Daddy got a new camera, so he took some pictures! I'm sure there will be many, many pictures here, both professional and daddy shots in the near future!

Not to much has been going on. Just taking care of Savannah and keeping up on sleep:) She is already 2 weeks old. So crazy! This week should be pretty mellow. Charlie is working today, and then is off for 3. We are going to the fair on Thursday! I am excited. We go every year. Charlie's mom is going to watch Savannah. Maybe she can go next year. Yesterday we had a lady come to the house to take pictures of us as a family and just Savannah. Below is a preview of some. I love them so far!

Yes, we are very happy! Our family of two has grown to a family of three! Savannah is 12 days old now, and has already gained 8 ounces (half pound) and grown 2.5 inches since birth! Her last pedi appointment showed she was healthy, happy and normal! What more could we ask for!

Brittany and I are both learning to deal with 3 hour sleep intervals, and so far it hasn't been all that bad. Already Savannah is adjusting to the day/night cycle. She is alert and awake more often during the day, and sleeps very well at night.

Here is a quick video of her yesterday!

Savannah was one week yesterday. She is still so little, but getting bigger already at the same time. Charlie has been home for the last 2 weeks and we have loved just hanging out with her and learning all this parent stuff. The doctor said she looked good and was happy and healthy! Charlie goes back to work tomorrow and I am going to go teach dance for a little while. Grandma Boles is going to watch Savannah. We took her out on walk a couple days ago. She slept for most of it, but I am sure she enjoyed it! Uncle Bryan came to see Savannah! Charlie's parents closed on the house finally that is across the street from ours. So we are blessed to have both sets of grandparents close to us! Here are some pics from the week:)

Charlie and I are home with our precious girl. We went into the hospital September 10th to get a little help with the inducing and ended up not needing it all. My body went the rest of the way on its own and out came Savannah September 11th. She had so many visitors and we got to come home the next day. Today was our first full day and it was great. She did wonderful and we also gave her her first bath. She did ok. Can't say she loved it but it was pretty good. Charlie has been wonderful. He has been a great dad and husband. Making sure I am doing as little as possible to heal nice and quick and taking care of his daughter. We are working hard to be a happy, healthy family!

Here are a couple videos we took:

Born 09/11/08 @ 0834am. 6lbs 15.2oz, 18.5 inches. Mom and baby are doing very well!

What, me? Oh no...Brittany! Yes, this morning I found Brittany asleep on the couch with the TV on. Poor thing is so uncomfortable and cannot sleep. She got up somewhere around 1 or 2am and went to the gameroom and found a firm, comfy spot on the couch. She's ready to have this baby.

I really thought Savannah would be here now, but looks like she's perfectly content to stay balled up in her mommy's tummy. The days are dragging now, and I'm sure it's because I am eager with anticipation. But by this time next week, Savannah will be here for sure!

Which brings me to the baby update! Savannah is 39 weeks, 2 days now. Brittany is set to be induced Thursday, possibly even Wednesday. It all depends on how ready her body is. Brittany has been dilated to 1 for the past 3 weeks now. Pretty normal, I guess, but there's always that little bit of hope that she'll dilate further with each week. Doesn't really matter any more though, because this time next week, Savannah will be in our arms for sure!

Well, 39 weeks on the dot and still no baby. I am at home alone today, and Brittany is still at work. I've done some cleaning, and now that it's all done, I'm bored. So I decided to film the puppies and the cat!

The first one here is to show how well they mind. You see, I try to train Dale to never rush ahead of me out doors, or up and down the stairs. I always go ahead of him. Bentley, our current puppy guest, has followed suit. I guess he's just follwoing Dale, I dunno. Anyways, here is the stairs test:



Second, we have just the animals lounging. That's about it. Like I said, it's been a slow, boring day :)

We have our induction date for Sept. 11th! Not the greatest day, but that day is the best for all our families to be together for the birth of our baby. I am so excited. I'll be honest though, the past 2 weeks have been worse than waiting for Christmas. Time is dragging by SO slowly! Brittany is starting to feel more pre-labor pains in her back. I don't think anything is too imminent though, because I think the powers that be want the baby to come next week sometime. Just a hunch.

I've been reading alot on the care of newborn babies over the last couple of weeks, and when combined with what I already know from working in an NICU, I feel very confident that I can tackle whatever situation presents itself. Sure, saying is much easier than doing, but I think if you go into something with confidence, you have a much better chance for success. I've done my research on breast feeding, sleeping patterns and habits, skin conditions, care for mommy after birth, baby clothing, car seats, etc. We received some pretty great books from Dr. Burgess (a neonatologist at my work) that I have been reading. They have been extremely informative, and of the three he gave us, I have already finished one. They are all from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). Great books...very good resources.

Forgive the random subjects, but so many things are going through my mind the closer we get to seeing Savannah. That said, there is one word that keeps getting to me. Dad. I am going ot be a dad. Savannah will be running to me, calling me daddy. I will hold her when she's crying. She will make father's day cards with her scribbly writing. D A D in all capital letters. I can't wait to be a dad, but that word to me has always been associated with MY father. It is so strange that now it will be applied to me as well. My baby girl will be calling me dad. I cannot put into words how much that will melt my heart the first time she says "dada". I love my daughter so much already, and she is not even here! What will it be like when I am holding her for the first time and look into her face? It will be one of the most incredible feelings in my life. I just cannot wait!

Switching subjects again here. I think that my biggest challenge in husbandhood is rapidly approaching. Pregnancy has not been too difficult for me (I'm ducking as Brittany swings a pregnancy punch at me), because Brittany has been really great for the last 9 months. Not many mood swings, and not complaining at all. She's handled it all wonderfully. She definitely breaks the stereotype of a moody pregnant woman! So I guess we both have been lucky with each other! But my challenge will be taking care of my wife AND my new daughter together. For the next 6 weeks, for sure, it will be about the most important 2 girls in my life! (Well, Mom, you're very important too, but until you're living with us and wearing old people diapers, I can't take care of you just yet!) I am going to try so hard to make sure Brittany has every comfort as she stays home on her maternity leave. And I know we both will give Savannah all the love, kissing, and cuddling she could ever want.

I'm hoping this is the last post until after the baby is born, but we have one more OB visit to go, so there may be one more quick update on Thursday or Friday! Say a prayer for Brittany and Savannah, and that they both have a safe and healthy birth!