Sweet moment

Max's Birth in Pictures

I'll come back this week and type out more details about Max's birth, but here is the story in pictures.

This was taken minutes before leaving for the hospital.

Kinda gross, but can I just say that there is absolutely no feeling in the world like seeing your kid for the first time, and this is what I saw.


Cleaned off and giving those lungs a good work out.

Daddy cutting the cord.

5 pounds, 13 ounces; such a tiny little nugget.

Daddy and Max walking into the room for the first time to meet grandparents.

All tuckered out after the hard work of being born.

Lucky boy surrounded by the greatest 4 grandparents in the world.

Ugh, I can't stop looking at this picture. It is so sweet. This was right after he nursed for the first time and was all curled up on my lap.

Mama's feeling pretty tired in this picture. The c-section was a bit rough and it had been a long and emotional day, but having that guy on my chest made it all so, so worth it.

This was the next morning meeting big sister Molly for the first time. It was such a cool moment and I was kind of emotional (although to be fair I have been kind of emotional a lot these past few days).

She was very gentle and sweet with him.

She was very interested in seeing his fingers and toes and comparing them in size to hers.

I love this picture because he often has this serious, suspicious face. It's like he's saying, alright who are you...

First bath. Mommy holding his hand for support.

First photo of our family of four!

A whole new woman after getting to shower and put on my own clothes.

Sleepy Daddy catching a quick snooze during a quiet moment.

Across the room Max was having a snooze too.

Cousin Stephanie came for a visit and really loved holding Max.

Max had to pass a car seat test because he is so little. He did great.

In his carseat ready to go. He was a little annoyed because it was taking us a while to get checked out. Mommy felt the same way!

Not a great picture, but all three of us were thrilled to be breaking out!

All settled in at home, the whole family on the couch. I think the addition of Max to our house has been harder on Harvey than anyone else. He's a little old and set in his ways.

Today brought a visit from Great Grandma Bev.

It's been an exciting few days and we are so loving this little guy. There have been a few feeding challenges simply because he is just so little and not completely understanding what to do. Things seem to be getting better with each feeding. We're working out how to incorporate him into our family with all of the attention he needs while still making Molly feel important. Thankfully my Mom is here this week which has helped tremendously, both logistically and emotionally.

Max Bradford McGill

After my last post about settling in for the night I developed a big headache and my blood pressure went way high so everyone involved decided an immediate c-section was best. I'll post more details and pictures later, but for now here is our tiny(5lbs, 13 oz) little miracle.

Change in plans

At an appointment with the high risk doctor this morning we learned that I have several symptoms of preeclampsia. They were worried enough that I was sent home to pack a bag with instructions to return to the hospital ASAP. I flew home to pack a bag, tidy up, and attempt to get things organized. I made arrangements for Molly and was checked in to my room by about 2:30. They did lots of testing and monitoring and determined it is safe to wait until tomorrow morning to do the c-section. I have spent all afternoon making phone calls and informing family members that all of our carefully orchestrated plans for February 8th are for naught. Thankfully everyone is being wonderfully flexible and we have had a great network of support to help with Molly this afternoon/evening.
I am feeling good, over the shock of the change in plans and completely excited to see my little guy in about 25 hours. I've rented The Help on my iPad and am settled in for the night. Stay tuned tomorrow for big news!!!

Cuddles

I think Molly's feeling a little under the weather today and I'm in a bit of a funk myself so tonight we've indulged in some extra cuddle/couch/dvr'ed episodes of Angelina Ballerina time. Just what the Dr. ordered.

Things that made me happy today

We've had a quiet afternoon/evening at home and it has been nice. With the craziness of the Holidays behind us and the chaos that is about to hit us in a few weeks, days like this are especially appreciated.


First we had a performance from our resident Prima Ballerina.

And I made the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for homemade chicken stock taking us from this:

To this, while making the house smell great and filling our freezer for the next few months.

Finally, my 9 months pregnant version of a nightcap while watching football with Mikey. Seriously, if you've never tried using Nutella for S'mores, get on board.

Hope your day was as comfy and cozy as ours.

Scenes from a 32nd Birthday

Today is Mike's birthday. Since I have to work tonight Molly and I decided to throw him a little surprise party last night. It wasn't much, but hopefully enough to let him know how thankful we are for him. (I know some of these pictures aren't great, I got a new camera for Christmas and haven't had a chance to really figure out how to work it very well).

Presents!

Using Molly's easel for decorations.


I made this for Mike when we first got married and he really loves it. It is from a Campbell's Soup cookbook and I always make it for his birthday or other times I am trying to be a nice wife.

The finished product, simmering away and making the house smell good for when Daddy gets home.

(Not so) patiently waiting for Daddy to get home from work with the balloon she picked out.

Getting a little help with presents.

New video game, hopefully he'll have time to play it with a new baby coming.

Modeling a new t-shirt from Peacetree Brewery.

The infamous spinning musical birthday plate with a (store bought) peach pie.

So cute!

Blowing out the candles.

Okay Daddy, your party's over can we play with my toys now?

By 8:30 Molly was asleep in bed, Mike was working on his laptop for work and I was reading a book. Not quite a raging party, but we had fun celebrating Daddy. Each year we are married I get more and more thankful that he is my partner in this adventure. Even though I'm not able to show him in the exciting ways I used to be able to (meeting the Eagles, surprise trips to Cardinal's games), I hope he knows how much he means to this family. Happy birthday Mikey, leftovers are in the fridge for your dinner tonight. :-)