Clara's First Bath

It felt like I was waiting for Clara's cord stump to fall off forever, but maybe that's just because Adam's fell off quickly (day 9, I think). But, it finally fell off and she got her first bath yesterday. It looks like this girl will love her baths, just like her big brother.
A side note, for those curious. At her 2 week appointment (already almost a week ago!) she weighed 7lbs. 2 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Getting her hair washed (and still waking up a little bit).

A few shots of her in her tub.

Adam's First Haircut!

I've been cutting Adam's hair for his whole life, but I decided it was time to call in the professionals. So, we took a trip over to the mall and went to Cartoon Cuts. It's a special salon just for kids. Adam did so well and he looked so handsome when he was all done.

Adam actually passed on the lollipop, so Dad enjoyed it for him.

Here is the star of the show. After they sprayed his hair, the cutting began.

Adam was a little skeptical until he found out that he got to watch TV while he got his cut. Thomas was his choice of show and he loved it.

Martha was his stylist and she did a great job.

The transformation continues.

Martha showed him how the clippers worked and he decided he was OK with it.

A little help from Daddy's iphone to get him to look down.

All handsome and ready to ride! He even got a little certificate when he was done.

Did I mention that this boy LOVES his new wheels? This trip was also our first time with the double stroller.

A shot of the stroller, and Adam rethinking his decision to not wear the bib during his haircut. His neck was a little itchy!

Boyfriend Material

Clara met her first friend (and possible future boyfriend???) about a week ago. Canaan was born just before Christmas, and has been anxiously waiting to meet Clara. He was a little disappointed that Clara slept through their entire first date. Bummer.

They had their second date at Bible Study on Thursday night. Both were snoozing this time, so the mamas got to enjoy some grown-up time.

We can't wait to see these two playing together (if they're ever awake at the same time!)

Park Season Opener

While Grandma and Grandpa Swenson were here, the weather took a turn for the awesome and Adam got to go to the park nearly every day that they were here.
Grandma and Grandpa with their grandbabies.

It has cooled back off a little, but we did enjoy one family trip to the park a few days ago.
Clara's first time at the park.

Adam had a great time.

Catching Z's

Around here, we've been catching our Z's wherever and whenever we can.

Adam has found new ways to get his "Mama time."

Having a little sister is a lot of hard work.

A Photo Shoot of Sorts

Well, reason number 43,578,475,349 that I miss my friend Susie: Who can take beautiful photos of my kids??? I had to make do and tried to capture a little bit of her sweetness myself. You all have been asking to see some more of her lovely face - so here you go.

Some alert time.

Some sleepy time.

At Home

We came home from the hospital on Wednesday, February 9. I walked in the door to a wonderful surprise from my husband. He had gone out that morning and put together this lovely arrangement on the kitchen table for me. I was so excited I forgot to take pictures of it before I dove in. There was champagne, balloons, flowers, chocolate, and a bunch of little girl things that I hadn't bought because I was trying to "be good" reusing Adam's stuff. My favorite was a new boppy cover with butterflies on it. He even used my scrapbooking supplies to make a little card.

I did get a picture of us celebrating with the champagne (notice the new boppy cover and blanket).

Adam celebrated with the balloons.

Tulips from Phil and flowers and a fabulous edible arrangement from Phil's coworkers. We've had so much support from Phil's work and other friends - Thank You!

Clara's first outing for pleasure - we took Grandma out to lunch for her birthday. Clara slept the whole time and we had a nice lunch out. Happy birthday, Grandma Ann!

Clara's first time on her playmat. She was digging it.

Intrigued by the camera. Get used to it, Girl.

Steppin' Up His Game

Since becoming a big brother, Adam has sensed the need to step it up a little bit.
After bringing Clara home...

he has expanded his palate to include chicken nuggets and a few other things like tortilla chips, french fries, and a few cautious bites of bagels. Also featured in this picture is his new fork from Grandma Ann. It is a fork attached to the nose of the plane - called Air Fork One...get it???

This is the most exciting - he has started to talk!!! Our friend Lauren stayed with with him while we were at the hospital and she took this video of him saying his letters. Since then, he's also said the words blue, lizard, Jess (his Aunt Jess), and purple. He's attempted lots of others as well. We are so proud of him!

Brother Meets Sister

It's official - Adam is a big brother. I have been so proud of him so far, he's really done great. We're still working on the "gentle" thing, but he handles me nursing pretty well and has learned that the swing isn't really a place for him to kick back with some sips.

Adam was pretty excited when he got to get up in the bed with Mama and see his very own new baby.

Lots of exploring. He was also very interested in her hair and kept taking her hat off and then putting it back on for her.

The first kiss.

Me with my two babes.

I can't wait to watch their relationship develop. Keep us in your prayers as we continue to adjust.

Welcome to Life, Clara Grace!

She is here! Clara Grace Swenson makes us The Swensons - Party of Four!

Here are some stats for you -
Born: February 7, 2011 at 11:59 PM (just one MINUTE away from sharing Grandpa Rob's b-day!)
Height: 20.75 inches
Weight: 6lbs. 13oz.
Everything Else: Perfect.

The story goes like this:

I had been having contractions for a week, but none that stayed regular for very long. I was excited that things were happening, though. I had an appointment on Monday, February 7, at 1:30. The contractions had been uncomfortable enough that I was sure that I would have made lots of progress, dilation-wise, but was SO BUMMED when the doctor told me I was still at "just over two centimeters." I called my mom on the way home from the appointment and told her that the baby and I were in a fight and she would never come out. (Keep in mind that I was still only 38 weeks - imagine how grumpy I would have been if she were over due...)

So - Phil went back to work (he had come to my appointment thinking that there would be bigger news) and I carried on with my busy day of errands and tutoring. I noticed some increasingly uncomfortable contractions as I browsed the baby consignment shop, but figured they were just a result of the examination that afternoon.

At 3:00, I noticed that the contractions were coming at regular intervals, but that had happened before, so I figured it would go away soon. Off to the mall I went to pick up a "new daddy" gift for Phil. By the time I walked through the mall and got back in the car to drive to my tutoring appointment, the contractions were still regular and getting a little more intense. By the time I got close to home, I was feeling a bit uneasy driving when the contractions came. I called to cancel my tutoring session and called Phil at work.

Phil came home and we went to the hospital. At this point, I am so hopeful that this is IT, but very skeptical at the same time. It was so different than when I was induced with Adam - knowing exactly when I was going to go to the hospital.

We walked around the hospital for about an hour and a half and were then admitted. I was four centimeters at about 6:30 or so. This was IT. Weird...I didn't think I was going to have a baby when I woke up that morning, but apparently I was.

Once they admitted us, it was game on and things started clicking right along. Phil and I worked through the contractions for quite a while - Phil was a great support to me and I was able to wait until about 7-8 centimeters before getting my epidural. I know I could have done the whole thing without drugs - I felt so strong with Phil's help - but I have such fond memories from my experience pushing with Adam, and I wanted to have that again this time. After resting for about a half an hour, it was time to push.

The epidural was perfect - just like last time - and I could still feel and move my legs and push really well. I pushed for three contractions and then...

She was here.
She cried right away, and then was just wide eyed and looking around. I felt really good after delivery and we have been doing so well. She figured out nursing quickly, and absolutely loves eating.

Daddy and Clara.

Meeting Grandma Ann. My mom is here for a week, and then Grandma and Grandpa Swenson arrive.

Ready to take my girl home. She is wearing the same coming home outfit that Adam wore (also worn by my brother, sister, and me).

All ready to go home.

Some Pre-Delivery Thoughts...

Sorry, no photos this time. I hardly ever do this, but I have a lot going on in my head as this baby gets ready to make her appearance. Selfishly - these posts are probably more for me than for you all. Thanks for hanging in there.

I know I haven't posted in a while. I have some good excuses for you:
1. I am huge. We're talking house-like, which is actually literally true since there IS someone living inside of me. Poor Adam. He pulls on my hand to get me to come with him somewhere and it takes me five minutes just to get up off the couch.
2. I've been putting the craft room/office back together, and I can't get the scanner working with the computer. I have some ultrasound pictures that I am really hoping to get posted before she gets here.

So, anyway, I've had so many thoughts and emotions as the delivery gets closer and closer. She could really come any time now, and I've been feeling some uncomfortable contractions the past two nights. I think after Christmas, it really sunk in that this was happening and that I was going to be the mother of two very soon. While I can't wait to have my daughter and to see Adam being a big brother, the whole two kids thing has brought some anxiety with it. What will I do when Adam throws his tantrums (usually when I can't pick him up or when - God forbid - I want a moment of peace while I go to the bathroom) or tries to run away in a store and I have a baby in my arms? How will I meet the needs of two little people? What about when they both wake up in the night? These are just some of the things I am anticipating.

Don't worry, I am also looking forward to wonderful things, like Adam giving his little sister kisses. I also have the advantage of being on the other side of having a newborn. I know that I will struggle with the adjustment at first - just like I did with Adam - but it won't last forever. I clearly remember thinking after Adam was born that I would never be able to cook dinner again!

What has been amazing to me in the past few weeks is how God has shown himself to me through scripture and the people in my life. I am so glad that He knows my anxiety and cares enough to care for me through this transition. Three specific things that I have been keeping tucked away in my mind and heart:

1. God continues to use my husband in ways that I'm not sure he even realizes. Not only has Phil been wonderful helping me with Adam and the house, he has said some things to me that I know are straight from God. The other night, he reminded me that I would not be taking care of two children while being pregnant. This may seem completely obvious, but it was such a relief to be reminded of that!

2. I had some girlfriends over with their kids the other day, and they were talking about a conference that took place at our church recently. One of the points that had really stuck with her was the reminder that God gives us what we need when we need it in a way that surpasses our understanding. If we anticipate our future, it will inevitably cause us anxiety because we have no idea how God will provide for us. We cannot fathom it. We only see the challenges ahead. Isn't that wonderfully true? Why is it so hard for us to think this way?

3. I am in a Bible study at church and right now we are doing Beth Moore's David: Seeking a Heart Like His. It's been great, but one lecture has proved to be especially life-changing for me. Beth was talking about the part of the story when Samuel goes to anoint David as God's chosen leader of Israel. At first, Samuel assumes that David's older, stronger, more experienced brother is the one to be anointed, but God reminds Samuel that "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). After all of David's older brothers are rejected, David finally stands before Samuel. God says to Samuel, "Rise and anoint him; this is the one" (1 Samuel 16:12). God knew without a doubt - "this is the one."

I often can't imagine that I will be able to manage with two young children (one that throws a tantrum when I can't pick him up). But, this story is so encouraging to me because just as God chose David, I know that he has chosen me specifically to be the mother of these specific children. Sometimes I have no idea why - I feel so inadequate - but God knows exactly why and He will equip me to do what needs to be done.

So, I hope you are encouraged too. No matter what you face, God sees your heart for all that it is and all that it isn't, and He says with absolute confidence: You are the one.

If you are still reading, I thank you for listening as I throw some of my thoughts out there!