Earning her keep

August 29, 2013 (7 weeks tomorrow)

Another fun and exciting week... I guess it always seems like that when cells are multiplying at an ungodly rate. So is the life of a newborn... actually she is now an infant and no longer medically a newborn (as soon to be Doctor Crystal told me). She actually outgrew her bassinet this week, and we have been putting her down in her crib more often. I put the monitor on and when I hear her cry I bolt up like nobody's business, run to her room, change her, and bring her back to bed with us. It seems to be a good system so far. When we all are ready I may try to get her to stay asleep in her room, but for now I still enjoy being two peas in a pod (as Gus likes to call us when he sees us cuddling). 

You wouldn't believe it, but we actually got to do a lot of stuff last weekend! Crystal, Gus, Sierra and I went out to further experience beer week on Friday night. Although the first place we went to only had one tap and no food and the second place only had the local Sudwerk's beer on tap (which is more of a German style beer... not our favorite). So it wasn't that much of a "beer week" experience, but we did see a couple from our baby and labor class out with their 5 week old! Their little boy and Sierra had similar spaced out expressions on their face; it was cool seeing another baby in the same developmental phase. 

Saturday morning we woke up and Crystal offered to watch Sierra for our biking date! We only did about 1.25hrs, but that was good enough for me (and long enough for Sierra to have a morning nap). just the saddle time alone was killing my butt! It's crazy how much power you can lose when you take time off, but Gus was nice and didn't drop me at any point in the ride. It felt great to be riding again, and I can't wait to get back to mountain biking shape. In the afternoon we prepped Sierra for her first Hornet sports event! The men's soccer game... I dressed her in appropriate Hornet clothes too. We saw many of my athletes and colleagues (they were all ecstatic to see Sierra, even the guys on the soccer team were seemingly enthusiastic). 

Sierra likes being outdoors already and she loves the "papa hold" (Gus' favorite way of holding her).

Sunday I asked Crystal if she wanted to try out my "baby weight" class with me. I asked her if she wanted a newborn (a 10lb plate) or a 1 year old (a 25lb plate). She chose a 10lb in fear that the class would be at my normal level of crazy. Crystal seemed to enjoy it, but more importantly Sierra LOVED it. It really was fun to do. Gus made it home from mountain biking shortly after we finished the class and we all went downtown for brunch together. 

Sierra is still doing her lifting. That baby dumbbell is the perfect size for her little hand! 

She often falls asleep in her swing or her bouncer for her naps...always thinking deep thoughts. 

She met a new friend on Monday, Animesh, (a doctor friend of Crystal's) came over and brought our favorite dinner with him, Katmandu!! Sierra had a full blown convo with him... that is in baby talk. 

Sierra slept through our new parent group that we usually go to on Wednesday... so I let her be, I had to clean the house anyhow. She has been developing a little bit more patterned nap times. Always one in the morning, not long after we wake up, and always one in the afternoon usually right before papa comes home. She also has been sleeping through the night better (not as many wake ups). 

I had four days of work this week, and today I have to go in earlier than Gus is getting home. Since it is still "summer" for the college students, my boss approved of me bringing Sierra in today. So she is officially going to earn her keep. I only have one team to coach, and plan on wearing her during that time. It's actually a great way to end the week. I am not exactly looking forward to next week since T,W,TH I will be working 6.25hrs each day AND Crystal is going back to Vegas! Two downers in one week!! Leaving Sierra for 3 hours is one thing but for 7 hours is a whole other scenario... Every week following that I will be working M-TH. It's not that I don't like my job (I DO) but I will miss her SO much!

Quality Time with Grandpa

August 23, 2013 (6 weeks)

Here we are at six weeks old, and this past week was something else. Last Friday morning I brought Sierra to the Davis arboretum for a run in the Bob stroller. It was great! Although, we didn't run the whole time we were out there for a good 40 minutes. We even met up with a mom from the mom's group for lunch afterwards. I upped the ante this morning and got Sierra all set up in the Bob, harnessed both dogs, tied them to my waist, and the 4 of us went for a run on the levy. Once again, not a huge amount of actual running but we spent about 40 minutes out there. I most definitely looked ridiculous! I also was able to lift twice this week, and I am starting to feel stronger again. I am not trying to rush any of my progress, but I do know that I have to start somewhere to get back to my old self again! Gus and I are hoping to have a biking date at some point soon; Auntie Crystal will watch baby Sierra for awhile  and Gus and I will take a road ride together.

My Dad came into town on Monday night and we were so happy to see him as he was to see all of us! He is a natural grandpa and it was so sweet to see him with Sierra again! On Tuesday him, Sierra, and I all went for a little walk in the morning at the arboretum. 

In the afternoon he came over to the house and brought with him the most amazing spread of appetizers before we all headed out to Davis for "beer week." I brought pre-pumped bottles for Sierra so I could try Drakes beers that were being featured at de Vere's. 

We all had a great time out on the town, and we even made it home at a very reasonable time... you kind of have too with a 6 week old!

My dad enjoyed babysitting for us while I had to work on the mornings of Wednesday and Thursday (and apparently Sierra had a good time too)! It felt like a hectic work week for me. I worked more this week than last week. One day I even came home half way through the day so I wouldn't have to be away from her too long. 

On Thursday afternoon after my dad left for San Fran, I went over to Lisa and Jeremy's house to congratulate them on their new addition!! There little boy, Jack was born just this past Monday. Sierra and him were instant buddies... except they slept through their whole first encounter. Lisa and Jeremy are adjusting well to their new addition!

Apparently, I am not supposed to even be back at work yet according to my doctor's note to my HR department. Opps, I will have to get that letter amended somehow... 

Instead of saying what our plans are for the weekend, I think it's best to just be open with what we want to do. I learned my lesson last weekend, when all of the plans we had made for what we wanted to do didn't end up happening for one reason or another (be it lack of sleep etc). So we'll see what happens this weekend!

Return to Work

August 15, 2013 (5 weeks old tomorrow)

Sierra is officially older (as we all are), the small changes on the day-to-day basis are awesome to watch. One day she will wake up and be more verbal (baby gibber gabber) or more tactile (grabbing everything including during her feedings...). It is really fun to see. 

This weekend we began the process of getting the car fixed up (I thought it would be easier with Gus there to assist). We also went for a "hike" at Pena Adobe in the Bob stroller. I have been using the removable headrest that I use for the car seat in the Bob and it seems to be working very well. Going uphill was just fine, but we had to tilt the stroller back on the downhill so she didn't tip too far forward. Crystal ran around the park while Gus, Sierra, and I spent some QT together. 

On Sunday Sierra had her first day at the outdoor UC Davis Rec pool! Davis is such a family friendly town, which I knew before but I am really beginning to understand more now. Sierra didn't really want to be in the pool for very long so her and I laid down in the shade while Gus and Crystal did laps. (I now know most of my suits do not properly cover the "new" me very well; at least not while I am producing milk...noted). 

Going out with the baby truly does involve a bit of planning... items she will need, items she might need, items we should have just in case but items that she most likely won't need. Gus is always saying, "There is just so much STUFF!" So true, my minimalist husband, so true. Cloth diapering adds to the "stuff" quite a bit too. Speaking of too much "stuff" I have made Sierra an ADHD matt. Okay, I didn't actually make it, but I have taken every one of her toys that has a hook and hooked it to this mobile matt she was given at her baby shower. "Way to teach her to be over stimulated, Erin." "HA, that's nothing compared to our current society," I always think. Anyhow, she totally geeks out on that thing... it's teaching her more visual focus... uh, that sounds about right... for this current developmental stage.

Monday the pregnant ladies, their hubbies, Gus' mom and sister all came by for a pot-luck and pizza style dinner. It was a fun evening with the 10 of us (plus 2 dogs)! Jill and Lisa are each about 2 weeks away from having their babies and I am so excited for them to start their families! It really is the final stretch for them. There were a lot of different things discussed and honestly, it feels funny that I am the one they are asking questions to. I feel like I am always asking everyone else questions, so it's nice to actually answer some too! 

Tuesday, I was pretty much a grump the whole day, excluding the hour when Anne and Gus' cousin Nic (who currently goes to law school in NYC but is from Seattle) came to visit.  I knew I would be leaving Sierra for the first time to go back to work. It made me anxious and sad just thinking about it. Even though I was only going to be going back for a few hours it was still extremely hard for me to fathom. Gus has been adjusting to a 5am wake-up so that he can get home on time for me to go to work, which has been difficult for him. When 3pm rolls around, I was already tearing up. When it's time for me to leave, I am in full-blown waterworks. It's so hard to leave your baby for the first time. I have such a deeper understanding of all of those working moms' emotions. Everything ended up being okay, but it was trying for Gus and I. Gus hasn't had to soothe her for that long before either, and it is actually her "cranky" time-of-day, so I felt bad for him too! But as my mom said, "You both are in this thing together." And so it is...

On Wednesday I found out some info at the new mom's group about free baby activities. I have to be selective because I have to only do the ones that will work with my return to work schedule. I am very excited about joining a free baby swim class... a.k.a. playing in the water with other babies and their parents. It goes all the way until 6 months and meets once a week, and it's in a heated pool.

I have to go back to work again today; it will be easier this time but it will still be hard. It gives me new appreciation of being with her for a full day, though. 

I have started lifting again... and even for me it's hard to get back into. I feel weak after 4 weeks of absolutely no lifting (minus a 10 lb baby). I will get it back though, it will just take time. It would actually be a lot of fun to have a 45 minute group class for new moms that's called "Baby weight" (it would be a class centered around working out WITH your baby). All you would need is your baby and a yoga matt. What do you think? Would it catch on?

Baby on Board

August 8, 2013 (4 weeks tomorrow)

Babies are so sweet when they sleep.

I love being a momma to this little one.

Some nights I lie awake at night staring at my baby girl, thinking how spectacular she is. I watch her arms stretch and flex. I see her face move through a series of expressions ranging from worried to surprised to elated in the shadows of the nightlight. I am constantly awakening new levels of love and depth within myself as I watch her grow; as everyone says, “it happens so quickly.” I am already preparing myself for my return to work, and as I suspected I am wishing I could spend more time with her… four weeks just goes by too fast.

"Aww, Dad, I swear sometimes you just need an upper-cut!"

Gus and Sierra on our second visit to see GREAT Grandma.

The weekend at Anne and Jerry’s house continued to be enjoyable, as it always is. With the addition of Ms. Sierra, it seemed quite different though. On our return visit to see Great Grandma Mary Beth, she continued to light up the room. Gus and I helped to unload more boxes and move furniture in the comfortable apartment that she now calls home in Fresno. Great Grandma reminisced about when she had her babies, Anne and Jim, and told me stories as I arranged vases and plates in her cabinets. This is one of my favorite things about having a new baby, hearing the stories of women who have traveled this road before me. Simply hearing them speak so fondly of a special time in their lives truly fills you with warmth and makes you realize how precious this time in your (and your baby’s) life is. Also, story telling is under-rated in our high-technology based society. When do you truly get the opportunity to sit down and hear an 88-year-old woman take a trip down memory lane. For that matter, just hearing my mom or Anne talk about their experiences is just as satisfying to me.

After coming back up to Anne’s, Gus went mountain biking at one of our old favorite places, and Anne and I gave Sierra a bath. Anne was so happy to help wash her. You can see it in her eyes in the pictures. It looks like Sierra is pretty content to hang out with Grammy too!

Sunday marked the one-year point from Gus and my wedding ceremony. So as a gift, Anne baked us DELICIOUSLY fudgy brownies.. how could you say no! Unfortunately, there was a wild fire up around the China Peak vicinity (where we originally had plans to stay and celebrate our anniversary) and the smoke was thick up there, and very much present at Anne and Jerry’s, although tolerable. This made going up the mountain, not possible for fear of Sierra’s developing lungs (as well as our own level of comfort). So on Sunday morning we headed back to Davis for the 4 hour car trip. It is not an extremely pleasant ride with a newborn, but she does manage to sleep for some of it. 

I am so happy to have my best friend here for a whole month!

When we got home we rented a movie and made an easy dinner. Sierra gave us the gift of falling asleep early, so that Gus and I could enjoy snuggling and talking together as our anniversary gift to each other. It might not have been our original plan, but it seemed nice enough to the both of us.

Monday involved the typical eat, sleep, poop trio as I tried to ready the house for our house-guest for the month, Crystal (and her mom for one night).  She was lucky enough to get one of her medical rotations for the month in the area. They came in around 8:30pm bearing gifts of Indian food from our favorite restaurant and baby gifts! And I do mean giftS! It was like having a baby shower all over again! We all talked and ate and caught up with the events of their day. Crystal, her fiancée, and their moms went to see their wedding venue and did food and cake tastings all weekend, so there was a lot to talk about! 

Omi Irwin (Omi is German for grandma)

Tuesday I dropped off Crystal’s mom at the airport on my way into my work. There was a retirement BBQ lunch for one of the coaches that I worked for over the last 2 years. Everyone was very pleased to meet little Sierra!

On Wednesday I decided to check out the “final” new moms’ support group in town. I wanted to find one that worked best with my time and had the least amount of travel (as well as had nice women and babies in it). So I thought the early meeting time seemed like it would work well for us. I had planned on leaving about 30 minutes earlier than I actually did, which is the typical routine now… I go to leave, but then she needs another feeding and another change so it turns into a longer endeavor. On my way there, we were rear-ended as a turn signal changed. Luckily, all is well with the two of us and the other driver, since it was only 5 or 10 MPH, but the car needs repairs, dealing with the insurance was a HUGE hassle to say the least, and simply the emotions of having a newborn in an accident creates a bit of a strong emotional response in her new momma. Luckily, I kept my cool and remained completely calm, and the woman apologized PROFUSELY (especially after realizing my “baby on board” sign was true to its word). I actually decided to still go to the new moms’ group, which eased some of my tension from the incident (and cleared my emotions before I proceeded to spend the majority of the rest of my day on the phone with insurance companies).

Today I am meeting Gus at his work to have lunch with him. Some of his colleagues are dying to meet the newest addition, so it will be a dual-purpose event! Tomorrow brings the stress of car appraisal and estimates of damage and setting up repair and car rental info etc.

As a side note, I am starting to get the hang of this whole breast pump thing (the Medela is a great choice BTW and was fully covered by my insurance), and I am slowly building my supply up for when I return to work. Also, Sierra likes the BOB stroller (I use an infant head and neck support that attaches into it)! I am only walking with her in it as of right now, but she really enjoys the walks we are taking. I can’t wait to get her rolling on runs… soon soon. It really is important to wait until your uterus heals all the way (the consequences are pretty dramatic if your body’s not ready and you go back too early into “regular” exercise)!