Belly Button

Your umbilical cord fell off, yesterday, Saturday, February 27, 2010, while you were sitting with Grandpa Jones. This means that we will soon find out if you have an "innie" or an "outie" and we can give you your first bath!

Modern Day Miracle Chair

Thanks to our friends, the Batys, for loaning us the Fisher Price Soothing Massage Chair (aka, the Modern Day Miracle Chair). Because of this chair, Daddy and I actually get some sleep at night. This chair has a vibrating, massaging option and it puts you right to sleep. Granted, the sleep is not continuous, but it is MUCH better than no sleep at all. After diapering, feeding and burping you, I put you in this chair and you are out and sleeping like a baby ;-P. I do not know what we'd do without this chair!

Grandma and Grandpa Jones come for a visit!

Grandma and Grandpa Jones enjoying Katy's company.

Grandma Jones holding Katy for the first time.

Grandpa Jones holding Katy for the first time.

Katy loves her stuffed Eeyore from Aunt Megan and Uncle Jason!

All the way from Tabernacle, NJ, Grandma and Grandpa Jones have come for a visit! Grandma was so excited to hold you that I think she forgot to say hello when she made a dive for you ;-P. After a long car ride, they are here for the whole weekend and will get to spend time holding and cuddling and taking care of you (and Daddy and I, too!).

One Week Old Birthday

Today you are one week old, Katy! Here is your week in pictures...

Delivery Doctor, Dr. Glen Powell

Birth weight 6 pounds 11 ounces

Katy giving the "Pirate Eye"

First Jones Family Photo

Grandma and Pop-Pop Tinkey visiting Katy in the hospital.

"Boy, do I have the hair!"

" But at least I know how to accessorize!"

Amy Shatzer visits Katy in the hospital .

Tiffanie Smith visits Katy in the hospital.

Bethany Reeves comes for a visit.

Chris and Sue Rudoph come for a visit.

"Not so sure about this whole bundling up thing..."

Lactation Consultation

After several sleepless nights and trouble getting you to eat/sleep at night, I made an appointment with a lactation consultant at CMC Northeast. We met with Phyllis on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 1:30 PM. Phyllis was reassuring, very soothing and very knowledgeable and helpful. While you wouldn't nurse while we were there, Phyllis was able to give me some helpful hints to get you to nurse better. For example, due to the shape of the roof of your mouth it is harder to trigger to the sucking reflex. For most babies you only have to get the nipple to touch anywhere on the roof of the mouth to trigger to the sucking reflex but for you, there is only a small area that will do this and we have to make sure we make the target BEFORE you get all frustrated and mad and then refuse to nurse which leads to you not sleeping well... vicious cycle. Last night, we tried some of the nursing/holding techniques that Phyllis suggested and we were able to have a relatively calm, uneventful night- Mommy even got some sleep!

While at the lactation consultation, you were weighed and it turns out that you have almost regained all of your birth weight. What takes most babies two weeks to do, you did in less than one!! I guess we weren't having TOO many feeding problems, after all. Also, the nurse commented that your head control is pretty good, too.

Turns out you are one smart cookie, Katy! Remember when I said that you are most active at three to four AM? Well, it turns out that that is when milk supply is at it's greatest and somehow, you must of have known that!

Bringing Home Baby

Announcement stork from Shoe Show

Nuts about Grandma

Nuts about Grandpa

Uncle Rob holding Katy for the first time

Aunt Julie holding Katy for the first time

Pretty flowers from Grandparents Jones

Katy, you arrived home to quite the fanfare. After a very long hospital check-out process. Daddy and I brought you home to a house full of guests on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at around 2:30PM. The weather was a warm 60 degrees, sunny and blue skies. Grandma and Pop-Pop Tinkey and Uncle Rob and Aunt Julie were present for your homecoming. We brought you into the house celebrity style- cameras flashing and lots of "Oohs! and "Ahhs!" Grandma and Grandpa Jones had a pretty vase of flowers delivered and waiting for your first day at home and I know they are excited to meet you, hold you and cuddle you! The lawn was decorated with a Stork announcing your birth and it was a gift from Mommy's work, Shoe Show. Balloons from friends also graced the outside mailbox and stairs.

BIRTH DAY- Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:28PM

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, at 10:28 PM, Kathryn Grace Jones was born at Carolinas Medical Center University Hospital. Dr. Powell of Greater Carolinas Womens Center and Nurse Angela assisted. Daddy was present the whole time and a great help to Mommy during the whole labor and delivery process. Happy Birth Day, Katy Grace!!

40 Weeks of Pregnancy

Starting at 12 weeks, Daddy and I took a picture of my growing stomach every four weeks to document your growth. Because I was so sick before 12 weeks, there really wasn't any difference from week one to week 12. Toward the end of the pregnancy, we took a picture every two weeks- just in case you decided to make an early appearance.

40 Week Doctor's Appointment

Today we had our last prenatal Doctor's appointment with Dr. Overby. Still no sign of you- you must be awfully cozy in there, Little One- but the doctor says you are healthy. I am two cm. dilated and the doctor feels that it is safe to induce labor. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO- ready or not, we've scheduled the date and I will be induced on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 7AM with Dr. Powell. So excited to meet you, Katy Grace! :-)

Another False Alarm

Last night, at 9:52 PM, I felt a very strong and very painful contraction. We were laying in bed watching a movie, winding down for the night when the contraction took me by surprise- kind of all over and made me feel sick to my stomach. 26 minutes later, I felt another one. Then.... nothing... I finally fell asleep only to be awoken at 1:44 AM by another contraction. I laid awake for awhile but there was no other activity. I guess it was just a dress rehearsal and you were practicing for your big debut?

Sew Much Fun!

Today, on my first official day of Maternity Leave, I decided to beak out the sewing machine and get a little crafty. I sewed two things- a ring sling (similar to a Maya Wrap) and a nursing cover (similar to Bebe Au Lait).

For the sling, I bought two and a half yards of purple linen fabric that was on sale at Hancock Fabric. I hemmed the edges, attached the rings- which we found at a local tractor store- and voila! A ring sling! We tested it out with a stuffed animal but I'm sure it will look way cuter with you in it!

All of my friends who have nursed their babies, swear by Bebe Au Lait nursing covers. Necole Baty was kind enough to loan me hers but I thought that it looked easy enough that I could try to sew one on my own. I found a pattern online, used some scraps of fabric that I already had and turned out a functional (and cute!) nursing cover with the Bebe Au Lait trademark rigid neckline. I made some slight modifications to the pattern as I added a pocket and sewed a matching burp cloth to go with the cover.

Puttin' on the Ritz

Last night, Daddy and I celebrated Valentine's Day a little early by going to the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte for a dessert buffet. We got all dressed up (I even had a nice red dress borrowed from Michelle McGrew) and enjoyed lots of fancy little desserts. There was creme brulee, key lime pie, tiramisu, carrot cake, red velvet cake, cookies, carmels and a coffee bar. Everything was very nicely presented on crisp, clean white plates and there was a very elaborate rose and heart chocolate sculpture gracing the center table. The tiramisu even had gold shavings on it- fancy! My favorite treat was the creme brulee and Daddy liked the cookies.

2009 Taxes

Daddy and I just filed our taxes, today. We spent a good part of our Saturday afternoon using Turbo Tax online to fill out numbers, amounts, taxes, income, etc., etc., etc... What should probably take the average person a couple of hours, takes us much longer- we are just not numbers people! At least we are finished filing, though, and at least we got it in before you were born (I cannot imagine trying to sit down and do that with a babe in arms and running on very little sleep!). I do want to note that you were kicking along merrily while we were filling out all the information... maybe you will be our little accountant??

Maternity Leave

Today was my last day of work before Maternity Leave. I spent most of the day training my replacement, Heather Bryan. I'm looking forward to 12 weeks off from work and looking forward to spending most of the time with you, Katy!!!

Pineapple

Uncle Rob and Aunt Julie gave me a Fruit of the Month subscription to Harry and David's for Christmas this year. The first month were some yummy Pears and we put into a delicious Pear and Gorgonzola Salad. The next month was oranges (and we know how much you love your citrus!). This month, we received a Pineapple. Daddy diced it up and we enjoyed it for dinner. It was very sweet and juicy! Added benefit, I read that Pineapples are supposed to help progress labor... hmm..... ;-)

39 Weeks and 1 Day Doctor's Appointment

Today, we had our 39 week doctor's appointment with Dr. Boesel. We waited a really long time (almost an hour!) to see the doctor for five seconds. Basically, you haven't budged since the last appointment and I am still only one cm. dilated. Also, I've gained the requisite 20 pounds- no more weight gain, Katy!! Remember, Mommy has to lose that weight after you are born and I am NOT looking forward to that!!

According to http://www.babycenter.com/ you are about the size a mini watermelon and about seven pounds in weight.

Remember When...?

For something nostalgic to look back on, I thought it would be fun to do a post of the current cost of living during the month February 2010.

Average Cost of new house $232,880 2008- $238,880
Average Cost for house rent $800.00
Average wages per year $39,423 2008- $40,523
Cost of a gallon of Gas $2.73
Average Cost Cents per kilowatt hour Electricity $11.76 cents
A 20 ounce loaf of Bread $2.49
A LB of Bacon $3.22
A LB of Russet Potatoes $0.52
Dozen Eggs $1.37
Movie Ticket $7,50
College In-State Tuition State $7,020 +
First Class Stamp $0.44
Consumer Price Index 215.263
Current Fed Base Interest Rate .25%
Current Inflation Rate 0.03%
Dow Jones 10058.64
Price Of Gold Per Ounce $1068.33
Price Barrel Of Oil $77.62
US Dollar Exchange Rate Euro 1.26750
US Dollar Exchange Rate Pound 1.56.09
Unemployment Rate 10.1%

Another sleepless night...

Katy, you aren't even born and you are causing your parents sleepless nights! Is this preparation for the long nights to come? Please, please, inherit Daddy's ability to sleep anywhere at the drop of a hat!

Keys Family

Today, we met up with the Keys Family in Salisbury, NC. Salisbury is about half an hour away from us and is the perfect halfway meeting point for both families. Cecilia Keys is almost three and has outgrown a lot of her clothes and toys so Justin and Karen kindly passed on a bunch of toys, books, clothes and baby gear for you! There was a Graco Snap and Go that will work nicely with the infant carrier you got from Grandma and Pop-Pop Tinkey, a Fisher Price Rainforest Jump-a-roo for you to bounce around in, and several tummy time mats for you to use. Since Justin and Daddy (they grew up together and have known each other since the fourth grade) share the same fascination with frogs, there were lots of cute froggy clothes for you to wear, too!

Lumpy Mischief

Baby Lumpy is ready to keep you entertained.

Blankie Lumpy is ready to play!

Big Lumpy is ready for dinner!

Jingles Lumpy is packed and ready to go!

Doc Lumpy is just chillin' on the rocker.

Demi Lumpy is a super-hero monkey!

Lil' Lumpy is all swaddled up!

You have not met them yet, but you have lots of friends called the Lumpies. Each one has a personality and each one is getting ready for your arrival!

*Lumpy, the Heffalump, is an animated cartoon character from Winnie the Pooh. He enjoys Rumpledoodles with honey and going on adventures with his pal, Roo. We started collecting things with Lumpy on it (before baby) several years back and now we have quite the family of Lumpies!

Squirmy

As you get bigger and start running out of room in there (A-hem- that is why you need to come OUT!), you are starting to squirm more and kick less. Sometimes it feels like you are rolling around in there, trying to find a comfortable position. So, for the time being, your new nickname is "Squirmy."

Nesting

Custom Cornice Board

Rocker from the Jones side of the family

Everybody talks about this "nesting instinct" that comes about right before going into labor and giving birth. Since your Daddy and I are already neurotic when it comes to cleanliness and order (we are bracing ourselves for the havoc and chaos about to come about with your arrival!), I'm not sure we'll be able to tell the difference between "nesting" and our normal "OCD."

This weekend, we are going to give the house a good, thorough cleaning in preparation of YOU and all the guests that are sure to follow. The kitchen cabinets are labeled and ready for guests searching around for a spoon, a towel, whatever. There are more than a dozen meals in the freezer ready to be pulled out at moment's notice for the nights when things get a little crazy around here. Daddy had an extra house key made for visiting family members. The car seats have been in the cars for quite some time now and we will finish "baby-proofing" the house, this weekend (though, I'm told that you never really finish "baby-proofing" until you find out what the kid is really up and moving).

Your nursery walls are a cheery yellow with a custom cornice board. Daddy worked hard at measuring and upholstering the cornice board that we covered with Robert Allen Hush-a-bye nursery rhyme fabric. The furniture is a medium wood and includes a rocking chair from the Jones side of the family and a tall dresser from your Daddy's childhood.

The diaper bag is packed with essentials and all of your clothes (girly, do you have the clothes thanks to all of the baby showers and our friends, the Foleys and the Batys!) are hung in the closet by size and then by ROY G. BIV (see, I told you we were neurotic). There are a few items that we still need to get and take care of this weekend, but for the most part, I believe we are as ready as we'll ever be- nobody is truly READY.

February 12, 2010

My last day of work, before Maternity Leave, will be Friday, February 12, 2010. This means that I will be returning to work May 10, 2010- the day after Mother's Day. I just hope that you are pretty much on time so that I don't waste too much time home alone without you! I want to spend the majority of my leave snuggling and cuddling with you!

MA Baby Shower

Pretty Muppet Babies Cake

Daddy's Boss, Howard Hitchcock



Daddy enjoying the cake!

Today, Daddy's company, Motorsports Authentics, hosted a shower in your honor. We were showered with presents from lots of Daddy's co-workers and boss. You received sheets (yay- since you don't yet have any and you are going to need some!), blankets, cute little outfits, teethers, diapers, a closet organizer and lots more. There was a beautiful two-tier cake decorated with Muppet Babies (I think the Muppet Babies were more for Daddy than for you, though ;-P).

38 Weeks and 1 Day Doctor's Appointment

Today, we had another weekly prenatal appointment. From the looks of it, I have this feeling that you are going to be a late one. I am still only one cm. dilated and you haven't moved too much. They did do a 10 minute non-stress test to make sure you were okay since you weren't moving too much, today. You passed your test with flying colors- moving and shaking. Your heart rate was 142. The doctor did say that if you don't come by your due date, they'll let me go one week before inducing.

Groundhog Day

Six more weeks of winter, according to Punxsutawney Phil. He saw his shadow, today, so that means more snow and blustery cold. Closer to home, they are talking about snow on Friday and Saturday- again!

Daddy, the Chauffer

Because the roads were still icy, this morning, Daddy drove me to work today. He pulled right up to the entrance and made sure I navigated the slippery ice safely before pulling away. He wanted to make sure the precious cargo that I carry- you!- was protected. What a good father he is going to be!!

*They are calling for more snowy/icy weather, later this week!