3 Weeks!

. . . can't be.

How, in the world, can she already be 3 weeks old?

I knew this would happen. Soon, she'll be going on dates and wanting a later curfew.

Uhh . . . I shutter at the thought.

Well, since her last dr. appointment, I've started pumping twice a day. Once to allow Grady a feeding and once to begin stock piling in the freezer. So far, so good.

I told you, Grady was most excited Ross is now large enough to fit in the Baby Bjorn, so Saturday she spend a good protion of the day testing it out for the first time. We are clearly ready for Disney World now . . . and maybe a flea market or two . . .

Going into week 3, she remains on her 3 hour schedule . . . however, I hear this is when colic makes it's appearance (if she's going to get it). The horror stories I've heard and read about are enough to make you sick on your stomach . . . So, I'll admit, I'm a bit on edge and am constantly hoping and praying she steers clear of it.

Nonetheless, my best bet is probably making the most of today and cherishing every single second I have with this, soon to be, 4 week old!

2 Week Well Check

We were thrilled to discover this morning that not only had Ross gained weight . . . but in the last 2 weeks, she had gained almost two pounds!! Even our doctor was amazed! I guess these round the clock feedings truly have paid off and even more exciting, the breast milk is definitely doing its job!

Our doctor gave me the go-ahead to start pumping and using the bottle occasionally . . . which, of course, means Grady now gets to take part in feedings! However, he was much more excited that she is now big enough to use the Baby Bjorn . . . :)

What's Working . . . (this week)

I am happy to announce Grady and I have made it through one more week! Ross has pretty much remained on the same schedule of eating every 3 hours (day and night). This week, however, it's been exciting to see more "waketime." My ultimate goal is to gradually begin implementing the "Babywise" schedule.

It's been clear there are a few things that have worked wonders no matter what . . . this week.

I thought I'd share . . .

Swaddling

Oh, my goodness gracious! There is a 200% difference in Ross' sleeping when she is swaddled. The first night home from the hospital, it was obvious we weren't swaddling her properly. She was constantly active and noisy throughout the night . . . which, of course, kept me worried and on edge the entire time! By night 2 we had completely corrected the problem by simply swaddling her tighter! The tighter, the better. She slept wonderfully . . . and so did I.

Being Outdoors

I couldn't be happier the weather has changed for the good! Ross loves being outside! I don't know what it is, but she must feel it instantly . . . because she immediately settles herself . . . even with a black beast swarming her . . .

The Plug

I know, I know . . . why, you ask, have I done it to myself? Nobody seems to have anything good to say about a pacifier. But, if you could see how she completely melts with even the first little suck . . . how she can go from this . . .

. . . to this within seconds.

We are trying our best to use it sparingly and not as a constant crutch. Of course, we'll see how that goes . . .

I am most excited that Ross' 2 week check-up is this Friday! I hope and pray she's gained lots of weight, which will ensure that the breastfeeding is truly working!

Again, we just couldn't be more happy! She is beyond wonderful!

Happy One Week Birthday, Ross!

I'm not ashamed to admit I've already cried once thinking about how fast she's growing. I still can't believe that she's finally here, and now that she is I wish so much I could slow time and remember every second of every day I have with her. She is the most precious . . . most wonderful thing I've ever laid eyes on. People always said it's a love you've never known . . . and now I truly understand that. God has blessed Grady and I in so many ways.

The Delivery

I couldn't have been happier with how well the delivery went. I was lucky enough to have two of the greatest coaches in the world in the delivery room with me. Both Grady and my sister, Jennifer seemed to know exactly what to say and do the whole way through. My goal was to reach 5 cm before I received an epidural, and luckily within about 5 hours I had achieved that. At exactly 4:01 pm little Ross entered the world.

Eating and Sleeping

I hate to even talk about this . . . due to how lucky we've been and how quickly it might change . . . but little Ross has been eating and sleeping wonderfully. I assume she's been practicing her sucking skills for months now based on her superb ability to draw in anything put in front of her! She's currently on a 3 hour breastfeeding schedule . . . but has gone as long as 4 hours a few times at night. (Like I said, this could change at any second . . . so I'm taking this day by day.)

Grady

Ross and I are beyond lucky to have such a person in our lives. There aren't words to describe how absolutely wonderful Grady has been. He has taken on fatherhood like he's been doing it for years. I haven't had to ask him to do anything . . . he just happily does it. Often times I think he's reading my mind. I know for a fact it is his support and confidence that has gotten us off to such a great start as parents.

All in all, we are doing great! In fact, we took our first outing yesterday in honor of Ross' birthday . . .

. . . where I got to enjoy sushi for the first time in 10 months!

How fabulous!

We just couldn't be happier to make this family

of 2 into a family of 3!

We love you, sweet baby Ross!

Baby Ross is Here!

We are so excited to announce that our baby girl is finally here! Here's the first moments of little Ross McCullough Marsh's life!She weighed in at a very healthy 7lbs 4oz and was 20" long!


Her first little bath. There were moments she didn't mind, but overall she was NOT real excited about the bathing process.


The very proud Mama and Daddy!

Mimi and Papa's first visit with little Ross!

Aunt JenJen. Hahaha, as I (Grady) have already named her. Thanks for all your help Jennifer, you were awesome!

And of course you've gotta have some celebratory cigars!
We are just so excited to share this news with you all. We are so blessed to have this precious little girl in our lives, and look forward to every moment with her!

Here We Go!

Well, we've finally made it! This is it! There's no turning back now!

Tomorrow morning . . . at 5:30 am we'll be awaiting little Ross' arrival at the hospital.

One minute she's in my belly . . . the next she's in my arms. It's simply amazing . . . and almost impossible to imagine. For all these months we've been waiting, until one burst of a moment and she's here!

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

So . . . here goes nothing!

(and, P.S. yes, my hair is darker . . . went to a new hair salon this week . . . trying something new . . . still making the adjustment . . . )