More on Lily-Ann

People have been quick to point out that I still haven't provided Lily-Ann's vitals. Completely my bad. I also haven't really posted our birth story yet either. Again, my bad. The truth is, I haven't had much time for the internet lately. Emails go unanswered, my websites go unattended, message boards neglected, blog unposted to... it's becoming epidemic. I'm unbelievably far behind in every way shape and form. I know things will settle down eventually, and life will return to something close to a normal pace, but for now, I'm simply busy being mama san.

Here's hoping a couple of measurements will tide everyone over for the time being. ;)

Lily was born on 20/07, 2007, at 07:19 - the only way that would have been more perfect would have been if she'd been born at 20:07. ;) She was 7 lbs 14 ounces, and exactly 21 inches long.

Her eyes started out dark blue, and at six weeks and a couple of days, they're still a lovely dark blue - just like her mommy's. I couldn't be more thrilled. As I'm sure you've noticed from all the pictures, she's got perfect alabaster skin, and strawberry blonde hair - again just like her mommy. My hair is also beginning to return to it's old strawberry blonde self, the mousy brunette that showed up during the pregnancy is disappearing... and again, I couldn't be more thrilled.

Lily is a strong little girl, and has been holding her head up for a couple of weeks already. She's got a good grip too. I wanted to find her a rattle that was soft - so that if she hit herself with it, it wouldn't hurt. However, I couldn't find one anywhere... until I stopped at Petsmart. So, yes. Her first rattle is actually a dog toy, but it's soft, small, and it rattles quietly. It's perfect, exactly what I was looking for. Damon just has to deal with the fact that our dogs play with baby toys and our baby plays with dog toys. A toy is a toy is a toy.

Anyway, so much more I'd love to post about. So many stories to share... but my time is in short supply, and I'm afraid I have to run. Got bottles to clean (no, I'm still not producing enough milk on my own - which is beyond disappointing) and formula to mix before the girlie gets hungry again. She's so big now, it's honestly unbelievable. She really is extraordinary. I can't help but just stare at her and be amazed for a great deal of my day.

Take care!

Giggles!

Okay, just a real quick entry... LILY GIGGLED!

That's right. Lily-Ann giggled for the first time today. I'd just finished changing her diaper, and was yaking at her the way I usually do, and out came the cutest, brightest giggle. It was really short, but it was very much a giggle. :D

Just had to share.

My Heart

I wasn't one of those textbook moms, who falls in love with their baby at first sight. I was honestly in such a haze for the first several days that I can't recall feeling much of anything. Lily-Ann's birth was quite honestly the worst experience of my life. After such a horrible beginning, it was tough. It really was. I couldn't hold her for more than a few minutes (due to pain at the incision site). I couldn't change her (for the same reason). I couldn't bathe her. I couldn't take care of her.

On top of feeling the physical pain from the surgery, I was also loaded with guilt. I felt like such a bad mom. All the things that should come easy, should come naturally, didn't. I couldn't even produce enough milk to feed her (because of a breast reduction roughly 8 years ago). We had a pretty rough go of it... but because of my having such a hard beginning, Damon has ended up with a daughter who worships the ground he walks on, and he is completely wrapped around her little finger. THAT I wouldn't change for anything.

Lily-Ann is a month old today, and she completely has my heart. I still have trouble with some things - like carrying her, or holding her for more than about ten minutes - but things are definitely getting better. As I heal physically, I'm healing emotionally too. The more time that gets put between us and the C-section, the better things get. As terrible an experience as her birth was, it was a blessing none the less. After all, I would never ever wish to erase the event that brought me my little Strawberry, no matter how traumatic.

Lily really has become my whole world. So, despite it all, even without the textbook beginning, I've ended up being one of those moms. You know. The ones who are completely in love with their precious, perfect babies... and who bores everyone to tears with all the talk about how amazing their little one really, truly is.

Bucky Nan & Little Lil

Brandibuck (our Havanese) has taken it upon herself to become Lily-Ann's official Nanny. As such, she's earned the new nickname "Nan". After feedings Bucky Nan is always sure to clean Lily's face of any spilled milk... Nan also cleans her eyes after baby wakes, and I'm sure she'd also do diaper duty if we let her. ;) Buck is very devoted to her little girl.

Lily-Ann Marie Has Arrived!

I'm sorry for not posting earlier, but my recovery (physically and emotionally) from three days of labor followed by a stuck baby and emergency C-section has been rather slow. I promise I'll post the entire story bit by bit as I'm feeling better. For now though, the good news...

Lily-Ann is Here!!!

And she's the most beautiful baby I could have imagined. :)