Tuesday, March 31, 2009

First Photo Shoot

Ok, here they are as promised. I love love love them. We could not be happier. These are just the first few that Emilee sent. I will add more as she gets them to us. We need to decide on one or a couple of our favorites for the announcement. We would love your imput on this, though we won't necessarily use it. Thanks, love you all.





This is just my way of honoring that beautiful Green Mountain State. My homeland and birthplace. Long Live Vermont!!!



Here are some more pics from Emilee. She is a master of photography and creativity, even if she doesn't think so. As if I didn't already think my baby was beautiful, it's hard for me to take my eyes off of these pictures.


Week 2: New changes

It has been quite a week. There have been a lot of changes and a few discoveries. To start with the good changes. Harper has discovered her hands. This was a marvelous discovery for her, as she has used her thumb a few times as a pacifier. Coming from a former thumb sucking mom, this is not what I wanted to see. I know the agony she will go through when the time finally comes to give it up. She has also changed even more in her face. Her eyes are open so much more and she stays alert for longer periods of time. In the last couple of days we realized she is able to focus on us and follow our voices. She is even rolling from her back to her side and to her back again. I'm sure it will be a little while before she is rolling from back to front. We are still waiting for her umbilical cord to fall off and her "vacuum bump" to go down on her head. Never the less she's perfect and getting better every day.

We have also had a few frustrations this week. We had a rough couple of days/nights at the beginning of the week. We went into the pediatrician's office on Wed. to see if we could figure out what was going on. We decided that Harper has a little bit of acid reflux which is leading to her irritability. We are trying out a antacid to relive some of her discomfort. The doctor is also questioning if Harper is intolerant to cows milk protein. I am on a strict diet so that I'm able to continue breastfeeding and see if there is any change in her. We don't believe this is the problem, so hopefully I can get back to my diet of ice cream and chocolate very soon. We go back into the Doctor's office on Thursday for a follow up and for her 2 week appointment. We also spent the latter part of Wed. afternoon at Wake Med getting an ultrasound of Harper's pituitary gland to make sure that wasn't the problem. We where happy to here every thing was perfect.

Other than a few trials this week we are starting to learn each other's needs and schedule. We know that the days, for the most part, are good and tantrum free as long as the food is readily available and the diapers are dry. The nights are still a little rough from about 10pm to 1am. After this, the rest of the night is relatively smooth. Hopefully each week we will become more and more in tuned with one another and by the month mark it will be old hat.

Here are some pictures from this week. Enjoy, and stay tuned for the post of Harper's first professional photo shoot.










Saturday, March 21, 2009

Our first week

I'm not going to bore everyone with a lengthy post. I know it's mostly pictures you all want. I can't blame you. Harper is so so beautiful. I will tell you that we are enjoying every minute of being new parents. The first night we were home was definitely rough, but with the help of Nana Gates we made it through. We went to the doctor on Tuesday and left with a clean bill of health. They agreed that she was as perfect as we think she is. We are, of course, still getting acclimated to her and her schedule, but overall we could not ask for a better baby. We love you all and are so thankful for everyone's love and support. Harper is a very lucky little girl.











Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Harper

While Sarah and Adam adjust to being home and getting very little (if any) sleep, I thought I would post a photo of the sweetheart from yesterday for all of the blog stalkers =) She seems to try to be saying "peace out" here with her hands =)

(guest blogger - emilee)

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Welcome to the World

Sorry for the delay - things have been quite emotional and busy as I am sure you can imagine!

Harper Olivia Brown joined us on March 14th (her due date) at 5:09pm. She weighed 7lbs and 12oz. She is 20.5 inches long.

Mom, Baby & Dad are all doing well and are head over heels in love. It was a moment beyond words.

Here is a Cell Photo Camera Sneak Peak...

Pushing...

She is 10cm and beginning to push! Keep all in your prayers!

Almost There...

She is 9cm now. Blood pressure drops quickly with position changes, but otherwise is doing really well, just tired. She is progressing fast. We are waiting on Harper to drop a little still but Sarah is sitting up in the bed now to help with that.

Ahhh...that feels better =)

Epidural in place after very intense and very close contractions.... Sarah is doing much better.

(this is Emilee guest blogging)....

Harper is on the way!!!!

We are at the hospital and in active labor. The water broke this morning at home. contractions are now 2-3 minutes apart.

Updates to come....