Rough Night

Last night was a tough one for all concerned. I'm thankful that it was a Saturday night. We assume it's constipation and/or gas, since she could be calmed lying on her stomach - only if we were holding her. Well, we knew what we were in for. Needless to say, the photo below was not from last night.

Lucero - Tonight Ain't Gonna Be Good

Funny Story

At least I think it's funny. Two nights ago was a pretty rough night. I finally got Sawyer to relax and put her down around 3 am. I'm sleeping upstairs and Toni's downstairs. She still needs to take it easy and climbing up the stairs a few times a day is against doctor's orders - even though I know she's probably not abiding while I'm gone during the day.

Anyway, 6 am rolls around and I wake up to sounds coming from the baby monitor. Now, Sawyer is 8 days old at this time and her vocabulary is limited to screams, cries and grunts. Even so, what I'm hearing from the monitor sounds very pronounced. Don't get me wrong, these weren't standard vocabulary words - more like "da da" and the like. However, they had a clear start and stop - she was trying to talk!

"Holy smokes, my baby's a genius", I'm thinking. I wake up immediately and go down the stairs. Toni's awake and in the living room. I said "Toni, you're not going to believe this, but Sawyer is trying to talk". She laughed at me and said that she was sound asleep. I went into the nursery and, sure enough, she was sleeping like a _____. (can't use the cliche here)

Turns out she might be a genius, but the indicators haven't shown themselves yet. Apparently, our baby monitor is on the same frequency as the parents across the street that have a 6 month old child.

I'll keep everyone apprised of future Einstein-like moments from the daughter and/or Moron-like moments from the father.

Morphine - You Speak My Language

Sawyer Doing What She Does Best

While she's pretty good at pooping and peeing, sleeping is a skill she's mastered...

She even sleeps in style. Check out the color coordination.

Uh oh, this is pretty close to thumbsucking. Where's the pacifier?

We actually don't know what color her eyes are.

R.E.M. - Daysleeper

Belle & Sebastian - Sleep The Clock Around

Grandparents

Here are some shots of grandmothers and a grandfather. Rumor has it that the Mississippi grandparents will be here next month.

Bill Withers - Grandma's Hands (Live)

1st Doctor's Appointment

We've got to go see Sawyer's doctor this morning. Nothing to worry about; it's the standard 1st week's visit. Toni's not allowed to drive yet, so I'll be working from home before we take off. She's still nocturnal, but has gotten a little better every night. By the way, I misspoke (typed) the other day when I said Ike was over Sawyer being in the house. He's still fascinated and incredibly protective. He has to know where she is and that she's all right at all times. He wouldn't even eat this morning until he saw that she was sleeping sound.

The Avett Brothers - Go To Sleep

Father Shots

Toni said that I needed to post a pic of me with Sawyer. Here are a couple.....

Paul Simon - Father and Daughter

It Takes A Village....

After a couple days, we've come to the conclusion that we have a nocturnal child on our hands. Also, while I'm quite taken with my swaddling ability, we're thinking that this girl is much more comfortable with her arms waving all over the place during sleep.

On a separate note, the dogs are quite curious. Ike's already over it, but BlackJack is totally confused.

Taken By Trees - Sweet Child O' Mine

For Dylan & Sadie

This post is for Dylan and Sadie. I heard that Dylan said that Sawyer was cute...."just like me". Hilarious.

Bringing My Babies Back Home

Today's the day. Toni and Sawyer are coming home. The hospital staff was great, but 5 days is 4 and a half too many. Sawyer had to undergo a car seat test yesterday. They hook her up to check her heart-rate and oxygen levels for 90 minutes while sitting in the car seat we had. Of course, the nurse made me go out in the morning to buy another one, since the straps on the one we had was a little too big for her. Did we mention this girl is tiny? $100+ later Sawyer passed with flying colors. I have a sinking feeling that this girl is going to be expensive.

Railroad Earth - Bringin' My Baby Back Home

Welcome Sawyer

Well, she's here. And boy, that little girl kicked Toni's butt. 30 hours of labor followed by an emergency c-section. Toni is wiped out. Here's a solo shot of Sawyer and one with her and her doting mom. I think everyone will be surprised that Toni went the whole ordeal without proclaiming my deficiencies as a man and husband. She must be softening up.

My Valentine

Toni's not feeling too romantic today. For good reason, and I completely understand. She has, however, agreed to the first photo of the belly. Drumroll please.......

The Animals - We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place

Ultrasound Annotated

Here's the annotated version. You're kind of staring up her nostrils at this angle.

Ultrasound

This might be the first ultrasound photo I can actually make out a little. Toni was concerned that she was going to look too much like me. Nice. Well, I think the nose is looking a little Russo, so she shouldn't worry too much. That, and the fact that she's coming out with a mane of hair according to the doc.

Uncle Tupelo - I Wish My Baby Was Born

About Things

Looks like we might be having this little girl a little earlier than expected. High blood pressure will likely be the culprit. Sam, this one's on you.

I installed the car seat....twice. Didn't know it had the "latch system", which is supposed to be great, according to the newish dads I work with. I knew that damn car was more like a minivan than an SUV. No self-respecting truck would have a latch baby seat system integrated in it. I guarantee Toni's tough Jeep doesn't have it. Why am I the one driving this thing? Anyway, not sure it's in right. Might have to try it again after the great snowstorm in Atlanta is through.

Josh Ritter - Snow Is Gone

This Better Not Be Toni

I think I might have to ban iPhones and Crackberries from the delivery room. I could totally see Toni being this chick. You guys? It would be all too much for me......

Gomez - All Too Much