Two weeks, yesterday

I can't recall another set of two weeks in my life when I've had so little, and yet so much going on at the same time. My life is an interesting dichotomy.
Yesterday Lydia hit her two week mark and while I had every intention of posting these cute pictures yesterday, a trip to the lactation specialist to determine why she keeps losing weight, followed by a minor meltdown by me and a much-needed nap for both of us pretty much took up the better part of the day.
Whew! No wonder they say children grow up fast when the hours just seem to slip away in a haze of diapers and breast milk.
However, I can't let such a birthday go by without at least noting all the amazing things this little girl has brought into our lives already. She really is such a blessing. I feel like she's changed so much already -- both in appearance and in what she's able to do. She seems more alert during her awake time and I love watching her pull funny faces at me; faces likely due more to her lack of facial muscle control than a propensity for humorous antics at this point, but adorable nonetheless.
I'm learning a lot too, things I wouldn't have expected, like how to be more patient with myself. And I'm seeing an even deeper sense of patience, love and support from Derek than I've ever seen -- and believe me, he was already well on his way to getting an award for unending patience and understanding before.
I have to admit, there are times I look around with bewilderment in my voice and say, "so this is my life now?" and other times the same phrase crosses my mind and it brings a smile to my heart. Life is like that. All ups and downs. But even with the challenges it makes me think of one of my favorite lyrics from a song: "You're on the ride, you might as well open your eyes."
Here's to enjoying the ride. I'm trying to remember that.

I tried sitting her up in this chair for a picture but right as I went to take it she toppled over to the side. Mother of the Year, right? Endangering my child to get a photo. Still, this one turned out cute.

Bath time!

I love babies in pajamas!

Kisses for Daddy

A week of firsts

Sweet Lydia celebrated her one-week-old birthday on Thursday, Aug. 13. Well, celebrated might be a strong word to use. Actually the day went as the last several have -- eating, sleeping, mom occasionally crying over something very small. I swear my hormones didn't do this when I got pregnant (I stayed relatively sane) so not sure why the slightest thing -- good, bad, exciting, overwhelming -- is enough to bring tears to my eyes.
During this first week she had all kinds of firsts. I'll post just a few of them here.

First car ride, heading home on Aug. 9.

First time in her room.

First time in the tanning beds... JK. These are the bili lights we had to bring home.

First time meeting Aunt Karen and Cousin Kate. They came up for a quick visit on Aug. 11.

This isn't really her first time being swaddled... but it's too cute not to post. I love burrito babies!

We also went on our first walk, our first trip to the doctor and had the first sponge bath at home. I have adorable pictures of all these events, but haven't yet downloaded them into the computer so they'll have to wait.

Today we're celebrating another first -- first time "on our own" as a little family. My mom left today (yes, I cried) but so far things are going well. I am SO thankful to my mom for taking so much time to come and help me get adjusted to things. She is a great example of the kind of mother I want to be.

Introducing: Lydia Larson

The most beautiful angel was born at 3:31 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 in St. George, Utah. After nine months of secrecy -- more like indecision on my part -- we revealed her name as Lydia Larson and she is amazing!

Because I'm pressed for time (I have a child who likes to feed for about an hour over the course of 90 minutes each time) I'll give a quick recap in hopes of posting more later.
We'll see.

I went to a routine doctor visit on Wednesday, Aug. 5. I was a little worried about a lower level of fetal movement so my doctor's PA sent me over for a non-stress test. Good thing she did. They checked the amniotic fluid level and found it was way too low (3.9 for anyone who knows what this stuff means) and the technician called my doctor who said it looked like a good day to have a baby.
Although we've been hoping for her to come a few days early, when the time came I suddenly felt completely unprepared. I even asked if I could go home for an hour, just to feel like my things were in order and get my hospital bag. But this was not an option because of their concerns for her safety. I was immediately admitted to labor and delivery, crying like a baby with my husband receiving reassuring glances and comments from the staff that this was perfectly normal.

Once settled the day progressed like this:
Wednesday, Aug. 5
10:30 a.m. -- Admitted to labor and delivery
11:15 a.m. -- started on the pitocin
12:45 p.m. -- Dr. Lunt broke my water.
4:15 p.m. -- Epidural
Thursday, Aug. 6
2:15 a.m. -- Dilation complete
3:08 a.m. -- Started pushing
3:21 a.m. -- Dr. Lunt arrived
3:31 a.m. -- Lydia is born!

Although everyone will immediately cringe when I say this: She was 9 pounds 1 ounce (cringing and amazement seems to be people's reaction of choice) and 21 1/2 inches long, I have been feeling fine. My recovery has gone very well and she seems so little to me. :)
The only glitch was a case of jaundice that made Lydia have to stay in the hospital one day longer than me. Luckily I was able to stay on at the hospital as a boarder. After one day they sent us home from the hospital on Sunday with the beli lights for another day. But today she was able to join us out of her little tanning bed and is doing great!

After the epidural I was feeling somewhat social.

My mom was there and Kevin actually drove up from California for the day/night as a surprise which was really fun!

Derek was amazing through the whole thing :)

Our little family.