Boppy Pics

Had to get a boppy pic, like I did Clara. I'm not sure if we created a carbon copy or if Westin looks a lot different....time will tell!

Westin's First Bath

Since Westin's umbilical cord fell out, we decided to give him a real bath. Of course, Clara wanted to help. It was quite and event! Luckily, Westin is really a calm baby and didn't mind getting bathed by Clara.

Getting the water ready

Help -- mom? Nope, have to run the cameras son!

Isn't that a mischievous look!

All clean - and actually enjoyed it!

Halloween Party

Clara had a Halloween Party at Kim's house yesterday. I got to go with Westin to enjoy as well. They trick or treated at a couple of houses, had a parade and played lots of games.

Coloring and Stickers -- of course

Getting ready for the parade

Baby Westin slept through everything!

The three amigos - Amelia, Alex and Clara

From Clara's Point of View

Clara has taken to photography lately -- as evidenced by the below pictures. I love to see how she sees the world. She is curious, wants to document everything, and wants to share her experiences with everyone. Some of the pictures aren't to shabby!

Self Portrait

He's faking it...

Silly joy!

Sillier grandpa!

Picture of Baby Brother

Hi Mom!

Binki, my drink, and a sleepy dad in the back, not faking it this time

Baby Brother's Feet --has my curled pinky toes

Mom's feet in bed

IV Stand - Clara was so confused by this, had to take a pic

The floor - but I love her little piggies in this pic

Chris and Baby Westin

Cute Nikki

Cute Sophie!

Had to get a pic of Sophie's outfit - too cute!

Daddy lounging

It's been a week!

It's been a week since Baby Westin Pall Armstrong has arrived, and much longer since I have blogged. I am going to try to blog a lot before going back to work January 3rd. The nice thing about having Westin on October 11, 2010, is that it puts me back to work after all the holidays.

A quick note on my pregnancy: Wow - what a difference from Clara. It went by really quickly, especially working again. It was a great way to keep my mind off of being pregnant. I was able to workout through about the sixth month (thank you Laura!). Overall, I gained about 10 pounds less than with Clara. Yippee!

About two weeks before d-day, I got a really bad sinus infection. This caused some intense Braxton Hicks. I was almost hoping to deliver early just so that I could take some medicine! But no, held out till my due date. I am pretty impressed that my kids listen to their mom already and come on their due dates.

Labor was a breeze compared to Clara's birth. My water didn't break fully like it did with Clara's. I did finally get to experience the "real" contractions. Unfortunately, like Clara's trip to the hospital, it was early in the morning. Got to the hospital around 2 am. Jessica was an awesome aunt and came to my house so that Clara could sleep. I am so lucky to have her. Clara was only slightly confused when she found Jessica taking a shower, not mom like she usually does.

Best Sister Ever

I received my epidural around 6 am, took a little nap, and waited for the doctor to arrive around 8 am. We called our family and let then know we would have a baby probably around noon. Apparently, I was leaking fluid, but my water hadn't completely broke, so we just needed the doctor to come and break it. Well, I couldn't believe it, but as soon as the doctor walked in the room, my water broke on it's own. That doctor should carry a magic wand, not any medical devices. She checked me, and told us we would have a baby within a half an hour. I about fell out of bed! I was expecting another 3 pm delivery. John and I had to call back all the relatives and let them know that baby would be here a lot quicker.

I didn't post any of these pics last time --but what the heck -- waiting for the epidural

Four contractions later at 9:13 am, Baby Armstrong was here! John got to cut the cord and this time I got to keep him with me all the way up to the nursery. That was such a neat experience compared to being slightly worried with Clara being vacuumed.

He's here! 8 lbs 2 oz and 20 inches long

Not bad a pic!

Peek a boo! I made it!

First Bath

Now, if you noticed, I said Baby Armstrong. Coming up with his name was one of the most difficult situations I have ever put my self into. John and I did have a "list" of names, but none of them seemed to fit. About a week before he was born, we were coming up with names that had "ten" at the end in case he was born 10-10-10. We really like Westin, but didn't think of it again till after he was born. After much discussion and a lot of (maybe not so) helpful input from family, on the second day, we decided Westin it was. It does not have any real meaning, we just like the way it sounded. Pall is Icelandic, pronounced "Paul". Most of you probably know my maiden name is Palsson. But when you just use it as a name, you spell it Pall. I am glad to continue my family's legacy with my son's name.

Mom, Westin and Grandpa Palsson

And now it has been a week. I can't believe how time flies. We are doing great. Clara loves her baby brother, although still wants him to be named Erick, so she can be Ariel (like in Little Mermaid in case you don't have kids). I don't know if it just this is #2, or if Westin is a calmer baby, but everything is so much easier with him. Feeding, sleeping, everything!

Clara and baby brother. The hats were donated to St. Mark's by some volunteers!

Clara questioned everything -- the bed, the IV, you name it!

Going home. Look how small he is compared to the seat!

I am a lucky mom to have two such beautiful and healthy little ones. I am so grateful for my family and friends and neighbors who have made this week fly by. Thank you!