Welcome Baby Nell!

We welcomed Nell Caroline at 8:11 AM on May 24th, her due date!  Our punctual girl outweighed her brother at 9lbs, 8oz and 21 inches long.  When Nell decided she was ready, she came pretty quickly.  Mom's water broke at 2am and our wonderful neighbor Michelle came downstairs at 3:30 to stay with Reece.  We were off to Women and Infants where we were informed that not only was the Alternative Birthing Center (the comfy natural birth labor room) closed due to repairs, but that they were overcrowded in general.  That meant that we spent 3 hours in the ER where labor quickly progressed.  When the nurse finally checked on us, she was surprised to see a mama who looked way too close to delivering the baby, so we were finally moved upstairs to a labor room.  About an hour later (and only about 10 minutes of pushing), Nell was born!  Although we didn't spend very much time with them, the midwives did a fantastic job delivering our big girl and keeping Mom in one piece.

Nell spent her first two hours of life mad, mad, mad!

Big girl! The midwives described it as a "tight fit."

Tired Daddy and Nell in a very silly hat made by our nurse.

With the help of fantastic grandparents, we have spent the last two and a half weeks settling in with our new addition and slowly returning to our normal routine.  Reece was pretty overwhelmed for the first few days with mom and dad gone at the hospital and lots of visitors and excitement.  As things have calmed down, he is proving himself to be a great big brother.  He loves to talk about how Nell is his sister and announce "I like my sister."  He had some concerns that some of mom's friends would take Nell home with them when he saw them holding her, but since we've cleared that one up he's happy to share her. 

2nd day at home and eyes open briefly, then back to sleeping.

Proudly holding his sister, just like we practiced!

Nell has spent her first two weeks competing fiercely for the title of "best newborn ever."  Although I'm probably cursing us as I type this, Nell has been giving us a 5 hour stretch at night, followed by a 3-4 hour one.  This might be because she's so big.  She's nursing like a champ and is becoming more and more alert, which is a lot of fun.  It's gotten slightly more tricky to settle her down for a nap than in the first week, but a walk in the stroller or a few minutes in the bathroom with the fan and shower going quickly put her to sleep.  Mom and Dad are feeling a lot more confident in our baby-soothing skills this time around, and Nell's chill demeanor is probably mostly a result of ours!

So snuggly with a full belly of milk.

With a busy big brother, Nell has joined us on some outings already.  She's been to a few playdates (even though her soon-to-be playmates are still in-utero for another week or two), the playground, gymnastics, and a playgroup trip to Friendly's.  We've gone on a few walks and are enjoying our new double stroller where Reece can sit or stand and Nell's carseat secures behind him.  On Friday, we went to the pediatrician for Nell's 2 week check-up and she is now 10lbs and gaining about an ounce a day.  Chunky monkey!

Reece rocking some 90's fashion in the sandbox during our family playground outing.  Mom built up some confidence and has since ventured out alone with both kiddos.