Not only do Kathryn and Madeline like the same clothes, but they both like ducks as well. Although, Madeline is not eating them yet. :) This is for my Aunt Sharon who gave this fun duck to Madeline.
This is a picture of Madeline's first bath at home. She had to have a sponge bath because she still had her cord. She didn't seem too happy during this first bath. But, we learned that if she was fed, then she didn't really mind her sponge baths. 
But, life has gotten better since that first bath! Her cord has mostly healed up, so we decided to put her down in her bath tub. She absolutely loved it! She was so content and happy. She looked like she was lounging at the beach in her hammock. I think she got a little too comfortable because it made her poop in the tub. (But, really, it doesn't take much to make her go to the bathroom these days.) It was fun while it lasted. As soon as her cord it all the way healed, then we are going to go for the big plunge all the way down in the water. I think she is going to really like it. :)
She's getting all dried and lotioned up and then it is time to put her 'jamis on. She smells so good after a bath!
It has been a while since we have been able to make it to our care group (bible study). We usually meet on Thursdays, and our past 6 Thursdays have been busy with childbirth classes. So, we were happy that we were able to make it to our Christmas party this past Thursday. It was a fun time of fellowship with other wonderful families from our church.
Of course we had to dress Madeline up in a Christmas outfit. So, here she is sporting her "ho ho ho" shirt and her first pair of jeans. They make her look a little like a grandpa because they are pulled up so high. I think she can grow into them a little bit.
My parents just left to go back home yesterday after spending the entire week with us. They arrived at the hospital shortly after I called to tell them that my water had broken. I have to admit that I cried a little and I have a feeling that my mom cried as soon as she walked out the door too. So, I guess that is a good sign that I already miss them after spending an entire week with them. And I don't miss them because of all the work they did. I just miss their company and the way they doted on Madeline all week. But, they were so very helpful. Mom and dad cleaned the house before we got home from the hospital. Mom did laundry all week long and even ironed shirts that we forgot that we owned (because I never iron). She also cooked for us each night and pretty much waited on us all week. It was such a blessing, especially since it was a little difficult to get around this past week. Dad recaulked our bathrooms and kitchen and replaced the recepticles in another bathroom. He also ran to the grocery store numerous times for random things that wee needed. And of course, they played with Madeline all week long. It is a little weird to not have their extra hands around here. Madeline really misses here Granny B and Paw Paw. 
Andrews parents arrived at the hospital shortly after we called them as well. They have been up here several times this week as well. Andrew's mom has cooked so many meals for us. She also went to "Let's Dish" to prepare lots of frozen meals for us. Madeline has enjoyed many hours of snuggling in their arms. Thanks PaPa Paul and NaNa!
We are so greatful for our parents and all the support they have given us. We desire for Madeline to grow up being very close with each of her grandparents and getting "spoiled" with all their love and "grandparentness". What a special relationship she is developing with them already.
Madeline has had a lot of visitors this past week. We feel so blessed that so many people have wanted to come and meet her. Many of these people are from our church care group and they brought meals for us. Our refrigertor and freezer are completely full of food now. We are so greatful for all the support.
Katherine and Daniel (Andrew's brother and sister-in-law)
The Lockards (Julie, Jon, Andrew and Ava) (care group)
Our neighbor, Sybil
Cheryl Osterhout (care group)
Andrew has a soft spot for little baby sneezes. (Well really, who doesn't?) He has been trying to get Madeline's little sneezes on camera for a while now. So, that is why he is so excited when he finally captured it. And just as a added bonus, Madeline threw in an adorable yawn for your viewing pleasure.
Madeline got to see her first snow on Wednesday, her 4th day birthday. She was, of course, very excited about it. She also had her first doctor's appointment and she got to go to the grocery store for the first time. It was a very big day.
We had to bundle her up really well so she wouldn't be cold. Granny B knitted her a fun hat to keep her head nice and warm.
Madeline entered the world today at 6:50pm (12-1-07). Naomi's water broke this morning at 7:00am and we arrived at Holy Cross at around 10:00am. Naomi did a great job. She was able to get an epideral (highly recommended) at around 11:00am. They sped up her labor with some Pitocin and she was fully dialated at around 5:30. After about 30 minutes of waiting she started pushing and another 30 minutes Madeline was here!
Here are some pictures of us and our sweet little girl.
With the grandparents
With her aunt and uncle
