A New Record

This adorable little 5 week old produced a mess in her diaper today that would have choked a billy goat. Her timing was perfect, as it was daddy's undertaking when he got home from work. So, next time u see me, don't make fun of me for going through 100 baby wipes in 3 days. I've seen some stuff. 

Memorial Day weekend

We had a great Memorial Day Weekend as a family, even though it was cold and rainy. Everlee got to attend her first "party" at Uncle Chad and Aunt Linz's house. Needless to say, mom and dad didn't have to do much holding. Everlee was such a sweet girl the whole time. She was napping and smiling like usual and is adapting very well to organized chaos. 

Andy and Brenda stopped for a nice visit on Friday night and we even got to see Uncle Andy's newborn skills at work.  He had to dig down deep to find em and then knock the dust off em, but once he got warmed up... Everlee was right at home. 

We got a welcomed visit from Tyler, Jenny and Savvy. It was fun to have them finally meet Everlee and watch Savvy pile the kisses on. She's such a sweet little girl. 

1 Month Old!

Everlee turned 1 month today. Just like everyone tells us... It goes by really really fast. We are definitely enjoying every minute we can. 

Everlee also got a very special gift today from Matt and Jennie. It's a throwback to a very special senior picture I took with my cat Caesar. Anyone who knows me, is well aware that I am very fond of cats, as the picture suggests. 

Good times (1985)

I was worried about this picture during our photoshoot, cuz I was in such an awkward position. I didn't want to re-live the embarrassment of the "Toboggan Photo" from our engagement pictures. Thankfully it was cropped correctly (sort of).

What's interest on $21 over 28 years?

I didn't know you could be "Ordered to be placed on probation to his father...."

That went.... uhhhhhh.... Well??

LOL

Newborn pics teaser!

We had Everlee's (professional) newborn pics taken yesterday and the photographer sent us a preview, so we figured we'd share. Diana is very good at what she does, and we highly recommend her to others looking for good quality pics.

Everlee was sooooo good during her photo session. She cooperated for 90 minutes, and then let us know it was time to head for home! Enjoy.

More Family Fun!

 Everlee got to meet her cousins Jonathan and Julia, and her Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Greg this weekend. It was a great weekend filled with laughs and lots of baby holding, with the exception of dear ol' Dad. I think I got to hold my daughter for a combined 10 minutes! Everlee was spoiled by her Aunt and Uncle with new clothes and bows and everything else you can think of for a baby girl. Julia got to play with her best friend (as she told me multiple times) Chloe on Saturday afternoon as well. It's always fun to get together with family, and its extra special when they get to meet our beautiful daughter for the first time.

This picture could go on a Halmark card, for sure.

Surprise!

The moment u realize your husband has matured since becoming a father. 

That moment is not now...

The life!

"I think I can get used to this."

Here's the favorite part of my day when I get home from work. 

1st Doctors Appt

Everlee had her 1st Doctors appointment today, and Grandma Carol was along for assistance as Daddy has a week long conference in West Des Moines that requires his time. This is the first time Mommy drove her vehicle with Everlee in the baby seat, so I'm going to assume the 5 mile trip took a little longer than an hour, and the max speed was 14 mph.

The Dr said she was doing very good health wise. He commented that her motor skills and hand-eye coordination are off the charts. He also complimented that her alertness and ability to smile is very rare to see in a 3 week old baby. She coo'd for the first time during her appt. Proudly showing off for us once again. We are so proud of her.

The Stats:
Height: 20 1/2" 41% (3/4" increase since birth)
Weight: 8lbs 13 oz 59% (1 lb increase)
Head: 14 1/2" 77% (Awesome stat)

Happy Mother's Day!

What a glorious holiday to have our beautiful baby girl home. I'd like to wish all mothers out there a very special Mother's Day. 

Great mother's make great families.

Here's the proof....

5/11

Everlee has been having fun with family visitors coming through the past few days to see her healthy and happy. The generosity of everyone has been exceptional as per usual. Mom and Dad have enjoyed the company and look forward to many more family visits and gatherings with our little girl joining the fun. 

Who says a manly outdoor hunter type can't have a daughter that dresses the part at 2 1/2 weeks old? Thanks Grandpa Kneifl for making it happen. 

5/10 What day is it?

1 day down!
How many to go?

Everlee has adapted well to being at home, so far. She continues to nurse and sleep like a pro. When she's awake, she loves to look around and smile at everything in the house. She doesn't mind the constant sniffing from the dogs either.

We are finally breaking in some of the wonderful gifts we've received from all of you. So, thank you. As we reflect back on our past few weeks, we are absolutely humbled by the generosity of our family and friends. 

Beautiful cousins meeting for the first time.

5/9 Update

You'll know why when you finally see it....

5/9 Home Sweet Home!

"Today was a good day!"

-Ice Cube

Daddy putting on her "Going Home" outfit.

Happy to be going home.

Rambo didn't know what to think.

Mommy showing Everlee her new room.

Napping in her bassinet. (sort of)

5/8 Update

Well, the nurse told Andrea and I to have date night tonight, cuz it might be awhile before we get another night to ourselves. Which is the best thing that she could have said to us. Everlee has to continue to do exactly what she's been doing, and we will be bringing her home tomorrow! It's absolutely impossible to describe the excitement we're feeling. 

She ate 50ml from all of her bottle feedings throughout the night, and continues to latch on like a pro with her mommy feedings. The nurses aren't even weighing her before and after feedings anymore because they know she's getting what she needs. 

Do I have the best seat in the house or what?

5/7 Two more tubes GONE!

Everlee has consumed at least 50ml all by herself for the past 3 feedings (with the last one being 66ml!) which meant we were able to take out her Picc line, and remove her feeding tube as well! It's so great to see her adorable little face for the first time, with absolutely no obstructions. 

Mommy and Everlee are working so great together on their feedings, so we can get the heck out of here and start to live life like a family should. Teamwork, the Kneifl way!

5/7 Update

Everlee has been doing very very good with her feedings. She has gotten better at latching with each attempt, and is staying awake longer. When we walked in this morning she was smiling and wide awake, and smacking her lips. So, we knew she was ready to eat. 

For her 9:00 am feeding she was scheduled to get 50ml of milk, and she snagged 50ml directly from Mommy's faucet. If she can continue to eat this well for 2 consecutive days, she will finally be able to come home! 

She continues to impress us, and all the staff here with the big steps she takes in such a short amount of time. She's such an amazing little girl. 

She's also wearing big girl clothes now!