1 month old!

I can't believe one month ago today our sweet angel graced us with her presence. It has been an emotional whirlwind from excitement, to worry to extreme happiness and everything in between. We didn't have time to prepare for her arrival...physically, mentally or emotionally and I almost think that was a good thing. We didn't know what to expect so our reactions and responses have been straight from the heart!


We had an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist today to have Ashlyn's hemangioma looked at. She felt confident that it was in fact an infantile hemangioma with superficial and deep components. She told us that the superficial portion (the raised red splotches) would likely stay the same as it is now. It may raise a little more, but shouldn't get any larger. The deep portion (the underlying bruised part) could begin to raise, but it was a good sign that it is still relatively flat. She told us it could possibly get worse over the next 6-9 months but then would start the involution phase where it starts going away. That could take up to 5 years to completely resolve, but there should be a noticeable difference in 1-2 years. If there is any redness or texture changes remaining, they are easily treated with laser. One of the treatments available that slows the progression and possibly initiates the involution phase sooner is a low dose oral steroid taken for 1-2 months. Chance and I aren't anxious to put Ashlyn on any medications, but will consider it if need be. We are going to follow up with her in a week to monitor changes. We also have an appointment with a pediatric plastic surgeon next week for a second opinion. We want to be proactive with the management of her birthmark so that it doesn't leave any long term scarring since it is on her face. She is absolutely perfect and we think her beauty mark is a great place to land a kiss!
Mom and Ashlyn waiting for the doctor

Dad and Ashlyn after the doctor's appointment

Ashlyn weighed 6 lbs 4 ounces today at the doctor's office. She is only taking 3 bottles a day now and we hope to make it to all breastfeeding very soon. She sleeps in a co-sleeper next to our bed at night. She is a pretty good sleeper, but gets a little fussy when she starts getting hungry! During the day, she naps in her princess crib, her pack-n-play, her lounger or our arms! She absolutely LOVES to have the lullaby's playing from her pack-n-play. I am going to try and get a video of her being fussy and then relaxing once the music starts. It is amazing!
Hanging out in her pack-n-play, listening to the tunes!

Chance calls this her "vogue" pose...she strikes it frequently!

Mazzy guarding the princess crib

She loves bath time (or so it seems). Here are a couple of pictures. Chance and I don't quite have it down yet, she is way too small for all of the bathtubs out there so we just use the frog sponge in the bottom of the tub. I mostly hold her while Chance hoses her down.


Little miss Mae (as her dad calls her) is truly a joy in our life! She has only been here for a month, yet we can't imagine life without her! Can't wait for everyone to meet our sweet angel!