Brian woke up to quite a surprise on Monday morning. Our entire basement, and newly remodeled preschool, had flooded with all the rain! Larry and my mom came to the rescue and helped rip up all the carpet and dry out the floors. Meanwhile, Finley and I stayed warm and dry upstairs. Thank goodness I have such a handy husband!
Today we had our first snow of the year! I love how a little bit of snow makes it feel so much more Christmasy. We took Finley outside for a few minutes of fun. I had visions of making a snowman with her, but Brian reminded me that she’s only a newborn. I guess there’s always next year…
Doing what she does best…
and again…
She got her papa’s bottom…
Look how strong her neck is!
At the game.
Right after she peed all over.
Who schedules pediatrician appointments for 7:30 am? That was a mistake…
She LOVES her sling!
Taking a nap with papa.
Grandma Brown and Maya.
Maya feeding Finley.
We spent almost a week at the hospital and had the best experience. We became buddies with all the nurses and were truly a little sad when we had to leave. We had lots of family and friends come meet little Finley…
Auntie Lisa.
Cousin Maya and Auntie Sandra with Finley.
Hunter and Hailey.
Papa enjoying a few moments in my comfy hospital bed.
I LOVE HER!
We’re a family of three now!
Finley and Maya.
Auntie Alison and Uncle Jeff.
I can’t believe I’m a MOM!!!
The Isaacsons.
Taking a nap with papa.
Grandpa Burnham looks smitten.
Grandma Burnham and baby Finley.
Finley Michelle finally arrived on Monday, October 15! She was 10 days late and put us through quite an interesting labor. I had contractions that were 3 minutes apart for nearly 3 days. After lots of pain and no sleep we arrived at the hospital and everything seemed to happen at once. I was strongly advised by my midwife to accept some drugs so that I could rest before pushing. The epidural was AMAZING!!! Within minutes of hooking me up my water broke and my contractions started coming every minute! However, I didn’t feel a thing. Brian and I were finally able to relax. I didn’t actually end up sleeping though, because I was just so excited. A few hours later we were ready push. Brian and I practiced all the techniques that we had learned or read about over the months. He was the BEST birthing partner! He was so encouraging and hands on. After 3 hours of pushing, Finley showed no signs of descending into my pelvis so we ended up have a c-section. Labor was nothing like we expected, but the moment I held her I instantly forgot all the pain and work. Holding her for the first time was absolutely surreal.
This is a special cradle made by Grandpa Brown. It’s going to be used for all the babies in the family, and we’re going to engrave each baby’s name underneath. Brian insits on having the cradle next to his side of the bed so that he can get her in and out during the night. We’ll see how long that lasts!
This is the most recent arrangement of the nursery. However, I’m sure one night around 1 a.m. I’ll be awake nesting and switch it around again…
We are waiting to fill all these empty frames with pictures of the baby. For so long we have been looking forward to framing pictures of someone else… We’re tired of looking at ourselves!
Originally, this swing was covered in a duck print fabric. I am not into ducks at all. My mom and her dear friend, Ruth, spent hours recovering the swing and I think it turned out pretty cute!
Here is my Red Raspberry Leaf tea. I drink several cups of it a day. Apparantly it helps “tone” my uterus so that my contractions are more effective. It might be one of those old wives tales, but it’s fun to believe. I’ll let you know after labor whether or not my contractions were at their maximum efficiency!
Our bags have been packed and situated by the door for quite some time now. I have imagine over and over what it will be like to grab them and load them in the car. SO SO SO excited!
