Rose's 3rd Week of Life

Rose is getting more into a semi-routine... We've had a pretty good week.
Blake went back to work on Monday, so we are having to re-adjust. He is also going out of town for work from Saturday - Tuesday, so I'm sad that he'll miss his first father's day. I'm going to stay with my parents so that I can have some help over the weekend (they are super excited).

I had to take Rose to the pediatrician yesterday because she had some gunk in her eye and had been fussy for over 12 hours. She was eating every 1.5 hours and her stool color changed. The pediatrician gave us some antibotic eye drops (she has an obstructed tear duct, which is normal in newborns). She said that this tear duct was causing her to be a little congested, which will clear up soon. The doctor wants me to watch my diet to see if she has an food allergies or is sensitive to things. In the meantime, we will have to soothe her with gas drops as best we can :( Other than the past night, she has been a happy baby.

She is starting to smile and is holding her head up more and more everyday. She is also wiggling more and is trying to roll over. I guess my days of lying her on the couch are over!


When she sleeps she does this creepy eye thing (which I happened to catch). At first, it really disturbed me but I read online that it's normal for babies to sleep like this - indicates they are in a deep sleep and are dreaming....




Here are some pictures of our princess this week. She is 9 lbs, 3.8 oz.

Funny Baby Video

We are so teaching Rose this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5ALIL7T764

2 Weeks Old

Rose is two weeks old today...
Time is flying by, as everyone said it would. She went to the peditrician today and is a very healthy baby girl. She weighs 8 lbs, 9 oz and is still 21 inches.
She is a happy baby - as long as she is fed and clean. She doesn't like to take baths, so I have to figure out a way to quicken her baths. She loves being cuddled and is easy to calm. She loves her swing and to take naps with mommy and daddy on the couch. She doesn't care for diaper changes and is happy when it's finished. She stays awake longer each day and likes to stare at everything. She doesn't mind loud noises and Taylor's barks (thank goodness!).
We are very blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. She looks more and more like her daddy everyday.










Blake, Taylor and I are learning how to take naps during the day. Rose doesn't have a problem in this area at all!

The First Week

Our lil' princess is now 9 days old today...

I'm not going to lie, our first week has been tough. Life has really changed and so has our sleeping habits. It's hard for 2 perfectionists to not have all of the answers and no routine. I am thankful that Blake took off 2 weeks from work to help me out. We have been taking shifts at night and trying to learn what Rose's needs are, which we are slowly figuring out. Neither of us realized how hard this would be! But, as each day passes, we grow more in love with her and feel like we are competent parents and are giving her what she needs. Here are some pictures from Rose's first week of life and some things that we've learned as parents. Thanks to everyone that has given us support / advise throughout the past week - we truly appreciate it.

Rose's First Car Trip Home (Blake did better than 5 miles an hour, he was actually comfortable and relaxed)


Blake reading Rose her first book


Proud Jama and Pa and Uncle Brad






Proud Grammy, Aunt Sara and Uncle Chris




Taylor is adjusting well to the new addition. She hasn't been jealous, just really curious. She likes to sleep in the same room as Rose, which I think is sweet.


Things we've learned through our first week of parenthood:

We have mastered the "swaddle" and until I learn to get over the fear of cutting teeny tiny fingernails, Rose will have to suffer through the mittens.


The swing is considered a major investment and is now one of the most used items in our home.


We have figured our how to dress her without strangling her!



Do not put your face in front of a baby a) after a diaper change (when she/he is not happy) b) anytime when they are awake. You WILL get kicked in the face at some point.


Always remember that babies have bad moments too - sometimes you just have to cry it out...mommy and daddy just need to understand that.


No matter what happens throughout the day/night, we love her. It's hard to keep your lips off of those cheeks!


At the end of the week, we consider it an accomplishment to have a healthy, happy baby. She is still alive, so we must be doing something right!

Welcome to the world, Rose!

Rose Aspen was welcomed into the world on Wednesday, May 27th @ 1:24pm. She weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and was 21 inches long. We love her! More pics to come soon.

The Big Day: May 27th

We officially have an inducement day to meet Miss Rose. Unless she comes before then, I will be induced on Wednesday, May 27th. As of right now, we are planning a normal delivery (with drugs, of course). My gestational diabetes and kidneys will be closely monitored during the L & D - the doctors are optimistic that everything will go as planned. Blake is so excited - he is getting his video camera ready :)

A lot of people have asked me about visiting the hospital. We are welcoming visitors the day after the birth at the hospital. There are no time restrictions, just try to call one of us (or our parents) before you come so we can be prepared (or tell you if you need to bring real food - j/k). We are having Rose at Baptist Hospital in downtown Nashville. If you can't make it, then give us a call and you can stop by the house to pinch on her cheeks (because we know they will be big).

Last week, Rose weighed in at 6 lbs. 12 oz. and is in the 67th percentile. She looks very healthy and happy. Only 1 week, 4 days to go!!!!!

The Nursery (Courtesy of In-laws)

Blake's mom did a wonderful job of making Rose's crib bedding, sheets, curtains and changing pads. Isn't she so talented?

We have purple polka dots / stripes on all of them, with extra crib sheets to spare.

It looks GORGEOUS with the rose painted wall that Blake's brother and sister-in-law did.

Thanks everyone, we truly appreciate it (Rose will too)....now we just need a baby! :)