Family Time

These are a bunch of pics of family members. We wanted to hold off posting them until all family had a chance to meet little Anna Cate, but we decided we'll go ahead and post what we have so far. Enjoy.

A Hard Day

Yesterday was a rough day for Amy & Anna. We had an appointment with a Pediatric Cardiologist at 10AM for the murmur that the pediatrician noticed this weekend. The Cardiologist listened to it and said it was definitely more pronounced than it should be. He sent us in for an ultrasound and the official diagnosis was a Ventrical Septal Defect. Basically it is a harmless little hole that should heal itself within a year. http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/ventricular-septal-defect
That morning, Anna also began to develop a rash all over her forehead and eyes. We made an appointment with the on-call pediatrician at 12PM that same day. Amy went to this appointment alone. Once she got into the waiting room, Anna had an explosion in her diaper that soaked through all of her clothes and onto the car seat. As Amy is cleaning her off, little Anna's cord fell off a bit premature. The pediatrician had to cauterize her belly button as she's screaming at the top of her lungs. Due to her screaming, and red face as a result, the doctor wasn't able to get a good look at the rash, but thinks it is Cradle Cap. http://dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/cradle-cap.html
It was a long and exhausting day for mom & baby. Thankfully both are getting a much needed nap now during lunch. Amy is holding up, but definitely very exhausted and overwhelmed with everything going on. We are very thankful that the murmur was not serious. Please pray for peace and rest for Amy & for healing for Anna's heart & face. THANKS!

5 Hours of Sleep!

Last night looked much like the picture below. Most nights when Anna gets fussy and cannot settle herself, I take her into the living room on the love seat and let her fall asleep on my chest. Something about that just seems to soothe her. Well last night (technically this AM) I took her into the LR at around 3AM. Next thing I know Amy is waking me up at 8AM. Somehow my alarm didn't go off, or I didn't set it, but we all were able to get 5 straight hours of sleep. More than what we typically get in a whole night. Amy & I both feel so much more rested today. If only she could do that every night. :)

How many diapers does a baby actually go through?

That's a great question. Before little Anna came, I heard myths about using 10 diapers a day. I didn't think that could actually be true. It turns out I was right, instead we've been averaging 15-20 per day. For example, just a few minutes ago we changed a "blow out" as we like to call them. As soon as we were done, what does our precious little girl do- blow it up again. The picture is one of the bags from our Diaper Dekor full of dirty diapers for a little bit of proof.

This weekend it appears that Anna picked up the "bug" that has been going around. The poor thing, she was spitting up and throwing up all the time. That empty stomach of hers led to her wanting to eat every 1.5 to 2 hours and constantly being fussy. Needless to say mommy & daddy have not had much sleep. It also led to us breaking down and giving her a pacifier for the first time ever.

Throughout these past 2 weeks, I've continued to be amazed by Amy and her compassion for our child. She does such a great job caring for her and me. She makes it through each night without complaint, letting me sleep through many feedings, not waking me to change diapers. She is such a wonderful wife and mother.

Today Amy graciously allowed me to go on a canoe/kayak trip with some friends. It was so nice to get out of the house and be out in nature. We dropped one vehicle off at the exit point and all 4 of us rode to the entry point with the other vehicle We had a great time cruising down a 2 1/2 mile stretch of the Dan river. When we got out, that's when we realized that Matt had left his keys in the other car. Ooops. It was like Deja-vu after the same thing happening on our camping trip this winter. It added to the adventure when Charlie & I had to hitch hike back to the other car. Thankfully Madison, NC is a small town with lots of friendly folks. :)

Back in Business

Unfortunately our camera decided to quit on us this weekend and we haven't been able to take any pictures. We finally went out to Costco tonight and got a new one.

A few more pics

Finally- some new pictures

Sorry it has taken us so long to get some more pictures out. Needless to say, life has been a slight bit chaotic. Every minute of being parents has been wonderful, even the sleepless nights and messy diapers. Enjoy the pictures below. My friend Madison stopping by the house for a visit.

Some quality daddy time.

Some quality mommy time.

Praying to Jesus?

Heading on my first walk around the neighborhood.

Sleeping beauty.

My first bath @ home.

Welcome Home Baby Girl

Courtesy of Bravo Signs

My first car ride.

Yeah, I'm finally home.

My good friend Madison just before leaving the hospital. Aren't we cute.

I don't mean to brag, but I am adorable.

Sorry mommy, I never promised breastfeeing would be easy.

I think my grandparents are a little bit excited about me. Can you tell?

My 2 Precious Women

Right this moment I have the priviledge of watching little Anna taking a nap with Amy on her chest. I have been watching them for the past 30 minutes. I could sit her and watch them both for hours. It is one of the most peaceful sites watching the 2 most important women in my life resting together. I have been amazed at how wonderful Amy is at being a mom (not that I doubted her though). She has cared for this child so well. Last night she was up until 1:00AM holding and rocking Anna Cate in the chair, after more than 42 hours without sleep. She has done such a wonderful job patiently loving and caring for this little one. I know she will continue to be an excellent mommie.
We have had many friends stop by and visit helping us to celebrate. I've been overwhelmed with joy throughout this whole process- although I'll be extremely overwhelmed getting to sleep in my own bed tomorrow night. :)
I regret that I am unable to add any more pictures at this time. The camera does not want to cooperate any longer and let me download pics. Once we get home I promise to send more out of this bundle of joy.

Still at the hospital

We were supposed to check out today at 11:00 AM and head home, but we were told yesterday that we'll have to wait until Sunday. They were a bit concerned with Amy's fever and chills. Thankfully that has seemed to have departed. We are beggining to feel a bit clausterphobic in this room, but only one more day until we get to take our precious baby girl home. Little Anna is doing very well. She has been sleeping a lot, really only crying when hungry. She hasn't shown her little peepers to the grandparents yet, but hopefully today. She has her first pink outfit on as of this AM. I would post some pictures but the camera has died. More to come later. Thanks for all who have been praying and who have stopped by. If you want to visit us today, you are more than welcome. We aren't going anywhere. :) The fun part is that Kelly and Charlie Heritage are down the hall with their little girl Madison. We haven't met her yet, but hope to today!

Welcome Anna Catherine Sasser

Mom is doing fairly well although completely exhausted. She did not get a wink of sleep last night. She is still struggling with an elevated temp and obviously exhaustion. We're hoping to get a nap this afternoon.