You know your a new mama when...

When you can't finish a children's book in barnes and nobles without crying. Looking through the children's isle today I could only skim a particular book b/c I could tell that the ending had something to do with a little girl growing up. Needless to say, I put it down quickly and will not be buying books about little girls growing up-- at least not anytime soon. My mom also keeps saying that Geneva already looks bigger and feels heavier, to which I usually reply a statement of denial. I will cherish her at every stage and age, but I'm not in any hurry.

This is our first family pic since the hospital:

Here is a shot of the lovely flowers I received from Greg, my grandfather, and Greg's office. I felt so special to get so many beautiful flowers :)

I am one week old!

I am one week old today! See how big I am!

Happy Mother's Day

I am one proud and thankful mama on this Mother's Day. Geneva is such a special gift and I feel so blessed. I felt overwhelmed with emotion this morning as I received Mother's Day sentiments from Geneva, Greg, Tracy, and my dad. Greg gave me a 'mother' pendant and necklace today from Geneva. It's so pretty that I want to wear it everyday. My aunt Louise was so sweet to bring us dinner tonight and she and uncle Clint stayed to eat with us and then hold the baby. Mom dressed Geneva in the dress that Louise sent to me when I was a baby.

Here are pictures from today.

Five days on the outside

We've had lots of fun getting to know baby girl Geneva these past few days. She spends most of the daytime being held, looking around, or sleeping. She is settling into a good eating pattern and spends more and more time everyday with her eyes open. She has even "accidentally" kicked some of the hanging toys on her play-mat. Last night she had her first bath. She tolerated her head and chest/arms being washed pretty well but hated her lower half being wet. Bethany got most of it on video (speaking of which, getting some videos on You-Tube is a short term goal, along with baby announcements). Last night I got more sleep than I've had since before she was born at 5.5 hours-- I realize that this is quite good for having a newborn. We are very sad today that Bethany is leaving but have had an awesome time with her. She has definately got in some good aunt-bonding time. She is also a great photographer and took all of these photos.

The First 48 Hours

Little Geneva is a wonderful baby and a delight to watch, hold, and learn about. She loves to be snuggled, swaddled, and has a highly developed sucking reflex. She is eating very well and prefers a 4 hour schedule. Anything shorter than that and she has to be constantly tickled to wake up to finish. She has had some visitors already. Aunt Bethany came (from Omaha!) and surprised us this morning!! She and a friend drove through the night and she is finishing up a paper for finals as I type this. She is the first visitor from Greg's family. Great uncle Tom also got to see her (first of the Kuzmich side). Geneva went home from the hospital at 3pm today. She wore a very cute cotton dress that my friend ("aunt") Bonnie sent for her. When we arrived home, the girls had written welcoming notes on the driveway in sidewalk chalk and decorated the house with flowers, balloons, streamers, and posterboard banners (including one from Stella). The girls decorated but sweet Greg planned it all. He really wanted to make our coming home special and I was very touched. When we got Geneva inside, we had our own little photoshoot. Great aunt Debbie and cousin Marshal sent over a yummy Edible Arrangement basket. Later, aunt Louise and uncle Clint came by and brought great gifts. I can already tell that this little device called an "Itsbeen" is going to be extremely useful. It digitally records important things like feedings, diapers, and sleeping so that we can better get to know her cycles and keep up on schedule for feedings. I've got it programmed right now to go off in 1 hour (after I finish this post and catch a quick nap). We tried to introduce Geneva to Stella but Stella just sniffed her and then moved away. She probably doesn't know what to think yet. Gram (my mom) also made a yummy dinner, which Greg and I had to leave in the middle of to feed Geneva. For bed, Gram dressed Geneva in a sleeper that me, Tracy, and Nate all wore as infants. Geneva is also keeping her eyes open during feeding a little bit more and was very alert after the last feeding of the evening. I think I watched her discover that she has control over where she looks. She is amazing and I constantly feel so blessed that we were able to bring her into this world and get to love and take care of her.

Here are pictures from today chronicalling most of these events.

Geneva Marian Smith-Kuzmich

At 7:11 p.m., on May 4, 2009, Geneva Marian Smith-Kuzmich entered the world at 7 lbs. 4 0z./19in. She is a healthy, wonderful baby, who has already captured the hearts and minds of her parents.


So far we know that she loves to eat and sleep. She also has an affinity for adorable pink bows!

So that's our story in a nutshell. Now here's what you've really been waiting for. Tons and tons of pics!

Here she is in an adorable hat that her Aunt Bonnie made for her.
Here's Mom with her little bundle of joy.



Gram, Mom, and Baby.


Another of Geneva in her hat.

The happy family.

One for good measure.

39 Weeks

I had a doctor's appointment Thursday and doc said I was 1 cm dialated and 50% effaced. I'm feeling good, but baby and I both know that space is running out at the Hotel Tori. We're getting ready to go for a walk to see if we can get things moving along more.

Here are some pics.

My roaring belly

Baby is all over the place this evening! Looking at my belly, I can see it shake rattle and roll with huge movements and crazy looking distortions. I think the little one is about ready to bust out into the world. Also funny- her hiccups have now become visible :)

She slept through the night!

Of course I mean our dog, not our baby, who is still kicking around at all hours and causing me to lose sleep already.

Stella can learn, we can teach (with treats!), and I don't feel nearly as 'guilty' as I thought I would. Yay!

btw, the ticker says 10 days till the due date- wow!

Doggy Training, week 2

I'll be the first to admit that I am overly attached to our little furry live-in. I have more than once (ok, millions of times) referred to her as my "daughter" and of course it was I who encouraged her to start sleeping with me as soon as she was potty trained, over three years ago. Apparently I've been too lenient with my standards of co-habitation and the time has come for me to prioritize and take one of the last steps in preparing for our true, human daughter (cover your ears, Stella). I do not plan on making this bedding-in mistake again, but there will be times when the baby will be in our bed and when she is, it will be best if she isn't lying in dog hair or getting stepped all over by the pup. So, last Monday, after her being in the kennel all weekend, we decided to "get tough" and order her "down" to the ottoman at the foot of the bed each time she jumped up and tried to snuggle in. After sending her "down" we praised her and gave her a little treat. She probably did this 30 times, leaving us both exhausted the next day. The next night was a little better and she was exponentially better the following nights. In fact, being nearly 9 months pregnant, I was up more than she was. So, I'm thinking, 'what a smart, easy dog,' until the past two nights (!). For whatever reason, she has begun testing us and two nights ago it felt like we were starting all over. Or, maybe she's just trying to prepare me for not getting any sleep?

Oh, and don't feel bad for the exiled pup, she is lying on a thick pad of comforter and blankets and this is already one of her favorite day-time napping spots.