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Happy Valentine's Day

Rowan just wanted all the lovely ladies out there to know that he was thinking about them today. He doesn't know how to put this but he's kind of a big deal. People know him. Um...he's very important. Rowan has many leather-bound Elmo books and his crib smells of rich mahogany...Rowan is...friends with DJ Lance, too, he comes over...on occasion. You stay classy, Dayton.

Who's Holding Lydia Today?

This is the first in a series of posts that I've decided to call "Who's Holding Lydia Today?". We have a lot of photos (and will probably have more as the days go by) of friends and family holding Lydia and I think it would be nice to post them on our blog. So if you don't want your picture on the blog, make sure you let me know.

Above is Lola's mom, Emilee. She came to visit us in the hospital. And below is Sam's mom, Melissa, who stopped by last week with her family to meet the new addition.



And to continue with the "pretty lady" theme, here is our friend Joy, who we had lunch with this week. She was able to match Jeff Diet Coke for Diet Coke, which is a pretty impressive feat.

Starting the Hat Collection

Lydia was barely a week old when she received this adorable hat in the mail from Jeff's Aunt Gail. It has a pink flower on the top - the perfect adornment for our little Rose. Our friend Aaron came over to visit (along with the Becks. Oh and his wife, Emilee and daughter Lola). He is pictured above admiring Lydia in all her pink and flowered glory. Lola is in the background, keeping a watchful eye on her Daddy.

Bulking Up

Lydia was pretty sleepy today, but whenever she was awake, she wanted to be eating constantly. I think this might be a sign that she's in the middle of a growth spurt. I weighed her this evening and she is up to 8 lbs. 12 oz. (with her diaper and nightgown). This is an improvement over her 7 lbs. 4 oz. weigh-in last week at the doctor's. It won't be long now and she'll be good and "solid", just like Rowan was.

In other baby tummy news, her umbilical stump fell off yesterday, and it looks like she might have an "outie"! Aaack! Dr. Doucette, what were you thinking?

Bathtime Lydia

One piece of advice we were provided was giving Lydia nighttime baths to keep her awake and extend her nighttime sleeping intervals. Other things that will prevent her naps are diaper changing, impending bowel movements, and feedings. We've found so far that this regimen is working as our earlier Twitter showed that Lydia slept for 7 hours straight last night! While this is probably an aberration, she has been sleeping quite well for us so far (knock knock). As many readers know, one of the primary stressors of a newborn is the potential ungodly sleeping schedule. I'm also guessing that we're supposed to get her up from her sleep to giver her another feeding, but she should be getting plenty during the day. Anybody who recommends otherwise is a heartless bastard. Hopefully she keeps this pattern up and Mommy and Daddy will be quite cheery with her the remainder of the day.

The Big Brother

Because I've been feeling a little guilty about it being All Lydia, All the Time lately on the blog, I wanted to post a few cute photos of her big brother. Above, Rowan helps unwrap some presents on Lydia's first day at home.


Rowan and Lola planned to wear their Yo Gabba Gabba sweatshirts on the same day to school last week.


Rowan either celebrates the Steelers' big win or gets his excitement about Jeff's 2007 Fantasy Football win out of his system before we mail the trophy off to our friend Scott for his 2008 victory.

I guess I shouldn't feel TOO guilty about taking a break from posting photos of Rowan. It's not like he had almost two years' worth of blog posts all to himself. I'm sure he won't mind sharing the limelight now.

First Outing

The temperature finally got warm enough for us to take our new little baby outside today. After having lunch at Qdoba, our first stop was, naturally, Best Buy. Daddy had to buy a dongle ("That's what she said!").

Then we went to Mommy's favorite store, Target. It's amazing the amount of baby paraphernalia you still need to buy even if this is your second baby. Albeit, much of what I bought was duplicates of things we already have, only now it was in pink instead of blue - bibs, socks, flannel receiving blankets, things like that. Don't roll your eyes, we're doing our part to revive the economy.

Lydia reminded us that it is in some ways much easier to shop with a newborn than a toddler: you don't have to take her out of her car seat, you don't have to work around a nap schedule, because she can sleep the entire time in her bucket, she doesn't throw a fit when you pass the toy aisles, you don't have to figure out what to buy her to eat at the restaurant, etc. The main problem though is that you do have to fit your trip in between feedings, which right now are two hours apart.

Speaking of toddlers, we'll have an update tomorrow on what Rowan's been up to...

How Is Mommy Doing?

People have been wanting to know how I've been getting along since the birth. Well, so far so good. Physically, I'd say I was feeling very good. The pain after leaving the hospital was comparable or slightly worse than it was with Rowan, but I feel like I've been able to deal with it better this time around. That may be because Lydia has been sleeping okay at night (knock on wood). She had one night there where she slept five hours straight, but typically, she sleeps three hours at a time. After I feed her, she goes back to sleep fairly easily.

When I get up in the morning, I don't feel the need for naps during the day, so I guess I'm getting enough sleep at night. Of course, this could all change, and Lydia could suddenly be a terrible sleeper like Rowan was at first. Even if this happens, I'm thinking I might be better equipped to deal with it this time around, since I know what to expect. Also, I'm not panicked anymore if I don't get a bunch of sleep at night. I know that eventually during the day, I WILL get that sleep, so it makes me more relaxed.

I think that's the theme with Lydia so far: Mommy's much more relaxed than with Rowan. I've already dealt with this before, so I know what to expect AND I know that I can get through it. I know that if it's rough at first, it will get better. And I know that this stage will be gone soon, and I'd better enjoy it now, with all its ups and downs, because I probably won't have another chance.

I put away the scales so I wouldn't be obsessively weighing myself while the baby weight is coming off (I read this tip in a magazine recently). Instead, I should be concentrating on Lydia, recuperating and eating healthy. In actuality, I've been catching up on all the desserts that I wasn't able to eat those last few weeks of the pregnancy because the nighttime heartburn was so horrible. And rediscovering the joys of having a beer, a glass of wine or even one (very small!) martini in the evening. Incidentally, I haven't felt any twinges of postpartum depression coming on yet. Coincidence? I think not.

It's a funny thing about body image right now. Even though I am still much bigger than my pre-baby size, every time I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I think "Dang, I look awesome!" This is because after having looked at my massive girth the past few months, I now appear comparatively "tiny". It's still hard to believe that all that baby somehow fit inside my belly just a short time ago.

Quinto día de Lydia

Day five finds the Brown family adjusting nicely to its new rut. Rowan was particularly happy this morning when we arrived at school, for there were two red fire engines out front. It seems one of the children had an allergic reaction to something they ate which clearly requires a minimum of two emergency vehicles. Rowan's initial excitement was dampened when he found that Lola was not in class today, as she was home with a stomach ailment. Poor Lola, we hope you're better soon.

Our home care nurse visit was this afternoon and we found that Lydia gained 4 oz. since yesterday! Her weight was a little low compared to her birth weight, but now it all checks out fine. The nurse was also mighty impressed with her hat, which awkwardly is not shown in the above photo. The photo's hat is similarly cute so it has been substituted.

Marmie, Papa, Major Skffington, Fitzy, and George all returned to Indy today after a helpful visit begining the day before Lydia's arrival. As Angela said in a prior post, all played a big part in Lydia's arrival and I'd like to add my own thanks to them. I would most like to thank Marmie for her support of us in the delivery room and Joe for making a kick-ass chicken pot pie for the Superbowl.

Day Four with Lydia

Lydia has spent 4 days with us and so far she fits well into our daily routine. She demonstrates a keen ability to eat, sleep, and be cuddled. For the past 21 months our favorite pastime has been watching baby-TV, and she has given us a whole new channel of entertainment.

Lydia had her new baby checkup at our pediatrician this morning and was given high scores for her lack of jaundice and acceptable measure of weight loss. We thought she may have had a heat rash, but it turns out the small red bumps she has are related to the hormones swimming around in her bloodstream. This common occurrence should pass soon. She measured 20 inches in length compared to 21 at birth, so either baby measurement is an inexact science or she shrinking. Even so, at 20 inches she's in the 75th percentile. We'll have another checkup at two weeks so we'll be able to make another observation of this fascinating phenomenon.

Rowan and Lydia

One of the big questions prior to Lydia's arrival was how Rowan would feel about his new sibling. Both Angela and I were thinking he would be none too fond of this new sink for his parent's time and attention. Is it possible that he might start punching Lydia as most older siblings are inclined to do? Yes, we're talking about your Scott and Adam.

Rowan was indeed unsure about Lydia and did have a mighty cry when he saw Mommy feeding her, but since then he's started to warm up to his little sister. We were able to get them together for this photo shoot where Rowan hugged and kissed her. He has also attempted to give her a pacifier, offered her cheese, and said "Bye Bye Lydia" on the way to bed. With this successful start we will start working on Rowan's abilities to change her diaper, give baths, and do laundry. We're looking forward to how these two grow up together and hope that the fact is being documented on the blog won't give them a complex.

Daddy's Little Girl

Jeff was also somewhat helpful during the birthin' on Friday. After they broke my water around 1, the contractions started getting really painful. I asked them to please send the drug lady in ASAP, but in the meantime, we had to think back to our Birthin' School training about how to manage the pain. As I was taking deep breaths, I was trying not to completely crush Jeff's hand. The Pain Management lady finally came, and was just about to start putting the line in my back when she was called away next door for some emergency intervention. I had to sit upright, very still, looking out the window, and once again, Jeff was able to step in and volunteer his hand for crushing duty.

After what seemed like forever, Pain Lady finished up my epidural and I was able to get some relief, but not as much or as quickly as we were expecting. Turns out, thanks to all the delays, I was already pretty well along by the time the drip started, and therefore the medicine wasn't going to fully "catch up" with the pain. It turned out to be fine – most of the pain was taken care of, and I was still able to feel and move my legs and was aware of other sensations during the birth that I hadn't experienced during Rowan's.

After we got settled in our recovery room, Jeff had to drive home to check in on Rowan, who was feeling mighty poorly. He came back to spend the night in the uncomfortable chair next to me and help with Lydia. Then on Saturday, Rowan's fever increased and he threw up, so Jeff had to take him to the doctor and ended up staying with our poor little guy (who has an ear infection) most of the day. Lydia and I had a very relaxing day of eating, sleeping and watching mass quantities of HGTV.



After spending another uncomfortable night in the chair, Jeff is more than ready to take me and our new little girl home where the beds are comfy and we can hang out with Rowan, who must be starting to forget he ever had a mommy.

Proud Grandparents Much?

Here's Marmie and PaPa posing with their third granddaughter. They don't look too happy about the new addition, do they? I don't know what we would have done if they hadn't been able to come over and help us during this exciting time.

Mom was there with me and Jeff for the birth, just like she was for Rowan. Then, right before I due to start pushing, we got word from Emilee that Rowan was sick at school with a fever and she was going to pick him up and take him home. Which thank God Emilee was able to help us take Rowan to and from school yesterday – what a good friend!

And thank God also for PaPa, who was able to be at home and take care of Rowan in his time of need. They sat in front of the TV and watched some Yo Gabba Gabba and Sesame Street while I was here pushing out his new baby sister.

Thank you, my Support Team, for jumping in and helping – it was kind of a hectic afternoon, but I think we can agree it was all worth it when you look at that little apple-faced girl in the photo above!

Introducing Lydia Rose Brown

Lydia Rose Brown was born at 3:18 p.m., weighs 7 lbs., 14.5 oz., 21 inches long, curly black hair, and blue eyes. The delivery went smoothly and once Angela made it to 10cm, Lydia was out in about 10 minutes. Lydia has taken to eating quite well and is resting comfortably on Mommy. Both Mommy and Daddy are relieved that pregnancy and delivery is over and we can start being with our new little girl.

Smooth and Steady: Now with Updates!

Going on hour 3 since arrival and it's been pretty relaxing for me, the Birthing Command Center Commander. I've watched some ESPN, checked my Facebook page, and ate a bag of potato chips. It's not all fun and games though, I had to go back down to the van to get Angela's overnight bag for her fluffy white socks. The things I do for her.

Angela has been having contractions 3 minutes apart, and on a scale of one to ten, her pain level has been at two. They just upped her dosage of pitocin so maybe things will be getting more exciting soon. You can see that she's also been relaxing in front of her Mac and reading Go Fug Yourself.

11:45 Update: Angela can't decide if the labor is becoming more painful, or if she's just hungry.

1:00 Update: Breaking News! Angela's water has been broke, she's 4-5 cm dialated, and the contractions are becoming more painful.

2:40 Update: Epidural went in at 2:15 and relief is here. Angela was 8 cm at 2:15.

2:55 Update: And we've hit 10 cm. She's ready to come!

And So It Begins

Here's a photo prior to our departure this morning. As you can see, we're well prepared with our bags full of computers, cameras and chargers. As I type this from what I'm calling Birthing Command Center Alpha, we have full access to the internets. Angela is all hooked up to the machines that go BING. She was given her initial drip of pitocin at 9:00 and she should start feeling the magic happen within the hour. They will control the dose so she reaches 2-3 minute contractions. No telling yet when Tiberia will be arriving, but Angela is currently dilated 3cm, which is one more than she was on Monday.

Things Jeff Won't Miss About Being Pregnant

It seems there's undue focus on how Angela has been feeling and not enough about how I've been coping with the pregnancy. I've compiled a list of things I will and will not miss about these last 41 weeks.

Things I will not miss:

• Sleeping next to a Vampire (Angela's propped up sleeping position)
  
• Guilt associated with drinking delicious beer in her presence
• Seeing Angela go through months of nausea
  

Things I will miss:

• Automatic designated driver
• Pregnant Mother Parking
• Satisfying thump of a pregnant belly
• Concrete evidence of my manliness
• Leaving work for baby doctor appointments
• Being able to use the name Tiberia

It's been rough on me for sure, but hopefully by this time tomorrow we'll be celebrating the arrival of our daughter and the beginning of our new life.

Things I Won't Miss About Being Pregnant

Currently, Jeff and I are anticipating that there will be no more babies produced from the Barr-Brown Marriage Alliance. As a result, I have been trying to think of the things I will and will not miss about being pregnant, in order to fully appreciate the experience before it's over for good.

Things I Will Not Miss:

1. Wearing the above red pregnancy coat
2. Panicking every time I feel a sneeze coming on
   
3. The nighttime heartburn that dictates sleeping sitting up
4. Not being able to drink
5. Having to watch every little thing I eat or else gain ten pounds in a week
6. Feeling conspicuous out in public because of my huge gut
7. Baby feet in my ribs
8. Breathing like a fat guy
9. The general, all-over bodily discomfort
   
10. Not being able to pick up Rowan and carry him
    

Things I Will Miss:

1. Having an excuse to not have to pick up Rowan and carry him
2. Feeling the baby squirming around inside
3. Having people ask how I'm doing and having them be all sympathetic and stuff
4. Using exhaustion/nausea/impending birth as an excuse to skip exercise
5. The improved complexion and hair
   
6. Rowan blowing raspberries on, laughing at, and patting my huge gut (although theoretically, my stomach could still be this size after I leave the hospital)
7. The excitement and anticipation of creating a new person for our family
   

Record Setting Sled Run

We decided to try out our other hill for sledding today, with surprising results. The snow was just the right consistency for getting long sled runs with the saucer. Jeff was able to sled all the way down the hill and then continue on down into the drainage basin. He usually ended up in the actual concrete drainage ditch at the bottom, but in this recording, he biffed it before he got there.

I even went down the hill a couple of times myself. Have you ever seen a 9+ months pregnant lady sledding before? I'm sure it's hilarious. Jeff was a little concerned that I was doing this in my "delicate condition", but really, what's the worst that could have happened? I could have gone into labor?

This is the Recipe for a Long Life?

Region's oldest person, 110, dies

• Don't drink
• Don't eat chocolate
• Don't eat hamburgers
• Don't have kids
• Work until you're 70
• Live 50 years as a widow after your husband dies
  

This sure doesn't sound like a fun way to spend 110 years. No drinking and no chocolate? You've got to be kidding! I'd rather have 60 years full of martinis and Current's triple chocolate cake than 110 years without it. (I guess it's possible the old lady didn't necessarily like chocolate or alcohol, but then that just wouldn't make any sense.)

I can see working until you're 70 if you really enjoy your job. But come on, who enjoys working THAT much? Jeff and I are already planning ahead to when we can stop working for good someday.

And then, thinking about spending 50 years of my life without Jeff (or any other male companionship), and my whole life without Rowan (and soon, Tiberia)? Well, that's just downright depressing.

With my attitude, I guess I won't live to see 100, much less 110. But I'll have a lot more fun doing it.

Baby on the Loose

Rowan's recently had a nasty bout of diaper rash, so we've been having twice-daily sessions of "Naked Baby on the Loose" to try to help combat it. We always played this game after bathtime, but now it's gained even greater popularity, since it usually happens after every poopy diaper change. It is by far one of Rowan's favorite activities of the day, and he asks to do it often during the day, saying "Baby?", then gets upset when we say no.

In addition helping dry out the diaper-rash affected area, the benefits include non-stop fun for Rowan, exercise for Rowan, exercise for Mommy, and utilization of the downstairs floorplan as a racetrack.

I insisted that he keep his socks on, by the way, so his feet wouldn't get cold. Sometimes we're able to convince him to keep his t-shirt on, too, but not on the day this was recorded.

40 Weeks Old

Despite initial indications of an early birth, we've made it all the way to Tiberia's official due date. I'm happy with this for several reasons: there's been more time to mentally prepare for the arrival, Tiberia's had more time to develop into a healthy baby, and Rowan's had more time to make fart noises on Angela's belly. Angela on the other hand wants Tiberia out NOW! It appears that the expectation of the early arrival has made it seem like we've been waiting on her for a long time. It won't be long now though, the birth will be sometime this week, even if she needs to be induced. We'll find out at Monday's appointment what the date might be.