March Indy Madness...

It's tough to be the coolest baby in town, but Indy seems to manage just fine. She's weighing in at a sturdy 16 pounds and is in the 93% for weight for a four-month-old baby! She's also stretched out to 25.5 inches--the girl's a tank! Maybe I should consider rephrasing my diction: she's an amazon woman!

I should also mention that Indy has taken a great interest in reading now. I know, it seems a little early, but you can't fault her for loving a little mystery: Sherlock Holmes is the literature she's drawn to. What a classy lady! Both Dan and I are so proud of her! She'll be taking in all sorts of great authors in no time! If I want to get technical, however, her first novel was Casino Royale. Dan read that to her each day--they just finished today. Indy couldn't believe that Vesper was a double-agent!

In fact, this is how she reacted when she found out the resolution to Casino Royale: 

WHAT?!

In other Indy news, Indy's been enjoying walks in the sun and dressing up as a cool pirate! She certainly has a personality all her own! We're really enjoying all of her milestones of late: she's giggling more, squealing, trying to sit up (which is really hilarious--she looks like she's doing sit-ups). 

Comfy on my walk!

Pirate Princess!

Indy's also been able to spend some time with Hattie--her new friend! She technically hasn't met her, but Hattie is planning to make her debut any day. Instead of literally hanging out with Hattie, we spent time with her mom, Shelby! :)

Shelby, Sunny and Hattie

Hattie's coming! 

Feed me!

Indy also met another friend: Ellie. Ellie is a little older, but with time, Indy will be able to keep up with the older girls! 

A new friend in Ellie

Brook, Sunny and Indy

I guess you could say that we're just having a ball with our little one! She is getting acquainted with the world around her and we love her reactions to everything! For instance, she's getting more and more comfortable with bath time; she's realizing that it's like a day at the spa! Mom and Dad are thrilled! 

Don't forget my nooks and crannies! 

It's been a truly fun month! 

Daddy and Indy

We heart Indy

February is the month of Valentine's Day--a time in which love, hearts and warm sentiments seem to fill the air. It is only appropriate that people seem a little more sentimental and affectionate. Dan and I certainly feel our love is amplified as of late, but perhaps it is not in the name of our dear friend, Saint Valentine or Cupid. Perhaps it is because of our cute, little cupid we now have occupying the extra bedroom of our home. The chubby, dimpled, blue-eyed cherub we call Indy! Here's some updates on her third month of life!

1. Last week, when we gave Indy a bath, we squeezed her butt cheeks to really exaggerate her dimply bottom. Seriously, this is the only time in a girl's life where the more cellulite she has on the back of her legs and butt, the cuter and more adorable she is. Can't it always be like this?

2. Indy endured her first cold this month! Yuck! We certainly did not enjoy watching her sniffle and sneeze all day. She was congested for a week and it made it difficult for her to eat and sleep, but she was a champ. She smiled despite the cold--what resilience! Luckily, she never got a fever! Mom got sick too, so we braved the storm together.

3. Indy also got to see Grandpa Shaffer for a breakfast outing--he couldn't believe how big she's getting. She hung out with us at The Breakfast Club and Starbucks. Uncle Donny came along too and he looked good with Indy sitting on his chest. She was as happy as a clam, snuggled up in Donny's arms. So cute!

4. Grandpa and Grandma Hipp came down for a visit. Indy showed everyone her new discovery--she has a fist (she's not aware that she has two). She would proudly show off her clenched fist to Gma and Gpa, while also analyzing her fist as though she was solving a complex math equation. It's funny to see the world through her eyes. EVERYTHING is so interesting. She loves her fist, light fixtures, fans and ceilings. I grow envious of her ability to be entranced by thee most mundane items.

5. Daddy (Dan) takes such great pictures of Indy! She is quite the charmer when she has a camera directed at her. We're getting a kick out of all the fun expressions she's taking on. Her smile is contagious too! I think it can cure diseases. One smile from Indy literally energizes me. I now find myself pandering to a three month old for a simple, little smile.

Indy's a tad over three months now. We haven't had a weigh-in yet, but we're thinking she's at 15 pounds! She's a chubby one, but that's how we like em!

Until next time...

You're a big baby!!!

Indy is one-big-baby! This month had us going to our 2 month check up for our little Indiana! We were anticipating her weight with utter suspense! Dan and I were absolutely astonished to find that she weighed in at 12 lbs, 9 oz. She's gained over four pounds since her birth! She's quite a chunk and that is how I love my babies. Her flesh looks deliciously edible; there are folds upon her folds! I just love it--Jonathan Swift would be so proud!!!! Sometimes, Dan and I nibble on her fleshy, round cheeks--it's hard not to take a bite! Okay, maybe that sounds a little cannibalistic--we don't really want to eat our baby--we just want to gnaw on her skin with our gums. YUMMMM...

This month brought on a new bunch of firsts--firsts that I wasn't really looking forward to. I suppose that EVERY mother deals with some level of guilt when returning to work, but it seems like when it's you feeling the guilt, you're the only one in the world that could feel THIS BAD! I had a tough time leaving Indy when I returned to work in mid-January. Dan is with her two days of the week and then we have to hand her off to day care for the remaining work days. It's been a tough adjustment--the only person that doesn't seem to know the difference is Indy. In many ways, that's good. It's nice to know that she isn't terrified to be without mom and dad. She doesn't cry when I have to leave her with Linda (our daycare provider); she doesn't cry while she's there; the only time she cries is when I come to pick her up!!!! That just about rips my heart out of my chest! I tell myself that she cries because she knows that I am her mom and she can now gain access to the buffet-line (if you know what I mean). So, she begins crying because she can't get her milk fast enough. I don't know if that's why, but it doesn't change the fact that I get sad with afternoon pick-ups! I hope that things will get easier with time...we'll see. The good thing is that I get to love on her each and every night. I love smelling her plump, little head while sleeping next to her--it's one of my favorite things about being a mom! I also get to be with her all weekend!

Happy Holidays...and a baby!

Attention: The following baby possesses superhuman powers; look at her preparing to fly!

Here I come to...poop my pants!

So, Indy has been filling our days with laughter, fun and chaos, especially during the holiday season. One thing I have learned about having a newborn during the holiday shopping frenzy is that you can never be too prepared! A trip to retail shops requires the following: lots of time, a stroller, hooks to attach to the stroller, diaper bag, bottles, boobs, a patient husband...the list goes on! Luckily, we have a super-baby, so despite the fact that shopping takes a REALLY long time, Indy has been quite cooperative and polite. For instance, take our Thursday-before-Christmas excursion:

1. Feed her before we leave so we have an interval of time to shop

2. Pack the stroller

3. Prepare the diaper bag and make sure we have the essentials

4. Don't forget the blanket to cover the car seat so random strangers can't fawn over our daughter (Kelly came to the rescue on that one--she actually made a car seat cover!)

5. Pack snacks for the parents

6. Constantly peek over the passenger seat while driving to check on the little-one.

7. Arrive at destination

8. She's hungry and must feed so shopping is postponed...40 minutes later....

9. Shop

10. She's satisfied for now and then the cycle starts again

So, what would normally take a couple hours to accomplish is now a 3-4 hour affair! We're learning. But like I said, the nice thing is that Indy has been great; we're just learning to adjust to her schedule. Once we thought we had shopping down though, we drove to Fresno to visit G-ma and G-pa Hipp and gang: W-O-W. A five hour trip is no longer five hours...try 8! 

Indy's first Christmas was so special. Take a look at some of her firsts:

First adorable Christmas outfit

First bouncy chair ride!

First introduction to Uncle Robby, Aunt MB and cousins Bekah and Bethany

First of many comic-themed gifts (from Madeleine) :) 

Hang out time with cousin Caitlyn! Naked style!

There are so many things we can share, but I will leave it to those pics above. Otherwise, I would fill this entire entry with ridiculously cute pictures of our daughter! Here are some other notable changes we've noticed over the last month: Indy's features are coming out more; we're not sure, but she may have blue eyes; she's started to smile and we witnessed her first smile the weekend of Christmas; she has dimples on her butt (so cute); her farts are steadily becoming more robust (loud and smelling of eggs); she spits out her pacifier whenever she wants us to pick her up (it's a vicious game she plays in an effort to monopolize all of our attention); she's beginning to sleep for 6 hours during the evening and lastly, she's awesome! 

A Month of Sunshine and Surprises...

Indy has certainly changed our lives! Having a baby is one heck of a game changer. It's funny because Dan and I have always said that bringing a baby into our life together would change us, but one never really knows how true that sentiment is until experiencing it hands-on! Here are some of the eye-openers that we've been surprised, delighted, and quite frankly, terrified of discovering:

1. Projectile poo--Indy has an Olympic sphincter. NO JOKE! She approaches pooping like a javelin thrower. If the soiled diaper is removed too quickly and a new diaper is not readily available, Indy's bottom has the ability to launch poop directly out of her bung-hole, over the rim of the changing table and onto the wall; we're talking 3 feet here, people! It's crazy! She's so sweet; you'd have no idea she could shoot green sludge out of her bum quite so aggressively.

2. Booby Blunders--This is no fault of Indy's; she doesn't know she's causing her mommy such pain, but seriously, I am so glad that babies are born without teeth! She can gum a nipple like it's nobody's business! I have heard of sore, tender, throbbing nipples, but once I experienced it myself, it took that whole "Hallmark" image I have had of nursing to a whole new level. Now, don't get me wrong, nursing is a beautiful time with Indy. I stare at her longingly and think she's the cutest, most precious thing alive, but at the same time, IT HURTS sometimes. Plus, she eats like a 400 pound, fat man!

3. Chunky legs and arms--I love a fat baby! I am thankful that Indy is becoming a little fatty. She's gaining weight; our last doc appointment had her at 8.13! She gained 6 ounces since birth. What I love the most though is that she's developing little marshmallow arms and legs. Give her a few more months and she'll be Jonathan Swift material (don't worry, I won't eat her).

4. Daddy's songs--Dan loves to sing to Indy and he's come up with the best lyrics ever! Some of the lyrics include nicknames for our little one: Buggle-Butt, Little Bean, Miss Piggy, the list goes on. Oh, and while we're on music, we even have dance parties for Indy. We've found that she loves dance jams and we'll rock her around the kitchen until she dozes off--it's awesome! It's actually a technique recommended in the book, Happiest Baby on the Block, a gift we received from Matt and Julie!

5. Family--Indy has met many of her family members. It's so special to us to see Indy wrapped in the arms of her grandparents, uncles and aunts. Thanksgiving brought many of us together and it was really sweet to see all the people that love Indy so much! She celebrated her first holiday with lots of love!

Aunt Jaime and Julie, Uncle Matts and cousin Caitlyn! 

6. Sleep deprivation--We've been lucky in that I can get 5 hours of sleep at night (interrupted by feedings of course). Indy has been a relatively thoughtful baby on that account. I will say though, it's amazing what the hormones do to a mommy. I thought it would be impossible to function with such limited sleep, but I think something kicks in and you just GO. I try to take naps during the day, but my body hasn't let me yet; my mind keeps racing. I am sure that will change though. Once work begins again, I will be wishing for a nap!

That's all for now--here are some pics of our Indy in her first four weeks of life! :) We are so thrilled to have her! She's amazing!

Grandpa Shaffer

First visit to Laguna! She loves Grandma Maddy and Uncle Andy! 

Stylish socks and an ever-growing leg! 

Grandpa Hipp

Happy Fam!

Indiana Sunshine Hipp has arrived!!!

Well, she's here-and boy, oh boy, she's beautiful! Our little Indy, as we so lovingly refer to her as arrived on November 15th at 4:56am. She came into the world weighing 8 pounds and 7 ounces and she is 20 inches long! She is a cute, pudgy ball of love! Dan and I are so thrilled and we both never knew it was possible to feel so many emotions all at once! 

Labor and delivery was a crazy experience, as I am sure it is for every couple and expecting mother. Our journey into the labor process began on November 13th at 3:50. I say this, because this is when I detected my first contraction. As so many mothers have told me, it simply felt like an intense menstrual cramp. I informed Dan and like a good father-to-be, he started the clock. Things started progressing at what seemed like a normal pace. My contractions were felt every 15 minutes until about 8 O'clock when they decreased to every three-four. I also started to experience severe back labor and my mucus plug drained, so we figured it was time to hit the road and head to the hospital. 

Pain and discomfort increased by the time we arrived to the hospital, but unfortunately, I was only 1cm dilated. My contractions maintained their 3-4 minute pace and my back pain wouldn't let up. Despite this, we were sent home! It was 2:30am at the time and once home, I was never relieved of my contraction pain or back labor (so painful!!!!). I proceeded to yell and scream throughout the entire day, most likely rousing suspicion in all neighbors. Dan of course was extremely protective and supportive. He rubbed my back with almost every contraction and he tried so hard to help calm me down, but I was a mess! I cried, I screamed and I quite literally couldn't take it anymore. It had been almost 24 hours since my first contraction and here I was, at home and cursing everything in sight (not really as I don't swear, but I made up my own language). We were told that evening that I needed to wait for my water to break, but it seemed that there was no indication of this happening. So, it was at 4:00pm that I was done waiting! I told Dan I was calling my doctor and if they didn't suggest a hospital visit I was going to lay someone out! I cried and wailed into the phone, not for effect; I seriously couldn't get through a moment without tears! I swear, I thought I was going to be tough, but I sobbed and yelled like the baby I so wanted to meet! 

My doctor suggested walking around the house for an hour and if my water broke, come on over. Luckily, it was in that time frame that it must have broken, so we made a mad dash for the hospital again.   Now, over 24 hours in, the nurses took one look at me and admitted us into the hospital. Now, I recall telling people that I was going to try and do things "naturally," but I would reserve the right to change my mind: I CHANGED MY MIND! I couldn't get drugs quickly enough! I was not asking; I was demanding anything! Since I was only 2cm dilated and the pain was so intense, I couldn't have an epidural, so I pleaded that they hook me up with some nubane (Oh how I loved nubane). It was a delicious cocktail of drugs that took the edge off of my contractions. I think Dan was relieved to hear that I would be getting drugs as well; his hand must've been ready to fall off with the 24 hour marathon of back massaging as well as the yelling and screaming that he believed led our neighbors to think he was chopping me into pieces. :) Here is a picture of me on drugs--much happier! 

That's better!

Anyway, the story continues with many strange antics. Apparently, I started concocting strange stories that I would tell Dan about; these of course, were drug induced nonsense that probably stemmed from going in and out of dreams. I guess I mentioned anything from feeding our farm animals to checking out the Gotham City night-sky that was outside our window. I am not really sure, but Dan said it was hilarious! 

Time passed and by 4am, our nurse Amy said it was time to push! We were excited! Everything happened so quickly--the epidural began wearing off, which was a good thing--I needed to be alert for pushing! Dan coached me throughout every contraction and I was shaking and shivering like a leaf. After about 35 minutes of pushing, our little Indiana arrived! They laid her on my chest and I fell in love in an instant! We are truly so happy. 

I have yet to forget the pain (so many women tell me I will), but the outcome has been so rewarding! She is perfect! Yes, we're sleep deprived; yes, I cry at the drop of a dime, and yes, we're overwhelmed, but we're so in love with this little monkey! 

She's such a cutie! There will be more pics to follow, but these are a few of the firsts! Thanks for reading the blog and following our journey! Indy appreciates all the love!

The Final Countdown...

Well, I have been thinking lately that maybe this little girl really likes her home in my belly; she has dropped significantly in the past week, but there's no sign of effacement or dilation. So, here Dan and I sit, simply playing the waiting game. We just got back from a doctor's appointment this morning and he said that he detects no dilation at all--that isn't to say that I still can't go into labor any time, but it just means that she's not making any great attempts to jump ship! So, we'll continue to anticipate her arrival while my stomach continues to balloon--she's totally hulking out! The official countdown is at 6 days!

I think she may come in around 8lbs. I originally thought she would be smaller, but she's bulking up right now, collecting her fat stores or something. I kind of picture her sitting in the womb laying down fat on her skin with a trowel, much like a brick layer would lay cement. I picture her cramming clumps of fat into all those cute, little divots, nooks and crannies. I am hoping for some nicely formed marshmallow-segmented arms, the kind that resemble the Michelin Tire Baby! You know, really chubby and soft. I could go for that! I will take her any way I can get her though.

In the meantime, Dan and I have been racking up QT. It's been really nice to have time to simply hang out. We've watched some incredibly dumb movies; one that tops the list is Scream 4. It was a nice slasher flick, but pretty stupid. At least it entertained us! I think Courtney Cox needs to lay off the botox though, just saying. She's pretty without a weird, frozen, swollen face. Dan and I have been making the rounds to see family and friends too. We had breakfast with the McLendon's and lunch with the Komer's recently (separate trips), and it was nice to hang out and chat. Here are some pics from those events:

Mommy and Daddy To-be

Uncle Andy

German Grammy

Aunt Jaime and Uncle Matt

So, things are going smoothly thus far! It's certainly weird not having to work right now. I think of my students often and then realize that I am a crazy person! I am convinced that once little-one is here, I will worry  A LOT less about my classroom. I think it's just one of those "letting-go" things. I love my job, but now is that time in my life where I need to learn to relinquish a bit of control, which is really HARD when you're OCD like I am. Heck, I have two vacuums in my room! FREAK! Anyway, we're learning as we go!

Maybe next time you tune in...baby will make her debut! We're kind of hoping for an 11-11-11 due date! :) We'll see...