TGIF

Yeah, it's Friday and Daddy will be home with us all weekend! Here's a few pictures from our typical day... napping with Mommy whenever possible, looking completely satisfied after feeding, and sitting up to look out the windows.

Bachelor Fan

Our friend Holly came over to watch "The Bachelor" on Monday night. Reese is picking Melissa to win, but thinks there might be a twist at the end!

Play Date

Reese enjoyed her first play date with some ladies in the neighborhood. Soon she will be running around with the others.

Alert

Reese has 2-3 alert times during the day. We love to see her eyes wide open taking in all the new experiences around her.

Colic

Look at the cute colic swirl in Reese's hair.

Play Time

Reese loves to read her black & white books and look at & listen to her toys. Mommy and Daddy are trying to make her brilliant at 18 days old.

Plastic Surgeon

Reese made her first (and hopefully last) trip to the plastic surgeon today. Her nose has been a little crooked since birth, so our pediatrician suggested we have a consultation with plastics. Of course surgery is not necessary, but we thought we may have to tape her nose or put on a small splint. Luckily the plastic surgeon thinks her nose will straighten itself out in a matter of days, so it was a quick visit. Of course Reese is beautiful -- slightly crooked nose or not. :)

Scale

We went to the lactation consultant yesterday and figured out a new way to feed Reese. We use this scale to weigh her before and after each feeding to see how much she really takes in. The scale has really put my mind at ease and Reese seems to be more relaxed because we are not constantly forcing food. She is consistently eating between 1.5 - 2.5 oz per feeding which is putting her right on track to gain about an oz per day.

Clothes That Fit

It's so nice to wear clothes that fit! Plus, I like this little hat that ties so actually stays on!

Getting Bigger

Weighing in at 5 lb 11 1/4 oz... Reese Haag! We went back to the doctor today and were thrilled that Reese gained over 3 oz since Friday. Now Daddy tells Mommy she needs to relax about eating because she seems to be getting it. This picture shows that her 3 oz are going somewhere other than her little stick legs. :)

Baptism

Reese was baptised on Sunday, February 15th. Most of her family was there to witness this very special day. Grandma Cipra even found her a premie baptismal gown to wear.

Our Little Valentine

Happy first Valentine's Day to Reese! Grandpa Cipra bought her a "So Cute" cookie which, after a few pictures, Mommy enjoyed eating.

First Bath

Reese had her first bath on Saturday. It went surprisingly well. She cried at the initial feel of water, then quickly calmed and enjoyed her short soak in the tub.

Snuggle Bug

Reese has turned into quite the snuggler. Each time I burp her she wiggles her head over to mine and likes to be cheek to cheek. I love it!

First Tummy Time

Reese had her first tummy time experience today. The doctors say to start early, so now that she is feeding a little bit better and not expending quite as much energy to feed, we decided it was time to start working on her neck muscles and development. She enjoyed her 3 minutes on her tummy and Daddy kept a close eye.

A Great Day

We had a great day today. First, Reese figured out a new way to ride in her car seat -- pinkies out! Then, our pediatrician appointment went well. Reese is progressing well for a premie. She's in the 3rd percentile for weight, 25th for height, and 10th for head size. Finally, Reese and Daddy caught up on some "book work". It was a great day... all while wearing a super cute outfit from Aunt Tammy.

Big Day Out

Reese had a big day out. First, we had a pediatrician appointment where she checked out well. She even gained a little weight - success! Next, we went to a New Mama group where Reese met 5 new little friends. She was the littlest and youngest there. I can't believe how big the other babies were at 6 weeks. I can't imagine her getting that big so fast.

I'm So Little and Cute

Look at my little foot! Right now I only fit into about 5 outfits for babies up to 7 pounds!

Eating & Sleeping

At 6 days old, Reese's day consists of eating and sleeping. We're gradually figuring out the eating thing and made some major strides today. We have to stay on a strict 3-hour schedule to make sure she doesn't lose any weight (she weighs just 5 pounds 6 1/2 oz now, which is normal to have lost a little at this point). We catch an hour or so of sleep between feedings when possible. Luckily Reese has her parents' sleeping genes, so we all can sleep anywhere, any time.

I Like to be Held

Reese loves to be held. So, as loving new parents, we oblige and hold her all the time. I think she has been out of our arms for approximately 5 hours -- not just today, total! Ok, so she doesn't exactly cry when we put her down, but if she makes as much of a grimace we immediately pick her back up into our arms. She already has us wrapped around her finger.

Pretty in Pink

Reese looks adorabe in pink... good thing because her closet is full of pink and purple outfits! Thanks for the beautiful blanket, Judy!

Meeting Belle

Upon arriving at home, Reese met her cat Belle. Belle was very interested in this new addition to the family. She seems to have mothering instincts for Reese and has been by her side all the time.

Time to Go Home

It was time to go home on Friday. It took us about an hour to get her dressed and into her car seat. We had to pack blankets around her in the car seat because she is so little! Todd drove home a little slower than normal and kept commenting on those other crazy drivers. I sat in the back seat with Reese and looked at her the entire ride home.

Visitors

We were blessed with many emails, phone calls, and visitors upon Reese's arrival Thanks everyone!

A Quick Arrival

Reese made a very quick arrival into the world! Here's her birth story...

I felt a little "off" all day, but thought I was having more pre-labor symptoms and didn't think much of it. Contractions started around 7:00, so I called Todd who was playing basketball. I told him that I was having a few contractions, thought they would probably stop, but he should come home anyway to shower just in case we had to go. Contractions started to pick up around 9:00, and I finally called the hospital at 10:00. We left the house at 10:15 and contractions were strong but bearable until my water broke half way there. Immediately after my water broke contractions were very strong and right on top of each other. Todd flew down the highway (I'm so thankful therer wasn't much traffic at 11pm), into the Emergency Room, ran me down the hallway in a wheelchair (I'm sure we were quite a sight), and into Labor & Delivery. The nurse was very surprised at my condition when we arrived. She announced a code blue (or whatever color it was) and the room filled with doctors and equipment. They allowed me to start pushing immediately (I didn't even have time to take off my Luther College sweatshirt), and after about 20 minutes Reese was born.

I had wanted to have a natural delivery, but said it would probably depend on the duration of labor. Obviously her quick arrival allowed me that natural delivery and we didn't even have time to contimplate medication.

It all happened so fast that it was a bit shocking to have our daughter placed in our arms. Of course we wouldn't have wanted it any other way. :) -Suzanne

She's Here!

We are pleased to introduce Reese Elizabeth Haag! She was born February 4, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. She is a bit of a peanut who weighed just 5 lb13 oz and was 19 inches long. We can't believe she's already here and are loving every minute. -Suzanne