Wednesday, August 29, 2007

1 Month old today!


New toys on the swing!
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
Caitlin is one month old today! Yesterday at her appointment she weighed 8 lbs, 10oz (exactly 2 lbs more than when she was born)! She certainly is growing - already wearing her 0-3 month clothes instead of the newborn clothes! She is also playing more with toys as you can see in the photo! It is hard to believe that it has been one month since she was born!

Monday, August 27, 2007

The hardest job I've ever had - being a Mom!

Being a new Mommy is without a doubt the hardest job I have ever had - and I would wager the hardest job I will ever have. I don't know that there is anything that could have prepared me for this all-encompassing little person. It's amazing how you come home from the hospital and focus one hundred percent on your newborn. Simple basic necessities you used to do - eat, get a shower, sleep, suddenly take second fiddle to your infant. Don't get me wrong - I am definately enjoying Caitlin and love taking care of her - but I have a newfound respect for Mothers!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Caitlin doesn't like Papa's stubbles!

When I was a little girl I wouldn't let my dad give me a kiss if he had a mustache or stubble. It looks like Caitlin inherited my preference as well! Here she is pushing away my dad's stubble!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

3 Weeks Old Today


3 Weeks Old
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
It's hard to believe that Caitlin is 3 weeks old today! She has changed so much from when we first brought her home from the hospital. She has much more expression in her face now. At her pediatrician's checkup this morning she weighed in at 7lbs, 9.75oz and 20 in. She is definately growing and filling out! The doctor was very impressed with her strength (already starting to roll over and hold her head up)! She is starting to grasp and bat at toys. She has a few favorite toys (elephant rattle, rabbitt rattle, turtle rattle, and infantino beach band). It is still hard for me to grasp the concept that I am a Mommy!

What a difference 3 weeks makes!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Crazy Dog


Reese "Relaxing"
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
Well, the dogs are getting along great with Caitlin. They are learning to keep their distance and be gentle with her. Reese is so fond of her, in fact, that he thinks anything she touches is tasty!

A few days ago, we used a bulb to remove some formula from Caitlin's mouth because she was spitting up. Reese found it and ate it. Apparently baby spit is delicious to a dog. Yesterday, Kathy and her mom were preparing to take Caitlin out when Kathy noticed something odd about the buckle on Caitlin's car seat. That's right - Reese had eaten it too!

Oh well, I suppose there's no accounting for taste.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Two Weeks Old


Hey, I found a new plaything!!
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
Well, we're getting to learn Caitlin's personality now. We have figured out what bothers her (diaper changes and getting into her car seat) and what she enjoys (being in her car seat). When she is awake she is very curious. We have found her favorite toy: a plastic elephant holding a rattle (good girl, already a little Republican). She is also very interested in faces. Last night as I was playing with her, she kept grabbing my face (particularly my lips - as you can see in this picture). It is going to be so much fun to watch her grow up!

On that note, I'm going back to work tomorrow. I don't know how that adjustment is going to go, but I have plenty of pictures to put on my desk. I'm hoping that I can squeeze some real quality time in between when I get home and when she goes to bed. [sigh]

Monday, August 13, 2007

The Best Laid Plans


Eric, Kathy, & Caitlin
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
Had Kathy not delivered early, today was scheduled to be the day Caitlin was to be delivered. I cannot imagine if we would have had to wait. Both mom and baby are doing very well. Caitlin is increasingly alert during the day and we are eager to show her all of her cool toys (I think they are more for mom and dad than baby!).

I have also gained an even greater level of respect for Kathy. I have always admired how organized and prepared she was for situations, but Caitlin has really helped to show me, also, how strong she is. She bears the long nights gracefully and hardly shows how tired I know she must be. She devours as much information as she can and always has questions ready that I didn't even think of. Caitlin's a lucky little girl.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Four Generations


P1010021
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
This weekend my Mom and my Grandparents came up for a visit. This gave us an opportunity to get a photo of four generations of women on my Mother's side! Pictured: my Mom Cindy, Caitlin, Me, and my Grandmother Joyce.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Caitlin's first tummy time


P1000988
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
Here is Caitlin's first tummy time already trying to hold up her head and strengthening her neck muscles! Of course her Daddy thinks she is advanced!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Caitlin is One Week Old Today

One week ago at this time we were in Winnie Palmer Hospital preparing for Kathy to head down to the O.R.. This morning we spent some time at the pediatrician's office getting Caitlin checked out - making sure everything was OK and asking some questions (nervous parents). This evening, if all goes well, we will be outside watching the space shuttle "Endeavour" take off on STS 118 with the first teacher in space on board (Christa McAuliffe's backup in 1986).

When is the shuttle scheduled to lift off? 6:36 PM - 1 week to the minute from when Caitlin was born.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Carmie Meets Caitlin


Carmie Meets Caitlin
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
Well, we weren't quite sure how the introduction would go between Caitlin and the dogs. Surprisingly enough, Reese has been exceptionally well behaved around her. He occasionally comes over to sniff her but, otherwise, doesn't really even acknowledge her.

Then there's Carmie. She is not being mean at all, but she is so excited to be around her that she gets a bit crazy. She tries to jump on Kathy and lick Caitlin all over. We're working on calming her down. Today we finally made some progress in calming her down (though she still looks a bit suspicious in this picture!).

Sunday, August 5, 2007

The Long Ride Home


The Long Ride Home
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
Yesterday we brought Caitlin home from the hospital - she was a sleeping angel on the way home!

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Like Mother Like Daughter: Part 2

Kathy and Mom Caitlin and Mommy

There was an ongoing discussion in the hospital as to who Caitlin looks like. Lots of people said she looks like me (now). However, Kathy found this old picture of her with her mom. I don't think there is any doubt now as to who she looks like.

Friday, August 3, 2007

Caitlin's First Feeding


Eric
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
I got the chance to be the first to feed Caitlin. She got right on it and emptied a little less than 1/2 of the bottle.

Caitlin 2 Days Old


Caitlin 2 Days Old
Originally uploaded by UCFGEEKS
Caitlin AnnaBeth born 8-1-07 6:36PM
6lbs 10oz

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

What a Wonderful Surprise

We were blessed to receive a beautiful little surprise today. Caitlin AnnaBeth was born at 6:36PM this afternoon. Everyone is fine. Mom is recovering and Caitlin is warming up. Pictures are on the way as well as more details.

What a great day!!