What a Difference a Week Makes

Today marks one week that Genevieve has been a part of the outside world.  One week ago on Friday, Mike and I thought we would have the weekend to relax and get some things done before we went in to be induced on Sunday night.  We were going to do laundry and run errands and we even had a date planned for Saturday night.  


All of those plans came to a halt when my water broke Saturday morning.  We arrived at the hospital around 4:30 a.m.  At 5:19 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2011, Genevieve Ruth Brown made her big debut!  She weighed eight and a half pounds (just like her Mommy when she was born) and was 21 inches long.  She has long fingers, toes, and legs.  We're hoping that means she has Mommy's height.  She seems to have a good mix of Mommy and Daddy in her looks, but we will see as she grows.  She is going to change so much!  
Grandma and Pop-Pop (Skidmore) were her very first visitors in the hospital.  They fell in love instantly!  Then, Grammie, Uncle Jonathan, and Auntie Shanda came.  Poor Grampie could not visit because he was sick.  He will be coming tomorrow.  Such a long wait!  On Sunday morning, Pop-Pop had to say goodbye and can't wait to see her again in March. Aunt Siobhan and cousin Sean came to meet Genevieve.  Sean quickly became acquainted with his new cousin and even gave her hugs and kisses!  Auntie, Uncle John, and Rick came,too, with a giant, singing balloon in tow.  They loved on Genevieve a whole bunch and Auntie tried not to hog her too much.  :o)


Monday was the day that we headed home.  One of the coldest days of the year, I might add.  The wind chill was somewhere around -15 degrees, I think.  So, we bundled up our little bundle and stepped out into the cold to make our journey home.  Thankfully, Daddy took the week off from work and Grandma stayed for the week to help out.  It was quite a week for us, learning how to care for our new baby.  


We quickly learned how much she did not like having her diaper changed.  We gave her her first sponge bath on Wednesday, which she didn't seem to enjoy very much, either.  Genevieve's first doctor's appointment was on Wednesday, as well, and she was already back up to her birth weight.  I guess that's what happens when you are such a good eater!  She threw up a couple times on Mommy, as Mommy is still learning all the ins and outs of feeding and handling gas.  We went through so many diapers already in one week!  Daddy loves to sit and cuddle with his little girl.  Mommy is trying to get all the sleep that she can.  Thankfully, this newborn likes to sleep, which helps a bit.


On Friday, Genevieve had the opportunity to show off her modeling skills.  Mike's good friend from school, who is a professional photographer, wanted to come out and do a newborn photoshoot for us.  Genevieve loved hanging out in her birthday suit for a while, as Cathy took some beautiful pictures of our darling little girl.  Here is a sneak preview:

You can check out a few more photos and some of her other work at www.clpop.com  I will post more when we get them.


We've had several visitors this week and today, on Genevieve's one week birthday, Uncle Leroy and Aunt Karen came to visit and meet their new niece!  We had cake to celebrate this wonderful, little life that has blessed our world.


Needless to say, this week has been a whirlwind of emotions.  Mommy and Daddy are tired and still trying to adjust to these new roles we have as parents.  We are quickly learning that our schedule is not our own anymore.  God is good, however, and we are leaning on Him for strength as these next few weeks come our way.  This time is not easy, but it is so full of joy and love over this life that has blessed us in ways we never thought possible.  She is more beautiful than we could ever imagine.  We gush with love over her and can't wait to watch her grow and change!


Currently writing this, by the way, with her sleeping on my chest.  :o)