My Bella Baby

These pictures were taken at the hospital by Bella Baby Photography when Dylan was 3 days old:

I wasn't planning on being in any of the pictures. I hadn't showered that day and was still wearing my hospital gown. I like this one for sentimental reasons as opposed to aesthetic ones:

Meggan Boston took these pictures when Dylan was one week old:

4 Week Old Update

This afternoon Dylan had his 4 week check up. He is now 20 1/2 inches long and weighs 6 lbs. and 11 oz. He had to get a heel stick to make sure his slightly high bilirubin level is due to being breastfed and not his liver or something. Also, we are going to the hospital on Thursday so he can get an ultrasound on his left hip because it is "loose" and has the possibility of dislocating. The doctor said it is common for breech babies to have this condition and it can be corrected, if needs be. Dylan is a sweetheart and is doing well. Here he is just hanging out in his swing (in a preemie outfit that actually fits him - thanks, Liz!):

Good bye, G-ma!

It's only been a few hours since my mom flew home, but I am already missing her like crazy. It was so nice to have her here for Dylan's birth, my hospital stay, and these past few weeks as I was recovering and transitioning into motherhood. Mom took care of the shopping, cooking, laundry, and errand running. She also bathed Dylan, changed most of his diapers, and held him so I could get some sleep between feedings. We had a great time talking and hanging out together every day. I know how lucky I am to have such a great mom who is one of my best friends. Thanks for everything, G-ma. We love you!

Branson Crew

My grandparents organized a 6 day trip with their children to Branson, which is about 4 hours from us. The tour bus dropped them off at the St. Louis airport a little early before their flight back home, so Autrey and I drove over and brought Dylan for everyone to see. It was a treat to see some of my Utah relatives again. Me, Autrey, Dylan, Grandma and Grandpa Holdaway, Uncle Brent, Mom, Aunt JaNae and Uncle Nate, Uncle Keith and Aunt Joni. Not pictured: Great Aunt Libby was the photographer. Also, my dad and Aunt Karen had to leave on earlier flights back to PA and Mexico respectively.

Dylan meeting his great grandparents for the first time.

The First 2 Weeks

Autrey and I will be forever grateful to Dr. Shanon Forseter for all he did to make our dreams of parenthood a reality. It was a long and bumpy road, but he stuck with us through it all. He truly is a fantastic doctor. He is also one of the happiest and most caring people I know. Here he is with Dylan at my 2 week check up to make sure my C-section incision is healing properly:As of 4 am this morning, Dylan became cordless. I was changing his diaper after a feeding and he started peeing everywhere...again. As I was attempting to stop the fountain, he was kicking and his onesie got caught on the stump and pulled it out. Poor little guy. He took it like a champ: We had a good laugh at Dylan swimming in this sleeper:These other pictures were taken by G-ma the first few nights home from the hospital:

I just love this smiley little guy and love staring at him all day (and night) long!

Welcome Home, Dylan!

This afternoon we were discharged from the hospital and brought Dylan to his new home. You may notice that his going home outfit is really big on him even though it is the smallest one he has. When he was weighed last night, he tipped the scale at 5 lbs. 5 oz. That is up 1 oz. from the night before. (The pediatrician told us he is in the 3rd percentile for weight and the 25th percentile for height.) He is a bit of a narcoleptic nurser and we have to constantly work to keep him awake long enough to eat. Not that I blame him. I'm actually envious of his ability to fall asleep so fast. Now that he gets to eat "the good stuff" he should continue to get bigger and bigger. Autrey and I are glad my mom is here to help us out now that we are home in the real world!