Addison Jane Foster has Arrived!

Two weeks ago today, the full moon shone brightly over Altamont Pass as Mike and I drove to the hospital in quiet anticipation of the day. This time around, we knew what to expect and were looking forward to a drama-free arrival of our newest addition to the family... and fortunately, that is just what we got.  Everything went according to plan, and Addison Jane Foster joined the world at 9:38 am!  The doctors immediately commented on two things - her perfectly round, beautiful head and the "impressive" knot Addison had tied in her umbilical cord while in utero.  The knot wasn't too tight to cause any alarm, but according to our delivery nurse, it was something "very special" to see.  (Mike actually was able to get a pretty cool picture of it... but I don't think most of you would like to see the rest of what was captured in the image.)  Addison weighed in at 7 lbs, 6 ozs and measured 19 inches long. She has a dimple on her right cheek, makes the sweetest expressions and has kept me smiling through my recovery.  We are truly blessed.

 

The full moon.

 

Waiting for my turn in the O.R.

My selfie for Andrew.  Gram said it made him laugh.

My first glimpse of you.

  

 

 Over a pound smaller than her brother, but also 11 days earlier than him.
Mike would have preferred they round up her weight.

 

 

The one unfortunate thing that happened on Addison's Birth Day, had nothing to do with Addison and her arrival at all... it had to do with Andrew.  While I was being admitted, Mike was searching his phone and told me that based on his research, he thought Andrew needed to go to the doctor.  A couple days prior, Andrew had started crying during dinner and complaining that his tongue hurt.  We assumed he burnt it on the soup we were eating, but after Mike Googled... he began to think it was something else.  Well, Dr. Foster was correct.  Gram and Pop took Andrew to the doctor while I was in surgery (thank God for Gram, Pop and Aunt Amanda - more to come on their visit in a future post) - and he was diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease - a highly contagious and extremely uncomfortable condition.  So, my poor Andrew was restricted from visiting his newborn little sister in the hospital - something he had really been looking forward to.  Luckily, the doctors reassured us that Andrew would no longer be contagious by the time we planned to bring Addison home - otherwise, he may have had to be the Boy in the Bubble!  The below shot was during Andrew's first time seeing Addison - via FaceTime!  Ah, the wonders of technology.  Regardless, it was still a very special moment, and so far, Andrew has been a wonderful big brother.  He tells us to be gentle, and shows us gentle touches on her legs and (gasp) her head, he sings her songs, he wants to help with diaper changes, and he asks to hold her and cuddle with her and mommy.  I think our preparation has paid off!  He even comes home from school and says "I missed you Baby Addison". 

The night before we left, we had a "Celebration Dinner" in the hospital.  Mike had a steak and I had some chicken dish that I didn't end up eating... but it was still a cute little meal.

 

 

 This hospital did not do professional portraits like Abington did, so we did a mini photo shoot the morning of our departure.  I definitely need more practice still, but you can bet that I will get it over the next few months!  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

"Hello World!"

Ready to go home and meet my Big Bro!

Our first family portrait!