(entry by Ty) Quick note: You can click on any pictures within blog entries to view/save a larger version.
This past weekend, Raija had her first road trip and Tech gameday in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was quiet all the way from Hastings to Lincoln (she was probably nervous about Tech's road record versus Big 12 opponents) and even slept right through hotel check-in and dinner. She tried out her new travel crib, which was WELL worth the $35 on Amazon! Hotel security stayed busy Friday night, as Husker Nation began some early tailgating in their rooms and in the hallways of the dowtown Holiday Inn, which is located directly across the street from Memorial Stadium. Raija slept through it all, though, and had a great night!
On Saturday, Uncle Blake came up from Kansas City to meet his niece and go to the game with me. While we braved the chilly Nebraska autumn, Raija and Breann attended a Husker party at a friend's home in Lincoln. Raija was fired up for the game and dedicated a dirty diaper to those #15-ranked Huskers. She brought a little luck (if you watched the game you know we needed it) as Tech prevailed, 31-10. I wondered if Coach Leach dropped a Sharon Stone quote into his postgame interview like he did following last year's OT win over Nebraska.
Sunday was spent taking advantage of decent shopping in Lincoln and picking up a few necessities before heading back to Hastings. Raija certainly received her fair share of attention from the Lincoln locals, as Breann and I learned that parents of little babies get special perks. We were told "no" on a couple of customer service issues. That is, until they saw Raija and quickly changed their mind! Finally, we want to wish Uncle Blake and Aunt Sally a very happy one-year anniversary (Oct 18). We miss you guys!
Here are some of the weekend highlight photos (remember to click on them for larger view):
I am truly blessed and completely overwhelmed with the love that fills my heart everyday! I am completely infatuated with my beautiful baby girl! I now know why they call it the labor of love. Labor was, I think, one the most challenging things I have ever faced.This however, is coming from a girl who has never really experienced pain or spent any time in a hospital. Not only am I filled with love for the newest member of our family, but I feel a new, deeper connection and love for Ty. I wanted to take a minute and write to my wonderful husband and to our family in order to express my deep affection and gratitude for how great my husband has been. I am completely amazed by Ty and how absolutely wonderful he is to me as his wife and new mom. I made it through labor somewhat calmly and quietly because of the strength and guidance I received from Ty. Poor guy, we thought he would stand up by my head and do more observing than participating, but before we knew it he was holding one leg, supporting my head, doing all the counting and encouraging me with every push! He was AWESOME! He knew exactly what I needed and was doing it before I would ask. I can't even begin to find the words to express how much I love him. God has truly blessed me in so many ways! I knew when I married Ty I was getting a truly amazing man. Each day since the birth of Raija, I am showered with more blessings and reminders of what a wonderful man I married! Ty has surprised me with how fast he took to Raija and what a great dad he is. I always knew Ty would be a wonderful dad, but I thought it would take some time and teaching (he informed me he had never changed a diaper). However, I didn't change one diaper until we were home! Ty instantly knew just want Raija needed and was able to calm and satisfy her. Not only did Ty do an awesome job with Raija but was great help with my recovery! Ty has been there for me no matter what the circumstance and, as most of you know, labor presents some very unpleasant ones! Ty, I love you so much and thank you for all the love and support you have given me. Thank you for being a wonderful husband and father. I am so blessed to have you in my life!
Charlie was put to sleep this afternoon. We are so thankful our loyal friend and family member made it to meet sweet Raija Jewel. He quietly guarded her, even when she was screaming her head off! We could not have asked for a more spirited companion. You will be greatly missed. Charlie, Nov. 1997-Oct. 2009
Raija is a very lucky girl! She was recently visited by her grandparents AND great grandparents on my side of the family! It was so neat to see my parents and my grandparents with her. They were all absolutely smitten with her! There is so much love for her in this family! We had four generations of women together and it was so special to me! I am thankful my parents and grandparents had the opportunity to make the trip. Thanks guys-we love you! I know there are a few hearts in Texas and Arizona aching to meet this girl, especially Ty's family. We can't wait either and we tell her about all of you and how there are so many people who love and pray for her! We will keep you updated with lots of pictures and videos!
Raija had her first check up today, and she is doing great! She is over her birth weight 7lbs. 5oz. which is what they want to see and we found out they measured her wrong at the hospital she is actually 19in. long. We had lots of questions and got answers for all of them. Her jaundice is better and should continue to get better, we are so glad we are done with feeding every 2 hrs. I was very very excited to hear I do not have to wake her anymore in the night to feed her. She is getting plenty of milk and now I can let her sleep until she notifies me she is hungry. Yay, more sleep for baby and me! We did find out the muscles on one side of her neck are a little tight and need to be stretched daily to prevent shortening of those muscles. She does not like it so this will probably end up being a job for dad. He is so strong and is able to do the things that make her cry and breaks mom's heart for example getting blood drawn, suctioning her boogies, and now stretching her neck. I am so thankful I have such great help!! All in all Raija is just wonderful and we are enjoying watching her grow day to day! Now she is pooped and napping like an angel, and so is daddy!!
Well, we are finally home and beginning to get in to a routine. Raija will be 2 weeks old this Wednesday, Oct. 7th . She is doing so well and is a great baby. She loves to sleep, eat and her thoroughly enjoys her 'naked time' every morning. Ty and I are truly blessed.
Labor, on the other hand, was quite an experience for the both of us! We arrived at the hospital at 6 am to be induced. Ty went to move the car out of the emergency parking lot and, when he returned, the contractions were already coming hard and fast. The nurses predicted Raija to arrive sometime around 4:00 pm. I was in pain quickly and received an epidural around 9:00 am. It was so weird; it only numbed my left side for a bit, then I wasn't numb at all. The contractions continued to get worse, I was not getting any relief and I had already received the maximum dosage of the epidural. The nurses offered, and I decided I would have the anesthesiologist re-do the epidural. So as everyone was running around trying to get him back to our room, I looked up at Ty and realized I was pushing. Ty had to get the nursing staff and they asked if I wanted the epidural. I said there was no time-I needed to push! I started pushing at 10:50 and the nurses told Ty they were changing their delivery guesstimate from 4:00pm to 11:20, which turned out to be a great guess because, after 30 minutes of pushing, Raija Jewel arrived at 11:21am. Thank goodness she came fast!! She is absolutely perfect and each day we fall more and more in love with her!
Going for a walk inside the cocoon
Trying on the Halloween costume
Ba-gock!
I will wear this again when I drop her off at high school
zzzzzzzz...
Sleeping Beauty
Going for a walk inside the cocoon
Trying on the Halloween costume
Ba-gock!
I will wear this again when I drop her off at high school
zzzzzzzz...
Sleeping Beauty
