the first few weeks

Some pictures of this crazy, sweet, exhausting, exhilarating newborn time.

Keeping it real. This is what happens when we have a couple rainy days and mom is spending many hours nursing. 


"Hold?!"

Emma is here!!

Actually, she's three weeks old yesterday! She arrived at 12:15 pm on Friday, February 28th weighing 8 lbs, 11 ozs and measuring 21 inches long. 

God graciously specifically answered all of my prayers regarding the labor. I remember, rather bash fully, praying, "I know that labor is painful, but could it please not be very painful, somehow?" I felt almost like I was asking the sun not to shine for my own convenience, but He saw fit to answer me anyway. 

I went into labor at 7 am, right as I woke up from a good nights sleep. Labor was very short and uneventful, lasting just 5 hours from start to finish, Her heartbeat never faltered on the monitor, her cord was not around her neck, and I never felt worried that something was wrong. I progressed so quickly that I did not have time for an epidural and actually felt so euphoric in between contractions that I didn't want any kind of pain meds, even when they were offered. The only time I felt overwhelmed was when I had to push, but that stage only lasted for 9 minutes. She was turned OP so the doctor had to turn her head while I pushed before she was delivered. Not fun...but at least the end was in sight! For the first time, I was able to hold my baby immediately after delivery, before the cord was even cut. I was not totally exhausted and therefore felt bonded much more quickly. 

Recovery  and nursing have also been easy so far. Emma is a pretty chill baby, though when she does decide that she has an opinion she makes it known loud and clear. Her favorite place to be is in my arms(of course!!), though she is now sleeping fairly well in her bassinet. I don't mind because I love holding her and kissing her soft head. I know that before too long she won't be a snugly newborn anymore so I'm trying to drink it in deeply. 

Nate and Evelyn love her dearly and are sweet and gentle with her. Evelyn must always know where Emma is, and if she's sleeping wants to wake her up. She must be present at every diaper change, sits beside me while I nurse, and frequently asks, "Hold?" If Emma cries both Nate and Evelyn are anxious to help calm her. It's adorable to hear Nate say, "It's ok Emma!" 

All in all, we have had a wonderful first few weeks with our Emma Wren and I'm excited about figuring out life as a family of five!