Thursday, April 14, 2011

Getting Settled, Sort Of

Little Clare celebrated her 1 week birthday yesterday!  It feels like she has been here for much longer than a week. We love her so much and just love to sit and stare at her.  Noah is adjusting well.  He acts out every now and again, but I know it's only to get our attention.  I think he is getting use to sharing the spotlight, and I know he will be the best big brother to Clare.  He is such a sweet boy, and talks about 'baby Clare' all the time.  

I feel like I have also been adjusting well.  Granted, my mom has been a tremendous help around the house (and allowing me to nap during the day)...and having Andy home on most days has been wonderful.  Andy also will take Clare down stairs early in the morning so I can get a couple extra hours of sleep in.  It's wonderful, and I couldn't be more grateful to both of them.

Clare is a good day sleeper, but we are still figuring out the nights.  At about 1am she tends to wake for a feeding, and then I guess she decides she wants to stay awake until about 4am.  It makes for a long night (of tired head bobbing) for me, but we have been managing ok.  Noah slept wonderfully at night as a newborn, so this is definitely a new experience for me.  Hopefully we can crack Clare's sleeping code and get her on a better schedule.  She is only a week old though, so I am certainly not pushing anything.  I just enjoy being able to hold and cuddle her (while I play angry birds on my phone to keep me awake :).  

Here are some pictures I took this morning of Clare and her super cool big brother Noah.  I feel especially lucky to be Noah and Clare's mom.  I thank my Heavenly Father every day for this special privilege...because to me it is just that, a privilege. 





So cute, right?  The reason my title has the 'sort of' in it, is because in less than a week we will be moving.  Yes, talk about big changes all at once!  We couldn't be happier to be moving closer to family,  but will really miss our friends and ward members here.  So with that, if you don't hear from me for a little while, that is probably why!  Until then...

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Clare Sophia Stockhoff

So my mom is here, and informed me that one of my sister-in-laws has been checking the blog for a post about Clare!  haha So if no one else reads this, it's for you Megs.

I have been lazy about writing this post...partially because I was hoping Andy would do it and partially because I haven't had (or found) the time to.  Andy is so much better with words than I am (and grammar), but you will have to settle for mine.  Now on to the good stuff!

Clare Sophia Stockhoff 
 Wednesday, April 6, 2011
 7lbs 7oz


Although she was almost 2 1/2 pounds less than Noah, she did have a little red fuzz on top - just like her big brother.  We will see if Clare can hang on to it, or if it will turn blond.  

Like I had said in previous posts, Andy and I felt that doing a repeat c-section was the best option for our family.  I am not going into why or all of the opinions on the matter - but for us, it was the right decision.  Before the actual surgery started and they were prepping me, I thought to myself ... 'Oh, I remember why I really dislike having surgery.'  Then, once they did the spinal and I was completely numb, I thought... 'I could do this all day!'  I am not sure if it was the drugs talking (probably) or the fact that I just couldn't feel a darned thing.  Either way, it was all worth it.  Little Clare is so sweet.  I can already sense what a special little spirit she has, and what an important part she will play in our family. 

We arrived at the hospital around 6am.  They got me all hooked up and ready to go, only to have the surgery delayed an hour.  I am so grateful for the men and women who took care of us.  We couldn't have been blessed with better Drs., nurses and staff.  They made all the difference. Here are a few pictures of Andy and I before the OR.  I actually let him take pictures of me, since this time around I hadn't been crying of pain for almost two days.  That definitely makes a difference in how a lady looks/feels!


   

Before Andy put on his 'space suit' my Dr. reminded him to be sure to keep his clothing on.  Apparently one gentleman thought he needed to completely de-robe and didn't realize the outfit was see though.  I am sure the staff still gets a good laugh out of that one. 

Once the surgery was over they stitched me all up and sent me back to recovery where I got to hold this little lady for the first time.  




Noah and Grandma also came for a visit to the Hospital.  He always talks about baby Clare, but he is definitely still adjusting to her being here.  It will take some time I think, for him to fully adjust. 



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Day Seventeen

I am not sure this one needs much of an introduction...

Day Seventeen:A photo of you and your family


Stay tuned tomorrow for pictures of our newest addition!