Now turn to the right!

On December 4th, Elliot participated in his first professional photo shoot.  Anna Hogan is a photographer and friend via bushiness school, and she is fantastic!  She was at our house for 4 1/2 hours, trying to capture Elliot on "film."  

Not really to our surprise, Devin and I were to be photographed as well.  Did we think that through?  No.  I worn black but the only solid dark shirt Devin had was a size too small, which made for some laughs but not the best pictures.  And from my corner, I failed to do anything with my hair so it looked like I'd just gotten out of the shower, which was true.  (Note to future Emily and Devin: plan ahead, comb hair, wear clothes that fit; try to look nice.)

Elliot did quite well considering he was 9 days old and we were stuffing him in scarves in baskets, etcetera.  I fed him twice during the shoot, he cried for a short while, and he only pooped on Anna's pretty blankets once.  

Some of my favorites.

Oh!  He was so so small and precious!  

We had a lot of fun!  I think we'll give it another go when Elliot is close to 1 year.  And maybe, just maybe, I'll comb my hair.  ;)

  

Eating or Sleeping.

Elliot's first full week at home was fairly eventful, but don't let me kid you, he slept or ate through most of it...

This one's for you, Ladam!

Elliot's one week checkup was on December 4th.  We really like his pediatrician.  She was out of town when he was born - her colleagues checked in on him at the hospital - so this was our first time meeting her.  

Week One Stats

Weight: 7lbs (+2oz)

Height: 20in (+1in)

We've got a healthy little guy!  Doctor's orders: tummy time and massage the calcium burn site to help soften the scar tissue that has formed.

Devin, Jill and I took Elliot to his first meal out after his appointment.  We went to Green Chili Kitchen (yum!) and he slept the entire meal.

More sleeping.

Because I did the feeding, Devin did a lot of the diaper changes.  Meanwhile, Elliot loves looking at the picture of Sandy Beach above his changing table.

First trip to Target!

Meeting auntie Shal.

Despite how things looked in the pictures above, Elliot wasn't always asleep.  In a bit of a rush we (I) researched a good swing, went to 3 (yes, three) Target stores to get it, didn't find it, ordered it online and set it up two days later.  Did Elliot like his new swing?  Not really. 

He also had his newborn photo shoot this week...

One Week - 2 December

Elliot,

You're a week old but have only been home 3 days.  You're sleeping in a Pack 'N Play in our room, and doing that only a few hours at a time.  We swaddle you and you wear a hat and look like the cutest little thing.

You eat ALL THE TIME and it's a combination of breast milk and formula because I just can't keep up!  (I felt badly about needing to give you formula, but after talking with my friends and your doctor I realized I am doing the best I can and formula is ok.)  Because you're breastfeeding and taking formula, not only do you have a great latch, but you can take a bottle too!

Dad and I have gotten better at changing your diapers; being especially careful of your belly button.  You've got mild diaper rash that we're combating with Aquaphor.  I really had no idea how many diapers we would go through in a day.  And pajamas!  You probably wear at least 3 different pajamas a day due to pee or poop mishaps.  (We're still learning.)

You like being on your changing table.  I think it gets you closer to our faces and you like to look at everyone!  You are very interactive and observant.

Your Grandma Susie and Auntie Jill are still in San Francisco helping us take care of you, Yeti and each other.  Oh my, you are loved.

A baby.

I really can't remember that first night with Elliot home, but judging by the pictures above I'd say it was rough.  Elliot slept in his Pack 'N Play next to my side of the bed and I'm sure he was eating at least every 2 hours because that was his MO for quite some time.  It's a good thing babies are cute.

Devin and I had the help of 5 (6 with MFK, who you'll remember from this post) grandparents and one auntie for the first few days at home - which was awesome - and Suz and Jill stayed on an additional week which was so very helpful!  They ran errands, cooked, cleaned, walked Yeti, and babysat while Devin and I discovered our new reality.

Pictures from the first few days at home...

We spent a lot of time in Elliot's room.  Feeding him, talking to him, looking at him.  The amount of time I can spend simply looking at Elliot is incredible.  It was good to hear/read that you can't spoil a baby because I didn't like to put him down.  

Five days old.

I know that people say babies smile when they have gas or are pooping, but I swear Elliot was smiling a happy smile from the beginning!  He is a kid of many faces.

Elliot and Nanny T

Yeti has been so good with Elliot, but that's no surprise to those of who know T.  He checks up on Elliot from time to time throughout the day and at night he seems to want to know where Elliot is sleeping - his room or our room.  He knows not to lick Elliot, but I know it's hard for him to resist all that delicious baby drool.

On December 1, Elliot got his first sponge bath.  He wasn't stinky but we wanted to get the residual stickiness from the IV tape out of his hair.  No tears.

It's hard to believe Elliot was that small...

A terrible blogger.

It's April 1st.  I thought I'd be waaaaaay better at keeping up this blog but I guess the joke's on me.
I have 2 weeks until my maternity leave is over.  Do you think I can catch up?  Here's to hoping!

30 March, 2014