Food Fairy Heidi H!

Heidi H came by last night and brought us deliscious Fresco! Ymm good! She also got to meet Kelly and we got to take some cute photos. Here they are!

Kelly is Asleep Right Now!

Speaking of sleep, she really is a great sleeper. She naps well during the day. She sleeps well at night. She probably wakes up ever 3-4 hours to eat. She can sleep in her bassinet, in the swing and now she can even sleep in the Pack and Play. That's where she is now. I'm cramming in sending thank you notes, taking a shower, drying my hair, getting dressed etc and of course, posting on my blog.

We watched this video called the Happiest Baby on the Block and it really really helped us to know how to calm her when she's crying. I would recommend it to anyone else with a newborn.

Her face gets more and more alert everyday. It's amazing to watch and see what she will do.

Kelly Loves Fisheys Video

Kelly just loves this swing that Heidi H loaned us. I can't tell you how much we depend on this swing!!! IT's the perfect thing for Kelly. She's starting to focus on the fish as they go around. At 4 weeks, a baby can start to focus on things. She even likes to have staring contests with mom and dad!

Thank You!!!

So many people have been sending us cards, well wishes and gifts. It's amazing. Kelly has been receiving all these presents - the most cute and beautiful little baby clothes. I will get thank you notes out but I wanted to thank everybody for all their kindness and love.

T H A N K Y O U!!!

Huggin' with Mom

Huggin'
Originally uploaded by uidiziner

We love each other of course!

Snugglin'

Snugglin'
Originally uploaded by uidiziner

With John. So cute!

Kelly just got her new Strawberry hat!

Kelly just got her new Strawberry hat!
Originally uploaded by uidiziner

We went to the sunday art show here in Santa Barbara. We just love getting out of the house. So the little family that could, John, Carey and Kelly got their act together and first had lunch at East Beach Grill. We then walked to the art fair on Cabrillo Blvd and bought this cute little strawberry hat for little K. We just love it on her.

We saw these cute little hats there last year. We didn't have anyone to buy one for. This year was of course different. It's so amazing to be the parents to this cute little girl! More pix of the strawberry hat are on flickr!

Fall is Definitely Here!

Doesn't it feel like fall? It sure does to me. I just went for a walk in our neighborhood (so nice to get 15 minutes to myself!) and the leaves are blowing in the wind and there is definitely a chill in the air. It's getting crispy. Time to pull out all the cute sweaters and warm socks and clogs and get dressed warm. I've been dying to be a regular size again to wear cute clothes. Now is the time!

Laura and Sophia Visit

My co-worker and friend Laura and her 4 year old daughter Sophia came by last night and brought us a homecooked meal. MMMMMMMMMM good. Marinated chicken, sticky rice and yummy veggies. It was soooo delish. John and I loved it. It was sooo good to see them. They got to meet Kelly but... she was asleep in the swing so they didn't really get to hold her or anything. They will definitely have to come back on a weekend during the day!

Road Trip to Santa Maria

Today we took our first road trip with my mom to see Grammy in Santa Maria. We did it! Basically drove up at 10am and Kelly slept the whole way. Yahoo! We got to visit with Grammy at her house for nearly 4 hours. Kelly even slept the entire time at Grammys! This gave us time to enjoy lunch, have tea and cookies and just relax.

I can't tell you how liberating it is to get out of the house. It's not that being home is bad... it just gets a little boring and clauterphobic. I think it's good for Kelly too to experience a new place. I mean, she is just sleeping the entire time.

We will definitely go again. Next time, maybe Kelly and I will go on a walk in the stroller or sling around the neighborhood. I also got some time to play with my iphone while I was up there. Terif!

Kelly Gains Weight!

Went to see Dr. Iris today. Kelly now weighs 9lbs 4 oz. Dr says baby should gain an ounce a day and Kelly gained more than that. So she's totally on track. (And God knows she has been feeding a lot!!!) So we don't have to see Dr. Iris for 1 month. Good Job Kelly!!!

Mommy and Baby

Mommy and Baby
Originally uploaded by uidiziner

Kelly is now more than 3 weeks old. Don't we look cute together???

BTW - I went to the Dr. today and I'm already down to 139 lbs. Whoa!!! My pre-preggers weight was 135. Man - this breastfeeding and them starving me in the hospital for 3 days is really doing the trick!!! :)

Cutest Picture Ever!
Originally uploaded by uidiziner

My dad came for a visit on Sunday. First thing he did was sweep Kelly up and hold her for a very long time. She loved it since she loves being held. She had her cute little yellow hat on and was very alert. Look how cute she is!!!

Dad also made us a very deliscious lunch. We are eating so well. It was a Pasta Pomodoro. Basically tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil but the trick is he mixes all that with out cooking it. When the pasta is ready, he throws that in. So you get these really great flavors, the garlic is so fresh. Both me and John were drooling because it was sooooooo good. We definitely will be adding this item to our dinner repetoire. Thanks Dad and thanks for coming.

Dad also gave me birthday money and some money for Kelly to buy her a stoller or a dresser. So will have to go out shopping. Kelly is very lucky.

See all the pictures here.

Grammy holding baby Kelly for the first time
Originally uploaded by uidiziner

See all photos here

My mom had a family party at her condo for all the september birthdays. This was for me, Lindsay and Aunt Darlene. Everyone had already met Kelly except for my Grammy. Here Grammy gets to hold baby Kelly for the very first time. It was clear that they love each other. Grammy is 93 and baby K is just 3 weeks old. This spans 4 generations.

Great party - everyone had a fun time. Delish food. Menu was:

Amazing Hor Deurves (including the artichoke dip that Lindsay makes)
Darlene's Mock Fried Chicken
Albie's Pea and Shrimp salad, Marinated Vegetable Salad
John's Watermelon and Cantelope salad
Garlic Bread
and more ....mmmm good!

Also lots of fabulous gifts.
- My aunt made me a Travel Snoozer Quilt and Pillow (my mom has one and I've been dying for one!)
- Steph gave me a beautiful painting of Waller Park in Santa Maria
- John gave me some cute Crocs sandals
- Jim and Lindsay gave me an Old Navy Gift Card and a new pair of slippers that I'm in love with
- My mom gave me tons. A new Lululemon shape jacket, new Reef sandals, money for a shopping spree, a Michaels and Trader Joes gift card, etc etc.

What a fab party! Mostly because it's no drama and just lots of fun, laughing and love. :)

John Soothing Kelly

Here's daddy John rocking Kelly before we went out to Chucks the other night. He's a very good dad. Very sweet to see them together.

Go here to see All photos of my outing to Grandma Albies on Flickr

First Journey Out to Grandma Albie's

Kelly was very cranky yesterday b/c of all that gas. Today she is much better. I had to let her sleep with us in the bed to get her to sleep. She must like the warm body and the feeling of my heartbeat. It makes sense since she had that for 9 months in utero.

Luckily most of the time she sleeps in her bassinet which is in our room. We want her to be able to sleep on her own.

Today, we took our first journey out to grandma albie's house. I drove Kelly there and we both survived. Kelly actually fell asleep in her car seat on the way over. And it's only a 7 minute drive! I carried her up to mom's 3rd floor condo and we felt quite proud of ourselves for having made it over. No one was there yet so I fed Kelly and she got sleepy. Then mom and John showed up. John brought subs from Giovanni's --- mmmm they were delish! We all hung out there until about 5 pm. Just relaxing and taking naps. Kelly is taking a liking to sleeping on the bed. My mom set up all these pillows on the guest bed so that she could sleep there. I'd say she napped there for a good 2 hours. That was great so that we could have lunch and john and I could both take a nap.

Right now we're waiting for Chinese food from China Pavillion that my boss Kristen ordered for us. Can't wait. It sounds really good.

35th Birthday Yesterday!

Yesterday, I turned 35! Whoa, what a milestone! John and I celebrated by going to Chucks of Hawaii (my favorite) on Upper State. My mom stayed at our house and baby sat little K. First time I've put on makeup in weeks. My feet are also not swollen anymore and I was able to wear cute shoes. (They were terrible - it felt like I had two throbbing bricks for feet.)

We had a nice time, got Baskin Robbins after and brought it to my mom to celebrate. John gave me an iPhone for my birthday!!! Now to find the time to learn how to use it!

Poor Baby K had gas all day yesterday. I think it was because I drank half a bottle of Dixie Peach from Trader Joes and Im guessing it made her gassy. Poor thing. I won't be drinking any more juice. It's weird to see how what you eat can really affect poor little baby.

Does anyone have tips for what to eat / not eat while breastfeeding? Please post comments here. Would really appreciate the advice!

Dropping Off the Cliff

Yesterday, Sunday was the first day I didn't have any more darviset (pain pills). It was a bit rough. I only cried twice. But then I ate lunch and felt better. I still have the Ibuprofen from the Dr and am supplementing with the tylenol. Thank God. But did you know that calling the Dr on the weekend that they WILL NOT do prescription refills on the weekend. So why the heck do they make it so they stuff is going to run out on the weekend???????????

Anyway, one day later and I feel better and now I'm off the stuff. It's probably for the best anyway. Although I am extrememly tired.

Baby K is doing great. She's sleeping right now. Been napping since 1pm. She's about to wake up and I will change her and feed her. Then rock her in the rocking chair. She's a real love. But she hates dirty diapers!!!

Grandma Andrea and Auntie Laura visit

On Saturday, John's mom Andrea and sister Laura came to visit us for the day. It was fun for all. They got to visit with baby K for the day. Both got to hold baby and get acquainted. Very cute.

Laura made dinner - my personal request was this pesto pasta she makes that has penne, pesto, chicken, sun dried tomatoes, olives, feta. It was awesome. I craved it b/c I havent had feta in 9 months. It was so good. She also made figs wrapped in prosciuto and tomatoes and mozzarella and basil. This was no slacker meal. It was all so deliscious. Andrea brought olalaberry pie from the Avila Barn which I highly recommend if you're ever in Avila Beach. Go to the Avila Barn and get this pie.

Going to See Dr. Iris

Mom and Baby waiting for Dr. Iris
Originally uploaded by uidiziner

This morning we all went for our first outing with Baby K. It was time for her first baby doctor visit with Dr. Iris. Here we are waiting in the cute room for the dr. Kelly was very well behaved.

She weighed 8lbs 6 oz so she is now back up to her birth weight. Dr. said this is excellent and great for 13 days old. She said we looked good and the baby did too. Thanks to all that are supporting us so that we get to care for the baby.

Good news: I get to have coffee!!! B/c I had it while I was preggers, I can have it now, says Dr. Iris. So first thing we did was rush over to Starbucks on Victoria and John got me a latte and a blueberry muffin will baby K and I waited in car. Wow! Did it taste delicious!

Pictures of the first doctor visit are at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/uidiziner

Recovering at Home and the Blessed Food Fairy

Well, recovering at home has been interesting. I came home on Saturday. Man, let me tell you Sunday and Monday were really tough. I felt really terrible. Plus it was really really hot here in SB. Tues, Wed and today Thurs were each progressively better.

My mom has come everyday at 11 and stays until like 8 to help us. How would we adjust to our new life with baby K without her??? She's really good with the baby and loves her more than I thought she would.

John is great with the diapers and the burping. He's also really good at getting up in the middle of the night. I'm adjusting to getting up every 3 hours. Who thought of that??? There's got to be a better way.

Kelly is perfect. She sleeps really well. She feeds well. She loves to stretch out her arms and legs. She loves the swing that Heidi H loaned us. She really doesn't like wet or doodled diapers.

The food fairy that Lori D set up for us is AMAZING!!!!!!! Basically someone delivers food to us every night so we dont have to cook or do any dishes. WE LOVE IT. Lori sent us SB Chicken Ranch on Tuesday and last night Grace B brought California Pasta. Both were delicious. Thank you to everyone that is bringing us or arranging delivery of dinnres. IT IS SO HELPFUL. Thank you to Lori D for organizing it and making sure we get fed.

Lindsay Has Posted Lots of Pictures too

Hi Lindsay, my brother Jim's fiance, has posted lots of pictures on Kelly and the family on Shutterfly. Check them out:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZtWLZw1cNGLEWA&emid=sharview&linkid=link5

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZtWLZw1cNGLElA&emid=sharview&linkid=link5

Kelly Pictures!

Finally found a moment to post all the pictures that I've accumulated since Kelly's first appearance. Enjoy! Click this link below:

http://flickr.com/photos/uidiziner/

Love, Carey and John

Kelly is Here!

Kelly Ann Caulfield arrived at 8:05 am on August 25. 8lbs 6 ozs. 20 inches. We are very happy to have her here!!!

It was a bit of a process as I bet you can tell since I haven't posted for a week and a half. Long story short - we went to Cottage Hospital in SB on Thursday, August 23 to be induced, labored all night and day long and then night long again and finally Kelly Ann made her debut at 8:05 am on Saturday, August 25. Both mom and dad are proud.

Unfortunately I had some complications in the hospital starting on August 28 and got really sick. My intestines weren't working. In other words, no #2 for a few days and a lot of gas. OMG!!! So painful. I was swearing like a sailor. These pains were worse than the labor. Luckily by Thursday Aug 30, they finally figured out what the problem was (after having not eat or drink even water for 3 days!!!). The good news was that the baby was doing fine the entire time. Luckily I got better enough to finally leave the hospital on Saturday, September 1. Total 9 days in the hospital. Uggggggg!