Sisterly Love

It's pretty clear that Brenna loves her little brother. She asks to hold him every day. This, so far, is my favorite picture of the two of them.

Austin's Blog - Day 2, Feb 13

It started out like any other normal day (at least compared to Day 1; hey, it's all I've got for perspective). Woke up, had a little breakfast courtesy of Mommy, had a little nap, Daddy and Brenna came for a visit... Mommy took a shower (Daddy said she really needed one) while Brenna and Daddy held me. The next thing I know, the baby doctor came into the room and told Daddy he'd be ready for me in about 10 minutes. I wasn't sure what that meant. Up until now visits from the baby doctor had been pretty pleasant. He would listen to my heart and breathing, check out my umbilical cord and check my weight, so naturally I had nothing to fear. Boy was I naive.

So 10 minutes go by and the baby doctor comes back to let us know everything is set up. Daddy came with me this time; that should have been my first clue that I should have stayed behind with Mommy and Brenna. We go down to the nursery and the baby doctor does what he called a circumcision. The word sounds innocent enough, but believe me IT IS NOT! All I can say is OUCH and DON'T TOUCH IT!

Mommy says that I won't even remember that it happened once it heals, but I'm not so sure. I'm going to keep my eye on the baby doctor from now on.

Austin's Blog - Day 1, Feb 12

So, we’re at the hospital in the OR and the next thing I know someone’s hand is reaching for me and the light is very bright. Oh boy was it cold in there. Someone, please get me a blanket! I got to see Mommy for a minute, and then they took me over to a bassinet and started cleaning me up. I was pretty mad about having a tube stuck down my throat, but it sure did feel better when they got all that stuff out of my mouth, throat and lungs. Finally they wrapped me up and I didn’t feel so bad.

A little while later, after she was done with the doctor in the OR, I got to meet Mommy for the first time. I looked up at her and as soon as she said my name, I recognized the voice I’d been hearing all these months and knew I was in the right hands. We snuggled for a little while, but boy I was sure tired. Being born is hard work.

Next thing I know, a nurse came to get me for something called bath. I sure didn't like being undressed and wet. Daddy was there. I was hoping he would save me from all that water and soap, but I think he was in cahoots with the nurses. Finally that ordeal was over and they brought me back to my Mommy.

Daddy went home to take a shower and get my big sister, Brenna. I’ve been wondering about this girl who’s been talking and singing to me through Mommy’s belly. In the meantime, Mommy’s friend, Pam, came for a quick visit before she had to go to work. I could tell right away that Pam loves babies. She was so excited to see me and hold me.

After Pam left, Daddy arrived with Brenna. She sure was excited to see me and wanted to hold me as soon as she walked in the door. Daddy helped her get me into the right position and we cuddled for a good long while. Brenna is kind of wiggly, so I was a little nervous at first. She settled down and we had a good time getting to know each other.

I spent the rest of the day getting used to the big world of Mommy's hospital room, learning how to eat and sleeping (sometimes in my bassinet, but most of the time on Daddy's chest - a great place to be).

Later in the evening, Mommy's friends Stephanie and Meredith came for a visit. They brought magazines for Mommy and a bottle of wine for Daddy. It's good to have friends who know what you need!

Austin's Blog - Day 0, Feb 11

Austin told me he'd like to share his first few days in the big new world with you from his perspective...so here goes:

It was just another day in the paradise of Mommy’s womb. From what I can tell, we went to work, had lunch with the girls at Blue Iguana (beef tacos – yum), rode the train (Mommy was afraid of going into labor while driving), had dinner with Daddy and that girl who is never quiet(Brenna, yeah that’s her name) at Mark Anthony’s (seafood ravioli – more yum), and went home. I was doing my normal moving around after Mommy laid down when all of a sudden, somebody pulled the plug on all the nice warm fluid that had been surrounding me. I could tell something exciting was happening. Mommy was up getting dressed and Daddy too. They kept talking about how far apart the contractions were. We had to wait for Mommy’s friend Pam to come to the house to be with Brenna (the dogs are great, but not good at babysitting). Then we were off to the hospital.

Once we got to the hospital, I could hear lots of voices I didn’t recognize. They were asking Mommy and Daddy lots of questions. To be continued…

Introducing Austin Truett Cook

Austin Truett Cook
was welcomed into the world
on February 12, 2009 at 1:06 a.m.

Weight: 7 lbs 9 oz
Height: 20 inches

What's with the lights?

Me, Mommy & Daddy

Daddy & meSo happy to be a big sister!

First bath
Eyes open & alert

That's all for now. Mommy is tired. More to come once we're all home.

Baby Shower

Can I have this baby already?

On Saturday, my co-worker and friend, Stephanie, hosted a baby shower for the arrival of Austin. Co-workers and friends, Lori, Meredith, Pam, Laura, and cousin, Julie attended. We had a wonderful lunch of egg casserole, spinach-tortellini salad, fruit salad and focaccia bread. For dessert, there were white cupcakes with blue and silver decorations...they were delicious! It's nice to have friends that really understand you...no chocolate cupcakes!

Meredith, Stephanie, Laura, Pam and Julie

Austin received quite a haul! He got blankets, sleepers, socks, burp cloths, wash cloths, hooded towels, diapers (some in the form of a cake), bibs, gowns, outfits, a monitor, bottles, a picture frame, rattle, book and a hand knitted cap. There were also vouchers to help the "new" parents. We expect volunteers to sign up for each and every one! ;)

I really enjoyed the company of family and friends during the shower. The conversation, as always, was delightful, funny and insightful. Thank you all for coming and helping us get ready to welcome Austin into the world.

Brenna spent the afternoon with her teacher, Holly, and her sister, Whitney. Holly has a younger sister that is 6, and Brenna had a blast playing with all of her toys. She actually didn't want to leave when I came to pick her up. She perked up when I told her that there was a present for her in the car. Laura gave her a sweet card and a pair of very hip sunglasses.

Brenna enjoyed looking through all of the presents for Austin and "modeling" them for me. Here are a few photos: