Oregon Vaughns

Nothing is better than family, which is why Andy and I have chosen to live in Corvallis.  There have been sacrifices to make this possible (careers, potential school choices, traveling opportunities), but we both decided that living near our families was more than worth it.  Especially now that Lily is here – living near 2 grandmas,  grandpa, Aunt Shauna & Uncle Colin, and many other family friends (who might as well be family).

Also, most of Andy’s family lives on the West Coast – Lily will be seeing Grandpa Terry again, meeting Aunt Chelsea, and meeting Great-grandma Lily for the first time this Thanksgiving.

We are having a huge Thanksgiving celebration at my parent’s house this year – aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, etc…  Close to 50 people!

That being said about family: here are some photos taken while I was pregnant.  Colin’s mom, Terrie, was visiting and they all wanted to have family photos taken.  They included all of us for some of the photos!

Shauna & Colin (now Aunt Shauna & Uncle Colin!)

Shauna, Colin and Terrie

The Family (and a VERY pregnant Stacey!)

Grandma & Grandpa

OBVIOUSLY she was a big baby!

Sisters:

Lily or:

• Lilliputian
• The Pu
• Putian
• Pi-pi-so (means: clap your hands in Chinese)
• Frogger
• Angel Baby
• Sweet Angel Baby
• Stinky Baby
• Honey Bunny
• Sweet Pie
• Baby Bubby

A nickname from the book Gulliver’s Travels:

Main Entry:

Lil·li·pu·tian

Pronunciation:

\ˌli-lə-ˈpyü-shən\

Function:

adjective

1: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Lilliputians or the island of Lilliput

“Lilliputian” has entered many languages as an adjective meaning “small and delicate”.

Lily often called Lilliputian – or, “The Pu” for short.

6 weeks already?  Wow.

She had a breakthrough today – something new!  As she was laying on my chest, she pushed her head and chest up with her little arms.  She kept her head in the air for minutes, all on her own!  What a strong neck she is getting.  She has never balanced herself like this before today.

The not-so-fun news:  She decided that last night from 2am-5am she didn’t want to sleep.  She didn’t fuss though.  She just punched and kicked me and grunted for 3 hours.  At 2:00, when I first awoke, I was dripping in sweat.  We forgot to turn the heat down – we left it at 67 and we usually drop it to 64 at nights.  3 degrees makes a huge difference.  I was miserable.  Andy must’ve sensed this because even though I didn’t wake him, he woke on his own, went downstairs to turn down the heat and then brought me a cold towel.

I tried to sleep, but didn’t succeed.  I know that she continued to wake Andy up off and on with her little baby noises.  Not much sleep for mom!  Andy got up at 6am for his morning workout and Lily and I were half awake, half asleep.  After getting ready to ride his bike, he had a change of heart.  He came in and decided to take Lily from 6-7:30am downstairs so I could get some sleep!  He then rushed to get ready to go to work by 8am.  At 6am, I didn’t think I would make it through the day – but thanks to the hour and a half power sleep, I feel great.  Thanks Daddy for giving Mommy a little peace and quiet this morning!

Nothing much happens on Tuesdays… anywhere.  I think it is a day we can do without.

I have my first post-birth doctors appointment this afternoon:  a 6-week check-up (I was induced 6-weeks ago today… doesn’t seem like it has been that long)!  I feel good, so hopefully this will be a quick check.

Baby laughs in her sleep.  I have not seen her really laugh yet while awake, but she has cracked up a few times while sleeping.  It is so cute that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

What else is new?

Auntie Shauna comes home on Friday and will get to meet Lily for the first time!  I am very excited for this – definitely the highlight of my week.

Oh no…

I am already starting to ask myself (and Andy): how far apart in age do I want my children?

Tonight after feeding Lily, wrapping her in a warm blanket, and putting her to sleep on my chest, I almost fell asleep myself. She is such a peaceful sleeper, she easily wins the award for best “Adult Pacifier,” big-head and little shoulders over hot-buttered rum. *yawn* -Sleepy Daddy

Here are some pictures of my little honey bunny:

39 days old:

No, this isn’t the new treat down at Cold Stone, this is what I called today’s babysitting epic. Lily was finally able to spend a day with both grandmas babysitting. And, since she came home without any broken bones or disfigurements that we can’t tell her tenth-grade boyfriend(s) about, I would say it was a success!

Here’s a list of items we made sure to have ready and available for Grandma/s, just in case…:

1. Full and ready bottle
2. Rag to wipe down any leftovers from #1
3. Plenty of diapers
4. Plenty of wipes
5. Blankets to keep her warm
6. A tiger or bunny outfit at least three months too-big (just to make sure she looks overwhelmed and cute.)

Having the break allowed Stacey to do some tutoring and for me to go out and play golf with Grandpa Bob. With this success, we may even consider doing it again

Thanks Grandmas!

1.  Babies don’t actually need names right away.  They are hardly ever called by their name anyway (sweetie, sweet-pie, angel baby, and the list goes on…)

2.  There are never-ending favors that mom needs to ask dad to do!

3.  Breast-feeding consumes a lot of time.  Not much else can be accomplished while breast-feeding.

4.  Babies don’t need many pieces of clothing.  If warm enough, they can spend plenty of time in just a diaper.

5.  Showering is a privilege and not a right.

6.  Accomplishing one chore each day deserves praise.

7.  You really can stare at a baby all day.

8.  Never go anywhere without the diaper bag, not even for 5 minutes.

9.  If anyone tells you that you will forget labor pains, they are lying.  However, it is all worth it.

10.  Dads (or non-stay-at-home parents) will never fully understand

1. Babies are individuals, but they need you like they need air. Too much time away, and it’s like not being able to breathe.
2. Babies are like air to you, as well. Too much time away from baby, and it is like not being able to breathe.
3. There are different types of cries. Cries of pain. Cries of hunger. Cries of loneliness. Cries of fear. In short order, you learn each one.
4. Babies have no idea what their body is doing, only the feelings it gives them when something happens. For example, Lily will pull her own hair and then cry from the pain.
5. There is no difference between day and night to a baby. In fact, your night may be the time that she is most active. So, don’t plan on sleeping at night, you may get your most rest during the day.
6. If you don’t force yourself to eat, drink, and sleep, you won’t. It is important to make sure that you do so, even if your body doesn’t feel hungry or thirsty yet – be preemptive. You never know when the baby is going to be awake for the next four hours needing you to hold her. Can you wait that long?
7. There is little as gratifying as seeing your baby smile at you. Whether she is actually smiling at you, or just experiencing the relief of a good poop, it still is a wonder to see her smile.
8. Babies are stronger than you think. Lily kicks and pushes off me so forcefully sometimes, that I need to hold on tight for her not to leap away. She also lifted her whole head and torso completely off me the other day when I was holding her. It surprised me and she almost fell off with the change in balance.
9. Babies need to eat. They don’t care if you are in Borders, at a friend’s house, or driving the car. All they know is that they want food! So, if you are a breastfeeder – be prepared to whip-it-out and give her some milk. Don’t be modest. Carry around a small blanket to cover up though, otherwise all teenage boys in the vicinity would need to go take a cold shower.
10. Babies make everything you do worth it. Even the hardest days at work, the most humbling moments with your boss or clients, it is all worth it for her.