The Rest of Oma's + T-Pa's Visit

So, it's not likely to come as a huge shock when I say that I still have more pictures to share from Malone's first week. The focus of my recent posts has obviously been our daughter, but I want to be sure to document what our sons were up to during this special time, too. They had a blast with Oma, T-Pa, and of course, Daddy, who was fortunate enough to be able to stay home for his paternity leave Tuesday through Sunday.

We were all sad to say goodbye to T-Pa on Thursday morning. After less than 48 hours in Pittsburgh, he had to make the long drive back to St. Louis because of some pressing issues at work. 

Pic with the grandkids before hitting the road.

Doing their "E.T." thing. 

Kaiser and Porter were so glad to have a playmate in Oma. And of course, Mommy appreciated her taking over and entertaining the boys so that I could attend to Malone's needs (namely, milk). 

Working a Toy Story puzzle.

Digging in an egg for dinosaur bones. 

A pretzel rod makes for a great distraction during Sissy's doctor's appointment.

The weather was pretty fabulous, so lots of evenings were spent out in the backyard. We're coming up on our absolute favorite time of year here; I will definitely miss autumns in the Burgh!

Dessert is even better on the deck.

Our racecar running laps.

Oma couldn't escape their request to be flipped.

This kiddo may be getting a little too heavy for Oma.

As I mentioned in Malone's one week post, on Saturday we all went to the theater to see Finding Nemo. We planned to see it in 3-D, but were informed upon our arrival that 3-D didn't begin until the 1:00 show. Thankfully, the boys didn't know the difference; they were just beside themselves to be going to the movies at all!

Huge grin after we told him where we were headed. 

Having Oma there was an added bonus!

It's showtime!

Daddy had to escort this stinker out when he got a tad disruptive.

Sleepy Sister didn't make a peep!

Striking a pose with the Nemo poster.

Sunday morning after church, we hit up Pamela's for yummy hotcakes and omelettes. 

Photo op with my backseat buddy.

Mommy cheesin' it up while we wait outside; Porter...not so much.

Blowin' it up with Daddy.

After brunch, we made a trip to Toys R Us so that Oma could buy the boys a t-ball set. (It, like the soccer ball + net, has already proven to be a great purchase.) While we were walking around, I heard Kaiser calling my name, and turned the corner to see this:

I think a bike may be coming his way for b-day or Xmas...

Though Malone was cranky during our time at the park on Monday afternoon, Kaiser and Porter seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Kaiser took a big fall and scraped his nose, but recovered enough to keep playing. They kept us grownups on our toes following them from one piece of equipment to another.

Oma was a good sport and agreed to swing on her belly, too.

Sweet, spontaneous brother moment I was lucky enough to capture.

Speedy sliders.

That night was our last one with Oma, who flew out early Tuesday morning. Before the boys' bathtime, we were all hanging outside on the deck. Brett brought out his guitar and started playing and singing, and the boys went to grab some of their instruments to accompany him. Soon we were all making music with harmonicas, drums, and tambourines. The Partridge Family had nothin' on us!

Mr. Blues Brother.

Oma gives the harmonica a go.

Porter's turn to blow a tune.

Channeling Gene Simmons?

We were all bummed to see Oma leave (her daughter most of all), but are so thankful that she was able to stay a full six days to enjoy her new granddaughter and her grandsons. Her help was invaluable as we began our adjustment into life as a family of five. I love you and appreciate you, Momma! 

We've been on our own the past few days, and have fared pretty well in my opinion (save a handful of challenging moments). The Braly Clan is now ready for grandparent visit round 2: YaYa flies in from Oklahoma this afternoon, and we can't wait to spend the next several days having tons of fun with her!

Malone Marie: Week 1

My precious Malone, it is sill hard for me to believe that on Monday you turned 1 week old. (Please forgive me for being a couple of days behind. I promise I'm usually more on top of these things!)

Now, I know you're new around here, so let me fill you in: As a Braly babe, you are subject to Mommy's weekly photo sessions in your blue chair. Kaiser's and Porter's first years of life were documented in this way, and I wouldn't dream of not following suit with you! It should be relatively easy for the first few months, until you realize you'd like to get your hands on that orange sign...

1 Monday down, 51 to go!

You've had a pretty eventful first week of life, all things considered. Here are some of the things we've learned about you and some of the memories we've made with you, Baby Girl:

• God has blessed you with a couple of striking physical features that stand out, both to us and to others who have met you. First and foremost, your hair. At our last ultrasound, the tech had made a comment about you having a lot, but I didn't really know what to expect. I must say, when you came out, I was quite shocked to see not only just how much of it there is, but also how dark it is (especially considering your towheaded brother). I'm really, really hoping you hang onto your tresses; I'd love to put some sweet lil bows in them! Also, it's hard not to notice that you have a dimple in your chin. I remember that being one of the first comments I made when you were placed on my chest after birth. I am thinking that this comes from my side of the family, as my Papa Wayne (your Pops's father) had a very pronounced cleft chin. I think it is absolutely darling; it makes me so curious to see what you will look like when you grow up! (But don't get any ideas. I want you to stay tiny for a while, m'kay?)

• You, Miss Malone, are the sleepiest baby I ever did see! Seriously, I know newborns sleep a lot, but I don't recall your brothers logging this much time in Dreamland. I bet that you sleep at least 20 hours a day (and sometimes more). During your first week you mostly napped during the day in our arms, on the couch, in your car seat, or in your bouncy seat, and slept in your crib at night. The past couple of days, I've been laying you down swaddled in your crib for naps when we're home, and you've done well there, also. I'm trying to get you to stay awake after feeding so that we can start establishing our eat/wake/sleep routine, but sometimes you just can't be persuaded to open your eyes! I need to remember to relax and enjoy this special time, as I know the day may come when getting you to sleep is a challenge. :) One thing's for sure; you sure do look beautiful when you're dozing...

Cuddled up with Oma.

I could do this forever.

Still so crazy to me that you're outside my belly.

You. Are. Perfect.

Snug as a bug.

In a milk coma.

• Because you are such a sleepyhead, most of the time I have to rouse you to eat. Sometimes I have had to be really mean and wipe a cold, wet washcloth on your feet, tummy, and neck to get you mad enough to wake up. Bless your heart! Your nursing sessions are usually only about 15 minutes; I was worried at first that you weren't eating enough, but we got confirmation yesterday that you're doing awesome in the weight department. During the day, you nurse about every three hours, and at night you've been doing a 5 hour stretch. (This means your feeding times are roughly 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, 10pm, and 3am, give or take 30 minutes.) Oh, and I can't forget to mention that you, like big bro Kaiser, are a bigtime spitter. I don't think it is painful, but you're not a huge fan of the cleanup process. I have a feeling that Mommy's going to be spending the next 6 months or so covered in/smelling like spit-up. Good thing you're so darn cute. :)  

• Since we're on the subject of about bodily fluids, you are not only a spitter, but also a pooper. I mentioned in your homecoming post that you've christened both Mommy's and Daddy's hands already. You're a big fan of waiting until I'm changing you to realize you aren't quite finished. We've gone through a heck of a lot of diapers! And, by the way, your poop is stiiiiiinky, too. (Sorry, if that's embarrassing -- I had to say it.)

• Hopefully I'm not jinxing myself by saying this, but you really are such an easy baby. Yes, you get fussy and can scream, but you are usually easily consoled by me tucking you against my chest and, if necessary, "shhhh"ing into your ear. When you wake up at night, you go back to sleep with no problem whatsoever. Again, I know things can change at any minute, but I'm so thankful it's been a smooth ride thus far.

• Your big brothers adore you. Daddy and I absolutely love seeing Kaiser and Porter come up to give you a kiss, go to fetch your lovey for you, and ask if you can join them when they go outside to play or up to their room to read. It was clear from the get-go that you were a missing puzzle piece who fit into our family just perfectly.

Good morning, good morning to you!

Rocking you at lunch.

Kaiser wanted to show you his friend's birthday invitation.

Playing with your feet.

It's very important that you share his passion for trucks. 

You seem skeptical.

Popsicles + Sissy = Backyard Bliss

• You're not all that into toys yet, so the little bit of "playtime" you've had has mostly consisted of laying in our laps while we talk to you and make faces. You have been in your swing a couple of times, and have seemed to like looking at the lights and listening to the music in your baby gym when I've laid you under there. 

Such a comfy spot.

"There's a lot going on here..."

• The other afternoon, you were rather cranky not that long after you'd eaten, and it seemed you needed something to suck on, but I knew you weren't hungry. I decided to go ahead and offer you a paci, and you took it right away. I also gave it to you that night when you were having a hard time settling down in your crib, and it did the trick. I have no idea whether this will become a regular thing; neither of your brothers took a pacifier for an extended amount of time. But I'm open to using it if and when you need it to calm down or to help you sleep.

"Can't...keep...eyes...open..."

• You were fortunate to receive lots of lovin' from Oma during your first week of life. She sure is smitten with her first granddaughter, and with good reason. It brings a mommy lots of joy to see her mommy holding her daughter, marveling at how wonderful she is. Oma had an even harder time than normal leaving town yesterday, because she knew that by the time she sees you next, you will have grown and changed so much!

Soakin' up some vitamin D.

Three generations.

Having a chat.

So much love.

For someone just a week old, you've already logged quite a few "firsts". Here are some of the most important: 

• On Thursday night, you went on your first date with Daddy. (Mommy came, too.) Since we hadn't really celebrated Daddy's 31st birthday the day before, the three of us went out to dinner at Tamari, while Oma stayed at home with Kaiser and Porter. I was excited to finally get some good sushi, after denying myself during most of my pregnancy. I tried to nurse you in the restaurant, but was unsuccessful, so we went out to the car after I finished eating.  You slept through our entire outing -- a meal, a trip to Target, and an ice cream run before heading back home. We loved having our brand new baby girl out and about with us!

All dolled up for Daddy.

Ready to hit the town!

Some serious sleepin' goin' on.

I think we'll hold off a while before introducing sushi.

• You had your first doctor's appointment on Friday morning. Kaiser was at school, but Daddy, Oma, Porter, and I were all able to come along. You did a great job cooperating and checked out well. Your weight was up to 5 pounds 15 ounces (9th %ile), your length was 19.25 inches (34th%ile), and your head circumference was 35 cm (71st %ile). When we'd left the hospital two days before, your weight had been 5 pounds 13 ounces, so though you weren't yet back up to your birth weight (which is expected by 2 weeks), you were making progress! 

Snoozing on the scale.

Wide awake in the exam room.

The only concern the PA had was that he thought you might be a bit jaundiced; he gave us a script to have bloodwork done to test your bilirubin levels, just to be sure they were okay. So immediately after leaving the pediatrician's office, you paid your first (and hopefully last) visit to Children's Hospital. We had to wait for a while to be seen, but you didn't seem to mind. 

Peaceful patient.

When the time came for your heel to be stuck and blood to be collected, there were cries, but you were a trooper and recovered quickly after it was done. We heard back from a nurse later that day that your level was 11.8, and that was not high enough to require phototherapy; instead, she suggested that I place you near a window to get some indirect sunlight. We were so happy to hear that there wasn't cause for concern and we wouldn't need to put you under a bili-light or bili-blanket.

• You had your first (partial) bath since leaving the hospital on Friday night. I wouldn't call it a full-on sponge bath, because Mommy really only soaped up your head. The spitting up had gotten a little out of control, and your poor hair was soaked! I just laid you down on a towel on the bathroom floor, and you were content as could be as I got you cleaned up.

Love those side rolls.

Check out that belly, too!

• You went to your first movie on Saturday afternoon. It was supposed to be a crummy day, so we tried to figure out an indoor activity to keep your brothers entertained. Daddy suggested we all go to see Finding Nemo, and I thought that was a great idea! You took your first ride in the Beco Butterfly and seemed to enjoy it. You slept through the entire movie, and did a decent job nursing for your 1:00 feeding. Thankfully the darkness of the theater helped us be discreet!

Prepare to be worn, my dear -- a lot.

• You watched your first Oklahoma football game with Daddy on Saturday night. (And by watched, I mean you were in the room while he cheered on his beloved team.) :) I'm sad to say that your first game wasn't a win for the Sooners, who were beat by the K-State Wildcats. Perhaps next time if we dress you in crimson and cream they'll have better luck?

Boomer!

• You attended church for the first time on Sunday morning. It was so fun introducing you to several of our friends there. You slept in your car seat through all of the service, until I woke you at 10:00 and took you downstairs to eat. 

The Braly girls.

Bundled up on the drive there.

After church, you went to brunch for the first time at Pamela's in Squirrel Hill. I'm sure it will come as no surprise when I tell you that you slept through the entire thing. :)

• You took your first trip to park on Monday afternoon. We picked up Kaiser from school at 11:30 and headed down the road to North Park for lunch and some playtime. Though your brothers had a ball, you were less than thrilled when I strapped you in the Beco again, and put up quite a fuss for most of our time there. I think you might have been a bit chilly; there was a strong breeze, and when the sun hid behind the clouds it got kind of cold. I had a blanket wrapped around you, but it took bouncing for a while and constant movement to keep you happy. Hopefully we'll have better luck in the future!

You can tell from Mommy's awesome hair that the wind was blowing!

• You participated in your first Facetimes on Monday night. Daddy really wanted to show off his baby girl, so he started calling people. He was able to reach the Edwardses first. It was so awesome to see Mark, Meaghan, Austin, and Charlie. Kaiser and Porter, who had been reading upstairs with Oma before bed, came down to join in on the fun, too. After that, we got ahold of Uncle Justin, who had been itchin' to see more than just pictures of his new niece. All he was able to witness was a whole lotta her sleepin'; thankfully, that didn't bother him. Unfortunately, Aunt Amanda was out that night, but we're hoping to reconnect via our iPads soon.

Can't wait to see him in real life when they come Thanksgiving!

• You received your first flowers -- and beautiful ones, at that! Not only did Miss Kacia and your brothers and Dr. Antonia bring you flowers when they came to the hospital, but we had two special deliveries at our house shortly after arriving home. Aunt Amanda's parents, Mr. Don and Mrs. Tiffany, sent the most spectacular array of huge pink roses, stargazer lilies, hydrangeas, snapdragons, and other flowers I don't know the names of. They also sent cuddly teddy bears for you, Kaiser, and Porter. I was so touched by their thoughtfulness and generosity. Your Pops sent a lovely arrangement of stargazers and snapdragons. He can't wait to see you in a few short weeks!

Such a treat having so many fresh flowers in our house!

Bonding with your green bear from the Smiths.

Malone Marie, I get wrapped up and lose track of time just staring at your perfect lil face. I couldn't even begin to count the number of times a day I say, "You're so preeeeeeetty!" You are my doll baby, and I forever will want to dress you up and take your picture. Here are a handful of my favorite shots from the week; when in the right mood, you're a rather talented model! :)

Born on your due date, Baby!

My dainty lady.

Such smoochable lips.

I heart that ruffled bottom.

Look at you, Angel.

Snuggling with your hippo.

Can't believe how much change I've seen in this face already!

Best. Week. Ever.

Because of you, MMB. 

All my love, 

Mommy

XOXO