Some quick pictures

Here are some more pictures for the adoring fans of Hazel and Elise.

Meeting the Family

Since getting home, Elise has started to meet her family. In the past two days, she has met Grammy Burton, Aunt Anne (again), Audrey (again), and Katherine. So far, she has received nothing but rave reviews.

Hazel's first crack at holding Elise.

Grammy approves!

Katherine is a big fan.

Anne is already campaigning for favorite Aunt.

Despite all the attention being showered on Elise, Hazel refuses to shrink into the background. Some quick photographic evidence:

Hazel, generally excited about life.

New Tinkerbell jammies!!!

Hazel's new painting set.

Thursday night: Suvivor, The Office, and Elise

It is official. Megan is no longer pregnant. On Thursday afternoon, Megan started having contractions with some semblance of regularity. We met at the hospital at about 5:15, went through triage, and our doctor requested that we be admitted. At the time, Megan was 3cm dilated, and was pretty comfortable. However, due to the speed at which we had Hazel, it was decided that we should stay.


At 7:30, our nurse came in and said that our doctor was considering breaking Megan's water manually. Given the choice, Megan said that she would like to keep going by herself for a bit, if that was okay. The nurse talked to the doctor, and we were given until 9:30. At 9:15, Megan's water broke, and upon inspection was found to be 4 cm dilated. At this point the contractions got stronger and closer together. At 10:15, she was checked and was at 7cm. At approximately 10:43, Megan started pushing, and Elise Caroline was born at 10:47. (Side note: Megan wants me to point out that this was all done without any painkillers. She is pretty hardcore)

When Elise came out, she had some gunk in her lungs and some bruising and swelling on her face from the pushing. The NICU nurses spent a little time clearing out her lungs and cleaning her up. Her face is a bit purple from the bruising, but it should clear up in a couple of days like any normal bruise.

All in all, Elise and Mom are doing very well. They are both resting and eating, and the nurses have been wonderful!

The first official picture of Elise. Born at 10:47, 9/24/09, 8lbs 0.6oz, 20.5in.

The first close-up, about 45 minutes later. You can see that her color is already getting better.

Hazel came to visit with Aunt Anne and Audrey. Hazel had to wear a mask because of her cough, but everyone thought they were pretty stylish and wore one with her.

Dad and Elise, hanging out.

Elise starting to look at the world around her. Her eyes are already very blue!

A cute picture snuggling with Mom.

And now, we have officially made it home.

A quick tour of Elise.

Waiting for Baby

Well, my due date has come and gone, and still no baby. The past few days have been spent anxiously waiting, timing contractions that don't seem to go anywhere, and packing and unpacking our hospital bag and Hazel's bag for Auntie Anne's house.

On Saturday, Glenn really thought we'd be heading to the hospital, so he decided that the closer he was to the car, the better. Late in the afternoon, I caught him taking a nap in the garage...


During my last pregnancy, I found relief sitting and rocking on our yoga ball, so I rolled the dear old thing out this weekend. Hazel thought sitting on a ball was a great idea, so we had a great time rocking back and forth together.



And last but not least, in case anyone thought I couldn't get any bigger, my 40-week belly shot:

Smarty Pants

Our little Hazelnut has become such a smarty pants lately. Her latest accomplishment? A thorough knowledge of geography...