The Merry Month of Maeve

Today marks a solid month since our baby girl's birth. It seems unbelievable that so much time has passed since we went from a couple to a family of three. In these last four weeks we've seen her change and grow before our eyes; losing much of her newborn looks and wail, beginning to "coo" and "ahh", having her first bath, and winning over many of our friends and family.

The bean at a day old.

The bean at 4wks

At a month old....

The bean likes to be snuggled to sleep in our bed. She loves her wubby and to be swaddled, anytime of day. She prefers to be held in your arms or the wrap rather than watch the world from her swing. She falls asleep in the car, on walks and while she eats and she sleeps through just about anything!

My little boppy sleeper.

Some days I look at her and immediately am drawn to thoughts of our last 24hrs as two. Our precious time in the hospital, hours creeping by, full of quiet wonders and speculation. I was in pain, I was elated, I was nervous, I was antsy, I was crying, I was laughing, I felt so alive. I don't know that I've ever felt more love for Adam than I did that night. There is something unbelievable romantic about knowing the person you've committed your life to is standing by your side, loving you through this incredibly hard thing; a marathon event with the ultimate prize you created together and both get to share in.

Our new family.

Life is amazing, and I wouldn't change it for a thing.

Your Daily Bean

Yesterday was the first day of just Mama and Maeve. This weekend, with Adam's help, I was able to catch up on some sleep during the day, but it still did not quite prepare me for our Monday. Maeve did well after her first two feedings, but come 11am she was done. Exhausted, she hit meltdown city. For two hours, every time I got her to settle and finally dared lay her down, she woke up sobbing after no more than 5 minutes! Why did I let my mother go home?! Not knowing what else to do, I put her in the car and we drove around town for about 30minutes. Wrongly assuming that did the trick, I took our slumbering babe upstairs, set her carseat in our cool dark room, shut the door....and heard crazing wailing.

*SIGH*

Did I mention I have no idea what I'm doing? The answer came when I finally just laid down and snuggled my little Maevey Bean, and off she drifted. Oh. It's that easy? Unfortunately since she over-exhausted herself, she had no interest in eating and then kept us up until the wee hours; mad, hungry, tired and with a much greater will than either of her parents.

Today she's sleeping soundly. A little too soundly... Now, in my growing fear and paranoia surrounding these little bit, I wonder, "Will she be up all night? What's the price I'll have to pay for a midday nap?" Goodness, at least she's a snuggly, loveable night owl.

My chimpunk cheeked girl, once she finally gave in.

Mushroom Maeve in her new pjs and hat Adam found for her. Look at those long fingers!!

Saying Goodbye

Today was the day I'd been trying for weeks to pretend wasn't coming. Today we put my Mom on an airplane back to Virginia. My mom flew into DFW the day my water broke, having anticipated a few days time together, maybe even a week before baby came. Instead, as you all know, Maeve made her appearance the next night. Originally she was supposed to leave the following week, and we pushed it a week. Then...we pushed it another week. Three weeks in all, I don't know what I'll do without her! It was wonderful to have the guidance, company and care. I will miss the calm reassurance and loving time spent with my mom, and Maeve will miss those extra snuggles and grandmother love.

Come back soon Mom!!!

Maevey Bean 3wks old

Maeve and Mama 3wks old

three generations of O'Connell women

Lil' Bean

Because she's so darn cute...

Learnin' to be Mama

It feels strange that Maeve has been here with us already for 18 days, and we've been home together for 15! We really struggled initially with nursing, but these last 5 days we seem to have found our rhythm. We've not needed to trick her into nursing with the syringe, or finger feed since last Thursday; and instead of becoming angrier when I get ready to nurse now seems to calm down and relax when she knows that's what's about to happen. Further evidence of her knew adjustment to nursing, at her appointment last week, Maeve had already jumped to 8lbs 15oz in not quite two weeks! That's right, she's becoming a little chunky munk, her O'Connell genes shining right through.

(I'm hoping by writing this I don't in fact jinx us...)

I managed to talk my mom into extending her stay, and am worriedly looking towards her departure Saturday. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do without her help once she's gone!

Read: I don't feel very qualified to do this on 'my own.'

But for now we're spending our time nursing, snuggling and napping. Occasionally sneaking out of the house for a midwife or pediatrician appointment.

I know I'm biased, but just look at this little cutie!

Lil' Cousins

After our first week home, my 'frousin' Shannon and her youngest, Allie V, came to visit us! Just 14wks apart, I'm excited to see our girls relationship develop and grow over the years. I'm also curious as to how Allie's older sister Meg will do with two little girls to play with and boss around! ;)

Shannon, Allie V and my Mom, Gigi

The Bean and her "Aunt" Shannon meeting for the first time.

"Great Aunt" Gigi and lil' Allie V

Maevey Bean

My mother gifted Maeve with her first pair of sunglasses yesterday, and I have to say she's pretty darn cute in 'em!

Baby Weight

Well folks, it's official. In these last 10 months, I have gained 98lbs. According to my first pregnancy appointment at 8wks, I've "only" gained 93lbs. God bless first pregnancies and hypothyroidism.

January 2011

Last pregnancy picture at 36wks, I made it another 3wks and 5 days before Maeve arrived. Trust me, I was bigger than this:

I am happy to announce that as of today I have lost 44lbs of the 96lbs I gained! My next appointment with the midwives is on Friday, I'm hoping their scale reflects an even bigger loss. While it may be a lot to lose, 52lbs is waaaay more doable than 96lbs!

For now, here's an in-between picture of the bean and Mama. (Not too sure about the expression on my face...)

Happy Birthday Maeve

How can we have had this precious little Irish lady for a whole week as of tonight? It seems both impossible to have had her that long, and even more impossible that she hasn't always been here snuggled in between Adam and me.

We have had a beautiful first week, off to a bumpy start with Maeve's billirubin levels a bit too high and my developing post-partum pre-eclampsia. We ended up in the hospital several days longer than expected; Maeve to do some tanning and Mama to take it easy.

So far, so good though. Our girl is a sweetheart with a redhead's passion. She is seldom upset, but when she is boy does she let you know! Easy to soothe and happiest when cuddled, this little bean is perfect in every way!

Introducing Maeve Kathleen

Last night, September 30th, we ushered our sweet baby girl into the world. Maeve Kathleen O'Connell-Owens was born at 7:30pm, weighing 8lbs 2oz and 20in long. She has hazel eyes and the reddest hair!! I feel like I could stare at her forever and snuggle her always. As tired as I am, my adrenaline is still so high I feel like I need some outlet for my time while this little Maevey Bean slumbers in her bassinet beside my hospital bed. Between key strokes I have to turn and admire her a little more, and smile as she occasionally sighs and lifts both her legs at the same

time in her swaddled sleep. I adore her already, and Adam is completely smitten.

But how could you not be, when your sweet girl looks like this:

While today I did get a shower in, I have yet to venture into the land of makeup and still look like a pregnant, puffy mess. So, the only picture we have of Maeve and me is right after she was born. Since we're among friends, I will share it here. You can really see her red hair well in it.

Life could not be anymore beautiful.