Two Weeks Old

Dear Rowen,

Today you are two weeks old!  We went to the doctors today and found out that you weigh 8lbs 2.4 ounces, which the last time we went you weighed 7lbs 4 ounces, so we know you are growing!  You did not really enjoy the doctors but I wouldn't blame you, but you did get to wear your first pair of shorts today as the weather was very nice!

This past week we took your newborn pictures, or attempted to take them.  You slept through the entire process and about an hour in your dad suggested I take your diaper off.  After that I only got one picture, as you proceeded to use the blanket you were laying on as a diaper. At least the picture turned out good, and we even used it for your birth announcement which arrived in the mail today!

On Friday we ventured out for the first time with you, which made us realize how very loud public places are! You didn't seem to mind, and slept through most of our trip out!

On Sunday, Gail, Bruce, and your auntie Lo came to visit you, I secretly think she likes holding you, but we won't tell anyone that!

On Monday your Dad had to go back to work, so you and I hung out for most of the day.  I made sure to put you in your Raiders shirt so we could send dad some pictures at work, which you cried for a few of them ( I don't blame you), but we were able to get a few to send him!  On Monday, your grandma and aunts and uncle also came down to visit you for the week, which is very exciting because they haven't really even gotten to meet a little baby like you before!

Overall its been a pretty good week, and you are getting better at sleeping! Last night you actually spent the whole night in your crib so we are making progress.  You are starting to stay awake more and even beginning to laugh at us, apparently you find us pretty funny! 

Happy two weeks my not so little Chicken Little!

~One Week Old~

Dear Rowen,

Today is your one week birthday Chicken Little.  This time last week we didn't know that in less than twelve hours you would be here with us!

Wednesday night quickly rolled into Thursday morning and we experienced for the first time your sleeping eating game, where as soon as you start eating, you fall asleep.  This game hasn't changed much yet, but you sure do love eating, or at least pretending that you are hungry.  

On Friday afternoon, after waiting what seemed like forever, we were allowed to leave the safe haven of the hospital and bring you home, where your big brother Jack and big sister Lola were anxiously waiting for us to come home.  They don't really know what to make of you yet, but they love to stop your swing and look at you when ever you are in it.  You also had some visitors on Friday, Barb and Tim, who came bearing yet another beautiful blanket for you.  You came home in the blanket Barb had made for you for Christmas.  Friday night you didn't really want to sleep, so you stayed awake with your night owl Grandma for most of it.

Saturday saw us saying goodbye to grandma and having to figure you out by ourselves.  We learned you enjoy being swaddled like a little burrito, you aren't a huge fan of your crib yet, but you like sleeping in your swing and your stroller.  As I type this you are sleeping in your swing.  And you absolutely LOVE your hands.  Every chance you get you have them up by your face and you haven't quite figured out how to keep them in your mouth, but you are starting to get the hang of it.

Sunday we were lazy just hanging around holding you and watching all of the silly faces you make, and on Sunday night we gave you your first bath at home.  You only cried a little and it was over before you knew it, but for us it was a pretty big operation.  

Your Dad has been able to stay home with us this week, which makes the week so much more special and on Monday we all jumped into the car to take you to your first doctor's appt.  You have only lost a little bit of weight since being born and we were reassured that we seem to be figuring this baby thing out alright.  You also got your first visit from your Aunt Gail, who has been anticipating your arrival with us for quite some time!

Yesterday way a pretty good day as Monday night you started to get the hang of sleeping during the night, and even gave us a few 3 hour stretches which I promise we greatly appreciated.  I spent most of the day being in disbelief that you were almost a week old.

And now the day has come, Happy One Week Chicken Little, we love you so much!

On the Day You Were Born

Dear Rowen,

On the day you were born...

The last picture we took before you came....

We knew you might be coming that day, and were anxiously waiting.....
Your Dad left for work bright and early knowing that we might not be coming home that night....
I ate a big bowl of fruity Cheerios as my last meal before you were born....

On the day you were born...

Your Grandma and I left the house bright and early to head to the hospital, and I said goodbye to your brother and sister for a few days.... 

We arrived at Southern Maryland Hospital, and before we knew it, they told us we were there to stay...

And shortly there after, your dad arrived....

On the day you were born...

Things moved pretty fast...
And before we knew what was happening, the clock struck eight....

And you, Rowen Joseph Rivera, joined the world!

 

Ten fingers, and ten toes, all 7lbs 10oz of you were perfect....

 

First you were held by your dad....

who might of cried just a little bit when he met you....

And then by your grandma....

 

And finally, after knowing you and your kicks for nine months, I got to meet you...

 

On the day you were born....

Our world changed forever.....

And WE became a family!