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Staying Home

This week is our first week of summer home together. Some things have gone better than expected like nap and bedtime. Elise is used to one of us sitting with her until she falls asleep, but with an infant that’s not possible now. Elise had no problem with me leaving to check on Maggie as long as I came back in 5 five minutes, and I had to come back. She usually waited the first 5 minutes for me to come back before falling asleep. I’ve also been able to run errands which means that yes I took Maggie out before she was 6 weeks old; no way around that when you have a daughter whose birthday is Saturday and your husband is in Canada. But don’t worry Maggie was covered and no one touched her.

We have also had the normal hiccups. Elise loves to wake up in a bad mood, which is pleasant and so lovely. After some time to calm down and try the situation again, Elise did get over it. Especially since Elise didn’t want Maggie and I to shop for her birthday without her; though Elise had been loudly wishing I would go away. 🙂

Then there are the all important anatomy questions that come up. Tuesday, Elise asked, “Does poop come out your bagina?” Good question, but no it does not. And while we were at Target filling her prescription, she asked for a hair dryer – random.

So, we have been to the dentist, planned a birthday, and visited the pediatrician. It never fails that when Scott is out of town (just Tuesday & Wednesday), Elise gets sick — like a fever of 102.4 sick which ended up being strep throat. Sadly for Elise that means no trip to the movie theater and no swim lessons Wednesday. Luckily, strep throat is more difficult to pass to newborns than if Elise just had a virus, so the doctor and I were “glad” it was strep.

As for me, I find myself often saying, “I’m the mom. I’m the adult. I’m the boss,” can you guess who that’s directed at? But I have learned that being able to get one cup of coffee helps me immensely, so glad I can have caffeine again. Also ignoring the disaster area that is my house helps, too. Maybe when Maggie is 2 and Elise is 5 the house will be clean again. 🙂

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Two Weeks as Sisters

Maggie is two weeks old today. At her two week check up, she was 8 pounds 14 ounces and 21 inches long, so she’s definitely growing.

I get a lot of questions asking how Elise is adjusting. I admit I was preparing myself for the worse, but there was no need. Elise loves Maggie and is always asking if she can touch her. She is very protective and concerned for Maggie’s well being. Elise reminds visitors to be gentle, and she also lets me know when the baby is crying or when she thinks the baby needs a drink. She gives Maggie a hug and a kiss everyday before she leaves for school; Elise is a sweet big sister. Here are some pictures of the McClellan dyad:

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Hanging Out at Home

Maggie is already a week old – how did that happen? I’m enjoying my one on one time with her while Elise finishes up this last month at school. I am also enjoying re-discovering all the things I had to give up during pregnancy: coffee, wine, cold deli meat, and sleeping on my back. It’s so nice to sleep on my back (and not have 30 pounds protruding from my abdomen and torso) and make a sandwich without worrying whether I got the turkey hot enough in the microwave to kill listeria. It’s the little things.

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Nearing the End

So, Monday Elise predicted that Maggie would be born today, Wednesday, but no such luck. Elise did correctly predict that we were pregnant and having a girl, so she’s 2 for 3. She even woke up today and said, “The baby is coming out today;” somehow she was so sure. Though Maggie did not come today, there is an end in site. Scott and I will go to the hospital at 8 pm on Tuesday, May 10 and the induction will start Wednesday, May 11 at 8 am; therefore, Maggie will have no choice but to come May 11. Unless, I am one of those people who takes forever, and she doesn’t come until May 12 – sigh – lovely. Either way almost done. Here is a final photo of me at 39 weeks and video of Elise talking to Maggie. Much of what Elise says is just silly talk but at the very beginning she is talking to Maggie telling her to come out, and if you stick it out to the end, you see her fall off the couch – good times. Enjoy!

Elise hamming it up. Elise giving the thumbs up.

Talking to Maggie from Scott McClellan on Vimeo.

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Work Baby Shower

On April 7, some of my co-workers threw me a baby shower. They were very crafty and painted onesies for Maggie; Elise even got to paint some. These are the same co-workers that painted quilt squares and made a quilt for Elise (http://mcclellantown.com/?p=263); they’re pretty great co-workers. It was nice to get to chat and hang out without tons of preschoolers running around us except for my Elise. And we were very appreciative of the generous gift card and other gifts from my co-workers and the lovely gifts from parents of kids in my class. Thanks again girls!