Thursday, June 19, 2008

Tired Wednesday

Ok... I'll admit it- having a newborn baby around the house is A LOT of work (and we are so blessed that we will soon be having two newborns!). Like any adjustment, however, I am confident that we will get used to it and figure out systems that work for our family.

Hope had a wonderful first night's sleep, however, her mom and dad could not say the same. It seemed like Hope was constantly making little grunts and groans that forced Mom and Dad to get out of their bed and check on her in her basonette. Her toots, gurgles and squeals seemed more reminiscent of a geriatric man than a newborn girl. Hope managed to get up twice to feed during the night- keeping relatively constant with her 3-4 hour feeding schedule.

Tonight there are bottles in the fridge, hence your's truly is on duty. While exhausted, a deep sense of peace is beginning to settle in. This won't fully be the case until Grace comes home, but after 70 days with daughters in the NICU you have to put the three hours of sleep aside and rejoice in your family coming home.

Hope's first day in her new home included a nice visit from Grandma Cris and Grandpa Bob. She also enjoyed listening to (and sleeping through) most of her second Brewer game (incidentally the Crew is 2-0 with Hope at home :) ). In addition, Hope met her new pediatrician, Dr. Boldt, and seemed very pleased to show off her beautiful bright eyes for her doctor. After her appointment, Hope returned to familiar territory as the three of us went to visit Gracie. It felt weird picking up the beige phone to gain access to the NICU and saying, "Will, Jeni and Hope Piper to see Grace." Hopefully we won't have to do that for much longer. Grace continues to progress slowly but surely on her nipple feeds and is still on track to come home sometime next week. Feel free to vote for when you think Gracie will come home in the poll on the right.





Hope is energetic as she meets Grandma Cris and Grandpa Bob.







Grandma Cris enjoys holding her granddaughter for the first time.









Daddy is proud that he was able to dress Hope in a coordinating watermelon sleeper all by himself. I always say, you learn something new every day!




This picture says it all! Jeni rests her eyes for a moment while relaxing with Hope after her feeding.

3 comments:

Laurie said...

Brings back old memories. Some advice. Take it or leave it. Forget about the dishes, laundry, and general tidying up. When the baby sleeps you sleep. You will find a routine that works for all of you. Go by your instincts and how it feels right for you and the situation. Enjoy it! Gabby is almost 3. (6-26) I must say i was the vote for 6/26. I picked Gab's birthday on your poll. But she is almost three. It goes by so fast. Drink and breathe it all in. It is sleep deprivation but all so worth it.
God Bless you all!

Susan and Gord and Aaron & Emily said...

I believe every parent goes through that sleeplessness when the baby grunts and squeels during the night. Hopefully, you will settle in soon and not worry so much about her. I bet the adeneline rush and all the excitement has you even more tired. Don't worry it will not last forever. The good news is that Jeni has recovered from the surgery/delivery and has her strength to deal with this and you are both together with your families. Give here a smooch for us.

Josh n Betsie said...

Oh man I thought my girls were the worst grunters ever. we finally had to put them in their own room so we didn't hear every noise they made. Congrats on having Hope home!