Sweet Sophie

Our baby girl has arrived!  One week ago Dan and I went to the hospital for an induction.  We arrived at 5 am to get the process started. I was a bit nervous, but there is something calming about "going to work" to have a baby!  I knew all the people that took care of me as they are my friends and co-workers and trusted that I was getting the best care possible.  We were settled into our room, the induction medication was started and we were on our way.  Many of my co-workers stopped in to wish me luck in the labor process, it was so nice to see all those familiar faces.  By 7:30 pm I was completely dilated, but my epidural was so strong, we decided to wait for a bit until I started feeling more and let me body do the work for me.  Around 8:45 pm I started pushing and at 9:19 pm our lives changed forever.  Sophia "Sophie" Elaine York was born, weighing in at 7 pounds 11 ounces, measuring 20.5 inches long, and looking exactly like her daddy with a matching head full of dark hair! 

Just before pushing started, thank you epidural!

Our first meeting

Our new family

7 pounds 11 ounces! A big girl!

We brought our daughter home on Friday, March 30th where Grandma and Grandpa Swartz and big "sister" Lucy were waiting.  Lucy was of course excited to see us since we had been gone for a few days, so we gave her love and attention while baby Sophie waited her turn.  Sophie was a little impatient and started crying which got Lucy's attention and she wanted to meet her right away.  With a little encouragement to be calm, Lucy sniffed Sophie's head to greet the new addition.  During the first few nights, Lucy was the first one to stir whenever Sophie cried, wondering what all the noise was about and why it disturbed her sleep every 2-3 hours.  Since then Lucy has gotten used to the crying, coming into the nursery during feeding time to keep the girls company.

Sophie got her first bath at home on April 1st.  We began by washing her hair while she was swaddled in her blanket.  She closed her eyes and relaxed not making one sound during the luxurious scalp massage.  This tiny girl loves getting her hair done!  The sponge bath followed and that part was not as appreciated as the shampoo.  Once the bath was complete and she was wrapped in her towel, we combed her hair and she was one content girl.

Sophie is a miracle and we are enjoying every minute of her little life.  She makes us laugh daily with her funny faces (which all remind me exactly of Dan), her hiccups, even the moments when she passes gas.  All of these moments seem to pass by so quickly, so we are taking pictures all the time.  Here is a sampling of some of our favorites.

My two loves!

Long fingers like her mommy

Long toes like mommy too!

So tiny and comfy in her bassinet, thanks to mom's awesome swaddle skills

This first week has gone by so fast!  We're learning new things about each other every day.  I always hear people say that children grow up so fast, so I'm loving every second with our sweet Sophie.

With Love
Jess, Dan, Sophie, and Lucy