Introducing our Gracelyn Raye

I've finally found the time to sit down and create a new post! Gracelyn didn't want to come on her due date (12/22) and was about 1 week overdue when I was induced to have her delivered. She was born at 2:51pm on 12/28/10. I only pushed about an hour (but it didn't even seem that long!) but with basically no pain control because my epidural wore off (only my legs were slightly numb). But I'm glad it went quick and look at the little blessing we have because of it! :)

She was 7lbs 7oz and 20inches long with a 13 inch head. Today at her first pediatrician visit, she was 6lbs 15oz (still within normal range of weight loss) and 19 3/4 inches long. I was sobbing and laughing at the same time when she was delivered, both from relief of pain & joy of seeing her cute little face! Even Vince had tears (something I've only seen on two different occasions). We went home on 12/30 and spent a couple difficult nights of a gassy baby crying for hours, trying all methods of soothing. We finally had to give in and give her a pacifier which is the only thing that helped for longer than 2 minutes. She is being exclusively breastfed & is doing very well with her feedings! Plenty of wet diapers too. She had not had a bowel movement since the hospital, so the pediatrician had to help her go today with a rectal thermometer. Hopefully her "gas pains" will be going away soon, as she did MUCH better last night and throughout the day today, only a couple short episodes. We will be trying to do more "bicycling" of her legs & putting some pressure on her tummy to help relieve it when it happens (like holding her upside-down). I never knew such a loud scream could come from such a little munchkin!! :)

As far as me, I'm doing well, only a couple "teary" episodes that I think had more to do with lack of sleep more than anything. Otherwise I'm feeling great & more rested as the days go by - us girls took a nap this afternoon too! She's had TWO baths so far in the kitchen sink, which we gave when she was crying with gas, and she seemed to LOVE them - it calmed her down (until we were done that is). She is sooooo snuggly & cute! Her nicknames so far: Snuggly buggly, Little Scooper (Vince's dad, her grandpa, made this one up & it's stuck so far), & Gracie. Thank you everyone for all your support, love, care, meals, encouragement, and helpful hints on facebook. I wish I had the time to personally thank everyone but I just cant find the time at the moment (I wonder why!). :) Right now our little booger is sleeping on a pillow on my lap while I write this. Vince enjoys holding her this way while he's on the computer playing his games. He's a wonderful father & is very helpful - changing her diaper a lot & just loving on her. :) I can't wait to share pictures & post more updates!