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Eliza Sophia Singer entered this world at 8:38p on March 25, 2008. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. Eliza is named in honor of Melissa's father's grandmother (Eliza Jane Gammon) and her middle name is Joel's father's grandmother (Sophie Duitch). Eliza is also a connection to a character in Pygmalion/My Fair Lady and honors our love of theater. Sophia means 'wise' and represents that our daughter wisely decided to be late so her mommy could get some more sleep even though she really really wanted to have a March 21st baby (her grandmother Gilbert's birthday).
Melissa had a moderately painful but shorter labor, compared to Benjamin's birth four years ago. Amy, Melissa's midwife, and the staff at O'Connor hospital were both very helpful in labor and delivery. Melissa has also been getting lots of help in breastfeeding from Christine Olszewski, a postpartum doula.
Eliza has been home now for a few days and is eating and pooping like a champion. Sleep is more difficult; sometimes she can sleep for hours with no problems, but other times it takes lots of effort to comfort a fussy baby. This is normal with newborns, of course, just hard on the parents! Eliza seems to enjoy sleeping on her tummy more than Benjamin did, and does not really like sleeping on her back. We are working on it, as Melissa isn't teaching at Santa Clara University this quarter, and Joel has taken leave time from his job at LifeMasters. Several other friends of ours have helped by bringing meals, doing some chores, and helping entertain Benjamin when we need to tend to Eliza. Many thanks to all!
Benjamin's adjusting to the presence of Eliza in the house, wanting to help with diaper changes and hold the baby. He likes trying to make the baby laugh by making funny faces and using his bumblebee puppet. But sometimes he gets annoyed when she's yelling at night, when he wants to sleep; and he is being pretty mommy-clutchy, as he sees Melissa spend lots of time feeding Eliza and not playing with him. It's been an intense couple of weeks in the household, and we're all getting used to the new routine.
Congratulations to all our friends who've also had new additions this month: Jeanne & Wallace, Scott & Ky-Van, Julie & Eoin. (Something in the water this month?) Let's all enjoy the parental roller coaster!
Eliza just after birth |
It's cold out here! |
Sucking on Mommy's finger |
Proud GranJack |
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Proud Nonna Lucia |
Tired father |
All bundled up |
Benjamin and Eliza meeting for the first time |
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First car seat ride |
Yes, I'll drive safely |
Hugging the baby |
Sleeping soundly |
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I've grown accustomed to her face |
Benjamin still gets daddy-time... |
...though Eliza tires us out! |
Sleeping on Jack |
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And then on Lucia |
Soynut butter is my favorite food |
Laugh, baby, I look silly |
Can I hold her? |
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Here, mommy, she's poopy |
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