I woke up, as usual, with Mom hanging out in my room and Dad off sleeping. My parents are such planners and have yet to learn that I am not going to go along with them just because it fits into their Outlook schedules. I had my 4-day check up at the doctor’s office at 12:30 this afternoon. Mom wanted to leave at 11:45 and planned to feed me, pump, and feed me again before heading out. Yeah, right.
We started breakfast at 8:00 am, but it’s the weekend, right? So I figured I could have a liesurely meal at my own pace. It took me a while to get started and then I kept taking little naps, so I didn’t finish up until about 9:30. Mom decided not to pump in order to make sure that I could get in another feeding before we left for the doctor, which we did at around 11:15.
As this was my first trip out of the house since getting home from the hospital, I was very excited. Dad was in charge of getting me all strapped in my car seat and carrying me down to the car. While he succeeded at getting me in to the seat, he totally couldn’t figure out to strap me in; luckily, Mom came to the rescue.
We got to the doctor’s office where I found out that I weighed 6lbs, 14.5 ounces — that’s up 4 ounces in just over 48 hours. Everyone was really pleased. The nurse also checked my bilirubin levels, even though I showed no visible signs of jaundice. My bilirubin was 8.3 when I was discharged from the hospital and now it’s down to 7.8 (I’m not supposed to worry as long as it’s under 13 or so).
Then Dr. Johnston came in to examine me. Of course, like her colleagues before, she was enamored with my hips. She was delighted with my weight gain and everything else, until she asked if I had pooped yet. Nope. Since I produced plenty of meconium in the hospital, Dr. Johnston isn’t really worried about Hirschprung’s Disease, but she wants to see me again on Monday if I haven’t pooped by then. At the end of my exam, she said “Margaret’s a poop away from perfection.” I’ve heard that line before.
Mom forgot to take her pain medication, so she wasn’t feeling good on our way back from the hospital. Dad stopped by her favorite ice cream shop and got her their favorite treat: a chocolate peanut butter milkshake. I couldn’t help looking forward to getting my share of that in a couple hours.
Grandma Yagan came over and made lunch for Mom & Dad, loaded the dishwasher, straightened up the house, and did some laundry. Thanks, Grandma! After I ate lunch with Mom, I got to hang out with Grandma as she and Dad prepared for her upcoming case in small claims court.
My big achievement for the day was that I almost managed to turn my head from one side to the other while on my stomach (see picture below). I haven’t tried so hard to do anything in my whole life. Dad was cheering me on like crazy, but I just couldn’t do it.
Dad left to go to Target to pick up a refill and tank top for Mom and some batteries for my swing. When Dad left, she told him she would “start waking [me] up” but that didn’t go well. I finally humored her by getting up and eating a bit, but then drove her crazy when I spit every little drop right back out. That Oberweis milkshake didn’t do much for me.
I’ve been sleeping so well that Mom is starting to get worried (Dad thinks she’s crazy) and I caught her surfing the web for tips on how to feed sleeping babies. Apparently one web site suggested that she draw a circle around my mouth with her finger. Another suggested she take off my clothes. Finally, she came across one that said to rub my feet. I liked that one.
Talk about hard to please! Don’t most parents wish their babies slept more? Who are these parents of mine? What do they want from me?
I laid in bed with Mom most of the evening while Dad addressed the chaos that our house had turned into. I’ve been home for three days and my parents never even bothered to unpack their hospital bags. The place is pretty much under control now, though.
Mom went to sleep at around 11:00 pm and Dad took me downstairs to play instead of letting me sleep. Like I said before, he’s trying to be very proactive about managing my sleep schedule. Dad set up my activity gym (thanks Aunt Charu!) and I laid there for about an hour. I got in some really good tummy time, but still couldn’t get my head turned from one side to the other.
After another hour playing with Dad, I started rooting pretty aggressively and Dad figured that since I was probably exhausted, I might be interested in feeding and then trying to get in a long stretch of sleep. As much as I hate to admit it, he was right. I slept from 1:30 am to 7:00 am, waking up only briefly and around 4:00. Dad got me right back to sleep by holding me while he watched Tim Russert interview interview Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Dad felt good that Mom got her best night’s sleep since having me, and he turned in to get some sleep of his own. Sadly, the day ended without a proper poop. I left a couple little treasures in my diaper, but none that one could really be identified without some help.
margaretyagan 
Baby looks cold on that scale! You should clothe her!
She seems awesome already and I’m so glad to read about her antics.
We missed seeing a plump Jess but are so happy for the two of you. We know another little one born on the same day so let us know when she needs an Irish boyfriend.
All the best
becky b. and alex-different-b.
Welcome baby Laila! Love your arabic name, it reminds me of my favorite song on the Putumayo Arabic Groove cd.
Let mom and dad get some sleep and make sure they teach you how to play Taboo.
Kisses!
Heather
Maggie,
Welcome to the great outdoors. I look foreward to meeting you and discussing all of your growing pains. I am still in the one year and under category myself…and already I am an accomplished typist. Actually, I am just really good at pushing buttons and getting reactions from mom and dad. Text me when you are passing through the area on your way to visit Grandma and Grandpa Droste and we will set up a playdate and I will show you how to open the kitchen drawers that have been “Childproofed”. I look forward to introducing myself and my parents to you soon. In the mean time, you should eat, sleep, and fill diapers.
Love,
Samuel B. “Sam” Droste
WOW! Baby Maggie, you ROCK! Blogging with so much progress already. Its tough living up to these expectations and milestones set up by your nutty parents–sleeping too much, pooping too little–how can anyone deal with this madness?
We are excited to meet you soon! Welcome lil’ Madge!!
Love,
Uncle Rob & (Crazy) Auntie Nancy
Welcome Miss Maggie!
So excited to see another Midwestern girl enter the world!
You are certaintly a prolific writer already! Maybe a future for you in this? Especially with Dad introducing you to Doris so soon…
For now, I hope you are enjoying time with Mom and Dad. Don’t let them dress you up in too much pink 😉
Stay warm in the windy city,
Colleen
Oh what a cutie she is! Thanks for letting me know about Maggie’s blog.
I am so happy to hear that all is well with your family. Please let us know if you need anything or when you are up for visitors..since we live just a few blocks away.
Take care!
Kelli
I can’t believe I’m 5 days late in hearing the news! Welcome to the world Miss Maggie. And welcome to parenthood Droste and Yagan! Can’t wait to see the new fam!
Hugs,
Hanck