One Week Old

Everything went really well on Tuesday at the hospital when we all met for April to sign the consents and say goodbye. I had such a huge knot in my stomach, not because I thought she would change her mind but just because of how life changing the whole moment was. I held it together while giving her a necklace (3 hearts connected) but once I hugged her and said "thank you" I had to do everything in my power not to totally choke on my sobs. We both wrote notes to each other and we both asked the other to read them later.

Quinn is one week old today. Considering I am a first time mom caring for a newborn in a hotel room by myself, I think things are going surprisingly well. It certainly helps that Quinn is such a good natured baby. I am getting the hang of only getting to sleep in 2 and 3 hour increments. I am not a pro at diapering yet (especially the poopy ones) but at least now it doesn't feel so awkward. Speaking of poopy diapers we already had a minor blow out. Ah, the joys of motherhood. I know the "professionals" say that babies only smile because they have gas but Quinn smiles consistently in response to me smiling, me singing (obviously she is tone deaf) and she really smiles when I kiss on her neck. That's one of her faves. Did I mention she is cute as all get out?

I think I am going to be here until Friday and quite possibly through next weekend. My husband is beside himself. He had to go back to work Wednesday morning and is missing us so badly. Having to work for a living is really an inconvenience sometimes.

Thank you all for your well wishes. It is so meaningful to have people who have been reading my blog since 2007 be able to share in us finally realizing our dream to adopt. It feels awesome.

Finally!

Quinn was WAY too independent to share a birthday with a stinkin' national holiday so she waited until today to be born. She was born at 8:13 a.m. weighing 8 pounds and 4.25 ounces and she is 21 inches long. We were able to be in the delivery room with April and I actually got to cut the cord. Poor Shon almost passed out twice (hence me cutting the cord). She is healthy (although they predict jaundice because of some positive test though she isn't showing signs yet) and has all the appropriate parts, including a full head of hair. She already looks different than these pictures that I took this morning.

April is amazing. She gave birth without one drop of any kind of drugs and didn't let out one single scream. She is in a little pain but didn't need an episiotomy so she doesn't have any stitches. She seems in good spirits and has referred to us as "the parents" already. The next 48 hours (until she can sign consents) will probably be some of the longest of our lives although the last few have gone by pretty darn fast.

I will write a little more coherently later. I am going to take a nap and then head back to the hospital for a few hours.