Gramma leaves:(

It is time to go back to Ohio. I'm feeling very sad as I kiss Cate goodby. I'll be back soon.

January 29

Although Cate is often awake when we wish she were sleeping, 1-3AM for instance, she does sleep like an angel from time to time:)

Stylish Cate

Cate is very stylish in her Ralph Lauren Polo outfit:) Thank you Mrs. Kiste!
Jim and Jane Heichel came to see her today and thought she was very cute.

Cate is happy

You may notice the large goose egg on Cate's head in this video. Cate was born with a hematoma (like a bruise) on her head. All 4 pediatricians assured us it is purely cosmetic and will disappear, but that might take a few months. This was caused by her position deep in the pelvis before birth. Some babies are born with "cone" heads, but because Cate had her fist up by her cheek at birth, her "cone" is off center. It looks worse than it is. It would also be better if she had hair:)

This is a video of Cate crying.

New outfit

This is for Auntie Laurie and Uncle Zach who bought Cate this outfit. Doesn't she look cute?:)

Daddy goes to work

Rick went back to work today. I'm sure it was hard to leave his little angel, but I think he was also looking forward to getting back to the firehouse and hanging out with the guys. I bet you'll find him napping whenever he gets a chance:)
Last night went MUCH better. Again I held Cate until about 1 AM, but then after that feeding Lindsay put her in her car seat in her crib, and she slept until 5. Another nursing and back into the car seat where she slept contentedly until 9:30. Maybe she's going to be a traveling girl:)
We also tried the pacifier after many friends who are new mothers recommended it. Likes that too.

One week old

I'm going to let Cate speak for herself this morning:

"Today I am one week old. In the pictures I have just had my bath and am wearing the hat Gramma knit for me. Last night Gramma sat up all night and held me in between my nursings so Mommy and Daddy could get some sleep. I was so good and never cried as long as she was cuddling me. Mommy and Daddy feel much better this morning. Gramma is ready for a nap!"

Tears

Sometimes even Gramma and Grandpa lack the perfect touch. You may not be able to see, but Cate's wailing!

Nights and Days

Little Miss Cate has her days and nights turned around. She loves to sleep all day and party all night. Poor Mommy and Daddy. We are much more likely to see this face at 4PM than 4 AM:)

Sleepy Cate

Nothing so comfy as sleeping in Grandpa's or Gramma's laps:)

Day 5 - Grandpa and Aunt Laurie go home

Laurie left about noon for her flight back to Raleigh. She was more than a little sad to leave. Jay flies out of Portsmouth tonight. He is trying to be a brave Grandpa but is VERY sad too. It's so hard to leave this precious little bundle of joy. Cate has stolen all our hearts. Luckily I get to stay another week. Then the tears will really flow. That land we purchased out in West Bath is looking better all the time!

Day 5 - My first outing

Cate had her first check-up this morning. They check babies here 48 hours after discharge from the hospital which is very reassuring. So she ventured out into a 4 degree January Maine morning. Rick,of course, had the car warmed up, and Cate was well bundled. Don't be mislead by her jaundiced tan; she is a Maine baby:) She passed her check-up with flying colors. She was 6 pounds 8 ounces at discharge and is up to 6 pounds 14 ounces. Six ounces in 2 days - WOW! That nursing works!

Our little granddaughter

The proud Gramma Linda and Grandpa Jay:)

Catherine Marie is born

Catherine Marie was born on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at 3:10 PM. She weighed 7 pounds and 2 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long. We are all so happy to have her.
These are some pictures from Cate's first couple of days in the hospital.

Cate's Homecoming

On Saturday Cate came home. Grandpa, Gramma, and Aunt Laurie were waiting to welcome her. She's a little jaundiced and her weight has dropped to about 6 1/2 pounds. She's a tiny little thing.