Two Weeks

We apologize for the lack of pics on this post. Our camera is a little under the weather right now, but we hope to be back up and running soon.

Just wanted to give a quick update on the newest addition to the family. Naomi went for her two-week checkup on Friday. All four of us loaded up for the journey. I was a bit nervous about what her weight gain would be, but apparently she is doing quite well. She weighed in at 8 lb 11 oz!!! We couldn't believe it!!

Everything else went well. She was a little trooper, and hardly cried at all during the exam. Her brother, on the other hand, started crying when the doctor got out his ear-checking-instrument (not sure what those are called), b/c he thought he was going to check his ears. Once he realized he wasn't the target, all was well.

Happy Birthday, Cort!

Although we started over the weekend, today we officially celebrate the birth of Cort. Today marks his 33rd year -- below are pics from the birthday excitement.

On Saturday, Cort's parents and grandparents came down to see Naomi and the birthday boy. Below, Cortney opens one of his gifts -- a toaster oven.















On Saturday, Laurie's family came to share the birthday love. Below Cort opens another gift ... a bread machine. (Yes, appliances are the trend this year.)















Aunt Mandy gets a snuggle in with Naomi during all the festivities.















Simon and cousin Ada were definitely more into the toys and books than in Cort's birthday appliances. When they get to be 33, maybe they'll ask for a bread machine, too.

Family Garden

While Naomi was snoozing indoors in the nice air conditioning, Daddy and Simon tended to our family garden.














Simon liked digging and putting dirt in his bucket.

After breaking up the dirt, the guys gave the plants a nice drink.

We're hoping to have some nice red tomatoes in the future.

Firsts, Family

Naomi is experiencing lots of firsts and lots of family in her initial days of life.

First Bath














First trip to the park: Simon shows Naomi how to ascend to terrifying "climbing pole." Don't worry--daddy is just outside the view of the camera. Simon LOVES this thing right now.



















First "double car seat" ride.















All of these firsts were made possible in no small part by the grandparents. They stayed with Simon on the "hospital nights" which made his life as normal as it could be during the transition.

Nana and Grandaddy (not pictured...this means grandaddy has priority on the next post!) stayed us for a few days to help get everyone settled and did lots of comforting, cooking, diaper-changing, yard-mowing...they were a BIG help.















YaYa has spent lots of time (especially on HWY 259!) and energy helping us adjust, too. She brought Great-Mamaw Preston for a visit on Tuesday...

She drove down on Thursday to help while daddy worked...

And she and PaPa brought the Basham great-grandparents on Saturday.
















And, thanks to all our family and friends for the food! Our fridge is empty, yet we never have to go to the store. Food just keeps showing up.

Weight Check Update

On Tuesday, Naomi went for her first weight check. Miraculous news -- she'd gained! She cheered when she heard the news.

More pics of our first week to come ...

Naomi, Oh My!

In a blistering labor time of just over two hours, Naomi Anne Basham entered the world on Friday at 10.20 am. It was a very intense sprint (by labor standards) after her water broke at 8 am. Laurie and Naomi (and all of us) are doing well, as we are at home now. Thanks to all who have helped and called.

We want to tell the whole story in person, so ask us when you see us. Here are a few initial pics.


Mom and Naomi just a couple of hours after her birth.
















Naomi up close at just a few hours old.















Simon kisses (he LOVES her!)

















Sleeping beauty.

Dirty, Dishes

We are taking a break from all the baby-waiting to give you a look at what Simon is up to these days. He is becoming quite the little helper. In first video below, Simon helps daddy plant the garden and in the second he helps mommy with the dishes. All of those months of saying "I'll do it!," even though he couldn't, are turning into "I'll do it!"...and he can!


Gardening

Dishes

Let's hope he can also soothe crying babies. Although, I believe mom and dad will be saying "I'll do it" a lot in that area in the short term.

Baby Alert Level: RED

The Office of Homeland Security (BGKY) has updated the Basham Baby Alert Level to RED!!!

Today's check showed that Naomi is a big girl (based on guesses that I am not convinced are that accurate, but...). The doctor suggested inducing labor if she has not arrived by Friday. Laurie is 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced and has had beginning pains on and off all week. There is a great chance that Naomi will come before Friday, and that is the prayer we request. We would like to avoid induction if possible.

But, this baby is going to be ready for Kindergarten if she decides to hold on for another week or two. So, it is Friday morning (at 5.30 am) at the latest, but hopefully before.

Baby Alert Level: ORANGE

Homeland Security (Bowling Green Office) has updated the Baby Alert Level to ORANGE. Today's reading showed 75% effacement and 2 cm dilation. It really could be any time, so keep your email/cell/facebook/twitter/whatever hip, new technology everyone is using that I don't know about yet/ on a swivel.

Laurie and Naomi are doing great. Blood pressure was low, all tests were good, and she is measuring 39 weeks even though she is at 36.5 real time. It's gotta be close...although the doc said it could still be a week or two (doubtful, in our estimation).

Simon does his Joker impression.















Just the three of us ...















Soon to be four.

Basketball and Safety Checks

In the recent days of warm weather, Simon has really enjoyed going outside to play, whether it be the park or playing basketball with Daddy in the driveway.















In other news, we are trying to prepare ourselves for the arrival of baby. Below, Simon makes sure his old car seat is just right for baby sister.















And after the 43rd time ... I think he decided it was good to go.