29Mar
After such a fun day on Saturday with family, Sunday morning was a lazy day for me, Chris, and Gracie Girl. Everyone was still at our house and would be coming back up to the hospital later in the day, so that morning we took advantage of the quiet for just the three of us to spend some time together.
After a while, Gracie started to get sleepy again, so we sent her up to the nursery and Chris took the opportunity to head home, shower, and spend some time with Bean. I used that time to take my first shower. I’ll post later on how the entire repeat c-section has been on me and my body, but I’ll just tell you right now that the shower was awesome! After being poked and prodded and goopy for days, being clean was just about the best feeling in the whole world. Of course, taking the shower itself was tricky, but not nearly as hard as I remembered it was with Bean. Generally, I’m finding that to be the case about a lot of things. The second time around isn’t easy, but it definitely isn’t as hard as the first time.
Once Gracie had napped and I had showered, I called for her back from the nursery and got her dressed for the day in one of Bean’s favorite outfits of hers. It has little ducks all over it and he has liked counting them since the outfit first appeared. Funny enough, this was one of Bean’s outfits from when he was in the hospital, too!
Now that we were ready for company, the family came back up to spend the afternoon with us again. This time, we let Bean Man hold Gracie for the first time. It was quite possibly the sweetest thing that has ever happened in the history of the world. Really.
Then the kisses started flowing and I thought I’d died and gone to Mommy Heaven.
When Bean started getting a little rough, as almost-2-year-old-boys are prone to do, Chris took him on a tour of the hospital for a while to get some energy out. While they were gone, I snuggled with Gracie and told her thanks for being patient with her big brother. She said no problem. And then she demanded food in exchange for her continued cooperation. And that’s when I knew she was my daughter.
Turns out, the hospital stay is just as much fun the second time as it was the first. Always someone to take care of you. Always someone to whisk away your baby when you need a little nap. Always food when you get hungry. And always family there to make you laugh until you think your staples are going to pop out.
Was that too graphic?
Sorry.
But the next morning when they discharged us was pretty awesome, too. Finally being home with just our little family of four has been better than I could have imagined. We’re all tired and a little out of sorts and still trying to figure out how to do this, but it’s the best kind of organized chaos because it’s full of laughter and love and all things good. I can’t ever remember being this happy.
1) Renee: She is just precious. (03.29.2011 06:48pm)
2) Lindsey: You have such a cute little family! I'm glad you're happy - it's getting me excited for our little #2 on the way. I needed this post! (03.29.2011 06:50pm)
3) carrielt: This is such a sweet post. Those pictures of Bean and Gracie are wonderful!!! You look beautiful btw! (03.29.2011 06:51pm)
4) rachael H.: all I can say is awwwwwwwwww I want one (03.29.2011 06:51pm)
5) Andrea in NC: I can't get over how happy & excited I am for you!! Yeah....I definitely teared up, seeing the pics of Bean kissing Gracie -- unbelievably precious! Savor these moments, Momma! (03.29.2011 06:51pm)
6) claire: Congratulations Brown family on your new gorgeous addition! Gracie is so beautiful, and Bean makes the most handsome and loving big brother. Much virtual love from a virtual stranger xx (03.29.2011 06:52pm)
7) Amber: Just a lurker here. I read your blog daily but rarely comment. I just wanted to say it's so nice to "hear" you say how happy you are. I am the proud mom of an 11 year old and 7 month old that has also battled terrible depression, and I think I know how wonderful you feel! Congratulations to you and your family! (03.29.2011 06:53pm)
8) Nycldenise: She is just so darn cute! I absolutely LOVE that hat, and kind've want one for myself. Kind've (03.29.2011 06:53pm)
9) Mindee@ourfrontdoor: Dear Katie, Rich would like you to please stop posting pictures of your positively edible baby because you're giving me urges that I am too old to have. At least that's what he's telling me. Mindee (03.29.2011 06:56pm)
10) Lindsay (Young Married Mom): 1) My little one had that ducky outfit too, but it never occurred to me to count the ducks. Good call, Bean. 2) The photos of Bean holding Gracie are incredibly sweet. What a happy, happy time! (03.29.2011 07:01pm)
11) Angela: I still can't get over the cuteness overload that I get whenever I see pictures of Gracie and Bean. So,so,freaking cute! Glad to hear that you're happy :) Soo (03.29.2011 07:19pm)
12) tessabella76: What great pictures-so sweet! So happy for your little family! (03.29.2011 07:23pm)
13) Ashley @ A Recipe for Sanity: She is the cutest little nugget in the world! Ahhh! I can't decide what I love more...the pictures of you and Chris with Gracie or the ones of Bean giving her kisses. My heart can't take it! (03.29.2011 07:27pm)
14) Jen @ Caved In: Everytime I show mike these pics he yells at me "No! We're not ready for another one!". Katie, she is so stinking cute! The first shower after a c section can be hell. I'm happy to know it's not as bad the second time around. Hope Gracie is letting you sleep a bit! (03.29.2011 07:38pm)
15) Waiting for Bulgaria: Those pictures of Bean and Gracie make me cry. The couldn't be any sweeter. I remember my first shower after my c-section was wonderful. It's especially good when you don't know you are headed to the hospital that day and so you don't shower directly before you go. (btw I'm not saying I didn't shower, but you know what I mean) (03.29.2011 07:39pm)
16) Meredith: OH MY these pictures are precious!!! I LOVE the 2nd one of you Bean and Gracie before he starts giving kisses. The look on his face is adorable, already the protecting big-brother-Bean-I'm-so-in-love-with-my-baby-sister look. :D (03.29.2011 07:40pm)
17) Holly: She is perfectly gorgeous! Congrats! You have to frame that last pic :) (03.29.2011 07:46pm)
18) Sarah @ ExPat Bride: That yawn is precious! So glad to hear the whole family is well :) (03.29.2011 07:47pm)
19) Rachel: She is beautiful. Congratulations and best wishes on settling in and adjusting! (03.29.2011 07:48pm)
20) Jordan: The 3rd picture in this post, I think grace looks like newborn bean. Good to know they're related :) (03.29.2011 08:15pm)
21) Lori @ I Can Grow People: I haven't really been able to tell who Bean looks like, but Gracie definitely looks like you! And am I the only mom who was in a hospital without a nursery? Porter roomed with us when he was born--no break for mommy! (03.29.2011 08:16pm)
22) Crystal: She is so sweet! Now I want another baby! (03.29.2011 08:18pm)
23) Shelley: Bean's expressions are priceless. And Gracie is just beautiful. The love and contentness really shine through your photos! (03.29.2011 08:22pm)
24) Natalie: Gracie is precious! I think she looks like you! (03.29.2011 08:31pm)
25) Melissa: I can't wait to read your blog post about the second c-section. Mine is 8 weeks away and I do remember the showering part being the hardest so for you to mention that in your post was awesome. I am also impressed on how you look in these photos. I hope I can only look half as good. You need to give tips on that too! (03.29.2011 08:39pm)
26) Alaina: Oh my God, those pictures of Bean kissing her....SO cute. I love it! (03.29.2011 08:56pm)
27) Michelle @ Mambo Gook: She looks so similar to you, Katie! Bean is going to be the best, most lovingly protective brother ever! I just know it! And I, too, and so happy to hear you are so happy. (03.29.2011 09:08pm)
28) Jenna: Looks like you have many reasons to be happy! Including one tiny little precious reason :) (03.29.2011 09:08pm)
29) Jaclyn: Love, love, love these pictures! Very sweet :) and I still can't get over how awesome that little pink knit hat is! (03.29.2011 09:27pm)
30) laurenbtrain: love the bean and gracie pics and the last one of just her is perfect!...with such a cute little girl, she is most def gonna need her own page on MC!!! (03.29.2011 09:28pm)
31) Marie: Congratulations!! Now you have one of each!! (03.29.2011 09:32pm)
32) Nancy: She is gorgeous, Katie! Congratulations. We're going back and forth on #3 and this blog post is VERY CONVINCING! (03.29.2011 09:34pm)
33) Kristin H: Wow! She is just so cute- and those pictures of Bean and Gracie are too adorable for words! (03.29.2011 09:49pm)
34) Emily: I think that I agree..... that's the cutest thing in the history of the world. I am ready for number 2. Can't wait to see my little man snuggle and kiss his brother or sister. (03.29.2011 09:53pm)
35) Lisa: Absolutely adorable!!! Love the little pink hat with the ears and all the photos of Bean and Gracie, just melts my heart! (03.29.2011 10:12pm)
36) Joke: Oh my those pictures of Bean with Gracie are killing!!!! So gorgeous :) Enjoy being home with your new big family! :) (03.29.2011 10:21pm)
37) Christy Ley: Awwww. Can I haz one? She is precious! I don't know if I can wait with all this cute babyness. (03.29.2011 10:56pm)
38) melissa: dear katie having a baby and bringing them home sounds the furthest thing from happy to me - it sounds like a depression onset! i am so happy that you are having a wonderful experience. even though i cannot imagine it for myself i feel empathy for your happiness. love, melissa (03.29.2011 10:59pm)
39) molly: Girl, you're making me tear up! Such wonderful photos and words to describe your first few days as a family of four. It makes me want to do it all again! (03.29.2011 11:06pm)
40) allison: she is PERFECT! congratulations :) (03.30.2011 12:02am)
41) Chloe: Lovely pictures and beautiful post. Bean is already such a good big brother!! Melts my heart! (03.30.2011 02:31am)
42) Niki: She is so sweet! Love the pictures of Bean kissing her. (03.30.2011 03:18am)
43) Jess @Diary of a misplaced Kiwi: Well done, don't you just love babies when they are all squishy with their eyes shut! Those pictures of Bean and Gracie bought tears to my (sleep-deprived) eyes as I was up at 3am feeding my Chicken. (03.30.2011 04:34am)
44) Sam D.: I want to kiss her little neck. Baby necks are the best. The second c-section recovery isn't as hard as the first! (and thank goodness... because now you have mobile little person running all over the place!! eek!) More photo's please!!! :) (03.30.2011 06:27am)
45) Tressa: LOVE these pictures. So very adorable and precious! Bean Man kissing his baby sister sent me to Momma Heaven too! Hope your getting some rest! I'm happy your happy again ;-) (03.30.2011 07:54am)
46) Amy: Lovely post. (And I totally spit out my coffee laughing when I read about the staple popping, haha..) The pictures of Bean & Gracie together warmed my heart-- you are in for many beautiful moments in the years to come. (03.30.2011 07:57am)
47) Anne: So very precious! Wonderful photos, enjoy! (03.30.2011 08:07am)
48) Ginny: My ovaries just can't take these post! Can you please do one on Bean terrorizing the house or something?? Thank you, your sister (03.30.2011 09:16am)
49) momiss: You look so very happy now! Welcome to the rest of your life, girl, enjoy it. (03.30.2011 09:30am)
50) Ann G-B: My ovaries are doing somersaults! (03.30.2011 09:55am)
51) Rebecca: I completely agree with Ginny's comment. (03.30.2011 10:09am)
52) Erin: Again, can't wait to have my little girl now!!! I might have missed this on one of the posts but where did you get her adorable hat??? She's so cute! I also can't wait to hear about your repeat c-section. I'm scheduled for one of those in June! (03.30.2011 11:15am)
53) Lindsey: Hearing how Bean is interacting with Gracie is melting my heart! That is just too sweet! And I also want to say major kudos to you for still blogging with a newborn! Wow! (03.30.2011 11:49am)
54) Kat @ Living Like the Kings: There are seriously no words for the cuteness. Of everything. From the outfits to the hats to the Bean man giving kisses to Gracie's little yawn to your family loving on them. This is to die for. (03.30.2011 02:27pm)
55) Savvy in San Francisco: I love the pictures of the three of you at the hospital! So precious! Loving Gracie's knit hat - adorable. (03.30.2011 02:59pm)
56) Megan @ Red Dirt and Crazy: She is so beautiful and the pics of Bean giving her kisses...TO DIE FOR!! So happy for y'all!! :-) Megan (03.30.2011 03:14pm)
57) Cindy In Owensboro, KY: Those are some of the most precious pictures ever. You have an adorable little girl and she has a precious big brother! (03.30.2011 05:31pm)
58) Christina: I don't think I need to tell you this, but she is beautiful! The pictures of her and Bean made me cry. So sweet. Congratulations and enjoy your time together especially these first days. :) (03.31.2011 11:09am)