Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A few snapshots of Weeks 2 & 3

These first few weeks of Lillian's life have been a whirlwind! The days when our sweet Lily is just that - calm, sweet, playful and alert at times and sleepy and cuddly at others... easy going no matter where we are (as long as she is not hungry) :) have FLOWN by. However, evenings around 8p - midnight (we'll use the Snodgrass' term here..) is "unhappy hour(s)", these hours do not quite "fly by". :)

It's all SO worth it. As, like my dad said: with children, while the tough times are trickier/more challenging than you could prepare for, the good times are more incredible than you could ever, EVER imagine.

Thanks to all of you for all of your visits, the meals, cards, gifts and support you have shown Brett, myself, Lillian (and even Lucy!) over these past few weeks!

Here are some pics of Lillian since the last post:

*Snooze-ville in her one-piece sleeper from "Aunt" Steph. This will be her last pic in a newborn one-piecer as her arms, legs and feet have outgrown these puppies and as cute as it is -putting her in clothes where she has a 3/4 length shirt and can't extend her legs is just sad could border on abuse :)
*Lillian making "Mom's" favorite face - the scrunched forehead and silly face
First trip with the BOB - since the start of week 2 we've been getting daily use out of this amazing stroller!
*Swaddled and sleepy
*Dad got everything ready for first bath since hospital!


Lily loves her rice blanket you can zap in the microwave to help warm her after baths - thanks neighbor Anne!
Lillian's first trip to a bar at less than 2 weeks old! (Elysian Brewery at Green Lake w/ the Snodgrass Family - including baby Eliana born 2/20)
Uncle Brian came in for the weekend to meet his niece - great visit filled with walks, brunch out at HiLife, brews w/ the pups at dog friendly Ballard bar "Kiss Cafe", etc. Lillian was in LOVE. Brian proved his recent experience with the little ladies and was a pro. Every time Lily was in his arms she was immediately snuggly and a happy little peanut!
Brian's wife Anna & their daughter Bridget were unable to make the trip b/c Anna is expecting our nephew in just a few weeks so we did a Skype video chat w/ the East Coast ladies. Bridget melted everyone's hearts as we showed her our baby and she says, "Oh hi, that's Lillian!"... she is just under two and a half years old.
When afternoon's roll around Lillian likes to be held close - this is tricky for getting anything done around the house so I plop her in the Ergo and get to house cleaning, laundry, etc. - win, win, win :)
While the Ergo works in the afternoon, swing usually works for supper time :) We are learning the ropes as we go, though the "tricks" seems to change just when we think we have it down. :)
My first libation since last summer - shared w/ Aunt Brooke!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

First Report Card Already on Fridge

Lillian Brooke got an A+ on her first report card today - and it's already hanging proudly on the fridge :)

Goal = get back to birth weight within 2 weeks of birth... Lillian is a hungry little monkey and gained an ounce in weight and a half inch in length in less than 4 days!
Just back from the doc and ready to snooze - Lily loves sucking on things but isn't ready for a pacifier just yet so she'll stick w/ fingers for now :)
Thanks for my cute cherry outfit Gigi, it's one of the favorites!!
At the doc on the table ready for check-up
Lifetime weigh in #2 - Dad changing a diaper... that fresh air seems to get things moving down there every time
Lillian was not a fan of this car ride
DB&Z swung by with Red Mill for dinner last night - yum! - pups love Lillian but wish she could get on ground and play with them - for now it's toe licks and lots of sniffs. Big sister Lucy is a little protective of Lily so far. :)



Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Introducing... Lillian Brooke!


Ali and I are so happy to report that we are now the proud parents of Lillian Brooke Schlameus, born at 9:51 pm on Sunday, April 25. Both Ali and Lillian are healthy and doing wonderful. Lillian weighed in at 7 lbs, 6 oz and was 20.5 inches in length (perfect golf build, I might add). Did I mention that women's golf is the most underutilized college golf scholarship?!?

Jokes aside, we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Lillian to this world. It was a life-changing experience that we always remember like it was yesterday. Ali and I (Ali really) feel very fortunate to have gone through a relatively quick labor without any complications. On Sunday, after having contractions for the past couple days, Ali decided she was up for a long walk with her Dad, Brenna, and the pups to explore the Ballard Sunday Market. The contractions were occurring every 8-12 minutes so there wasn't much concern that Baby S would arrive that day. Well, we were wrong! A couple hours later, Ali broke the news that the contractions were now occurring every 3-5 minutes. Following my semi-frantic call to the doctor, we hopped in the car feeling extremely anxious/excited for what could come.

Upon arriving at Swedish on First Hill at 6:15 pm, the doctor decided, after receiving a second opinion, to admit us. A good decision considering that in the span of our two hours after arriving at the hospital, Ali had progressed from 4 cm to 9 cm! About 3 1/2 hours after check-in, we were blessed with our little Lillian. I know we are biased, but she is perfect. Words cannot describe the joy we felt and continue to feel about our daughter. We were truly amazed of how much we could instantly love something/someone that we had never seen or met before. We are extremely excited to get to know and care for her.

Ali was amazing throughout the entire labor - she was so tough, focused, and determined to meet her little girl. Her courageousness and love for Lillian surpassed any expectation I could have had. She is going to be the best Mom. I am so proud of my wife and daughter.

Thanks for all the calls, texts, emails, and visits. We look forward to sharing Lillian Brooke with all of you over the next few days, months, and years.

Lily & Auntie B (Becky, Ali's sister)
Lillian after first bath:
Lillian & Aunt/Godmother Brooke
Grandma for the first time

Just minutes after birth
Day 2

I get to go home!!
Sister Lucy meets Lillian for the first time
Minutes after getting home, time to test out nursery and have a little snack
Sleepy in Dad's arms
Day 3 w/ Uncle & Godfather Jake



Grandpa Jim

Monday, April 19, 2010

Nursery & the Big Bump!

By popular demand... at last here are pics of the big bump & the nursery!

With just two days 'til due date Brett & I are getting very excited to meet our little girl (so strange to have no idea when she is going to make her debut... tonight?! next week?? we'll see!) This last week it has all become more "real". I am now off work, which has been absolutely wonderful... left behind the long work days to get a bunch of prep done around the home front (including a little R&R and fun lunch dates with some of the closest ladies in my life which has been a real treat!)

Hope this note finds you well - and apologies it has been so long since our last post!

Just three months ago...
And now!

Saturday at the house before heading out for Kristin & Marcus' Engagement Party/Send off for their Hawaii wedding
Here's a pic Brett sneaked while I was getting ready - look at that big bump!
The Nursery... when we bought the house...
And before we started prepping for baby...NOW!

Such a spoiled little girl - this is only 1/3 of her closet... so many adorable little outfits all gifted by family & friends


Fun treasures on the shelves from Brett's childhood...
Baby S.'s view into our backyard