Sorry not many new posts in the last little while. We've been busy. Every day, lots to do. We hope to have most of everything done this weekend; Monday is for the finishing touches, Tuesday we're taking off for my (Leighton's) birthday, and then Wednesday we leave. That's the plan at least.
Anyway, as always, it's just as fun for us sharing and updating the blog as it is for you to read new posts and see new photos and videos, I'm sure, so don't think we've quit it when nothing new shows up for a while. And even if nothing new is on the blog, you can always check Lilly's photo link, which we do update occasionally.
Jul 25, 2008
Jul 20, 2008
a few new photos and a video
Lilly napping on the futon
Lilly and Sebastian (born June 4)
Lorna, Sebastian and Jeff
Family photo
Lilly posing in her new dress
Lilly in her car seat, not doing much at all except being Lilly
Lilly and Sebastian (born June 4)
Lorna, Sebastian and Jeff
Family photo
Lilly posing in her new dress
Lilly in her car seat, not doing much at all except being Lilly
Jul 18, 2008
the wonders and lessons of labor
Our midwife Rachel showing us a rainbow of hope on the first evening of a three-day long labor
Many have winced when they hear about my 64-hour long labor. But when I think back on the experience, it's not with a sense of dread, but with a sense of awe and amazement. There were times when I felt disappointed things weren't moving ahead more quickly or easily, yet throughout it all I felt strong and empowered. When it was time to start pushing, after 63 hours, I felt so victorious! Pushing was immensely rewarding. Between contractions I told everyone in the room that if it's a girl, we should name her Victoria, for victory, after my grandmother (her middle name). But when Lilly was born, she looked too delicate for such a grand name; she looked more like a Lilly. Feminine, but strong. When I was a a little girl, my grandmother would tell me stories about another little girl, called Lilly. Our little daughter reminds me of that girl.
My long labor was a lesson that some good things come in their own sweet time. I've always taken pride in being quick, efficient, and independent. But during my long labor I had to be patient, and I ultimately had to accept the gift of help. Everyday with Lilly I've been needing to ask for help. I've been needing to be patient too, but that's been harder. It's difficult to sink into Lilly time; in the back of my mind are lists of things I'd like to get done as we prepare for our move to Norway. And also emails I'd like to write. Or blog posts! Or journal entries. Lilly's wants are her needs and I do my best to stay focused on her and them. But sometimes I just really would like to focus on my own needs and wants as well! Like taking my time in the bathroom. Practice some yoga. Do some writing.
Nursing is a precious time to care for Lilly, and now I've found a way to care for some of my needs for intellectual stimulation as well while she eats: I read, carefully and diligently (I've never read Mothering or Morgenbladet so thoroughly before). I've also gotten better at eating and nursing at the same time.
Lilly on my brestfriend eating, while I'm eating
Many have winced when they hear about my 64-hour long labor. But when I think back on the experience, it's not with a sense of dread, but with a sense of awe and amazement. There were times when I felt disappointed things weren't moving ahead more quickly or easily, yet throughout it all I felt strong and empowered. When it was time to start pushing, after 63 hours, I felt so victorious! Pushing was immensely rewarding. Between contractions I told everyone in the room that if it's a girl, we should name her Victoria, for victory, after my grandmother (her middle name). But when Lilly was born, she looked too delicate for such a grand name; she looked more like a Lilly. Feminine, but strong. When I was a a little girl, my grandmother would tell me stories about another little girl, called Lilly. Our little daughter reminds me of that girl.
My long labor was a lesson that some good things come in their own sweet time. I've always taken pride in being quick, efficient, and independent. But during my long labor I had to be patient, and I ultimately had to accept the gift of help. Everyday with Lilly I've been needing to ask for help. I've been needing to be patient too, but that's been harder. It's difficult to sink into Lilly time; in the back of my mind are lists of things I'd like to get done as we prepare for our move to Norway. And also emails I'd like to write. Or blog posts! Or journal entries. Lilly's wants are her needs and I do my best to stay focused on her and them. But sometimes I just really would like to focus on my own needs and wants as well! Like taking my time in the bathroom. Practice some yoga. Do some writing.
Nursing is a precious time to care for Lilly, and now I've found a way to care for some of my needs for intellectual stimulation as well while she eats: I read, carefully and diligently (I've never read Mothering or Morgenbladet so thoroughly before). I've also gotten better at eating and nursing at the same time.
Lilly on my brestfriend eating, while I'm eating
Jul 15, 2008
Jul 6, 2008
Jul 4, 2008
fjerde juli
Mama cooling off in the pool (for all of a minute and a half)
Papa on the other side of the driveway, in the shade with Lilly
We didn't spend much time outside because it was too hot for Lilly but we did grill sweet corn and chicken for dinner, which, incidentally, I burnt. (Anne says it was good, though.) Now were getting ready for bed. Fireworks are at ten, but we might be sleeping by then. Happy Forth.
Papa on the other side of the driveway, in the shade with Lilly
We didn't spend much time outside because it was too hot for Lilly but we did grill sweet corn and chicken for dinner, which, incidentally, I burnt. (Anne says it was good, though.) Now were getting ready for bed. Fireworks are at ten, but we might be sleeping by then. Happy Forth.
Jul 3, 2008
look how much she's grown
We can't believe how much Lilly has grown in just two weeks. Not only is she getting chubbier and looking less like a newborn, she's also getting longer and actually growing into some of those newborn clothes which were so big at first. Sooner than later she will have outgrown those and the newborn diapers too. Here's a picture of mama admiring Lilly all wrapped up as a cute bundle in the fetal position, more the size she was two weeks ago.
Jul 1, 2008
mama and papa have an anniversary
Lilly and mama sleeping
Lilly in the morning, sneezing, etc.
Lilly in the car seat while mama and papa eat dinner
Lilly eating dinner at the restaurant
(June 30, 2008)
Lilly in the morning, sneezing, etc.
Lilly in the car seat while mama and papa eat dinner
Lilly eating dinner at the restaurant
(June 30, 2008)
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