Week 1

Well, it's been an interesting start to our new life.  As mentioned before, labor and delivery didn't go so hot for me.  Recovery didn't get any better.  A lot more pain, a couple scares, and a few more doctor visits and I'm FINALLY feeling better!  And, I have already lost 25 pounds! :)

A huge thanks to Kevin for doing everything while I was out of commission.  He cleaned, cooked, took care of the Fredster, and did everything for Amelia including diaper changes, settling her down, and bringing her to me every single time she needed to nurse.  We also need to give a big thanks to Sharon (Kevin's mom).  She came for a night to help us all out and soothe Amelia, take the night shift, and even clean our entire place.  And one more thanks to our first babysitter, Valerie (a best friend from college)!  Amelia loved her and she gave us a break to go to the dentist and finally get my three broken teeth fixed.

Amelia had her 4 day appointment on Tuesday and it went great.  We had a scare with on Sunday night because she projectile vomited blood (swallowed blood from my nipples cracking) and seemed to be dehydrated, but all ended up being just fine.  At her appointment, her weight was 7 lbs 6 oz, a little below her birth weight, but my milk hadn't come in yet.  She needs to be back up to her birth weight (7 lbs 14 oz) at her 2 week appointment.  Her jaundice test was 5.6, eventually it needs to be zero, but the doctors do not worry until it is over 14.  The pediatrician said she was perfect!  And with everything Kevin and I have been through, her health is all that matters. 

Here are some pics from her first week.

Everybody's happy!

Our angel with a stork bite! :)

Aunt Pauline and Cousin Christopher

Shrine at hospital

Thanks Val for the tip - she likes cards!

Getting frustrated at our attempts to teach her blackjack

A visit from Auntie Kelly and Uncle Ted

Survey says......

It's been a heated debate!  Who does Amelia most closely resemble?  Take a look below and decide for yourself.

Baby Michelle

 

Baby Amelia

Baby Kevin

 

Baby Amelia

Baby Amelia

What's in a name?

How did Amelia Margaret get her name?  Well, for those who know me well or are in the Olthoff family, the answer is easy - Margaret Amelia Olthoff, my grandmother!

Amelia should feel very honored to be named after such an important person in my family.  My Grandma Olthoff raised me for almost 13 years and was the woman who cared for me like I was her own daughter.  She was the single, best influence in my life (a close second would be my Aunt Lorraine) and I know would have loved to meet little Amelia. 

Her Aunt Mara also pointed out that her name is German (a plus) and that  the meaning is "one who is industrious, striving and hardworking"...sure to suit any daughter of ours!  Thanks Mara!

So, what's in a name?  To me -  a lot of memories, a warm and fuzzy feeling, honor, and respect.  I love that when Amelia is able to ask me about her name, it will give me an opportunity to tell her all about her Great Grandma Olthoff (and probably not without shedding a few tears).

July 22nd, 2011.......

The best day of our lives!  Who knew that Baby Amelia would make me realize how much you could love somebody, but a nicer surprise was realizing how much more she could make me love Kevin. 

She was born at 8:48 in the morning at Northwestern's Prentice Women's Hospital.  Coming in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and 20 inches long, I'd say she was perfect!  I won't go into all the details about labor and delivery, but let's just say that my experience and experiences seemed to fall into the 1% or 3-4%, or 10-15% of things that rarely happen.  Of course they happen to me!  But it was all worth it to see hear her crying voice at the end of everything (which she wasn't even supposed to cry, but go straight to the pediatric team waiting for her!). 

Grandpa and Grandma Z and Aunt Mara spent the entire night and morning at the hospital and Aunt Pauline came first thing in the morning to see Amelia.  Her Grandpa O, Great Uncle Kenny and Great Aunt Lorraine came in the afternoon to meet Amelia too.  Uncle Greg and Uncle Mike came, Auntie Kristi and Auntie Sarah visited her.  Grandma Z, Mara, and Pauline came back for repeat visits.  We received the cutest cookie gift from her Auntie Mary, the most adorable boots from her cousin Dee Ann, flowers, stuffed animals.......Well, we all get the picture, Amelia is one lucky and loved little lady. 

Tomorrow we go home with her and we are anxious, but excited!  Kevin will be taking all of next week off of work, so together we will all settle in.  We wonder what Freddie will make of the newest addition to the family.

Here are some pictures of Amelia's first two days of life.

 Kevin and I anxiously waiting for my body to push Amelia out.

Her very first picture.

Daddy loves his Amelia

Auntie Sarah

Grandma Z

Grandpa Olthoff smitten with his granddaughter

Great Uncle Kenny

Great Aunt Lorraine

Aunt Mara (couldn't wait to cuddle Miss Amelia)

Uncle Mike

Uncle Greg and Aunt Pauline (thanks for the giraffe!)

Our sweet baby girl :)

Two happy, exhausted parents!

39 Weeks Pregnant!

Baby Amelia is due on July 24th and I couldn't be more ready.  55 lbs, 3 broken teeth, 2 swollen feet and ankles, several nosebleeds, a continuous rash of acne, and countless headaches later - IT IS TIME!  Kevin and I are so excited to meet her and we can't wait to see who she looks like.  Our parents both came for a visit this week and brought our newborn pictures, so it will be fun to compare. 

These last 12 months have definitely been a year of change.  We were married last June, bought our first dog (Freddie) in July, and were pregnant by October.  See below for some pictures.

At a luau on our honeymoon in Hawaii

Our favorite part of our honeymoon, the Serenity Pool at the Four Seasons in Maui!

Freddie French Fry - love him!!!

5 weeks pregnant

16 weeks pregnant

23 weeks pregnant

30 weeks pregnant

37 weeks pregnant

Baby Amelia kicking me at 18 weeks