Hospital Stay and Coming Home...

Since Annie was born at 2 in the morning we had the option to stay in the hospital an extra day.

At first we debated but since early checkout seemed so soon we decided to stay for the long haul.

We loved the nurses and I didn't want the new baby bliss to end.

Plus, it was nice to have the nurses help ease me into nursing.

Check out that milk mustache.

I couldn't get enough of it.

Annie loved to eat from the get go.

Thank heavens.

She automatically loved spending time with her Daddy.

I love this photo.

Saturday morning we had our first Barker family visitors.

Katie, Vonn and Carter came to meet Annie.

The two Barker grandkids weren't all that interested in each other 

but we are sure they will be fast friends in a few months.

We are so glad we have them here in Orange County 

and loved that they were able to come meet Annie soon after her birth.

 Isn't Carter adorable?

 

Since my parents were there, James went home and slept for a few hours.

He brought back Cafe Rio.

 Needless to say, I felt right at home.

Hoag Hospital was truly incredible.

I felt like I was at a 5 star resort -

minus the food.

Hospital food has never been my thing.

Cafe Rio tasted like heaven.

Overjoyed that Papa was there for her first few days.

This is a rare thing for Papa and he sure loved Annie.

He zipped down to Lido and went to the boat show.

I was of course jealous but loved hearing about all the incredible yachts.

We FaceTimed with my Grandma in St. George and James decided to give the hospital bed a try.

Ha. He would. 

I kept reminding him that I was the one that just birthed a child.

He just kicked up his feet and enjoyed himself.

What a goof.

My two nurses. Jaime and Beth.

They were my lifesavers.

Poor Jaime had the night shift and we could have talked with her for hours.

She had only been a nurse for a few months and loved her job.

She was the best teacher a new mom could hope for.

She really helped ease me into nursing and I am so grateful for her.

One of the blogs I read suggested having thank you gifts ready for the nurses -

especially if you are doing a natural birth.

It was a great nesting activity and I am so glad I followed the advice.

I was blown away by how much the nurses did for us.

A box of goodies didn't do it justice.

I owe them much much more.

Sunday morning we were ready to go home.

Beyond ready.

When we left the hospital Annie weighed 6 pounds 1 ounce 

and her going home outfit was massive on her.

Luckily James had grabbed a smaller newborn outfit at home.

Every bow and outfit suddenly looked huge on her.

Three generations of girls.

I had no idea how much I would need my Moms help the second we left that hospital.

Sure glad she was there.

Naturally James was in charge of all our documents.

A very serious task.

Before we knew it our little family of three was headed home.

I still feel bad every time I look at this picture.

She hates that carseat.

 Cried the whole way home.

 Remember sweet Alicia Furst that had the amazing Valentines lunch and hosted my shower?

Turns out she is truly an angel.

I came home to a slew of pink bows.

What a cute idea right?

It made coming home even more special.

Daddy James carried her right on in.

My Mom told him he can always say he was the first man to carry her across the threshold.

He said he is the only man that will carry her across the threshold.

And so it begins.

I cannot tell you how wonderful it felt to come home with Annie.

We were no longer just a couple.

We were a family.

Our home felt different. 

It was a warm sunny California day 

and as the light poured in I couldn't help but feel a little closer to heaven.

It was over a year ago when James and I decided it was time to start adding to our family.

The answer was so simple and clear.

And now I know why.

I cannot believe we have been entrusted with this little sweet spirit

and to be honest it completely frightens me at times.

But that feeling I felt when we stepped foot in our home with the newest member of our family keeps me moving forward.

Annie was meant for us at this time.

It is overwhelming how right this is.

Welcome home Annie.

Please bare with us as we learn to be your parents.

{Really trying to catch up on this blog but I can't seem to put her down. Not my choice - hers. She is pretty attached at the moment and I am not complaining. Here's to my new skill of typing one handed. Wish us luck.}