2 Weeks Old

1 Week Old

Dear Brookster -

You are officially 1 week old today. It's hard to believe how quickly time has gone by since we brought you home from the hospital! So far:

--You seem to have your days and nights confused. You love to party from 3-5:00 am and hate waking up for feedings in the middle of the night. Sometimes it's even hard to wake you up during the day. We washed your full head of dark brown hair this afternoon and you slept through the entire beauty session!!!
--You've had tons of visitors and people that love you come by to say hi this week. You've been VERY well behaved for the most part, and seem to get mad only when you're hungry or gassy. You have quite the temper and some serious lungs. We sometimes try to quiet you by swaddling you, rocking you, or sticking our finger in your mouth. That works temporarily until you realize that nothing is coming out of said finger...
--You are surprisingly strong for a newborn!! You can almost lift your head, and we think you'll be rolling over early as you tend to shift from side to side in your crib.
--Your facial expressions crack us up. From lifting your brow to pursing your lips, when your big blue eyes are open you look like you're concentrating like crazy. Sometimes I wonder what's going through your little brain.

Our lives are so much richer with you in it. We get so excited about what the Lord is going to do with you and are loving you more and more every day!!

First Outing

We made our first outing today - to B's first doctor's appointment. She is still doing great and is a healthy baby girl - thankfully she's gained 2 oz since her hospital discharge. The doctor thinks she broke her collar bone, likely caused by contractions during my induction, but it's healing quickly and is apparently pretty common during labor. Despite the lack of sleep, we've had a fun few days and made it through the first night home. We're figuring things out one step at a time!

On our way to the doctor:


Sleeping in Daddy's lap:


Sporting Air Jordans from Uncle Bubbie:


Hanging out in the bouncer with Uncle Riggs:


Pretty princess:

Brooke Noelle

She was born at 11:56 am with a full head of hair and weighed 9 pounds 4 ounces, measuring 20 1/2 inches long. We survived the first night home and are figuring out this new adventure one step at a time. She is already wrapped around our fingers and we love her more than words could ever describe!!

Happy Birthday BG!!!!

After 40 weeks and 6 days, it's time for this little munchkin to come into the world. We will not be leaving the hospital without a baby this time. Happy Birthday to our precious new daughter!!!!!

Dancin', dancin'!!!!

K and I are both wondering why Weber Grill did not contact us to be in their new commercial. Clearly we would've been great candidates.



BG Bowen has no idea what she's in for...

Baby Update

Welp. Another week has gone by and baby remains extremely comfortable in her beach ball environment also known as my uterus. I went to the doctor this morning and am still not dilated. Baby also remains very high and has not dropped – same story, [insert whatever number – I’ve lost count] verse. Apparently my pelvic structure is small which could also be prohibiting baby from descending into the birth canal. Go figure...

SO – we scheduled a C section for next Monday, May 24 at 11:30. In response to the questions I’m sure you’re wondering:

-What about inducing again instead of opting straight for surgery?
Been there done that. The only thing that’s different now from when we tried inducing 2 weeks ago is my term. In theory my body could be more responsive to the induction drugs, but it’s not likely specifically since I’m not dilated any more than I was back then. My doctor also pointed out that recovery after laboring for hours and then ultimately going to a C section is more difficult and obviously more trying on your body. Had I been dilated today or had baby settled into my pelvis, I might feel differently, but at this point it makes more sense to me to just get her out!!

-If you want to just get her out, then why are you waiting so long to have a C-section?
Well. Let me tell you why. Because I want to wait that long!!! Really – we all know that I’m stubborn. Even though a C-section is the likely outcome (and I am mentally prepared for this to be the case), it is important to me to give my body every last chance to go into labor naturally on its own. Yes – it will suck being pregnant another week, and yes – we could get baby out sooner, and yes – I will probably have to have a C section no matter what because my pelvis is small and baby is not dropping. BUT - I am okay with all of those things and feel good about this decision. As long as baby is healthy and I’m not dying, then I can do anything for 1 more week even if it ultimately ends up being a week in vain.

Despite the fact that I lost 4 pounds this week (likely water weight), my maternity wardrobe is down to slim pickings. I went to Ross Dress for Less during lunch today and bought me another $9.99 maternity shirt to wear over the next few days. I could only laugh when the younger, buzzed Hispanic dude at the register told me I looked like I was about to “blow up.” Another favorite came from the cheesy Sam’s security guard who said, “I bet you have 9-1-1 on speed dial har har,” as I exited the store last Thursday…

And so begins another week of work, another week of waiting, and another week of making extra 100% sure that everything is done before baby arrives. At least there is a definitive light at the end of the tunnel and BG will finally make her grand appearance next Monday at the latest. Who says there’s anything wrong with being fashionably late??