My First...

I am obviously experiencing many firsts in my new home...when you haven't been around long, everything is new or a first! I had my first 'sponge' bath a week ago...as you can see my Daddy and Mema trying to keep me warm and clean me up a bit:)
I also had my first outing last week as well, because my mommy had a final presentation to give in class. Technically I slept the entire time...was asleep when we left (you can see me conked out in my carseat) and slept until we were back home! We haven't gotten out a whole lot, which I'm pretty glad about...it's cold out there!

Gifts...

We have been showered with sweet gifts and meals from our family and friends! It has made our first couple of weeks much easier and enjoyable! Thank you so much! The Schitters brought us a beautiful bouquet of flowers, Trader Joe's sent home a lovely bouquet with my mom when she went to do our grocery shopping, and my wonderful JuicePlus family sent me a gorgeous edible arrangement! Lovely!

I've also added pics of the beautiful Christmas arrangement that our friends, the Musselwhites brought us!

My First Week in My New Home

Well, I'm gradually getting used to this strange place that is now home to me. It's very different from my cozy little home inside mommy. I actually have to wear clothes and diapers and they get changed often, which makes me cold and sometimes cranky...those things were never necessary before!! But, I'm fine as soon as I get to eat. That part I really like.
I'm starting to keep my eyes open longer and check out all the interesting things going on around me...I especially like looking at my mommy and daddy when they hold me, or any bright lights that may be near! My daily routine is pretty simple right now, although I'm not very into schedules yet:) Sleep, eat, diaper change. That just about sums it up. I love when my mommy and daddy hold me, it makes me feel cozy again like I was inside mommy.
Here are some pics of my first week and a half of life in my new home!

Daddy & Livy

Damein and Livy have enjoyed some great bonding time when she is not nursing or sleeping, which tends to be the majority of her day! They are so sweet together and it is clear he is going to be a great daddy. It's so fun to see them together.
I also have to give him a big shout out because he changes the majority of diapers! It gives me a good break:) Thanks dear!

Little Livy

Here are a couple more pictures...one she is being held by her Mema- my mom. My mom arrived around 12:30pm on Friday and will be here for about a week, which is a huge blessing!
The Schitters (Ron, Sharlene, and Jade) also visited on Friday and got to meet little Livy! Lots of people are smitten over her!

So This is What It Feels Like!

It all started Thursday night around 7:30pm while Damein was at band practice at church, and I woke up from a nap with an upset stomach and 'cramps' as I called them. Little did I know these were the contractions that pretty much escalated within the first 30 minutes to being 4-5 min apart and 30-45 seconds long. I ignored them as long as possible, editing some final papers due for my classes and emailing them to professors, wrapping up any other last second emails and important stuff for work and school. This period of time didn't last long before I started having to pause and really concentrate to work through contractions. The entire labor, from very start to finish was right at about 10 hours.
These pictures were officially my last 'size pictures' Damein took in between my contractions when he got home from band practice...officially 40 weeks and 2 days. And one picture was working through a contraction! :)

Thanks for all your prayers- the Lord truly answered our hopes and prayers for a safe and happy labor and delivery. We had a whole list of specific prayer requests posted in our house, and it was amazing how sweet and loving the Lord was to answer them all. We truly give him glory for it all and especially for this little life that he has entrusted to us. We are crazy about her!!

She's Finally Here!

Well, our long awaited little Livy made her debut on Friday morning at 5:58am. Praise God!!!! We are so excited to have her here and so excited for the Lord's strength through a natural childbirth. It was an amazing (yet very intense) journey. What a sweet reward in the end.
She was an impressive 7lbs. 13 oz. and 19-1/2" long. Oh, and and a 14" head, which I think that is an important measurement no one ever talks about!!!! Especially when you were the one to push it out!
Everyone was wondering where she hid all her weight! :)
Of course we are biased, but she is really beautiful. Her complexion is great and I was surprised she didn't have a bit of cone-head when she came out, after carrying so low for so long!
As much as you can tell about a newborn, she seems to have Damein's nose and mouth. Some say she has my eyes and body type; she has some long, skinny legs!
She can't wait to meet her family and friends, as long as it doesn't interrupt her meal times :)

(Sorry it has taken a little while to post some pictures, my days have been just a tad busy....with feeding Livy, feeding myself, and sleeping. Never knew those things could make a day go by so fast!)