The Minneapolis McCues: Meredith is one week old (well one week and one day!)

Well, we've been home now for 5 days and Meredith is 8 days old. I would say things are going swell. She's doing just what babies are supposed to do: eat, sleep, poop and pee. I would say all in all she's a pretty good baby. She does have occasional fussy times when she'd just rather be held, then be put down to sleep - but other then that - I have no complaints. I even think I'm doing rather well with the middle of the night feedings, considering I am someone who could, and would always love to sleep 10 to 12 hours straight. Now I'm basically napping a couple hours here, a couple of hours there - but I think I'm holding up pretty well. She's breastfeeding every 2 to 3.5 hours, and occasionally we only go an hour and she seems like she's hungry again. I'm still using the nipple shield and am a little worried that I will never be rid of it. But I don't want to rock the boat - it's working well right now - so I'm not pushing the issue.

We've had several visitors since we've been home. On Saturday my father, step-mother and Gma Pfaffinger drove up from southern Minnesota to hang out for a few hours - that was very nice. Then Saturday night my friends Rina and Jen stopped by - it was very nice to see them and I'm surprised they weren't using their baby free Saturday night to party. On Monday we had a visit from the home health nurse and Meredith checked out great - had gained a whole ounce, then weighing in a 6 lb 15 oz. On Tuesday my mother, Gma Wickersham, sister Jillian and brother Justin came up for the afternoon. We spent the afternoon talking and passing sleepy Meredith around. She behaved very well and it was great for her to meet her aunt and uncle and great- grandmother (she had already met her grandmother at the hospital!). Then that evening our friends Nicole and Travis Thompson stopped by to get a little sneak peak at how their lives are going to be in a matter of weeks (Nicole is due October 10th). It was nice seeing our friends.

Yesterday we had our first appointment at the pediatrician's office. Meredith surprised us and apparently gained 5 ounces in 2 days (now weighing 7 lb 4 oz) - I guess I'm giving her enough breastmilk! She is still 19 inches long and her head is 33.2 cm around, which is on the small side, only in the 8th percentile (no wonder I had an easy delivery). We also found out that she has a small degree of tongue-tiedness. When the doctor said this, tears immediately came to my eyes (and are right now, too). I have actually put babies under general anesthesia to have their frenulums clipped. Basically, the attachment at the base of her tongue attaches more, closer to the tip of the tongue, then normal. But the frenulum (the attachment) doesn't extend all the way to the tip of her tongue - so the doctor said it's our choice if we want it clipped - she may be fine or she may have problems eating and speaking. I guess healthy newborns can have this done in the office, much like a circumcision and it shouldn't hurt her. So, Jon and I have decided to have this done and have an appointment next Wednesday - we'll let you know how that goes!

After our appointment we decided to head out to get some errands done. Meredith did great in her car seat and stroller, she slept the whole time and we got home just in time to get her fed. The first outing was a success!

Finally, last evening our friends Danielle and Sylvester Black came over and brought us dinner. It was delicious - home-made lasagna, salad, cake and bread. It was delicious, in fact - Jon and I are going to reheat some more for dinner tonight! Thanks Sly and Dani!

Today, my cousin - Jessica Focht-Perlberg stopped by and brought us lunch. Once again, it's so great seeing everyone and introducing them to our little Meredith Claire. But our excitement didn't end there. Yep, today is the day that we brought our Min Pin Jada home! I've been nervous about this since we were in the hospital. But, so far, so good. I think Jada can tell that she has to be on her best behavior. She's only had a couple big barking fits and she hasn't once tried to get near the baby. We decided to take both Jada and Meri out on our first family walk this afternoon. And it just went slick. The bumps in the sidewalk kept Meri awake at first, but then she fell fast asleep. We'll have to get as many walks in before the weather gets too cold!

So, basically - we've had a great first 5 days home. I'm already nervous about when Jon goes back to work next Wednesday - but every day I'm feeling more and more comfortable with my little girl and everyday Jon and I are falling more and more in love with her. We both think she's the most beautiful, wonderful baby girl in the world!

Once again, sorry about the rambling blog entry - I guess this is my way of journaling our daily activities, though right now I can't seem to find the time to journal daily - so it all comes out at once in one long rambling entry! Oh, well!