Milestones: The 1st Month

Hard to believe that Ally is a month old! It has flown by so fast. Kiley is still very much obsessed with Ally asking for us to take a picture of the two of them, daily. Kiley really wants to help out, but it is scary how close she gets to her face, how hard she squeezes her and how grossed out I get when she touches her with not so clean hands (just some of the ways I get put on edge!). We are adjusting well, but our trip home to Illinois to visit with family will really help me out, although we will be missing daddy dearly. I have been keeping it together, even making nightly dinners for us, getting regular baths, and keeping up with the laundry. However, the house is a mess and if I can avoid going to the store, I DO!



In the first month, Ally has only gained a pound from her come home weight. She is now at 8lbs. 7 oz. A little on the low side, according to the doctor. Her weight is in the 50%tile. She has grown only a 1/2 inch (22inches total,now) which puts her in the 75%tile. We are amazed that yesterday she rolled over twice from her stomach to her back. Yeah! Go Ally. She is a mover! She also started smiling at us all the time. She is such a happy baby. Oh, and she can SLEEP! Last night, she slept 7 hours without waking us. Makes life easier for mom and dad, since we usually have to get up with Kiley during the night!

A recap of Ally's First Week (the parts I can remember, anyway)

On April 25th, Ally was released from the Northside Hospital with a promise to visit her pediatrician the following day. Ally had a jaundice level of 9. Not too concerning, since we knew we were being discharged and if it was really a high level we would not be leaving.

On returning to our home, we were greeting by my parents and our daughter. Kiley just could not get enough of Ally. However, I little cough and a red eye caught our attention very quickly. It would be two children going to the pediatrician!! Our first night was pretty good. Ally seemed to have her nights and days mixed up, but thankfully my dad does not sleep to well, and he was more than happy to entertain Ally at 3 in the morning! As far as during the day, Ally pretty much just slept. A new experience for JC and I, since Kiley never slept during the day as a newborn.

April 26-off the the pediatrician office. Kiley was diagnosed with Pink Eye and a viral cough. Great! We were told to keep the 2 children separated from each other. Seriously? What an impossible request! Ally's weight had dropped to 7lbs. 70z. from the 7lb 9oz the day before and her jaundice level jumped to a 14( level 20 could potentially cause brain damage). Not the news we wanted to hear. Ally would be returning to the peds office first thing tomorrow morning for another blood test and again on Thursday to check her weight. Our night was about the same as the night before and Grandma Sara was happy to help out at 4am! Thank goodness! I appreciate the help, my poor hubby had a big deadline at work so back to work for him for the rest of the week.

April 27-Peds office again. Ally's level went down very little, to a 13.5. Yeah! At least it was going down-no blood test until Thursday! My parents were still with me and what a help they were. Mom cooked and ran my errands for me. Dad played with Kiley and she had a great time. Misty came to visit.

April 28-Good day, even though we wished my parents a safe trip home. Amy and Caroline Teck visited us.

April 29-back the doctor's office. Ally's level went down again and her weight went up by 2.5oz. We will not be returning to the doctor's office until next Thursday. Yay! Ally is doing better at night...just up every 3 hours to eat. The hardest time of night is from 10-12.

April 30-Ally is a week old today! I just can't believe it! JC met his deadline so he was able to ditch out of work early to spend the afternoon with us. It was nice to have him home. Wish he had the entire summer off with us!