Our lives are forever changed....

In the most amazing way!

Gwendolyn Rebecca was born on March 23rd, 2011 at 7:17 pm

8 lbs, 1 oz; 20" long

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I can't respond to all of the text messages and emails even though I wish I could. I so appreciate everyone's care and concern and love for our sweet little girl. I can't even begin to describe the feelings I am experiencing right now. I was up with her from 1 am until about 5 am and it didn't bother me one bit b/c she just melts my heart (ask me come tomorrow:)). It was tiring, but not frustrating. She was sleeping or eating pretty much the entire time - she's very consolable and honestly rarely cries unless she needs something, which we're pretty quick to meet her needs. :) We're taking the advice of a nurse who said that you can't spoil a baby - at least not in the first two months. We'll just go with it. :)

We had a great time in the hospital (not great as in "laying on a beach great", but our nurses and midwives were ah-mazing. Everyone was incredible.) We got home around 4:30 yesterday after showering/taking a bath, going to a breast feeding class (during which the pediatrician came, so Tom went with him back to our room so he could check her out - when he didn't return with her and I heard other babies crying I thought for sure she was in there having a meltdown and I couldn't figure out why he wasn't coming to get me. I kept trying to make eye contact with one of the nurses to motion for her to go check on them, but wasn't able to. Finally the class was over and I hurried (as hurried as you can after giving birth - ha) back to our room expecting to find a very sad daughter and she was snuggling with her daddy completely content. I saw them and instantly started crying. Talk about a wave of emotions right now!), meeting with the lactation consultant, getting acupuncture to help my milk come in, packing up, getting my DTaP shot and last round of meds (I.love.Advil.), Tom and Grandpa loading the car, getting Gwen fed, changed and in her car seat and finally checking out. What a day!

Overall, we are doing very well - trying to figure out a schedule and feeding and all of that. She is so precious though and I miss her when I'm away for even a bit. My parents are here helping and it's wonderful (mom made a delicious pork chop, scalloped potato and asparagus dinner last night and dad is quite eager to hold his granddaughter when the need arises, which is often). Speaking of which, Gwen was just able to stay in her vibrating chair for longer than 5 minutes without needing to be held - yay!! And I got a shower. And I ate breakfast and had coffee (at 11:30, not too bad!). Tom is an amazing daddy - it's so precious to see him hold her and change her and burp her. We're a good team, but like my mom said - isn't it funny how it takes 4 adults to care for one 8 lbs gorgeous little girl. :) I wouldn't have it any other way...

It's a beautiful day. God is good.

A few pics from yesterday to tide you over....

Her incredible birth story coming soon!