Finally Four

I meant to update this much sooner and more frequently since Hannah's arrival but I have found myself with little free time that I have not wanted to spend just staring at Hannah. Everything that happened from about 8:00 on Wednesday night was very surreal. It is strange going about your routine knowing it is the last time it will ever be that way. I had a very hard time falling asleep that night. I woke up around 1:30 because I had to go the bathroom and I fought it so hard, knowing that if I got out of bed I would not get back to sleep. I lost the battle and, sure enough, did not get any more sleep that night. Luckily Zach was not really sleeping either so we had each other for company. At 3:51 I got up and jumped in the shower. I knew that if I got ready too quickly then I would have to find a way to kill time before we could leave to check in at the hospital, but if I got ready too slowly then we would be late. I put careful thought and preparation into each step of my morning routine. Finally it was time to go. We loaded up the bags and headed out. Again, it was very strange knowing that the next time I would be at home I would have Hannah with me.

When we got to the hospital we decided to take an "arriving at the hospital" photo before checking in. The lady at the front desk seemed to think this was a little silly but we did not care. We were too excited. When we checked in we were taken to the room that would become our home away from home for the next few days. We filled out more paperwork and then were on our way to Triage where all the pre-op stuff would be done. After my IV's were in, medicines ingested and Zach was in scrubs our anesthesiologist came to talk with us followed by the surgeon. Both were very confident and ready for action. Next thing I knew I was walking down the halls towards the OR. I was so excited! After I was on the table with my highly effective spinal in, Zach was allowed to join us. He sat by my head as the surgery began. It was interesting to listen to the conversations around me. It was so casual! Here I am, lying on a bed with a hole in my midsection and the surgeons are discussing their vacation plans. Crazy! In what seemed like no time at all the doctor was telling me I was going to feel a lot of pressure and next thing I know I hear the tiny cries of a very healthy, and surprisingly large, Hannah. I heard my doctor say, "where was she?" Apparently I did not look big enough to have her inside. They brought Hannah around the curtain so I could see her for a moment then she and Zach went to a room next door where the NICU nurse did all the initial screenings and measurements. She was 8 lbs. 10 oz and 20 3/4 inches long. When I first heard her stats I was shocked. She and Zach got to come sit with me a while longer in the OR before being taken over to the recovery room to wait for me. Everyone was very kind, telling us how beautiful she was and congratulating me as they finished up the surgery. We spent about 2 hours in the recovery room before being taken back to our Mother/Baby room.

Once we were settled in, Zach called Dad and Tab and told them it was okay to bring Grace down. I was so excited to get to see her and for her to meet Hannah. When she came in, she was a little shy but then wanted to hold Hannah right away. She help her on her lap with a pillow for about 10 seconds before deciding that was enough. As soon as Hannah went to Poppy though, Grace thought she should have another turn with her baby sister. I loved seeing her be so excited to be a big sister. She wanted to make sure she gave Hannah kisses before she went home from the hospital that night for bed. After the initial visit Grace, Daddy, Poppy and Granny went to lunch and I had a few minutes of quiet with my new Daughter. I just sat and stared at her in my arms. I could not believe she was here.

Over the next few days we got to introduce Hannah to all the major players in her life. Grandma and Grandpa came with Auntie Dani, Soren, and Solveig. Aunt Kelly, Uncle Chad, Issy, Madeline, Harlie and Jacee were also there the first day to greet their new cousin/niece. Rhonda came by on Thursday and Friday. Yea Yea, Papu, and Uncle Zach came for a few hours on Friday along with Luke and Summer. Saturday Great Grandma and Papa visited with Uncle Jeff, Sierra and Kyrie. Auntie and Unlce Kristian came to the house that evening after were discharged.

The hospital stay was so much better this time than it was with Grace. Having our own room made a huge difference. It was much more relaxing to have our own space and not feel constantly concerned that we were going to disturb our room mate. I was allowed to get out of bed and walk around Thursday night. I don't think it has ever felt so good to get up and move. The location was great too because we were only a few minutes from home. Zach was able to leave in the mornings to shower and help get Grace ready for the day then bring her down to visit. He did a lot of running back and forth, but I think (well I hope) that it helped him not go too stir crazy from being in that same little room all the time.

Hannah is a very mellow baby. I can not get over how much she sleeps and wonder if it will change much in the next few weeks or if she is just going to be a sleepy head her whole life. She is nursing well which has been a huge relief. I think she looks very much like Grace except that her hair is lighter (Grace was very dark at birth). I can not get enough of looking at her. each time I had down time in the hospital (which was not very often) I would think to myself that I should update the blog, or email photos but all I wanted to do was sit and snuggle with my baby girl, and so I did.

Being home with the two girls feels very natural. I was surprised by how quickly it felt normal to be a family of four. Grace has been so wonderful since Hannah's arrival. She wants to help with the baby and likes to see her. First thing in the morning she comes into our room (Hannah is in with us for the moment) and says "I want to see baby Hannah" then she spends a few minutes playing with her. When Hannah is sad, which is not often, Grace likes to sing to her. She usually chooses "the tinkerbell" song (in which she sings "tinkerbell" over and over to whatever tune comes to mind. She has asked for a lot of attention when I am nursing ("Mommy look at me" or "watch this, Mommy") but never asks for anything else so that has been a huge relief. Zach has been wonderful taking care of me, the girls and the house. As I am supposed to be taking it easy he has had to take on the heavy lifting, literally. He has risen to the occasion and has been great. I am so glad to have him home with us for a while

So, there is the update. I know it is long, but sadly I am sure I have already forgotten many things. I hope to be better about keeping this updated as we find a new "normal" for our family and go through the joys and challenges of raising two daughters.