Siblings Meet

We were curious to see how the first meeting of siblings would go. We've heard a variety of stories and had countless "suggestions" for the day and weeks following the introduction. We believed Miles, being as sweet as he is, would be welcoming and tender to Amelia.

For the weeks preceeding Amelia's arrival, we talked to Miles about her a good deal. Explained to him that she would be sharing his room (sleeping in the 'baby' bed), that he would get to help teach her how to crawl, walk and someday slide. We practiced "soft kisses" for Amelia; teaching Miles how to be gentle with her.

We weren't sure if we were going to have him visit in the hospital as we were concerned seeing Mommy in a bed in a hospital room could scare him. The option almost wasn't ours as the labor and delivery floor was in lock-down to all visiting children 15yrs old and under. It was lifted the morning we went in for the delivery.

We decided to have Miles come to the hospital and that we'd have Amelia in the nursery, Mommy would be out of bed and we'd all go get Amelia together; letting Miles push her back to the room with us.

The whole visit went off without a hitch. Miles was fabulous and so warm to his baby sis.

Miles shows up at the hospital in the
"I'm the BIG brother shirt" Momma and Papa bought him.

Miles, Mommy and Daddy seeing Amelia together for the first time.

Soft kisses.

(to be continued...its late and we're still short on sleep)

Random Photos from the I-Phone

Don't know why, but we've taken a number of photos using the new i-phone. It's been nice as we can easily email them along, and it is always handy. Here is a collection of a couple of my recent favorites...

Scenes from the Hospital

The good part about a planned c-section, is that we actually had a stay at the hospital, as opposed to the 36 hours we got when we had Miles. It turned out to be quite a restful event with incredibly helpful nurses and a baby who acted like she was supposed to and slept a ton. Tim and I actually left feeling about as rested as we could.

We also loved to have the 4 days to focus on our new little girl and just fall in love.

And her first up-do...

And we're home...

 So much to catch up on, and we'll try to do it, but there are no promises. Last night was Amelia's first night home. To commemorate the occasion, she cluster fed and was up every 2 hours, if not earlier. Needless to say, Tim and I were exhausted today.

We've taken a lot of photos since we brought her home with all sorts of cameras. I've been trying to consolidate all of our sources, but am far from organizational grandeur.  In fact, as I write this, I am hardly making any sense...

Introducing Amelia Louise Reeth

Tuesday at 6:30PM Amelia Louise Reeth joined our family. She and Mom are doing great. Her weight was 6lbs 15oz and she was 19inches long. She rated perfect on the APGAR score with a 9, 10. She's resting happily, waking every now and then to feed, sneeze and cry out. She's eating very well

She has a full head of goldy, redish, brown hair. So at this point, its anyone's guess.

"What's Today, Miles"

"Your sister's birthday."

I am a little thrown off by the whole planned c-section thing, but the good news is that we are finally at the day that Twosday will be born. I was lying in bed last, a little scared about the whole thing, and then realized that I get to sleep on my stomach tonight.... very exciting. I truly have been emotional about everything lately, and as Daddo said, I am totally chemically messed up with all the hormones, which don't help. I think we are most looking forward to being able to look into the eyes of our newest little Reeth. What an amazing thing. I was flipping through pictures from Miles at the hospital last night - I had forgotten how small newborns are - but we get to hold ours in 10 hours.

My surgery is scheduled for 5:30 today. I imagine I won't get up to our room until about 8:00 pm PST or later. I don't know if we'll get a chance to post anything tonight, but stay tuned for more information, photos and posts! 

So busted!

We recently purchased a video monitor for the kids (awww I said kids...plural) room. Mainly to make see how Miles was doing during the transition from crib to his "Big Boy Bed". We really didn't need it as he took to the bed without issue; though have enjoyed checking in on him remotely while he sleeps.

It did come in handy the other day as Miles struggled with taking his day time nap. No matter how many times we tried to get him down, he wasn't having it. Over the course of an hour or so I watch Miles roam around the room while I worked downstairs. Occasionally going up to try and settle him down. I thought it would be fun to video the video and trick Miles into thinking I was coming upstairs again by calling to him and then stomping as if I was going up the stairs (fast).

Sorry in advance for the poor quality - I was using my iPhone to record the little screen on the monitor.

We may keep a camera on him through High School - it takes out all the guess work. :)

Wistful Thinking

As excited as I am about our little girl coming home, I am also getting sad about the impact on Miles and losing him as our only child. We spend a ton of time together and I know that is about to change. My friend Kris said "the best thing you can do for your child is to give them a sibling", but it still makes me sad that I won't have as much time and attention to give to our boy.

I think Miles is starting to feel it a bit too. He knows something is coming and is getting a little clingy. "Mommy watch" is his new favorite phrase. He also now leads us around by our hands - he'll come over to us, grab a hand, and pull us where he wants us to go. Bedtime has also become more emotional: he curls into me as I sing to him and he always asks Daddy for an extra "Hug Kiss" before he leaves the room.

Tim seems to be feeling it as well - we spend a little extra time with him in the evenings, and try hard not to overly prolong his good night kisses.

Needless to say, we are all aware of the big change coming, and while mostly excited, a little saddened as well.

Flex!!

I had Miles in an undershirt today that was an old PJ top. Tim was undressing him for his bath and decided that the shirt was a muscle shirt and taught the little man how to flex.

Just love this little mug!!!!

The Back Up Plan

Needless to say, everything may not happen as planned and our little darling might join us before the 9th. In the event that we do, we have a back up plan that includes 4 "alternates" and a 2 page document on how to take care of our little boy. (I think I might have over done it.) The good news is that even if I do go into labor early, I am still going to have a c-section and it should only take a couple of hours, so if we do have to rely on lots of other people, it may not end up being too big of a burden... that is if we can avoid the middle of the night phone calls!

C-Section Confirmed

So I am officially having a c-section. With the back issues from December (which I have more or less recovered from), I was afraid of any additional injury that might come of a more traditional labor. That said, set your calendars and send your prayers a week from today at 5:30 pm PST. We are hoping to move the time up, but we scheduled late and apparently it is a very "lucky" day that people want. (Who knows.)

I get set, I had my last doctor's appointment today and all is still well! We got the full debrief on all the risks associated with surgery and a play by play of how it all goes down. Apparently, she is out of me within about 15 minutes at which point she is removed to the nursery with Tim who will help wash her, dry her, and warm her up before they bring her back to me in the recovery room. While Tim is hanging out with our little wonder, I get to be sewn back together. Fun, actually not really - it was a reminder that this is a surgical procedure and I am a patient.

All that said, I still think it is a good idea to avoid further injury to the back... seeing as my foot is still numb from 2 years ago!

The kindness of others...

Twosday is the proud recipient of a tremendous amount of generosity. Clothes have been pouring in for her from 2 women in my mommy's group, my brother's family in CT, and a shower the office held for me on my last day. Literally, our little girl could wear a new article of clothing every day and not have to repeat anything in the first 6 months of her life. I am sure I will find some favorites which means she may not wear everything, but it is wonderful to not have to worry about clothing!

I have been filling in some items like more crib sheets and a pink stroller blanket (I couldn't help myself), but I really haven't had to do much. Thank you to all who have made this easier!!!

Big Boy Bike - in the rain...

We went out for a walk and to the park last weekend and were caught in a storm. It wasn't too big a deal, and Miles LOVED the adventure....

Daycare Choo Choo

One day 2 weeks ago, Tim and I went to pick up Miles from Mamma Sue's. We've had some serious rain over the last couple of weeks so the kids have been forced inside. One day we arrived and they were all on the floor and a couch going over flash cards. On this particular day, the kids were squealing with delight as they paraded around the sun room pretending to be a train. So cute!!!

Oh my...

It's been forever since we last posted. I am on maternity leave and frantically nesting. I already spent hours in the kid's closet organizing, folding, sorting, laundering, etc. Their room is totally done and we are actually fully prepared for our little girl to come along - which is nice!

In order to recap what's been going on, I am hoping to get out a bunch of posts over the next couple of days. I am trying to finally start to rest before the middle of the night onslaught, but I am still compelled to clean!!!