The Day We Were Nervous About

Prior to Gabby's arrival, we had been anticipating today for quite some time. Daddy had booked a DJ event for today and there had been much discussion and anxiety over whether Gabby would come prior to or the day of this event. We obviously know how things worked out, but Mommy's hormones and worries prior to Wednesday were at a high level because of how today could have unfolded. With Gabby's birth in the middle week, we were assured that Mommy and Gabby would be released from the hospital on Friday and Daddy could do his thing today. I love it when a plan comes together...

On our first day at home, we were able to welcome a few visitors. Mamaw and Great-Aunt Denise along with 2nd Cousins Bryston and Brianna were able to enjoy some time with Gabby. I don't think Bryston was all that thrilled with watching a baby, but Brianna sure enjoyed herself (pictured). Poor Jack - he was so frustrated with not being able to go near Gabby or anyone holding her. I finally took him (along with Bryston and Brianna) outside with me. We threw his favorite tennis ball in the backyard for 20 minutes or so which was just long enough to wear him down a bit. I mention Jack in this entry because we had to take him to the Vet Hospital shortly after they left. He apparently had a seizure and we're not sure if it was an isolated incident or if Jack will have to deal with these from now on. The vet indicated he may have epilepsy which can occur with Terriers between the ages of 1-5 (Jack will be two-years-old this January). We thought the excitement of having a fourth member in our house may have put him "over the edge," but the vet didn't seem to think so. Jack has definitely had a stressful transition these past few days, so I'm hopeful he won't have to suffer from additional episodes the rest of his life. It was scary, but Jack is pretty much back to his normal self again. Gabby can't wait until she's big enough to play ball with her good doggie and I know Jack can't wait until she's big enough either.

Visitors Mark Final Day at Hospital

Today was the second day post delivery and the last before Mommy and Gabby were released to go home. We enjoyed several visitors including our furthest guests - Alex and Amie ThurdeKoos from Georgia (pictured at left along with Travis Taylor). We also spent time with the Taylors again as well as the Worthingtons (Joel, Kristy, Reece, and Ryan) and Eric Kouka and Kristin Niemeyer (soon-to-be Kouka). Our final visitors arrived just in time to see us before we left for home. My brother, Craig, and his wife, Jennifer, were able to spend some time with us and help their daughter, Emma, understand where babies' food comes from (Emily happened to be nursing at the time). Oh the questions a three-year-old can ask. Emma was so excited to see her new cousin and even had a chance to hold her all by herself (pictured to right). I'll have to post comparison pictures between her and Gabby as they do have some striking similarities. On their way home, Emma had a chance to talk to Mamaw on the phone and tell her all about holding Gabby. Emma then asked her if she could talk to her Mommy about getting a little sister for her. I can't wait until Gabby turns three and I have to explain such things.

Hello World

Gabrielle "Gabby" Elise Smith arrived yesterday evening at 8:43pm at St.Vincent's Hospital in Carmel. She weighed 8lbs., 2oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. She, along with Mommy, endured an 18 hour labor and went through 4 nurses and 2 doctors. Grandma and Grandpa, Papaw Roger and Mamaw, Papaw and SuSu, Great-Mamaw, and Travis and Sarah Taylor (godparents) were able to celebrate her arrival shortly thereafter. Uncle Craig, Aunt Jennifer, and Cousin Emma look forward to meeting Gabby. Although Uncle Brian, Aunt Sarah, and Cousin-in-waiting were unable to make the trip from Cleveland (Sarah is also pregnant and only five weeks away from her expected delivery date), they look forward to a big family gathering during the 1st Thanksgiving with the latest editions.