Church

Today is the first time Annagrace went to church. She looks so cute in her long bishop gown.

Crib Time

Annagrace's first nap in the crib. She sleeps in the basinett at night, right next to our bed. But I thought that I would test out the crib today, she did well, but she didn't stay asleep for too long, but she never does.

Meeting Aunt Carol

Carol came down today and met Annagrace for the first time. Of course she cried, which made me cry, we are a sad bunch of folks, I tell you.

We went to dinner and Carol held her the entire time. I think the only time she didn't hold her is when we were in the car. She is just so tiny and cuddly, you can't help but hold her all of the time.

Happy 27th!

Today is my 27th birthday. I got the most perfect present ever: a 6 1/2 pound perfect little girl. I don't think Tyler will ever be able to top that one! Tyler also gave me diamond earrings on our aniversary, they are for: our aniversary, her birth, my birthday, and Mother's day (they were too expensive to be just one gift). We didn't do much for my birthday, Annagrace is only a week old, so we just took it easy. She did have her first bath at home today.

Dr. Stephens

One week appointment with Dr. Stephens. He is so sweet and patient. I am so glad that we chose him.

Sleeping

She sleeps just like her Daddy.

They are so cute!

This poor baby, those crazy hats, will not stay on her head!

I'm totally freaked out about the sleeping thing. I'm really worried about SIDS. I feel like one of us has to be awake at all times, to keep an eye on her. So Tyler, the night owl, is taking the first shift until 3am, then I get up and take over. I know this will not work forever. But for now, I can't sleep unless I know that someone else is awake and watching her. I am so glad that Tyler has the week off, to be at home with me. If it weren't for him and Mom, I don't know how I would make it! I haven't been too affected by the C-section, I still do what I want and take care of her. I am on Motrin, every five hours but I hate taking the pain medicine b/c it knocks me out completely. I only take it when it's time for bed. I get the BEST sleep when I take it b/c it is such a deep peaceful sleep.

Going Home

She looks so cute in her going home dress and bonette. It is WAY to big, but I wanted her to wear rose buds, b/c that's what I wore when I came home.

Her first at home meal and meeting Lucy!

Angel

She even sleeps like an angel.

First Family Portrait

Okay, it's not perfect, you can't see the baby, but it's still the first one, so it's special!

First Day

Grandmother was back at the hospital bright and early the next morning.

Miss Donna came in and tried to get us started on breastfeeding. She was amazing and so determined.

My frist diaper and clothing change. She is just so tiny and fragile!

So cute in her first little day dress - it is SO soft.

Our first visitors - Regina and Cheryl.

Tyler's first, of many, diapers. Since I had a C-sections, I have to rely on him or Mom to change her diapers or bring her to me so that I can do it. I'm okay once I'm out of the bed, but GETTING out of the bed is the problem.

Daddy's Little Girl

Introducing

Annagrace Ellene Welch

6 pounds 5.7 ounces

19 1/2 inches

April 16, 2007

The BIG Day

I was scheduled to be induced today, April 16, 2007. We arrived at the hospital at 6am and by 6pm my contractions were strong enough and close enough, but I hadn't dilated past 4 cm so Dr. Stephens suggested a C-section and we were fine with that.

She was pulled out at 7:13pm. It was the most emotional moment of my life. There were no words, just tears of joy. It was very hard not to be able to see her and hold her right away. I could just hear her screaming and took that as a good sign, that she was doing great. When the nurses were finished with her, they handed her to Tyler and he brought her over to me. She was bundled up so tightly, I couldn't see her very well. All I could do was touch her cheek. Tyler went with Annagrace to the nursery and Cheryl Frandson (my friend and nurse) stayed in the OR with me and held my hand until Dr. Stephens was finished stapling me up.

I had to wait in the recovery room until the epidural wore off, then I was taken to my room, where I was able to hold my precious little one for the first time.