Grandma's House

Thank you to those of you who check this blog regularly - FINALLY an update! Being a mom sure keeps me busy! Andrew is growing like a weed, and he eats all the time! I am trying to encourage a three hour schedule, but he insists on feeding every two hours. I spend most of my day at the breast pump, trying to give my sore nipples a break. (I hope that's not too much information for you. I lost all modesty when I became a mom. If it is too much , then I won't tell you what I'm doing right now as I type this post. I'll just say I am really learning to multi-task! )
This past weekend was Memorial Day. We drove to the farm (where I grew up) to spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa. My mom was also babysitting my sister's little girl, Hannah, so Andrew got to visit with his cousin AND be spoiled by Grandma! Phil and I always enjoy our visits to the farm. We both have such an appreciation for nature and the outdoors. It was nice to leave the baby with Grandma for a while and have a walk outside together.
Here is a picture my mom took of Shelby looking on as I rocked Andrew to sleep. Many of you have asked how she is doing with him. Shelby seems to be adjusting very well. Her jealousy shows occasionally, but she approaches the baby with caution and respect. The other day Phil held him down at her level and said, "Andrew, say Hi to the puppy!" Shelby started to give him a big kiss, but then thought better of it and licked Phil instead.

Welcome Home

We welcomed our new little angel home on Thursday, May 3. Mommy and Andrew went right to bed and Daddy napped on the couch with Shelby, who was very curious about this newcomer. Shelby (our 3 yr old boxer) seems to recognize my fragile state. She was very excited to see me home again, but hasn't tried once to jump on me or crawl in my lap. We won't let her see the baby (ie: sniff or lick), so she has an attitude of caution when she approaches the bassinet or rocking chair. Our first couple of days at home have been very pleasant. I am feeling better every day and experience only minimal pain. Breastfeeding has been challenging but rewarding - we both are catching on! Grandma Derr has been here since Thursday evening which has been wonderful! Mommy and baby are both enjoying being spoiled! We are working on establishing a routine and just enjoying the miracle of this new life. Thanks to all of you for your prayers, emails, cards, and phone calls! Visitors are welcome, so give us a call if you'd like to stop by and meet our little man. Here are more pictures for you to enjoy!

The Andrew Shenk Gallery

Introducing Andrew Phillip Shenk

Our baby boy is here!On April 30, 2007 at 10:27am, Andrew Phillip Shenk came into this world! He weighed 8lbs 3oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Phil and I were both amazed at how quickly the procedure was over...and we have been in awe of this little person ever since. We aren't quite sure yet when we get to bring him home. I am still in the hospital recovering from c-section. Fortunately, they have wireless Internet service here, so I can update and email to my liking. Andrew is doing great! We share a room, although I am very grateful for the nurses who will keep him in the nursery while I try to get some sleep at night. In fact, nurses are fast becoming my favorite group of people! If you are a nurse, please accept my sincerest thanks for everything you do! I am feeling pretty good so far, and I hope to be able to bring my baby home by Thursday. This entry is short, but I know you'll forgive me - boy, am I tired!Hope you enjoy the photos! Keep checking on us as I'm sure there will be many more pics to come!

Ready for Baby

In just four days we will be Mom and Dad! I have begun my maternity leave a couple of days early due to my swollen hands and feet and the general discomfort that comes from being 9 months pregnant and chasing elementary school children around all day. I am glad to have the next few days to enjoy some quiet time and get ready for our new arrival! The nursery is just about ready. It is so cozy and cute!

The biggest thing on our "To Do" list is to choose a name! We are down to Andrew Phillip Shenk and Tucker Phillip Shenk. We each like both of these names, but neither of us want to make the final decision! I think we may just have to see which suits him best when we finally meet him on Monday! Click on "Comments" at the end of this post to cast your vote! Hope you enjoy these pics of the nursery!

Clueless

Here is our first "baby", Shelby. She is blissfully unaware of what is about the happen to her peaceful domain. Little does she know that a small bundle of bouncing baby joy is about to invade her world - and she will no longer be the center of attention! Of course, it won't be long before she will be enjoying bits of food dropped on the floor and a string of toys on the floor to adopt as her own.

In fact, it looks like it will happen sooner than we thought! An ultrasound today showed our healthy baby boy in a breech position! The doctor doesn't think there is much chance that he will turn himself around in the next week or two, so he decided the best thing for us to do was to schedule a c-section. Our baby will be delivered on Monday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. That means I have one more week of work and less than two weeks left of pregnancy! Hooray!! My swollen feet are rejoicing! Of course, things could still change - he might decide to come before that, but as of now we have exactly 10 days to decide on a name for our little guy! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

Showers of Love

Here are some pictures of the baby shower my Mom and my sisters threw for me at the end of March. About thirty aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews came from out of town to help us welcome our baby - and what a welcome he received! It sounds like a cliche, I guess, but really - how can one little person need so much STUFF? We have clothes and diapers and shampoos and lotions and blankets and bottles...well, I don't need to go on. All of this in addition to the shower the girls at work had for us AND the shower my friend Danielle threw for us at church, you would think we will never need another diaper or wipe...but alas, I know that won't be true!

I have been laughing at myself lately as a I catch myself performing trivial tasks in an effort to be ready for the arrival of this little one. Must sterilize bottles! Must wash ALL clothes! Must pack a bag and sit it with the car seat RIGHT next to the door...Okay, go ahead and laugh at me, you seasoned mothers. Then scroll right down to the bottom of this post and click on "Add Comment" so you can tell me how to really be ready! Actually, I really am aware that no matter how organized the closet is, or how cute the nursery looks, or how many diapers I have stocked up; I will never truly be ready for this bundle of joy to arrive into our lives. But it is lots of fun trying!