2 weeks old and loving it!

Mary Ellen had her second doctor's appointment yesterday. She did very well and was very cooperative with everything they asked her to do (i.e., lay still, stretch out, and not poop on them while taking her temperature). Her weight was back up where they wanted it at a sturdy 7 lbs, 3.5 oz, so we got the OK to let her sleep a little longer at night. Hooray! She went for 4 hours between feedings last night, and we are one happy family this morning.

We're starting to see a lot more "sleep smiles" and it's such a glimpse into what's to come. Yesterday was also the first day when I feel like I really made eye contact with her, and my heart just melted. Then it melted again when she reached up and grabbed onto my finger while she was nursing. I really don't think I could be any more in love.

One more milestone - she's napping in her crib as we speak. Until this morning, she'd been in the Pack-n-Play 100% of the time for naps and for overnight, but we wanted to try out the crib so that she could be in a totally cat-free area. So far, she's sleeping like a champ. And God bless video monitors or none of this would be possible!

Here are some of the people that Mary Ellen has spent her first week with. She's been surrounded by family and friends the entire time, and she's loving every minute of it!

Me and My Momma
(Go Tigers!)

Snuggling with Daddy

Grandma Janet and Grandpa Dave

Grandma Mary Anne

Uncle Michael (1 of 2 Uncle Mikes) and Aunt Lindsay

She's even cute when she's angry

See for yourself:

Mirror, mirror, on the wall

I just had to share this one. I put a mirror next to Mary Ellen's changing table yesterday, and she was in heaven. Mom and I read that newborns begin to first focus in on objects that are 8-14 inches from them. And judging by her face, she's starting to be able to do just that. I can't believe how much she's changed in just 12 days, and it makes me even more excited to be here with her to watch her grow.

More pictures

Today is a big day for Miss Mary Ellen! She gets to meet her Grandpa Dave (still not sure what names we're going with for the grandparents) and her Uncle Michael (Fleming) and Aunt Lindsay. We can't wait to share here with them!

Here are a few more pics to keep you all satisfied. Enjoy!

Okay - I think she looks like me in this one. Just a little?

Oh, the hands. She loves those hands, whether they're covered in mittens or not. And I've been battling the hands since Day 1. Of course it's fun to see her explore with her hands, but when it comes time to feeding, she's usually more interested in her little fingers than she is getting down to the business of eating. She gets frustrated sometimes because the doggone things seem to fly by so fast (with her flailing arms) that she can't seem to get them into her mouth. But she has lovely hands. Piano playing hands - long fingers and the most beautiful tiny nails. How these tiny little things can be so perfect is beyond me.

Mike had requested a photo with the cats. Here you go, Mike. If you've spent any amount of time in our house, you know that our cats are pretty spoiled. They've handled the transition pretty well. Daisy just pretends that nothing's changed and spends most of her time sleeping on the porch. Mimi, the more personable of the two, is starting to warm up to our new addition. She is still pretty wary of Mary Ellen, but she's getting a little more curious each day. She was doing well at this distance until Mary Ellen started kicking up a storm. Mimi's eyes got huge and she didn't last much longer after that. All in all, we're getting along just fine.

Our first week with Mary Ellen

It's kind of hard for me to write about Mary Ellen without tearing up. I still can't believe that she's here and that she's so perfect. The first week has gone so fast, and we've learned so much about her already. She's pretty easy to please. She is content to be in her crib by herself, but she also loves a good snuggle. She's a ferocious eater (most of the time). And she knows how to fill a diaper.

My day today started with a little darling who woke at 1:00 a.m., then 4:00 a.m., and finally at 7:00. Seriously, she's spoiling us. The feeding is going really well, but there is no way I could be doing this without the support of Brian and my mom. They've been great about staying up with me for those overnight feedings, where my biggest fear is dozing off with Mary Ellen in my arms. But we're getting better at this and if she continues to develop such a reasonable schedule, I will be able to adjust in no time.

My goal is to leave the house today. I've been in a car once since we came home from the hospital, and that was to take Mary Ellen to her first doctor's appointment. I'm fine with being at home, because really, what else would I rather be doing than hanging out with our little family? But then I want to feel like a normal human, too, so Mom and I are going to venture out into the world at some point today. My destination (here comes a shocker): Kohls. I've been Mom to a beautiful little GIRL for a week now and have been unable to buy anything girly for her. I think she really needs a sundress. :)

And now for what you really want from me: pics. Enjoy!

Relaxing with Daddy. Brian was able to stay home with us for this first week. I have loved watching the two of them get to know each other. As expected, he's a great dad.

First doctor's visit. Mary Ellen weighed in at 6 lbs 7.5 oz, so she's back up from 6 lbs 6 oz when we left the hospital. She was really calm throughout the whole exam, and she got a clean bill of health. She also announced her arrival at the doctor's office by taking a giant poo as soon as she got into the waiting room. Thankfully, her diaper managed to contain the mess.

Happiest Grandma in the world. I don't know how we would have made it through this first week without her (and I don't think she would have lasted the week without being here). I hope I can be as good a mom as she is.

A few pics from one of our daily fashion shows. There really aren't too many fashions involved because she's too little for most of her clothes. But look out world - she's been blessed with lots of beautiful girl clothes already, so look for many more photos to come.

Welcome Baby Mary Ellen

She's here. Mary Ellen Fleming arrived at 11:43 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. She weighed 7 pounds exactly and she was 20 inches long. She has 10 fingers, 10 toes, dark blond hair, and some of the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen.

We couldn't be more thankful or feel more blessed. She is absolutely beautiful, and we're loving every minute that we get to spend with her. Here are just a few pics from her first days.

Welcome to the world, baby girl!

Healthy and happy!

What a proud papa! Brian took very good care of our little one while I was in recovery. He got to feed her for the first time.

We're heading home! It's funny how she was swimming in the littlest of the outfits that we brought. Just like her Mom, she has a somewhat smallish head. Could I be any happier?

This was after Mary Ellen's first "bath" last night. We're thrilled to have my mom here. She's been a great big help, and she's as happy as can be to be spending time with her new grandbaby.

So...who does she look like? It's funny how much that changes from minute to minute. In this one, I think she's all Daddy's girl.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can’t Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #1: I can’t wait to hold the baby in my arms and share him or her with the world.

What else can I say? I can't wait to be Mom to our little baby. I can't wait to count fingers and toes. I can't wait for my mom and dad to be grandparents. I can't wait for my sis and brothers to be the coolest aunt and uncles ever (not to mention the awesome (and experienced) aunts, uncles, and grandparents on the Fleming side). Our family has been waiting pretty patiently for this moment, and now that it's just days away, I'm positively brimming with excitement. My next post will hopefully have photos of the soon-to-be-named Baby Fleming.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can’t Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #2: I can't wait to see Brian in action.

Brian is going to be a wonderful dad. I just know it. And I'm not saying that because he's a big kid at heart (which we all know to be true). He has the education background - true - but even that's not what I think will make him shine as a father. I knew from our first date that he had what it takes to be the kind of leader, role model, and dreamer that I would want my kids have. He knows what kids like and what kids need, and children are naturally charmed by him. He's funny. He's always worried about whether other people are happy and comfortable. He's an excellent provider. Doesn't that sound like the makings of a good Papa?

While the baby stuff might be foreign to him (he'll be changing his first diaper ever in a few days), he's a fast learner and he loves an adventure. And what an adventure we're about to begin. I simply can't wait to share it with him.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can’t Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #3: We can see who the baby looks like.

I’ve never been very good at telling which parent babies look like. Sometimes it’s just easy, I guess, like when the baby makes a face that you’ve seen a thousand times but in a grown-up version. Mostly, I tend to think babies just look like babies. Then again, maybe it will be easier when the baby is part of my family. I'm not looking forward to seeing Brian's "disgusted face" on our little half-pint, but I fear that is just inevitable.

For your reference, here are a few photos of Brian and me when we were babies. Feel free to refer to them as necessary in the future when you all set out to the task of sizing up our newborn.

Lisa
February 1977

Brian
Fall 1977

Lisa
August 1977

Brian
Winter 1978

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can’t Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #4: If I don't post by 6:30 a.m., people won't assume I've gone into labor.

Sorry to disappoint, folks. Nothing happened today. I had been posting early in the morning, but I was up eight (yes, 8) times during the night last night and didn't get up in time this morning to write you all a message. I shouldn't be surprised that people jumped to this conclusion, though, because lately when I call friends and family I hear a little pause. Translation: Is this the call?! I promise we'll let you know when there is something to know. Promise.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can’t Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #5: I can buy tiny shoes.

And tiny hats. And tiny outfits that lean one way or the other gender-wise. Have you ever noticed that they really don’t make shoes that are gender neutral? And aren’t baby shoes just about the cutest things in the world? Hats are kind of the same way, but we did manage to find a few that will work for either a boy or a girl and are just adorable. The elf hat from Kelly is already packed in the hospital bag. We’re all ready for pictures, Kelly!

Again, I don’t regret our decision of not finding out the sex, and truthfully, this decision has saved us a LOT of money. I haven’t bought anything clothes-wise for the baby in a few months (not that I haven’t been tempted) because we got so many beautiful things from family and friends and because I know that I shouldn’t buy more of the same. Once our little baby is here, though, it’s GAME ON!

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can’t Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #6: We want to share the name with all of you!

Lately, I’ve had more and more people come out and ask about the baby’s name. Brian and I had decided a long time ago that we’d keep the name(s) a secret until the baby comes, and we have indeed been able to keep them to ourselves. That system worked well while we were still thinking and debating about the names, but now that we're settled on one boy name and one girl name, it's becoming a little more difficult. I really love both of the names! I want to tell you what they are! But I’m not going to. Sorry.

In an effort to relieve the pressure, we’ve started telling random people that we’ll never see again. So if you’re curious, one of the waitresses at the local Buffalo Wild Wings and one of the nurses at Winnie Palmer know the names. If you can find ‘em, they’re welcome to tell. Otherwise, it won’t be long now!

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can't Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #7: People will stop staring at me and start looking at the adorable baby.

I can’t believe how much I have loved being pregnant. I don’t know whether it’s because I’ve wanted this for so long or because I’ve had a relatively smooth pregnancy or because I just think it is an absolutely awesome experience, and I am starting to mourn the end of this experience a little. Just a little.

That being said – I can’t wait for people to stop looking at/sizing up/backing away from/making a comment about me. I’m ready to just blend in a little bit. In the beginning, I started keeping a list of the random comments that people made to me about the pregnancy/baby. Here are a few of my favorites:

“Wow! You’ve really popped out.” --unnamed colleague at HMH

“Well your definitely prego now.” --a different unnamed colleague at HMH

“I don’t mean to be offensive, but are you pregnant?” --Steak-n-Shake waitress in Maplewood, MO

“Oh, you’re due in July. You’ll have a Cancer. Don’t be surprised if your baby is too attached to you. I mean, you’ll probably get sick of how attached the kid will be. Cancer’s are like that.” --furniture salesperson at American Signature in Altamonte Springs

"Congratulations! When are you due? Oh, that's nice. Is the baby healthy?" --waitress at Bahama Breeze in Altamonte Springs (how do you answer that?)

"You walk like me now!" --colleague at HMH, who I have to mention is a 60-year old man with chronic foot problems

"So I guess that kid doesn't want to come out yet, eh? Heh heh." --yet another unnamed colleague at HMH

"Wow. Your feet are really swollen." --dozens and dozens of strangers over the past few months

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can't Wait to Meet the BabyReason #8: What will the baby's birthdate be?

So we’ll definitely have a July baby, but when in July will the bambino arrive? Will the baby make a grand entrance on my Mom and Dad’s anniversary? If that was the plan, the baby had better get out here quick (i.e., today. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad)! Will it be on Mike and Nicki’s one-year anniversary? Perhaps, since that’s only one day before our due date. That’d be pretty cool, but it’s kind of far away…

And because the due date is in the middle of the month, the baby has a “choice” of astrological signs. If the birthday is before July 23, he or she will be a Cancer (The Crab) and ruled by the Moon. If the baby is born after July 23, we’ll have a little Leo (The Lion) who will be ruled by the Sun. I don’t put a whole lot of stock into astrology or anything, but in 20 years, someone’s going to use a cheesy pick-up line on my kid, and I’d like to know what the answer will be.

Anyone care to take a guess on the date? I’d love to hear what you think!

For those inquiring minds...

I just had a doctor's appointment this morning, and things are going well. I'm about 1.5 centimeters dilated (no change from Monday) and 80% effaced (from 50% on Monday). Everything else looks good, and the doctor didn't seem to think that I was in danger of delivering in his office today. Sorry to disappoint! :)

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can't Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #9: Just how big is this baby?

One of the things that I’ve become slightly obsessed with lately is determining the size of the baby. While it’s not important in the least, I’m just really curious. I have a few “newborn” sized things, and I guess my worry is that the baby won’t have anything to wear if he or she is on the small side. On the flip side of that, I have a friend who just delivered a 10 lb, 5 oz baby boy [gulp]. I’m shooting for average, which I recently learned is 7 lbs, 8 oz (thanks, Jenny Boyd).

Care to make a guess? You know I can’t resist a poll, so go ahead and post your guess in the comments section. Or take the easy way out with an over/under on 7 lbs, 8 oz. And to give you a little help, here's a photo of me taken this morning (38 weeks, 2 days).

Top Ten Reasons Why I Can't Wait to Meet Baby FlemingReason #10: Is this baby a boy or a girl?

So Brian and I had a practice run to the hospital on Monday. Everything turned out to be fine, but the nurse alluded to the fact that she wouldn't be surprised if the real thing started happening soon. The baby's heart rate was just fine throughout 30 or so minutes of monitoring, and to my surprise, the nurse saw a few contractions during this time, too. I guess that's what spurred my "any day now" attitude. Not a bad thing, right, since we're sitting here with less than 2 weeks until the due date? So I thought I'd start counting down the days with a "Top Ten" list of sorts:

Top 10 Reasons Why I Can't Wait to Meet Baby Fleming

Reason #10: Is this baby a boy or a girl?

While I don't regret for a second our choice to wait until the baby is here to find out the sex, I CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT! I've gotten to know this little person over the past months, but I don't really him or her at all! I can't even use one pronoun to tell about what's going on with the baby ("it" is not in our vocabulary). I am so looking forward to hearing those three little words, and it doesn't matter a lick to me what the last word in the sentence is. I just want to know more than, "It's a baby!"