Deric left almost 2 weeks ago! He is doing fine, already working very hard and will be for the next 8 months. If he has time he will be using this blog and let you all know how he is doing.

Usually whenever Deric goes away we have a strange phenomenon....... bugs, spiders and now wasps get in the house - and I have to be brave and deal with them. When he is here ... nothing not even an ant steps foot in our house! Go figure!

Kailey and I are doing fine, very busy getting ready to go to SA. We leave next Sunday and arrive in Joburg on Monday. Not sure how I feel about it yet - as the past few weeks has felt like a tornado has just passed through.

Kailey has colic... we went to the doctor on Friday who confirmed it. I guess no one will be inviting us over between 7pm and 9pm for a while. She screams inconsolably and then falls asleep with exhaustion. Hopefully it does not happen on the flight to SA, I will be thrown off mid flight, guaranteed!

Other than missing Deric, we are well and already starting to plan our 30 day holiday with Deric in SA over December.

I will be blogging in SA, and posting photos as I get them.

Here is a little note to Deric from Kailey....

Our family portraits

Mom and Kailey's first trip to Washington DC - also first time meeting Aunty Dawnele and cousin Lexy

Kaileys Christening and other stuff...

On the 18th February, we had Kailey's christening at a church near us. It was a lovely ceremony. Our friends joined us and besides for the special occasion, it was a wonderful excuse to hang out with everyone on a Sunday afternoon. After the church service everyone came back to our house and we got to celebrate with champagne (cider for me) and other nibbles.

Things have been going well, I still cannot believe where the days go. There is so much to do with Deric leaving in a few weeks and us leaving soon after that. We are now working on Kailey's visa to be in South Africa! Why she needs one I have no idea, its not like she is going to work there.

This next weekend we go visit Deric's sister and niece in Virginia - Kailey's first time out of North Carolina. We are going to show Mom Washington DC, and show our baby off to Dawn and Lexy.

Kailey is now 4 weeks old, has gained 2 pounds and weighs in at 10 pounds now. She is at 3 hours between meals and we are pushing 4 hours at night (I never thought I would be so grateful for 4 hours sleep before. Imagine having 8.... ohhh the thought is just too exciting to even entertain)

She is so much more alert, and is looking at everything. She is such a calm baby, only cry's when there is something to cry about. We are blessed!

Last night we had such a great evening - we had our neighbour's Stephanie and her 3 kids over as well as Oriana and her son for dinner. We made a fire pit, sent the kids out in the forest (our back yard) to get fire wood. After dinner toasted marshmallows and hung out in the cold, all wrapped up around the fire. It was just what we all needed and such fun.

As for this next week ahead, I have a long to do list and have given in to the fact that if I get a 3rd of it done it will be a good week. How life has slowed down! I realized I moved to London 5 years ago today!

Another week of first for Kailey

Finally I write!

Well, we have survived the first 2 weeks of being parents! It does take a while to get use to this new little person who sweeps her way into your lives... but we are on track. Besides for a few sleepless nights we are coping very well.
Deric was home for the past 2 weeks and went back to work today. I cant begin to tell you how quickly the days go by. Since I feed her every 2 hours, as soon as I am done, nappy changed, and calmed her down.... its time to start again.
But once again I have to say she is amazing and we all cant stop staring in amazement at her.

My Mom arrived last Saturday (just another person for Kailey to wrap around her finger) she is helping a lot and giving me a few extra hours a day sleep.

Week 2 with Kailey

Kaileys First Week

Strange to think this time last week I was in the hospital waiting for Kailey to arrive. Now a week later I am addicted to her in every way.

Everything is going well - we have had our doctors appointments, which all turned out well. She has had her fist play date with Lorelia, Rachel's daughter who was born just 3 weeks before Kailey.

I am so grateful to have friends like I do here! Oriana, Rose, Jenn, Dani, Brooke all helping out with meals (something I have just not thought about) You have no idea how your brain becomes mush when you are so focused on this little miracle. Thank you guys so much for all your help so far..... I am so lucky to have you all.

My mom gets in on Saturday. I have not seen her in over a year, so its going to be great. The timing of this whole experience could not be better than it has turned out.

Deric is very into been a Dad, Kailey has him completely wrapped already (as she she should) and it is so wonderful to watch him with her. I cant believe he has not had experience with babies before, he is a natural.

Thank you to everyone who has sent best wishes, parcels, cards, gifts, flowers ......... We appreciate it all so much.

Kailey's first week

Introducing Kailey Theresa Holbrook

It's Time

Just a few hours after posting the polls from work - my water just broke. It's 4:20am now so I will have a baby in 24 hours!! (Yikes)
After spending the day yesterday at the Spa for my Birthday (compliments of my wonderful husband) She has decided that its time. My wish came true, all I asked from day 1 was that she would not be born on my birthday, the day after is a good compromise.

I am pleased to say Deric is doing well!!!

Next time I post, will be in a few days hopefully with photos for you all.........

Wish me luck - we are leaving soon for the hospital.

Here is a poll they took at work for when the baby is going to come....... Those above the line are in my good books - the rest of you............

JOANNE'S "BIG DAY"

1/27 Deric
1/31 12:00 AM 7 lbs 12 oz Amy
1/31 5:00 PM 8 lbs 2 oz Lori (side bet, it will be a boy!)
1/31 4:30 AM 8 lbs 1 oz Tracy
____________________________________________
2/1 7:16 AM 6 lbs 3 oz Kara
2/1 3:00 AM 6 lbs 5 oz Karen
2/2 10:00 PM 7 lbs 4 oz Brooke
2/2 10:53 AM 7 lbs 10 oz Erin
2/2 8:30 AM 7 lbs 13 oz Rachel
2/3 5:00 AM 8 lbs 4 oz Rose
2/3 5:00 AM 8 lbs 2 oz Jenn
2/4 11:00 AM 8 lbs Oriana
2/5 6:00 AM 8 lbs 6 oz Dani (shame on you Dani)

AHHH Progress!!!!

Well I am at 1cm dilated..... just 9 to go......I will spare you all the the gory details, but we are very happy with this for now. The next question is how long will I stay here! What I am hoping for and what we will get are 2 different things, but its all moving along.... We will keep you updated!

Right now I am relaxing and keeping calm. The weather has taken a turn for the worst - so I don't think I'm going to get all those walks in I was planning. (I know, since I left London I have become soft!!!!!)

Check out my Slide Show!

I have 2-3 weeks left!!! I am massive!!!

I cant believe how quickly time is going now. At least now I can chill out and not go to work, maternity leave starts on Monday. I am sure I will still be meeting the girls for lunches and then coming home for my afternoon nap - I know what your saying 'enjoy it while you can' and I will!

Feels so strange for Deric and I to have so little to report - usually we are traveling and getting around. But now....... we have to stay close to the hospital just in case!
We have booked the baby's christening on the 18th February, we had to attend classes over the past few weeks. So now that that's over we have done all the classes we need to do. Birthing (7 classes), infant CPR (1 class), and christening (2 classes)... done! And I am sure everything we learnt in these classes will be thrown out the window the day the baby comes.