Happy New Year!

We've just completed our first holiday season with Mackenzie.  It has been great.  She's handled it very well, all things considered.  Some long days, and a few long nights.  

She's getting much better at separating day from night.  She's becoming a good nighttime sleeper.  She talks a lot, and smiles at everyone.  She's also learned that she can use her feet as toys.  She's got strong legs, and likes to stand (with a little help, of course).  

Thanks everyone, for making it a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebration!

After Thanksgiving

Thanks to everyone for making it a great Thanksgiving.  We had a great time introducing Mackenzie to so many people.  It sure did wear her out.  She got a bit cranky by the end of the weekend...nothing a long day of napping can't cure.  

Mackenzie has reached a massive weight of 13 pounds and is 23 inches long.  She loves to smile and talk.  She's definitely becoming more aware of her surroundings, and always wants to look around.  And yes, she loves television...especially sports.  That's my girl!  

She's had a few more tests on those pesky kidneys.  It turns out, she only has one!  She may never play football, but as long as that kidney keeps working, she'll be just fine.  

Mackenzie's Busy Day with the Doctors

Mackenzie had a couple of appointments today.  She got to see the pediatrician this morning.  She's now 10 lbs 1 oz and 22 inches long.  This afternoon she had a VCUG.  That test was to determine whether she had reflux from her bladder to her kidneys.  Good news...no reflux.  She's doing great so far, and will have some more tests in the next few months.  

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

I was getting Mackenzie ready for bed tonight, and she decided to show off just how strong she is. Maybe it's not a big deal, but I still think it's very funny.

A New Life

Well, we've had Mackenzie at home for about two weeks, now. Things are going very well. We're both very tired (Katie especially) as expected. Mackenzie is eating often, putting on weight, and driving mom to exhaustion. She seems to become more aware every day. Her eyes focus a little more, and her movements are a little less sporadic. She's very calm, except when she's hungry. The dogs are curious of the new noisemaker in the house. But they've been very good with her.

We're very thankful for all the help we've received from family and friends. From the cleaning, to grocery shopping, to dinners, we appreciate it all. We're very lucky. Mackenzie will know how much she is loved. Thank you.

We're Home

We're finally home and relaxing with our Little Mac. She's had her first bath, and a couple of doctor's appointments. We also took her for a walk around the neighborhood, and she loved it. Each time we take her outside, she perks right up. She loves the great outdoors. The dogs are interested in her, sniffing all the time; they've been very good with her. The days and nights are long, but she's beautiful, healthy, and worth every second.

Zander's Here!

On Friday, September 26, Katie started having strong contractions. We made the trip to the hospital at about 8 pm. She received the epidural around 10 pm and labor went well from there. She started to push at 5:30 am and the baby came at 6:06 am on Saturday, September 27. Katie handled the labor very well; I'm very proud of her.

So, we've called the baby "Zander" for the past 9 months. For some reason, we expected a boy. But she's a beautiful baby girl with a head full of dark hair. And her name is Mackenzie. And we love her very much. She's doing great so far; very calm and a good eater. She loves to fling her hands around, even sucking on them when she's supposed to be eating. She has a cute cowlick on the front-right of her head. Long fingers and toes. She knows her mom's voice. And she even holds her head up. We're very proud.