family was so excited to finally meet her, especially her cousin, Addison, who gave her lots of kisses. :-)  While our visit was short, it was so great to be able to spend time with family.

"playtime" somewhere in Western Michigan

Playing with Cousing Addison

Graecyn with her Great Grandma Johnson

Graecyn with her Great Papa Johnson

Aunt Juli

Counsins Addison & Colton

Uncle Will

Uncle Travis

Grandma Marline

Addison with her uncles

Sweet Girl

One Sad Mama

Graecyn had her 2 month check up and it did not go as well as hoped.  While she has grown 2" in length (now 21 3/4"), she has not gained any weight since her 2 week check-up.  I have been exclusively breastfeeding and apparently was only producing enough milk for her to maintain and not gain weight.  I had hoped to be able to do so until she was at least 9 months, but I have been forced to change that goal.  Her pediatrician says she is definitely on track developmentally, but needs to gain a lot more weight.  So, for now we have to supplement formula with the breastmilk while I work with a lactation consultant to boost my supply.  Hopefully I'll be able to get her back to exclusive breastmilk in the future, but of course all that really matters is that Graecyn starts to pack on the pounds!

Unfortunately, that wasn't the worst part of the appointment.  After several tears from me at the pediatrician's office (no mama likes to hear that they're basically starving their child), we headed to the hospital's outpatient laboratory for some blood work on Graecyn to confirm that there's nothing wrong with her (there's not) and it's just from lack of adequate milk supply from me (it is).  Here's where the worst part of the appointment comes in...they had to poke both of her heels and put a needle in her hand in order to get enough blood for all of the tests they needed to run.  Graecyn was so upset, it was all this mama (and her daddy) could do to keep from busting out in tears.  It is the most awful thing seeing your baby in pain.  A big "thank you" goes out to the phlebotomist who sang to Graecyn while drawing her blood (Eric and I were too busy fighting back tears and keeping her from moving around too much on the table).  It's a good thing she's not 16 because this mama and daddy would have run out and bought her a brand new car right then and there to make up for all of her tears!

Not a happy baby

Showing off her needle pokes

2 Months Old

It's hard to believe that 2 months ago, we were meeting Graecyn for the very first time!  She is such a happy baby and has filled our lives with so much joy.  She smiles like crazy now and is really starting to 'talk' to us...we can't get enough of her coos and giggles.  She greets us every morning with a huge smile, which is the best way to start the day.  She sleeps pretty good through the night - sometimes waking up only once (or less!) to nurse.  She's grown quite a bit in length and is too long for her newborn clothes, but she's still pretty petite and hasn't put on much weight yet, so most of her 0-3 month clothes are huge on her. She can really hold her head up well and is gaining strength in her arms - pushing herself up when on her stomach.  She's not the best napper and usually sleeps best when one of us is holding her; fortunately she is a great cuddler.  She loves to be moving, so Eric and I get A LOT of exercise walking her around the house.  It's amazing how she can be sound asleep, but the second we take a break and sit down, she's wide awake and crying...until we start walking again and then life is good.
 

Happy 2 months, baby girl!

First Flight

Graecyn had her first airplane ride last week when we traveled to North Carolina for her to meet the Taylor family.  She did great traveling - slept the entire trip out there!  The family was so excited to finally meet her, especially her cousins, Anna and Abbie, who gave her lots of kisses. :-)  She received lots of love and as you can tell from the pictures, there weren't too many moments when she wasn't in someone's arms. :-)

Her first set of wings!

Abbie, Anna & Graecyn

Uncle Brian

Uncle Mark

Aunt Amanda

Grandma Mathews

Aunt Rachel

Smiling for Granddaddy

Nana



Say Cheese!