First Trip as Family of Four

Being experienced parents, we are wise enough to know the optimal age at which a child should embark on a long-distance journey.  That is why we waited until Cecily reached the mature age of 2.5 weeks to take her on her first airplane trip.

No.  Really.

Had it not been for the momentous occasion of my grandfather's 85th birthday and a huge gathering of family to celebrate, we might not have travelled this early.  However, when the celebration weekend was being planned, I knew it was the kind of thing that we could not miss.  Barring any medically prohibitive circumstances, having a tiny baby would not keep us from sharing in this memorable occasion.  Despite sleepless nights, three illnesses (all but the baby), and nearly non-stop feeding and diaper changing, I don't have a single regret about going.  On the contrary, we had such a wonderful time visiting with my mom's family, my friends, and my dad's family.  We were happy to share in my grandfather's and father's milestone birthdays and get to share our sweet girls with so many family members.  Additionally, Greg got to play on two first-class golf courses and I had a most relaxing facial.

Here are pictures from the week in Illinois and Indiana:

Cecily with Great-Grandmother Audra 

Cecily with our friend and mom's neighbor, Jesse

Cecily and Aunt Non and two cousins 

Cecily and Cousin Jonathon 

Cecily and Great-Grandfather Marshall 

Cecily and my friend, "aunt" Suzanne 

Cecily and "aunts" Sabrina, Stephanie, and Suzanne.  Getting together in my parents' basement brings back a lot of memories!! 

We realized that this was the last time we would all be together in my childhood home.  We will just all have to get together in their new house in Texas.  Hmm... Schlitterbahn trip??  :)

Cecily with "aunt" Bonnie, from whom we borrowed several pieces of baby equipment. 

Cecliy with Gram, wearing the Carter's jammies that I wore as a baby. 

Geneva taking a bike ride with Gramps

 Family gather in the Pluto-Water Well in French Lick.  If you can, read the writing above.  Haha.

Cousin Hannah and her sweet friend Christian.  

An attempt at a family photo 

Another try.  Geneva had just woken up from her through-dinner nap, which she took on a couch that Greg and dad pulled into our dining room. 

Family bowling night at French Lick! 

With Great-Grandpa Fred: the reason for our family gathering and celebration 

Late night for a 3 year old 

Sisters :) 

I love my cousin, Hannah! 

Do we look relaxed? 

Dad's birthday- but who looks to be the center of attention? 

With Great-Grandpa Fred 

What a crazy, full, crazy, fun, crazy, crazy, crazy week! :)

10 Days

Cecily had her 10 day check-up today.  Her doctor was very pleased with her coloring- pink without even a hint of yellow.  (Neither she or Geneva ever had even the tiniest bit of jaundice.)  We found out that she has gained over a pound since leaving the hospital.  She was born at 7lb 15 oz, left the hospital at about 7lb 8oz, and today weighs 8lb 10.5oz.


She had to get a vaccine today as well as her PKU test.  Ever since, these events, our usually-sleepy baby girl has been even more sleepy today.  She has literally only been awake to eat and for about 3 additional hours total today.  Otherwise, she has looked a lot like this:

Yesterday was my birthday and we went out to dinner as a family.  We all enjoyed some yummy Italian food while Cecily napped in her carrier beside us.  Just as we were pulling up the restaurant, a torrential rain began.  All but Cecily entered the restaurant completely soaked.  Afterward, my brother and sister-in-law came over for ice cream cake.  Geneva had been looking forward to what she was calling, "my cake" all day.

I got them all in one big blow.

Cecily and Stella don't quite know what to think of one another.  They are about the same length though.

Here are some snaps from today:

8 Days

For 8 days, we have been blessed to have a tiny little angel baby in our lives.  Cecily has been a very cuddly, very sleepy little girl.  She is a good eater and tolerates us kissing her 1000 times every day.  We know that she likes to being swaddled, shhhing sounds, her swing, and having her head and forehead rubbed.

Big sister Geneva is doing really well with her.  She will stop her busy self to kiss her cheek and gently rub her head and asks to hold her.  She is very gentle with her and tells her that she loves her and that she is beautiful.

Here are some more pictures from the past few days:

Such Sweetness!!!

She's Here!!

Oh, how blessed are we to announce the birth of our daughter, Cecily Eileen.  

Cecily was born July 1, 2012 at 2:26 in the morning.  She weighed 7 lbs, 15 oz and measured 20 inches long.  Apparently, she was waiting to share her birth month with her mama.  We now have two birthdays in May and two in July.   We are so thankful to be blessed with a healthy baby.  Knowing from experience how quickly babies grow bigger, Greg and I are completely trying to soak in this precious and brief newborn phase.  Geneva too, loves to pet her head, kiss her cheeks, and examine her tiny arms, legs, and toes.

How about some pictures?  I have only taken about a hundred in the three days since she has entered our world.

Geneva's and Cecily's first meeting.  We have a pair of sisters!!

My girls!

First family picture

They let us leave with our tiny baby

First time in a car

We are home!

Uncle Tracy came over

Sisterly love

 

Daddy and his girls

I think we are constantly kissing her

World, meet Cecily.  Love.