Auntie Debbie and Eliana

Debbie also came over from Duluth to visit Eliana.

Eliana meets Uncle Mark and Auntie Kristen

Mark and Kristen came for a visit from Duluth. We are looking forward to the arrival of their little one who is expected in January.

Lessons Learned by a Mother of 10 Days

#1. No matter how good your night of sleep was the night before, DO NOT skip your afternoon nap because you are not guaranteed that same good night of sleep again.

#2. Brush your teeth at the first chance you get... don't think you'll have time after breakfast... if you even get breakfast!

#3. If you feel like super mom in the morning and have the energy to do chores while your little one is sleeping, do them quickly because the energy probably won't remain through the afternoon.

#4. Wait until after a feeding to change the diaper.

#5. Don't dress your baby in "going out" clothes until she has been thoroughly burped.

Slowly, but surely, I am sure I'll get this mothering thing down. :)

What new parents find endlessly fascinating

Time with daddy

Jaundice and an infection

We left the hospital on Friday after Eliana was born with instructions to go to see our doctor early the following week because she had a bit of jaundice. It turns out it was a very good thing that we went to the doctor because Eliana's umbilicus (belly button) had become infected. I thought it was falling off early, but I didn't realize it was infected. Anyway, we were able to get some medicine that has helped clear up the infection. Eliana's jaundice level was "low intermediate", but now two days later, her numbers have gone down significantly. If we keep putting her in the sun and keeping her hydrated, they don't expect any problems. We'll just go back to the doctor for our normal 2 week check up.
Another benefit of going to the doctor is being able to find out Eliana's weight. She was born at 8 lbs 15 oz. In the first week, they expect the weight to drop. Eliana, however, was up to 9 lb 10 oz by Tuesday. Today, Thursday, she was at 10 lbs! I really think it is an answer to prayer because I was nervous about how nursing would go and prayed that God would provide. He has provided abundantly!
We are so blessed to have Eliana!

Eliana's first trip out.

Perhaps the most beautiful girl in the world.



















Our first family photo together... just seconds after Eliana's entrance into the world.

How Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.