Luckiest parents on the block...so far!

We're coming up on four weeks since Maggie's birth, and things are going beautifully. Maybe it's that we're more confident this time around since we've done this all before, we know what to expect (for the most part) or maybe it's that we're just plain lucky. Whatever it is, I hope it continues!


Maggie is still an AWESOME nurser, and has even had a few bottles and made easy transitions between bottle and breast. She is a hungry girl, that's for sure!! She, like her sister, doesn't like to mess around when she's hungry. It's "FEED ME NOW" or pay the consequences ;)


She had her two-week checkup with her pediatrician last Tuesday. She weighs 10 lbs. 10 ozs. now and her doctor says she looks wonderful. See for yourselves:







Emma is still adjusting to the new addition. I think she finally realizes that this baby isn't going anywhere. She hasn't acted out at all, but she sometimes gets a little "clingy" with me. She helps with diaper changes in that she puts diaper cream on baby's belly (it's so cute), and she'll give baby her "bink" when she's crying. She'll give kisses to Maggie and tell her she loves her, but only at our request. She's doing good, though. It could be a lot worse, I'm sure!!






Days alone with the two girls have gone a lot better than I could have ever anticipated. I was so worried about sharing my time between a newborn who is very demanding and a toddler who, although is independent at times, is also very demanding. I have to admit, the Disney channel and Noggin have played a good part in time management, and I really feel guilty about that, but at least the TV Em is watching is educational and I do get some good one-on-one time while Maggie is sleeping.


I have yet to journey out with the two of them by myself. Emma can be a little bit of a handful to say the least. She hates sitting in shopping carts, and sometimes holding hands isn't her cup of tea either. That behavior is usually only with Ryan, but I'm still not ready to take that chance.


Here are a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Home sweet home!

Maggie in her homecoming dress

We got home Wednesday afternoon and things have been great!! Shortly after we got home, though, Maggie had this crying fit and we didn't know what was wrong. Ryan and I both thought, "great, she was perfect in the hospital and now that we're home, she's going to be a nightmare child!" We realized, though, that we never got a good burp out of her after her last feeding at the hospital. We got a couple good belches out of her and all was well....and has been since. We are having such an easy, wonderful time breastfeeding; I couldn't be happier. The past two nights at home have been fairly easy, too. Last night she had a hard time falling asleep, but as soon as she did (around 3:00) she slept until 7! Same with the night previous. She woke up to eat around 2:30-ish, and then slept until 7.





I'm still a little sore, obviously, but ibuprofen has been taking the edge off pretty good. I really pulled some muscles in my back while pushing and that's my biggest complaint.





Emma's been doing really well, too. She doesn't pay too much attention to Maggie, but I'd rather have no reaction than a negative one! She's really fascinated by her nursing, she just stares and tries to understand what in the world that baby is doing to her mommy! She finally said "Maggie" this morning (and not while watching "Maggie and the Ferocious Beast"), and she's touched Maggie's forehead a couple times. Oh, and she brushed her hair last night!! I worry about handling the two of them on my own, but I think once I feel "back to normal" or at least can walk without pain, I'll be all right. I think that's the worst part with Emma; the fact that I can't play with her not because I have to tend to Maggie, but because I can't move too well yet. We'll get over that hurdle, though, soon.





I do feel a lot better now than I did at this same time after having Emma. I think I'm just thrilled to not be pregnant anymore, so these pains and nuisances that I endure right now are nothing ;) Ryan is really really great at taking care of us, too, and I'm going to be really sad on Monday when he has to go back to work. I have our moms, though, to help us out so I'm set!





Well, time to grab a quick shower before Mags's lunchtime!!!

She's FINALLY here!!

This will be just a quick post until I get more sleep and feel like posting more details:

Maggie Lee Hamric was born at 10:14 p.m. on September 15, 2008.

She weighs (get this) 9 lbs. 15.2 ozs., and is 22 inches long. She is a healthy, happy baby and is doing great!! I'm feeling pretty darn good myself. I didn't tear at all and we are all still in total shock that I pushed out a 10 lb. baby in 10 minutes!!! (after nearly 19 hours of labor, though!)

Here are a couple pics....

Monday, Sept. 15 - 5:06 a.m.

So we're slowly getting ourselves ready to head on into the hosptial. I woke up with contractions at 2:36 this morning and since 3:53 a.m. they've been 3 to 5 minutes apart.

If we're not able to get back on, the hospital's website is www.wrhhs.org and they post pictures of new arrivals. I know the L&D waiting room has a computer, though, so Ryan will try to keep everyone posted.

Wish us luck!

Another weekly update...

This week I'm just about 4 cm. and still 60% effaced.

Sue doesn't think I'll make it to next week's appointment...let's hope!!

Hopefully my next update will be "we're leaving for the hospital"!!!

Until then.....all's well.

Weekly progress report

"Progress" being the key word. I'm now 3 cm. (all right!!!) and still 60% effaced. I'm trying to remember, I think I was 4 cm. dilated when we arrived at the hospital when I gave birth to Emma.

Anyways, it's encouraging!!

My next appointment, if I don't go into labor before then, is next Monday. I'll add another update then!

Happy Labor Day!

So I was thinking for sure last night was the night it was all going to happen. I had been having some really strong, close Braxton-Hicks all day and by nighttime they were just starting to become uncomfortable in my back. Unfortunately, they were still just a tease and I'm sitting here on the couch, no labor in sight ;)

As you can tell, I'm far from patient...ever. The only time I ever have ANY patience is with Emma, and even then it depends on the situation.

Anyway, I will keep the blog updated...I've been doing good lately, haven't I??

Oh, by the way, Ryan has been working hard on Maggie's room and the painting is nearly complete. Just some trim and then we can get everything decorated and in order. I will, of course, post some pictures when it's finished!! If I go into labor before then, that's A-Okay with me...she can spend her first couple nights in her bassinet in our room...it'd be easier on us anyways!!