We need some new sidewalks

We took Roxanne out yesterday for her first walk. The weather was pretty mild, so it seemed like a perfect opportunity. After trying to decide if I wanted to take her in the sling or the stroller, I finally opted for the stroller, after thinking of all the hills around here. We have the typical Graco SnugRide car seat and the stroller we have is the "Callista," and the two actually came as a set. We love them! The stroller is so easy to push, and the seat is much easier to carry than others I've seen. However, the sidewalks in Lake Claire are really horrific. It's amazing how we never noticed in the past, since we just walk the dog, but pushing the stroller down McLendon was sort of like off-roading. Poor Roxanne's hat kept falling in her face, which made her very mad. Finally we took it off, and promptly ran into one of Justin's co-workers, who complimented us on the baby, and suggested politely that she might need a hat for the weather. It was a proud moment...

In any case, we had a really nice time, and I haven't felt so good since before I got pregnant. I've never been much for fitness, so when I found out I was pregnant, I promised myself I'd try harder to be in good shape, just so that our family can do lots of fun outdoorsy stuff. And so I don't maintain a "mommy pouch" on my belly for the next 40 years. For now, long walks are good. I've got to take baby steps. And excuse the pun.

Our First Week Home

Even though Roxanne was born on Wednesday the 19th, today marks the end of our first week at home, as we were at the hospital for two days after she was born. I can't believe it's already been a week! We've had lots of visitors, and lots of time to bond with Roxanne. She really is just the best baby. I'm sure all parents think that, but I really mean it. Seriously.

It's very hard to think of myself as a parent. My husband and I are pretty young to be parents, since I'm 24 and he's 26, and sometimes I still feel like an awkward high-schooler. But it really amazes me at how naturally everything changes. While I do have trouble imagining myself driving around town in a minivan or issuing threats to a misbehaving toddler, I have been able to adjust to being a complete and total slave to this little baby. I sometimes get completely overtaken with how much I love her, and how much I want her to have everything she needs. It's really a unique experience. My husband and I sit around and talk about how we never saw it coming. You think you have some idea about what it will be like, but it's not even close. We're like honeymooners. Or at least over the moon.

Announcing Roxanne Elizabeth Lilly!

I hope everyone had happy holidays! We certainly did. Our daughter was born on December 19, 2007 at 11:16 pm. She weighed in at 9 pounds 5 ounces and 21.5 inches long. She's a very big baby! I'm exhausted already, but very very happy. She is such a wonderful baby, and not very fussy. She's calm, and absolutely adorable.

We had a scare during her birth, as Roxanne had the rare birth complication called shoulder dystocia, meaning that she got her shoulder stuck on her way out of her mama. Her left shoulder was not moving until yesterday, although she's been able to move her left hand and lower arm from birth. However, as of yesterday, she's been using her left arm almost as much as her right! Our pediatrician has referred us to a specialist at Eggleston to talk about physical therapy, etc., as shoulder dystotia often results in nerve damage that makes it necessary to have physical therapy and possibly surgery by the time the baby is a toddler. However, there is also the chance that they just work it out on their own, and start using the shoulder again.

We are thinking that Roxanne will fall into the second category. You should have seen how excited we were yesterday when she starting flailing her left arm in the bassinet! She still is not using her left arm/shoulder nearly as much as the right one, but she's still using it! Yesterday she was lifting her left arm about halfway into the air, and today she's gotten it to her ear!

Our first pediatrician visit was Monday, and that went well, but Roxanne's weight had dropped to 8 pounds 4 ounces. The doctor was a little concerned that we would need to put her on supplements, since she had lost 11% of her birth-weight. However, since my milk had just come in, the doctor let us come in yesterday morning to weigh her one more time before deciding. So overnight, I tried to feed every two hours, and Roxanne obliged nicely. So, Roxanne ended up weighing in at 8 pounds 14 ounces yesterday. That means she gained ten ounces in one day! We think she will be an overachiever.

Christmas Shopping!

Well, Christmas shopping at 37 weeks pregnant has been interesting. I have to say, I'm completely dependent upon the smaller, independent places this year. I can't deal with the mall. My husband and I have had fun, though, and found some truly unique gifts. There is a local gallery/boutique called Young Blood, over in East Atlanta, and we love hunting for gifts there. It's nice to support crafters, and a local business. I bought a pot there on Saturday for a work gift exchange, and it is actually something that one of my friends made. She has a small collection of pottery in the boutique, and it's gorgeous! I also found a very unique gift for my little sister, who is in that super-hard-to-buy-for tween age group. Shopping for a sixth grader is tough! But I think she'll love what I got her. Very hip.

They also have really cute baby things at Young Blood. My favorite being the rockabilly bibs. They have little anchors and things on them, and the designs are covered in a layer of clear vinyl to protect the design. They also have lovely little dresses and funky onesies. Fun stuff!

We went to Binders art store in Buckhead to find gifts for my nieces, and that was a blast. They have so many great little art kits for kids, and I think those are some of the best gifts you can give. It's nice to pick out something that a kid can "do" rather than just something that they can "have." Does that make sense? Then they can also have the fun of completing the project, and hopefully remember making it. Also, with all of the toy recalls, I figured it would just be easier to take that route. Not that I want shoppers to boycott toys. It always makes me nervous when these huge recallse happen that somehow the entire economy is going to crash if enough Polly Pockets aren't bought this December. I just don't want to buy them. ;)

Oh Mama, these mood swings!

Good grief I'm getting tired of being pregnant. I feel like one big giant sized ball of hormones. I am two days away from being 37 weeks pregnant, and starting to hope that maybe I'll be one of those women who have really healthy and happy babies at 37 weeks.

Yesterday, my husband and I trekked up the suburban speedway, also known as 400, to Buckhead. I have been determined to get some good socks for labor, and I decided that Old Navy would be a good place to look. While we could have gone to Atlantic Station for Old Navy, I'm basically not motivated to deal with all that business. Atlantic Station is OK for me most of the time, but that Old Navy is too much.

So anyways, we were at Old Navy, where I found heavenly chenille socks, and heavenly fleece pants. As we left, I asked my husband if we could stop into DSW so I could check for some shoes, maybe some I could wear to our fancy office Christmas party on Friday. In usual Justin manner, he stuck out his jaw with a deep sigh, and said "No shoes are going to fit you right now. What is the point?" and I immediately got the chin shake. You know, the one where you know you are about to cry in public, and since I am already attracting stares with my gigantic belly, I was doubly mortified. I hurried through the parking lot, past the Buckhead Mercedes and Saabs that were taking up the area in front of Toys 'R Us and tried to not think about my cankles.

I cried the whole way home, Justin driving in shocked silence. I tried to explain why I was upset, and that I wasn't mad at him, but my dang nose wouldn't stop running, and I never got any of it out. I even had to collapse dramatically on the bed at home and cry a little more. That's how it goes lately. Up and down.