In the beginning...

Here's a few photos from the hospital and Evan's Birth : )

Super hero daddy and Evan at an two hours old.

Getting footprints done. Granddad holding Evan's hand.

Post womb bath.

All clean and ready to go.

Evan and Mommy in the recovery room.

All wrapped up like a package from heaven.

Week one of Evangeline (or as I am calling her Evan)'s life was pretty normal for a baby. It consisted of a lot of eating, sleeping, crying and changing clothing and diapers. Greg is still planning on posting something about why we chose her name, but he is really busy catching up on school and work from the week he took off.

Mom, Dad and Evan in front of the Women and Children's Hospital on Thursday

Coming home from the hospital was hard, but with my parents in town it was a lot easier than it could have been.

Home in my bouncy chair.

We came home Thursday. It was hard not having all the nurses and hospital staff to remind me of feedings and checking the color of Evan's diapers. It was also hard to keep track of my own pain medication. Several things about the hospital reminded me of a spa. I got a sinus massage one night and the hospital even hosted a congratulatory meal for us our last night there.
Evan went to her first pediatric appointment on Friday. She had gained 6 ounces since leaving the hospital. The doctor also said she was developing very quickly. He commented on how good her head control was. Evan even made a dirty diaper for the doctor.

All dressed and ready to go home.

During the week she spent a lot of time with her Grandad (my dad) and Grandma (my mom). Spoke to all three of her aunts, Nana, Grand-nana, great aunts, second cousins, friends, Greg's former students from the Washington Journalism Center and many others on Skype.

My dad and Greg managed to get the radiator for the Mustang dropped off and fixed, but mainly we just played with Evan and got settled back at home.

We had great friends provide meals for us beginning on Thursday and continuing for the next week and a half. Flower and gifts arriving daily. Neighbors stopping by to say hi and ask if there was anything we needed.

Granddad and Grandma and Evan

Birth Class Buddies, James and Evan

My dad went home Sunday. And our friends Brenda and Kyle and their baby James, who was born the Friday before Evan, came over. Brenda and I met in birth class and were walking buddies during our third trimesters. It was so special to finally lay our babies side by side.


Greg went back to school and work on Monday.
Mom and I went to the grocery store on Tuesday (my first trip out of the house since the pediatrician), she had been to the grocery store earlier in the week and spoke with a large number of the staff there so several of them congratulated me on Evan's birth.

Evan and her Grandma

Mom hung out a few extra days and went home Tuesday. It was so helpful to have her around. I'm grateful that she cleaned house and helped me keep sane in the first few days home from the hospital.

Discomfort Sets In

I've made it to Week 38. I'm sitting here patting myself on the back because I have made it so far but we still possibly have a month left until her birthday.

38 weeks! She could arrive at any time now.

That said here is my public pat on the back.

I have been really good so far. I have complained very little throughout my pregnancy. I have not felt sick for the most part. I've had some indigestion and heartburn, and a little difficulty breathing in my third trimester--but for the most part things have been good. I moved across the country, got the house ready, and sadly I've gained 40 lbs.

That said this week has been hard and I think I can say I am tired, and ready to not be pregnant anymore. I don't like the amount of effort it takes me to get out of bed to walk to the bathroom. I'd like to be lighter again. Honestly, I'm promising myself, I will never get this heavy unless I am pregnant again. I am tired and hungry most of the time. I feel large (ok huge). My clothes are limited. I have two pairs of pants that fit, four pairs of underwear, no bras and only a few shirts that cover my belly all the way. I miss my cute pre-pregnancy clothes.

The end is near enough...and she could arrive at any moment. I'm anxious, excited and a little uneasy about being a parent. Everyone keeps telling me I'll do great. Honestly, I do feel prepared. I've done my research, but at the same time I know I will be constantly learning and thinking on my feet as a parent.

That said, thanks to all who have supported me throughout my pregnancy--especially Greg who has put up with so much and even at 3 a.m. (when I felt so big and uncomfortable) was able to make me feel better. My little girl is so lucky to have a daddy like him, but not as lucky as I am to have him for a husband.