Newborn Photos

We had a wonderful photographer from Bella Baby Photography take newborn pictures.

High-resolution images here.

Rewards for Dad and Mom

Mom's one regret during her pregnancy was that she was not allowed to eat sushi. Well, the evening of Elora's birthday, she was rewarded for nine months of patience.

Sashimi tastes like total victory.

We picked up an assortment from Rikki Rikki, and it was without a doubt the best sushi we've ever ate. 

While I didn't have any dietary restrictions during pregnancy, during labor I did see things that you simply can't un-see. Eamon, bless his generous heart, rewarded me for the supporting role I played in this pregnancy.

Balvenie Port Wood 21yr

Daddy swaddles his baby. Elora remains unimpressed.

Elora is here!

At 3:20am on July 16th 2012, Elora Rose Jarrett celebrated her birthday! She was born at a healthy 6lb11oz, 20 1/2 inches.

That's 3kg in metric...

She did so well in the birth, crying almost immediately after her escape, and Apgar scores of 8 and 9. She is in perfect health, doing everything a baby should do - no problem with feeding, and pooping to make Daddy proud.

Bathtime is funtime.

Mommy is very happy to have her baby out.

She's been such a trooper in her first few days. She hasn't complained about the various visitors holding her, slept like a baby (heh, see what I did there?) during the epic five minute car ride home, and will sleep for hours at a go... at least during the daytime.

Many thanks to Grandma Judy, who came up from California by train to help us; without your support it would have been a much harder few days. Also much thanks to Megan for coming up in the middle of the night to help us through this delivery.

Elora... any time now?

39 weeks. Elora, I know you're comfortable in there, but don't you think it's about time you came out to play? Mom and I can't wait to meet you.

It's easy enough for me to be calm and patient. To talk about enjoying our last few free days. That lasts right up until that first set of false labor contractions (conveniently starting the evening of July 3rd). Once the realization hits that things could start at any time, any illusion of patience and calm goes out the window, and nothing seems more important than the event starting.

Oh, and I think Amber may be a bit uncomfortable too. You know, from the anticipation... oh and probably from the 6lb+ baby and all those contractions too.

Energized Amber will be back later. 

Now that's a baby bump!

Thirty-Six Week Ultrasound

Progressing along nicely, we got another ultrasound. This time, the focus was on Amber's fluid. Well the fluid was fine, and we got a few great ultrasound shots in the process!

Profile

Elora has all five toes

Another 3D shot. As usual, her arm is blocking the shot.

Baby Measuring

Our 28 week ultrasound was quite thorough - many lengths and circumferences were measured, then compared against the average for 28-week babies. These are then fed into a formula which ultimately determined the Fetal Weight to be 2lb15oz.

Don't ask what all these acronyms mean... but Elora's dots are in the middle, so we win.

The Finished Nursery

After months of work, lots of online shopping, and a glorious baby shower I can officially say the nursery is now totally finished. My nesting bug has been 100% satisfied and now I have a full month to relax, enjoy the baby gymnastics going on inside of me and...well...be a little bored. As happy as I am with the outcome of this room, I do almost wish I had left myself a few things to do during my time off. That said, our little girl's room has come out exactly as I dreamed it would. A lovely, soft, fun oasis perfect for a little princess.

This view above is taken from the door. The chair was a great find on Craigslist. It was a really great price, in good condition and it's THE most comfortable gliding rocker I've ever sat in. It almost makes me look forward to the months of late-night feedings. To go along with it we have the trusty Boppy Pillow and a small tray table to set my lap top on. To the right you can see the inexpensive Ikea dresser that I spruced up with some hand-painted poodles. On top of the dresser is our changing station and above that are two hammocks full of my own stuffed poodle collection. To the left is the display case containing the rest of my poodle collection. While I wouldn't say the baby's nursery is the best location for it, it does match the theme and, honestly, we've run out of room in our house. We figure it should be fine there for a few years yet until we're able to move it or get a larger home.

This view is from the back corner by the window.

I really do love our crib. We made sure to buy the conversion kits that go along with it so it can stay with Elora for the duration of her years living at home. It can eventually convert to a full size bed. The canopy posts can also be taken on and off depending on her mood and age. Above the crib you can see the adorable ceramic sign made for us by a good friend, Diana. Inside the crib is Pink Bunny, the counterpart to Mike's Blue Bunny which he's had since he was a baby. I know many people disagree with having bumpers in cribs. While I don't particularly buy in to the fears about them, I do prescribe to a 'better safe then sorry' policy and mostly just have them in now for picture-taking purposes.

Baby carriers and nursing wraps all hung up and ready to go! Notice the patch on the door. The cats were VERY upset when we boarded up their cat door.

This shelf was an original part of Mike's office before we converted it to the nursery. It just seemed so convenient we didn't see a reason to replace it. Eventually we might need to get something that isn't so temptingly climbable (even though this unit does bolt into the wall). On the top shelf we have various stuffed animals, most of which have belonged to Mike and I since we were children. We also have a small library of books for the baby. Most of these came from the baby shower and we're SO grateful for all the friends and family that shared their childhood memories with us. I can't wait to start reading to Elora! On the next shelf down we have the baby first aid kit with various medicines. The photo boxes were a great find at Michael's Arts and Crafts. It was $3 for five boxes. They're easily labeled and contain such small things as baby socks, bibs, bathing/grooming supplies, and hair accessories. There's also a few toys on this shelf but my absolute FAVORITE is the star turtle. These have become popular lately and project different colored stars onto the walls and ceiling. I really love it (Thanks Lance and Anni!)  On the shelf below that we have the diaper bag all stocked and ready to go, more storage boxes, blankets (including the wonderful one hand knit by Eliza). On the bottom shelf we have the baby's tub and various other supplies.

Another view of my Poodlarium and also of the beautiful print of Caly from her photo shoot done by Julie Clegg of Bailey & Banjo.

The changing station set atop the dresser.

And finally, this isn't the best picture but it's my favorite part of the room. We found this gorgeous pink crystal light fixture on ebay. :)

Now all we need is a baby!

-Amber