playdate

Today Abby had her first play date!

Ms. Avery Claire came over to visit. Avery is the daughter of our friends Alexis & Drew Cooper, and she was born just 6 days after Abs.  Avery was a little sleepy during the visit, but she let us take tons of pictures and put up with Abby's antics.  It was fun to visit and I had a great time watching the girls and getting to run my fingers through Avery's amazing head of hair!  My poor bald-headed child was jealous.  ;-)

Christmas photos

A quick second post tonight -

As promised, here are some of the pictures Abby and I took to give to people as gifts this year. I'm happy with the way they turned out and I hope you enjoy them.

Stocking pictures

daddy's arms

in my dad's baptismal gown

my ring was bigger than her palm

I love this picture.

Christmas updates

Sorry for the major lack in blogging - but as you can imagine, traveling and the holidays have kept us pretty busy.  Sooo, without further ado, I will try my best to give a quick update.

Kyle and I escaped Boston without any problem.  (well, after we finally found a cab - I had called every cab place in Boston and got no answer. I freaked out, cried and was sure we were going to be stranded...but super husband Kyle got it all straightened out and found us a cab just in time.)  Abby flew like a champ and we were so relieved that the traveling went as well as it did.  Lets hope the trip home is as blissfully uneventful.  Here's a shot of our little traveler chillin.  :)

"Mmmm, peanuts."

We got to Arkansas and spent some time with the families.  We went to Christmas Eve mass with Kyle's family and let Abigail make her social debut. ;-)  Again, she was great during church and slept through it all.  We spent Christmas and the day after traveling between Conway, Little Rock, and Pine Bluff to attend the various familial Christmas celebrations.  We had a great time with everyone.  It was nice to be around family and I was so happy to introduce our girl to everyone.  So, while it was a busy few days, it was a good time.  I'm so glad we were able to come home.  

Christmas mass

Four generations of ladies.

The day after Christmas, we headed down to Texarkana for my best friend Joel's wedding.  My good buddy Joel got hitched to the stunning Ms. Ashley.  I'm so happy for them both, and again, I'm so glad we were able to make it to the ceremony.  We were, again, able to introduce Abigail to all our friends and she did a great job being around everyone.  After the reception we came back to Conway.

Mr. & Mrs. Wright

sleepin' at the reception

That brings us to today.  We went to mass this morning, and afterwards we had Abigail baptized.  It was a very nice ceremony and we had lots of people come to watch and support her!  Almost all of my extended family came, all of Kyle's and several friends.  She didn't even cry when they baptized her.  After the ceremony, Kyle's parents had everyone over to the house for a reception.  It was so nice!  We got to mingle and hang out with our family and friends - show off the baby and just relax.  She is already too popular for her own good. ;)

Us and godparents Billie Jo & Ricky

So, there's the quick and dirty update.  This week should be less busy, and I'm hoping to keep up with the blogging a little better.  

daddy

He is so good with her and she loves being with him.  

comparisons

You can't tell me this isn't his child, ha!

1 week

I woke up this morning at 5:54am.  I waited 2 mins and then leaned over Abigail and whispered "happy birthday baby"  

I can not believe she's a week old.  Yes, I know a week isn't really that long, but for some reason, it seems like a big milestone in our little story of a life here.  One week ago, I was in the hospital.  I was squeezing Kyle's hand, breathing, I was looking at our daughter for the first time, I was crying - happy tears.  

A week and a half ago, I was anxiously waiting for some sign of labor.  I was baking massive amounts of cookies and walking, watching Kyra play wii, going out about the city, packing my hospital bag - just in case.  

2 weeks ago?  I can't remember 2 weeks ago.  It already seems like this child has been here forever.  I love it.  I love every second of it.  Even when she's screaming at me.  Even when she wants to be fed again after an hour of nursing, even when I'm up at 3am changing a diaper - I love it.  

When she was born, while she was perfect and wonderful, she was a stranger.  Over the past week, I feel like I'm getting to know her.  I'm bonding with her.  It's been good.  When she's done eating, she falls asleep.  Every time.  She curls up and her little hand grabs my finger and she falls asleep.  She gives little breathy sighs that melt me.  It is the definition of peaceful.  When she's like this, sometimes I cry because she's so perfect and everything seems to be just as it should be.  She knows I'm safe and she knows I'm here to take care of her.  It's my purpose now, my reason for being.  

So, happy one week Abby.  Your dad and I are loving you more everyday.  

This morning, we had a little photo shoot.  She was a great sport and we got some really great pictures.  However, I'm not releasing those to the masses just yet.  After Christmas.  :)  But, I couldn't help but post a few of the random shots we took in between poses.  Enjoy.

 

rockstar

That's how I feel right now. 

I will probably feel like a slug in an hour - but right now, I feel like a rock star.

We took Abby out today, we ran by BC with dad and then we all went to Target to get some odds and ends.  Fun times!  Target, the week before Christmas.  Our little Abbykat did great - slept the whole time.  

When we got home, we cooked dinner and I fed the baby...and ate dinner.  Then, and this is key, me and baby took a 2 hour nap!  After that, I changed her and put her in her crib.  I then commenced to clean the apartment.  I put up laundry, I took out trash, I tidied every room, Kyle did dishes.  I put away all our target purchases and organized our changing table.  We even had time to make brownies before I sat down at the computer here.  The whole time, Abigail was just chillin in her crib.  Wide awake and content.  She's such a good baby!

I love when she is content enough that I can get things done around the apartment - it makes me feel super productive and just good.  Like, I can do this, see? It helps that she seems to be a super content child.  She only cries when she needs something.  She doesn't cry when we change her, or when we dress her, or during bath time.  She cries when she's hungry, uncomfortable, or needs changing.  As Kyle and I often say to each other, "fair enough"  

So, now its time for another meal for baby (and another brownie for mommy) and we'll start our bedtime "routine"  The BPS cancelled school tomorrow in anticipation of the snow storm coming.  We'll see what that brings!

I just wanted to take a moment to remember this rockstar feeling.  

this little piggy

Well, if there was any doubt, it's gone now.  This child is definitely my daughter.  She loooves her food.  

Yesterday, I fed her 14 meals.  Oh yeah - that's the life.  I swear I can see her growing every hour.  It's a good thing, especially because of the jaundice stuff.  The doc said that the more she eats, the quicker it will go away.  It's pretty much gone now, but she's not going to let that ruin her appetite.  

As for me, nursing is going well.  We've luckily not had any problems with it thus far.  I'm counting my blessing because I know So many people who have a more difficult time with it.  Despite the obvious sleeplessness of it all, nursing is a special thing that I'm glad I get to experience.   

It's pretty easy to tell when she's hungry.  She looks at you and opens her mouth real wide.  If you don't get the hint, she'll smack her lips over and over.  If you Still don't get what she's saying - she'll look at you, frown, and stick her whole hand in her mouth and start sucking on it like there's no tomorrow.  If you don't feed her at this point, you get crying.  I think it's funny to see her suck on her hand, but don't worry, I usually get the first hint.  She is a well fed baby.

In other baby news-

Yesterday was Kyle's first day back to work.  His bosses are being SUPER flexible with him, which is wonderful.  But yesterday, he was gone until after 6pm.  Abby and I just chilled at home and had a good day.  I was so tired by the time he got home though, and I find that it is very hard for me to fall asleep if the baby is awake.  I feel bad and just lay there feeling bad and don't sleep.  So, last night, I fed her and then took a percocet that the doctor sent home with me.  I haven't been taking them since my pain wasn't too bad.  However, it knocked me out and I had the BEST nap ever.  I needed it.  Really needed it.  Yay for drugs, huh?  

Honestly though, while I'm sure the sleep thing will probably catch up with me eventually - right now this is a breeze compared to grad school.  

pictures pictures!

Kyle and I are shameless first time parents.  We take pictures of Abigail all. day. long.  Most of them aren't that great - but we don't want to miss anything and well, with iphones and cameras laying around everywhere - it's pretty easy to whip up an impromptu photo shoot.  

So, I'll try to (eventually) blog about things other than every sigh, wink, kick, and dirty diaper - but for now, indulge me.  ;-)

First, here are some pictures from the hospital.  Yes, I know, I look horrendous - but, if you can't look scary after labor - then, when can you? 

  

I'm actually only posting this one, because it amuses me just how tired and scary we look.  It's a whole new level.  :)

When we got home, we were still in awe over how tiny she was.  Here are some pictures of our little baby burrito in her suddenly freakishly huge crib.

Last night we gave Abigail her first bath.  Just a sponge bath for now.  She was so good.  Didn't cry at all and was very alert through the whole thing.

And to wrap things up, here are a few of daddy snoozin' with his girl.

my little yellow baby.

We took Abigail to the pediatrician this afternoon for her jaundice check up.  

The doc just called and said that her bloodwork came back fine.  Her levels are still high, but "not too high"  So, that's good.  We go back again tomorrow.  She weighed in at 6lbs 12 oz - which is normal.  

So, I told myself that when Abigail has to get shots and such that I would be cool as a cucumber.  They're for her own good and it's ok to let her cry.  So, today, when they told us they needed to draw blood from her heel again to run more tests, I was not at all concerned.  

So, Kyle is holding her, and the lab tech comes in and clips her little heel and starts trying to squeeze blood out into a little vile.  Abigail does not like to bleed.  Not as in she doesn't prefer it - but as in she doesn't produce a lot of blood.  So, the tech had to squeeze out one little drop at a time while Abigail cried - no screamed the whole time.  I was completely fine.  

Then, the tech said that the blood was clotting and she'd have to do another clip and try again.  I said "ok, that's fine"  So, she clipped her heel again and started the process over.  That's when it started to bother me.  Something in me wanted to help her.  Kyle was holding her and he was sweating.  Then, as she continued to scream the most horrendous scream, she took both her hands and covered her eyes and then slid them down to her cheeks and pulled on her face....and it was then that I had to act. I was at her side in a nanosecond.

I went to her and stroked her and spoke to her and I let her suck on my pinky finger to pacify her.  She liked that, but continued to scream and I just look at her and held back the tears.  I did not like the lab tech anymore.  Even though I knew I was being illogical - I didn't like her, and I wanted her to leave my baby alone.  The tech eventually gave up and said she would try to get the test done with what she had.  

I couldn't wait to hold Abigail.  She continued to cry as we dressed her, and as we put her in her carseat.  But, by the time we were walking out the exam room, she was asleep.  Completely exhausted from screaming for a good 15 mins.  

Oh, motherhood - what surprises you have in store.  

We've had a low key evening since then.  Kyle is currently sleeping in his chair with his baby curled up on his chest.  I should take a picture, but it's too dark.  I got some good cleaning done and we even managed to catch up on some tv.  Here's hoping to a smooth night.  

We're home!

Hello from the home front.

Abigail, Kyle and I have officially made the trek from hospital to home.  We enjoyed our stay at the hospital and received excellent care on all fronts.  The nurses were helpful and informative and the doctors made sure both me and baby were taken care of.  

Our first night at home was about as we expected it to be.  Exciting and tiring all at once.  :)  

We go back to the doctor this afternoon so that Abigail's jaundice levels can be checked.  She's a little on the high side of the jaundice scale, so everyone wants to keep an eye on it.  I think she just got confused with so many people calling her sunshine and thought that's the color she was supposed to be.  Anyway, she's doing fine, it just makes her a little tired and so sometimes its hard for her to finish a meal before she falls asleep.  This means that I have the joy of feeding her almost every hour all night - if only for 5 or 10 mins.  So, we'll let you know how the doc says she's doing today.

So, while Abby is now the complete center of our world - I want to put that world on pause for a moment to give some major props to the man in my life.

Kyle has been amazing.  I mean, I knew he would be and I even knew he would exceed my expectations - but yes, he has exceeded even those.  Watching him with the baby melts my heart.  He has a whole range of facial expressions and voices that I've never seen before.  She looks just like him and he radiates pride at that fact.  When he's not completely doting on his daughter, Kyle has spent every spare moment taking care of me.  

He knows that he can't help with the nursing, but he says he can make sure that I eat.  He has fed me every meal, made sure I take my medications, he rocks the baby and cleans up.  He rubs my back and is constantly asking what else he can do.  He's already an amazing husband, and he's proving to be an incredible daddy as well.

I know that the blogging front will be a little slower now, but I promise to update everyone as often as I can.  We love that we can keep up with events with those far away.  Until next time, know that we are happy and well, even if a little sleepy.  :)

I love this picture. 

Looking at the world.

Abigail Katherine Shachmut

Hello to all! I apologize for the late update. It's obviously been a very busy and tiring day for all of us. But, without further ado, let me announce that

Abigail Katherine Shachmut was born this morning at 5:56am. She weighed in at 7lbs 1.5oz. and is 20 inches long. She is happy and healthy and we are all doing well.

Kyle and I got to the hospital yesterday around 2pm. We hung around and waited on my labor to progress. I was at 2cm when we checked in, but by 8pm that night i was still not having regular contractions. So, the started me on pitocin to help move things along. We were very happy that my doctor was the one on call last night. Good timing. Things started moving and at a around 1am I decided to take the epidural. Yes, I felt bad that the pain was getting to me - but really, it was more that I was just exhausted and was having trouble staying awake between contractions. Either way, the epi man is my new bff. I got the epidural at 2am and fell asleep.

We were told that we should expect to progress around 1cm an hour. I was at 3 when I got the epidural and 3 hours later, we were ready to push. 45 mins of pushing and we had a daughter. Her cord was wrapped tight around her neck, so the doctor had to cut it. I think Kyle was looking forward to that part, but obviously, we were happy to let the doctor take care of it.  Abigail let out a few little noises and spent the next hour in the room with us. She was completely alert, but silent. Just taking everything in with her eyes.

I've been wondering how I would be during this whole process. How would I react? Well, there were times that I was very proud of my pain tolerance and times when I was crying and telling the doctor that I had nothing left. When she came out, I cried. No, I sobbed. I was overwhelmed with more emotion than my body could physically handle. I was also exhausted.

Kyle was so wonderful. He did everything he was supposed to. He let me squeeze his hand, he rubbed my back, he spoke to me and encouraged me. He made sure that the nurses and doctors got me everything I needed. He was perfect. I cried again when I saw him hold Abigail for the first time. He looked so happy. He looked so perfect with her and she was just staring at him. I think she looks like him.

After delivery, we spent a few hours in that room resting. Kyle and I both completely crashed for about an hour. Then we were moved to our recovery room - where I am now. We've spent the day learning what we can from the hospital staff, who have been great, having visitors, and spending lots of time with our new baby. I'm very happy that Kyra was able to be here for this. Karen also came and spent the night at the hospital. It was nice to have some family and friends around. Thank you to everyone who has sent texts, phonecalls, e'mails, messages, facebook pokes...we have read them all and thank you truly. I have been too tired today to do much phoning myself, but we'll get there.

We will go home Sunday morning. I'm so excited to bring her home. I'm eager to get to know her, to watch her and to learn her ways. I know every mother in time says the same thing, so I won't break the tradition, but Abigail really is perfect. She's beautiful, alert, calm, so tiny, and perfect.

Here's to the day my world changed forever.


Here are some pictures of our journey.

Kyle and I had fun waiting on my labor to progress.

Kyle, conducting the contractions. :)

Nothing makes somebody look bigger than a hospital gown.  

Moments after birth. 

Alert and curious

watching daddy

daddy's girl

Taking it all in.