Speaking of Mom and Joe, let me just sing their praises for a moment. Mom was amazing for even coming over here to help out in the first place. She committed to staying with us for 2 whole months to be here before the birth, at the birth, and to help out afterwards. What an angel. Mom was a great buddy beforehand, going on walks with me and keeping me company, helping me to work through the final realizations that we were about to have a baby, and she was a great help during labor as well. She was right there when I needed her with a cold drink, a little snack, a cool wash cloth, an arm to lean on while walking to the bathroom, a reasuring prayer, and whatever else I needed. And since our baby girl has been born, she's kicked up her game even more! She's makes all the meals, cleans the house, does the laundry, takes turns with Joe for who gets up with me in the middle of the night to change diapers and help with feedings...what a God-send. I am so thankful she was willing and able to come stay with us, and that Dad was willing and able to let her go for that long. (Can't wait to see him for his visit next month!! =)
And Joe...Joe was, is, and forever will be my hero. He was such an amazing support to me emotionally, mentally and physically. He helped me breathe through all my contractions, he calmed me when I started to feel overwhelmed, he let me lean on him in all kinds of awkward positions to lessen my pain, he gave me pep talks and encouraged me to push my limits, he fed me ice chips, helped me to the bathroom, and worked through all the hard decisions with me that we had to make along the way, just to name a few examples. Basically, he was the most perfect coach anyone could've asked for and I am forever grateful to have had his undying support when I needed it most. And that was just during labor!
I had to have surgery afterwards, and we stayed in the hospital almost a week while I and our baby recovered. I was told by all the nurses that my husband was one in a million, that in all the time they've worked there they've never seen a husband more involved or attentive to his wife. He took over all the responisbilities of the nurses when it came to me, helping with dressings and all the yucky stuff no husband should have to do. And on top of that he took complete care of our baby girl too, because I barely had the strength to make it to the bathroom while holding onto him, let alone stand up to walk her or change her diaper. I didn't change a single diaper until we were home from the hospital, people! He did all of that and walked her and calmed her when she was fussy and gasy in the middle of the night so I could get some rest. I am the luckiest woman in the world to have him as my husband, and I am so excited to have made a family with him!
Now, long story short, Kathleen (Kathy) Marie, was born on Saturday, 12 March 2011 at 7:32 pm. She was 9 lbs. 12 oz. and 21 1/4 inches. She has super soft black hair, and the most beautiful, bright, big brown eyes I've ever seen. She is such a good, sweet little baby who loves to snuggle and we are so in love with her. What a dream come true!! xoxox
Hahaha...Joe is having fun taking pictures of me in all the crazy positions he finds me in - it's just what feels comfortable at the time! =)
