Abby Weeks 1-2 & Owen 22 Months

I can't believe it's already been two weeks since Abby was born. So far, in general she is a very laid back baby. Only cries when she's very hungry. But sleeps so well she'll sleep through feeding time - she's giving us 4-5 hour stretches at night. Has a decent amount of awake time where she just looks around at the world happily. Robbie's mom went home on Saturday. Dottie and Bob were so great. I don't think I would have made it through the first two weeks without their help. Robbie is taking the first of his paternity leave weeks this week. The big project - making the birth announcement. My dad arrives this coming Sunday. We're looking forward to more help!

Our only hiccup so far with Abby has been feeding her. Starting the Friday after we were home from the hospital, Abby developed major poo issues - diarreah (sp?) 3-4 times an hour. She was pooing out everything faster than she could take it in. So she started losing weight. The doc thought it was likely an allergy to the formula that we were supplementing the breastfeeding with. So we tried soy formula for a few days - which did nothing to fix the issue and almost seemd to make it worse. Because of the constant pooing she developed diaper rash that turned into full on sores. Poor baby. So we had some rather sleepless nights for a few days there. Then we went on breastmilk only starting last Thursday. The good news is that this put stop to the diarreah and the sores cleared up. However, we had another doc appt. today, and while she's no longer losing weight, she's not gaining either. So now we're back to supplementing with formula - this time trying a hypoallergenic one. Cross your fingers that it not only does NOT cause diarreah again, but that she starts gaining weight.

Owen turned 22 months late last week. I can't believe he's already almost two years old. This 2nd year with him has flown by. He is now counting to 10 all on his own which is new. He also has developed a fear of suds in the bath tub (like when you rinse out his hair). Bathtime has become a bit of a struggle consequently. Any suggestions on dealing with an irrational fear of suds in the bathtub? His latest favorite thing to do is play t-ball. Nana and Pawpaw (Robbie's parents) brought him a toddler t-ball set as a gift for becoming a big brother. He LOVES to hit the ball off the T. Owen is doing awesome as a big brother. His teachers at daycare inform us that he talks about Abby and how much he loves her all the time. He can't wait to get home in the afternoon to give Abby a kiss. He is so sweet and gentle with her so far. Couldn't be more proud of our little guy.

So after the first two weeks with our darling daughter our little family is tired but happy. Week 3 here we come!

Announcing Abigail Jaelyn Gehbauer - Born April 27, 2009

We are thrilled to announce the birth of our baby girl, Abigail Jaelyn Gehbauer (Abby for short).

Born: April 27, 2009

Time: 8:08am

Weight: 9lbs 5.4oz

Height: 20"

Mom and baby are doing great. The c-section went very smoothly and a big difference in feeling better faster when there's not 30 hours of labor preceeding a c-section like there was with Owen. The time in the hospital was appreciated. Abby is already eating and sleeping like a champ (although we'll see how much that changes soon). She can do 4-5 hours at night at the moment (Owen was only going 2 hours at the point). We think she is beautiful, of course, and so far she has been so sweet and generally very happy.

We couldn't be more proud of how Owen has handled this. He loves to give the baby kisses and try to share his toys with her. He likes to point out all her features and what she's doing... "baby nose" "baby binkie" "baby sleep" etc. He has no problem with me holding her, but so far won't let Robbie anywhere near her (Daddy's boy to the core). Trying to gradually introduce that concept. Any tips?

Arrived home Thursday late afternoon. Our friends the Tribbles surprised us with "baby girl" balloons and decorations outside the house. So sweet of them. First night home went very well - got a 4 1/2 hour sleep in which is awesome.

I can't believe she's finally here. Love her so much already. Our little family is complete!