5 days old

Have we really only been parents for five days?? As I sit here next to her, it seems like she has been a part of our lives for much longer than that!

A week ago, I was busy getting the house ready for her arrival. We knew that we would be heading into the hospital the next day, and so it seemed like it was the last opportunity to get all that detailed cleaning, organizing and stock-up grocery shopping done! And today, a week later, with the exception of an exciting adventure out for her first doctor's appointment, all we have done is napped and eaten, and just been totally relaxed on the couch together.

I would say that we have adjusted pretty well to being a threesome. She doesn't spend much time not in one of our arms. Last night she only woke me up once in the middle of the night, and then not again until 7am! Yay for sleep!! :-)

Here is one of the few moments she has spent in her crib...
I was pretty excited for her to meet Brady...a future playmate...

Here is daddy multi-tasking - grad school work and burping at the same time...

Taylor showing off her feet and long little legs...
Snuggling in cozy blankets...

My mom is here for a few days, and she came bearing lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, planned dinners and very helpful hands! So far today she shoveled our driveway, accompanied me to the doctor's office for Taylor's first visit, went grocery shopping for us, made homemade applesauce, made and cleaned up dinner, and was the camcorder-holder for Taylor's first bath at home.

Here is a picture of our first family dinner at the table... :-)
Spending time with grand-mem...
Taylor's doctor's appointment went really well, and they said she is progressing exactly as she should be! She is already back above her birth weight - eating like a champ!! I was nervous about how she was doing, and I felt really happy and relieved to hear that everything is good! This whole being a mom thing was a lot less worrisome when she was in utero - I could protect her 24/7! :-)

Love this little girl!

Welcome to the world, Taylor Leigh!!

Taylor is here!!

Whew! It has been a whirlwind these past 38-ish hours, but an amazing experience!!

A week past our original due date, Tuesday at 7am, we left for the hospital to see if we could get the labor going, and after 20 hours of Olympics watching, Scrabble playing, jello eating, and yes, plenty of laboring, Taylor Leigh Slagh entered the world! The day was long - more exhausting than a marathon, and I think that we experienced every emotion possible, but it was SO worth it. Ryan was WONDERFUL the whole day. I cannot say enough about how well yesterday went with him by my side. He went above and beyond expectations. I am so glad that I got to experience this life changing event with him. We started pushing at 1:20am, and she was born at 3:01am! After announcing that we had a GIRL, she was immediately snuggled in a blanket on my chest, and I don't think I will ever forget what it felt like to feel her little 7 pound body in my arms and to hear her cry for the first time.

Dr. Z guessed she was going to be 7 pounds, 3 ounces, and she ended up being 7 pounds, 1 ounce! At 21 inches long she is a long, lean little girl. She has a little blister on each hand where she enjoyed sucking on her hands in utero. Every little part of her seems like a perfect little creation of God, and I cannot wait to see what adventures her life will hold.

Here are a few pictures of our day today - so, so excited to be PARENTS!! :-)

Taking a long walk Sunday night, trying to get labor going...
Leaving the house for the last time, just the two of us...

Just getting settled into our new room we will call "home" for 3 or 4 days...

And she's here!! (We're looking a little tired, but it is 3 in the morning!!)

Taylor...

We might be biased, but we think she is beautiful... :-)

First bath at the hospital :)

Sweet, sweet girl

Grandma and grandpa Parker (at least that is what we will call them until Taylor decides what their nicknames will be :-)) checking out her soft little feet and long little toes. :-)

 We are so happy...and so excited. :)

Original due date!!

Tomorrow is our original due date!! February 9 was the date we were looking forward to originally, but the 20 week ultrasound indicated that we would probably be closer to February 14, so we are still patiently waiting for the big day sometime in the next two weeks or so!

There are thoughts that the upcoming snowstorm may bring on labor - but only time will tell!! I rode my bike this past Saturday (on the trainer of course), and part of me wondered if it would be my last time riding with the group for a while. There are lots of those thoughts lately! Will this be the last time I....fill in the blank with pretty much anything!!

So next post could be a 40 week update, or a baby introduction!!

39 weeks... (this shirt is no longer covering all my belly :-P)

Ryan looking forward to the big day....

Pack 'n play ready to go...

Possibly me on Wednesday?? (yep, sorry teachers, I probably just jinxed it...but we're supposed to get a lot of snow!!)