This is a long one

I think it's been about a week since I wrote a real blog entry. A week is a long time when it comes to the life of a newborn... After all, she's not even 4 weeks yet!

Last Friday night, Jason and I went out to dinner with another couple (who got engaged the next day!!!) and had a blast. It was getting there that was the problem - We left Gabrielle with the more-than-capable Mr. and Mrs. Don Wells (my parents, for those who don't know), and I was still feeling guilty for leaving her. I'm really glad we went, though. One, I need to get used to this separation thing, since going back to work is not far away. (Dec 19 & 20, then back full time on Jan 2) Two, it was great to hang out with people our age - a rare find in Richmond County.

Mom and I went shopping the next morning, and I tried on about 15 pairs of pants. No luck. It's true - The Mom Body is harder to dress. I did find a pair of dress pants for Jason. Good thing, since I washed a pair of his khakis last week and pulled them out of the washer in two pieces. Izod, for gosh sakes!

The next three days were more like one long one for me. Probably the best part was when Gabby's babysitter, Marianne, came by for about two hours. I meant to take a picture to introduce her to our blog audience, but she didn't end up holding Gabrielle that day anyway.

Yesterday (Wednesday), we three Lutzes took a trip to Charlotte. No small feat, mind you - it's a good hour and a half to the hospital where we went to visit a church member. I made things a lot more complicated by FORGETTING THE DIAPER BAG. Who forgets a diaper bag on a long car trip?!!? So after having pulled into the parking deck, we had to go back out and visit two different stores to find diapers her size. Gee whiz. So we were really late and didn't get to visit our friends in Monroe like we'd wanted to. Jason missed a birthday part for one of the youth at the church (argh,) but we made it in time for Bible study. I went to feed Gabrielle and she threw up all over me and then had a poopy diaper blow-out. But with no diaper bag, there was no extra outfit to change her into. So we went home and promptly got a call from Jason saying he'd probably have to go back to Charlotte in the middle of the night. And he did. So he is quite tired now. What a day.

Hooray! MawMaw (Linda) and PawPaw (Roger) came today to visit Gabrielle. This allowed me to get a shower. I won't say how long, but... it's been awhile. What a luxury!! I think PawPaw may have hit upon a fun nickname for Gabby. Porkchop. I like it. Plus, it matches the food theme we have going in the family. Our niece Elana is more often called "Burger."

As for Gabrielle's growth, she is following with her eyes and focusing tremendously better. She's got to be over 11 pounds now, and she's strong enough to spaz out of your hands if you're not careful. Also, she has developed an addiction to the swing. I believe we'll find a way to bring that on our extended stay in Tennessee after Christmas. Everyone will sleep better. : )

Ah yes - Happy birthday, Stephen Hull!!

Well, that's the week in review. A smashing good time, dear!

http://www.geocities.com/auntyaryen/WeekFour.html