Lilly's First Bath

These pics are in reverse order. Sorry!

Her hair reminded me of a baby chimp. Wispy and spikey.

Christopher adds the finishing touch with a good hair-brushing.

Big Bro gives a nice shampoo.

Here Christopher is saying "it's ok Lilly" in response to her crying. Such a caring little guy.

Oh- the sweetness!

Checking out all her features. He is very gentle with her.

Welcome Lillian Paige

"Weighing in at 7 lbs, 2 oz... LILLIAN PAIGE WINTERSTEIN!"

Our sweet daughter arrived to us January 21, 2010 at 8:04 am. Lillian Paige Winterstein was 7lbs 3oz and 19 1/2 inches long. Unlike her brother when he was born, she has a full head of dark hair. She looks similar to him, but definitely has her own look. Ryan saw her first, and reported to me "she looks just like you, Katie". Which is great, now we each have our own "mini-me". She was delivered by C-section, with her bottom coming out first. The doctor asked Ryan to announce the sex, and then had to ask him to "guess again". Let's just say that from behind, she looked like a boy! I was able to hold her within 30 minutes of her birth, which was very important to me. She nursed readily and stayed wide awake for over an hour. However since then, she has been a sleepy little thing! I have to really work to keep her awake during feeding sessions. These past days I've noticed two brief wakeful periods in the day, other than these she just sleeps. I have to set an alarm to make sure I feed her during the night! I can't help but feel she will be like this until her actual due date of January 27. It's her way of saying "you took me out early, I'm sleeping in until I'm good and ready". Nursing is going very well, as has my healing process. Christopher seems to be adjusting well. He looks at her and says "Baby Lilly sleeping". He likes to touch her toes and do "this little Piggy". Today he helped give her a sponge bath. There are no signs of jealousy; I hope this holds out! We are really enjoying our week as a family, and getting to know our newest member. Ryan has been a great help, both with Christopher and around the house. Although I do feel he will be ready to go back to work on Monday... with a new appreciation of what I do everyday!

From being in a breech position, Lilly's legs were sticking straight up in the air for awhile when she came out. Then they relaxed into a frog position.


Her very first picture.




A before shot. I just realized when Laura suggested that I get a final photo of me pregnant, that I hadn't a single photo of me pregnant. Good call Laura! This was taken as we waited to go back to the OR. You don't get much more last minute than that!

Finally, we meet!

Lilly was tongue-thrusting like mad when she first came to me.

Working a good set of lungs.

Ahhh, spa day. This is more like it.

Her frog-legged stance. Its pretty tough getting a diaper on her. Her legs are very stiff. The doctor said this will lessen over time, and it already has.

Lilly likes her Lulu. Say that three times fast.

Meeting Granddad and Grandmom.

Snuggled in with Aunt Lisa.

Poppa cautiously holds his new granddaughter.

Christopher gives his sister the first of many kisses. He was fairly interested in her.

A close up.

"Baby Lilly" says Christopher.

Christopher sees Lilly for the first time.

Home at last. Here she is enjoying a visit from family on Sunday.

Christmas Morning

Getting Christopher from his crib on Christmas morning. What a sweetheart.

Linus and Lucy

Christopher doing the well known Peanuts dance. He heard the music playing on the computer and just starting dancing like the kids in the video. Too cute for words.

The Down Side Of Up

Our little baby inside my belly is still breech. I tried acupuncture. I tried hand stands in a pool. I tried a medical procedure in which two doctors barbarically manipulate my pregnant belly as I hollered in pain. Nothing has worked. This stubborn baby likes where it is. This baby will get an extra spanking when it arrives into the world. Unless the baby does a somersault over the next 12 days, I will be having a C-section on January 28th. I have listed the pros and cons over and over again. I think I am at peace with how things are unfolding. Not that I have a choice in the matter!

Three of my main concerns have been addressed anyway:

1. With C-section, I need to stay in the hospital 4-5 days. The old visitor policy stated "no children under 12, including siblings". This would be a long time to be away from Christopher. But last week they lifted the rule and he can come in to visit!

2. After delivering by cesarean, I was afraid that my next pregnancy would follow suit. But after talking with my doc, she assured me that the fact I had delivered naturally with the first pregnancy, odds were good that I could have a vaginal birth after a C-section.

3. Lifting restrictions after C-section. How am I to take care of Christopher after abdominal surgery? Well he and I have been practicing a "no lift policy" and its going well. The biggest dilemma was getting him in and out of the crib for naps. Well, I taught the little guy how to climb on a chair and hoist himself in and out, a la pole vault style. He loves doing it too.

So I feel prepared. Actually I want the baby here asap. I am ready to have my old body back! Not to mention I can't wait to snuggle into the softness that nothing but a newborn possesses.

Welcome To Our New Blog!

Well we aren't going to be "Katie and Ryan Plus 1" for much longer. Then after this baby I hope we don't stay "Plus 2" for too long. So rather than change blog names every few years, I shall pick something that will stick. Ryan suggested "Katie and Ryan Plus 32" after our 32 acre lot. I thought a farm or woodsy theme would be nice, since much of our day to day lives will be involved with our lil farmette. We have our work cut out for us. We are thinking of possibly breaking ground some time this Spring or early Summer. Ryan is taking on the job as general contractor. I support this, as we will be more closely involved with the process of building. But I am concerned about the amount of time he will be away from us. However, we will persevere. Anyway, welcome to Pleasant Acres. I hope to fill these pages with some entertaining stories of our young family's hectic life. Enjoy!

Christmas 2009

Pathetic as it seems, I did not take many photos on Christmas Day. Matter of fact, the pictures below are it. I was enjoying the moment too much that I didn't want to stop and grab the camera. Besides, I have Lola to rely on. If I get any pictures from her I'll post them here. Christmas was wonderful and very relaxing. We had both of our families at our house. With each passing Christmas on my side of the family there is a new baby around. And since kids seem to make the day more magical, every year gets better.

Christopher digs into his stocking.

Aunt Lisa helps Madeline open her gifts.

Our little fireman.