Hospital Memories

Here are a few more pictures from our time at the hospital.  Since Greta was born just 13 minutes after midnight, we actually got like a "bonus night" (if you can call it that) in the hospital.  We were thankful for our time there, and the help and support of the nurses, but were SO ready to come home by the time Monday morning rolled around.   

Meeting Nana Sue and enjoying their first of many snuggles together.  

Bapa Rog and Greta are "birthday buddies," having birthdays on Nov. 1st and 2nd.  

Papa Eds took a break from a busy day of harvest to meet baby Greta.  

Bapa Rog and Mimi were so excited to meet their little grand baby GIRL.  

Mimi and Greta will be buddies, I'm confident of that.  

When Hudson was born, the hospital gave a mini birthday cake for us to enjoy.  We continued the tradition for baby Greta...birthday cake on her birthday.  

Big brother loved the cake, of course!  

Sunday called for a milk shake from Smokey Row.  After delivery, at 2:00am, a milk shake sounded delicious.  I think I had earned one, but nothing was available.  Thanks to my parents for picking one up for Roy and I the next day.  A sleeping baby and a milk shake make for one happy Mommy.  :)  

Packed up and ready to head for home.  

We love you baby Greta and we thank God for the privilege of being your parents.  

Big Brother, Hudson

On Saturday morning, November 1st, Hudson was registered to attend the "Big Brother/Sister Prepared Class" at Lutheran Hospital.  When I signed him up, I assumed Greta would have already been here, so wasn't sure how meaningful it would be.  Little did I know how perfectly it would all work out.  Nana Sue had come to spend the night with Hudson when we went to the hospital so it worked out well for her to take him to his class.  They had a special morning together, including breakfast at the hospital (which is also where Nana works) and then to "Big Brother Class."  Hudson was the newest big brother in the group so that added to the fun and excitement.  After class, Hudson and Nana came over to meet baby Greta.   

  

Hudson seeing Greta for the first time.  He says the same thing to her several times a day…"Greta Alice ,you are so sweet."    

Hudson holding "baby sister." 

Proud Daddy with his two little blessings.  

We are so excited to be a family of FOUR.  

We put together a gift bag of goodies for Hudson, to assist him in the transition.  

He was very excited about staying to help with Greta's first tubby.  

Checking out the little lady as she sleeps.  

Greta Alice Swinger

Greta Alice Swinger arrived on Saturday, November 1st at 12:13am.  If I were to choose two words to describe the labor and delivery, they would be intense and fast.  Yet, in the same breath, I feel like I waited for her delivery day for over two weeks, every day thinking it would be "the day."  But when things got moving there was no messing around.  Contractions started at home around 9:20pm, we left for the hospital at 11:10pm, and she was out just one hour later.  Amazing!  People told me labor would be quicker the 2nd time around, but I never anticipated it would be 1/4 of the time faster.  :)     

Even though now its 3 weeks later, I can still hardly believe how it all played out.  God truly had His hand is so many big and small ways and His goodness and protection was completely evident.  I am overwhelmed by His love for us, expressed in this way.  I made a list, to document and remember the many blessings, so I thought I would share just a few of them with you…

*natural labor

*just two days overdue

*the quick response of a dear friend and neighbor to come and stay with Hudson

*safety in car while in active labor

*arriving at the hospital fully dilated

*midwife delivery 

*Roy's calm and gracious face, exactly what I needed

*God's help to get her out JUST in time

*protection from potential exposure to infection

*Greta came out crying

*birthday on November 1st (I was really hoping to avoid Halloween)

*safety of Mommy and Greta

*quick response of the hospital staff

*calm and confident words of the midwife, keeping me informed 

We had a harder time choosing the name for our little girl than we did for our son.  I had liked the name Greta all along, it was my first choice for a name.  Roy, liked a different name and it wasn't until about 1 month out that we settled on Greta.  We chose a middle name for Hudson after my grandpa John and we wanted to use a family name from a grandparent for our little girl as well.  Roy chose the name Alice, after his grandma Mary Alice Swinger.  Yet, we didn't really confirm that middle name until the last week.  Now that she is here, the name totally fits.  Our little girl…Greta Alice Swinger.  

It was love at first site, just as we anticipated.  

The nurses words after checking her out were…"she is perfect."  

8 pounds 2.5 ounces and 20 inches long 

We awaited this day for not just 9 months, but for two years plus 9 months.  Many friends and family faithfully prayed for God's good gift of another Lil' Swinger.  

She was constantly trying to get her hands out of the swaddle.  She was a hand sucker, even in the womb, as we saw on the ultrasounds.  

Our night nurse, Justine was patient, kind, and helpful.  

Showing off her footprints.  

Greta's first "tubby."  She screamed through most of it.    

Our sweet baby girl, resting in her bassinet.  

High Trestle Bridge

Another family fun outing we did this fall, as we patiently waited for baby sister to make her appearance, was going to the High Trestle Bridge, along the High Trestle Trail near Madrid.  It was a beautiful fall evening and the bridge was a popular destination for many.  We took Hudson's bike and he scoot all over the place with it.  We saw some fall colors, unique birds, learned about the old bridge from the ranger on site, and anticipated the bridge lighting.  I did lots of walking, in hopes to get labor moving.  :)  Overall, it was a delightful evening, a fond memory for all of us.  

Hudson on his balance bike.  He can really GO! 

 

Our last pictures as a family of three...

The baby bump at 39 weeks...

Fall Family Fun

This fall we tried to take in as much Family Fun as possible, anticipating the arrival of our baby girl, and making the most of our time as a family of three.  Some of the days seemed long, with Daddy coaching cross country, but we aimed to do the best we could and soak in all the fun and memories when we were all together.  

We enjoyed a hayrack ride and bon fire, hosted by friends from our small group.   

It was a beautiful fall evening for Night Eyes at the Blank Park Zoo with the Scherer family.  Thomas and Hudson are ready to take on about any adventure that comes their way.  

Making caramel popcorn with Daddy was a yummy treat for us all.  

 Hudson has enjoyed a few combine and semi rides with his Papa Ed.  His favorite part of fall is "helping" with harvest.    

Handing out candy to friends and neighbors on Beggar's Night was a good way to pass the evening of baby sisters "due date."  Hudson was a construction worker, while Mommy was a super pregnant Mommy.    

We had fun making caramel apples and carving pumpkins together on a Friday night.  Daddy dug out all the yucky insides and Mommy cut out the faces.  We all enjoyed a caramel apple…super tasty and gooey.