Baby Blues

A friend in my ward offered to photograph Brigitta as "practice" (she'd like to do it professionally some day). Because the files are so large, she's making a cd for me but she emailed this picture as a sneak peek. Did I mention she knitted the hat for Brigitta? Or that she refused to let me pay her (even a tip!)? Or that she also had a loaf of zuchinni bread for me? Yeah, I'm feeling rather spoiled lately.


In my completely unbiased, objective opinion, this picture is STUNNING!!!

UPDATE! We received the cd with all the images. Here's some more for those of you who can't get enough:



Hey, I Just Met You, and This Is Crazy...

...but haven't we met before? On her way to Maryland, my sister Reagan stopped over in Chicago and Iowa City for a few days to rest and recuperate. Her little darling Rockwell was born just two days before Brigitta and we were so excited for our tinies to meet. Well, I guess meet AGAIN is a better way of putting it since we're pretty sure they hung out together in the pre-existence!

When things got a little rough during Reagan's pregnancy, I'd say a prayer that Brigitta would be with Rockwell and do all she could to comfort him. We were curious to see if there might be any sparks of recognition when they got together. They definitely turned towards each other, but there wasn't any secret handshake or anything like that. I really love that all my girls have a boy cousin counterpart! It makes raising kids with my sisters so much fun.

However, there can be a downside. While Reagan was busy, I thought I'd change Rockwell's diaper to help her out. I was suddenly faced with the cold, hard fact that he is, indeed, a BOY. A recently circumcised boy. Wiping the mess clean was... different than what I'm used to. Mom and Reagan eagerly told me I'd better hurry because little boys tend to spout when air hits their privates. I frantically did my best but just when I was about to close it all up, the fountain turned on. Even a person with the world's fastest reflexes couldn't have prevented that little mess! I left Rockewell's diapers up to Reagan after that. I'm much better with girls!

"Pampa" with the two little ones.

I Mean Honestly, Have You EVER?

One of the greatest perks of having a baby is seeing the freakishly adorable new ways gifts are packaged. I can't help but get the warm fuzzies from all the tiny things wrapped so cleverly. This one came from Brent's work and it includes a blanket, two washclothes, a burp rag, rattle, and pair of socks. I almost didn't want to take it apart but that sentiment ended when I realized how short we are on baby blankets.

Brigitta's Hospital Pics

For those of you who can't get enough of Brigitta, click here, select view photos, and enter password: lgav0816wuehler (nota bene: that's a zero, not an O). The one of her holding my finger and Brent's finger is my favorite!

UPDATE! My incredibly generous mother in law offered to buy all the digital images. I was over the moon since we somehow didn't get as many pictures in the hospital as I'd hoped. Below are the highlights--enjoy!

The Fifth Wuehler

After being released from the hospital, I came home to a sparkling clean apartment and found my two oldest girls in adorable outfits--complete with pigtails and fluffy bows. My recovery had some unexpected bumps in the road, and I just about fell down and kissed my mother's feet for all she'd done.

In times past when we were discharged, I somehow felt like I was stealing a baby from the hospital. This time I couldn't wait to take Brigitta home and get the remnants of our hospital stay off of us. I took a long, steamy shower which felt so amazing! My hospital gave complimentary mani-pedis (I now firmly believe they should be required for post delivery mothers) so I not only felt fresh, but had pretty pink toes to look at. I gave Brigitta a bath, massaged lotion into her perfect skin, and fluffed up her hair a bit. Ahhhh, home at last!

Liesel and Ireland's reaction to the arrival of their new sister was just about perfect. They'd seen in her in the hospital the day she was born, but only briefly and when it was past their bedtime so they were hyper tired. Having Brigitta home was kind of solidifying the fact she's sticking around. Liesel and Ireland were happy to see her; curious without being overly aggressive, and content to hold her for just a minute or two before handing her over. They were eager to fetch burp cloths, binkies, diapers, etc. It's something I hope holds steady in the coming months!

I'm excited to see Brigitta's personality come out and mesh with her sisters. They are all so different but I think there will be some trademark characteristics that will unify them as the Wuehler girls... cute Gymboree clothing and fluffy bows if nothing else :)

I Hope You Don't Mind, I Hope You Don't Mind, That I Put Down in Words

Brigitta Katrina Wuehler joined our little clan at 4:11PM! She weighs in at 8lbs 5oz and measures 21" long- no wonder I was uncomfortable! She has dark hair and the most endearing warbly cry. Although she definitely looks related to her sisters, she has features all her own. It's apropos she came on the 16th as she is the 16th grandchild on the Nielsen side.

At my regular check-up on Tuesday, my doctor noted I didn't look at all good and I seemed "done" with this pregnancy. She offered to do something called a membrane sweep which I'd never heard of. I asked her if it hurt and she responded with a smile, "Not as much as labor!" If it was going to help bring on labor, I was all for trying it.

Sweet mother of Abraham Lincoln It. Was. Excruciating!!! I left my OB's office very humbled; realizing that I could indeed get much more uncomfortable than I already was. Just as she promised, that started the ball rolling. I began having contractions, passed my plug, and Thursday morning met my OB at the hospital. Initially my progress was slow, but steady. I was fighting off back labor and thank heaven the baby shifted so I only had a bit here and there.

My nurse had told me she'd check my progress in 45 min but came back after 10 and said she just felt like she should check. I was fully dilated and ready to go. I was shocked. She had me do a "practice push" and the baby started to crown. Again, I was shocked. Three more pushes and Brigitta met the world.

I will always believe in love at first sight because of my children. Looking into her tiny face and holding her warm body, I was flooded with an adoration I simply cannot describe. Her cries protested against all the rubbing and cleaning she was getting but she quieted when I talked to her. On some level I know she's been hearing my voice for months, but it stuns me that she recognizes me as her mother so readily. Having my own mother there made it extra special.

We named her after one of my Danish ancestors. Our German, British Isles and Danish ancestry are now represented in our children's names. We've also designated a symbol for each of our girls. Liesel's is the edelweiss, Ireland's is the shamrock and Brigitta's will be the forget-me-not. Her blue eyes are sure to stick around, and apparently they grow all over Denmark. Brent's sister is currently serving her mission in Alaska and she tells us the forget-me-not is the state flower. Hopefully it will also serve to remind Brigitta to forget-not her namesake.

Welcome Baby Brigitta! How wonderful life is now you're in the world!!!

Mr. Bean

I'm posting this purely so I can easily find this video which keeps getting taken down from YouTube, vimeo, etc. Have to admit I don't entirely understand why since it's so popular. The girls keep asking for it!

ROFL

I receive an email from my sister with the subject: Let's Laugh This Baby Out and a link to the following blog. On this particularly low Thursday I read it, and laughed so hard Liesel and Ireland asked what was wrong with me. When Brent came home from work, I had him read it aloud and at one point he was laughing so hard he was gasping for breath. Watching him crack up was entertainment in and of itself. So I have to pass this one along in the hopes it will help others crack a smile... or a window if need be :)