I threw their cups away today....

We had a great visit with my mom and dad!

I should have written Grandma and Grandpa on these cups...but, oh well. 

I threw them away today.

:-( 

If you want to see TONS of pictures of all we did while they were here, check out facebook.

Day 1 & 2 are in one album

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Isabelley

Nursing in the wee hours of the morning, I think about what I'm going to do that day. 

One day (8 days after Isi was born) I decided we were going to have a "newborn" photo shoot.

I was totally excited.

Not in the least bit stressed about the undertaking.

I imagined the whole ordeal in my head, including back drops, head bands, wardrobe changes...

the works. 

Got up a couple hours later, nursed again, had breakfast and started gathering all the stuff. 

Gave Isi a bath.

Just as I was ready to start, Isi is hungry again. 

I snap a few shots.

Feed on one side.

Then take her onsie off and snap some more shots.

Feed on the other side. 

While I'm feeding I start to get a migraine floater.

Dang it! 

I finish feeding and start cleaning everything up. 

I think these turned out pretty well despite what I had imagined in my head. 

Good enough.

I've been wanting to edit these...you know make them look sharper, or whimsical or fancy.

But, sheesh!

I can't believe it's June already!

So, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

That's a major motto in our house.

Watch for the red hues in her hair. 

Her hair is totally red in some lighting.

Hair looks dark because it's still kinda wet.

 Red below.

 Here we break the scene up and our big helper is in the background.

 Oh! I just love her!

 Marley really was a big helper.  She almost always is.

 BABY TOES!!!

 Then the big helper wants to be the subject AND pose like the baby. Funny girl.

What's your favorite?

Easy. Feed the Evil one first.

We think Isabelle has a birth mark. 

Do you see it?

 I'll get closer.

It's a mustache. 

You still don't see it? 

That's ok, because I don't notice it either. 

I'll get closer.

Ok. That one was drawn on. Ha!

But it reminds me of a hilarious Ragu commercial. 

The verdict is still out on which of mine is the Evil one. 

Sunbathing Beauty

Isabelle.

2 days old.

 

 A little smile!

 

  Startled.

 I love these next few pictures.

Marlayna uses envelopes as mailboxes sometimes. 

She made Isabelle a "mailbox".

Then she set it right by her. 

Heart on one side.

Isabelle written by Marley on the other. 

Adorable.

Epidural or No Epidural?....that is the question

They are crazy up here in the U.P. and they talked me into being crazy too and not having an epidural. 

WHAT!?!? 

I know, LOTS of women choose no epidural.
For lots of reasons.

LOTS of women never even had the option for an epidural. 

But, there is a reason why I was born in this day and time. 

EPIDURALS.

And having had it both ways, I think I'll go with the more pleasant and enjoyable way of laboring and delivering. 

Next time, when I enter the hospital I'll be saying, "Epidural STAT, please!"

Besides, the epidural route takes less repenting.

As I felt like I was about to tear right in half, I said something I regret.
(don't ask, because I will not tell you what I said)

That is all I will say about labor and delivery. 

And epidurals.

Now for more pictures!

They had a very uncomfortable chair in our shared room. 

Uncomfortable chairs are bad when dad is spending the night.

One of the nurses found out and she dragged in a much cozier chair for him to sleep in.
Still, sleeping in a chair is not the best but this chair was WAY better than the first. 

 At first I was really bummed that we had to share a recovery room. 

But the OB ward was booming with deliveries so at least they had a bed for us. 

And our roommates were really considerate.

Aawwww! Look at the perfect little sweet face under that snow white cap.

 Here's the proud but tired father.

China Man's Hat

I evenutally kicked Nathan out of his chair so I could use it. 

My bed was in bad shape.

I'm 99% sure they replaced my bed after I left, because I showed the nurse ALL the things wrong with it.

Look at that neck! 

Unintentional baby smiles are the best! 

Tender mercies of the Lord.

Time to take you home Isi.

Ok, I'm ready!

Oh, a little jacket! I look GOOD in this little jacket.

Ok, now I'm spent! I need a nap!

More pictures to come very soon....
I promise I won't wait 3 weeks.

***if you want, I'd love to hear about your decision to have or not have an epidural....why? 

Introducing....for the impatient

Talking about my sisters who have been bugging us to post pictures. 

Today has flown by...so sorry.

We were included in the impatience.

We couldn't wait for this little cutie to come out and make her appearance. 

Today Isabelle Marie was born at 11:07 am (EST)

6 pounds, 15 ounces

19 and a quarter long

 These beautiful flowers are from my mom and dad.

 She loves to suck. 

And she has hair. I thought I got a picture of her hair...but I guess I hadn't. 

I will. 

Don't worry. 

There are A LOT more pictures of this little beauty to come. 

We love you all. 

Thank you for all your love and support.