Norah's Birth Story (from Lauren's perspective)

Let me first just say that it was an amazing experience. I had a Dr's appointment Monday afternoon for my 37 week checkup. Surprise! I was 7 cm dilated. As the doctor was checking me he said, "You're going to have this baby today." We thought he was kidding (he's a joker) but then he told us I was 7 cm dilated. My response? "That's like three away from ten!" Clever, aren't I? He didn't feel comfortable sending us home (we live 30 min from the hospital I delivered at) so he called the hospital and let them know we were on our way. After he checked me my contractions started coming about 2-3 minutes apart but honestly I was pretty comfortable. They checked me in at the hospital at about 5pm. I got an epidural at 6 and my water broke at 6:30. I started pushing at 7:40 and Norah was born at 7:57. It all happened so fast, I hardly had time to think about it! It was really so surreal, "Did I really just do that? Did that really happen?" I cried like a baby when she was born and pretty much for the next 15 minutes. It was an awesome feeling to see her and hear her cry. It was humbling and empowering all at the same time. Now every time I look at her I want to cry. I feel so blessed and overwhelmed with love for my little peanut. So here we are, a little family! I attached the pictures you've all been waiting for.

These next two were taken right after I checked in at the hospital, three hours before she was born!:



Norah and I soon after she was born:



Norah and Daddy. Joe is the best father, I am so lucky to have him by my side:



Our little swollen monkey:

Introducing...

Norah Mae Brown, born September 22, 2008 at 7:57pm. 6 lbs. 8 oz and 19 inches long. She's perfect and we could not be happier. More details and pictures to follow soon!

Voila!

In preparation for baby, I knew I wanted one of these nifty, "chic" nursing covers (known as "hooter hiders"). They have an adjustable strap and a stiff part on top so you (and only you) can see what's going on in there:But I knew I didn't want to pay $40 for one (the ridiculous price they charge online and in stores)! Sooo, I made my own:Well, I made three this week actually. I even made some travel bags with the extra fabric:I already love them and haven't even used one yet! They are pretty sweet! If you would like me to make you one, I will for only $20 ($15 if you supply the fabric). Email me at lauren727@gmail.com for more information.

My well traveled sewing machine that my mom got me for our wedding (thanks, Mom) made it from Jersey to Florida to Idaho and back to Jersey without even being opened until this week! I had so much fun! I am really enjoying having this extra time on my hands these days (without school or work). I've tried to domesticate myself some. I guess it won't last too long, though, because Doc says it could happen any day now. That's okay, I'm ready!!

The Big Apple

You know, I've lived fairly close to New York City almost my entire life and not once did I wonder why it's called "the big apple," until now. I looked it up but it still doesn't make any sense to me. Anyway, for the past week Joe has been working in Manhattan at a PR firm called Coltrin & Associates. He loves it. This past Friday I hopped on the train and met up with him for a date in the city. We went to dinner and did some street-side shopping. We also rode in a rick-shaw type shin-dig (basically a dude pulling us on his bike) because I really didn't feel up to walking ten blocks. Scariest 4 minutes of my life! Sorry about the horrible quality of the picture. We got a new camera recently and are still trying to figure it out. In other news, I'm still pregnant. Not a surprise, but I'm getting really REALLY ready to be done! Now I totally understand why women say the second trimester is the best. I am so uncomfortable all the time! But hey, it could be worse, I could be walking across the country with the pioneers (as Joe likes to tell me).

Random video of our nephew Zach at Christmastime:

Update

Wow, when I said we'd probably get something similar, I wasn't kidding! What can I say, we love 4Runners. This one is white, four years newer, and half the mileage of our previous one. We've been in Jersey for a whopping month now! Time flies. Joe continues to work hard on the job search. Actually, it has turned into a project for the both of us. He has had a few offers, but we're still trying to figure out what's best. It's a long and frustrating process but I know the Lord has a plan for us even if we can't see it yet! Joe ran a 4 mile fundraiser race last weekend. It was his first race since high school and he did awesome! Here's what I've been up to:
My first baby blanket. Nothing too fancy, but it was fun. Other than baking this baby I've been going to the library, crocheting, and working on a new and upcoming project (details to follow later). Oh, and I wanted to post a picture of my cute husband because there are too many pictures of my gigantic belly and not enough of him :)