One Week

Days, weeks and months go by so fast for us older folks. But when you have a newborn it seems like one week is a big deal. So  a lot happened in Audrey's first week of life. We were in the hospital from Monday August 8- Friday the twelfth aroun 9PM. The hospital stay was a bit longer than we would've liked. We were there for five days, due to me having to be monitored for my blood pressure for two days after and then Audrey got jaundice due to her being early, breastfeeding, and we having different blood types. So she had to be under the lights for 24 hours and the only time we could see her was every three hours to feed her, it was so sad. I also got discouraged when it came to the thoughts of coming home, because I felt so alone. My mom was out of the country, and didn't know who to turn to help me for the first few days. I was talking to Loni on the phone about my fears and concerns, just going to her to vent to. Then she called me back and told me she was going to fly out for the weekend. She happened to find a babysitter for a few days and Todd happened to have most of the weekend off, so it worked out. It meant the world to me, and made all the difference. She was so helpful and so comforting to have your sister there, especially one with experience. We called her our Yoda, whatever question we had, we went to her and whatever she said was gospel to us. So grateful for the people in our lives that show up when you need them most. Loni showed Friday afternoon and stayed with us until Tuesday Morning. She was helpful for the daunting late night feedings, helped show me the ropes of how to care for your newborn, she would just hold Audrey and give me a break to take a rest, except it was very stressful I still had to grade papers and post my final grades for UOP by Monday. It was also very fun because LeNae and Lana came down again to spend time with us girls, it had been a good while since it was just us girls. Loni made us yummy peanut butter bars. We shared fun stories and we just oooh and awwed over Audrey. It was great to have their support and comfort they bring. Then Sunday night Nathan's parent were so sweet to bring us dinner and stay awhile. Johnny and Megan and Marie came to join as well. It was really cool to have his whole family there to celebrate our new little one.  Then on Monday Loni took really good care of Audrey and even did some natural light treatment for her jaundice. Then that night Loni gave Audrey her first rub down. It was so exciting and she really liked it, almost as much as Loni did to give it to her. Loni was smitten with love and was getting really baby hungry, especially for a girl, it was really cute and sweet. I don't know what we would've done if Loni wasn't there. It was a time you just want your mom and Loni is the best substitute. She is such a great sister, so grateful for her.