The Best Laid Plans


Carolyn Sylvia
October 24, 2004, 1:59 PM
6 lbs. 13 oz.
19.5 inches

She’s here! We just got home today, and we’re all doing well. Her birth did not go quite as “planned” – someday I might write about it, but not tonight. Suffice it to say that despite everyone’s best efforts things ended in a c-section…which is why we just got home today. Actually, we were afraid we’d never get home, because we’d planned to leave at 2, and we didn’t get out of there until long after 3. I fed her at 12:30 (a 45 minute process because she tends to fall asleep eating). And then I fed her at 1:30. And then I fed her again at 2:30. Finally, at 3:15, she finally calmed down enough to put her in her carseat, which promptly made her scream again. We decided we could handle a little screaming and practically ran down to the car, stuck her in, and prayed that the car would work it’s baby sleepy magic, which it thankfully did. Otherwise, I’m sure we’d still be there, feeding her.

Her eyes are somewhat more slate grey or brown-grey than the normal newborn blue, and her hair is brownish, although in some lighting it looks a little reddish – the nurses called it auburn, but I’m not sure I believe them. Of course, the nurses also told me that she’s the cutest baby ever, and I do believe that. :) She has incredibly long fingers, so I’m holding out hope that she’ll be able to play piano way better than I can!

We haven’t decided if we’re sticking with Carolyn, or using Carrie, or any of the other pet names we’ve used so far: Carrie Bear (actually, we never called her that – Denis misheard something I said), Hobbit Child (her hair was a mass of curls before her first bath, and she eats a lot), Froggie (those skinny little legs!), Pumpkin, Angel, Troublemaker…um, yeah, the list is endless.

The doggies are thrilled that we’re home, and seem to be adapting to life with a baby pretty well. After an initial barking fiesta (which didn’t bother Carolyn at all) everything has calmed down and the doggies seem to know that this particular baby is staying. That could be the result of all the baby stuff that has been invading the house for the past several weeks! Denis really never got the chance to bring home a blanket for them to sniff, so, that didn’t go as planned either.

I think what we’re learning here is that things with a baby just can’t be planned! But despite that, we’re totally thrilled, and having fun getting to know our beautiful daughter. And now I need to go, because – guess what? – she’s hungry again…

22 thoughts on “The Best Laid Plans

  • October 27, 2004 at 10:37 pm
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    so i guess you’re not “feeling pregnant” anymore. ;)
    that’s a wonderful picture of the little midget girl. :) it’s great that you finally got to go home. let me know if i can do anything for you.

  • October 28, 2004 at 12:26 am
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    She’s precious! Those first few days drove me nuts, till they can stay awake long enough to fill their bellies all the way. Good luck.

  • October 28, 2004 at 1:46 am
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    She is a doll! Happy happy day*:)

  • October 28, 2004 at 3:46 am
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    Look at all that hair!! She is beautiful! I read your blog every day but I can’t remember leaving a comment before…ummm my memory is very good but ack! so short ;) Congratulations to your lovely princess:) *keep smiling*

  • October 28, 2004 at 5:57 am
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    Sarah – she is gorgeous!! Congratulations.

  • October 28, 2004 at 8:07 am
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    Congrats! You and Denis do nice work! Welcome Pumpkin Carolyn!

  • October 28, 2004 at 8:15 am
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    She’s beautiful! congratulations.. it must be so exciting getting to know someone for the first time, with all their crazy quirks, and knowing you’re the first ever to notice them!

  • October 28, 2004 at 9:56 am
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    She is beautiful beautiful beautiful! I can’t wait to meet her! I can’t wait to hold her! I can’t wait to see You! I am so happy for you, I could burst!!!!

  • October 28, 2004 at 12:38 pm
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    She’s precious!
    She missed being born on my birthday by one day!
    I’m so happy for you, and YAY for long fingers! Maybe she’ll be able to play all that unreachable Chopin when she gets older! :-)

  • October 28, 2004 at 3:14 pm
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    Congratulations on a beautiful baby girl!

  • October 28, 2004 at 3:17 pm
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    Sarah, I am so happy for you and Denis. She is so adorable, I can’t wait to meet her!

  • October 28, 2004 at 5:39 pm
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    very cute!!! i am a caroline who goes by carrie. my folks intended to call me caroline, but i decided i wanted to be called carrie in second grade… yes, very opinionated child. good luck with your cutie pie!

  • October 28, 2004 at 6:27 pm
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    I’m sorry to hear about the c-section. Ouch! I hope you heal very quickly. She is so so so so so cute! Look at all that hair.

  • October 28, 2004 at 11:02 pm
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    Congrats on a beautifull baby! That’s so exciting! I’m having pangs in my womb just looking at her picture and reading your story! Congrats again!

  • October 29, 2004 at 11:13 am
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    Hurrah hurrah! Congratulations on such a beautiful baby.

  • October 30, 2004 at 9:59 am
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    Hi Sarah, your little baby girl is so pretty! It’s wonderful to start a new life with a baby, isn’t it? I have received your beautiful postcard, thank you so much! I just loved knitting the blocks for Carolyn Sylvia… wow she’s called Sylvia, lol
    Hugs from France
    Sylvie

  • October 31, 2004 at 6:37 pm
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    So beautiful. Hugs to all – Thank you for sharing!

  • November 1, 2004 at 10:41 am
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    Welcome to the world Carolyn Sylvia!!! She is beautiful, enjoy your babymoon. :)

  • November 1, 2004 at 12:15 pm
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    I’m so happy for you and your husband……what a gorgeous little girl! My daughter just had a baby girl on Sept. 7th and had a C-section too….she healed quickly though, so not to worry, you’ll be feeling like yourself again quite soon. Congratulations!

  • November 3, 2004 at 12:33 am
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    wow, everybody’s saying the same thing i am. she’s beautiful, and look at all that hair! i remember trying to keep up with a hungry, sleepy baby. my oldest weighed 9lb 3 oz and ate every hour on the hour for the first two weeks. have fun!

  • November 4, 2004 at 1:33 pm
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    Aww she is gorgeous! Congratulations!!

  • November 4, 2004 at 7:50 pm
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    She’s a beautiful baby! Congrattlations!

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