Friday, November 21, 2008

Getting out

Chloe and I were getting cabin fever so we went out with Grandma Betty to Belk where we go some PJs before we headed out to see the pediatrician. Chloe was fascinated by all the lights in the store, which was a great means of distraction from her gas, which make her really fussy.
Chloe is getting some much needed shut eye!

Chloe has also had some visitors. This past weekend, we went the Grandpa and Grandma McElwains' for the first time.



Nancy also stopped by to see Chloe.


Diana and Payton also came by this week to see us! Chloe's first play date! Gene and Nikki made us a fantasic dinner This past week! They take care of Layla as if she were their own. Nikki, you're next!










Grant and I were able to sneak away form the little one to celebrate our friend Katie's 25th birthday last Sat. night. There was a much needed beer in store for Grant and I. Can you tell we were having a good time, even if it was only for an hour and half?


Last night, we took Chloe to Her first UVA event! We went with the family (Betty, Richard, Kim, Justin, Grant and I) to a UVa basketball game. We thought that since Chloe has long fingers like Kimberly, Basketball might be in her future. She loved it!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

A Family of Three


Thanks for being patient. Grant and I are getting better at the mom thing. I am figuring out which cries are "Mom, I'm Hungry." vs. "Mom, I just want to suck on something to make me feel better." vs. "Dad, I can fart just like you!" Vs. "I am sitting in my own poo." It has been an adventure this week. We were a little concerned about her Jaundice and her one lb weight loss in the days we left the hospital, but she has since gained most of it back. There have been many sleepless nights, as with most newborns, so we haven't had much time to post pictures. Here are some of my favorites. Here's what we've learned about her so far:
Chloe likes to suck on her fingers or her fist, depending on her preference of the moment.
Chloe's first bath. She really liked the warm water and she was smiling a little bit.
Chloe is all about the Tiny Love Musical Mobile. On the underneath side of the mobile are black and white shapes that seem to be stimulating her eyes. At this age babies can only see black and white, so it is really good for their brain development.
As you might recall from one of my earlier posts, I wondered how Layla and the cats would react to Chloe. Layla has turned out to be a mother hen. She is always at Chloe's side when I am feeding her or when we are just holding her. I think she wants to help, but she's not sure how. When the cats get too close to Chloe, Layla lets them know. She has turned out to be very protective and the cats have adjusted wonderfully.
Chloe loves the car, which is good news for me so I am not distracted by her crying while driving. Our only adventures so far have been to the pediatrician, but we are planning on going out a little more this weekend.
Grant and I try to get sleep wherever and whenever we can. I am trying to sleep when Chloe sleeps, She like to be rocked in Grant's recliner and then she falls asleep on our chest until the next feeding. She's not always comfortable in the bassinet or crib, but we'll take the sleep when she gives it to us.

More to come, but sleep for now...

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Chloe Grace

Hello all. Aside from the snide remarks under the title, this is the first time I've put anything up here. As I'm sure anyone reading this knows, Erin gave birth to Chloe Grace McElwain today at 8:48 a.m. Erin was a total rockstar throughout all 13 hours of labor, although, as she will readily admit, the drugs helped (like I said, a total rockstar). But enough of my babbling, below are pictures of our little girl, which we know are the only reason anyone has ever looked at this site in the first place. A special shout out to Grandma Betty, who is currently at the hospital with the dynamic duo of Chloe & Erin while I post these pics and catch a few ZZZZZZZZZZZZZs. And an extra special shout out to Grampa McElwain, who just sat there in a rocking chair repeating "The metric system is the tool of the devil! My car gets forty rods to the hogshead and that's the way I likes it."








P.S. The pictures are in reverse order because this blogging program was designed by the same people who thought Sarah Pallin was qualified to be the leader of the free world. As I've been up for roughly 143 hours, I'm just going to leave well enough alone.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Halloween Fun!

Below are some pictures from our really fun weekend Halloween party at the Syanns. This will likely be our last babyless party before the baby is born, so we had to make it fun. Given that this is the week of the election, there were several political figures, including 2 Sarah Palins. Hosts Matt and Maria, were Popeye and Olive Oil and served up a wicked witches brew which Grant tells me was really good. I went as a gumball machine. I had to think of something where I could incorporate my big belly, but still look like something cool!

Leaving for the party, and no, I am not drinking...


Book club girls!
Witch's Brew, yeah for Organic Chemistry.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Advice for introducing pets to new babies?

So we know the pets think something is up. There are all the new nooks and crannies in the baby room. There's swing in the living room with dangley toys. There's a bassinet in our room that the cats think is really snugly. There's less room in the car because of the seat. Layla, Piper and Cracker all like to sleep on my belly. Piper even thought it would be funny if he jumped from the ground on top of my belly, as if it was his personal shelf. If anyone has any helpful advice as to how to introduce pets to new babies, I'd appreciate it. We have a hyper dog and two lovable cats, who might like to get a little too close. Friends have told us not to do anything too different, but only allow them in the room when I am in there. Also, someone mentioned bringing home a baby blanket from the hospital so they can be introduced to her smell before we get home. Another friend. I think it will be fine, but I don't want our first love to think we don't love them anymore once our new love arrives.
Layla relaxing on my belly, curious by the movements.

Piper and Cracker hanging out in the bassinet after Grant put it together.

Hhmmm....What's going on?


Hhhhhmmmmm....Why is mommy's belly getting so big? She can't keep up with me on my walks. She's slow getting up the stairs. There are all these toys that I just want to chew up and they keep saying no! Boy, I sure do love licking my own crotch. Will things ever get back to normal? Why won't the let me in the room with the window? I can't bark at all the dogs that walk by our house!