Welcome Home!

Okay, when I said details later, I didn't really mean this much later - but I know you'll forgive me! As you can imagine, life with two children has been quite an adjustment. My biggest challenge right now, besides recovering from c-section surgery (ouchy!), is nursing a newborn while I watch my toddler climb up and swing in the baby swing, go into the bedroom (I forget to close the door sometimes - imagine that) and pull all of the diapers off the pack-n-play onto the floor, or climb up and stand on the kitchen table - among other fantastic feats. I must say, though, nursing this time around hasn't been quite the challenge that it was with Andrew - I can actually walk around while Aaron eats and pull Andrew down from whatever piece of furniture he has managed to scale. Overall, however, I must say being a Mom again is the best thing I have ever done.

I must admit that I struggled those last couple of days of pregnancy with the idea of taking care of two kids on my own (at least during the day when my husband - who is WONDERFUL- is at work), but this morning as I rocked my newborn and watched my toddler play with the dog at my feet, I realized that I would be okay. I am feeling better and able to move around better everyday, and with that comes increased confidence and joy in being a mother to these two precious little boys.
SO here are a few details about the blessed day of Aaron's arrival as well as a few picturs of our lives that last 10 days or so:
On Monday October 6th, we were preparing for our trip to the hostpital. We were supposed to be there at 12:30 to prep for surgery at 2:30. I had given up hope that the Dr. Parker would call and ask me to come in early like he mentioned he might do at my last appointment. BUT at about 10:30, lo' and behold, the OBGYN office called and asked, "Can you come in right now?" In a whirlwind, we packed up the car with my bags and with Andrew, called my parents (who were on their way to our house to stay with Andrew during the birth) and told them to meet us at the hostpital. We checked in at 11:30, the same tme my parents showed up and took Andrew back home. In the meantime, another emergency c-section was called in, and they THANKFULLY decided to do mine first! I was rushed through the prep procedures (don't worry, not in a scary way), and at 1:22 p.m., precious Aaron Robert was born! Everything went well and both of us made it through the delivery just fine - although I must say I forgot how frightening it is to be numb from the chest down. I felt like someone put a blanket made of lead on me that covered my chest all the way to my toes. It feels not only completely numb, but also very heavy. I literally could not move a muscle - even my breathing felt funny. I cried the whole time. It was totally worth t, though, when I heard those first lusty cries from Aaron! He weighed in at 8 lbs 10 oz and was 19 3/4 inches long.

Grandma Shenk; Papaw Derr

I think everything they put in the spinal block had an "ichiness" side effect, because afterward I could not stop scratching everywhere! Did you notice my red nose in the picture on my last post? The next day, my nose was raw and dry - I had to put vaseline on it.
A surprise from Aunt Jenny!

We stayed at Grant Hostpital until Thursday, then we came home to start our life together. Thursday morning, as I was getting the baby ready to go, the door opened, and I fully expected to see my husband - who called earlier to say he was on his way. Instead, in walked my sister, Jenny - a surprise visit from Missouri! We cried together, and I was thrilled to hear she was staying until Sunday! Consequently, my youngest sister also came up with my Mom (who I was already expecting), and so did her two year old daughter and her thirteen hear old son. Whoa! Quite a house full when you are post-surgery with a newborn. But my family was incredibly helpful, and I really did not lift a finger the whole weekend for anything other than feeding Aaron. What a blessing!

Cousin Hannah; Grandma Derr

This week I am on my own during the day, except for a few helpful visits from Phil's mom, and yummy dinners from a few volunteers at church. God is so good - He always know just what I need!
Thank you for your many calls, cards, and visits. I am happy to take calls anytime, although I may have to call you back! Feel free to give us a call or drop in for a visit!