So little!

Snuggle Bug

Within the first week Laura had already mastered the art of snuggling!

 

Walk

Laura's first walk around the neighborhood (June 19th)

Big Helper

Grace has been a HUGE help since Laura arrived. She is always wanting to chip in.  She certainly loves her little sister.

Luckily I have two nursing covers (one for home when guests are here and one for the diaper bag) because Grace likes to wear "hers" when I'm feeding Laura

 Holding baby

 Helping to change Laura

 Snuggle time in Laura's room

(not sure why my videos are appearing grainy--they're fine on the computer--sorry!)

 Making sure Laura has adequate blankets and toys

Helping me read a book to Laura

What an awesome set of sisters we have!

Tummy Time

Laura's first try at tummy time...like all babies, she wasn't a huge fan this first time.

Home

It felt so good to get home with Laura.  We loved introducing her house and getting time to cuddle with her without all of the wires and monitors we had in the hospital.

Papa Mike takes a turn holding Laura

Grace was so excited to find us at home when Mark brought her home from school.  Her first question of course was, "Can I hold the baby?"

"Tickle, tickle!"

Three generations

And from sweet to crazy...Ah, the life of a 3 year old!

Deep in conversation

Notice the toys and extra blanket--Grace insisted that Laura wanted them

Trying out our pack and play

Relaxing in the papasan while the rest of us have dinner

It was a great first day home!

Jail Break!

We were in the NICU Monday morning when my doctor popped in and gave me my release from the hospital.  The next hurdle was getting Laura released.  We were worried that I would get out and she would have to stay in but our worry was not necessary.  By about 9 a.m. we had received the green light on taking Laura home.  We had to do a few education things, they unhooked her monitors, and let us take her out.  We were thrilled to get to take her back to our room and pack up.  I had to do a little bit of out processing and then we were free to leave!  We were home by noon--all happy and healthy!

Laura with her flowers

She finally gets to put clothes on!

Let's go!

Father's Day

What better Father's Day gift could a man get than a happy, healthy baby?  I don't know how we'll top this Father's Day.

Mark stayed the night in the hospital with Laura and I and in the morning he ran and got Grace.  We hung out in our room a bit and then headed down to the NICU to see Laura.

Grace was so excited to get to hold her little sister.

 

 

The best was when Laura started moving her hand and the bandages holding the IV in rubbed against Grace's face tickling her.  Grace was laughing so hard and kept saying, "She's tickling me!"

  

Daddy and his girls

We all got to help the nurse give Laura her first sponge bath and take her foot prints.  She wasn't very happy...

The crying got to Grace (she's got to get used to it!), so she and Mark headed out and ordered our Father's Day lunch...Papa John's.  After I got back to the room we opened Mark's cards and ate our pizza.  Someone thought it was pretty cool getting to eat in Mommy's bed.

Mark's Father's Day gift that Grace made at school

Mama and Papa Mike came and got Grace that afternoon and Mark and I spent some time snuggling with Laura. 

Between feedings we were able to enjoy our "fancy" hospital meal (lobster and steak--hospital lobster and steak, but still decent) and watch a movie.  It sort of felt like a date night :-)

 Grace and Laura are so lucky to have such an awesome Dad and I am so blessed to share the adventure of parenthood with my best friend!  Love you Mark!