Jungle Gym

Elsie started playing in the baby jungle gym this week. And by playing, I mean that she lays there contently sometimes without crying.

Betty and Lazarus

We haven't forgotten about our wonderful cats during the last couple weeks. They have actually adjusted very well. Lazarus hangs out with us in Elsie's room and in the family room when Elsie is with us. He likes to be near Jack and I and is tolerant of Elsie. When I put Elsie down next to Lazarus, he is fine - as long as Elsie is asleep. When she starts moving, he slinks back in fear. Poor guy.

Betty does what she always does. She ignores everyone except for a couple specific times during the day when she demands to be pet. Here they must have been huddling together for comfort during one of Elsie's fussy periods.

Reinforcements

My parents have been here all week helping with Elsie and the house chores now that Jack is back at work. They have been keeping us all well-nourished and have been entertaining Elsie. Here are some pictures of Elsie with J-Ma and Papa Pete.

Two weeks old

Elsie turned 2 weeks old on Tuesday - here are her two week photos. In the last week, her face has become more defined, and she is now wearing 3-month clothes. She has started to use her fingers with a bit more purpose - every once in a while she figures out how to get them in her mouth, and she just loves sucking on them. As you can see from the pictures, she is still working on developing the neck muscles...

Her hobbies include:

Sleeping. Elsie has started to learn the difference between day and night. Once dad gets her to sleep at night (which he does by holding and rocking her for a few hours), Elsie can sleep for a couple 4-5 hour stretches. I am sure I have just jinxed this good sleeping pattern by putting it in writing.

Fussing. Elsie enjoys trying to move every body part at one time while exercising her lungs. It is during this time, that I am especially happy to have reinforcements around. This also sometimes includes spitting up (typically when she has a fresh outfit on).

Quiet observation. Elsie just looks around with great big eyes trying to figure out the objects and people that surround her.

Socializing

The books call it socializing when you hang out with your baby. I guess "hanging out" doesn't sound official enough. On Saturday, Elsie was very social, and we got some great pictures. We actually got two uses out of Elsie's girl outfits - I feel like a much better mom now!

Mommy and Elsie

Here are a few photos of Elsie and Mom hanging out together.

On the couch after reading Pat the Bunny.

Chopping broccoli for dinner.

Keeping warm in Elsie's chic towel after a bath.

Elsie's first phone

During a fussy period today, we coerced Elsie into holding her first phone. So cute. She just kept trying to put it in her mouth. Note she is wearing the second of the girl outfits.

Elsie turns 1 week old

On Monday we got all bundled up to go to Babies R Us to get a few items we failed to purchase in advance. Turns out that the 100% waterproof burp cloths are also non-absorbent. So much for modern technology.

This trip allowed us the opportunity to purchase a couple girl outfits for Elsie. Of course, we made the rookie mistake of selecting them in Newborn size, meaning they will each be worn once. Hopefully this is not a precursor to my reaction when, in 16 years, Elsie asks me to purchase a $500 prom dress that will also be worn only once. Here is the 1-week old photo of Elsie wearing one of these adorable outfits.

The Elsie Tree

On Saturday, Elsie received a beautiful Norfolk Island Pine from her Barry Callebaut Family. We are so grateful for this gift, and are looking forward to watching it grow with our daughter. How long before Elsie is taller than the tree? Thanks to Grandma Jan (our family Master Gardener), we also learned that this house plant is extremely easy to care for. Thank you so much Barry Callebaut!

Elsie's first visitors

On Saturday, Grandma Jan and Grandpa John came for a short visit. Elsie was very excited to meet her Grandparents (and we were very excited to show her off). Here is a picture with Grandma Jan. Somehow, Grandpa John got away without posing for the obligatory picture. We'll get him next time!

This outfit is just so cute - I had to show it off. Check out those socks! (They stayed on for about 20 seconds before being kicked off.)

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th was a great one for Elsie - she finally figured out how to sleep! We went into labor on the night of a full moon, and now Friday the 13th was a wonderful day. I think I need to start being more superstitious. Every time we hold her, I just can't stop thinking how cute she is (yes, even when she is crying). I am surprised by how strong Elsie is, especially when we are doing something that she doesn't like - bath time, tummy time, and feeding when she is sleepy time. We visited the pediatrician today, and Elsie has gained 2 oz since leaving the hospital - a huge relief that we must be doing something right...

Bundled up for the trip to the pediatrician.

Photos from Day 2

Here are a few photos from Day 2. We are now at home, and had a relatively successful first night with Elsie without the assistance of the hospital staff. We were each able to get a few hours of sleep, and we are geared up for Day 4.

Elsie has arrived!

We are very happy to share the news that we have a new daughter!  Elizabeth Dorothy Phipps (we are going to call her Elsie) was born at 3:50 pm on Tuesday the 10th.  She checked in at a svelte 9 lbs 15 oz and was 21.5 inches long.  We are all doing well, and having alot of fun getting to know each other.

Overtime

We are now at 40 weeks and 2 days - the overtime period has begun. Apparently, the baby did not receive the memo about the Feb 6 due date.

For those who are interested, here is what I look like at 40+ weeks pregnant. Sweatpants are now part of my standard attire for weekends. Unfortunately, they don't fit into the Barry Callebaut dress code.