A New Year Begins

What did 2008 bring us? The biggest change in our lives to date...our sweet little Adri! It was last year early in January that I found out I was pregnant. We were completely excited and enjoyed the months leading up to her arrival. There were some concerns at first, but once we heard her heartbeat at 8 weeks we were relieved and began looking forward and preparing to this next stage in our lives. Being pregnant was much better than I had thought it would be. Yes there was some morning sickness and discomforts but all in all it was pretty good (minus the two lasts weeks were I was just ready to explode!). The birth, well, after four days of contractions and more pain management medication that I can remember, Adri entered this world. The first month is really a fog and I think we are finally coming out it. It's really amazing how something so small can make such a drastic change. The change...has been challenging at times, but we wouldn't trade her for anything.

Since our last post, Christmas came and went. Adrianna loved the Christmas lights on the tree this year and I am sure that by next year we'll have to be carefull with her fascination of the ornanments. She was certainly spoiled this Christmas by family members receiving the biggest and noisiest gifts you can imagine. Check out the reaction she gave when we opened her present from Uncle Jeff named "The Singing Annoying Thing"...the name and reaction say it all!

She also received an adorable outfit from Uncle Marlen and Autie Sue. We took the first chance we had to dress her up and have a photo session with her and luckly she cooperated!

We usually spend Christmas eve with my family. We have a tradition to end the evening watching a movie, usually one that someone got as a gift. This year we watched "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" one of my dad's favourite movies. We have hosted the Buitelaar Christmas ever since we got married. It has now evolved to a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings. It's always a hit! We also may have started a new tradition...to end the evening playing a game of scrabble. Harvie and I will need to practice all year (which we already have started) to try to be a match to Marlen and Sue...the game is on!

Our little Adri is now 4 months old. She weighs basically 15 pounds, almost double her birth weight. We know she has grown in length since many of her 3 month outfits no longer fit which is kind of sad because she was given so many cute outfits by family and friends. She continues to sleep well at night. Christel, a friend of ours, lent us a exersaucer and we eargerly tried it on January 1st. Did she like it? Well check out first reaction...

She has also increased her enjoyment of spending time in the bumbo, but tummy time only lasts a couple of minutes and then the discontenment begins...but we keep on trying!

I have a love for children's book and if you have ever seen my collection you would know that already. So, it's only fitting that I read to Adri every day, and it already seems like she has a favourite called "I Know a Rhino". I have tried to read "We're Going on A Bear Hunt" on many occasions, but I think she is still a little scared since I read "with too much emotion" according to Harvie. He brought home a bath book for Adri after one of his trips and it has become a bath ritual to read it to her...also with some emotion!

Like mother, like child...she loves to spend time in her bed. Sometimes I am not sure how long she has been awake since she often wakes up and just lays in her crib. That makes trying to plan for her next nap a little more of a guessing game. Also, perhaps she will follow the tradition of coffee and chocolate for breakfast once she is old enough...nothing is better than starting the day with a chocolate or two!

Her feedings continue to be an immense challenge but thanks to the calmness and persistance of my mom she has now successfully taken the bottle every day since Saturday for one or two feedings a day. It was nice to hear from our doctor that it is very uncommon for a baby to have this many issues with feedings. This was incredible affirming to me since it finally put an end my feelings of inadequacy. There has been so many feedings were she would be screaming, I would be crying holding her close to me and Harvie would be by my side saying everything will be ok. The comfort I had is that I knew at those moments God was right there surrounding his loving arms holding me tight in the assurance of that he gives you the strength and calmness to deal with whatever comes your way. I could hear him whisper "I am your God, trust in me, rest in me...this too shall pass"

The doctor also said it is great that she began taking the bottle and that I could start thinking of introducing rice cereal already. It's has been so hard to know what is best for Adri and for me. So after a couple months of long cries, prayer and support and encouragement from Harvie and my mom the decision has been made. We are transitioning to the bottle this coming month. I will continue to pump as long as my milk supply is there and we will probably need to introduce formula in the coming weeks. Who knows, she may like formula and the bottle more since she has been so unhappy breastfeeding. Happier baby...happier mom...happier husband!

What will 2009 bring us? A growing child, messy feedings, stinkier diapers, a child proof house, sleepless nights with the appearance of teeth, a first family trip, and leaning evermore on God's strength as we try to parent Adri the best way we know how. Thank you for family and friends who have been an incredible source of support these last months...God has blessed us through you in so many ways...from time, meals, clothes, baby stuff, words of encouragement and affirmation. Know that we are thankful and that we acknowledge how much you have given us. May God bless you this new year and may you be a blessing to people around you!