Feeling Better Today

Hi everyone - I just wanted to let you all know that I am feeling better today, must be all these nice Xmas gifts that did the trick. I am wide awake this morning lying in my new duck pillow and it is so soft. Well, i'm probably going to get some shut eye, so I'll talk to you again soon - maybe on New Year's Eve.

- Mia

First Christmas

Mia was not feeling great this morning, even with the pile of gifts she had to open. She immediately took a liking to this blanket from Meme and fell right back to sleep. Mom, Dad, Liz, Meme, and Papa Doc took turns opening gifts for Mia, who easily was the recipient of the most gifts this Xmas (and for many to come I imagine). It was a great morning for the entire family and we may even take Mia out for a stroll in the Sunshine now that the streets are clear of snow and Ice.

We hope everyone is having or had a Wonderful and Happy Christmas and hope to see you soon in the New Year.

First Acting Gig

Fee was kind enough to post this video on his families website since it wouldn't work on the Blog. Click the link on the title "First Acting Gig" and hit Play to see Mia's first acting job.

WOW!!!!

Mommyhood is much harder than I expected. If I am not doing laundy or sterilizing stuff, I am trying to catch up on sleep. It is certainly a shock to the system.

Eli and Olai visited this weekend and we had a GREAT time. I knew that Liz was waititng to hold and bond with Mia, which I hope she feels like she had a chance to do. Nicolai was wonderful and so caring (and secretly, I think ADORABLE) with Mia. They both saw Mia in her good times and bad times (none of which are REALLY bad) and helped me out a lot. For all of you that know me well, Liz and I are extremely different, however, I could not imagine my weekend without her. Liz is one of the most generous, loving people I know and seeing her with Mia proves it. She is wonderful and can't get enough of her niece. I love that she was here this weekend and I can't wait for her to come back.

Josh's parents are going to St. John (USVI) at the end of the week. We were supposed to join them but chose not to because I was due on January 3rd and not going to be able to travel. I am going through a bit of a period of jealously b/c I hate the cold weather and can't imagine anything better than a tropical beach. Next year we will be there with Mia and I can't wait. Paulie and Donna better watch out.

PC is coming to visit on Thurday - and honestly, I cannot wait. I have called him out- I think he will show.

Will try to post again before X-Mas. Please pray for my little friend Ava. She is not feeling so well these days.

Vernon Family Christmas

We spent a wonderful night at Mike & Rian's for the Vernon family Christmas - our first family gathering and Holiday with Mia. Meg will update these posts more soon.

Liz & Nicolai Visit Mia

Aunt Eli and Uncle Olai made the trip through the snow to visit Mia.

Aunt Eli and Uncle Olai

It is our first day home alone and Mia is already anxiously awaiting the arrival of Aunt Eli and Uncle Olai. All has been going really well and Josh and I cannot complain. Each day we cross our fingers that Mia stays so laid back and relaxed. She DEFINITELY has Josh's personality.

Hopefully the snow will begin to melt (yeah, right) so that we can take a walk around the neighborhood soon. I am beginning to feel a bit of cabin fever and am ready to have some time outside the house. I got to finish my Christmas shopping the other day (along with the rest of Massachusetts), but the break from home was nice.

Josh and I are beginning to contemplate New Year's Eve plans. It would be nice to have some time with adults, but we don't even know a babysitter to call, especially on NYE. God, we have grown up.

Will post again with some photos from the weekend. I am sure I will barely get to hold Mia as Liz has already told me she is going to be a baby hog. I guess she deserves some time with Mia as she hasn't seen her since her stint in the NICU.

Hope all is well with those that check in.

Our Little Porker

So - Mia had her second trip to visit Dr. Gonzalez yesterday. Much to our surprise, she has gained 8 ounces in 5 days! We were flabergasted to say the least. Dr. Gonzalez was thrilled and Mia seems to be really thriving at home.

Josh and I continue to attempt to establish both a schedule for Mia as well as for ourselves. Our lives have definitely changed, but in my opinion, only for the better. I can't imagine how we can meet something for such a short period and just have such pure love for her. My heart strings are tugged when she cries - and I am filled with such happiness when she is laying in peace and sleeping. I could have never imagined that parenthood would be like this. And, I wouldn't change a thing.

Christmas is approaching and while I attempted to get most of my shopping done earlier (who wants to head to the mall 9 months pregnant?), I am still without some gifts. I am trying to find some time to get this all done, but it is definitely a challenge in trying to make sure that Mia is taken care of as well.

This morning Josh and I had the pleasure of meeting "Chaaaaaalie" from the Watertown Police Dept. who inspected our "caaaaaah" seats. We passed with flying colors - but we did learn what the small button on the actual seat was for. Who knew the straps loosened so you didn't have to pry little arms and hands through the shoulder straps??? I guess we will learn something new each and every day.

Hope all is well with everyone who is reading this. If you don't get a Christmas card from us this year - it is not for lack of wishes of Happy Holidays and Healthy New Years - I just don't know when I will find the time.

Till next blog........

TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS!

So Many Things To Learn

Well we survived our first night home with Mia - although it was with minimal sleep and a lot of learning experiences on our part. Josh had a close call with his nose being in the wrong place as he was changing Mia and she decided it was time to urinate. I learned the oh so important lesson of having the clean diaper under the butt immediately after removing the dirty diaper. As I tell Mia, we may not be perfect parents, but we are certainly trying.

As for Ms. Mia - she is fantastic. Today we had our first visit to the pediatrician. Mia was exceptionally well-behaved and had an additional Jaundice test. Her billyrubin count came back at 10 and the Dr. would like to see her again on Monday. Both Josh and I really liked the pediatrician and just got a general warm feeling after meeting her.

Mia has taken to sucking her thumbs these days, especially when she is very hungry. I am calling it now that I suspect she is going to be a lefty. Josh would be thrilled.

Hopefully we can keep this blog going - and I apologize for this post which may be all over the place, but I am tired tired tired.

Mia and Mom Arrive Home - Video

Meg carries Mia up the front steps to Loomis Ave for the first time and pause for a photo before entering.

Mia is HOME

Mia Elizabeth left the NICU at 12:45 pm on Wednesday, just under a week from when she was born and arrived home safely with Mom and Dad. Meme Whiteside was waiting on the stairs to finally hold her granddaughter after a long 7 day wait. We are so happy to have her home and can't wait for her to meet everyone. Tomorrow morning we head to the Pediatrician for the first time.

Mia is Coming Home

Mia had another great day on her 6th day and is now ready to come home from the NICU on her 7th day. Mom and Dad will get pictures posted soon of her first day on Loomis Ave.