Sisters

What a joy it has been to watch Avery with her baby sister these past few days. Of course, as expected, there have been typical toddler moments of defiance and melt downs. We are trying to find the balance between not letting her get away with too much and showing her grace because we know that although this big life change is exciting, it's also turning her world upside down. While there has been plenty of acting out, there have been far more sweet moments between two little girls. Avery constantly wants to hold Norah. She loves pushing her in the swing and is always ready to come to the rescue with a paci at the first hint of a baby cry. She loves being our little helper and we love watching the bond between two sisters begin to take form, even at this very early stage.

First time meeting Norah

Giving her hugs and kisses at the hospital

A sweet moment... we had just arrived home from the hospital and when Norah was fussy during a diaper change, Avery swooped in with some reassurance. Listen closely to the sweet words from this big sister.

Pushing Norah in the swing

This photo makes my heart explode

At the Hospital

On Tuesday morning, Avery came to the hospital to meet her baby sister who was just a few hours old. We were so excited for our girls to meet and Avery did not disappoint with her reaction. I was a little concerned that she would be freaked out by the hospital environment, but she didn't seem phased by it. She was so sweet with Norah, held her and gave her lots of kisses. She brought a gift for Norah... a stuffed elephant that she had picked out all by herself and a wubbanub (a special pacifier). We also had a special "big sister" gift waiting for Avery and in typical two year old fashion, the minute she opened her present baby Norah was old news and her attention was completely occupied by the magna-doodle she received. We were also thrilled that Grandma, Grandpa, and Nana were able to be there to meet Norah and witness the sweet moments with Avery. Unfortunately, Papa was away on business and wasn't able to visit. He was missed! I soaked in every moment as I looked around the room from my view in the hospital bed and watched the people who mean the most to us (minus Papa, of course) pass our newest little joy from one set of loving arms to the next. Our hearts overflow.

Avery's first time laying eyes on Norah. Such a sweet moment!

Our first photo as a family of four

Nana meeting her fourth grandchild

Grandma checking out those cute little baby legs and feet

Grandpa saying hello to baby Norah

The proud Grandmas

And the proud parents

Norah Elizabeth Piland

Sweet baby Norah finally made her appearance into this world on October 18th, 2011 at 2:15am. She is healthy and perfect in every way. 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 20.5 inches long. At 6 days overdue, we headed to the hospital on Monday evening to be induced Tuesday morning, but Norah had other plans. I started having mild contractions on my own on Monday. At the hosptial Monday night I received the first dose of a medication that was meant to help prep my body for the pitocin induction on Tuesday. There were supposed to be 4 doses of this medication overnight, but after the first dose my water broke and things took off! After just a few short hours of labor and only a couple of pushes, we met our baby girl in the wee hours of the morning and our hearts have been forever changed. I knew that I would love her, but I had forgotten just how intense that feeling is the first time you hold your baby in your arms. She is a miracle, as all babies are and we are beyond blessed to have her as our 4th family member.

Savoring my last moments with Norah on the inside...

...and savoring my first moments with her on the outside.

Just after being born. She came out bright pink and screaming!

Proud Daddy (the best there is)

Our first family photo. We are so in love!