Graecyn Nicole - 1 week old

It is hard to believe that Graecyn has been with us for 1 week already and even harder to imagine our lives without her.  She is such a blessing to us!  The first week has gone quite well...the first few nights were a little challenging while we tried to figure things out.  We've been able to get her on somewhat of a daytime 2 hour sleep/eat schedule, which is working out well for the nights as she's given us a few longer stretches of sleep (almost 4 hours last night!).

We were fortunate to have both my parents and Eric's parents visit this week, which was a huge help.  They made sure we didn't have to cook, clean or do anything other than rest and take care of Graecyn.  And, were there to hold Graecyn at every chance they got.

Proud Grandma Marline & Papa Bruce

Proud Nana & Granddaddy

Graecyn had her new baby check up on January 10 and everything looks good.  She did lose 13 oz since birth (6 oz since being discharged from the hospital), but the doctor wasn't too concerned considering my milk had only just come in that day (I am exclusively breastfeeding).  We go back for a weight check next week and are hoping the frequent feedings are helping her pack on some weight.

Eric and I are still on cloud 9 and can't believe she's ours; we can spend hours just looking at her and holding her.

Bath Time

Tiny Toes

Daddy's favorite position

Our sleeping burrito

Welcome to the World, Graecyn Nicole

At 7:14 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012 we welcomed Graecyn Nicole to the world!  She weighed 6 lb 13 oz and was 19 and 3/4" long.  She is a very happy and healthy baby and we cannot believe she is finally here!

Labor went quite well (according to my doctor and all of the nurses).  My water broke around 11 p.m. on Thursday and we were at the hospital within the next 45 minutes.  In triage, they confirmed that my water had broken and that I was dilated to about 4 cm and moved us into the labor and delivery room.  Contractions slowly began and remained tolerable for the first few hours, but by about 3 a.m., they were much stronger and I gave in to an epidural (I was dilated to 8 cm).  By the time the epidural was given about 45 minutes later (which, I must say felt like heaven and I can't believe I waited that long to have it administered), I was dilated to 9 cm.  I quickly moved to 10 cm, but based on the contractions, knew it wasn't quite time for things to get going.  My doctor had me rest for a few hours (thanks to the epidrual, I managed to squeeze a little sleep in).  By about 6:45 a.m., my doctor asked if I wanted to give pushing a try and with the first push (without a contraction), the baby's head was already crowning; 3 big contractions and 20 minutes later and we finally got to meet our daughter!

Eric and I have been on cloud 9 ever since and of course think she's perfect and is the most beautiful baby in the world!

First Family Photo

Proud Daddy!

Complimentary cupcake from the hospital

Lots of hair!

Time to go home