The Harrer Happenings: One Week Old

Today is Ellie's official due date. As we know, she came just under a week early. We've had quite a ride this week getting to know each other. Not a lot of sleep. I try and set one goal for the day to accomplish. Today's goals were to take a shower and since it was over 50 degrees out today, go on a walk with Ellie. Both goals were accomplished! We have spent some time at the doctors as Ellie is a little jaundice. However, it appears to be going away.

Her cord fell off on Wednesday, actually at the doctor's office. We are doing a lot of laundry. I was anticipating lots of laundry, but the amount that Ellie decides that she isn't finished when we are changing her diaper is quite astounding! I'm really happy she is a little girl.

We gave her, her first bath this week. She wasn't sure what to think of it but was a real trooper.

She really likes her bouncy seat, as do we. Its pretty awesome as it vibrates and plays music. However, you can hook up your iPod, or other MP3 player, and play music that you actually want to listen to.

We are eating. Susie went grocery shopping for us before we came home from the hospital. And she came over last night to cook dinner. And tonight was Lou Malnati's pizza night, thanks to our good friends Sarah and Joe. They sent us a Malnati's congrats pack with two deep dish pizzas and an adorable onesie. Totally hit the spot.

I'm recovering well. Based on my experience, I understand how our ancestors gave birth without pain meds, however, the recovery process...wow, poor things didn't have any Tylenol (but I guess they had mead...same thing right?).

The funniest thing Ellen does is the startle reflex, which every baby has. When she is startled she extends her arms and legs as far as she can to make herself appear really big (reflex going back to caveman days when babies had to try and protect themselves). She does it so often though, especially on the changing table.

When I was pregnant Barca would get the hiccups everyday. I started feeling the hiccups early, around the 5th month. It was painful for me because I couldn't do anything and this little being in me had the hiccups. They were so bad that at the end of my pregnancy it would move my entire belly! Well, Ellie now has the hiccups everyday. I feel so bad for her as there is nothing we can do. However the vibration in the bouncy seat seems to help a little bit.

I can't stop staring at her and taking photos. We have so many photos of her. Tomorrow's goal is to do an official photo shoot, hopefuly we can cather her while she's awake and have her model some outfits for the grandparents and great-grandparents. And now some photos from this past couple days...