And the award for Most Overprotective New Mom goes to...

Let me preface this story with the warning that most parents out there are going to either laugh or maybe hate us a little for being worried that our baby sleeps too much - the grass is always greener, huh?

Anyway, Nora usually snoozes through a good 90% of the day with periodic 1 to 2 hour waking sessions where she looks around, grunts, makes funny faces, kicks a lot, and eats. Yesterday she went down for her usual late morning nap and was in a state of groggy sleepiness for the rest of the day...not so interested in eating and never really her alert self. So, of course, I started to worry. She woke up around 5 or so and ate so much (probably my fault...trying to make up for lost feedings) that she promptly vomited it all back up. I decided to call our family doc just to make sure this was nothing to worry about - she said we should take her to ER just to be safe (they don't mess around with lethargic newborns...could be a sign of infection). On hearing that advice I started to cry and hung up on her (she called back and talked with Chris...apologizing multiple times and explaining that everything was probably fine, but that she'd take Nora in just in case). Ugh.

Of course, right after we talked with the Dr. Nora woke up and had a good meal (no vomiting) and was more alert - then she went back to sleep. But, the damage had been done and I couldn't shake the worry bug. So off we went (after about an hour or so of indecisiveness) to the ER...just to be safe.

Nora slept through the ride there and slept in the waiting room. She only woke up when the triage nurse had to take her temperature rectally (no fever). Nora disliked this so much that she pooped all over the nurse's hand (ha! the nurse said it wasn't the first time). Despite my worry I couldn't help but laugh at that one!

After another short wait (during which Nora ate and went back to sleep) the pediatrician came in and quickly pronounced Nora to be perfectly healthy (she kicked and screamed at the appropriate times and even peed on him to show that her kidneys were working well!). He was very nice and made sure we knew that he didn't think we were silly for bringing her in...better safe than sorry w/ such a small baby. Thanks Dr., but I still feel a little silly.

What we learned from this experience:

1. Nora has discovered the joy of pooping outside of her diaper (she had already perfected the art of peeing when diaperless)...she got me last night and shot one clear across the bathroom this morning!
2. My suspicions have proven true that a) I worry too much and b) we have a perfect child.
3. I was reminded yet again that I married a wonderful man who loves me and knows how to choose his battles.
4. Nora has gained a full pound since last Friday! She was born 7pds 6oz, had gone down to 7p 1oz at 3 days, and was 8p 2oz. last night (pre poop) at 10 days! Go little chunker!

So, here are some pictures and a video of our beautiful (and alert) little Nora. I wonder if there's a page in our baby book for "First Overeactive Trip to the ER"?

This morning...Sadie entertaining us and Nora being cute:



Hi Nora!


Norma, Joe & Sofia came over on Thursday (they're expecting daughter #2 in March!)...


And, Daddy and Nora all wiped out after our trip to the ER...