Lauren's First Week at Home

We have been very busy this first week at home. Geoff has done a fantastic job of keeping me fed, the house clean, laundry washed and folded, and Lauren happy. At the same time, there is no way we would have made it through the week so well without our fabulous network of friends and family. Thanks to everyone who brought dinner over and called to check in on us. It's great to know we have so many people who love us.






Trip to the farmer's market



At the farmer's market




Touchdown! Yea Michigan won!



First walk



Rockin' to Bon Jovi



First bath



She's a frog!



Daddy time

Lauren Grace Hanson has arrived!

At 8:18am on Sunday, September 21, 2008, Lauren Grace Hanson became the newest member of the Hanson family. She weighed in at 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. Geoff and I are both very surprised with the amount of dark, blonde hair she has.

I spent many hours on Saturday updating information on the computer and working around the house. Then Jillian, London and I went to the Botanic Gardens to enjoy the beautiful day and catch up. When I arrived home, Geoff had just returned from his Daddy Boot Camp. As I was watching the Cubs clinch a place in the play-offs, Lisa called. I was standing in the kitchen talking with her and thought, "Did my water just break?" I wasn't quite sure though so I waited about another hour, timing my contractions and watching the rest of the Cubs game. We left for the hospital around 5:30. When we arrived they ran many tests to make sure I was really in labor. I was, so they admitted me and began the process. I received my epidoral around 8:30 and everything went pretty smoothly for quite a few hours. My parents arrived around 12:30 and Steph and Jon made it to the hospital between 2:30-3:30am. Geoff and I continued to rest and then I began pushing at 5:30. I kept pushing for about 2.5 hours and then Dr. Forbes suggested she use foreceps because Lauren wasn't really moving on her own. I signed a waver, a team of doctors arrived and in less than 3 minutes, Lauren Grace arrived.

The hospital staff was amazing. Every nurse and doctor I encountered was patient and very calm while getting me what I needed and answering all of my questions. We had many fun visitors while in the hospital. Grammie Sue and Grandpa Paul, Steph and Jon, Grandma Jane, Jillian and London, Katie and Dhruba, and Susan, Susan, Jen, and Ryan all came to meet Little Lauren and check in with Geoff and me. On Sunday evening we had a wonderful meal of Thai, brie, crackers, beer and wine with my family. All of the food I have been missing for the past nine months. Not only was the food delicious, but it was a really fun party as well.

Geoff, Lauren, and I arrived home around 2pm today. Everything has been going well at home. Lauren has been eating well and other than that, has spent most of her time sleeping. Scarlett is a little interested in Lauren, but not really. I think she is just happy to have people around her again. Geoff's aunt brought over a fabulous dinner which made the evening easier as well.

We just can't thank everyone enough for all that was done for us the past few days. Without such caring people, this experience would not have been nearly as wonderful. Check out some pictures below.

You Asked for It

Ok, ok I am finally getting around to posting a picture of me. So many people have asked to see a recent photo of me, so I had Geoff take one. There is also a picture of all of our luggage in the back of the Pacifica. We are ready whenever Newt would like to come into this world. Thanks to cousin Katherine who helped me with some of the added features on the right side of the blog. I hope you enjoy!

Nursery is complete

This past weekend Steph and Jon came to visit and helped us finish up some last minute details around the house. We were able to work on organizing the basement and finish up in the nursery. I posted some photos below. As I am sure you can tell by the lack of posts lately, I am back teaching for a few more weeks. I am feeling great, but would love to meet Newt any time now!

Geoff's office threw him and another colleague a surprise baby shower today. He was very excited to come home and tell me all about it.

Shower hosted by Grammie Sue and Aunt Stephie

Last Saturday was another special day for us. All of my relatives put together a wonderful shower at my Aunt Kathy's house. So many people contributed to an excellent day. Thanks to Mom, Steph, Gram, and all my aunts and cousins who worked so hard to make the day very special! The salads and desserts were delicious and it was so nice to be able to see and catch up with so many friends and relatives. We started with a meaningful welcome from Aunt Deb, then enjoyed the fantastic food prepared by my relatives, and then quickly opened gifts before a rain storm moved in. The setting and decorations were perfect as well. Thanks again to everyone who worked so hard to make the day very special for us.

Laura helping me paint my toenails.

Beautiful decorations

Last minute details

Grandpa Paul's side of the family

Cousins

Grammie Sue, me, and Aunt Stephie

Laura, me and Steph

Cousins relaxing after the big day

Shower hosted by Grandma Hanson

Last weekend Mom Hanson hosted a shower for Geoff and me. It was a couple's shower held at Charlie's Crab in Grand Rapids. We both really enjoyed ourselves and the company. Thanks again for all of the time and effort that went into the wonderful shower, Mom!

Baby Newt's Crib

Last Thursday evening, after a wonderful dinner at a local Irish Pub, Geoff and I decided to put Newt's crib together. The entire process really didn't take that long at all and we are both very happy with the final result. I read the directions to Geoff and gave him the hardware necessary and he put all of the pieces together. Our next task is the dresser.