Yesterday, November 3rd, Vivian rolled over from her back to her stomach for the first time. She did it while at grandma's, so we didn't get to see it... and she was too tired in the evening for a repeat performance. Hopefully we can get her to do it again this weekend.
She also started blowing raspberries this week. It's super cute when she puffs up her checks and pushes air from way down deep in her belly to make that noise. It's so fun to see her develop day by day.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Bassinet to Crib
On Sunday, October 16 we decided it was time to transition Vivian from the bassinet in our room to the crib in her room. I thought I would have to rock her to sleep, put her in the crib, then sneak out. Well, when I laid her in the crib she woke up, but to my surprise fell back asleep right away. This is such a huge difference from how she was up to 10-12 weeks. We used to have to hold, walk, bounce, or rock her to sleep every night as she was unable to calm herself (lots of evening crying). I thought that 18 years from
now I was going to have to go to college with her and shush her to sleep every night! But, she now drifts off to sleep every night by herself in the crib. The only downside has been the shorter spans of sleep. In the bassinet she was consistently sleeping a 6 hour span every night. Even 8 hours a couple nights! Now she wakes every 3-4 hours. But this may also be due to a growth spurt. Apparently, just when you think you've got a routine and got it all figured out, the baby changes it up! Well, it's 8:30pm now... Time for bed in the Gratz home.
now I was going to have to go to college with her and shush her to sleep every night! But, she now drifts off to sleep every night by herself in the crib. The only downside has been the shorter spans of sleep. In the bassinet she was consistently sleeping a 6 hour span every night. Even 8 hours a couple nights! Now she wakes every 3-4 hours. But this may also be due to a growth spurt. Apparently, just when you think you've got a routine and got it all figured out, the baby changes it up! Well, it's 8:30pm now... Time for bed in the Gratz home.
Bunny Feet
Vivian loves to watch Jackson as he plays and is learning to crawl. Jackson loves to check out Vivian's accessories... Today at Grandma Jan's he was pulling her binky out to check it out (he has a different kind of binky). 
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Where did the time go?
Well, I can hardly believe Vivian Love (aka Peanut Butter) is already 3 months old! I returned to work this week, so we are all adjusting to a more scheduled life. Vivian is spending her days at Grandma Jan's house, along with her cousin Jackson, who is now about 6 months old. She seems to enjoy watching cousin Jackson play.
Vivian is now smiling a lot, babbling, and discovering her hands. She loves to look at people and toys, and really enjoys when her daddy walks her around the house and shows her things and describes them. She is definitely a happy and healthy baby.
Those first two weeks after she was born seemed pretty easy, other than my body trying to recover. BUT... then weeks 3-8 were very challenging. She would often cry very hard and fight sleep like an angry tiger. Therefore, she would be overly tired and very fussy. However, she has always slept really well at night. I often found myself anxiously awaiting the sunset, as that's when she would finally go into her deep sleep for the night. The day before she was 8 weeks old, the baby fairy came to our house and poured magic dust on Vivian. Since then, she has been calm and happy. She still gets a little fussy in the evenings, but that sounds quite typical from all the other moms I've spoken with. And her cry is no longer a horrible, soul-scratching scream (at least that's how it sounded to her mommy).
Dave and I have thoroughly enjoyed parenthood and love kissing, cuddling, and interacting with her everyday. We are excited for all the stages and ages to come!
Vivian is now smiling a lot, babbling, and discovering her hands. She loves to look at people and toys, and really enjoys when her daddy walks her around the house and shows her things and describes them. She is definitely a happy and healthy baby.
Those first two weeks after she was born seemed pretty easy, other than my body trying to recover. BUT... then weeks 3-8 were very challenging. She would often cry very hard and fight sleep like an angry tiger. Therefore, she would be overly tired and very fussy. However, she has always slept really well at night. I often found myself anxiously awaiting the sunset, as that's when she would finally go into her deep sleep for the night. The day before she was 8 weeks old, the baby fairy came to our house and poured magic dust on Vivian. Since then, she has been calm and happy. She still gets a little fussy in the evenings, but that sounds quite typical from all the other moms I've spoken with. And her cry is no longer a horrible, soul-scratching scream (at least that's how it sounded to her mommy).
Dave and I have thoroughly enjoyed parenthood and love kissing, cuddling, and interacting with her everyday. We are excited for all the stages and ages to come!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Birthday
Vivian Love Gratz was born on Saturday, July 16th at 3:45am.
On Wednesday, July 13th I began to have an achey back at work. I also noticed some different feelings in my head and body... a buzzing in my body is the best explanation. At my scheduled doctor appointment that day, I mentioned these changes. However, I was only about 2 centimeters dialated at that point.
I stayed home from work on Thursday since my back was still quite achey in the morning. But, by late afternoon, I no longer had a backache and felt good. So, I ran a few errands and visited my friend Amanda. That evening I decided I'd be going to work on Friday since I was feeling good.
Well, Friday morning my alarm went off at 6:30am for work. As soon as I began to awake, I noticed cramping feelings. I laid in bed awhile thinking the cramping might be temporary, but it was happening at regular intervals. I got out my iphone and starting tracking these cramps with my contractions app. They were averaging 20-30 seconds long, every 5-6 minutes. By the time Dave was dressing for work, we both began to think this was the 'real thing' so Dave stayed home from work. From that point on, the cramping became definite contractions. As the day went on, they lasted longer and were closer together. At 7:30pm we decided to head out for the hospital since the contractions were lasting 1 minute each and were coming every 3 minutes.
We arrived at the hospital and saw my doctor, Dr. McDonald, even though I hadn't called ahead. She happened to be the house doctor that night at St. Lukes! Once we checked in and were in the room (which feels much like a hotel room at St. Lukes), I got into the jacuzzi bath to help ease the feelings of contractions. I was 5 centimeters. To that point, the contractions were intense but I was able to effectivly relax into them. After the bath, things really ramped up. My water hadn't broke yet so I wasn't progressing past 7 centimeters, despite having very, very intese contractions. I was beginning to question my ability to do it without pain medications. Dave and nurse Sara began to problem solve and give me options to keep me motivated. We decided to have the doc break my water, then get back into the bath. Once the amniotic sac was broke, things really started to progress and I never made it back into the jacuzzi tub. They call this the 'transition' phase when your body goes from 8-10 centimeters. From all the natural births I watched in videos and on television, I knew this was the worst part and every woman really questions her ability to get through this phase without meds. I was in that same frame of mind. Soon, my body was telling me (really forcing me) to push. I knew that baby was ready to enter the world. Unfortunately, I had to do ALOT of pushing to get the baby out, and I really was doubting baby Gratz would ever come out of me. Nurse Sara, Dave, and Dr. McDonald all assured me they kept seeing the baby and knew it had hair. Finally, I pushed that baby's head out and then the body. That's when Dave and I both exclaimed, "It's a girl!" Pretty amazing stuff! She was placed on my belly (and then she pooped on my belly) and allowed a few minutes to get the last benefits of her placenta before Dave cut the cord. She nursed just minutes after birth and was healthy as can be! She was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20.75 inches long.
After some time with our new daughter and all the medical stuff that has to be taken care of with me and the baby, we began to call family. No one knew we were even at the hospital, so it was quite a surprise to everyone. First we called our moms, then our dads, then our siblings, then Aunt Donna. Soon we had family there to meet baby Vivian. She has been surrounded by loving family and friends ever since.
As we expected, our life and family has changed forever. But, this is what we have wanted and want nothing else. Feedings (my job) and changing diapers (dave's job) is the new norm. I'm so glad Dave took 2 weeks off work to help me adjust to this new role as mom. Our family and friends have been showering us with food and gifts. I'm especially greatful for the food since I now have an insatiable appetite due to the breastfeeding.
It's slowly sinking in that we are now parents... and we couldn't be happier! Vivian Love Gratz is healthy and sweet as sugar.
On Wednesday, July 13th I began to have an achey back at work. I also noticed some different feelings in my head and body... a buzzing in my body is the best explanation. At my scheduled doctor appointment that day, I mentioned these changes. However, I was only about 2 centimeters dialated at that point.
I stayed home from work on Thursday since my back was still quite achey in the morning. But, by late afternoon, I no longer had a backache and felt good. So, I ran a few errands and visited my friend Amanda. That evening I decided I'd be going to work on Friday since I was feeling good.
Well, Friday morning my alarm went off at 6:30am for work. As soon as I began to awake, I noticed cramping feelings. I laid in bed awhile thinking the cramping might be temporary, but it was happening at regular intervals. I got out my iphone and starting tracking these cramps with my contractions app. They were averaging 20-30 seconds long, every 5-6 minutes. By the time Dave was dressing for work, we both began to think this was the 'real thing' so Dave stayed home from work. From that point on, the cramping became definite contractions. As the day went on, they lasted longer and were closer together. At 7:30pm we decided to head out for the hospital since the contractions were lasting 1 minute each and were coming every 3 minutes.
We arrived at the hospital and saw my doctor, Dr. McDonald, even though I hadn't called ahead. She happened to be the house doctor that night at St. Lukes! Once we checked in and were in the room (which feels much like a hotel room at St. Lukes), I got into the jacuzzi bath to help ease the feelings of contractions. I was 5 centimeters. To that point, the contractions were intense but I was able to effectivly relax into them. After the bath, things really ramped up. My water hadn't broke yet so I wasn't progressing past 7 centimeters, despite having very, very intese contractions. I was beginning to question my ability to do it without pain medications. Dave and nurse Sara began to problem solve and give me options to keep me motivated. We decided to have the doc break my water, then get back into the bath. Once the amniotic sac was broke, things really started to progress and I never made it back into the jacuzzi tub. They call this the 'transition' phase when your body goes from 8-10 centimeters. From all the natural births I watched in videos and on television, I knew this was the worst part and every woman really questions her ability to get through this phase without meds. I was in that same frame of mind. Soon, my body was telling me (really forcing me) to push. I knew that baby was ready to enter the world. Unfortunately, I had to do ALOT of pushing to get the baby out, and I really was doubting baby Gratz would ever come out of me. Nurse Sara, Dave, and Dr. McDonald all assured me they kept seeing the baby and knew it had hair. Finally, I pushed that baby's head out and then the body. That's when Dave and I both exclaimed, "It's a girl!" Pretty amazing stuff! She was placed on my belly (and then she pooped on my belly) and allowed a few minutes to get the last benefits of her placenta before Dave cut the cord. She nursed just minutes after birth and was healthy as can be! She was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20.75 inches long.
After some time with our new daughter and all the medical stuff that has to be taken care of with me and the baby, we began to call family. No one knew we were even at the hospital, so it was quite a surprise to everyone. First we called our moms, then our dads, then our siblings, then Aunt Donna. Soon we had family there to meet baby Vivian. She has been surrounded by loving family and friends ever since.
As we expected, our life and family has changed forever. But, this is what we have wanted and want nothing else. Feedings (my job) and changing diapers (dave's job) is the new norm. I'm so glad Dave took 2 weeks off work to help me adjust to this new role as mom. Our family and friends have been showering us with food and gifts. I'm especially greatful for the food since I now have an insatiable appetite due to the breastfeeding.
It's slowly sinking in that we are now parents... and we couldn't be happier! Vivian Love Gratz is healthy and sweet as sugar.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Graduate School Course
During the recent months I've been reading, researching, attending classes and discussing with other women so much that I feel I should've earned some graduate school credits in having a baby! Here are some of the books, classes, and resources I've absorbed thus far:
Classes
Infant Care
Happiest Baby on the Block
Childbirth
Natural Childbirth
Breastfeeding
Cloth Diapering 101
Books
What to Expect When You're Expecting
What to Expect Before You're Expecting
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
The Roots of Natural Mothering
A New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding
The Nursing Mother's Companion
The Bradley Method of Husband Coached Childbirth
The Birth Partner
Pushed
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Childbirth
You! Having a Baby
The Complete Organic Pregnancy
A Child is Born
Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives
Other Resources
www.mothering.com
www.childbirthconnection.org
World Health Organization: Care in Normal Birth Guide
The Business of Being Born
I'm sure there is something I've missed :)
As my favorite quote goes: Learn as if you'll live forever, Love as if you'll die tomorrow!
Classes
Infant Care
Happiest Baby on the Block
Childbirth
Natural Childbirth
Breastfeeding
Cloth Diapering 101
Books
What to Expect When You're Expecting
What to Expect Before You're Expecting
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
The Roots of Natural Mothering
A New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding
The Nursing Mother's Companion
The Bradley Method of Husband Coached Childbirth
The Birth Partner
Pushed
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Childbirth
You! Having a Baby
The Complete Organic Pregnancy
A Child is Born
Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives
Other Resources
www.mothering.com
www.childbirthconnection.org
World Health Organization: Care in Normal Birth Guide
The Business of Being Born
I'm sure there is something I've missed :)
As my favorite quote goes: Learn as if you'll live forever, Love as if you'll die tomorrow!
Tick...Tick...Tick...
Eight days until the official 'due date' of July 15th. I'm still feeling good and all signs indicate Baby Gratz is doing well. My blood pressure is good, baby's heart rate is good, and I've only gained 3lbs. in the last two weeks! Dr. McDonald confirmed the baby has dropped as my belly is measuring lower/smaller. While checking the heart rate, Baby Gratz was kicking Dr. McDonald's heart rate monitor and making it difficult for her to pick up the sound of the heart! Later in the evening, Baby Gratz's aunt Julie, Grandma Jan, and Grandpa Jerry were all quite amazed at the amount of movement from inside my belly. And cousin Jackson got to feel the baby moving in my belly :)
We had a great time this past weekend with all the family parties. Here's a picture of the Gratz bellies (7/3/11):
It's hard to believe this 9+ month journey is almost over, and a new journey with Baby Gratz is about to begin!
We had a great time this past weekend with all the family parties. Here's a picture of the Gratz bellies (7/3/11):
It's hard to believe this 9+ month journey is almost over, and a new journey with Baby Gratz is about to begin!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Any Day Now...
15 Days from my due date, which means this baby could decide to enter the world at any time. I've definitely been noticing some subtle changes in the past week. My co-workers have commented on my belly 'dropping' and looking much lower than in previous weeks. I can verify this 'dropping' effect since I had VERY sore lower abdomen muscles last week... but feeling much better this week. And I'm not so short of breath anymore!
This morning I asked Dave to be sure he has his cell phone on him at all times since labor could begin any time now. He said I'm not allowed to go into labor because HIS hospital bag is not yet packed!
Baby Gratz is still as active as ever. Really gave me some good jabs in the ribs last night, so Dave had a talk with the baby about not hurting its mommy.
That's all for now... but I'm sure we will have more news in the coming days!!!
This morning I asked Dave to be sure he has his cell phone on him at all times since labor could begin any time now. He said I'm not allowed to go into labor because HIS hospital bag is not yet packed!
Baby Gratz is still as active as ever. Really gave me some good jabs in the ribs last night, so Dave had a talk with the baby about not hurting its mommy.
That's all for now... but I'm sure we will have more news in the coming days!!!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Manly Baby Shower
Dave's 7-11 poker club threw a surprise baby shower last friday. Some of the best gifts he got were a belt to whip the child, earplugs, and profolactics to ensure another baby Gratz isn't created too soon!
What's in a Name?
Thanks Amanda for the funny t-shirt! We do have some names at the top of our boy and girl 'short list,' but aren't revealing any of them until baby Gratz arrives! 
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Check-up
Yesterday was another doctor visit, which will now be weekly. Baby Gratz's heart rate was 142, my blood pressure is good, and I gained another 5lbs. over the last two weeks. When feeling my belly, the doctor said, "Wow, there's a lot of baby in there!" She assured me that was a good thing, indicating baby is growing at a good rate. It's definitely strong as the
I asked my doc some specific questions about clamping the cord at birth and she mentioned a recent research article she saw but hasn't read yet. She promised to read it before my next visit so we could discuss. That's what happens when your patient is a psychologist... always wanting to know what the research indicates as best practice.
Yesterday at Schnucks I told the cashier I would need help out to my car. She wasn't paying attention and a few minutes later said, "Now what kind of cigarettes did you want?" Too funny...
I asked my doc some specific questions about clamping the cord at birth and she mentioned a recent research article she saw but hasn't read yet. She promised to read it before my next visit so we could discuss. That's what happens when your patient is a psychologist... always wanting to know what the research indicates as best practice.
Yesterday at Schnucks I told the cashier I would need help out to my car. She wasn't paying attention and a few minutes later said, "Now what kind of cigarettes did you want?" Too funny...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Baby Shower
Last Thursday, the ladies at work threw a baby shower for Baby Gratz. I'm so appreciative of all the great gifts, which were all needed and very practical! So now I've pretty much got everything we will need, at least for the first few months of Baby Gratz's life. Here are some pics from the shower:
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
All is Well
Had my 32 week doctor appointment yesterday. My weight gain is right on track, blood pressure is perfect, and baby Gratz heartbeat is good at 132. Not much else to report, other than the shock I still expereince when walking past my own reflection!
Yesterday at Trader Joe's the cashier said, "Wow, you eat really healthy... you're growing a little Spartan in there!" Quite amusing the things people say to pregnant women :)
Yesterday at Trader Joe's the cashier said, "Wow, you eat really healthy... you're growing a little Spartan in there!" Quite amusing the things people say to pregnant women :)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
30 Weeks
My 30 week doctor visit went well. Baby Gratz's heart rate is 152. Some people believe this correlates to the gender, but there is no scientific research to support that theory. I'm glad, because I still want the gender to be a surprise. Most people with predictions are guessing boy, based upon Chinese calendar, the shape of my belly, swinging necklaces over my wrist and other 'methods' of gender identification. I really don't know... One thing I do know for sure is baby Gratz is an active little bugger. The movements have changed from twitching-like feelings to all out elbows and feet to the ribs. I can kinda tell where the body parts are, based upon the lumps and movement... very, very interesting!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
It's been awhile....
I sure have grown since the last post... Can't even beleive that's me!
We enjoyed a great mother's day at our house with all the moms. Everyone is already considering me a mom, but I don't feel I've earned that title yet. Although, carrying around a 3lbs. baby inside me is starting to feel like I'm making progress towards that title :)
Here's a photo of the moms:
We've been working on the baby room and are getting close to 'ready' but still need to hang a few things on the wall and paint a shelf.
One last update: Dave's new obsession is birds. Our deck set-up for birds rivals the best chineese buffet for humans. We've seen cardinals, goldfinches, hummingbirds, chickadees, indigo buntings, cowbirds, and more I'm sure that I've forgotten. Just ask Dave... he will pull out the bird book to show you all the ones he's seen so far.
We enjoyed a great mother's day at our house with all the moms. Everyone is already considering me a mom, but I don't feel I've earned that title yet. Although, carrying around a 3lbs. baby inside me is starting to feel like I'm making progress towards that title :)
Here's a photo of the moms:
We've been working on the baby room and are getting close to 'ready' but still need to hang a few things on the wall and paint a shelf.
One last update: Dave's new obsession is birds. Our deck set-up for birds rivals the best chineese buffet for humans. We've seen cardinals, goldfinches, hummingbirds, chickadees, indigo buntings, cowbirds, and more I'm sure that I've forgotten. Just ask Dave... he will pull out the bird book to show you all the ones he's seen so far.
Friday, March 25, 2011
March 7 Ultrasound Pic
This is a profile pic (head on the left, looking straight up) of baby Gratz. It's belly looks just as big as mommy and daddy's!?
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Dave's Moustache
All the guys at work decided to have a March Moustache day. Dave's been planning ahead for this... and here is the final product. Yes, it's real, except for the jet black moustache dye he used for enhancement.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Where to begin...
As you all know, Dave and I have had a year full of new and exciting changes. In December (2009) we moved into my mom's house and put our house up for sale. In April (2010) we sold our house. In October, Dave started his new job with Scottrade. In November, we found out there was another soul residing in my womb (more to come on that). And in December, we moved into our [new] home! We are back in St. Charles County... our roots :-) In addition to all that, we've managed to take a few vacations: Florida, Caribbean Cruise, Ste. Genevieve & Atlanta.
We've really settled into our home and have already hosted a housewarming party, Superbowl party, poker party, and dinner party for friends. This weekend we are hosting an engagement dinner for my dad and his fiance, Karen. In the spring we will be hosting a graduation party for Dave's brother, Miles. Hosting get-togethers for family and friends was the reason I wanted a different house (although I still cried when moving out of our Brookmont house)... and after months of searching and looking at TONS of houses, we found the perfect home for parties!
Baby Gratz is growing, developing, and kicking frequently inside me. The due date is July 15, 2011. The ultrasound on March 14 showed development and size to be right on track at 1 lb., 2 oz. While my 'baby bump' is growing day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, Dave is still winning on the round belly race. Our niece Josie confirmed that this past Saturday.
Stay tuned for more updates and pics!
Take the survey about baby Gratz----->
We've really settled into our home and have already hosted a housewarming party, Superbowl party, poker party, and dinner party for friends. This weekend we are hosting an engagement dinner for my dad and his fiance, Karen. In the spring we will be hosting a graduation party for Dave's brother, Miles. Hosting get-togethers for family and friends was the reason I wanted a different house (although I still cried when moving out of our Brookmont house)... and after months of searching and looking at TONS of houses, we found the perfect home for parties!
Baby Gratz is growing, developing, and kicking frequently inside me. The due date is July 15, 2011. The ultrasound on March 14 showed development and size to be right on track at 1 lb., 2 oz. While my 'baby bump' is growing day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, Dave is still winning on the round belly race. Our niece Josie confirmed that this past Saturday.
Stay tuned for more updates and pics!
Take the survey about baby Gratz----->
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