The Snugli Squeeze

Here's Lydia trying out going for a ride in her Snugli. I think she's a little small for it still. What do you think? We've been trying to get her mobile and get outside with her. Our goal is to have her be an outside girl.. you know really like the outdoors. We went for a nice long walk around Caras Park on Saturday which she slept through most of. We had her first outdoor feeding, she did great. Then the next day Polly and I got our first time out of her presence since she was born (and conceived I suppose). We took the opportunity to go to Walmart and ShopKo!! Exciting stuff! Lastly, we went out to dinner at The Mustard Seed. It was delicious asian style food. Lydia got a nice warm bath to finish off the day.

Some stroller action

Today Lydia went on her first stroller ride. She sort of liked it. We walked around Caras park , watched the kayakers, and enjoyed the great weather. Then we had a nice lunch outside while she slept in the stroller. For the big finale we stopped at Big Dipper for some ice cream. What a treat!

Before our outing we brought her to the Western Montana Clinic to check her hearing. It's this cool little device that plays sounds in her ear and then measures if she heard something. We were all wondering if she would have to raise her hand if she heard a sound. hehe.

Happiness is a clean baby

Lydia got a bath today and she really liked it. Of course we had the heater fan going so it was nice and warm.
For those of you who have never seen a naked newborn or haven't in a while, there's more pictures on the picasa web album. I can't believe how much we have learned in the past 6 days. She's almost a week old! I think we are starting to figure our what she means by different sounds and body language. We've certainly been studying her plenty.

More pictures

For more pictures of new Lydia, Polly and Rob visit our picasa web albums

Lydia Jean Becker day 2

Lydia Jean Becker day 2. The day after her birth she was really tired and slept all day. Then she was of course up and crying most of the night. Day 2 she is much more awake and alert. We gave her a tour of the house and showed her some pictures. We love her so much! I can't believe how much we have learned in just 2 days.

Welcome Lydia Jean

Welcome to the world Lydia Jean Becker. She was born Wednesday April 18th at 10:08PM. 6 pounds 14 ounces and 19 inches long. Wow we are totally amazed with this new little girl. I think I could watch her all day. Polly & Lydia are both very healthy and doing great.

Birth Story

APRIL 18, 2007
THE BIRTH

Having never been in labor, I was not sure, but becoming quite suspicious of some odd sensations the night of the 17th. They were not regular contractions, but seemed to continue in the morning and afternoon of the 18th. We had chosen to have our baby at The Birth Center, and I had been seeing two midwives there for all my prenatal care. Around 3pm, we decided to go have things checked out. The midwife, Jeanne said I was 2 cm dilated, and thought with luck the baby would come before midnight, or sometime the next day. We decided to go home, to rest more, since it appeared that it may be a bit of time. By 4:45, things had picked up, and at 5:15 we were back at The Birth Center. I was almost 4 cm. In the soothing home-like environment, I began to prepare for the birth. Jeanne put me in the whirlpool tub which was very relaxing. We had meditation music on, lights off, candles lit and the evening light coming through the cracked blinds. Rob, my mom, and Jeanne all worked hard to keep me comfortable and relaxed. Just after 9, I could tell that it was time to start pushing. With calm, supportive guidance and a lot of hard work, the baby descended perfectly, and arrived at 10:08 pm.
She was immediately put on my chest, and Rob and I were in love with our new daughter. She was found to be in perfect health and very alert. She was 6 lbs, 13.5 oz and stretched to 19 3/4 inches. Dad, Sam and Michael came in to meet her and thus baby Lydia met just a few of the many people who will love her.
Rob and I spent the night with her curled between us, the fire place warming our little baby girl. What an amazing day. Nothing could have prepared me for how wonderful everything would be. We were home by 8:30 the next morning, ready to begin our life as parents.

It's a start

Well, after a long night up with contractions, we got a little sleep this morning. Things have backed off a bit so we are waiting to see what happens. It's some progress and the baby is definitely getting closer! It was very exciting thinking that it was finally time... but it wasn't.

Fruit Fondue?

This morning we had a healthy breakfast of honeydew melon and giant strawberries cut up and dipped in a yogurt & honey mix. It was amazingly tastly.

Speed Week

Our new to us car nicknamed "Murphy" and Polly striking a classic pose. It's something we can both fit into better and will also fit a carseat nicely. Plus it's nice and fast.

Not so high

Another visit to the birth center and we got some good news. The "high" blood pressure isn't really all that high consistently... so we got the OK to have it at the birth center instead of the hospital. Of course they will monitor it and if it gets high during then we will have to move to the hospital.
Polly is relieved. We are both glad.

Almost Go Time

Well, our baby is almost here. It could be any day now. Polly and I are both really excited and ready for her. I'll post pictures and info about her as soon as she comes!