Wednesday, October 20, 2010

First Bath

So, we waited the obligatory amount of time for a belly button to appear and held our first bath this week.  Big doin's at the Stephens household!

I keep trying to not over-purchase items we don't need (as opposed to that firstborn child, where you're certain you need every baby item and device that exists).  However, I kept debating a baby tub because babies can get awfully slippery, and the support makes the job easier.  Fred rightfully pointed out that babies had been bathed for decades without plastic baby beds, so I set up my favorite wash basin lined with a receiving blanket and got to work.



You would have thought it was custom made for Ainsley.  Her feet pushed against the side and she propped herself up with only a little head support from me.  She has been holding her head up and pushing down with her feet since she was born, which is odd to adjust to since newborns usually need quite a while to develop that neck and leg strength - obviously another overachiever.  :)

At various times she was exceptionally unhappy with this "bath" business, and at other times looked very pleased and comfortable in the warm water.



I know Ainsley will be very glad her first bath was posted for the world to see - at least we maintained a little modesty.  She's growing and getting more alert every day.  Thanks to everyone for keeping up with us!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Things I'd forgotten about having a newborn...

1.  It is absolutely terrifying to trim their nails when their fingers are this size:


2.  Every shower feels like the first one you've ever taken (and possibly the last you'll ever have).

3.  Napping with a baby sprawled out on you is about the best napping to be found.

4.  So. Tired.

5.  Time seems as slow as molasses one moment, and absolutely fleeting the next.

6.  It's exhilarating, exhausting, momentous and simplicity at its best... all wrapped up together. 

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Welcome home, Ainsley!

Ainsley Belle finally made her big debut last Thursday, September 30 - on her Aunt Jo's 25th birthday.  She arrived at 9:07 p.m. and it definitely wasn't the smooth sailing of Sophie's delivery, but everyone is happy and healthy and recuperating quickly.


Bright-eyed just a few minutes after arrival!



I love the way Sophie's shoulders are all hunched up in an "I'm so excited!!" way in this picture...
 
 Proud big sister (and protective Daddy)!

Fred and his girls

She is a very mellow baby and the hospital nursery staff were all very fond of her.  Very little crying or fussing, just like her big sister.

 Love this picture with Grandad...

 Grandad & Ainsley

 Gigi & Ainsley

 Great picture of my Mom (Gigi), Sophie & Ainsley

We came home from the hospital on Saturday, October 2nd and have been settling in and getting used to being "Stephens, party of four."  Sophie is really enjoying being a big sister and takes a lot of pride in helping out wherever possible - hoping that it lasts!  :)

For now, we're all just recuperating and getting to know one another, but we'll have some additional pictures and updates to post soon.

Thank you again to everyone who has sent thoughtful notes, offered meals or just sent kind thoughts and prayers.  We are so excited Ainsley is here and looking forward to watching all the tiny changes in the coming weeks!

*By the way, here's some background on her name meaning, although I believe I mentioned previously that we chose Belle for Fred's mom, Maggie Bell:

Ainsley
Pronunciation: AYNZ-lee

Transferred use of the Scottish surname taken from the place-name Ainsley, which is derived from the name element Æne's or Ægen's and the Old English lēah (wood, clearing, meadow, enclosure).  (From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman).

Also: From a surname which was from a place name: either Annesley in Nottinghamshire or Ansley in Warwickshire. The place names themselves mean either "Anne's field" or "hermitage field" from the Old English ansetl "hermitage" and leah "field".  Name origin: Scottish/Celtic/Gaelic/Old English.

Love,
Fred, Beth, Sophie & Ainsley