Me & my sweet girl - I'm usually taking the pictures, so I have to be intentional about getting in some of them, too!
In our third week with Vianne, we missed Grandma Gustafson's help. This picture was their last night together, Grandma soaking up as much cuteness as she could.
A very common view from where I sit :-)
I like to take big series of shots while I'm at it, because then at least a few are guaranteed to turn out. (Thank God for digital cameras, right?) One such series...
19 Days Old
I'm SO thankful she's a snuggler! I've always prayed for affectionate babies :-).
Tiny fingers
20 Days Old
Three weeks old!
Sleepy Duo
Vianne's second week of life was especially special because Grandma Gustafson came down from Oregon to meet her and help us out around the house. Grandma & Vianne enjoyed lots of time together, especially in the mornings, when I got some relief from nigh-sleepless nights. It was so lovely to have her here with us & we wish she was not so far away. She was a tremendous help with Vianne (and with the new parents) and did tons of helpful cleaning and cooked us many wonderful meals, some of my favorites, and left our freezer filled for after she left. We're still enjoying lasagna and make-ahead mashed potatoes :-) !
From day one, Vianne did a lot of those dreamy sleep-smiles and I did my best to catch some in pictures. I know they're (supposedly) "accidental", but they still look so sweet. I got this priceless series, which was so darn cute that I used the first one below on her birth announcements.
On Grandma's lap, checking her out
Meeting her Great Aunt Pat and Great Uncle Lynn (my aunt & uncle) - they came over to visit and brought a wonderful dinner!
Meeting our friends the Grover family, who also kindly brought dinner!
Grandma brought with her some adorable French clothes that Aunt Vera & Uncle Geoff got for Vianne and of course I was thrilled! This sweet little onesie was tiny enough to fit our petite fille. (It says, Que le spectacle commence!, that is, Let the show begin!)
Our little thinker
Making Daddy smile
We declared Saturday "Grandparents Day" to celebrate having them together. Vianne is so blessed to have such godly, loving people as her Grandmas & Grandpa!
Sleeping Cutie
Our sweet little cupcake at two weeks old!
Shortly after her Easter morning arrival, we were transferred upstairs to the Post-Partum room where we'd spend the next 2 1/2 days getting to know our little girl, getting our introduction to very little sleep, learning to feed & change & comfort her, and welcoming friends eager to meet her.
Sunday: Rachelle & Brian were the first friends to visit!
Patrick's family came back in the evening, too.
On Monday, our friend Corinne from Fuller, who works as the chaplain, at the hospital came by to meet Vianne. We also had visits from Jill & Gracelyn (below) and Christine and Melissa (but we didn't get photos of them).
On Tuesday, we got the good news that all my levels (which had caused the need for the induction in the first place, and had been further elevated even after the delivery) were now back to normal. So after Dr. Chou (below) gave the 'ok', we got to pack up and head home.
We put her in real clothes for the first time, a newborn gown which was huge on her!!
So glad to be home! Four days in the hospital was a long time for introverts!
Patrick's parents had cleaned up for us (a tremendous gift!) and left pretty surprises on our bed (chocolates & candy & a Willow Tree couple w/ baby).
Our little bundle of joy!
Trying out the Pooh napper (she's so tiny!) with her grumpy old man face
On Wednesday, our lovely friend Valerie came to meet Vianne & kindly brought us dinner!
On Thursday, our friends the Lenker family came to meet her and also brought us dinner!
Vianne in her little Paris- themed onesie that
Rebekah made her at the
shower. It was one of the few things we had that fit her because she was so itty-bitty!
On Sunday, our friends the Alonzo family came to visit so Henry could meet Vianne, too!
One of my very favorite photos - a morning nap with Daddy
Her first bath, since she'd lost her belly button sometime in the night. Not a huge fan!
Our little ladybug, at one week old - so sweet!
