first big day out

For the first time, we took Abigail out today. We first went for breakfast at the Carriage House. Abigail slept through it, so it was less than thrilling for her. We also went to the doctor. Abigail's right eye has conjunctivitis. We were assured that it is quite common and that we are not killing her already. We are deeply suspicious that our parenting flaws are already showing through.

Life after the hospital

Here are a few pictures of Abigail getting ready to go home. There is one of Abigail getting ready for her going home dress, one with Dad right before we leave and a couple of Abigail and Mom at home. We are really happy to try to get into routines, though Abigail somehow thinks that being up all night is the routine :)

Abigail and mom at 36 hours

Everyone is still recovering nicely, though Abigail has still not really taken to eating yet. Or, maybe colostrum isn't up to her standards. Not sure where fastidious eating habits would come from :)

Really early photos

These photos were taken in the first couple of hours after the baby was born. Interestingly enough, we didn't realize that one of us has a recessive "cone head" gene. Hence, the hat.

Introducing Abigail Elizabeth

We are extremetly excited to introduce Abigail Elizabeth. She was born at 7:24 EST this morning. She was 6 pounds and 9 ounces, measuring 19 inches.

Mom and Abigail are both doing well. Dad is fear stricken with panic.

Pictures to follow.

Labor

So, contractions started at 10:30 last night. We went to the hospital at 2:00. It is now 3:30 and things are progressing.

Baby's Room

The last few weeks have seen a flurry of activity at home. We have turned our office/spare bedroom into the baby's room while the front porch has been "winterized" by insulating and replacing the windows so that it could be our office. The baby's room is not 100% complete but everything has been painted and new carpet has been installed. Most importantly, the baby's crib has arrived. Shana's father built us an absolutely beautiful new oak crib that can be converted into a regular size bed when the baby gets old enough. He is also working on making her a matching oak dresser that will double as a changing table.

35 weeks

We are at 38 weeks but here is a belly picture from 35 weeks. Three weeks later, and the baby is even bigger. The baby has started to drop and Shana is feeling more and more uncomfortable as the baby feels a lot heavier. From time to time Shana gets lower pelvic pain, and in the last few days she is having a lot more difficulty moving around. Luckily, the weather hasn't been too bad since we only have air conditioning in our bedroom.

Graduation

Here is the three of us at Chad's graduation in May. Pictures are late in coming because we have been really busy readying the house for baby girl (see next posts). Now that Chad has graduated and is bringing in a real salary, baby will be able to eat (not that breast milk costs much) and have clothes. :)