Kathryn Elaine Cornish (first week)

Sometimes it's hard to remember what life was like before Kate was here.  I continue to be overwhelmed with emotion each time I pause and realize, "She's really here! She's ours to keep!!"  It is impossible to truly convey my feelings about this little lady in our family and in my arms. Here she is, about a day old and all bundled up.  She's never loved having her arms pinned down. You can see her hands sneaking out. The marks from the forceps on her forehead and cheeks lasted for a few days, but the scabs on her cheek, forehead, and the back of her head lasted longer. They didn't ever seem to bother her. I mentioned in my last post that a photographer took pictures of Kathryn for free since Matt works with the hospital.  I watched, mesmerized by our little baby girl and continually thankful that she's ours.  Here are a few of the pictures:  

After two days in the hospital it was time to go home.  Matt spent the morning (August 2) packing up and loading the car.  The little photo shoot was done.  The nurse had gone over the paperwork with me.  I changed into regular clothes.  The last thing to do was get Kate ready to come home.  

I was nervous as we put her car seat in and closed the door.  I was glad Matt was driving.  Matt was as sweet and patient as ever.  He was also excited to get home.  His mom and Reid were flying in from Dominican Republic to stay for a week.  They were being picked up by Doug and Rosemary (Matt's aunt and uncle - I claim them, too... they're wonderful).  The kids were coming the next morning.  Matt whipped up lunch while I tried to put things away and get a bit settled before everyone arrived.  I tried to think of all the things there were to do but found it hard not to just sit and stare at our little lady.  

She had some jaundice so we set her up next to the window as much as we could to get some sun. If you look closely you can see the little slippers Amy and Emily bought for her when they found out they were getting a little sister.  They are darling. 

Within an hour or so of getting home Elaine and Reid arrived.  Here is the first of what I hope will be many pictures of Kathryn Elaine with her Grandma Elaine.

 

We enjoyed lunch with Doug and Rosemary.  The evening passed quickly and soon we were getting ready for bed.  We had Kate's crib right next to me.  She looked so tiny laying there, wrapped up with her little hands peeking out.  I cried as we prayed that night.  We were home, we were healthy, and we were very happy.

We got a call early the next morning.  Amy was ready to be picked up!  Matt took Kate with him to get the kids.  We had prayed since we were first married that when more children came along all the kids would feel a connection, a bond.  I worried and wondered.  Those first few days were overwhelming as well as wonderful.  There were worries and moments of the sweetest joy.  

Amy worked with Grandma Elaine to make a quilt for Kate that she had started a few weeks earlier.  This was the perfect time to finish it.  She had picked out a smooth, green that would feel cool in the summer and a purple and green flannel that would be cozy in the winter.  She's so thoughtful.

Granma Elaine was a wonderful help.  She was busy daily cooking and cleaning.  When Matt went back to work she watched Kathryn in the early mornings so I could get some sleep.  On Sunday (Aug 5) we had lunch with Grandma Simmons.  It was the perfect opportunity to take a 4-generation photo. 

As the week progressed we had a few visitors.  One of my most favorite parts of having this little girl has been sharing that joy with others.  One particularly enjoyable introduction was when Caroline brought the twins by to meet "Baby Girl."  Since no one knew the name of our little lady, that's what the twins called her for months while I was pregnant.  It took some doing to get them to eventually call her "Baby Kate".

I was delighted when I was doing some laundry and found that the first little onsie had made it's way through.  I was told that I probably wouldn't always be so excited about laundry.  Maybe they're right, but I plan on enjoying all the little happies that comes with finally being a mama. 

That week was full of "firsts."  I wish I had kept a better record in my journal.  There wasn't much sleep, but I never did mind that.  It took us time to figure out Kate's schedule.  I found that Kathryn slept best in her bouncy bed with blankets tucked around her but not to tightly (she needed room for her hands to escape).  Matt took the 3am feedings.  He is a wonderful husband and surely will continue to be a marvelous father.  Kate is a lucky girl.

My dad has said many times that there is nothing sweeter than watching a baby fall asleep in your arms and then watching her sleep.  He was oh so right.