Ainsley is Four Weeks Old!

I can't believe how fast the time is going and how much Ainsley has changed and grown in such a short time.  She sleeps about 3-4 hours at a time now, although sometimes less, and is typically ready to eat when she wakes up.  We usually get about 15-20 minutes after each feeding where Ainsley is alert and so much fun to interact with.

We continue to have lots of visitors and try to get out and about when we can.  Last Friday, we went to our neighborhood's monthly garden party where Ainsley got to meet the whole crew.  Everyone was so excited to meet her, especially since she was born only three days after the last party, so I was still very pregnant then!  We also went to Wade Oval Wednesday, a free event with live music at Wade Park.  Ainsley slept through the whole thing!

Here are some photos from over the past two weeks:

Visit from Great Grandma Shellhammer

Meeting Great Grammy Wills

Visit from my friend Julie

Ainsley with Julie's little boy, Cooper. 

He's only 6 weeks older than Ainsley, but quite a bit bigger. 

Cooper's a growing boy!

Meeting Aunt Meghan

Already trying so hard to hold her head up

Just chillin' at Wade Park

Lazy afternoon on the porch

First real bath - the second one went much better. :)

In her strawberry outfit from Grandma Molnar

First Two Weeks Home

Ainsley has been home for two weeks now, and while it's been an amazing experience to have our little girl with us at home, it's also been a challenge.  The hospital pediatrician wanted us to go to our pediatrician as soon as possible, as he expected elevated levels of bilirubin (what causes jaundice). Due to these high levels, Ainsley had to wear a Bili Blanket photo therapy panel for four days (and nights) to help break down the bilirubin.  It was hard to feed her and soothe her while she was strapped to this machine, but it was worth it in the long run, because she's now clear of the jaundice.

We also had a bit of trouble getting Ainsley to eat enough.  She was very sleepy, partly due to jaundice and partly because she was born 3.5 weeks early.  We struggled to wake her every three hours to eat.  But finally, she's becoming more alert and is feeding like a champ.  She sleeps on a fairly regular schedule and now wakes on her own every three hours or so to eat.

We're getting to know her little expressions and sounds, and we're in awe every time she opens her big blue eyes to look all around - she's so alert and curious!  It's truly a joy every day.

Meeting Clio

First day home in Ainsley's nursery

Strapped to the Bili Blanket

Visit from Great Aunt Liz Molnar

Bath time

This is our favorite picture so far - so cute!

It's a Girl!

I had a big surprise on Father's Day, when my water broke 3 weeks and 3 days early!  Our little girl was born the next morning. 

Ainsley Elizabeth Wills

Born Monday, June 21, 2010
8:23 a.m. 

6 lbs 1 oz, 18.5 in. 

Pictures from the hospital

With Grandma and Grandpa Wills

Baby Bump at 34 Weeks

After consistently measuring two weeks ahead at my previous two appointments, I'm now measuring right on track at 34 weeks.  The doctor thinks it might be an indication that the baby is beginning to drop.  Of course, that doesn't mean anything in terms of when the baby might be coming, but it's good to know things are moving in the right direction!

Baby Shower

On Saturday, May 15, my baby shower was held at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Legacy Village. It was a wonderful event and everything was even better than I could have imagined. I am still completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends, who showered us with so much love and many wonderful gifts for Baby Wills. Many thanks to everyone!

Mommy-to-be with two very excited Grandmas-to-be

Many thanks to the hostesses, who put together the most amazing afternoon!

My grandma - Katherine Shellhammer, Nathan's sister - Meghan Wills, Nathan's grandma - Rosana Wills;

My mom - Kathie Molnar, Nathan's mom - Becky Wills

Table setting, with the favor and centerpiece

Delicious cake from Wild Flour Bakery in Rocky River

Nathan's Aunt Wynnie displaying the chocolate teddy bear lollipops that my neighbor, Karen, made for all of my guests.  Thank you, Karen!

My mom transported the individual pieces of this diaper cake via airplane from Wisconsin and put it together when she arrived in Cleveland. So cute!

So many fabulous gifts for Bean!

Baby Bump at 28 Weeks

Hello, third trimester!  I went to the doctor on April 23, and she measured my belly at 30 cm.  Her comment?  "Baby sure is growing well.  This certainly isn't going to be a 6 lb baby!"  Now I'm having nightmares of a 12 lb baby...

Baby Bump at 23 Weeks

Welcome to our blog, where we'll be sharing stories and pictures of the adventures in and around our house. Our current big adventure: preparing for Baby Wills, due July 14!

I can't believe how the time is flying!  This picture is from March 21.